Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Baozhao Xie, Keqian Du, Fujian Huang, Zhiming Lin, Linping Wu
Summary: This article reviews the potential and strategies of cationic nanomaterials in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and discusses the challenges and possible solutions encountered during the development of cationic materials-based therapeutics for autoimmune diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ziyang Su, Yu Zhang, Weidong Liu, Ruijing Han, Xuezhi Zhao, Xiaohuo Shi, Xingyu Lu, Yan Zhang, Yujun Feng
Summary: Hydrophobically associating polymers were prepared and characterized by H-1 NMR spectroscopy. By measuring the fluorescence emission intensity of a sensitive probe in polymer solutions, a proportional relationship was established between the hydrophobic content and a variable related to chain length and hydrophobicity, providing a handy method for determining the hydrophobic content of these polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Mara K. Kuenen, Alexa M. Cuomo, Vincent P. Gray, Rachel A. Letteri
Summary: By modifying the charge, poly(beta-amino ester)s can be transformed into degradable anionic polymers, which can be utilized to create fully degradable polyelectrolyte complexes and delivery vehicles for cationic therapeutics.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pengbo Zhang, Mohamad Zandieh, Yuzhe Ding, Lyuyuan Wu, Xiaoyu Wang, Juewen Liu, Zhengping Li
Summary: A cationic conjugated polymer (CCP)-based assay was studied for the accurate measurement of concentration of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The method utilized the fluorescence change of CCPs upon binding ssDNA and achieved a high binding affinity with ssDNA. The developed CCP-based biosensor showed comparable detection limit and better suitability for ssDNA measurement compared to fluorescence-dye-based methods.
Article
Polymer Science
Mohammad F. Bostanudin, Eugen Barbu, Kai Bin Liew
Summary: Polymeric colloidal nanocarriers based on hydrophobically grafted carbohydrates show promising potential for increasing percutaneous penetration of hydrophilic actives. BMO-PUL nanocarriers demonstrated good stability, particle size range, and release profile, with slightly faster release in acidic conditions best described by a first-order kinetic model. In vitro studies using human skin cells showed low toxicity and a significant enhancement in active permeation when encapsulated in BMO-PUL nanocarriers, suggesting their potential for percutaneous delivery applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chi Zhang, Zhinan Fan, Hao Zhan, Hong Zhou, Rongliang Ma, Li-Juan Fan
Summary: The new adaptive fingerprint developing strategy utilizes a synthesized polymer with an appropriate solvent to efficiently develop different types of fingerprints, providing more possibilities for forensic investigations.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pan Hu, Shaohang Shen, Hu Yang
Summary: This study investigated the sludge dewatering performance of two series of binary graft cationic starch-based flocculants with different hydrophilicity and charge density. With increased charge density and moderate hydrophobicity, the dewaterability of sludge was found to improve, resulting in lower filter cake moisture content and resistance to filtration. The structure-activity relationship of these flocculants was evaluated quantitatively using a second-order polynomial model.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Connor J. Thompson, Daniel F. Kienle, Daniel K. Schwartz
Summary: This study investigates the surface diffusion of proteins confined between two symmetric lipid bilayer membranes in a planar constrained microenvironment. The results show that the surface diffusion varies non-monotonically with confinement height, reaching a maximum at around 750 nm. Simulations validate the experimental findings and suggest that confinement enhancement of surface diffusion is limited to cases where the adsorbate exhibits weak surface sticking.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yifei Jiang, Haobin Chen, Xiaoju Men, Zezhou Sun, Zhen Yuan, Xuanjun Zhang, Daniel T. Chiu, Changfeng Wu, Jason McNeill
Summary: A novel multimode superresolution method was developed to map the structure and measure the energy landscape of single carrier transport along conjugated polymer nanowires. By quenching of local emission and tracking the motion of a single photogenerated hole using blinking-assisted localization microscopy, the method successfully correlated structures with charge transport properties. The efficiency of inter- and intrachain hole transport inside the nanowires was compared, and the depth of carrier traps from torsional disorder and chemical defects was directly measured for the first time.
Article
Polymer Science
Anna Gosteva, Alexander S. Gubarev, Olga Dommes, Olga Okatova, Georges M. Pavlov
Summary: This study considers the peculiarities of viscosity data treatment for two series of polymer systems exhibiting associative properties. The interest in amphiphilic macromolecular systems is explained, as they are considered as micellar-forming structures in aqueous solutions and can carry hydrophobic biologically active compounds. Convenient ways to extract the correct value of intrinsic viscosity eta from combined analysis of Kraemer and Huggins plots are discussed. The obtained data provide insights into hydrophobic interactions in polymer chains and the size of charged chains depending on the ionic strength of solutions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jasvir Kaur, Dinesh N. Nadimetla, Sheshanath Bhosale, Prabhat K. Singh
Summary: The combination of supramolecular chemistry and aggregation-induced emission-based luminogens has attracted significant attention recently. In this study, a new supramolecular assembly based on aggregation-induced emission was reported, consisting of a polyanionic cyclodextrin derivative and a tetracationic tetraphenylethylene derivative. The assembly was thoroughly investigated using fluorescence, absorbance, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements, and its response to external stimuli was studied. The interaction between the assembly components was analyzed using molecular docking calculations.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yulian Pang, Atsushi Shiraishi, Dietmar Keil, Sergey Popov, Veronika Strehmel, Hongjun Jiao, Jochen S. Gutmann, Yingquan Zou, Bernd Strehmel
Summary: The NIR-sensitized cationic polymerization showed good efficiency with epoxides, vinyl ether, and oxetane, with vinyl ether being the most efficient. Different anions exhibited different reactivity, with anion d showing better reactivity. IPNs were formed in NIR-sensitized polymerization, while UV-LED initiation did not result in IPN formation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ling Zhang, Jiaze Hou, Huipeng Zhou, Muhammad Azhar Hayat Nawaz, Yongxin Li, Hui Huang, Cong Yu
Summary: A novel fluorescence sensor array has been developed through cationic polymer-induced self-assembly to discriminate main proteins in milk and detect milk adulteration with high accuracy. The sensor array shows great potential for quantitative detection of milk adulteration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zelin Li, Wen Lu, Shaochuan Jia, Huanxiang Yuan
Summary: Three cationic conjugated polymers effectively exhibit photodynamic antimicrobial effects under white light irradiation by generating reactive oxygen species to kill pathogenic microorganisms. They have the potential for low-concentration sterilization and rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ashesh Ghosh, Kenneth S. Schweizer
Summary: By combining concepts from polymer and glassy liquid physics, a new model has been constructed to describe the bond-breaking time scale of attractive sticker groups in associating copolymer liquids. The model suggests that the activated event is a two-step process involving the release of dynamic caging constraints and the attractive stickers surmounting a free-energy barrier. This model provides a consistent description for diverse polymer chemistries and architectures, while existing phenomenological models show qualitative failures.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gheorghe Fundueanu, Marieta Constantin, Mihaela Turtoi, Sanda-Maria Bucatariu, Bogdan Cosman, Maria Anghelache, Geanina Voicu, Manuela Calin
Summary: In this study, pH/temperature-responsive carriers were designed and characterized for the delivery of the anti-tumoral drug doxorubicin. The carriers disintegrated and released the drug under endosomal and lysosomal conditions. The results showed that the carriers were more effective in delivering the drug to hepatic carcinoma cells HepG2 compared to lung adenocarcinoma cells A549, resulting in increased cytotoxicity. Additionally, the carriers were found to be biocompatible and reduced the renal clearance of doxorubicin when administered in vivo. These findings suggest the potential importance of the newly developed carriers for the treatment of hepatic tumors.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anca Cardoneanu, Luana Andreea Macovei, Alexandra Maria Burlui, Ioana Ruxandra Mihai, Ioana Bratoiu, Ioana Irina Rezus, Patricia Richter, Bogdan-Ionel Tamba, Elena Rezus
Summary: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is essential for jaw movement and function. TMJ osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is caused by various factors and affects all joint structures. Chondrocyte loss, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and subchondral bone remodeling are important in TMJ OA. Therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and mesenchymal stem cell-based treatment (MSCs) have shown promise in restoring joint structures in TMJ OA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Marieta Constantin, Maria Spiridon, Daniela Luminita Ichim, Oana Maria Daraba, Dana Mihaela Suflet, Maria Ignat, Gheorghe Fundueanu
Summary: A simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using oxidized polysaccharides as reducing and capping agents was reported. The nanoparticles exhibited small size and round shape after optimizing the synthesis parameters. Characterization techniques confirmed the stability of the nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity, as well as their efficient photocatalytic degradation of water-soluble pollutants.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marieta Constantin, Mihail Lupei, Sanda-Maria Bucatariu, Irina Mihaela Pelin, Florica Doroftei, Daniela Luminita Ichim, Oana Maria Daraba, Gheorghe Fundueanu
Summary: Local delivery of drugs is a suitable method for the treatment of localized periodontitis. A new biocomposite film with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and good mechanical properties was prepared for application in periodontal pockets. The film was synthesized from cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and oxidized chitosan (OxCS) and incorporated with silver nanoparticles (AgNps). The film showed excellent physicochemical properties and could sustainably deliver ibuprofen for up to 72 hours. It also exhibited good antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luminita Ghimici, Maria Magdalena Nafureanu, Marieta Constantin
Summary: Due to their non-toxicity, low price, and biodegradability, modified polysaccharides are increasingly used as flocculants in wastewater treatment. However, pullulan derivatives have been less utilized in wastewater purification processes. This article provides data on the removal of FeO and TiO2 particles from model suspensions using pullulan derivatives with pendant quaternary ammonium salt groups, trimethylammonium propyl carbamate chloride (TMAP(x)-P). The study evaluates the influence of various factors on the separation efficacy, including polymer ionic content, dose, initial solution concentration, dispersion pH and composition. UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements show a high removal efficacy of TMAP(x)-P for FeO particles (around 95% and more), while a lower clarification of TiO2 particles suspension is observed (removal efficiency between 68% and 75%). The zeta potential and particle aggregates size measurements indicate that the charge patch mechanism plays a crucial role in the metal oxide removal process. Surface morphology analysis/EDX data provide additional evidence regarding the separation process. The pullulan derivatives/FeO flocs exhibit good removal efficiency (90%) for Bordeaux mixture particles in simulated wastewater.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Richter, Anca Cardoneanu, Nicoleta Dima, Ioana Bratoiu, Ciprian Rezus, Alexandra Maria Burlui, Damiana Costin, Luana Andreea Macovei, Elena Rezus
Summary: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a serious manifestation of connective tissue diseases (CTD) that requires thorough evaluation and treatment. The prevalence of ILD in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still debated, but it is crucial to exclude an overlap syndrome for an accurate diagnosis. Increasing the identification of SLE-associated ILD cases is important, and various treatment options are being proposed. Systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated ILD is a leading cause of mortality and should be investigated in all SSc patients. Progress has been made in the treatment of ILD, with tyrosine kinases inhibitor Nintedanib showing promising results in reducing the progression rate compared to placebo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Irina Popescu, Marieta Constantin, Maria Bercea, Bogdan-Paul Cosman, Dana Mihaela Suflet, Gheorghe Fundueanu
Summary: This study synthesized a complex of carboxymethyl pullulan (CMP) and poloxamer (PL) and studied their miscibility in dilute aqueous solution using capillary viscometry. The thermogelation of concentrated PL solutions with the presence of CMP was monitored by various methods, and the micellization and gelation of PL were also studied. The results showed that CMP concentration has a peculiar influence on the rheological parameters of the gels, and the gels have a reversible healing process at 37 degrees C.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Irina Mihaela Pelin, Mihaela Silion, Irina Popescu, Cristina Mihaela Rimbu, Gheorghe Fundueanu, Marieta Constantin
Summary: This study prepared pullulan/poly (vinyl alcohol) (P/PVA) hydrogels using an eco-friendly method, and loaded them with hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis. The hydrogels exhibited high loading efficiency and showed high antioxidant and antibacterial activity, while being non-toxic to human cells.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Robert Gherghel, Luana Andreea Macovei, Maria-Alexandra Burlui, Anca Cardoneanu, Ioana-Irina Rezus, Ioana Ruxandra Mihai, Elena Rezus
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a common and painful condition for which there is currently no cure or effective symptom relief. Regenerative medicine, specifically stem cell therapy, is emerging as a promising approach to changing the course of osteoarthritis. Mesenchymal stem cells, with their unique characteristics, are considered to be a suitable source for treating this condition.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreea Gherasim, Andrei C. Oprescu, Ana Maria Gal, Alexandra Maria Burlui, Laura Mihalache
Summary: Modern lifestyles have resulted in sedentary behavior, unhealthy diets, and increased stress, which have led to lower physical activity levels and negatively affected metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study identified three dietary patterns and two lifestyle patterns, with the inadequate lifestyle pattern being associated with younger age, hypertension, and diabetic neuropathy, while the traditional lifestyle pattern was related to better postprandial blood glucose control. Sedentary individuals were more likely to be older and have higher glycated hemoglobin levels, while smokers were more likely to have poor glycemic and lipid profiles.
Review
Biology
Ioana Ruxandra Mihai, Alexandra Maria Burlui, Ioana Irina Rezus, Catalina Mihai, Luana Andreea Macovei, Anca Cardoneanu, Otilia Gavrilescu, Mihaela Dranga, Elena Rezus
Summary: TNF-a inhibitors have greatly improved the treatment of immune-mediated diseases, but paradoxical effects may occur, leading to the appearance or exacerbation of certain conditions. Close monitoring and timely adjustment of treatment are necessary for patients receiving TNFi therapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Richter, Luana Andreea Macovei, Ioana Ruxandra Mihai, Anca Cardoneanu, Maria Alexandra Burlui, Elena Rezus
Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder in which cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-17, play crucial roles. The modulation of these cytokines may impact disease progression and serve as potential biomarkers. Elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-17 are associated with high disease activity in SLE patients, although their inhibition as a treatment option is still under discussion. Further studies are needed to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these cytokines in SLE.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bogdan-Paul Cosman, Sanda-Maria Bucatariu, Marieta Constantin, Gheorghe Fundueanu
Summary: Novel double cross-linked hydrogels with pH-/temperature-sensitive properties were designed and developed. The resulting scaffolds exhibited interconnected pores and a flexible pattern, and showed different swelling kinetics under temperature and pH variations. Metoclopramide was loaded within the double cross-linked hydrogels, demonstrating their ability as drug-controlled release platforms.
