bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sugar Matters: Improving In Vivo Clearance Rate of Highly Glycosylated Recombinant Plasma Proteins for Therapeutic Use
Authors: Zeerleder Sacha , Engel Ruchira , Zhang Tao , Roem Dorina , van Mierlo Gerard , Wagenaar-Bos Ineke , van Ham Sija , Wuhrer Manfred , Wouters Diana , Jongerius Ilse
Published: January 2021

Correct glycosylation of proteins is essential for production of therapeutic proteins as glycosylation is important for protein solubility, stability, half-life and immunogenicity. The heavily glycosylated plasma protein C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) is used in treatment of hereditary angioedema attacks. In this study, we used C1-INH as a model protein to propose an approach to develop recombinant glycoproteins with the desired glycosylation. We produced fully functional recombinant C1-INH in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In vivo we observed a biphasic clearance, indicating different glycosylation forms. N-glycan analysis with mass spectrometry indeed demonstrated heterogeneous glycosylation for recombinant C1-INH containing terminal galactose and terminal sialic acid. Using a Ricinus Communis Agglutinin I (RCA120) column, we could reduce the relative abundance of terminal galactose and increase the relative abundance of terminal sialic acid. This resulted in a fully active protein with a similar in vivo clearance rate to plasmaderived C1-INH. In summary, we describe the development of a recombinant human glycoprotein using simple screening tools to obtain a product that is similar in function and in vivo clearance rate to its plasma-derived counterpart. The approach used here is of potential use in the development of other therapeutic recombinant human glycoproteins.
Promising Adjuvants and Platforms for Influenza Vaccine Development
Authors: Zhu Wandi , Dong Chunhong , Wei Lai , Wang Bao-Zhong
Published: January 2021

Influenza is one of the major threats to public health. Current influenza vaccines cannot provide effective protection against drifted or shifted influenza strains. Researchers have considered two important strategies to develop novel influenza vaccines with improved immunogenicity and broader protective efficacy. One is applying fewer variable viral antigens, such as the haemagglutinin stalk domain. The other is including adjuvants in vaccine formulations. Adjuvants are promising and helpful boosters to promote more rapid and stronger immune responses with a dose-sparing effect. However, few adjuvants are currently licensed for human influenza vaccines, although many potential candidates are in different trials. While many advantages have been observed using adjuvants in influenza vaccine formulations, an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying viral infection and vaccination-induced immune responses will help to develop new adjuvant candidates. In this review, we summarize the works related to adjuvants in influenza vaccine research that have been used in our studies and other laboratories. The review will provide perspectives for the utilization of adjuvants in developing next-generation and universal influenza vaccines.
Design of Catalase Monolithic Tablets for Intestinal Targeted Delivery
Authors: Alothman Mirna , Ispas-Szabo Pompilia , Mateescu Mircea Alexandru
Published: January 2021

Several studies confirmed a correlation between elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in patients with intestinal bowel diseases (IBD) and the negative effects caused by its presence. The objective of this study was to explore the potential use of catalase (CAT) to diminish the level of H2O2 and its deleterious action on intestinal mucosa. Oral dosage forms of a CAT bioactive agent targeted to the intestines were designed and tested in various simulated gastric and intestinal media. Monolithic tablets (30% loading) were prepared using commercial CarboxyMethylCellulose (CMC) or synthesized CarboxyMethylStarch (CMS) and TriMethylAmineCarboxyMethylStarch (TMACMS) as matrix-forming excipients. For starch derivatives, the presence of the ionic groups (carboxymethyl and trimethylamine) was validated by spectral analysis. In vitro studies have shown that tablets formulated with TMACMS and 30% CAT resisted the acidity of the simulated gastric fluid and gradually released the enzyme into the simulated intestinal fluid. The investigation of the CAT release mechanism revealed the role of anionic and cationic groups of polymeric excipients and their involvement in the modulation of the CAT dissolution profile. The proposed drug delivery system can be considered an efficient solution to target CAT release in the intestine and contribute to the reduction of H2O2 associated with intestinal inflammation.
Improved Manufacturability and In Vivo Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Dapagliflozin Cocrystals in Beagle Dogs and Human Volunteers
Authors: Cho Sangho , Lee Jeongwook , Yoo Yongwon , Cho Minyong , Sohn Seil , Lee Beom-Jin
Published: January 2021

Dapagliflozin (DAP), which improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, has poor physical properties against heat and moisture, thus hindering its manufacturing potential. The superior physicochemical properties of a recently developed cocrystal of DAP and citric acid (DAP cocrystal) in comparison with those of DAP and Forxiga®, a patented solvate form with propandiol monohydrate, were identified via structural analysis and moisture sorption isotherm. For the first time, the formulation, manufacturability, and in vivo bioavailability of DAP cocrystals were successfully investigated to develop oral dosage forms that substitute Forxiga®. The intrinsic dissolution rate of DAP cocrystal was controlled by varying particle size distribution. Unlike the direct compression (DC), roller compaction (RC) was more preferable to obtain good flowability of dry granules for a continuous manufacturing system. The cocrystal structure was maintained throughout the stability assessment period. In Vitro dissolution pattern differences of the optimized DAP cocrystal tablet with RC and the reference tablet, Forxiga® 10 mg, were pharmaceutically equivalent within 5% in four different media. Furthermore, comparative pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed that a 10 mg DAP cocrystal tablet with RC was bioequivalent to a 10 mg Forxiga® tablet, as assessed in beagle dogs and human volunteers.
Vaccinia Virus Protein B18R: Influence on mRNA Immunogenicity and Translation upon Non-Viral Delivery in Different Ocular Cell Types
Authors: Minnaert An-Katrien , Devoldere Joke , Peynshaert Karen , Vercruysse Laure , De Smedt Stefaan C. , Remaut Katrien
Published: January 2021

In the last few years, interest has grown in the use of nucleic acids as an ocular therapy for retinal genetic diseases. Recently, our research group has demonstrated that mRNA delivery could result in effective protein expression in ocular cells following subretinal injection. Yet, although mRNA therapy comes with many advantages, its immunogenicity resulting in hampered mRNA translation delays development to the clinic. Therefore, several research groups investigate possible strategies to reduce this innate immunity. In this study, we focus on B18R, an immune inhibitor to suppress the mRNA-induced innate immune responses in two ocular cell types. We made use of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and Müller cells both as immortalized cell lines and primary bovine cells. When cells were co-incubated with both B18R and mRNA-MessengerMAX lipoplexes we observed an increase in transfection efficiency accompanied by a decrease in interferon-β production, except for the Müller cells. Moreover, uptake efficiency and cell viability were not hampered. Taken together, we showed that the effect of B18R is cell type-dependent but remains a possible strategy to improve mRNA translation in RPE cells.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and MicroRNAs in Colorectal Cancer Chemoresistance to FOLFOX
Authors: Escalante Paula I. , Quiñones Luis A. , Contreras Héctor R.
Published: January 2021

The FOLFOX scheme, based on the association of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, is the most frequently indicated chemotherapy scheme for patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, development of chemoresistance is one of the major challenges associated with this disease. It has been reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in microRNA-driven modulation of tumor cells response to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Moreover, from pharmacogenomic research, it is known that overexpression of genes encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), the DNA repair enzymes ERCC1, ERCC2, and XRCC1, and the phase 2 enzyme GSTP1 impair the response to FOLFOX. It has been observed that EMT is associated with overexpression of DPYD, TYMS, ERCC1, and GSTP1. In this review, we investigated the role of miRNAs as EMT promotors in tumor cells, and its potential effect on the upregulation of DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, ERCC1, ERCC2, XRCC1, and GSTP1 expression, which would lead to resistance of CRC tumor cells to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. This constitutes a potential mechanism of epigenetic regulation involved in late-onset of acquired resistance in mCRC patients under FOLFOX chemotherapy. Expression of these biomarker microRNAs could serve as tools for personalized medicine, and as potential therapeutic targets in the future.
Structure-Activity Relationship of Mono-Ion Complexes for Plasmid DNA Delivery by Muscular Injection
Authors: Mori Amika , Kobayashi Yuki , Nirasawa Kei , Negishi Yoichi , Asayama Shoichiro
Published: January 2021

The structure-activity relationship of mono-ion complexes (MICs) for plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery by muscular injection is demonstrated. MICs were formed between pDNA and monocationic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macromolecules. As monocationic PEGs, the ω-amide-pentylimidazolium (APe-Im) end-modified PEGs with a stable amide (Am) and hydrolytic ester (Es) bond, that is, APe-Im-Am-PEG and APe-Im-Es-PEG, respectively, are synthesized. The difference between the APe-Im-Am-PEG and APe-Im-Es-PEG was only a spacer structure between a terminal cation and a PEG chain. The resulting pDNA MICs with APe-Im-Am-PEG at a charge ratio (+/−) of 32 or 64 were more stable than those with APe-Im-Es-PEG in the presence of serum proteins. The highest gene expression by muscular injection was achieved using the APe-Im-Am-PEG/pDNA MIC at a charge ratio (+/−) of 32 with a smaller particle diameter of approximately 50 nm, as compared to that charge ratio of 64. Consequently, the pDNA MIC with the monocationic PEG with a stable amide spacer, as compared to a hydrolytic ester spacer, is considered to be suitable for the highest gene expression by muscular injection.
Pulmonary Targeting of Inhalable Moxifloxacin Microspheres for Effective Management of Tuberculosis
Authors: Vishwa Bhavya , Moin Afrasim , Gowda D. V. , Rizvi Syed M. D. , Hegazy Wael A. H. , Abu Lila Amr S. , Khafagy El-Sayed , Allam Ahmed N.
Published: January 2021

In the present study, the objective was to attain a localized lung delivery of an anti-tubercular fluoroquinolone, moxifloxacin (MXF), targeting the alveolar macrophages through a non-invasive pulmonary route using inhalable microspheres as a dry powder inhaler approach. MXF-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MXF-PLGA-MSs) were fabricated by solvent evaporation technique and optimized by using a central composite statistical design. The morphology and particle size, as well as the flowability of the optimized microspheres, were characterized. In addition, the aerosolization performance of the optimized formula was inspected using an Andersen cascade impactor. Furthermore, in vivo fate following intrapulmonary administration of the optimized formula was evaluated. The optimized MXF-PLGA-MSs were spherical in shape with a particle size of 3.16 µm, drug loading of 21.98% and entrapment efficiency of 78.0%. The optimized formula showed a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 2.85 ± 1.04 µm with a favorable fine particle fraction of 72.77 ± 1.73%, suggesting that the powders were suitable for inhalation. Most importantly, in vivo studies revealed that optimized MXF-PLGA-MSs preferentially accumulated in lung tissue as manifested by a two-fold increase in the area under the curve AUC0–24h, compared to plain drug. In addition, optimized MXF-PLGA-MS sustained drug residence in the lung for up to 24 h following inhalation, compared to plain drug. In conclusion, inhalable microspheres of MXF could be a promising therapeutic approach that might aid in the effective eradiation of tuberculosis along with improving patient adherence to the treatment.
Interactions of Potential Anti-COVID-19 Compounds with Multispecific ABC and OATP Drug Transporters
Authors: Telbisz Ágnes , Ambrus Csilla , Mózner Orsolya , Szabó Edit , Várady György , Bakos Éva , Sarkadi Balázs , Özvegy-Laczka Csilla
Published: January 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several repurposed drugs have been proposed to alleviate the major health effects of the disease. These drugs are often applied with analgesics or non-steroid anti-inflammatory compounds, and co-morbid patients may also be treated with anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, or antidiabetic agents. Since drug ADME-tox properties may be significantly affected by multispecific transporters, in this study, we examined the interactions of the repurposed drugs with the key human multidrug transporters present in the major tissue barriers and strongly affecting the pharmacokinetics. Our in vitro studies, using a variety of model systems, explored the interactions of the antimalarial agents chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine; the antihelmintic ivermectin; and the proposed antiviral compounds ritonavir, lopinavir, favipiravir, and remdesivir with the ABCB1/Pgp, ABCG2/BCRP, and ABCC1/MRP1 exporters, as well as the organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP)2B1 and OATP1A2 uptake transporters. The results presented here show numerous pharmacologically relevant transporter interactions and may provide a warning on the potential toxicities of these repurposed drugs, especially in drug combinations at the clinic.
Highly Osmotic Oxidized Sucrose-Crosslinked Polyethylenimine for Gene Delivery Systems
Authors: Park Jaehong , Kim Kyusik , Jeong Sohee , Lee Migyeom , Kim Tae-il
Published: January 2021

In this work, highly osmotic oxidized sucrose-crosslinked polyethylenimine (SP2K) polymers were developed for gene delivery systems, and the transfection mechanism is examined. First, periodate-oxidized sucrose and polyethylenimine 2K (PEI2K) were crosslinked with various feed ratios via reductive amination. The synthesis was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR. The synthesized SP2K polymers could form positively charged (~40 mV zeta-potential) and nano-sized (150–200 nm) spherical polyplexes with plasmid DNA (pDNA). They showed lower cytotoxicity than PEI25K but concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. Among them, SP2K7 and SP2K10 showed higher transfection efficiency than PEI25K in both serum and serum-free conditions, revealing the good serum stability. It was found that SP2K polymers possessed high osmolality and endosome buffering capacity. The transfection experiments with cellular uptake inhibitors suggest that the transfection of SP2K polymers would progress by multiple pathways, including caveolae-mediated endocytosis. It was also thought that caveolae-mediated endocytosis of SP2K polyplexes would be facilitated through cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression induced by high osmotic pressure of SP2K polymers. Confocal microscopy results also supported that SP2K polyplexes would be internalized into cells via multiple pathways and escape endosomes efficiently via high osmolality and endosome buffering capacity. These results demonstrate the potential of SP2K polymers for gene delivery systems.
Innovative Strategies in Tendon Tissue Engineering
Authors: Bianchi Eleonora , Ruggeri Marco , Rossi Silvia , Vigani Barbara , Miele Dalila , Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Sandri Giuseppina , Ferrari Franca
Published: January 2021

The tendon is a highly aligned connective tissue that transmits force from muscle to bone. Each year, more than 32 million tendon injuries have been reported, in fact, tendinopathies represent at least 50% of all sports injuries, and their incidence rates have increased in recent decades due to the aging population. Current clinical grafts used in tendon treatment are subject to several restrictions and there is a significant demand for alternative engineered tissue. For this reason, innovative strategies need to be explored. Tendon replacement and regeneration are complex since scaffolds need to guarantee an adequate hierarchical structured morphology and mechanical properties to stand the load. Moreover, to guide cell proliferation and growth, scaffolds should provide a fibrous network that mimics the collagen arrangement of the extracellular matrix in the tendons. This review focuses on tendon repair and regeneration. Particular attention has been devoted to the innovative approaches in tissue engineering. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as electrospinning, soft lithography, and three-dimensional (3D) printing, have been described. Furthermore, biological augmentation has been considered, as an emerging strategy with great therapeutic potential.
Analysis of the Spatial Properties of Correlated Photon in Collinear Phase-Matching
Authors: Yin Lin , Li Jianjun , Zhai Wenchao , Xia Maopeng , Hu Youbo , Zheng Xiaobing
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the spatial properties of correlated photon in collinear phase-matching in the process of spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) are researched. Based on the study of the phase-matching angle, non-collinear angle, and correlated photon wavelength, a theoretical model of non-collinear angular variation is derived, which can be used to estimate and predict the width of the correlated photon ring. The experimental measurement is carried out with CMOS camera, and the measurement results are consistent with the theoretical simulation results, which verifies the rationality of theoretical reasoning. Meanwhile, the change of the correlated photon divergence angle outside the crystal is studied, the closer the wavelength is to the degenerate, the smaller the measurement value of the divergence angle, which is agreement with the theoretical simulation. The results of the study play a reference role in the evaluation of the spatial properties of correlated photon and lay a foundation for the measurement of the correlated photon number rate and the calibration of a photodetector.
Super Transition Arrays: A Tool for Studying Spectral Properties of Hot Plasmas
Authors: Pain Jean-Christophe
Published: January 2021

For the theoretical study of X and extreme-UV spectra of ions in plasmas, quantum mechanics brings more detailed results than statistical physics. However, it is impossible to handle individually the billions of levels that must be taken into account in order to properly describe hot plasmas. Such levels can be gathered into electronic configurations or superconfigurations (groups of configurations) and the corresponding calculations rely on appropriate statistical methods, for local or non-local thermodynamic equilibrium plasmas. In this article we present the basic principles of the Super-Transition-Array approach as well as its practical implementation. During the last decades, calculations performed with the SCO code (Superconfiguration Code for Opacity) have been compared to opacity measurements. The code includes static screening of ions by plasma and is well suited for studying plasma density effects (for example pressure ionization) on opacity and equation of state. The recently developed SCO-RCG code (Superconfiguration Code for Opacity combined with Robert Cowan’s “G” subroutine) combines statistical methods from SCO and fine-structure (detailed-level-accounting) calculations using subroutine RCG from Cowan’s code. SCO-RCG enables us to obtain very detailed spectra and to significantly improve the interpretation of experimental spectra. The Super-Transition-Array formalism is still the cornerstone of several opacity codes, and new ideas are emerging, such as the Configurationally Resolved-Super-Transition-Array approach or the extension of the Partially Resolved-Transition-Array concept to the superconfiguration method.
The In Vivo, In Vitro and In Ovo Evaluation of Quantum Dots in Wound Healing: A Review
Authors: Salleh Atiqah , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: January 2021

Wound is defined as primarily damaged or disruption of skin contributed to the loss of its microstructure stability and which undergoes complex wound healing process. However, there are tons of factors that could affect the wound healing process such as infection and slow angiogenesis. Involvement of nanotechnologies therapies in wound care research aims to facilitates this healing process. Quantum dots (QDs) are an advanced nanomaterial technology found to be useful in clinical and biomedical applications. This review has been carried out to provide a summary of the application of QDs in acute or chronic wound healing. A thorough searching was done via Web of Science and SCOPUS database to obtain relevant articles including the in vivo, in vitro and in ovo studies. The results demonstrated a similar effect of different types of QDs, or an improvement of QDs in wound healing, antibacterial and angiogenesis properties. This review demonstrated the effectiveness of QDs for the wound healing process mainly by their antibacterial activity. Uniquely, the antibacterial effect unraveled an increasing trend over time influenced by the various concentration of QDs. In conclusion, the application of QDs support the wound healing phases and proven to be effective in vivo, in vitro and in ovo. However, the future QDs work should focus on the molecular level for the details of cellular interactions and pathways.
Polymer–Nematic Liquid Crystal Interface: On the Role of the Liquid Crystalline Molecular Structure and the Phase Sequence in Photoalignment
Authors: Nassrah Ameer R. K. , Jánossy István , Kenderesi Viktor , Tóth-Katona Tibor
Published: January 2021

We provide experimental evidence for the influence of the molecular structure of the nematic liquid crystal (NLC) on the photoalignment process in three dimensions at the interface with a polymer layer. In particular, the experimental findings are explained through the presence (or absence) of the π−π aromatic interactions between the NLC and the polymer. The influence of the nematic-to-smectic A phase transition on the photocontrol is also addressed. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the photo-induced reorientation scenarios can be eventually connected to conformational changes in the photosensitive polymer.
Polymer Optical Waveguide Sensor Based on Fe-Amino-Triazole Complex Molecular Switches
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shaukat , Farooq Hunain , Wittmund Christopher , Klimke Stephen , Lachmayer Roland , Renz Franz , Roth Bernhard
Published: January 2021

We report on a polymer-waveguide-based temperature sensing system relying on switchable molecular complexes. The polymer waveguide cladding is fabricated using a maskless lithographic optical system and replicated onto polymer material (i.e., PMMA) using a hot embossing device. An iron-amino-triazole molecular complex material (i.e., [Fe(Htrz)2.85(NH2-trz)0.15](ClO4)2) is used to sense changes in ambient temperature. For this purpose, the core of the waveguide is filled with a mixture of core material (NOA68), and the molecular complex using doctor blading and UV curing is applied for solidification. The absorption spectrum of the molecular complex in the UV/VIS light range features two prominent absorption bands in the low-spin state. As temperature approaches room temperature, a spin-crossover transition occurs, and the molecular complex changes its color (i.e. spectral properties) from violet-pink to white. The measurement of the optical power transmitted through the waveguide as a function of temperature exhibits a memory effect with a hysteresis width of approx. 12 °C and sensitivity of 0.08 mW/°C. This enables optical rather than electronic temperature detection in environments where electromagnetic interference might influence the measurements.
Hydrophilic Surface-Modified PAN Nanofibrous Membranes for Efficient Oil–Water Emulsion Separation
Authors: Boyraz Evren , Yalcinkaya Fatma
Published: January 2021

In order to protect the environment, it is important that oily industrial wastewater is degreased before discharging. Membrane filtration is generally preferred for separation of oily wastewater as it does not require any specialised chemical knowledge, and also for its ease of processing, energy efficiency and low maintenance costs. In the present work, hybrid polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous membranes were developed for oily wastewater filtration. Membrane surface modification changed nitrile groups on the surface into carboxylic groups, which improve membrane wettability. Subsequently, TiO2 nanoparticles were grafted onto the modified membranes to increase flux and permeability. Following alkaline treatment (NaOH, KOH) of the hydrolysed PAN nanofibres, membrane water permeability increased two- to eight-fold, while TiO2 grafted membrane permeability increase two- to thirteen-fold, compared to unmodified membranes. TiO2 grafted membranes also displayed amphiphilic properties and a decrease in water contact angle from 78.86° to 0°. Our results indicate that modified PAN nanofibrous membranes represent a promising alternative for oily wastewater filtration.
New Concept in Bioderived Composites: Biochar as Toughening Agent for Improving Performances and Durability of Agave-Based Epoxy Biocomposites
Authors: Zuccarello Bernardo , Bartoli Mattia , Bongiorno Francesco , Militello Carmelo , Tagliaferro Alberto , Pantano Antonio
Published: January 2021

Biocomposites are increasingly used in the industry for the replacement of synthetic materials, thanks to their good mechanical properties, being lightweight, and having low cost. Unfortunately, in several potential fields of structural application their static strength and fatigue life are not high enough. For this reason, several chemical treatments on the fibers have been proposed in literature, although still without fully satisfactory results. To overcome this drawback, in this study we present a procedure based on the addition of a carbonaceous filler to a green epoxy matrix reinforced by Agave sisalana fibers. Among all carbon-based materials, biochar was selected for its environmental friendliness, along with its ability to improve the mechanical properties of polymers. Different percentages of biochar, 1, 2, and 4 wt %, were finely dispersed into the resin using a mixer and a sonicator, then a compression molding process coupled with an optimized thermomechanical cure process was used to produce a short fiber biocomposite with Vf = 35%. Systematic experimental tests have shown that the presence of biochar, in the amount 2 wt %, has significant effects on the matrix and fiber interphase, and leads to an increase of up to three orders of magnitude in the fatigue life, together with an appreciable improvement in static tensile strength.
Active Bio-Based Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Based Natural Rubber for Food Antimicrobial Applications: Effect of Processing Parameters on Its Adhesion Properties
Authors: Sengsuk Theerarat , Songtipya Ponusa , Kalkornsurapranee Ekwipoo , Johns Jobish , Songtipya Ladawan
Published: January 2021

A novel active bio-based pressure-sensitive adhesive incorporating cinnamon oil (Bio-PSA/CO) obtained from the mixture of natural rubber (NR), xyloglucan (XG), and cinnamon oil (CO) for food antimicrobial applications were successfully developed by using a two-roll mill mixer. The effect of the main process factors (i.e., nip gap and mastication time) and XG content on the adhesion properties of the obtained PSA were investigated with different coated substrates including kraft paper, nylon film, polypropylene (PP) film, and aluminum foil (Al). The results suggested that the developed NR-PSA/CO could be applied well to all types of substrate materials. Peel strength and shear strength of the NR-PSA/CO with all substrate types were in the ranges of ~0.03 × 102–5.64 × 102 N/m and ~0.24 × 104–9.50 × 104 N/m2, respectively. The proper processed condition of the NR-PSA/CO was represented with a nip gap of 2 mm and a mastication time of 15 min. An increase in XG content up to 40–60 phr can improve the adhesion properties of the adhesive. The resulting material could be used as an active sticky patch to extend the shelf-life of food in a closed packaging system. The shelf-life of the food samples (banana cupcake) could be extended from 4 to 9 days with NR-PSA/CO patch.
Intrinsic Self-Healing Epoxies in Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Paolillo Stefano , Bose Ranjita K. , Santana Marianella Hernández , Grande Antonio M.
Published: January 2021

This article reviews some of the intrinsic self-healing epoxy materials that have been investigated throughout the course of the last twenty years. Emphasis is placed on those formulations suitable for the design of high-performance composites to be employed in the aerospace field. A brief introduction is given on the advantages of intrinsic self-healing polymers over extrinsic counterparts and of epoxies over other thermosetting systems. After a general description of the testing procedures adopted for the evaluation of the healing efficiency and the required features for a smooth implementation of such materials in the industry, different self-healing mechanisms, arising from either physical or chemical interactions, are detailed. The presented formulations are critically reviewed, comparing major strengths and weaknesses of their healing mechanisms, underlining the inherent structural polymer properties that may affect the healing phenomena. As many self-healing chemistries already provide the fundamental aspects for recyclability and reprocessability of thermosets, which have been historically thought as a critical issue, perspective trends of a circular economy for self-healing polymers are discussed along with their possible advances and challenges. This may open up the opportunity for a totally reconfigured landscape in composite manufacturing, with the net benefits of overall cost reduction and less waste. Some general drawbacks are also laid out along with some potential countermeasures to overcome or limit their impact. Finally, present and future applications in the aviation and space fields are portrayed.
Analysis of Impact Characteristics and Detection of Internal Defects for Unidirectional Carbon Composites with Respect to Fiber Orientation
Authors: Go Sun-ho , Tugirumubano Alexandre , Kim Hong-gun
Published: January 2021

With the increasing use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics in various fields, carbon fiber composites based on prepregs have attracted attention in industries and academia research. However, prepreg manufacturing processes are costly, and the strength of structures varies depending on the orientation and defects (pores and delamination). For the non-contact evaluation of internal defects, the lock-in infrared thermography was proposed to investigate the defects in the composites subjected to the compression after impact test (CAI). The drop-weight impact test was conducted to study the impact behavior of the composites according to fibers orientation for composite fabricated using unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber prepregs. Using CAI tests, the residual compressive strengths were determined, and the damage modes were detected using a thermal camera. The results of the drop weight impact tests showed that the specimen laminated at 0° suffered the largest damage because of susceptibility of the resin to impact. The specimens with 0°/90° and +45°/−45° fibers orientation exhibited more than 90% of the impact energy absorption and good impact resistance. Furthermore, the specimens that underwent the impact tests were subjected to compressive test simultaneously with the lock-in thermography defects detection. The results showed that internal delamination, fibers splitting, and broken fibers occurred. The temperature differences in the residual compression tests were not significant.
Tunable WGM Laser Based on the Polymer Thermo-Optic Effect
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Zhai Tianrui , Cui Libin , Shi Xiaoyu , Ge Kun , Liang Ningning , Hayat Anwer
Published: January 2021

In this work, the thermo-optic effect in polymers was used to realize a temperature-tunable whispering-gallery-mode laser. The laser was fabricated using a capillary tube filled with a light-emitting conjugated polymer solution via the capillary effect. In the whispering-gallery-mode laser emission wavelength can be continuously tuned to about 19.5 nm using thermo-optic effect of polymer. The influence of different organic solvents on the tuning rate was studied. For a typical lasing mode with a bandwidth of 0.08 nm, a temperature-resolved tuning rate of ~1.55 nm/°C was obtained. The two-ring coupling effect is responsible for the suppression of the WGM in the micro-cavity laser. The proposed laser exhibited good reversibility and repeatability as well as a sensitive response to temperature, which could be applied to the design of photothermic and sensing devices.
Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Polymeric Surfaces Based on Natural Oil with Antimicrobial Effect
Authors: Habib Salma , Zavahir Sifani , Abusrafa Aya E. , Abdulkareem Asma , Sobolčiak Patrik , Lehocky Marian , Vesela Daniela , Humpolíček Petr , Popelka Anton
Published: January 2021

Many polymer materials have found a wide variety of applications in biomedical industries due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the infections associated with the biofilm formation represent serious problems resulting from the initial bacterial attachment on the polymeric surface. The development of novel slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) represents promising method for the biofilm formation prevention. These surfaces are characterized by specific microstructural roughness able to hold lubricants inside. The lubricants create a slippery layer for the repellence of various liquids, such as water and blood. In this study, effective antimicrobial modifications of polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PU), as commonly used medical polymers, were investigated. For this purpose, low-temperature plasma treatment was used initially for activation of the polymeric surface, thereby enhancing surface and adhesion properties. Subsequently, preparation of porous microstructures was achieved by electrospinning technique using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in combination with polyamide (PA). Finally, natural black seed oil (BSO) infiltrated the produced fiber mats acting as a lubricating layer. The optimized fiber mats’ production was achieved using PDMS/PA mixture at ratio 1:1:20 (g/g/mL) using isopropyl alcohol as solvent. The surface properties of produced slippery surfaces were analyzed by various microscopic and optics techniques to obtain information about wettability, sliding behavior and surface morphology/topography. The modified PE and PU substrates demonstrated slippery behavior of an impinged water droplet at a small tilting angle. Moreover, the antimicrobial effects of the produced SLIPs using black seed oil were proven against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Sulfobetaine Cryogels for Preferential Adsorption of Methyl Orange from Mixed Dye Solutions
Authors: Ihlenburg Ramona B. J. , Lehnen Anne-Catherine , Koetz Joachim , Taubert Andreas
Published: January 2021

New cryogels for selective dye removal from aqueous solution were prepared by free radical polymerization from the highly water-soluble crosslinker N,N,N’,N’-tetramethyl-N,N’-bis(2-ethylmethacrylate)-propyl-1,3-diammonium dibromide and the sulfobetaine monomer 2-(N-3-sulfopropyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium)ethyl methacrylate. The resulting white and opaque cryogels have micrometer sized pores with a smaller substructure. They adsorb methyl orange (MO) but not methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. Mixtures of MO and MB can be separated through selective adsorption of the MO to the cryogels while the MB remains in solution. The resulting cryogels are thus candidates for the removal of hazardous organic substances, as exemplified by MO and MB, from water. Clearly, it is possible that the cryogels are also potentially interesting for removal of other compounds such as pharmaceuticals or pesticides, but this must be investigated further.
Dynamic Characteristics of Woven Flax/Epoxy Laminated Composite Plate
Authors: Gopalan Venkatachalam , Suthenthiraveerappa Vimalanand , Annamalai A. Raja , Manivannan Santhanakrishnan , Pragasam Vignesh , Chinnaiyan Panidvelan , Mannayee Giriraj , Jen Chun-Ping
Published: January 2021

Due to the growing environmental awareness, the development of sustainable green composites is in high demand in composite industries, mainly in the automotive, aircraft, construction and marine applications. This work was an attempt to experimentally and numerically investigate the dynamic characteristics of Woven Flax/Bio epoxy laminated composite plates. In addition, the optimisation study on the dynamic behaviours of the Woven Flax/Bio epoxy composite plate is carried out using the response surface methodology (RSM) by consideration of the various parameters like ply orientation, boundary condition and aspect ratio. The elastic constants of the Woven Flax/Bio epoxy composite lamina needed for the numerical simulation are determined experimentally using two methods, i.e., the usual mechanical tests as well as through the impulse excitation of vibration-based approach and made a comparison between them. The numerical analysis on the free vibration characteristics of the composite was carried out using ANSYS, a finite element analysis (FEA) software. The confirmation of the FE model was accomplished by comparing the numerical results with its experimental counterpart. Finally, a comparison was made between the results obtained through the regression equation and finite element analysis.
Conductive PEDOT:PSS-Based Organic/Inorganic Flexible Thermoelectric Films and Power Generators
Authors: Park Dabin , Kim Minsu , Kim Jooheon
Published: January 2021

We present a simple thermoelectric device that consists of a conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-based inorganic/organic thermoelectric film with high thermoelectric performance. The PEDOT:PSS-coated Se NWs were first chemically synthesized in situ, and then mixed with an Ag precursor solution to produce the PEDOT:PSS-coated Ag2Se NWs. The PEDOT:PSS matrix was then treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) prior to the production of flexible PEDOT:PSS-coated Ag2Se NW/PEDOT:PSS composite films with various weight fractions of Ag2Se via a simple drop-casting method. The thermoelectric properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and power factor) of the composite films were then analyzed. The composite film with 50 wt.% NWs exhibited the highest power factor of 327.15 μW/m·K2 at room temperature. The excellent flexibility of this composite film was verified by bending tests, in which the thermoelectric properties were reduced by only ~5.9% after 1000 bending cycles. Finally, a simple thermoelectric device consisting of five strips of the proposed composite film was constructed and was shown to generate a voltage of 7.6 mV when the temperature difference was 20 K. Thus, the present study demonstrates that that the combination of a chalcogenide and a conductive composite film can produce a high-performance flexible thermoelectric composite film.
Development of Stimuli-Responsive Chitosan/ZnO NPs Transdermal Systems for Controlled Cannabidiol Delivery
Authors: Radwan-Pragłowska Julia , Janus Łukasz , Piątkowski Marek , Sierakowska Aleksandra , Szajna Ernest , Matýsek Dalibor , Bogdał Dariusz
Published: January 2021

One of the most common neurological diseases is epilepsy, which not only negatively affects the quality of people’s life but also may lead to life-threatening situations when its symptoms such as seizures cannot be controlled medically. A very serious problem to be overcame is the untreatable form of this disease, which cannot be cured by any currently available medicines. Cannabidiol, which is a natural product obtained from Cannabis Sativa, brings a new hope to people suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy. However, the hydrophobic character of this compound significantly lowers its clinical efficiency. One of the promising methods of this substance bioactivity increase is delivery through the skin tissue. In this article, a new type of advanced transdermal systems based on chitosan and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) has been developed according to Sustained Development principles. The chemical modification of the biopolymer confirmed by FT-IR method resulted in the preparation of the material with great swelling abilities and appropriate water vapor permeability. Obtained nanoparticles were investigated over their crystalline structure and morphology and their positive impact on drug loading capacity and cannabidiol controlled release was proved. The novel biomaterials were confirmed to have conductive properties and not be cytotoxic to L929 mouse fibroblasts.
Role of pKA in Charge Regulation and Conformation of Various Peptide Sequences
Authors: Lunkad Raju , Murmiliuk Anastasiia , Tošner Zdeněk , Štěpánek Miroslav , Košovan Peter
Published: January 2021

Peptides containing amino acids with ionisable side chains represent a typical example of weak ampholytes, that is, molecules with multiple titratable acid and base groups, which generally exhibit charge regulating properties upon changes in pH. Charged groups on an ampholyte interact electrostatically with each other, and their interaction is coupled to conformation of the (macro)molecule, resulting in a complex feedback loop. Their charge-regulating properties are primarily determined by the pKA of individual ionisable side-chains, modulated by electrostatic interactions between the charged groups. The latter is determined by the amino acid sequence in the peptide chain. In our previous work we introduced a simple coarse-grained model of a flexible peptide. We validated it against experiments, demonstrating its ability to quantitatively predict charge on various peptides in a broad range of pH. In the current work, we investigated two types of peptide sequences: diblock and alternating, each of them consisting of an equal number of amino acids with acid and base side-chains. We showed that changing the sequence while keeping the same overall composition has a profound effect on the conformation, whereas it practically does not affect total charge on the peptide. Nevertheless, the sequence significantly affects the charge state of individual groups, showing that the zero net effect on the total charge is a consequence of unexpected cancellation of effects. Furthermore, we investigated how the difference between the pKA of acid and base side chains affects the charge and conformation of the peptide, showing that it is possible to tune the charge-regulating properties by following simple guiding principles based on the pKA and on the amino acid sequence. Our current results provide a theoretical basis for understanding of the complex coupling between the ionisation and conformation in flexible polyampholytes, including synthetic polymers, biomimetic materials and biological molecules, such as intrinsically disordered proteins, whose function can be regulated by changes in the pH.
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) Compatibilized Binary Biobased Blends: Melt Fluidity, Morphological, Thermo-Mechanical and Micromechanical Analysis
Authors: Aliotta Laura , Vannozzi Alessandro , Canesi Ilaria , Cinelli Patrizia , Coltelli Maria-Beatrice , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: January 2021

In this work poly(lactic) acid (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) biobased binary blends were investigated. PLA/PBSA mixtures with different compositions of PBSA (from 15 up to 40 wt.%) were produced by twin screw-extrusion. A first screening study was performed on these blends that were characterized from the melt fluidity, morphological and thermo-mechanical point of view. Starting from the obtained results, the effect of an epoxy oligomer (EO) (added at 2 wt.%) was further investigated. In this case a novel approach was introduced studying the micromechanical deformation processes by dilatometric uniaxial tensile tests, carried out with a videoextensometer. The characterization was then completed adopting the elasto-plastic fracture approach, by the measurement of the capability of the selected blends to absorb energy at a slow rate. The obtained results showed that EO acts as a good compatibilizer, improving the compatibility of the rubber phase into the PLA matrix. Dilatometric results showed different micromechanical responses for the 80–20 and 60–40 blends (probably linked to the different morphology). The 80–20 showed a cavitational behavior while the 60–40 a deviatoric one. It has been observed that while the addition of EO does not alter the micromechanical response of the 60–40 blend, it profoundly changes the response of the 80–20, that passed to a deviatoric behavior with the EO addition.
Crosslinking Dependence of Direct Current Breakdown Performance for XLPE-PS Composites at Different Temperatures
Authors: Cao Liang , Zhong Lisheng , Li Yinge , Gao Jinghui , Chen George
Published: January 2021

In this paper, crosslinked polyethylene-polystyrene (XLPE-PS) composites with different degrees of crosslinking were fabricated by using different crosslinking agent contents and their direct current (DC) breakdown performance at 30~90 °C was investigated. Results show that with the increase of the degree of crosslinking, the crystallinity of XLPE-PS composites decreases gradually, but their DC breakdown strength demonstrates an increasing trend at 30~90 °C and the enhancement also increases with the rise of temperature. And as the degree of crosslinking increases, the elastic modulus of XLPE-PS composites is reduced and the loss tangent peak temperature decreases but the peak shifts to a lower value, which reveals the suppression of the relaxation process for crystallites. It is believed that high DC breakdown strength with good temperature stability for XLPE-PS composites with a larger degree of crosslinking is attributable to the presence of PS and suppression in the formation of crystallites due to crosslinking.
Eco-Friendly, High-Density Fiberboards Bonded with Urea-Formaldehyde and Ammonium Lignosulfonate
Authors: Antov Petar , Savov Viktor , Krišťák Ľuboš , Réh Roman , Mantanis George I.
Published: January 2021

The potential of producing eco-friendly, formaldehyde-free, high-density fiberboard (HDF) panels from hardwood fibers bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin and a novel ammonium lignosulfonate (ALS) is investigated in this paper. HDF panels were fabricated in the laboratory by applying a very low UF gluing factor (3%) and ALS content varying from 6% to 10% (based on the dry fibers). The physical and mechanical properties of the fiberboards, such as water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), bending strength (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), as well as formaldehyde content, were determined in accordance with the corresponding European standards. Overall, the HDF panels exhibited very satisfactory physical and mechanical properties, fully complying with the standard requirements of HDF for use in load-bearing applications in humid conditions. Markedly, the formaldehyde content of the laboratory fabricated panels was extremely low, ranging between 0.7–1.0 mg/100 g, which is, in fact, equivalent to the formaldehyde release of natural wood.