Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adewale O. Oladipo, Jeremiah O. Unuofin, Solange I. I. Iku, Thabo T. Nkambule, Bhekie B. Mamba, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: A novel bimetallic gold-core palladium-shell nanocarrier was evaluated for its efficacy against breast adenocarcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma cells, demonstrating its ability to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and enhance apoptosis through G2/M phase arrest.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adewale O. Oladipo, Jeremiah O. Unuofin, Solange I. I. Iku, Thabo T. Nkambule, Bhekie B. Mamba, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: The study introduces a novel PS-modified bimetallic nanodendrites-based hydrophobic drug carrier, efficiently loaded with and released DOX in the nucleus, demonstrating good therapeutic efficacy and cytotoxicity.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Douglas A. Rose, Joseph W. Treacy, Zhongyue J. Yang, Jeong Hoon Ko, K. N. Houk, Heather D. Maynard
Summary: This article describes a new class of traceless linkers based on ortho- or para-hydroxybenzylamines, which can modulate the release rate by introducing electron-donating substituents. The optimization of linker design was carried out with mechanistic insights and computational calculations, resulting in the development of a faster self-immolative linker. These traceless linkers showed effectiveness for reversible bioconjugation applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiagen Li, Xinming Li, Pengwei Xie, Peng Liu
Summary: A mixed drug self-delivery system was developed to regulate pH-triggered drug release. Similar cellular toxicity was achieved with different feeding ratios of the two drug dimers, and the system exhibited a high anti-tumor efficacy.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Goekhan Dikmen
Summary: In this study, the drug release behavior of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) formulations was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results obtained from the qNMR method were compared with those from other traditional methods, and it was shown that the qNMR method is a simple and easy approach for evaluating drug release in SLN formulations.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nisha Chander, Johannes Morstein, Jan S. Bolten, Andrej Shemet, Pieter R. Cullis, Dirk Trauner, Dominik Witzigmann
Summary: Incorporation of photoswitchable-phosphatidylcholine analogs in conventional lipid nanoparticles can generate photoactivatable LNPs, allowing light-induced drug release at specific sites, which shows promising potential for clinical development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dorota Chudoba, Monika Jazdzewska, Katarzyna Ludzik, Sebastian Woloszczuk, Ewa Juszynska-Galazka, Mikolaj Koscinski
Summary: This article discusses the release process of doxorubicin hydrochloride from multi-wall carbon nanotubes and the studies on the modified surface for optimization. Experimental observations suggest that drug release is efficient at acidic pH, typical of tumor microenvironment. Kinetic models and molecular dynamics simulations provide insights into the controlled drug release mechanism of DOX from MWCNTs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amit Fischer, Pu Zhang, Yu Ouyang, Yang Sung Sohn, Ola Karmi, Rachel Nechushtai, Eli Pikarsky, Itamar Willner
Summary: In this study, the assembly of ATP and miRNA-responsive DNA tetrahedra-functionalized carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel microcapsules is presented. The microcapsules are selectively unlocked and release the loaded drugs in the presence of ATP or miRNA-141. The functionalized microcapsules with DNA tetrahedra nanostructures exhibit superior permeation into cells, particularly breast cancer cells. The stimuli-responsive, drug-loaded, DNA tetrahedra-modified microcapsules show superior and selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wei Zhang, Lu Xu, Xianbin Zhang, Peng Gong, Xiyu Wang, Zhiying Xu, Ganyu Nie, Lu Xu
Summary: This study synthesized a nanohybrid with a core of mesoporous silica nanorods and shell of folate-functionalized zeolite imidazole framework, which showed potential for improving chemotherapy and phototherapy treatment. The nanohybrid demonstrated a moderate photothermal conversion efficiency and the ability to release 1O2, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects against cancer.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wei Zhang, Lu Chen, Xianbin Zhang, Peng Gong, Xiyu Wang, Zhiying Xu, Ganyu Nie, Lu Xu
Summary: A nanohybrid with a core of mesoporous silica nanorods and shell of folate-functionalized zeolite imidazole framework was synthesized, and chemotherapeutic drug and photosensitive agent were loaded to construct a smart delivery system. The nanohybrid showed good photothermal conversion efficiency and the ability to release singlet oxygen, thereby improving the antitumor therapy.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yiwei He, Tiancheng Xu, Tingting Ding, Yuanchuan Gong, Hui Zeng, Zihan Xi, Yuanxin Ye, Ziyang Song, Ting Pan, Zhewei Zhang, Qian Ma, Lihua Li, Yuqing Zhang, Guoliang Shao
Summary: We developed multimodal imaging nano-assembled microspheres (NAMs) that can be visualized under CT/MR and help determine the location of embolic microspheres during postoperative review. Compared with commercially available DC Bead and CalliSpheres microspheres, NAMs showed similarities in drug loading capacity, drug release profiles, diameter variation, and morphological characteristics. Therefore, NAMs have a promising application prospect in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Yazdani, Mehrdad Mozaffarian, Gholamreza Pazuki, Naghmeh Hadidi, Idoia Gallego, Gustavo Puras, Jose Luis Pedraz
Summary: In this study, single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were functionalized and used as carriers for drug/gene delivery. The functionalized carbon nanotubes showed high loading capacity and easy penetration to cell membrane, indicating their potential as drug/gene delivery systems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Tan, Wei Cai, Caiming Luo, Jiahao Tang, Ryan T. K. Kwok, Jacky W. Y. Lam, Jianwei Sun, Jinbin Liu, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: By designing luminescent gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles that can be rapidly transformed in the hepatic sinusoidal microenvironment, liver sequestration can be avoided, phagocytosis by mononuclear phagocyte system cells can be enhanced, rapid release can be promoted, renal clearance can be improved, and disease targeting can be increased.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yi-Chun Chen, Chang-Jung Chang, Ging-Ho Hsiue, Yi-Ting Chiang
Summary: A stable and pH-responsive mixed micellar system was assembled with degradable copolymers to load the anticancer drug doxorubicin, showing high biosafety and effective drug release behavior in vitro and high tumor accumulation in vivo. This system increased cancer cells' sensitivity to doxorubicin and holds promise for clinical use in cancer therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maghsoud Amirfarhangi Anbardan, Siamak Alipour, Gholam Reza Mahdavinia, Parisa Fathi Rezaei
Summary: The magnetic nanocarriers composed of chitosan/hyaluronic acid complexed with kappa-carrageenan were successfully synthesized and demonstrated as an efficient drug delivery system. The nanodelivery system showed high drug loading capacity and responsive drug release behavior under pH stimuli, while exhibiting no inhibitory effect on cell growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alusani Manyatshe, Zamani E. D. Cele, Mohammed O. Balogun, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: In this work, a biosorbent bio-composite consisting of pretreated sugarcane bagasse, chitosan, and epichlorohydrin was prepared and used for the adsorption of phosphate from aqueous media. The study showed that high solvent concentration enhanced the extraction of cellulose and pretreatment enhanced the compatibility between cellulose and chitosan. The addition of epichlorohydrin improved the adsorption capacity and stability of the biosorbent. Characterization techniques were used and batch studies showed that the biosorbent was pH dependent, selective, and recyclable.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Mope Edwin Malefane, Potlako John Mafa, Thabo Thokozani Innocent Nkambule, Muthumuni Elizabeth Managa, Alex Tawanda Kuvarega
Summary: The recent outbreak of Covid-19 has led to excessive consumption of drugs to alleviate the symptoms, resulting in the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water systems. The use of artificial Z-scheme photocatalysts for the degradation of pharmaceuticals offers a promising solution for sustainable clean water supply. This article comprehensively summarizes the latest advancements in Z-scheme photocatalytic systems for the removal of pharmaceuticals in water, explores the principle and validation techniques of the Z-scheme, and discusses the application of Z-scheme photocatalysts in the degradation of antibiotics, NSAIDs, and bacterial/viral inactivation. The conclusions and perspectives presented in this article will facilitate the commercialization of Z-scheme photocatalytic systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ntombenhle Masanabo, Benjamin Orimolade, Azeez O. Idris, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Bhekie B. Mamba, Usisipho Feleni
Summary: Globally, ibuprofen is the third most consumed drug and its presence in the environment is a concern due to limited knowledge about its effects. Sensors and biosensors have provided efficient detection and monitoring of ibuprofen, especially with the development of eco-friendly polymer-based systems. Integrating polymers in sensor systems improves sensitivity, selectivity, stability and reduces sample preparation. This review highlights the perspectives and trends of polymer-based sensors and biosensors for detecting ibuprofen compared to non-polymer-based sensors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mope E. Malefane, Alex T. Kuvarega, Potlako J. Mafa, Muthumuni Managa, Thabo T. I. Nkambule
Summary: In the past seven years, dual Z-scheme hetero-junctions have emerged as favorable approaches for enhanced charge carrier separation. The understanding of charge transfer dynamics plays a major role in evaluating their photoactivity and stability. This article proposes a universal charge transfer-based classification for dual Z-schemes and outlines methods for determining the charge transfer as proof of their existence. Additionally, the article introduces new macroscopic N-scheme and triple Z-scheme systems that can be adopted for various applications.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jemal Fito, Oudum Ebrahim, Thabo T. I. Nkambule
Summary: This research investigated the adsorptive capacity of Mn-Ni ferrite nanocomposite for chromium removal from textile industrial wastewater. The nanocomposite showed a promising performance with a maximum chromium removal of 87.7% and a maximum chromium adsorption from the wastewater of 84.5%. The Langmuir isotherm model was the best fit, indicating a chemical sorption and monolayer adsorption process. The nanocomposite adsorbent holds great potential for industrial-scale removal of chromium from textile industrial effluent.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Thabile Lukhele, Titus Alfred Makudali Msagati
Summary: This study identified bacteria from extreme and polluted environments that have the potential to bioremediate microcystin-LR. These bacteria were able to grow optimally at alkaline pH and different concentrations of microcystin-LR, suggesting the use of a unique degradation pathway.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Olayemi J. Fakayode, Bambesiwe M. May, Reagan L. Mohlala, Bhekie B. Mamba, Thabo T. I. Nkambule
Summary: Sustainable green hydrogen production is important and supramolecular porphyrins can be used as catalysts. However, the synthesis and purification of these catalysts usually involve toxic chemicals. This work introduces a new method to produce red/near infrared-absorbing porphyrins at room temperature without the need for toxic solvents or complex purification processes.
Review
Agronomy
Emmanuella C. Nnabuo-Eguzozie, Rose W. Kibechu, Kennedy U. Eguzozie, Bhekie B. Mamba, Hlengilizwe Nyoni, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: A significant number of people worldwide suffer from diseases related to unsafe vegetable crops. Early identification of waterborne microbial pathogens affecting vegetable crops is crucial for disease control. Analytical techniques such as metabolomics and proteomics can be used to investigate secreted compounds and molecular biomarkers, which can be exploited to diagnose microbial pathogens and improve understanding of host-pathogen interactions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jemal Fito, Mikiyas Abewaa, Ashagrie Mengistu, Kenatu Angassa, Abera Demeke Ambaye, Welldone Moyo, Thabo Nkambule
Summary: This study aimed to remove Methylene blue (MB) from textile wastewater using activated carbon developed from Rumexabyssinicus. The activated carbon was characterized and the adsorption isotherm and kinetics were investigated. Optimization of MB dye removal was carried out and the maximum removal efficiency of 99.9% was achieved at optimum conditions. The Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics were found to be the best fit for the adsorption process, indicating its potential for industrial use.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nokwanda Zulu, Azeez O. Idris, Benjamin O. Orimolade, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Bhekie B. Mamba, Usisipho Feleni
Summary: Escherichia coli is a harmful pathogenic bacterial species causing serious intestinal sickness in humans. Various conventional methods such as multiple tube fermentation and membrane filtration techniques have been used for the detection of E. coli bacteria, but emerging approaches lack precision and require additional lab testing. Therefore, the invention of a sensing device that is simple to use, compact, extremely sensitive, and specific is essential in identifying incredibly low concentrations of harmful E. coli in drinking water.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thompho Ravele, Xolile G. Fuku, Ntuthuko W. Hlongwa, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Nozipho N. Gumbi, Kutloano E. Sekhosana
Summary: This review examines the mechanisms, ecological risks, and human health risks associated with anti-androgens in water. It also explores electrochemical techniques as the most reliable method for detecting and quantifying anti-androgens, with a focus on nanomaterial-based sensors. Progress in the development of metal oxide-based sensors for anti-androgen detection in water is also discussed in depth.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deogratius T. Maiga, Rose W. Kibechu, Bhekie B. Mamba, Titus A. M. Msagati, Terence T. Phadi
Summary: In this study, functionalized mesoporous silica was successfully synthesized and evaluated as a promising stationary phase for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water samples. The synthesized sorbent exhibited outstanding performance in extracting PAHs, with high recovery rates and low limits of detection. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid mesoporous silica as a stationary phase for sensitive detection of PAHs in water samples.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lerato Monatisa, Lueta A. de Kock, Bhekie B. Mamba, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Azizallah Izady, Ali Al-Maktoumi, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: This paper presents the development of a model for early warning indication of pollution caused by oil produced water and as a predictive tool for compliance/noncompliance to wastewater discharge guidelines. The model was developed using physico-chemical measurements of oil-produced water samples from an oil refiner depot and evaporation rate patterns observed in a Class A evaporation Pan. Experimental data collected over six months in South Africa were used to develop a multiplicative model relating OPWE to influencing parameters. The developed model showed reasonably accurate estimation (RMSE = 0.49 mm) for OPWE and had potential for fingerprinting different OPWE compositions.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
T. A. Makwakwa, D. Moema, H. Nyoni, T. A. M. Msagati
Summary: TOPSIS is a multi-criteria decision analysis tool that helps in ranking or selecting alternatives based on multiple criteria. In this study, TOPSIS methods based on objective mean weight and entropy weighting methods were used to evaluate the greenness of dispersive-extraction solvents used in DLLME for mifepristone extraction. The solvents were ranked based on attributes such as analytical performance, solvents greenness, and combination of analytical performance and solvent greenness. The best solvent pairs for mifepristone extraction were dichloroethane-acetone and chlorobenzene-tetrahydrofuran, weighted by mean and entropy weights respectively. Chloroform-acetone was found to be the most favorable option in terms of green chemistry. The performance of TOPSIS-MW and TOPSIS-Entropy was compared to simple additive weighting method and showed similar ranking observations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mope E. Malefane, Potlako J. Mafa, Muthumuni Managa, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Alex T. Kuvarega
Summary: In the past seven years, dual Z-scheme hetero-junctions have emerged as favorable approaches for enhancing charge carrier separation through direct or indirect charge transfer. Understanding the dynamics of charge transfer is crucial for comprehending their photoactivity and stability, and a universal charge transfer-based classification of dual Z-schemes is proposed for different energy and pollution remediation strategies. Additionally, the existence of dual Z-schemes is confirmed using methods for determining charge transfer, and a new macroscopic N-scheme and triple Z-scheme heterostructures composed of four semiconductors are suggested for generating both oxidatively and reductively empowered systems, with potential applications in solar-driven chemical reactions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadreza Kasravi, Alireza Yaghoobi, Tahereh Tayebi, Mahsa Hojabri, Abdolkarim Talebi Taheri, Fatemeh Shirzad, Bahram Jambar Nooshin, Radman Mazloomnejad, Armin Ahmadi, Fatemeh A. Tehrani, Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Mohammad Hadi Farjoo, Hassan Niknejad
Summary: As a promising approach in translational medicine, the decellularization of discarded livers to produce bioscaffolds that support recellularization has potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional liver transplantation. In this study, the researchers investigated the use of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition to preserve the extracellular matrix (ECM) during liver decellularization. The results demonstrated that the application of an MMP inhibitor significantly improved the preservation of ECM components and mechanical properties of the bioscaffolds, which supported cell viability and function in vitro. The study also confirmed that the MMP inhibition led to the inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9, providing a novel method to enhance ECM preservation during liver decellularization.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadsadegh Nadimifar, Weiguang Jin, Clara Coll-Satue, Gizem Bor, Paul Joseph Kempen, Ali Akbar Moosavi-Movahedi, Leticia Hosta-Rigau
Summary: This study presents a metal-phenolic self-assembly approach that can prepare nanoparticles fully made of hemoglobin. The nanoparticles exhibit good oxygen binding and releasing capabilities.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jyoti Kumari, Roel Hammink, Jochem Baaij, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: Fibrosis is the formation of fibrous connective tissue in response to injury, leading to organ dysfunction. A novel hybrid hydrogel combining synthetic polyisocyanide with hyaluronic acid has been developed, showing strong antifibrotic properties.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Letter
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Melissa Machado Rodrigues, Cristian Padilha Fontoura, Charlene Silvestrin Celi Garcia, Sandro Tomaz Martins, Joao Antonio Pegas Henriques, Carlos Alejandro Figueroa, Mariana Roesch Ely, Cesar Aguzzoli
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jessica Polak, David Sachs, Nino Scherrer, Adrian Suess, Huan Liu, Mitchell Levesque, Sabine Werner, Edoardo Mazza, Gaetana Restivo, Mirko Meboldt, Costanza Giampietro
Summary: Human skin equivalents (HSEs) play a crucial role in tissue engineering. This study introduces a 3D-printed culture insert to apply a static radial constraint on HSEs and examines its effects on tissue characteristics. The results show that the diameter of the culture insert significantly influences tissue contraction, fibroblast and matrix organization, keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal stratification, and basement membrane formation. This study provides important insights for the design of skin tissue engineering.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shiliang Chen, Tianming Du, Hanbing Zhang, Jing Qi, Yanping Zhang, Yongliang Mu, Aike Qiao
Summary: This paper reviewed the primary methods for improving the overall properties of biodegradable zinc stents. It discussed the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of various improvement strategies. Alloying was found to be the most common, simple, and effective method for improving mechanical properties. Deformation processing and surface modification further improved the mechanical properties and biological activity of zinc alloys. Meanwhile, structural design could endow stents with special properties. Manufacturing zinc alloys with excellent properties and exploring their interaction mechanism with the human body are areas for future research.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
