Article
Immunology
Dongliang Liu, Sheng Zhang, Ethan Poteet, Christian Marin-Muller, Changyi Chen, Qizhi Yao
Summary: In the development of HIV vaccines, incorporating C1q into CD40L/HIV VLP and immunizing through sublingual administration can effectively enhance mucosal and systemic immune responses, induce more vaccine-specific T cells, and show promising research and application value.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wanru Guo, Harini Lakshminarayanan, Alex Rodriguez-Palacios, Robert A. Salata, Kaijin Xu, Mohamed S. Draz
Summary: Human coronaviruses pose a significant global disease burden, causing harm to health, economy, and social well-being. Studying virus glycans at the nanoscale offers new insights into virus diagnosis and treatment. Glycan nanostructures have the potential to be targets for molecular diagnosis, antiviral therapeutics, and vaccine development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge L. Mejia-Mendez, Rafael Vazquez-Duhalt, Luis R. Hernandez, Eugenio Sanchez-Arreola, Horacio Bach
Summary: This review compiles recent scientific literature on virus-like particles (VLPs) with biomedical applications. It covers general information about viruses, the production and therapeutic performance of VLPs, the structural classification and functionalization methods of VLPs, and various characterization techniques for examining VLPs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alaa F. Nahhas, Alrayan F. Nahhas, Thomas J. Webster
Summary: Traditional approaches to treating viral infections are time-consuming and imperfect, with vaccines and drugs taking significant time to develop while viruses continue to impact healthcare systems. Additionally, viral infections weaken the immune system, often overlooked in antiviral drug strategies, requiring further drug development. Exploring the use of platform nanomaterials and antiviral peptides presents a promising alternative approach to treating viral infections.
Article
Microbiology
Payuda Hansoongnern, Nantawan Phecharat, Ketkaew Wasanasuk, Wantanee Tommeurd, Penpitcha Chankeeree, Chalermpol Lekcharoensuk, Ploypailin Semkum, Sunan Pinitkiatisakul, Porntippa Lekcharoensuk
Summary: In this study, a recombinant plasmid carrying CpG ODN was designed and constructed to incorporate CpG ODN into porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) virus-like particles (VLPs) for enhancing the immunogenicity of the vaccine. The CpG ODN-loaded VLPs significantly increased PCV2-specific neutralizing antibodies and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) expression in immunized mice compared to VLPs alone.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelika Kwiatkowska, Ludomira H. Granicka
Summary: This review evaluates the usability of nanotechnology for combating coronaviruses by focusing on polyelectrolytes and their function as protective agents and carriers for antiviral agents. The review includes nanomembranes in the form of nano-coatings or nanoparticles made of natural or synthetic polyelectrolytes, which can create an interface with viruses. Although there are limited polyelectrolytes with direct activity against SARS-CoV-2, materials effective against other viruses are considered potentially active against SARS-CoV-2. Developing new approaches to materials as interfaces with viruses will remain relevant in the future.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew Gonzalez, Hamada A. Aboubakr, John Brockgreitens, Weixing Hao, Yang Wang, Sagar M. Goyal, Abdennour Abbas
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to the healthcare community, but zinc oxide nanoparticles in textiles and face masks show promising antimicrobial properties. The novel nanocomposite material effectively reduces coronavirus titer by disintegrating the viral envelope. Various face mask designs have been tested to improve filtration efficiency and breathability, with one design surpassing surgical masks in filtration efficiency.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dongki Yang
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been a global issue for nearly a year. Development of suitable vaccines and therapeutics, along with the use of intranasal drug delivery and nanotechnology, are promising approaches to combat the pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu Wang, Xinyue Wang, Fengmin Yang, Ying Liu, Lu Meng, Yan Pang, Mengmeng Zhang, Fangjie Chen, Chao Pan, Sisi Lin, Xinyuan Zhu, Kam W. Leong, Jinyao Liu
Summary: A new vaccination strategy using erythrocyte-mediated systemic antiviral immunization with virus-mimetic nanoparticles has been developed to boost antiviral immune responses. The results demonstrate enhanced immune responses in mice without significant negative side effects, showing promise as an effective approach for developing vaccines against severe infectious diseases.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pranav Kumar Prabhakar, Navneet Khurana, Manish Vyas, Vikas Sharma, Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Harpreet Kaur, Jashanpreet Singh, Deepak Kumar, Neha Sharma, Ajeet Kaushik, Raj Kumar
Summary: Coronavirus, belonging to the coronaviridae family, has caused various diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV-2, and COVID-19. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nanotechnology-based vaccines have been developed to aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.
Article
Immunology
Diana Aguado-Garcia, Alex Olvera, Christian Brander, Victor Sanchez-Merino, Eloisa Yuste
Summary: The long-term storage stability of vaccines is crucial for the success of global immunization programs. This study evaluated the stability of a HIV-1 virus-like particle vaccine prototype and found that it maintained its structural integrity and the recognition of relevant B-cell epitopes for up to three months at 4 and -20 degrees C. Interestingly, even after a week of storage at room temperature, most particles remained intact and preserved their ability to recognize relevant epitopes.
Article
Immunology
Vasilis C. Pliasas, Zach Menne, Virginia Aida, Ji-Hang Yin, Maria C. Naskou, Peter J. Neasham, J. Fletcher North, Dylan Wilson, Katharine A. Horzmann, Joshy Jacob, Ioanna Skountzou, Constantinos S. Kyriakis
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of a novel vaccine against influenza virus infection in a pig model. The results showed that the vaccine induced high levels of anti-NA antibodies and provided protection comparable to a commercial vaccine.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fengping Hou, Zhidong Teng, Jiaxi Ru, Haiyun Liu, Jiajun Li, Yun Zhang, Shiqi Sun, Huichen Guo
Summary: Virus-like particles (VLPs), as a superior subunit vaccine, can be enhanced in terms of cell uptake efficiency and antigen delivery by utilizing flower-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs). The novel VLPs-SiNPs composites exhibit improved stability of VLPs and induce stronger immune responses, including cellular, humoral, and mucosal immune responses. These findings have significant implications for vaccine design and delivery systems.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Yu-Hsuan Yang, Ching-Hui Tai, Dayna Cheng, Ya-Fang Wang, Jen-Ren Wang
Summary: In this study, H5N6 virus-like particles (VLPs) were generated and tested for their potential as a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate against H5Nx avian influenza viruses. The results showed that H5N6 VLPs induced higher neutralizing antibody titers and increased production of immune-related cytokines compared to H5+N6 proteins, suggesting that H5N6 VLPs may be a potential vaccine candidate.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Dong-Kwon Rhee
Summary: Vaccines protect people from infections, but COVID-19 vaccines may not provide long-lasting immunity and effective protection against breakthrough infections and transmission. Predicting viral strains based on epidemiological data is crucial for developing more effective vaccines.
JOURNAL OF GINSENG RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
T. Marimuthu, C. Y. Chee, N. M. N. Sulaiman
Summary: Cellulose nanomaterials have made a breakthrough in diverse applications, including wastewater treatment. Functionalization of these materials has been found to enhance their adsorption efficiency of heavy metal ions and improve their mechanical stability and reusability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Joon Fatt Wong, Jia Xin Chan, Azman Hassan, Zurina Mohamad, Shahrir Hashim, Jeefferie Abd Razak, Yern Chee Ching, Zaini Yunos, Ridwan Yahaya
Summary: This study investigates the properties of synthetic wollastonite nanofibers reinforced polyoxymethylene nanocomposites. The results showed that the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of the nanocomposites were improved, indicating their potential use in automotive applications.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jia Xin Chan, Joon Fatt Wong, Azman Hassan, Norhayani Othman, Jeefferie Abd Razak, Umar Nirmal, Shahrir Hashim, Yern Chee Ching, Muhamad Zaini Yunos, Ridwan Yahaya, T. M. Sampath U. Gunathilake
Summary: Adding synthetic wollastonite nanofibers to polybutylene terephthalate improves the mechanical, thermal, tribological, and flammability properties of the material. These nanocomposites have the potential to be used as lightweight structural components in the automotive industry.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jianlei Yang, Shicai Xu, Wenqing Wang, Xiuzhen Ran, Yern Chee Ching, Xiao Sui, Yunwei Wei, Rui Wang, Naif Mohammed Al-Hada
Summary: In this work, the coupling study between silane coupling agent and starch was conducted, and the modified starch was used to synthesize bioplastics with epoxidized soybean oils (ESO). The modification inhibited the hydrogen bond interactions among starch molecules, leading to higher interaction and compatibility with ESO. The silylated starch-based bioplastics exhibited improved thermal stability and mechanical properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Kalaiselvi Aramugam, Hazlee Azil Illias, Yern Chee Ching, Mohd Syukri Ali, Mohamad Zul Hilmey Makmud
Summary: This work proposed a method to achieve the optimum design of a corona ring on a 132 kV composite non-ceramic insulator string using two optimization methods: the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) and Grey Wolf Optimisation (GWO). The electric field distribution in the model geometry was obtained by finite element analysis of a composite non-ceramic insulator string with and without a corona ring. The results showed that the minimum electric field magnitude along the insulator string was lower using optimization techniques compared to without using optimization techniques by between 3.724% and 3.827%.
Article
Polymer Science
Jia Xin Chan, Joon Fatt Wong, Azman Hassan, Norhayani Othman, Jeefferie Abd Razak, Umar Nirmal, Shahrir Hashim, Yern Chee Ching, Muhamad Zaini Yunos, Ridwan Yahaya, T. M. Sampath U. Gunathilake
Summary: The effects of different fillers on the properties of PBT composites were studied. It was found that PBT/SWN had the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus, PBT/GO showed the best wear resistance and anti-friction performance, while PBT/NW had the lowest heat release rate and smoke production rate.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianlei Yang, Yern Chee Ching, Kuan Yong Ching, Xiuzhen Ran, Naif Mohammed Al-Hada, Xiao Sui, Yunwei Wei, Shicai Xu, Jiafeng Yu, Jihua Wang, Jiehua Zhou
Summary: In this study, citric acid was successfully used to improve the features of starch-based bioplastic films containing epoxidized soybean oils. Different degrees of polymerization were achieved by synthesizing citric acid-epoxidized soybean oil oligomers with various molar ratios of citric acid to epoxidized soybean oils. The resulting films exhibited enhanced structural, thermal, tensile, water resistance, and optical properties, attributed to the hydrogen bonding interactions between starch and citric acid-epoxidized soybean oil oligomers.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
K. Vishal, Kanakaraj Aruchamy, Ganesan Sriram, Yern Chee Ching, Tae Hwan Oh, Gurumurthy Hegde, Kanalli V. Ajeya, Siddharth Joshi, A. Ve Sowriraajan, Ho-Young Jung, Mahaveer Kurkuri
Summary: In this study, diatomite adsorbents were treated with varying concentrations of Zn-Mg-Al layered triple hydroxide (LTH) and used to remove Congo Red dye. The adsorbents were characterized and their removal efficiencies were evaluated. The optimal adsorbent, 0.1 LDE, showed a high removal efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity for CR. The adsorbents demonstrate potential for industrial applications. Overall, the study received a score of 8 out of 10.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jia Xin Chan, Joon Fatt Wong, Azman Hassan, Norhayani Othman, Jeefferie Abd Razak, Umar Nirmal, Shahrir Hashim, Yern Chee Ching, Muhamad Zaini Yunos, T. M. Sampath U. Gunathilake
Summary: Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with synthetic wollastonite nano-fibers (SWN) and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by melt compounding. The study investigated the effect of GO content on the properties of PBT/SWN/GO nanocomposites. The hybridization of SWN and GO improved the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties, but the poor interaction between GO and PBT matrix limited the reinforcing effect of SWN.
DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yin Yin Yee, T. M. Sampath U. Gunathilake, Yern Chee Ching
Summary: In this study, biocomposite films were prepared from biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), silica, and empty fruit bunch fiber (EFB), and their properties for food packaging were investigated. The addition of silica improved the thermal properties of the PLA composite film but reduced its light transmission. The use of TEFB fibers improved the interfacial bonding force between natural fillers and PLA, and adding organic silica increased the water vapor diffusion (WVP) while inorganic silica reduced the WVP of the composite film. The PLA/EFB composite films reinforced with natural fiber and silica showed better packaging performance than existing polyethylene films.
IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jianlei Yang, Shicai Xu, Yern Chee Ching, Rui Wang, Naif Mohammed Al-Hada, Chunhui Li, Dongjun Lv, Zilong Zhang
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of citric acid on the properties of cassava starch/epoxidized soybean oils-based bioplastics. Citric acid-epoxidized soybean oil oligomers (CESO) were successfully synthesized and applied to fabricate the bioplastics. The addition of CESO resulted in improved dispersity, increased flexibility, higher light transmittance, and enhanced hydrophobicity of the bioplastics, making them potential substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in industrial applications.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Joon Fatt Wong, Jia Xin Chan, Azman Hassan, Zurina Mohamad, Shahrir Hashim, Jeefferie Abd Razak, Yern Chee Ching, Muhamad Zaini Yunos, Ridwan Yahaya, T. M. Sampath U. Gunathilake
Summary: Polyoxymethylene (POM) nanocomposites reinforced with synthetic wollastonite nanofibers (SWN) showed improved mechanical, thermal, and flammability properties as the aspect ratio of SWN increased. Higher aspect ratio SWN resulted in increased tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength in POM nanocomposites. However, lower aspect ratio SWN performed better in flame retardancy, with delayed time to ignition and decreased peak heat release rate.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dinh Tien Dung Nguyen, Ngoc Hoi Nguyen, Ngoc-Hang Truong-Thi, Yern Chee Ching, Tan Phu Nguyen, Dai Hai Nguyen
Summary: A phospholipid bilayer was successfully covered on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), forming MSN@Lip, which reduced drug leakage and improved the stability of the colloidal system. The MSN@Lip showed good colloidal stability, high drug loading content, and sustainable drug release.
VIETNAM JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Jianlei Yang, Yern Chee Ching, Sabariah J. Julai, Cheng Hock Chuah, Dai Hai Nguyen, Pai-Chen Lin
Summary: This study aimed to modify starch-based bioplastics using palm oil and epoxidized palm oil, and evaluate the properties of the modified materials. The results showed that epoxidized palm oil had better compatibility with the starch matrix. Low concentrations of oil improved the mechanical properties of the bioplastics, while higher concentrations caused phase separation and decreased tensile properties. Epoxidized palm oil was more efficient at enhancing the properties of starch-based bioplastics compared to palm oil.
POLYMERS & POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xueliang Xiu, Shichao Ma, Zhiyong Li, Zhipeng Li, Xuemei Li, Yangtao Ruan, Dezhao Li, Jianwei Wang, Fengsen Ma
Summary: Liposomes are promising delivery vehicles for drugs and vaccines. The use of microfluidic chips for liposome preparation is an effective method. However, traditional liposome preparation technologies hinder their industrial production and clinical application. This study presents a novel three-dimensional integrated microfluidic device for continuous liposome preparation and purification, which shows potential for industrial production of nano-pharmaceutical applications.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)