bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isoginkgetin—A Natural Compound to Control U87MG Glioblastoma Cell Growth and Migration Activating Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Oliva Maria Antonietta , Staffieri Sabrina , Sanchez Massimo , Arcella Antonietta
Published: November 2022

Isoginkgetin (Iso) is a natural bioflavonoid isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, this natural substance exhibits many healing properties, among which the antitumor effect stands out. Here we tested the effect of Iso on the growth of U87MG glioblastoma cells. Growth curves and MTT toxicity assays showed time and dose-dependent growth inhibition of U87MG after treatment with Iso (15/25 µM) for 1, 2, and 3 days. The cell growth block of U87MG was further investigated with the colony formation test, which showed that iso treatment for 24 h reduced colony formation. The present study also aimed to evaluate the effect of Iso on U87MG glioblastoma cell migration. The FACS analysis, on the other hand, showed that treatment with Iso 15 µM determines a blockage of the cell cycle in the S1 phase. Further investigation shows that Iso treatment of U87MG altered the protein pathways of homeostasis including autophagy and apoptosis. The present study demonstrated, for the first time, that Iso could represent an excellent adjuvant drug for the treatment of glioblastoma by simultaneously activating multiple mechanisms that control the growth and migration of neoplastic cells.
Quantification of Paeoniflorin by Fully Validated LC–MS/MS Method: Its Application to Pharmacokinetic Interaction between Paeoniflorin and Verapamil
Authors: Bao Bin , Zhao Yonglin , Gong Huan , Shi Songshan , Wang Huijun , Wang Shunchun
Published: November 2022

A rapid, sensitive, and specific LC-MS/MS method was developed and fully validated for the detection of paeoniflorin only in rat plasma, and applied to pharmacokinetic studies, including intravenous, multi-dose oral and combined administrations with verapamil. In this study, tolbutamide was used as the internal standard, and the protein precipitation extraction method, using acetonitrile as the extraction agent, was used for the sample preparation. Subsequently, the supernatant samples were analyzed on a Phenomenex Gemini® NX-C18 column with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution procedure. In the extracted rat plasma, the method exhibited high sensitivity (LLOQ of 1.0 ng/mL) upon selecting ammonium adduct ions ([M+NH4]+) as the precursor ions and good linearity over the concentration range of 1.0–2000 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients >0.99. The intra- and inter-batch accuracy RE% values were within ±8.2%, and the precision RSD% values were ≤8.1% and ≤10.0%, respectively. The results show that the method can be successfully applied to quantitate paeoniflorin in biological samples. Additionally, paeoniflorin is subsequently confirmed to be the substrate of the P-gp transporter in vivo and in vitro for the first time, which would be necessary and beneficial to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of PF with other drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Preclinical MRI Using Hyperpolarized 129Xe
Authors: Kadlecek Stephen , Friedlander Yonni , Virgincar Rohan S.
Published: November 2022

Although critical for development of novel therapies, understanding altered lung function in disease models is challenging because the transport and diffusion of gases over short distances, on which proper function relies, is not readily visualized. In this review we summarize progress introducing hyperpolarized 129Xe imaging as a method to follow these processes in vivo. The work is organized in sections highlighting methods to observe the gas replacement effects of breathing (Gas Dynamics during the Breathing Cycle) and gas diffusion throughout the parenchymal airspaces (3). We then describe the spectral signatures indicative of gas dissolution and uptake (4), and how these features can be used to follow the gas as it enters the tissue and capillary bed, is taken up by hemoglobin in the red blood cells (5), re-enters the gas phase prior to exhalation (6), or is carried via the vasculature to other organs and body structures (7). We conclude with a discussion of practical imaging and spectroscopy techniques that deliver quantifiable metrics despite the small size, rapid motion and decay of signal and coherence characteristic of the magnetically inhomogeneous lung in preclinical models (8).
Evolution of Bacterial Cellulose in Cosmetic Applications: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Oliveira Thais Jardim , Segato Talita Cristina Mena , Machado Gabriel Pereira , Grotto Denise , Jozala Angela Faustino
Published: November 2022

In recent decades, there has been an increase in environmental problems caused by cosmetic products derived from toxic substances. Based on this issue, researchers and developers of new beauty cosmetics are looking for new natural alternatives that work well for the consumer and have biodegradable characteristics. This systematic review highlights the major publications of bacterial cellulose used strictly for cosmetics in the last 10 years. Bacterial cellulose is a natural product with great cosmetic properties and low cost that has shown excellent results. This study aimed at collecting rigorous information on bacterial cellulose in the cosmetic field in the last decade to produce a systematized review. A comprehensive search was conducted with selected descriptors involving the topic of “bacterial cellulose”, “cosmetics”, “clean beauty”, and “skin mask”. Seventy studies were found, which went through exclusion criteria that selected only those related to the topic that was searched. In the 12 remaining studies that met the criteria, bacterial cellulose showed conditions for use as a mask-forming product for facial care. The increase in the number of publications concerning bacterial cellulose in cosmetics in the last ten years is a strong indicator that this is a growing area for both research and the industry.
Novel Production Methods of Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Their Innovative Uses in Biomedicine and Industry
Authors: Fernandez-Bunster Guillermo , Pavez Pamela
Published: November 2022

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable polymer obtained from microorganisms and plants, have been widely used in biomedical applications and devices, such as sutures, cardiac valves, bone scaffold, and drug delivery of compounds with pharmaceutical interests, as well as in food packaging. This review focuses on the use of polyhydroxyalkanoates beyond the most common uses, aiming to inform about the potential uses of the biopolymer as a biosensor, cosmetics, drug delivery, flame retardancy, and electrospinning, among other interesting uses. The novel applications are based on the production and composition of the polymer, which can be modified by genetic engineering, a semi-synthetic approach, by changing feeding carbon sources and/or supplement addition, among others. The future of PHA is promising, and despite its production costs being higher than petroleum-based plastics, tools given by synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and machine learning, among others, have allowed for great production yields, monomer and polymer functionalization, stability, and versatility, a key feature to increase the uses of this interesting family of polymers.
P-x,y Equilibrium Data of the Binary Systems of 2-Propanol, 1-Butanol and 2-Butanol with Carbon Dioxide at 313.15 K and 333.15 K
Authors: Borjan Dragana , Knez Marevci Maša , Knez Željko
Published: November 2022

The ability to predict the behaviour of high-pressure mixtures of carbon dioxide and alcohol is important for industrial purposes. The equilibrium composition of three binary carbon dioxide-alcohol systems was measured at temperatures of 313.15 K and 333.15 K and at pressures of up to 100 bar for carbon dioxide-2-propanol, up to 160 bar for carbon dioxide-1-butanol and up to 150 bar for carbon dioxide-2-butanol. Different equilibrium compositions of carbon dioxide in alcohols were observed despite their similar molecular weight (M2-propanol = 60.100 g mol−1, M1-butanol = 74.121 g mol−1 and M2-butanol = 74.122 g mol−1) and place in the functional hydroxyl group (first or second carbon molecule). It is assumed that the differences in the phase equilibria are due to different vapor pressures, polarities and solute-solute interactions.
Beta-Caryophyllene Enhances the Anti-Tumor Activity of Cisplatin in Lung Cancer Cell Lines through Regulating Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Signaling Molecules
Authors: Ahmed Emad A. , Abu Zahra Hamad , Ammar Rebai Ben , Mohamed Maged Elsayed , Ibrahim Hairul-Islam M.
Published: November 2022

Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), a natural bicyclic sesquiterpenes, is an abundant biomolecule in red pepper and other plants. Recently, it was reported to reduce the growth and the proliferation as well as enhance the apoptosis in numerous cancer cells, including colorectal, ovarian, bladder cancer and lung cancer. On the other hand, the combination therapy of cisplatin (CDDP) with other phytochemical compounds has synergistically enhanced the killing effect of CDDP on several types of cancer. In the current model, we have tested the role of BCP in enhancing the anti-tumor activity of CDDP on lung cancer cell lines. The results showed that BCP is not toxic at moderate doses and it can prevent lung cancer progression in doses above 75 µM. However, when being combined with CDDP, BCP improved the former chemotherapeutic function through regulating cell cycle, apoptosis and EMT signaling molecules. Gene and protein expression analysis showed that the combined treatment of CDDP and BCP significantly upregulated the level of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, CDKN1A, and the inhibitor of the apoptosis, BCL-xl2. In addition, the combination treatment reduced the protein level of the apoptosis regulator, BCL-2. Moreover, BCP appears to prohibit the EMT process that is associated with CDDP chemotherapy since the combination treatment induced a significant increase in the level of the epithelial cell marker E-cad that was reduced in CDDP-treated cells. In agreement with that, the combined treatment managed to modulate the effect of CDDP on the mesenchymal transcription factor ZEB-2. Additionally, molecular docking has been conducted to check the virtual interaction of BCP with these and other signaling molecules, but only cyclin-dependent kinase CDK6 was found to virtually bind with BCP, and at four sites with higher and stable biding energy (−7.8). Together, these data indicate that BCP enhances CDDP chemotherapeutic function through regulating the cell cycle, the apoptosis and EMT signaling molecules.
Design Two Novel Tetrahydroquinoline Derivatives against Anticancer Target LSD1 with 3D-QSAR Model and Molecular Simulation
Authors: Xu Yongtao , Fan Baoyi , Gao Yunlong , Chen Yifan , Han Di , Lu Jiarui , Liu Taigang , Gao Qinghe , Zhang John Zenghui , Wang Meiting
Published: November 2022

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a histone-modifying enzyme, which is a significant target for anticancer drug research. In this work, 40 reported tetrahydroquinoline-derivative inhibitors targeting LSD1 were studied to establish the three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR). The established models CoMFA (Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (q2 = 0.778, Rpred2 = 0.709)) and CoMSIA (Comparative Molecular Similarity Index Analysis (q2 = 0.764, Rpred2 = 0.713)) yielded good statistical and predictive properties. Based on the corresponding contour maps, seven novel tetrahydroquinoline derivatives were designed. For more information, three of the compounds (D1, D4, and Z17) and the template molecule 18x were explored with molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy calculations by MM/PBSA method as well as the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) prediction. The results suggested that D1, D4, and Z17 performed better than template molecule 18x due to the introduction of the amino and hydrophobic groups, especially for the D1 and D4, which will provide guidance for the design of LSD1 inhibitors.
Cytotoxic and Luminescent Properties of Novel Organotin Complexes with Chelating Antioxidant Ligand
Authors: Nikitin Evgeny , Mironova Ekaterina , Shpakovsky Dmitry , Gracheva Yulia , Koshelev Daniil , Utochnikova Valentina , Lyssenko Konstantin , Oprunenko Yury , Yakovlev Dmitry , Litvinov Roman , Seryogina Mariya , Spasov Alexander , Milaeva Elena
Published: November 2022

A novel polydentate chelating antioxidant ligand and series of organotin complexes on its base were synthesized and characterized by NMR 1H, 13C, 119Sn, IR spectroscopy, X-ray, and elemental analysis. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated in DPPH and NBT-tests, and as lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. It was shown that ligand alone is a radical scavenger, while introducing tin in the structure of the compound significantly decreases its activity. For the ligand alone the ability to strongly suppress the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was shown, which may be associated with the established antiradical activity. All synthesized compounds appeared to be moderate lipoxygenase inhibitors. The stability of compounds to hydrolysis under different pH was estimated. The ligand undergoes decomposition after about an hour, while organotin complexes on its base demonstrate vast stability, showing signs of decomposition only after 5 h of experimentation. Cytotoxicity of compounds was studied by standard MTT-test, which showed unorthodox results: the ligand itself demonstrated noticeable cytotoxicity while the introduction of organotin moiety either did not affect the toxicity levels or reduced them instead of increasing. Organotin complexes possess luminescence both as powders and DMSO solutions, its quantum yields reaching 67% in DMSO. The combination of luminescence with unique cytotoxic properties allows us to propose the synthesized compounds as perspective theranostic agents.
3D Electron-Rich ZIF-67 Coordination Compounds Based on 2-Methylimidazole: Synthesis, Characterization and Effect on Thermal Decomposition of RDX, HMX, CL-20, DAP-4 and AP
Authors: Yang Xiong , Tan Bojun , Wang Bo , Yao Lina , Li Xin , Zhao Dongkui , Li Wenjie , Cao Lei , Huang Yafeng , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2022

ZIF-67 is a three-dimensional zeolite imidazole ester framework material with a porous rhombic dodecahedral structure, a large specific surface area and excellent thermal stability. In this paper, the catalytic effect of ZIF-67 on five kinds of energetic materials, including RDX, HMX, CL-20, AP and the new heat-resistant energetic compound DAP-4, was investigated. It was found that when the mass fraction of ZIF-67 was 2%, it showed excellent performance in catalyzing the said compounds. Specifically, ZIF-67 reduced the thermal decomposition peak temperatures of RDX, HMX, CL-20 and DAP-4 by 22.3 °C, 18.8 °C, 4.7 °C and 10.5 °C, respectively. In addition, ZIF-67 lowered the low-temperature and high-temperature thermal decomposition peak temperatures of AP by 27.1 °C and 82.3 °C, respectively. Excitingly, after the addition of ZIF-67, the thermal decomposition temperature of the new heat-resistant high explosive DAP-4 declined by approximately 10.5 °C. In addition, the kinetic parameters of the RDX+ZIF-67, HMX+ZIF-67, CL-20+ZIF-67 and DAP-4+ZIF-67 compounds were analyzed. After the addition of the ZIF-67 catalyst, the activation energy of the four energetic materials decreased, especially HMX+ZIF-67, whose activation energy was approximately 190 kJ·mol−1 lower than that reported previously for HMX. Finally, the catalytic mechanism of ZIF-67 was summarized. ZIF-67 is a potential lead-free, green, insensitive and universal EMOFs-based energetic burning rate catalyst with a bright prospect for application in solid propellants in the future.
Degradable Self-Destructive Redox-Responsive System Based on Mesoporous Organosilica Nano-Vehicles for Smart Delivery of Fungicide
Authors: Liang You , Wang Sijin , Yao Yijia , Yu Siwen , Li Ao , Wang Yuanfeng , Song Jiehui , Huo Zhongyang
Published: November 2022

The development of stimuli-responsive controlled release formulations is a potential method of improving pesticide utilization efficiency and alleviating current pesticide-related environmental pollution. In this study, a self-destruction redox-responsive pesticide delivery system using biodegradable disulfide-bond-bridged mesoporous organosilica (DMON) nanoparticles as the porous carriers and coordination complexes of gallic acid (GA) and Fe(III) ions as the capping agents were established for controlling prochloraz (PRO) release. The GA–Fe(III) complexes deposited onto the surface of DMON nanoparticles could effectively improve the light stability of prochloraz. Due to the decomposition of GA–Fe(III) complexes, the nano-vehicles had excellent redox-responsive performance under the reducing environments generated by the fungus. The spreadability of PRO@DMON–GA–Fe(III) nanoparticles on the rice leaves was increased due to the hydrogen bonds between GA and rice leaves. Compared with prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate, PRO@DMON–GA–Fe(III) nanoparticles showed better fungicidal activity against Magnaporthe oryzae with a longer duration under the same concentration of prochloraz. More importantly, DMON–GA–Fe(III) nanocarriers did not observe obvious toxicity to the growth of rice seedlings. Considering non-toxic organic solvents and excellent antifungal activity, redox-responsive pesticide controlled release systems with self-destruction properties have great application prospects in the field of plant disease management.
Non-Newtonian Nano-Fluids in Blasius and Sakiadis Flows Influenced by Magnetic Field
Authors: Abbas Imran , Hasnain Shahid , Alatawi Nawal A. , Saqib Muhammad , Mashat Daoud S.
Published: November 2022

Current study solves heat transfer and fluid flow problem in Newtonian and non-Newtonian nano-fluids through a permeable surface with a magnetic field effects which is done in the presence of injection and suction for the first time. In order to solve the governing partial differential equations numerically, we used the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg (RKF45) technique in which the similarity transformation method is applied. This approach converts the governing partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. In this particular investigation nano-particles of copper, copper oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminium oxide are studied by considering CMC/water as a base fluid with the effect of magnetic field on the classical Blasius and Sakiadis flows of nano-fluids. Validation is carried out using the previously obtained numerical findings. We looked at the power-law index (n), the volume fraction (φ) of nano-particles and the permeability parameter (fw) which affects the flow of nano-fluid and the transfer of heat. Non-Newtonian nano-fluid demonstrates superior performance in terms of heat transfer when compared to Newtonian nano-fluid in both the injection and the impermeable surfaces. Altering the nano-particles’ composition, on the other hand, has a far greater impact on the heat transfer process that occurs during suction. Graphics show the impacts of governing physical parameters on Blasius and Sakiadis flow velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient, and reduced Nusselt number. Physical and engineering interest are explored in detail.
A State-of-the-Art of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Chromium Photoreduction vs. Photocatalytic Water Remediation
Authors: García Andreina , Rodríguez Bárbara , Rosales Maibelin , Quintero Yurieth M. , G. Saiz Paula , Reizabal Ander , Wuttke Stefan , Celaya-Azcoaga Leire , Valverde Ainara , Fernández de Luis Roberto
Published: November 2022

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a highly mobile cancerogenic and teratogenic heavy metal ion. Among the varied technologies applied today to address chromium water pollution, photocatalysis offers a rapid reduction of Cr(VI) to the less toxic Cr(III). In contrast to classic photocatalysts, Metal-Organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous semiconductors that can couple the Cr(VI) to Cr(III) photoreduction to the chromium species immobilization. In this minireview, we wish to discuss and analyze the state-of-the-art of MOFs for Cr(VI) detoxification and contextualizing it to the most recent advances and strategies of MOFs for photocatalysis purposes. The minireview has been structured in three sections: (i) a detailed discussion of the specific experimental techniques employed to characterize MOF photocatalysts, (ii) a description and identification of the key characteristics of MOFs for Cr(VI) photoreduction, and (iii) an outlook and perspective section in order to identify future trends.
Substantial Na-Ion Storage at High Current Rates: Redox-Pseudocapacitance through Sodium Oxide Formation
Authors: Portenkirchner Engelbert
Published: November 2022

Batteries and supercapacitors, both governed by electrochemical processes, operate by different electrochemical mechanisms which determine their characteristic energy and power densities. Battery materials store large amounts of energy by ion intercalation. Electrical double-layer capacitors store charge through surface-controlled ion adsorption which leads to high power and rapid charging, but much smaller amounts of energy stored. Pseudocapacitive materials offer the promise to combine these properties by storing charge through surface-controlled, battery-like redox reactions but at high rates approaching those of electrochemical double-layer capacitors. This work compares the pseudo-capacitive charge storage characteristics of self-organized titanium dioxide (TiO2−x) nanotubes (NTs) to flat TiO2−x surface films to further elucidate the proposed charge storage mechanism within the formed surface films. By comparing TiO2−x NTs to flat TiO2−x surface films, having distinctively different oxide mass and surface area ratios, it is shown that NaO2 and Na2O2 formation, which constitutes the active surface film material, is governed by the metal oxide bulk. Our results corroborate that oxygen diffusion from the lattice oxide is key to NaO2 and Na2O2 formation.
Nanomaterials and Microorganisms: From Green Synthesis to Antibacterial Applications in Medicine and Agriculture
Authors: Mortimer Monika , Kahru Anne
Published: November 2022

Nanomaterial-based solutions for microorganism-related issues are gaining interest in medical fields, consumer applications, and agriculture [...]
Chrononutrition—When We Eat Is of the Essence in Tackling Obesity
Authors: Ahluwalia Maninder Kaur
Published: November 2022

Obesity is a chronic and relapsing public health problem with an extensive list of associated comorbidities. The worldwide prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled over the last five decades and continues to pose a serious threat to wider society and the wellbeing of future generations. The pathogenesis of obesity is complex but diet plays a key role in the onset and progression of the disease. The human diet has changed drastically across the globe, with an estimate that approximately 72% of the calories consumed today come from foods that were not part of our ancestral diets and are not compatible with our metabolism. Additionally, multiple nutrient-independent factors, e.g., cost, accessibility, behaviours, culture, education, work commitments, knowledge and societal set-up, influence our food choices and eating patterns. Much research has been focused on ‘what to eat’ or ‘how much to eat’ to reduce the obesity burden, but increasingly evidence indicates that ‘when to eat’ is fundamental to human metabolism. Aligning feeding patterns to the 24-h circadian clock that regulates a wide range of physiological and behavioural processes has multiple health-promoting effects with anti-obesity being a major part. This article explores the current understanding of the interactions between the body clocks, bioactive dietary components and the less appreciated role of meal timings in energy homeostasis and obesity.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Hwang Kyung-A , Hwang YuJin , Hwang Hye-Jeong , Park NaYeong
Published: November 2022

Alcohol and drug overdoses cause liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer globally. In particular, an overdose of acetaminophen (APAP), which is generally used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent, is a major cause of acute hepatitis, and cases of APAP-induced liver damage are steadily increasing. Potential antioxidants may inhibit the generation of free radicals and prevent drug-induced liver damage. Among plant-derived natural materials, radishes (RJ) and turnips (RG) have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties due to the presence of functional ingredients, such as glucosinolate and isothiocyanate. Although various functions have been reported, in vivo studies on the antioxidant activity of radishes are insufficient. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of RG and RJ in APAP-induced liver-damaged mice. RG and RJ extracts markedly improved the histological status, such as inflammation and infiltration, of mice liver tissue, significantly decreased the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde, and significantly increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the APAP-induced liver-damaged mice. In addition, RG and RJ extracts significantly increased the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1, which are antioxidative-related factors, and regulated the BAX and BCL-2, thereby showing anti-apoptosis activity. These results indicated that RG and RJ extracts protected mice against acute liver injury, attributed to a reduction in both oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings have clinical implications for the use of RG and RJ extracts as potential natural candidates for developing hepatoprotective agents.
Using Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery: A Bibliometric Study and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Karger Erik , Kureljusic Marko
Published: November 2022

Drug discovery is usually a rule-based process that is carefully carried out by pharmacists. However, a new trend is emerging in research and practice where artificial intelligence is being used for drug discovery to increase efficiency or to develop new drugs for previously untreatable diseases. Nevertheless, so far, no study takes a holistic view of AI-based drug discovery research. Given the importance and potential of AI for drug discovery, this lack of research is surprising. This study aimed to close this research gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis to identify all relevant studies and to analyze interrelationships among algorithms, institutions, countries, and funding sponsors. For this purpose, a sample of 3884 articles was examined bibliometrically, including studies from 1991 to 2022. We utilized various qualitative and quantitative methods, such as performance analysis, science mapping, and thematic analysis. Based on these findings, we furthermore developed a research agenda that aims to serve as a foundation for future researchers.
Recent Advances in Nanomaterials of Group XIV Elements of Periodic Table in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Hekmat Azadeh , Saso Luciano , Lather Viney , Pandita Deepti , Kostova Irena , Saboury Ali Akbar
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. The elements of group XIV in the periodic table exhibit a wide range of chemical manners. Recently, there have been remarkable developments in the field of nanobiomedical research, especially in the application of engineered nanomaterials in biomedical applications. In this review, we concentrate on the recent investigations on the antiproliferative effects of nanomaterials of the elements of group XIV in the periodic table on breast cancer cells. In this review, the data available on nanomaterials of group XIV for breast cancer treatment has been documented, providing a useful insight into tumor biology and nano–bio interactions to develop more effective nanotherapeutics for cancer patients.
Chemistry of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides That Drives Interactions with Biomolecules
Authors: Terada Chisato , Kawamoto Seiya , Yamayoshi Asako , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2022

Oligonucleotide therapeutics that can modulate gene expression have been gradually developed for clinical applications over several decades. However, rapid advances have been made in recent years. Artificial nucleic acid technology has overcome many challenges, such as (1) poor target affinity and selectivity, (2) low in vivo stability, and (3) classical side effects, such as immune responses; thus, its application in a wide range of disorders has been extensively examined. However, even highly optimized oligonucleotides exhibit side effects, which limits the general use of this class of agents. In this review, we discuss the physicochemical characteristics that aid interactions between drugs and molecules that belong to living organisms. By systematically organizing the related data, we hope to explore avenues for symbiotic engineering of oligonucleotide therapeutics that will result in more effective and safer drugs.
Influence of Cedar Essential Oil on Physical and Biological Properties of Hemostatic, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Polyvinyl Alcohol/Cedar Oil/Kaolin Composite Hydrogels
Authors: Tamer Tamer M. , Sabet Maysa M. , Alhalili Zahrah A. H. , Ismail Ahmed M. , Mohy-Eldin Mohamed S. , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: November 2022

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a safe and biodegradable polymer. Given the unique physical and chemical properties of PVA, we physically cross-linked PVA with kaolin (K) and cedar essential oil (Ced) using the freeze-thawing approach to fabricate PVA/Ced/K sponge hydrogels as hemostatic, antibacterial, and antioxidant wound healing materials. The physicochemical characteristics of PVA/Ced/K hydrogels, including water swelling profiles and gel fractions, were surveyed. Additionally, the functional groups of hydrogels were explored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while their microstructures were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the thermal features of the hydrogels were probed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Evidently, alterations in cedar concentrations resulted in significant variations in size, water uptake profiles, and hydrolytic degradation of the hydrogels. The incorporation of cedar into the PVA/K endowed the hydrogels with significantly improved antibacterial competency against Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, PVA/Ced/K exhibited high scavenging capacities toward ABTS•+ and DPPH free radicals. Beyond that, PVA/Ced/K hydrogels demonstrated hemocompatibility and fast blood clotting performance in addition to biocompatibility toward fibroblasts. These findings accentuate the prospective implementation of PVA/Ced/K composite hydrogel as a wound dressing.
Identification of the Major Degradation Pathways of Selumetinib
Authors: Bouchema Tahar Sif eddine , Annereau Maxime , Vieillard Victoire , Boquet Raphael , Coelho Gisele Abreu , Castelli Florence , Solgadi Audrey , Paul Muriel , Yagoubi Najet , Secretan Philippe-Henri , Do Bernard
Published: November 2022

Selumetinib is administered orally in capsule form and is indicated for the treatment of neurofibromatosis. To facilitate dosage adjustments, liquid preparations, such as solutions or suspensions, are to be developed. This led, first, to determine the stability profile of soluble or dispersed selumetinib and, secondly, to look for ways to stabilize the active substance. The degradation kinetics of selumetinib as a function of stress conditions were determined and compared. The degradation products were detected and identified by LC-HRMSn. In solution, selumetinib is sensitive to oxidation and degrades by photooxidation. In both cases, the side chain represented by the oxoamide group is concerned, leading to the formation of an amide derivative for the first case and an ester derivative for the second. The identification of such degradation mechanisms allowed us to study, in a targeted way, processes aiming at stabilizing the active molecule.
Preparation of PLGA-Coated Porous Silica Nanofibers for Drug Release
Authors: Zhang Meina , Lidder Jasmine , Bahri Mounib , Zhang Haifei
Published: November 2022

Fibrous materials have unique applications in drug release and biomedical fields. This study reports on the preparation of porous silica nanofibers, using organic nanofibers as templates, and their use for drug release. Different from the commonly used electrospinning method, the organic nanofibers are produced via a self-assembly approach between melamine and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid. Silica is then coated on the organic nanofibers via homogenization in a silica sol, a freeze-drying process, and then a sol–gel process. In order to regulate the surface area and mesopore volume of silica nanofibers, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide at different concentrations is used as template in the sol–gel process. With the removal of organic nanofibers and the surfactant by calcination, porous silica nanofibers are generated and then assessed as a scaffold for controlled drug release with ketoprofen as a model drug. Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) is coated on the silica nanofibers to achieve slow burst release and prolonged cumulative release of 25 days. This study demonstrates an effective method of preparing hollow silica nanofibers and the use of such nanofibers for long-term release with high drug loading.
A Transversal Approach Combining In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Describe the Metabolism of the Receptor Interacting Protein 1 Kinase Inhibitor Sibiriline
Authors: Pelletier Romain , Gicquel Thomas , Simoes Eugenio Mélanie , Ferron Pierre-Jean , Morel Isabelle , Delehouzé Claire , Dimanche-Boitrel Marie-Thérèse , Rousselot Morgane , Le Daré Brendan
Published: November 2022

Sibiriline is a novel drug inhibiting receptor-interacting protein 1 kinase (RIPK1) and necroptosis, a regulated form of cell death involved in several disease models. In this study, we aimed to investigate the metabolic fate of sibiriline in a cross-sectional manner using an in silico prediction, coupled with in vitro and in vivo experiments. In silico predictions were performed using GLORYx and Biotransformer 3.0 freeware; in vitro incubation was performed on differentiated human HepaRG cells, and in vivo experiments including a pharmacokinetic study were performed on mice treated with sibiriline. HepaRG culture supernatants and mice plasma samples were analyzed with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). The molecular networking bioinformatics tool applied to LC-HRMS/MS data allowed us to visualize the sibiriline metabolism kinetics. Overall, 14 metabolites, mostly produced by Phase II transformations (glucuronidation and sulfation) were identified. These data provide initial reassurance regarding the toxicology of this new RIPK1 inhibitor, although further studies are required.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Poly(3-hydroxypropyl Ethylene-imine) and Its Blends with Chitosan Forming Novel Elastic Films for Delivery of Haloperidol
Authors: Soradech Sitthiphong , Kengkwasingh Pattarawadee , Williams Adrian C. , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to develop novel elastic films based on chitosan and poly(3-hydroxypropyl ethyleneimine) or P3HPEI for the rapid delivery of haloperidol. P3HPEI was synthesized using a nucleophilic substitution reaction of linear polyethyleneimine (L-PEI) with 3-bromo-1-propanol. 1H-NMR and FTIR spectroscopies confirmed the successful conversion of L-PEI to P3HPEI, and the physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of P3HPEI were investigated. P3HPEI had good solubility in water and was significantly less toxic than the parent L-PEI. It had a low glass transition temperature (Tg = −38.6 °C). Consequently, this new polymer was blended with chitosan to improve mechanical properties, and these materials were used for the rapid delivery of haloperidol. Films were prepared by casting from aqueous solutions and then evaporating the solvent. The miscibility of polymers, mechanical properties of blend films, and drug release profiles from these formulations were investigated. The blends of chitosan and P3HPEI were miscible in the solid state and the inclusion of P3HPEI improved the mechanical properties of the films, producing more elastic materials. A 35:65 (%w/w) blend of chitosan–P3HPEI provided the optimum glass transition temperature for transmucosal drug delivery and so was selected for further investigation with haloperidol, which was chosen as a model hydrophobic drug. Microscopic and X-ray diffractogram (XRD) data indicated that the solubility of the drug in the films was ~1.5%. The inclusion of the hydrophilic polymer P3HPEI allowed rapid drug release within ~30 min, after which films disintegrated, demonstrating that the formulations are suitable for application to mucosal surfaces, such as in buccal drug delivery. Higher release with increasing drug loading allows flexible dosing. Blending P3HPEI with chitosan thus allows the selection of desirable physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films for delivery of haloperidol as a poorly water-soluble drug.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Gelatin Hydrogel Films Loaded with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Zafar Aqsa , Khosa Muhammad Kaleem , Noor Awal , Qayyum Sadaf , Saif Muhammad Jawwad
Published: November 2022

The current research work presented the synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose–gelatin (CMC/GEL) blend and CMC/GEL/ZnO-Nps hydrogel films which were characterized by FT-IR and XRD, and applied to antibacterial and antioxidant activities for food preservation as well as for biomedical applications. ZnO-Nps were incorporated into the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and gelatin (GEL) film-forming solution by solution casting followed by sonication. Homogenous mixing of ZnO-Nps with CMC/GEL blend improved thermal stability, mechanical properties, and moisture content of the neat CMC/GEL films. Further, a significant improvement was observed in the antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties of CMC/GEL/ZnO films against two food pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Overall, CMC/GEL/ZnO films are eco-friendly and can be applied in sustainable food packaging materials.
Effect of Surfactants on the Binding Properties of a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer
Authors: Testa Valentina , Anfossi Laura , Cavalera Simone , Chiarello Matteo , Di Nardo Fabio , Serra Thea , Baggiani Claudio
Published: November 2022

In molecularly imprinted polymers, non-specific interactions are generally based on weak forces between the polymer surface and the sample matrix. Thus, additives able to interfere with such interactions should be able to significantly reduce any non-specific binding effect. Surfactants represent an interesting class of substances as they are cheap and easily available. Here, we present a study of the effect of three surfactants (the anionic sodium dodecylsulphate, SDS, the cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the non-ionic polyoxyethylene-(20)-sorbitan monolaurate Tween 20) on the binding affinity of a 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)-imprinted polymer for the template and its analogue 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The experimental results indicate that increasing amounts of surfactant decrease the binding affinity for the ligands strongly for the ionic ones, and more weakly for the non-ionic one. This effect is general, as it occurs for both 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D and for both the imprinted and the not-imprinted polymers. It also proves that the magnitude of this effect mainly depends on the presence or absence of an ionic charge, and that the hydrophobic “tail” of surfactants plays only a minor role.
Correction: Zhu et al. Electroactive Oxidized Alginate/Gelatin/MXene (Ti3C2Tx) Composite Hydrogel with Improved Biocompatibility and Self-Healing Property. Polymers 2022, 14, 3908
Authors: Zhu Hui , Dai Weitao , Wang Liming , Yao Cong , Wang Chenxi , Gu Bingsong , Li Dichen , He Jiankang
Published: November 2022

In the original publication [...]
Influence of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Cold Plasma Treatment on Starch, Gelatin, and Bacterial Cellulose Biodegradable Polymeric Films
Authors: Goiana Mayara Lima , Mattos Adriano Lincoln Albuquerque , de Azeredo Henriette Monteiro Cordeiro , de Freitas Rosa Morsyleide , Fernandes Fabiano André Narciso
Published: November 2022

The environmental damage caused by plastic packaging and the need to reduce pollution requires actions to substitute plastic materials for more sustainable and biodegradable materials. Starch, gelatin, and bacterial cellulose films are three potential biodegradable polymeric films for use in packaging. However, these materials need improvements in their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties to be used in packaging. In this work, these films were treated with cold plasma to evaluate the effects of treatment conditions on several physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The dielectric barrier discharge plasma technology was applied with varying treatment times (0 to 20 min) and excitation frequencies (50 to 900 Hz) at 20 kV. The optimal excitation frequency for starch films (50 Hz) was different from the optimal frequency for gelatin and bacterial cellulose films (900 Hz), indicating a high dependency on the treatment in this variable that is often neglected. Plasma treatment improved the hydrophobicity, surface morphology, water resistance, and mechanical properties of all three films, with the advantage of not recurring to chemical or biological additives.
Modification of Physio-Mechanical Properties of Chitosan-Based Films via Physical Treatment Approach
Authors: Wardhono Endarto Yudo , Pinem Mekro Permana , Susilo Sidik , Siom Bintang Junita , Sudrajad Agung , Pramono Agus , Meliana Yenny , Guénin Erwann
Published: November 2022

The premise of this work is the modification of the properties of chitosan-based film for possible use in food packaging applications. The biofilm was prepared via thermal and mechanical treatment through blending polymers with chitosan using Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and loading different types of chemical agents, i.e., citric acid (CA), succinic acid (SA), and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The modification was carried out under high-speed homogenization at elevated temperature to induce physical cross-linkage of chitosan polymer chains without a catalyst. The findings showed that PVA improved the chitosan films’ Tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (Eb). The presence of chemicals caused an increase in the film strength for all samples prepared, in which a 5% w/w of chemical in the optimum composition CS/PVA (75/25) provided the maximum strength, namely, 33.9 MPa, 44.0 MPa, and 41.9 MPa, for CA-5, SA-5, and TEOS-5, respectively. The chemical agents also increased the water contact angles for all tested films, indicating that they promoted hydrophobicity. The chemical structure analysis showed that, by incorporating three types of chemical agents into the CS/PVA blend films, no additional spectral bands were found, indicating that no covalent bonds were formed. The thermal properties showed enhancement in melting peak and degradation temperature of the blend films, compared to those without chemical agents at the optimum composition. The X-ray diffraction patterns exhibited that PVA led to an increasing crystallization tendency in the blend films. The morphological observation proved that no irregularities were detected in CS/PVA blend films, representing high compatibility with both polymers.
Lignocellulosic Biomass as Sorbent for Fluoride Removal in Drinking Water
Authors: Robledo-Peralta Adriana , Torres-Castañón Luis A. , Rodríguez-Beltrán René I. , Reynoso-Cuevas Liliana
Published: November 2022

Water supply to millions of people worldwide is of alarmingly poor quality. Supply sources are depleting, whereas demand is increasing. Health problems associated with water consumption exceeding 1.5 mg/L of fluoride are a severe concern for the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, it is urgent to research and develop new technologies and innovative materials to achieve partial fluoride reduction in water intended for human consumption. The new alternative technologies must be environmentally friendly and be able to remove fluoride at the lowest possible costs. So, the use of waste from lignocellulosic biomasses provides a promising alternative to commercially inorganic-based adsorbents—published studies present bioadsorbent materials competing with conventional inorganic-based adsorbents satisfactorily. However, it is still necessary to improve the modification methods to enhance the adsorption capacity and selectivity, as well as the reuse cycles of these bioadsorbents.
The Effect of the Addition of Copper Particles in High-Density Recycled Polyethylene Matrices by Extrusion
Authors: Arcos Camila , Muñoz Lisa , Cordova Deborah , Muñoz Hugo , Walter Mariana , Azócar Manuel I. , Leiva Ángel , Sancy Mamié , Rodríguez-Grau Gonzalo
Published: November 2022

In this study, the effect of the recycling process and copper particle incorporation on virgin and recycled pellet HDPE were investigated by thermo-chemical analysis, mechanical characterization, and antibacterial analysis. Copper particles were added to pellet HDPE, virgin and recycled, using a tabletop single screw extruder. Some copper particles, called copper nano-particles (Cu-NPs), had a spherical morphology and an average particle size near 20 nm. The others had a cubic morphology and an average particle size close to 300 nm, labeled copper nano-cubes (Cu-NCs). The thermo-chemical analysis revealed that the degree of crystallization was not influenced by the recycling process: 55.38 % for virgin HDPE and 56.01% for recycled HDPE. The degree of crystallization decreased with the addition of the copper particles. Possibly due to a modification in the structure, packaging organization, and crystalline ordering, the recycled HDPE reached a degree of crystallization close to 44.78% with 0.5 wt.% copper nano-particles and close to 36.57% for the recycled HDPE modified with 0.7 wt.% Cu-NCs. Tensile tests revealed a slight reduction in the tensile strength related to the recycling process, being close to 26 MPa for the virgin HDPE and 15.99 MPa for the recycled HDPE, which was improved by adding copper particles, which were near 25.39 MPa for 0.7 wt.% copper nano-cubes. Antibacterial analysis showed a reduction in the viability of E. coli in virgin HDPE samples, which was close to 8% for HDPE containing copper nano-particles and lower than 2% for HDPE having copper nano-cubes. In contrast, the recycled HDPE revealed viability close to 95% for HDPE with copper nano-particles and nearly 50% for HDPE with copper nano-cubes. The viability of S. aureus for HDPE was lower than containing copper nano-particles and copper nano-cubes, which increased dramatically close to 80% for recycled HDPE with copper nano-particles 80% and 75% with copper nano-cubes.