Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alejandro Forigua, Arash Dalili, Rebecca Kirsch, Stephanie M. Willerth, Katherine S. Elvira
Summary: Drug releasing microparticles are important for precise drug delivery. Microfluidic technologies offer better control over microparticle size and distribution compared to bulk production methods. This study demonstrates the formation of polycaprolactone (PCL) microparticles with therapeutically relevant cargo using a microfluidic platform, and investigates the effect of cargo on microparticle size and distribution.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhuo Chen, Yang Lan, Si-Da Ling, Yu-Hang Dong, Yun-Dong Wang, Jian-Hong Xu
Summary: Droplet microfluidics allows precise and simultaneous control of multiple fluids, leading to the synthesis of diverse microparticles in drug delivery applications. The morphology and functionality of these microparticles can be well designed by modulating the hydrodynamic profile and geometric structures. Future research directions include utilizing biodegradable microparticles for on-demand drug delivery.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuai Zhang, Bo Wang, Chenmu Xue, Xiaodong Chen
Summary: This paper presents a reusable and adjustable microfluidic device composed of glass capillaries and polydimethylsiloxane, which allows for the generation of compound microdroplets with different morphologies. The device can be used for rapid prototyping and high-throughput generation of droplets or particles.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elodie Melro, Hugo Duarte, Filipe E. Antunes, Artur J. M. Valente, Anabela Romano, Magnus Norgren, Bruno Medronho
Summary: A new type of foam material was developed by partially substituting non-sustainable phenol with lignin extracted from pine wood residues using a green levulinic acid-based solvent. The novel foams were compared to commercially available lignin-based foams in terms of various features, including foam density, microstructure, surface hydrophilicity, chemical grafting, and mechanical and thermal properties. The research showed that up to 30 wt% of phenol can be replaced without compromising the foam properties, indicating the potential of lignin-based foams as sustainable and renewable alternatives to petrol-based counterparts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shilin Chen, Guanhua Wang, Tairan Pang, Wenjie Sui, Zicheng Chen, Chuanling Si
Summary: In this work, sodium lignosulfonate was introduced in the hydrothermal preparation of phenol-formaldehyde resin spheres, acting as a green reducer and support for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles. The addition of lignosulfonate effectively enhanced the loading and dispersion of Ag nanoparticles, resulting in superior catalytic performance. The composite catalyst exhibited excellent recyclability due to the strong anchoring between Ag nanoparticles and the support, showcasing the promising value-added application of lignosulfonate for functional catalyst preparation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sten ten Klooster, Claire Berton-Carabin, Karin Schroen
Summary: Microfluidic emulsification has the potential to produce emulsions with controlled droplet sizes. To support upscaling, guidelines were provided based on the performance of Upscale Partitioned EDGE (UPE) devices using rapeseed oil and whey proteins. The results showed that the choice of channel dimensions, droplet formation pressure range, and ingredients can significantly affect productivity, with the UPE devices outperforming other reported devices. These findings and design guidelines are important for the development of food emulsions prepared with microfluidics.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shixin Song, Lu Zhong, Yihua Wei, Yufei Li, Li Tao, Lei Yu
Summary: This study aimed to prepare kafirin-chitosan complex particles as Pickering emulsifiers through anti-solvent co-precipitation method. The results showed that the particles had good wettability, adsorbing at the oil/water interface and reducing droplet size of the Pickering emulsion. The microstructures indicated that the particles covered the oil droplets, enhancing the interface film strength and stability of the Pickering emulsion.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hye-Seon Jeong, Eunseo Kim, Changwoo Nam, Yoon Choi, You-Jeong Lee, David A. Weitz, Hyomin Lee, Chang-Hyung Choi
Summary: A hydrogel microcapsule with an intermediate thin oil layer is developed for smart release of diverse cargoes triggered by stimuli. The oil layer acts as an effective diffusion barrier, allowing encapsulation of various small cargoes within a porous hydrogel shell until a stimulus destabilizes the oil layer for on-demand release.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Si-Ke Chen, Xiao-Jie Ju, Jie Wei, Wei Wang, Liang-Yin Chu
Summary: This experiment is designed for undergraduate students to introduce droplet microfluidics. Through this experiment, students can understand the concept of microfluidic channels and the principles of droplet microfluidics, prepare PDMS devices and split-flow strategy, explore the controllable preparation and monodispersity of chitosan microspheres, and gain a more comprehensive understanding of microfluidic technology. The experiment is easy to operate and has a short cycle, making it suitable as an undergraduate experiment.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hoan Ngoc Doan, Phu Phong Vo, Andrea Baggio, Masaki Negoro, Kenji Kinashi, Yasuro Fuse, Wataru Sakai, Naoto Tsutsumi
Summary: This study demonstrated a facile and sustainable method to prepare a flexible electrospun nanofiber/nanonet membrane using biodegradable polymers for controllable oil/water separation, showing excellent separation efficiencies for various oil/water mixtures.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Danilo Soares Galdino, Marcel Yuzo Kondo, Victor Almeida De Araujo, Gretta Larisa Aurora Arce Ferrufino, Emerson Faustino, Herisson Ferreira dos Santos, Andre Luis Christoforo, Carlos Manuel Romero Luna, Cristiane Inacio de Campos
Summary: Using Kraft lignin, lignin-based phenol-formaldehyde (LPF) resins were synthesized as a potential replacement for petrochemical-based adhesives. The LPF resins showed improved properties compared to the control phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF) in terms of viscosity, gel time, shear strength, and curing behavior. However, the addition of EKL in PF reduced its thermal stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Xianxing Meng, Likun Wang, Hongwei Wang, Fang Zhang, Taying Su, Kunmu Cheng
Summary: Sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde (SPF) resin was synthesized and characterized for its potential application as a cross-linker in petroleum reservoir conformance control. The results show that sulfonation can significantly improve storage time and dispersion stability, while the presence of formaldehyde sodium bisulfite can slow down the reaction rate.
Article
Polymer Science
Jinming Liu, Jianlin Fang, Enjun Xie, Weixing Gan
Summary: A novel type of phenol-formaldehyde resin was synthesized by reacting the liquefaction products of phenol and formaldehyde under acidic and alkaline conditions respectively. The relationship between the liquefaction behavior of cassava starch and the properties of the modified resin wood adhesive was investigated. The results showed that the bonding strength decreased with decreasing liquid-solid ratio, but still met the national standard requirement when the ratio was 1.0.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingli Qu, Long Chen, Weixia Cheng, Jules Muhire, Anquan Yang, Jing Wang, Min Xie, Xiaoli Zhang, Dan Huang, Ranhua Xiong, Dong Pei, Chaobo Huang
Summary: Spontaneously compartmentalized chitosan microparticles were designed for the first time through gas-shearing microfluidics, with the structure varying based on different cross-linkers. This method avoids the use of other additives and shows promising potential for various applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Duo Wang, Xu Zheng, Xiaodong Chen, Guoqing Hu
Summary: This paper introduces a three-phase microfluidic device that can directly generate core-shell or hole-shell microparticles, demonstrating the versatility of the device in fabrication of functionalized particles.
ACTA MECHANICA SINICA
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Summary: Whether caused by trauma, illness, or surgery, wounds are common throughout life. Novel approaches in wound management, such as using biomaterials in various forms, have shown promising results in accelerating wound healing and improving tissue properties. This paper aims to review recent studies and introduce suitable biomaterial dressings and scaffolds for wound management application.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bogdan Costachescu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Marius Gabriel Dabija, Raluca Ioana Teleanu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Lucian Eva
Summary: This review focuses on the recent advancements in the treatment and repair of spinal cord injuries, including the use of nanocarriers, biomolecules, cell therapies, and biomaterial scaffolds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Diana-Elena Radulescu, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru-Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: In recent years, tissue engineering has focused on developing materials to improve osseointegration and biologic activity for bone replacements. Combining polymers and ceramics to meet complex requirements, especially to overcome the drawbacks of polymers, is seen as the optimal pathway to increase mechanical stability and mineralization. Ceramic materials, such as hydroxyapatite, obtained from natural sources are preferred for their bioactivity and similarity to native hydroxyapatite in human bone composition.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Stefan Busnatu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandra Bolocan, George E. D. Petrescu, Dan Nicolae Paduraru, Iulian Nastasa, Mircea Lupusoru, Marius Geanta, Octavian Andronic, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Henrique Martins
Summary: This paper reviews the advancements in the convergence of artificial intelligence and clinical care, comprehensively presenting the applications of AI in clinical settings and discussing recent literature studies. The challenges and limitations hindering AI integration in the clinical environment are also highlighted.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexandra-Cristina Burdusel, Oana Gherasim, Ecaterina Andronescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Anton Ficai
Summary: Modern biomedicine aims to develop integrated solutions for the specific, selective, and accurate management of medical conditions using medical, biotechnological, materials science, and engineering concepts. Nanotechnology opens a new era in bone treatment, repair, and regeneration by enabling the fabrication of complex nanostructures similar to natural bone with multifunctional bioactivity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Corina Dana Dumitru, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: Bee products such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, etc., have significant antibacterial activity and great potential in skin tissue regeneration. Combining with conventional medication can deliver better results and minimize side effects. Further research is needed to determine the potential of their mixture.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Raluca Ioana Teleanu, Manuela Daniela Preda, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Oana Vladacenco, Crina Ioana Radu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Daniel Mihai Teleanu
Summary: The blood-brain barrier is a significant obstacle to brain medication delivery, but it can be disturbed in certain pathological conditions. This study provides an overview of current brain medication delivery techniques and stimulates readers to explore new ways of delivering medications to the brain. It discusses the construction and function of the blood-brain barrier, as well as controversial questions about nanoparticle and non-nanoparticle options for drug delivery.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Keng-Shiang Huang, Yi-Ting Wang, Omkar Byadgi, Ting-Yu Huang, Mi-Hsueh Tai, Jei-Fu Shaw, Chih-Hui Yang
Summary: The study found that chlorophyllides composites can modulate the expression of various genes in breast cancer cells, including those associated with the endocrine and nervous systems. These findings provide valuable information for further research and development of novel cancer therapies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bogdan Costachescu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Bogdan Florin Iliescu, Marius Gabriel Dabija, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Daniel Rotariu
Summary: Spine tumors are a significant problem affecting patients' quality of life and healthcare systems worldwide. Conventional treatments have limitations, leading to research on utilizing modern technologies for better alternatives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Daniela Preda, Maria Leila Popa, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Octav Ginghina
Summary: There is an increasing interest in developing protective textiles and clothes to protect wearers from various risks. Electrospun fibers and membranes have shown great potential in developing protective materials and garments, providing thermal comfort and protection against environmental threats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ariana Hudita, Valentina Grumezescu, Oana Gherasim, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Gabriela Dorcioman, Irina Negut, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Bianca Galateanu, Carmen Curutiu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: This study aimed to develop a nanostructured coating containing eugenol to reduce microbial colonization and biofilm formation on indwelling devices, thereby reducing the risk of device-related infections. The results showed that the nanostructured coatings had excellent biocompatibility and did not induce inflammation in cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Doina-Antonia Mercan, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Summary: Infectious diseases pose a growing threat to public health and medical systems globally, especially with the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This has led to the convergence of medicine and nanotechnology in order to combat severe microbial infections. Recent research has focused on utilizing various nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles to overcome the limitations of current treatment options. This paper reviews the latest successful nanoformulations that show great potential in combating bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites of interest in human medicine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Leila Popa, Manuela Daniela Preda, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Octav Ginghina
Summary: Microfluidics enables precise synthesis of micro-/nanostructures, with a wide range of applications in bioengineering and medicine. This review article compares traditional and microfluidic synthesis methods of zinc oxide (ZnO) in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, applications, reaction parameters, reagents, and device materials. It discusses how microfluidic approaches can overcome challenges faced by traditional synthesis methods, such as synthesis precision, bulk materials, and reproducibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gabriela Dorcioman, Ariana Hudita, Bianca Galateanu, Doina Craciun, Ionel Mercioniu, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Irina Negut, Valentina Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Lia Mara Ditu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: In this study, wound dressings were improved by applying magnetite-based nanostructured coatings, which were functionalized with Nigella sativa and dicloxacillin. The combination of materials aimed to reduce microbial contamination and promote rapid wound healing. The stability, thermal degradation, morphology, and chemical composition of the coatings were characterized using various analytical techniques. The antimicrobial effect, biocompatibility, and regenerative properties of the nanostructured coatings were evaluated through in vitro experiments, showing enhanced antimicrobial effects against opportunistic bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Denisa Alexandra Florea, Valentina Grumezescu, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Mihaela Musat, Cristina Chircov, Miruna S. Stan, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: The study developed a coating composed of magnesium phosphate and silver nanoparticles, aiming to promote osteoblast proliferation and possess antibacterial properties. Characterization and evaluation showed that the composite coating exhibited good biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, effectively preventing orthopedic implant-associated infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
