Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kairi Lorenz, Liis Preem, Kadi Sagor, Marta Putrins, Tanel Tenson, Karin Kogermann
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that chronic wounds are associated with bacterial biofilms. New wound care products are being developed to inhibit biofilm formation and treat existing ones. In order to analyze these new antibacterial drug delivery systems, standardized assays and appropriate tools and models are needed. This study demonstrates that optimized in vitro and ex vivo wound infection and biofilm models provide a convenient approach for testing the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of novel wound dressings. The results can be used to design more effective wound care products and screen different formulations and active substances.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Martina Gruppuso, Gianluca Turco, Eleonora Marsich, Davide Porrelli
Summary: Chronic wounds have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and incur high costs for the medical system. Active wound dressings like electrospun wound dressings mimic the extracellular matrix to promote tissue regeneration and wound closure, utilizing polysaccharides for their biomimicry and bioactive properties to enhance the healing process. This review focuses on the features of ideal wound dressings, traditional and current strategies, and the commercialization of wound dressings, with an emphasis on polysaccharide-based electrospun nanofibrous devices and strategies for improving membrane stability and bioactivity.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nashath Kalangadan, Aarcha Shanmugha Mary, Kaushik Mani, Biplab Nath, Jayalalitha Kondapalli, Swati Soni, Vikram Srinivasa Raghavan, Rajesh Parsanathan, Meganathan Kannan, David Jenkins, Sai Siva Gorthi, Kaushik Rajaram
Summary: Microbial colonization is a common cause of delayed or non-healing wounds. Researchers have developed composite nanofibers using the repurposed drugs ivermectin and ciprofloxacin, and found that these nanofibers can effectively control wound infections and promote wound healing in vitro and in ovo models. The composite nanofibers disintegrate biofilms and enhance fibroblast cell migration and angiogenesis.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
M. R. El-Aassar, Omar M. Ibrahim, Ziad H. Al-Oanzi
Summary: The review article summarizes the critical research and development trends of electrospun nanofibers loaded with bioactive components in various applications, as well as their potential applications in biomedicine and cancer treatment.
Article
Polymer Science
Qunhao Wang, Mei Li, Zhuo Zheng, Yan Niu, Xiaolin Xue, Chenghong Ao, Wei Zhang, Canhui Lu
Summary: In this study, a novel wound dressing with high drug loading capacity and sustained drug release properties was successfully fabricated by electropinning of cellulose followed by polyethylenimine (PEI)-functionalization. The grafted PEI chains on the surface of electrospun cellulose nanofibers provided numerous active amino groups, leading to enhanced adsorption performance against the anionic drug of sodium salicylate (NaSA). The NaSA-loaded cellulose-PEI could continuously release the drug for 12 hours in simulated body fluid (SBF), demonstrating the versatility of cellulose-PEI as an advanced wound dressing with drug carrier functionalities.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shokoh Parham, Anousheh Zargar Kharazi, Hamid Reza Bakhsheshi-Rad, Mahshid Kharaziha, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Safian Sharif, Mahmood Razzaghi, Seeram RamaKrishna, Filippo Berto
Summary: Wound dressings have evolved from using natural materials to customizable electrospun polymers that contain active compounds for wound healing and infection prevention. Electrospun polymeric nanofibers are considered promising for enhancing skin regeneration and controlling wound infection.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Kumari Uma Mahto, Surajit Das
Summary: Moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) are widely used in wastewater treatment due to their low operational costs, technical feasibility, and stability. They are capable of achieving high removal rates of nitrogen, organic carbon, and ammonium nitrogen, and modifications in the surface properties of the biocarrier materials can further improve removal efficiency.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shan He, Huangding Wen, Nannan Yao, Lu Wang, Junqun Huang, Zhiqing Li
Summary: The composite nano-sustained release system, TTO-NL@PCS, has potential for accelerating the healing of diabetic and MRSA-infected wounds. It disperses biofilms and kills MRSA through the stable and slow release of tea tree oil. Additionally, it improves inflammatory response and wound healing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qing Ma, Shu-Ming Wang, Mao-Ping Wen, Bao-Hui Zheng, Heng-Jian Huang
Summary: In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were used to enhance TNT and the microstructure and structure characteristics of TNT/nano-ZnO were investigated through SEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics simulation were also conducted to understand the interaction and mechanical properties between ZnO and TNT. The results showed that the addition of 2.85 wt% ZnO nanoparticles reduced the number of voids and defects while increasing the bulk and shear modulus. The modified TNT/ZnO composite exhibited excellent detonation properties and is a potential candidate for high-energy blended explosives.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anjum Hamid Rather, Taha Umair Wani, Rumysa Saleem Khan, Bishweshwar Pant, Mira Park, Faheem A. Sheikh
Summary: Essential oils embedded in polymeric nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning show antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, reducing the need for synthetic drugs in various industries. These nanofibers enhance barrier properties against light, oxygen, and heat in food packaging, while also increasing shelf-life of food products. The controlled release of naturally derived chemical compounds in these nanofibers prevents degradation and makes them effective as active packaging materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mei Deng, Xuejuan Cao, Zhihao Li, Xiaoyu Li, Xiaoyu Yang, Boming Tang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of sludge bio-oil on asphalt performance and the interaction between components. Sludge bio-oil was added to matrix asphalt to prepare bio-asphalt, and various tests and analyses were conducted. The results showed that sludge bio-oil can soften hard asphalt and improve low-temperature thermal cracking resistance. Molecular dynamics simulation and analysis revealed the interaction between the bio-oil and asphalt molecules, which influenced the rheological properties and compatibility of the components.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanaz Alizadeh, Paniz Farshi, Navid Farahmandian, Zahra Aliakbar Ahovan, Ali Hashemi, Mohammad Majidi, Abdolnaser Azadbakht, Mahsa Darestanifarahani, Koushan Sineh Sepehr, Subhas C. Kundu, Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
Summary: A nanofibrous chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) (CS/PVA) mat was designed for controlled delivery of antibiotics to treat wound infections. The material showed excellent antibacterial activity against resistant strains and demonstrated good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Diogo M. Fernandes, Wagner S. Barbosa, Weslley S. P. Rangel, Isabella Moura, Ana Paula dos S. Matos, Fabiana G. Melgaco, Marcos L. Dias, Eduardo Ricci Junior, Luiz Claudio P. da Silva, Leticia Coli L. de Abreu, Mariana Sato de S. B. Monteiro
Summary: Chronic skin injuries are a significant health concern globally, and developing new therapeutic approaches and dressings, such as biodegradable membranes with Babassu oil, can improve wound healing. This study aimed to develop two types of membranes using different techniques, characterized by various assays to evaluate their properties. The electrospun PLA/babassu membrane is a promising option for wound dressings due to its recommended water vapor transmission rate, maintenance of a moist environment, good cytotoxicity, promotion of keratinocyte migration, and inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nan Wang, Feng Qi, Xiaolong He, Honglan Shi, David W. Anderson, Hao Li, Hongmin Sun
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat. A novel anti-virulence compound, CCG-211790, has potential to ameliorate human diseases by inhibiting virulence factors. Nanosuspensions with smaller particle sizes showed improved dissolution rate and oral bioavailability compared to traditional formulations.
Article
Agronomy
Meng Wang, Xiang-Ping Kong, Hongchun Li, Jia-Cheng Ge, Xian-Zheng Han, Jun-Hao Liu, Shu-Lan Yu, Weina Li, Ding-Li Li, Juan Wang
Summary: In this study, an environment-friendly controlled-release formulation of chlorantraniliprole (CAP) was successfully prepared using chitosan through coprecipitation. The CAP/CTS controlled-release formulation exhibited high loading content, encapsulation efficiency, and pH/temperature sensitivity. Toxicity tests confirmed the comparable efficacy of CCF to the commercial suspension concentrate.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paul Erik Olli, Tavo Romann
Summary: Metal-air battery technology is a promising energy storage solution and educational tool for students. The construction and variables impacting the performance of metal-air batteries are demonstrated.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Helen Vaher, Kristiina Kingo, Peep Kolberg, Martin Pook, Liisi Raam, Anet Laanesoo, Anu Remm, Tanel Tenson, Kaur Alasoo, Ulrich Mrowietz, Stephan Weidinger, Kulli Kingo, Ana Rebane
Summary: The study confirms the alteration in expression of IL-1 family cytokines and inflammasome-related genes in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), and a positive relationship between NLRP1 and IL1B or IL18 mRNA levels. It also demonstrates increased expression of NLRP1 and PYCARD proteins, and increased caspase-1 activity in the skin of AD patients. Additionally, genetic associations with AD and the involvement of various immune cell types are predicted. In keratinocytes, colonization with Staphylococcus aureus results in increased secretion of IL-1b and IL-18, which is inhibited by siRNA silencing of NLRP1. These findings suggest that S. aureus colonization may activate the NLRP1 inflammasome in keratinocytes, leading to the secretion of IL-1b and IL-18, and contributing to the pathogenesis of AD, particularly in the presence of genetic variations in the IL-18 pathway.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Piret Pikma, Heigo Ers, Liis Siinor, Jinfeng Zhao, Ove Oll, Tavo Romann, Vitali Grozovski, Carolin Siimenson, Mart Vaartnou, Maarja Paalo, Riinu Harmas, Karmen Lust, Thomas Thomberg, Alar Janes, Jaak Nerut, Rutha Jager, Peeter Valk, Indrek Kivi, Martin Maide, Priit Moller, Rait Kanarbik, Gunnar Nurk, Enn Lust
Summary: Nowadays, electrochemistry has various faces and challenges. Although applied electrochemistry has become the main focus, it is important to acknowledge that a comprehensive understanding of the electrochemical processes at the electrode and electrolyte interface is essential for developing novel green energy transition devices. This review provides an overview of the systematic research in the field of electrochemistry in Estonia, highlighting the collaboration between fundamental and applied electrochemistry.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Huy Qui Vinh Nguyen, Jaak Nerut, Heili Kasuk, Meelis Harmas, Peeter Valk, Tavo Romann, Miriam Koppel, Patrick Teppor, Jaan Aruvali, Ove Korjus, Olga Volobujeva, Enn Lust
Summary: A novel platinum-ceria-Ketjenblack carbon bifunctional electrocatalyst with flower-shaped ceria crystals was synthesized for methanol oxidation reaction. The improved Pt deposition efficiency and increased number of active sites for Pt nanoparticle formation were achieved through modified ethylene glycol reduction method and microwave treatment. The catalysts exhibited high activity and durability in methanol oxidation reaction.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kairi Lorenz, Liis Preem, Kadi Sagor, Marta Putrins, Tanel Tenson, Karin Kogermann
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that chronic wounds are associated with bacterial biofilms. New wound care products are being developed to inhibit biofilm formation and treat existing ones. In order to analyze these new antibacterial drug delivery systems, standardized assays and appropriate tools and models are needed. This study demonstrates that optimized in vitro and ex vivo wound infection and biofilm models provide a convenient approach for testing the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of novel wound dressings. The results can be used to design more effective wound care products and screen different formulations and active substances.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Han Gao, Shiqi Wang, Qiang Long, Ruoyu Cheng, Wenhua Lian, Artturi Koivuniemi, Ming Ma, Baoding Zhang, Jouni Hirvonen, Xianming Deng, Zehua Liu, Xiaofeng Ye, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Researchers developed a virus-mimicking polysaccharide nanocomplex for specific gene delivery to a subset of leukocytes. The nanocomplex exhibited pH-dependent endosomal membrane destabilization capabilities and efficient gene silencing potency against Dectin-1+ monocytes/macrophages. In murine inflammation models, the nanocomplex showed enhanced accumulation at cardiac lesion sites, indicating its exclusive targeting capability for ischemic heart diseases. This design has translational potential as a versatile platform in inflammation-related diseases.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Saara Lautala, Riccardo Provenzani, Ilari Tarvainen, Katia Sirna, S. Tuuli Karhu, Evgeni Grazhdankin, Antti K. Lehtinen, Hanan Sa'd, Artturi Koivuniemi, Henri Xhaard, Raimo K. Tuominen, Virpi Talman, Alex Bunker, Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
Summary: Protein kinase C (PKC) modulators have therapeutic potential for various diseases. Targeting the C1 domain of PKC is a promising strategy, but the penetration of the lipid membrane complicates drug design. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with PKC, ligands, and membranes have been used to address these challenges. Here, we present the design, synthesis, and evaluation of new PKC agonists using an enhanced workflow with ligand-membrane MD simulations, which could be beneficial in designing ligands for weakly membrane-associated proteins.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Veljo Kisand, Peeter Laas, Kadi Palmik-Das, Kristel Panksep, Helen Tammert, Leena Albreht, Hille Allemann, Lauri Liepkalns, Katri Vooro, Christian Ritz, Vasili Hauryliuk, Tanel Tenson
Summary: Taking advantage of Estonia's small size and population, a wastewater-based epidemiology approach was used to monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2, with weekly nation-wide updates released. Results showed that the concentration of the virus in wastewater correlated with the number of COVID-19 infections in the population, and the increase in virus concentration preceded the increase in positive cases by approximately 1.25 weeks (9 days). The surveillance system in Estonia helped inform public health policies and interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taavi Pall, Hannes Luidalepp, Tanel Tenson, Ulo Maivali
Summary: We evaluated the quality of inferential statistics in the field of differential expression profiling using high-throughput sequencing (HT-seq) by analyzing datasets submitted to the NCBI GEO data repository from 2008 to 2020. Our findings indicate widespread bias and unreliability of statistical methods used to analyze HT-seq data. Only a small percentage of experiments resulted in expected p-value distributions, and many experiments showed indications of differential expression despite assumptions that most genes are not differentially expressed. The choice of differential expression analysis program also influenced the observed patterns.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. E. Robertson, S. Tacchella, B. D. Johnson, K. Hainline, L. Whitler, D. J. Eisenstein, R. Endsley, M. Rieke, D. P. Stark, S. Alberts, A. Dressler, E. Egami, R. Hausen, G. Rieke, I. Shivaei, C. C. Williams, C. N. A. Willmer, S. Arribas, N. Bonaventura, A. Bunker, A. J. Cameron, S. Carniani, S. Charlot, J. Chevallard, M. Curti, E. Curtis-Lake, F. D'Eugenio, P. Jakobsen, T. J. Looser, N. Lutzgendorf, R. Maiolino, M. V. Maseda, T. Rawle, H. -W. Rix, R. Smit, H. Ubler, C. Willott, J. Witstok, S. Baum, R. Bhatawdekar, K. Boyett, Z. Chen, A. de Graaff, M. Florian, J. M. Helton, R. E. Hviding, Z. Ji, N. Kumari, J. Lyu, E. Nelson, L. Sandles, A. Saxena, K. A. Suess, F. Sun, M. Topping, I. E. B. Wallace
Summary: Surveys with the JWST have found candidate galaxies in the first 400 Myr of cosmic time, which may be more massive and abundant than previously thought. However, without confirmed distances, their properties remain uncertain.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Emma Curtis-Lake, Stefano Carniani, Alex Cameron, Stephane Charlot, Peter Jakobsen, Roberto Maiolino, Andrew Bunker, Joris Witstok, Renske Smit, Jacopo Chevallard, Chris Willott, Pierre Ferruit, Santiago Arribas, Nina Bonaventura, Mirko Curti, Francesco D'Eugenio, Marijn Franx, Giovanna Giardino, Tobias. J. Looser, Nora Lutzgendorf, Michael. Maseda, Tim Rawle, Hans-Walter Rix, Bruno Rodriguez del Pino, Hannah Ubler, Marco Sirianni, Alan Dressler, Eiichi Egami, Daniel. J. Eisenstein, Ryan Endsley, Kevin Hainline, Ryan Hausen, Benjamin. D. Johnson, Marcia Rieke, Brant Robertson, Irene Shivaei, Daniel. P. Stark, Sandro Tacchella, Christina. C. Williams, Christopher N. A. Willmer, Rachana Bhatawdekar, Rebecca Bowler, Kristan Boyett, Zuyi Chen, Anna de Graaff, Jakob. M. Helton, Raphael. E. Hviding, Gareth. C. Jones, Nimisha Kumari, Jianwei Lyu, Erica Nelson, Michele Perna, Lester Sandles, Aayush Saxena, Katherine. A. Suess, Fengwu Sun, Michael. W. Topping, Imaan E. B. Wallace, Lily Whitler
Summary: As part of the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES), NIRSpec has confirmed spectroscopically four young and metal-poor galaxies at redshift 10.3-13.2, from an early epoch of galaxy formation. Spectroscopic confirmation and analysis of four galaxies unambiguously detected at redshift 10.3 <= z <= 13.2 demonstrate the rapid emergence of the first generations of galaxies at cosmic dawn.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Sandro Tacchella, Daniel J. Eisenstein, Kevin Hainline, Benjamin D. Johnson, William M. Baker, Jakob M. Helton, Brant Robertson, Katherine A. Suess, Zuyi Chen, Erica Nelson, David Puskas, Fengwu Sun, Stacey Alberts, Eiichi Egami, Ryan Hausen, George Rieke, Marcia Rieke, Irene Shivaei, Christina C. Williams, Christopher N. A. Willmer, Andrew Bunker, Alex J. Cameron, Stefano Carniani, Stephane Charlot, Mirko Curti, Emma Curtis-Lake, Tobias J. Looser, Roberto Maiolino, Michael V. Maseda, Tim Rawle, Hans-Walter Rix, Renske Smit, Hannah uebler, Chris Willott, Joris Witstok, Stefi Baum, Rachana Bhatawdekar, Kristan Boyett, A. Lola Danhaive, Anna de Graaff, Ryan Endsley, Zhiyuan Ji, Jianwei Lyu, Lester Sandles, Aayush Saxena, Jan Scholtz, Michael W. Topping, Lily Whitler
Summary: We present JWST NIRCam nine-band near-infrared imaging of the luminous z = 10.6 galaxy GN-z11 from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey of the GOODS-N field. We find a spectral energy distribution (SED) entirely consistent with the expected form of a high-redshift galaxy: a clear blue continuum from 1.5 to 4 mu m with a complete dropout in F115W. The core of GN-z11 is extremely compact in JWST imaging.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruifeng Wang, Xin Shi, Kaikai Li, Alex Bunker, Chunmei Li
Summary: One distinguishing feature of the persimmon is its high proanthocyanidins content, known as persimmon tannin (PT), which has many health benefits. This review aims to summarize the literature on the relationship between PT structure and activity, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying its health benefits. The unique structure of PT and its conversion into oligomeric proanthocyanidins, along with its effects on lipogenic and inflammatory signaling pathways, fatty acid oxidation, gut microbiota, and absorption properties, contribute to its multiple health benefits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Josef Kehrein, Ekinsu Gursoz, Matthew Davies, Robert Luxenhofer, Alex Bunker
Summary: Amphiphilic ABA-triblock copolymers can solubilize poorly water-soluble molecules and form micelles with high drug loading. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the structure-property relationships of curcumin-loaded micelles. The results showed that the system with the highest experimental loading capacity had the most drug molecules encapsulated by the core. Polymer-drug interactions and the variation in polymer structures were also analyzed.