Article
Polymer Science
Moein Zarei, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: Polymeric materials have a wide range of applications due to their controllable properties. In this study, a series of PBS-DLS-PEG copolymers were synthesized with different molecular weights of PEG to investigate their surface and thermal properties. The incorporation of higher molecular weight PEG improved the surface wettability of the materials while maintaining their thermal properties.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Yi Wen, Zhimei Song, Hongmei Xu, Sijia Feng, Li Zhu, Fangfang Teng, Runliang Feng
Summary: The study prepared new polymeric micelles loaded with azithromycin to enhance its solubility and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The micelles showed good in vitro and in vivo antibacterial effects, demonstrating their potential as a candidate for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ekkachai Martwong, Yvette Tran
Summary: The study reports on the synthesis and temperature-responsive properties of poly(PEGMA) hydrogel thin films. Surface-attached poly(PEGMA) hydrogel films were synthesized using a simple, versatile, and well-controlled thiol-ene click reaction method, with the transition temperature finely tunable by adjusting the number of PEG units. The LCST properties of the hydrogel films are not sensitive to salt, holding promise for applications in biology such as injectable hydrogels, drug delivery systems, microfluidic valves, and flow switches for biotechnologies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mathilde Grosjean, Edouard Girard, Audrey Bethry, Gregory Chagnon, Xavier Garric, Benjamin Nottelet
Summary: This study designed degradable bioadhesives based on PEG-PLA star-shaped hydrogels and investigated the performance of acrylate, methacrylate, and catechol functional copolymers as bioadhesive hydrogels. The results showed that these bioadhesives reached adhesion strength comparable to commercial glues and exhibited low cytotoxicity, indicating their potential as surgical adhesives.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xubao Jiang, Suisui Wang, Xiang Zheng Kong
Summary: Monitoring and detecting pyrimidines, such as uracil and 5-fluorouracil, is crucial in cancer treatment. This study demonstrates that poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a commonly known biopolymer, can be used as a sensor for pyrimidine detection. The fluorescence of PEG is quenched when pyrimidines are added, indicating an interaction through hydrogen bonding.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Loona Ferrie, Carlos Arrambide, Vincent Darcos, Benedicte Prelot, Sophie Monge
Summary: Carboxylic acid-based copolymers have been developed for the complexation of actinides. Among the copolymers synthesized, PA25% exhibited the highest sorption capacity and binding constant for neodymium (Nd(III)) and cerium (Ce(III)), indicating its great potential for cation complexation.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Carolin Bunk, Hartmut Komber, Michael Lang, Nora Fribiczer, Martin Geisler, Petr Formanek, Lothar Jakisch, Sebastian Seiffert, Brigitte Voit, Frank Boehme
Summary: In this study, two well-defined amphiphilic tetra-arm star block copolymers were prepared by a hetero-complementary linking reaction. The behavior of the two copolymers was studied in water, and it was found that spherical micelles formed at elevated temperatures for the copolymer with longer PEG arms. However, the copolymer with shorter PEG arms formed cloudy suspensions in water.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Li-Hua Deng, Hai Jiang, Fu-Lin Lu, Han-Wei Wang, Yu Pu, Chang-Qiang Wu, Hong-Jie Tang, Ye Xu, Tian-Wu Chen, Jiang Zhu, Cheng-Yi Shen, Xiao-Ming Zhang
Summary: By using PEGylated SPIO nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents, different nanocrystal sizes and PEG coatings can be utilized to achieve T-1, T-2, or T-1-T-2 dual-mode imaging at different magnetic field intensities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Lukas P. Sadowski, Andrew Singh, Daniel H. Luo, Michael J. Majcher, Ivan Urosev, Meghan Rothenbroker, Vitaliy Kapishon, Niels M. B. Smeets, Todd Hoare
Summary: In this study, brush co-polymer analogues were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and used to fabricate nanoparticles for drug delivery applications. These analogues exhibited high colloidal stability, favorable in vitro cytocompatibility, and effective drug loading. The functionalization of the hydrophobic block allowed for controlled release of the nanoparticles.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Apisit Banpean, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: The study found that under specific conditions, PEG can only crystallize in the preformed spherulites of PLLA and not in the amorphous phase of the mixed PLLA/PEG matrix.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irina M. Le-Deygen, Oxana E. Musatova, Victor N. Orlov, Nikolay S. Melik-Nubarov, Irina D. Grozdova
Summary: This study provides the first evidence of the interaction between PEG and HA in aqueous solutions. The binding of PEG to HA requires multiple free primary hydroxyls regularly distributed along the polysaccharide chain. Additionally, PEG-induced compaction of HA may be related to changes in plasma membrane properties and resealing of mechanical injuries.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kai Cheng, Jie Zhou, Yujie Zhao, Yu Chen, Lan Ming, Da Huang, Rui Yang, Zhenyu Lin, Daozhen Chen
Summary: A CD44-targeting polymeric micelle Emo@CD44p-PM with pH responsiveness and targeting ability against breast cancer cells has been synthesized, showing enhanced cellular internalization and anti-tumor effects.
Article
Polymer Science
Graham Hayes, Ben Drain, C. Remzi Becer
Summary: Poly(2-oxazoline)s are promising for biomedical applications, but limited synthetic approaches exist for star-shaped polymers. A novel bis-oxazoline cross-linker was developed via a fast thiol click reaction, allowing the preparation of well-controlled core cross-linked star polymers. The synthesized star-shaped polymers were characterized extensively and showed potential for encapsulation of dihydroxyanthroquinone.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mucahit Yilmaz, Mustafa Ersin Pekdemir, Ecem Ozen Oner
Summary: In this study, composites with shape memory properties were prepared by blending a polymer with lead element. The thermal stability of the polymer blend decreased with increasing lead percentage. The best shape memory properties were observed in the polymer blend containing 4% lead. The XRD results showed the characteristic cubic shape of lead in the composites. The highest degree of crystallinity was found in the polymer blend composite containing 16% lead. The gamma irradiation experiment demonstrated that the linear absorption capacity increased with increasing lead percentage.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Apisit Banpean, Hideaki Takagi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Noriyuki Igarashi, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: The study focused on the confined crystallization of PEG in PLLA spherulite in a PLLA/PEG blend specimen using SAXS/WAXS measurements. The results showed suppression of PEG lamellae growth in the thickness direction due to space confinement by preformed PLLA lamellae, while also observing more regular stacking in the blend specimen.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Monica Pistone, Giuseppe Francesco Racaniello, Rosanna Rizzi, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Ilaria Arduino, Antonio Lopalco, Angela Assunta Lopedota, Nunzio Denora
Summary: The study aimed to create a solid oral formulation of budesonide (BD) loaded with direct powder extrusion (DPE) 3D printing and fluid bed coating techniques for the treatment of eosinophilic colitis (EC) in paediatric patients. BD, the preferred medication for EC treatment, has poor water solubility and low absorption. The DPE 3D approach was used to create Mini-Tablets (MTs) suitable for paediatric patients, and the inclusion of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin improved the solubility and dissolution rate of BD. The MTs were coated with an enteric polymer to achieve site-specific drug release at the intestinal level.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Federica Sommonte, Ilaria Arduino, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Mattia Tiboni, Federico Catalano, Roberto Marotta, Martina Di Francesco, Luca Casettari, Paolo Decuzzi, Angela Assunta Lopedota, Nunzio Denora
Summary: After 20 years of research, nanoscale delivery systems for biologicals in nanomedicine have become clinically relevant. Microfluidic-based production of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) is shown to be efficient in encapsulating and delivering lysozyme (LZ), with smaller size and higher encapsulation efficacy compared to conventional methods. This study demonstrates the potential of microfluidic production of SLNs for encapsulation and delivery of complex biological molecules.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gianluca Minervini, Antonino Madonia, Annamaria Panniello, Elisabetta Fanizza, Maria Lucia Curri, Marinella Striccoli
Summary: Carbon dots (CDs) are fluorescent carbon-based nanoparticles that have shown potential applications in phosphor-converted white LED (WLED) technology. In this study, polymer-passivated CDs with dual emission bands (green and red) were synthesized via a one-pot solvothermal method. A numerical approach was used to evaluate the spectroscopic properties of the CDs for daylight-mimicking WLEDs. Nanocomposite coatings based on the dual color-emitting CDs were fabricated using solution-based strategies, and their color-converting properties were compared with simulated results to achieve white light emission. This combined numerical and experimental approach reduces the trial-and-error steps for optimizing CD optical properties for lighting applications.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Federica Sommonte, Nunzio Denora, Dimitrios A. Lamprou
Summary: Nanomedicine has developed rapidly in recent years for finding new therapies to treat challenging diseases. Microfluidic technology (MF) and additive manufacturing (AM) have gained popularity in the life science field, offering various benefits and drawbacks. By optimizing operational parameters, MF and AM can overcome existing limitations and their combination can provide highly-customizable and cost-effective solutions. This collaboration between MF and AM shows promising potential for impactful innovation in the near future.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Pasquale Linciano, Claudia Sorbi, Giacomo Rossino, Daniela Rossi, Andrea Marsala, Nunzio Denora, Martina Bedeschi, Noemi Marino, Giacomo Miserocchi, Giulio Dondio, Marco Peviani, Anna Tesei, Simona Collina, Silvia Franchini
Summary: In this study, novel benzylpiperidine/benzylpiperazine-based compounds were designed and tested as Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonists. The compounds 6b and 8b showed high affinity for S1R and selectivity over S2R and NMDAR. They exhibited neuroprotective activity and enhanced neurite outgrowth in cell lines, as well as good efficacy/safety profile in in-vitro and in-vivo models. These results encourage further preclinical investigations of compounds 6b and 8b on neurodegenerative diseases.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bashar M. Thejer, Vittoria Infantino, Anna Santarsiero, Ilaria Pappalardo, Francesca S. Abatematteo, Sarah Teakel, Ashleigh Van Oosterum, Robert H. Mach, Nunzio Denora, Byung Chul Lee, Nicoletta Resta, Rosanna Bagnulo, Mauro Niso, Marialessandra Contino, Bianca Montsch, Petra Heffeter, Carmen Abate, Michael A. Cahill
Summary: Sigma-2 receptor (S2R) is functionally associated with both transmembrane protein TMEM97 and translocator protein (TSPO). This study provides evidence of the interaction between S2R and TSPO, as well as the physical colocalization of TMEM97 and TSPO in certain cancer cells. Additionally, the role of S2R-interacting partner PGRMC1 was clarified. This is the first suggestion of a functional interaction between TSPO and TMEM97, which can be influenced by S2R ligands.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Patrick Knoll, Giuseppe Francesco Racaniello, Valentino Laquintana, Florina Veider, Ahmad Saleh, Anna Seybold, Nunzio Denora, Andreas Bernkop-Schnuerch
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the uptake mechanism of thiolated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). NLCs with different modifications were evaluated for size, surface morphology, stability, cytotoxicity, adhesion to the cell surface, internalization, and their influence on paracellular permeability. The results showed that NLCs with shorter PEG chains and thiolation exhibited higher cellular uptake. The cellular uptake of all NLCs was mainly clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and thiolated NLCs also showed caveolae-dependent and clathrin-and caveolae-independent uptake.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Fabio Vischio, Livianna Carrieri, Giuseppe Valerio Bianco, Francesca Petronella, Nicoletta Depalo, Elisabetta Fanizza, Maria Principia Scavo, Luciano De Sio, Antonella Calogero, Marinella Striccoli, Angela Agostiano, Gianluigi Giannelli, Maria Lucia Curri, Chiara Ingrosso
Summary: A novel hybrid nanocomposite comprising carboxylated Nano Graphene Oxide (c-NGO) and monodisperse citrate-coated Au nanoparticles (c-NGO/Au NPs) is synthesized and characterized for photothermal applications. The study investigates the factors influencing the decoration of c-NGO with Au NPs and provides insights into the synthesis mechanism. The c-NGO/Au NPs composite demonstrates a higher coating density and size dispersion compared to existing systems. The composite exhibits enhanced photothermal properties and shows compatibility for photothermal therapy based on in vitro cell viability tests.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Roberto Grisorio, Carlo Nazareno Dibenedetto, Anastasia Matuhina, Gopal Krishnamurthy Grandhi, Paola Vivo, Elisabetta Fanizza, Marinella Striccoli, Gian Paolo Suranna
Summary: This study describes the preparation of CsPbClxBr3-x nanocrystals in toluene at room temperature. The surface composition of the nanocrystals' organic shell was controlled by using structurally different surfactants, allowing for maximized potential in light emission and photocatalysis applications. Monodispersed blue-emitting nanocubes were selectively obtained through a one-pot synthesis method. The organic shell of the nanocrystals consisted of electrostatically bound dimethyldioctadecylammonium ions and octanoic acid molecules, providing robustness and improved stability to the nanocrystals.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fabrizio Ricci, Giuseppe Francesco Racaniello, Nunzio Denora, Luigi Gentile, Antonio Lopalco, Annalisa Cutrignelli, Massimo Franco, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Valentino Laquintana, Angela Lopedota
Summary: In recent years, researchers have studied mucoadhesive in situ gelling formulations to improve bladder cancer treatment. In this study, a Pluronic F127-based thermoresponsive gel was prepared using two mucoadhesive derivatives of glycol chitosan. The gel was loaded with a combination of Gemcitabine and Celecoxib, and the solubility of Celecoxib was increased by forming an inclusion complex with 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. The rheological properties of the gel were evaluated, and the selected system demonstrated enhanced retention and sustained drug release.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Oleg Dimitriev, Ryohei Yamakado, Ayumu Nagaoka, Mariangela Giancaspro, Federica Rizzi, Nicoletta Depalo, Elisabetta Fanizza, Lina Yoshida, Anna Kosar, Tsukasa Yoshida
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between near-infrared dyes and plasmonic nanoparticles and finds that different interaction modes can result in changes in the intensity of anti-Stokes emission, while the effect of the plasmonic field depends on the excitation wavelength.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cosimo Cardellicchio, Valentino Laquintana, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Nunzio Denora, Antonio Scilimati, Maria Grazia Perrone, Maria Annunziata M. Capozzi
Summary: This study transformed sulindac and its methyl ester into corresponding sulfoximines and tested their antitumor activity against several cancer cells. Preliminary results showed encouraging findings.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dafina Fondaj, Ilaria Arduino, Angela Assunta Lopedota, Nunzio Denora, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi
Summary: Nanomedicines have made significant advances in recent years, providing improved drug solubility, stability, precise delivery, and targeted therapy. Biomimetic nanoparticles have been developed as novel drug carriers, with microfluidic production technique emerging as a promising approach. Leveraging microfluidics and biomimetic nanoparticles can lead to advancements in personalized medicine.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mariangela Giancaspro, Roberto Grisorio, Gabriele Alo, Nicola Margiotta, Annamaria Panniello, Gian Paolo Suranna, Nicoletta Depalo, Marinella Striccoli, M. Lucia Curri, Elisabetta Fanizza
Summary: Room temperature ligand-assisted reprecipitation syntheses of CsPbBr3 nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as viable strategies for large-scale production of highly emissive NPs under open air conditions and with non-polar solvents. These methods meet industrial requirements for high-quality materials, low cost, and synthesis scalability.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chiara Ingrosso, Michela Corricelli, Anna Testolin, Valentina Pifferi, Francesca Bettazzi, Giuseppe V. Bianco, Nicoletta Depalo, Elisabetta Fanizza, Marinella Striccoli, Ilaria Palchetti, M. Lucia Curri, Luigi Falciola
Summary: A novel colloidal hybrid nanocomposite has been synthesized through a facile and cost-effective in situ colloidal procedure. The nanocomposite exhibits good dispersibility and high electrical conductivity, and shows superior performance in the detection of biomarkers such as dopamine. It holds great potential for medical applications.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)