Article
Chemistry, Applied
Teresa Marques-Almeida, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Clarisse Ribeiro
Summary: Biocompatible and electroactive polymers are required for tissue engineering applications to produce active scaffolds. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) meets these requirements and its processing and properties were investigated in this study. The developed PHBV fibers showed bioactivity by mineralizing carbonated hydroxyapatite and partially degrading after 60 days in contact with simulated body fluid, indicating their suitability for bone tissue engineering.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingjing Mai, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock, Clement Matthew Chan
Summary: This study explores the synthesis of industrially relevant high-molecular-weight block copolymers PHBV-b-PHBV using high molecular weight hydroxy-functionalised PHBV starting materials coupled with facile diisocyanate chemistry. Two-step synthesis approach and one-step approach were compared, and both successfully produced block copolymers. However, the two-step synthesis was less effective in building molecular weight. Both synthetic approaches were affected by additional isocyanate reactions resulting in the formation of by-products, affecting the product performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Maria A. M. Reis, Fernando Silva, Mariana Matos, Luis Cabedo, Jose Maria Lagaron
Summary: A new P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolyester synthesized using fruit pulp as feedstock was melt-mixed with commercial PHBV to create miscible films for food packaging. As the content of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) increased, the mechanical response of the films transitioned from brittle to ductile, with increased permeabilities to gases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Li, Shuangna Yao, Changyu Han, Yancun Yu, Liguang Xiao
Summary: Three polymers P34HB, PLA, and PVAc were melt compounded to form a ternary blend with balanced properties, with PVAc showing full miscibility with PLA and P34HB. PVAc selectively dispersed in the PLA phase at low content and gradually diffused into the P34HB phase with increasing concentration. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a phase-separated morphology in all blends, with dispersed phase diameters increasing with PVAc concentration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Mohammad I. Ibrahim, Diya Alsafadi, Khalid A. Alamry, Mahmoud A. Hussein
Summary: PHBV, a biopolyester with biodegradability, biocompatibility, and being biobased, shows great potential to replace conventional non-degradable polymers. Its weaknesses in mechanical properties and processability drive research towards developing composite materials for various applications.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changfeng Miao, Dong Meng, Yuling Liu, Fang Wang, Lu Chen, Zhaosong Huang, Xiangyu Fan, Pengfei Gu, Qiang Li
Summary: This study identified a phaC(R) gene encoding PHA synthase in Rhodoligotrophos defluvii, and successfully synthesized different content and structural PHA copolymers under different carbon source conditions, achieving efficient biosynthesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sara Alfano, Francesca Pagnanelli, Andrea Martinelli
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are degradable polyesters with the potential to replace oil-based polymers. This study presents a new method using attenuated total reflection FTIR (ATR-FTIR) to rapidly determine the composition of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (P3HBV), the most common PHA copolymer. The method proves to be useful for easy and rapid estimation of P3HBV composition.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Young Yun Jo, Soyoung Park, Gyeongtaek Gong, Soonjong Roh, Jin Yoo, Jung Ho Ahn, Sun-Mi Lee, Youngsoon Um, Kyoung Heon Kim, Ja Kyong Ko
Summary: This paper reports an improved artificial pathway for enhancing the 3HV component during PHBV biosynthesis from a structurally unrelated carbon source by Cupriavidus necator H16. By genetically manipulating the branched-chain amino acid pathways, a recombinant strain was developed to increase the intracellular accumulation of propionyl-CoA, a key precursor of the 3HV monomer. This recombinant strain produced 42.5% (g PHBV/g dry cell weight) PHBV with 64.9 mol% 3HV monomer from fructose as the sole carbon source.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Carmen R. Tubio, Xabier Valle, Estela Carvalho, Joana Moreira, Pedro Costa, Daniela M. Correia, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hidroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable polymer that can be used as a substitute for plastics made from fossil resources. By blending PHBV with poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), its properties can be improved, including morphology, wetting, structure, thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics. The addition of PCL and PLA also enhances the antibacterial activity of PHBV. This study demonstrates the potential of developing PHBV blends with PCL or PLA for specific applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Viktoryia Kulikouskaya, Viktoryia V. Nikalaichuk, Anton P. Bonartsev, Elizaveta A. Akoulina, Nikita Belishev, Irina Demianova, Dariana Chesnokova, Tatiana K. Makhina, Garina A. Bonartseva, Konstantin Shaitan, Kseniya S. Hileuskaya, Vera V. Voinova
Summary: Surface morphology plays a crucial role in cell attachment and proliferation. Different films with microstructured surfaces made of biodegradable polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-co-HV), of varying molecular weights were investigated. The study found that stem cells exhibit different behaviors depending on the surface morphology of the films.
Article
Biology
Asiyah Esmail, Joao R. Pereira, Chantal Sevrin, Christian Grandfils, Ugur Deneb Menda, Elvira Fortunato, Abel Oliva, Filomena Freitas
Summary: The study investigated the processing of poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) for porous scaffolds, with emulsion templating technique showing a good balance between porosity and hydrophilicity while maintaining mechanical properties. The copolymer P(3HB-co-3HV) exhibited the best overall performance, with lower crystallinity and higher flexibility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabela F. Santos, Rodolfo M. Moraes, Simone F. Medeiros, Jaspreet K. Kular, Marcus A. Johns, Ram Sharma, Amilton M. Santos
Summary: Polymeric nanoparticles were developed without any matrix ligands on their surface to promote cell attachment and proliferation of human osteoblasts. The study demonstrated that cells readily attached and spread onto the nanoparticle surfaces compared to non-tissue culture polystyrene, indicating the potential of PHBV nanoparticles for cell attachment and growth in tissue engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Silvia Bittolo Bon, Irene Chiesa, Davide Morselli, Micaela Degli Esposti, Paola Fabbri, Carmelo De Maria, Tommaso Foggi Viligiardi, Antonino Morabito, Giacomo Giorgi, Luca Valentini
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of two different three-dimensional architectures of regenerated silk (RS) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with embedded functionalities, which have potential clinical applications. Experimental data are supported by finite element simulations, demonstrating the possibility to program the shape-changing behavior of 3D printed structures. The synergic effect obtained by combining materials on appropriate architectures paves the way to potential clinical applications.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingjing Mai, Christopher J. Garvey, Clement Matthew Chan, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are attractive alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics, as they are derived from bacteria, thermoprocessible, and truly biodegradable. However, the common short chain length PHAs, such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), are relatively stiff and brittle. This study demonstrates the synthesis and characterization of novel high molecular weight PHBV-b-PHBV-b-PHBV block copolymers, which show significantly improved mechanical properties compared to the starting materials. This approach offers an attractive platform for the production of biodegradable PHA materials for various applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minji Kim, Jiseon Kang, Seok Il Yun
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) composite aerogel monoliths were prepared and treated with sodium alginate (ALG) to enhance their compressive modulus and adsorption capacity for water, soybean oil, and the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). The adsorption of MB was influenced by the ALG content, initial concentration, pH, and temperature, and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Ca2+-cross-linking of ALG increased compressive strength but decreased MB adsorption via pseudo-first-order kinetics, indicating a slower internal diffusion step due to the tightened network structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Seyed H. Shahcheraghi, Jamshid Ayatollahi, Marzieh Lotfi, Alaa A. A. Aljabali, Mazhar S. Al-Zoubi, Pritam K. Panda, Vijay Mishra, Saurabh Satija, Nitin B. Charbe, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Bojlul Bahar, Kazuo Takayama, Rohit Goyal, Amit Bhatia, Abdulmajeed G. Almutary, Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan, Yachana Mishra, Poonam Negi, Aaron Courtney, Paul A. McCarron, Hamid A. Bakshi, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: Neuropsychiatric disorders have a significant impact on healthcare systems and economies. Current drug-based treatments for these disorders are often ineffective and costly. Gene therapy, an experimental concept, shows promise in alleviating symptoms, slowing disease progression, and repairing defective genes. While it requires the integration of various scientific disciplines, gene therapy has the potential to be a novel approach for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mohamed El-Tanani, Arwa Omar Al Khatib, Belal O. Al-Najjar, Ashok K. Shakya, Yahia El-Tanani, Yin-Fai Lee, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Alaa A. Aljabali, Rohit Goyal, Poonam Negi, Marzieh Ramezani Farani, Maryam Moradi Binabaj, Amir Gholami, Maryam Moradi Binabaj, Nitin B. Charbe, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: There has been extensive research on breast cancer in recent decades, resulting in important breakthroughs in the treatment of both primary and metastatic breast cancers. Despite the availability of advanced treatment options, treating breast cancer remains a challenge, requiring a combination of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs and surgical options. Recent developments have led to a wide range of treatment options including chemotherapeutic drugs, endocrine system-based treatments, biological therapies, gene therapy, and innovative techniques.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alaa A. A. Aljabali, Rasha M. Bashatwah, Mohammad A. Obeid, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Kenneth Lundstrom, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: mRNA vaccines are an attractive alternative to conventional vaccination technologies due to their superior efficacy, rapid engineering, low-cost manufacturing, and safe delivery prospects. They have shown promising results in targeting infectious diseases and various types of cancer in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Issues related to mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been addressed, and current mRNA vaccines can generate robust immune responses without being constrained by the recipient's major histocompatibility complex haplotype.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alaa A. Aljabali, Mohammad A. Obeid, Rasha M. Bashatwah, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Mohamed El-Tanani, Altijana Hromic-Jahjefendic, Deepak N. Kapoor, Rohit Goyal, Gowhar A. Naikoo, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: Nanomaterials have been extensively studied in the medical and industrial sectors, but their potential toxicities have raised concerns. Researchers are interested in how nanoparticles interact with the immune system and their biomolecules. This review examines literature on the immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects of nanomaterials and their interactions with immune cells, as well as the possibility of creating stealth nanomaterials that evade the immune system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kenneth Lundstrom, Altijana Hromic-Jahjefendic, Esma Bilajac, Alaa A. A. Aljabali, Katarina Baralic, Nagwa A. Sabri, Eslam M. Shehata, Mohamed Raslan, Sara A. Raslan, Ana Claudia B. H. Ferreira, Lidiane Orlandi, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Vladimir N. Uversky, Sk. Sarif Hassan, Elrashdy M. Redwan, Vasco Azevedo, Khalid J. Alzahrani, Khalaf F. Alsharif, Ibrahim F. Halawani, Fuad M. Alzahrani, Murtaza M. Tambuwala, Debmalya Barh
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to extensive research and development of drugs and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines based on viral vectors, nucleic acids, and whole viral particles have been particularly successful and have received emergency authorization for global mass vaccination. However, emerging variants have raised concerns about vaccine efficacy.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed El-Tanani, Hamdi Nsairat, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Alaa A. A. Aljabali, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: Ran is a member of the Ras superfamily of proteins, regulating nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and mitosis by regulating spindle formation and nuclear envelope reassembly. Aberrant Ran expression in cancer is due to upstream dysregulation and abnormal activation of signaling pathways. Overexpression of Ran affects cell phenotype and has been found in various cancers, correlating with tumor grade and metastasis. Increased dependence on Ran for spindle formation and mitosis, as well as dysregulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport, contribute to the increased malignancy and invasiveness associated with Ran overexpression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mohamed El-Tanani, Hamdi Nsairat, Alaa A. Aljabali, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Gowhar A. Naikoo, Walhan Alshaer, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a signalling system, is necessary for various cell proliferation activities. It recognizes PI3KAKT stress signals as a serine-threonine kinase. The abnormal regulation of mTOR pathway has been proven to be crucial in cancer growth and advancement. This review primarily discusses the normal functions of mTOR as well as its abnormal roles in cancer development.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jose Luis Aparicio-Collado, Qiqi Zheng, Jose Molina-Mateo, Constantino Torregrosa Cabanilles, Ana Vidaurre, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Roser Sabater i Serra
Summary: Electroactive composite materials, consisting of a graphene-based hydrogel with dispersed nanosheets, show promise for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. The nanohybrid hydrogels have an interconnected porous structure and high water-absorption capacity. The addition of graphene nanosheets improves the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of the hydrogels. Furthermore, these materials are biocompatible and can induce myoblast proliferation, making them highly suitable for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alba Cano-Vicent, Alberto Tunon-Molina, Miguel Marti, Angel Serrano-Aroca
Summary: Chitosan films were prepared using an acetic acid-based solution and were found to be biocompatible and possess potent antiviral activity against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. In vitro tests showed up to 99.98% and 99.92% viral inactivation against the phi 6 enveloped bacteriophage and MS2 non-enveloped bacteriophage, respectively. This suggests that the chitosan/acetic acid film has great potential for use in biomedical applications requiring biodegradable broad-spectrum antiviral materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alberto Tunon-Molina, Alba Cano-Vicent, Angel Serrano-Aroca
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for new antimicrobial compounds. This study investigates the antiviral properties of tiger nut milk (TNM) against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The results show that TNM is effective against enveloped viruses and adding sugar improves its antiviral properties against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Roser Sabater Serra, Angel Serrano-Aroca
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria-Antonia Serrano, Ana Vidaurre, Jose M. Meseguer-Duenas, Isabel Tort-Ausina, Susana Quiles, Roser Sabater i Serra, Tania Garcia-Sanchez, Soledad Bernal-Perez, M. Amparo Gamiz-Gonzalez, Jose Molina-Mateo, Jose Antonio Gomez-Tejedor, Jaime Riera
Summary: The study examines the performance of first-year students in electromagnetism courses at a Spanish public university using the BEMA test. The results show that the gain in test results is influenced by factors such as degree, academic grade, and gender. Additionally, it is found that active learning leads to better retention of concepts. These findings are important for addressing gender differences in teaching and improving student performance.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Seyed Hossein Shahcheraghi, Seyed Hadi Shahcheraghi, Marzieh Lotfi, Malihe Lotfi, Seyed Hossein Khaleghinejad, Zara M. Tambuwala, Vijay Mishra, Yachana Mishra, Angel Serrano-Aroca, Alaa A. A Aljabali, Mohamed El-Tanani, Gowhar A. Naikoo, Sai Raghuveer Chava, Nitin B. Charbe, Shivani Bharti, Saravana Kumar Jaganathan, Rohit Goyal, Poonam Negi, Murtaza M. Tambuwala, Oladipo Folorunso
Summary: This review explores the potential of photonic nanoparticles for cancer theranostics, highlighting their unique properties and photonics capabilities. However, the size of the particles is crucial to their absorption of near-infrared light and therapeutic potential. Challenges such as toxicity, immune system clearance, and targeted delivery to the tumor are also discussed. Ongoing research suggests that photonic nanoparticles have potential for cancer theranostics, but further investigation and development are necessary for clinical use.
THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY
(2023)
