Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anna Tellegen, Martijn Beukers, Imke Rudnik-Jansen, Nicolien van Klaveren, Kan Loi How, Nina Woike, George Mihov, Jens Thies, Erik Teske, Laura Creemers, Marianna Tryfonidou, Bjorn Meij
Summary: This prospective study demonstrated the safety and proof-of-concept of IA-administered TA-PEAMs in treating OA pain and inflammation in dogs, showing potential for tissue regeneration.
Article
Microbiology
Johanna Zech, Nadeen Salaymeh, Nicholas H. Hunt, Karsten Maeder, Jacob Golenser
Summary: The study demonstrates that using SMEDDS can enhance the efficacy of ART in treating malaria, with better results achieved by splitting the dose and choosing the appropriate route of administration. Nasal treatment was found to be the most effective, followed by oral treatment, while intraperitoneal injection was the least effective route.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yunwei Niu, Juan Deng, Zuobing Xiao, Xingran Kou, Guangyong Zhu, Min Liu, Sihong Liu
Summary: The study identified the optimal preparation conditions for the apple fragrance/beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex through single-factor experiments, with an average diameter of 3.6 μm and good stability. The release mechanism was determined to be first-order release kinetics.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jie Zhu, Jiacong Huang, Qixiong Zhao, Lishan Ling, Yue Qin, Chenchen Xi, Yongjun Meng
Summary: This study explores the slow- and controlled-release performance of salt-storage anti-icing fog seals by applying drug release kinetics principles. The results indicate that antifreeze content, temperature, and asphalt mixture surface structure influence the release mechanism of antifreeze agents. These findings are essential for improving the slow-release performance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weichen Luo, Ling Qian, Weiwei Liu, Xin Zhang, Qi Wang, Haiyang Jiang, Beijiu Cheng, Huan Ma, Zhengyan Wu
Summary: The Mg-enriched biochar fertilizer (MBF) demonstrated excellent slow-release performances of total P and N, with mechanisms involving Mg-P precipitates and 'P-trap' effect of MgO for P-release, as well as confinement effect and electrostatic attraction for N-release. MBF significantly promoted corn growth and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency, suggesting promising potential for sustainable agriculture with multiple environmental benefits.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jiajun Lu, Mingyang Cheng, Chao Zhao, Bin Li, Hehuan Peng, Yongjian Zhang, Qianjun Shao, Muhammad Hassan
Summary: Lignin, the most abundant renewable aromatic resource on Earth, is being utilized for producing bioproducts to support sustainable development. Studies on lignin-based slow-release fertilizer have increased due to its excellent properties in releasing nutrients slowly. By either physically impeding or chemically modifying the nutrients, lignin-based slow-release fertilizers are able to effectively release nutrients, promoting resource utilization and environmental protection.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mina Heidari, Jacob Golenser, Andreas Greiner
Summary: Biodegradable polymer nano- and microparticles have been studied as drug carriers, with spray drying showing higher encapsulation efficiency and solvent displacement method slightly lower. The release properties of the two types of particles differ, which is important for drug delivery applications.
PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yingqin Wang, Hao Chen, Dongyu Tian, Liyun Yang, Hao Bai
Summary: In this study, sintering method was used to prepare slow-release potassium fertilizer (SRPF) with metastable KAlSiO4 as the main slow-release substance using fly ash and K2CO3 as raw materials. The optimal preparation parameters for SRPF were found to be 15% potassium carbonate content, 1100℃ sintering temperature, 60 min heat preservation time, furnace cooling for cooling, and raw material particle size not less than 150μm. SRPF prepared from fly ash and K2CO3 met the standard GB/T 23348-2009 of China, with initial leaching rates in water and 2% citric acid solution of 4.64% and 47.07% respectively, and cumulative leaching rates at 28 days of 11.17% and 85.86% respectively. A soil column leaching test showed that SRPF had a release rate of about 4% in water and up to 21.2% and 43.5% in citric acid, depending on the soil type. SRPF also had a considerable effect on the immobilization of lead ions. The BET results showed a decrease in surface area and pore volume of SRPF compared to fly ash, mainly in micropores and mesopores. Overall, fly ash can be used to prepare SRPF with good release effect and similar heavy metal ion immobilization ability.
Review
Polymer Science
Zhenghui Li, Ming Zhang
Summary: The development of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) is important for addressing challenges in agriculture such as water scarcity, low fertilizer utilization, food security, and environmental sustainability. This study analyzes various methods for preparing stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels and their combinations with different fertilizers. The application and release mechanism of stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels in SRF are summarized, and potential issues and solutions are discussed, along with future research directions.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chainarong Sakulthaew, Chanat Chokejaroenrat, Sidaporn Panya, Apisit Songsasen, Kitipong Poomipuen, Saksit Imman, Nopparat Suriyachai, Torpong Kreetachat, Steve Comfort
Summary: Copious use of antibiotics in aquaculture farming systems has led to contamination of surface water in certain countries. Our goal was to develop a slow-release oxidant that could be used on-site to decrease antibiotic concentrations in discharges from aquaculture lagoons. We achieved this by creating a slow-release permanganate (SR-MnO4-) composed of a biodegradable wax and a phosphate-based dispersing agent. Kinetic experiments confirmed the first-order reaction between antibiotic and MnO4-, with second-order rates ranging from 0.056 to 0.128 s(-1) M-1. Batch experiments indicated that solution pH, water matrices, and humic acids affected the degradation efficiency of sulfadimethoxine (SDM). A mixture of KMnO4/beeswax/paraffin (SRB) at a ratio of 11.5:4:1 (w/w) demonstrated better biodegradability and continual release of MnO4-, although MnO2 formation altered release patterns. The addition of tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP) delayed MnO2 aggregation and increased SDM removal efficiency to 90%. The release data of MnO4- fit the Siepmann-Peppas model in the long term (t < 48 d), while the Higuchi model provided a better fit for shorter timeframes (t < 8 d). Our flow-through discharge tank system, using SRB with TKPP, consistently reduced SDM concentration in both DI water and lagoon wastewater. These findings support the effectiveness of SRB with TKPP as a composite for treating antibiotic residues in aquaculture discharge water.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuta Mitsui, Hinako Muramatsu, Yusaku Tanaka
Summary: Slow deformations associated with a subducting slab can affect quasi-static displacements and seismicity over a wide range of depths. Our study in the Tonga subduction zone found that transient displacements and quiescence of deep earthquakes were bounded in time by large intraslab earthquakes in 2009 and 2013. The slow deformation event between 2009 and 2013 may have been triggered by a distant and shallow M8.1 earthquake, providing new insights into the relationship between shallow and deep earthquakes in the subduction zone.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meng-Xue Wei, Jia-Ying Yu, Xin-Xin Liu, Xue-Qiang Li, Jin-Hui Yang, Meng-Wei Zhang, Pei-Wen Yang, Si-Si Zhang, Yu He
Summary: Novel artemisone derivatives showed good cytotoxic activity against human liver cancer cells with low toxicity against benign cells. One hybrid compound exhibited enhanced inhibitory activity when human liver cancer cells absorbed Fe(2+) in vitro.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Phong Thanh Vo, Huu The Nguyen, Hai Thi Trinh, Viet Minh Nguyen, Anh-Tuan Le, Huy Quang Tran, Thuy Thi Thu Nguyen
Summary: This study presents a new fertilizer formulation based on urea, chitosan, and poly (vinyl alcohol) for slow release of urea, with improved hydrolytic stability and sustained release effects. The interaction between urea and functional groups of chitosan and PVA significantly affects the thermal properties of the formulation. The formulation shows potential as a slow-release fertilizer to reduce adverse environmental and economic impacts in agriculture.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiawei Huang, Linhong Chen, Ming Huang, Mingxian Liu
Summary: The application of nanotechnology in agrochemicals release can effectively reduce fertilizer usage and improve utilization. Urea was successfully intercalated into halloysite by solid-phase milling, and the maximum loading was 14.99 &PLUSMN; 1.33 wt%. Urea-Hal-sodium alginate hydrogel beads were fabricated by crosslinking, which showed good water retention and slow release properties. The release time of urea in the hydrogel was 60 times longer compared to pure urea. The hydrogel has a promising future in slow-release fertilizers for modern agriculture.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marta Marcinczyk, Patryk Oleszczuk
Summary: Biochar can be utilized to produce controlled-release fertilizers and contribute to resource utilization and environmental protection through co-application with synthetic fertilizers. This review describes the methods for producing biochar fertilizers and highlights the potential toxic risks on plants and soil organisms.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
J. W. Bezuidenhout, M. Aucamp, N. Stieger, W. Liebenberg, R. K. Haynes
Summary: To establish the best processing parameters and storage conditions for nanolipid formulations of artesunate, the thermal stability and solubility profiles of artesunate in aqueous solutions were evaluated at different temperatures and pH levels. The study found that artesunate remained relatively stable at temperatures up to 40°C and 75% relative humidity for 3 months, with approximately 9% decomposition. However, higher temperatures led to significantly greater decomposition and the formation of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and other products. The solubility of artesunate varied with pH, with the highest solubility observed at pH 6.8 (phosphate buffer). Overall, maintaining relatively low temperatures is crucial for the preparation and storage of artesunate formulations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Ribaudo, Xiaoyun Yun, Alberto Ongaro, Erika Oselladore, Jerome P. L. Ng, Richard K. Haynes, Betty Yuen Kwan Law, Maurizio Memo, Vincent Kam Wai Wong, Paolo Coghi, Alessandra Gianoncelli
Summary: By utilizing computational tools, this study identified two potential antimalarial drugs, amodiaquine and methylene blue, as possible PLpro inhibitors. These findings provide a starting point for the development of new PLpro inhibitors.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Barend Jacobus Lee, Morne Weyers, Richard Kingston Haynes, Frank van der Kooy
Summary: This article reviews the history of the discovery of artemisinin and the development of combination therapies, as well as the current production techniques and the possibility of producing artemisinin in South Africa. Although artemisinin and its derivatives are widely used for malaria treatment worldwide, the supply is insufficient, especially when used for other diseases. To meet the demand, higher yielding cultivars and novel extraction and purification techniques are needed.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Eyal Klein, Elisheva Smith, Chen Klap, Elena Bakelman, Arie Ophir, Aviad Sela, Elena Poverenov, Dmitry Rein, Yachin Cohen, Dan Eliahu, Shai Shahal, Guy Mechrez, Karthik Ananth Mani, Pulikanti Guruprasad Reddy, Abraham J. Domb, Nadav Pass, Aviv Dombrovsky
Summary: This study tested four root-coating technologies to mitigate soil-mediated Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) infection. The formulations based on methylcellulose (MC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), silica Pickering emulsion, and super-absorbent polymer (SAP) with chlorinated-trisodium phosphate (Cl-TSP) disinfectant showed low percentages of soil-mediated ToBRFV infection and had no adverse effect on plant growth.
Review
Polymer Science
Elif Yuce-Erarslan, Abraham (Avi) J. Domb, Haytam Kasem, Vladimir N. Uversky, Orkid Coskuner-Weber
Summary: In biology and medicine, intrinsically disordered synthetic polymers, which mimic the characteristics of disordered proteins, are highly flexible and self-organizing, making them useful in various biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and organ design. The development of new synthesis and characterization methods is important for providing these polymers for medical use. This study presents strategies for designing intrinsically disordered synthetic polymers for biomedical applications based on mimicking intrinsically disordered proteins.
Article
Parasitology
Joachim Mueller, Carling Schlange, Manfred Heller, Anne-Christine Uldry, Sophie Braga-Lagache, Richard K. Haynes, Andrew Hemphill
Summary: Artemisinin and its amino-artemisinin derivatives are potent antimalarials and exhibit different mechanisms of action against Plasmodium and T. gondii. The amino-artemisinins are effective in vitro against non-heme-degrading apicomplexan parasites including T. gondii. However, T. gondii strains readily adapt to increased concentrations of these compounds, resulting in the development of resistant strains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hossein Hosseinkhani, Abraham J. Domb, Ghorbanali Sharifzadeh, Victoria Nahum
Summary: The development of biological methods has generated interest in the possibility to regenerate human tissues. Stem cell research, gene therapy, and tissue engineering have advanced tissue and organ regeneration technology. Technical issues still remain in gene therapy, especially in the clinical use of viral vectors. Non-viral gene transfection agents are emerging as potentially safe and effective alternatives for treating genetic and acquired diseases.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Danielle van Staden, Richard K. K. Haynes, Joe M. M. Viljoen
Summary: Self-emulsification is a formulation technique that improves oral drug delivery by enhancing solubility and bioavailability. It provides a simplified method for delivering lipophilic drugs by producing emulsions upon moderate agitation and dilution. It is also a promising approach for topical drug delivery, offering simplified production procedures and unlimited upscaling possibilities.
Article
Microbiology
Jessica Ramseier, Dennis Imhof, Kai Pascal Alexander Haenggeli, Nicoleta Anghel, Ghalia Boubaker, Richard M. Beteck, Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora, Richard K. K. Haynes, Andrew Hemphill
Summary: The effects of decoquinate and three O-quinoline-carbamate-derivatives were investigated on human foreskin fibroblasts infected with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. These compounds exhibited different levels of proliferation inhibition and did not affect cell viability at certain concentrations. Treatment with lower concentrations altered the ultrastructure of the parasite, while long-term treatment with one compound showed parasiticidal effects. These compounds were then tested in a murine model, but did not show activity against neosporosis.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Danielle van Staden, Richard K. Haynes, Joe M. Viljoen
Summary: Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) are lipid-based systems that provide superior drug protection and control over drug concentration profiles, making them a promising option for oral drug delivery. Dermal spontaneous emulsions have also gained interest due to their ability to deliver drugs across mucus membranes and skin layers.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Pulikanti Guruprasad Reddy, Tan Hu, Meital Reches, Abraham J. Domb
Summary: This study developed a series of chlorine-rich transition metal complexes/TBA salts of Na-DCC for extended chlorine release studies. These DCC-salts exhibited poor water solubility and slow decomposition chlorine release compared to Na-DCC. Moreover, the DCC-salts demonstrated excellent antiviral and antibacterial properties.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lorencia Taljaard, Richard K. Haynes, Frank van der Kooy
Summary: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, can be controlled and ultimately eliminated by reducing snail populations and preventing and treating schistosomiasis infections. Novel antischistosomal drugs are needed to address concerns about drug resistance, and the genus Artemisia shows promise due to its effects on both schistosomes and snail vectors. The combination of artemisinin and praziquantel presents a potential treatment option for schistosomiasis.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tovi Shapira-Furman, Abraham J. Domb
Summary: This report introduces a novel approach of nano formulation using stereo-interaction mechanism with poly(D-lactide)-polyethylene glycol (D-PLA-PEG) to address the challenges of controlled drug delivery for peptide and protein therapeutics. The study demonstrates that nano particles formed by the interaction between water-soluble D-PLA-PEG and insulin can achieve sustained release of insulin, showing potential application in diabetes treatment.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Awanish Kumar, Yifat Lamberti, Rafael Y. Lewis, Eyal Marco, Abraham J. Domb
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the type of material in the unknown fabrics excavated from archaeological sites in Israel using advanced material technology. Using various analytical methods, it was confirmed that these fabrics are composed of synthetic materials such as nylon 6, polyester, and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The developed method offers a rapid and effective means of identifying archaeological fabrics.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pulikanti Guruprasad Reddy, Ayala Bar-Hai, Amnon Hoffman, Sir Marc Feldmann, Abraham J. Domb
Summary: This study explores the synthesis and characterization of metal and ammonium phenolate salts using CBD as an example. The conversion of CBD into salts significantly enhances its water solubility, thus improving its therapeutic effectiveness. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential use of CBD salts in medicine.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)