Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yudum Tepeli Buyuksunetci, Ulku Anik
Summary: This study developed an efficient H3N2 virus detection technology using novel nanomaterials, with high sensitivity and selectivity. After optimizing experimental parameters, a good linear range and detection limit were obtained. The matrix effect was also studied by using artificially synthesized saliva containing the virus.
Review
Immunology
Laura K. Borkenhagen, Martin W. Allen, Jonathan A. Runstadler
Summary: Research indicates that biases in model design and lack of wet laboratory follow-up may explain why current influenza A virus phenotype prediction models are often underestimated. It is therefore necessary to provide guidance to overcome these limitations, improve these models, and expand them to unexplored phenotypes.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ji Hong Kim, Chae Hwan Cho, Jae Hwan Shin, Moon Seop Hyun, Eunha Hwang, Tae Jung Park, Jong Pil Park
Summary: An electrochemical biosensor was developed to detect the HA protein in the envelope of the influenza virus, using high-affinity peptide-displaying phage particles identified through phage display technology. The sensor showed good performance characteristics, including low limit of detection, high reproducibility, and compatibility with human plasma samples. The sensor system demonstrated advantages such as low cost, rapid analysis, and minimal sample volume requirement, making it suitable for rapid and effective detection of the influenza virus antigen.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Wang Sik Lee, Junhyoung Ahn, Sanghee Jung, Jaejong Lee, Taejoon Kang, Jinyoung Jeong
Summary: The newly developed optical biosensor utilizes peptide-immobilized nanopillar structures for label-free detection of influenza viruses, allowing the detection of influenza A viruses through simple reflectance measurements.
Article
Biophysics
Themis Lazaridis
Summary: The M2 proton channel in influenza A virus allows acidification of the virion when external pH is lowered, but does not conduct protons outward when internal pH is lowered. Trp41 and Asp44 residues play a role in preventing pH-driven outward conductance, but the mechanism is unclear. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that inward proton movement is easier than outward movement when key His37 residues are neutral, and this preference for inward movement increases with increasing charge on His37. Several factors contribute to this asymmetry, including electrostatic interactions, orientation of hydronium ions, and trapping of ions at specific sites in the channel.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ramireddy Bommireddy, Shannon Stone, Noopur Bhatnagar, Pratima Kumari, Luis E. Munoz, Judy Oh, Ki-Hye Kim, Jameson T. L. Berry, Kristen M. Jacobsen, Lahcen Jaafar, Swe-Htet Naing, Allison N. Blackerby, Tori Van der Gaag, Chloe N. Wright, Lilin Lai, Christopher D. Pack, Sampath Ramachandiran, Mehul S. Suthar, Sang-Moo Kang, Mukesh Kumar, Shaker J. C. Reddy, Periasamy Selvaraj
Summary: A hybrid vaccine using influenza virus-like particles (VLP) and protein fusion technology has been developed for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. The results demonstrate that the hybrid vaccine induces a strong antibody response and protects mice from both infections.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Foti, Luana Cali, Salvatore Petralia, Cristina Satriano
Summary: In this study, noble metal nanoparticles with inherent antiangiogenic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties were synthesized. These nanoparticles have potential as potent chemotherapeutics due to their unique features, such as plasmonic properties for photothermal therapy and the ability to slow down cancer cell migration and suppress metastasis. The physicochemical properties of these nanoparticles were investigated, and biophysical studies with model cell membranes were conducted. In vitro cellular experiments with prostate cancer cells confirmed the cytotoxicity, cell migration, NP cellular uptake, and cytoskeleton actin perturbation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hebah A. Al Khatib, Peter V. Coyle, Muna A. Al Maslamani, Asmaa A. Al Thani, Sameer A. Pathan, Hadi M. Yassine
Summary: Human influenza viruses can be detected in the stools of influenza patients, and two distinct mutation patterns were found in fecal viruses. Despite limited mutations, Set I viruses were able to replicate at higher titers than Set II viruses. Functional analysis showed that fecal influenza viruses can efficiently replicate in different cells and bind to receptors.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Madeleine F. Jennewein, Martina Kosikova, Francesca J. Noelette, Peter Radvak, Carolyn M. Boudreau, James D. Campbell, Wilbur H. Chen, Hang Xie, Galit Alter, Marcela F. Pasetti
Summary: This study compared the immune responses to influenza vaccine in pregnant and non-pregnant women and found that pregnant women had reduced responses to hemagglutinin subtype-1 (H1), decreased Fc functionality, and altered glycosylation patterns. These modifications may be related to the reduced inflammation and efficient placental transport in pregnancy.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zhu Qian, Guo Shou-yu, Zhang Feng-xia, Yuan Peng, Shi Wen-jian, Li Jian-liang, Shijin Jiang, Xie Zhi-jing
Summary: This study isolated eight H9N2 influenza A viruses from infected raccoon dogs and Arctic foxes, with genes related to other virus subtypes. The raccoon dogs and Arctic foxes may serve as potential intermediate hosts for the transmission of influenza viruses with pandemic potential.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruo-Yun Zhang, Kai Cheng, Xing Sun, Xiao-Quan Yang, Yong Li, Yong-Guo Hu, Xiao-Shuai Zhang, Bo Liu, Wei Chen, Yuan-Di Zhao, Dong-Sheng Huang
Summary: This study designed a novel biomimetic nanoprobe to comprehensively block immune escape in colorectal cancer. The probe effectively targeted tumors and improved the hypoxic environment, enhancing the therapeutic effect of sonodynamics therapy (SDT). The survival rate of mice was significantly increased.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ajitanuj Rattan, Chantelle L. White, Sean Nelson, Max Eismann, Herbey Padilla-Quirarte, Maryah A. Glover, Thamotharampillai Dileepan, Bindumadhav M. Marathe, Elena A. Govorkova, Richard J. Webby, Katherine A. Richards, Andrea J. Sant
Summary: In this study, a mouse model of intranasal infection with influenza B virus was developed, and a series of robustly elicited individual CD4 T cell peptide specificities were identified. The CD4 T cells were localized to both lung vasculature and tissue, and were highly enriched in lung tissue after infection. The CD4 T cells expressed prototypical markers of tissue residency. These studies will enable more sophisticated analyses of influenza B virus infection.
Article
Biophysics
Amy Rice, Joshua Zimmerberg, Richard W. Pastor
Summary: The fusion peptide (FP) domain is crucial for the fusogenic activity of spike proteins in enveloped viruses, allowing them to infect host cells. This domain interacts directly with the target membrane lipid tails, and can generate pores in experimental model membranes. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that pores form spontaneously at high lysolipid concentrations, with FP aggregates tilting to form a funnel-like structure that reduces the hydrophobic thickness and facilitates pore formation. By restraining a single FP in this tilted conformation, pores can be formed more rapidly in lower-lysolipid-content membranes.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jeong Ah Park, Jinmyeong Kim, Soo Min Kim, Hiesang Sohn, Chulhwan Park, Tae-Hyung Kim, Jin-Ho Lee, Min-Ho Lee, Taek Lee
Summary: This study proposed an electrochemical biosensor using a multifunctional DNA four-way junction (4WJ) and carboxyl molybdenum disulfide (carboxyl-MoS2) hybrid material for precise detection of H1N1, showing excellent specificity and selectivity.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Shaihana Almatrrouk, Iram Saba, Suhair M. Abozaid, Ahmed A. Al-Qahtani, Mohammed N. Al-Ahdal
Summary: The innate immune response to IAV infection involves early, local systematic, and late stages, with pattern recognition receptors playing a crucial role throughout.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenchao Duan, Murat Gunes, Antonio Baldi, Marti Gich, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez
Summary: This paper describes the manufacturing and application of a miniaturized electrochemical sensor for measuring dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD) in surface waters entering and exiting urban wastewater treatment plants. The sensor is produced using thin-film carbon electrodes and electrodepositing copper nanoparticles, allowing for a high linear range and low detection limit. It provides real-time monitoring of soluble organic load in urban wastewater.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Adame Brooks, Olivier Pietrement, Elodie Dardillac, Ayesha Jayantha, Manuel A. Lores Guevara, Fidel Antonio Castro-Smirnov, Pilar Aranda, Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky, Bernard S. Lopez
Summary: Research shows that sonication can improve the dispersion performance of sepiolite, a naturally occurring clay silicate, and enhance its interaction with biomacromolecules such as bovine serum albumin. Sonication also reduces the toxicity of sepiolite in mammalian cells.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Celia Martin-Morales, Jorge Fernandez-Mendez, Pilar Aranda, Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky
Summary: In this study, a nanoarchitectonics approach was used to fabricate biohybrid materials for trapping living cells. Cyanobacteria and yeast cells were immobilized in silica and silicate-based substrates organized as nanostructured materials. The use of bionanocomposites of chitosan and alginate incorporating sepiolite clay mineral in films, beads, or foams showed initial problems with the long-term survival of the encapsulated microorganisms. However, alternative procedures using low sodium content silica-based matrices and pre-synthesized yolk-shell bionanohybrids improved the encapsulation efficiency and cell survival.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jaime Gonzalez, Ali Ghaffarinejad, Maxim Ivanov, Paula Ferreira, Paula M. Vilarinho, Ana Borras, Harvey Amorin, Bernd Wicklein
Summary: In this study, the effect of combining nanosized carbon fillers with natural polymers such as cellulose on the enhancement of electrical properties in nanogenerator devices was investigated. It was found that the highest output voltage in triboelectric mode was obtained from cellulose films with carbon nanotubes and carbon black, while the highest piezoelectric voltage was produced in cellulose nanofiber-carbon nanotube films. The increased electricity generated from cellulose nanocomposites may lead to more efficient and biodegradable nanogenerators.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Noura Thmaini, Khaled Charradi, Zakarya Ahmed, Radhouane Chtourou, Pilar Aranda
Summary: This study develops various nanostructured materials by assembling SiO2, TiO2, and ZnO nanoparticles to sepiolite fibers (Sep) and incorporating them as fillers of Nafion to enhance proton exchange membrane performance in fuel cell applications. Different nanoarchitectures, SiO2-Sep, TiO2-SiO2-Sep, and ZnO@SiO2-Sep, are synthesized through a colloidal route utilizing controlled hydrolysis of alkoxide precursors (tetramethoxysilane and titanium tetraisopropoxide) with hexadecyltrimethylammonium-sepiolite. The resulting nanoarchitectures show successful nanoparticle formation and assembly onto the clay surface, confirmed by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. Nafion-based composite membranes containing these nanoarchitectures exhibit improved thermal properties, water uptake, and proton conductivity compared to neat Nafion membranes, demonstrating their potential for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Esther Marugan, Ediana P. Rebitski, Margarita Darder, Salvador R. G. Balestra, Gustavo del Real, Pilar Aranda
Summary: Cellulosic materials loaded with a novel zinc layered simple hydroxide (LSH) incorporating allantoin were developed for wound dressings. The resulting biocompatible films, containing allant-ZnLSH, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF), displayed suitable mechanical properties and water vapor transmission rates (WVTR). The films also exhibited UV barrier properties and transparency for monitoring the healing process, as well as antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shu Wang, Meritxell Rovira, Silvia Demuru, Celine Lafaye, Jaemin Kim, Brince Paul Kunnel, Cyril Besson, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez, Francisco Serra-Graells, Josep Maria Margarit-Taule, Joan Aymerich, Javier Cuenca, Ilya Kiselev, Vincent Gremeaux, Mathieu Saubade, Cecilia Jimenez-Jorquera, Danick Briand, Shih-Chii Liu
Summary: Biomarkers in sweat can be used to evaluate the physiological conditions of athletes. This study presents a wearable sweat biomonitoring patch that can record and predict physiological biomarkers in real-time, showing promising applications for athletes performing endurance exercise.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Gutierrez-Capitan, Ana Sanchis, Estela O. Carvalho, Antonio Baldi, Lluisa Vilaplana, Vanessa F. Cardoso, Alvaro Calleja, Mingxing Wei, Roberto de la Rica, Javier Hoyo, Arnau Bassegoda, Tzanko Tzanov, Maria-Pilar Marco, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez
Summary: This study demonstrates a unique and easily deployable multiplex device that can simultaneously measure interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase biomarkers in sputum, aiming to facilitate the timely detection of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Pilar Aranda, Gustavo del Real, Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky, Margarita Darder
Summary: By combining organic residue (such as kraft lignin) and natural clay (such as montmorillonite) using ultrasound, the properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) can be significantly improved. The addition of kraft lignin provides UV-shielding, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity, while incorporating montmorillonite reduces oxygen and water vapor permeabilities. The inclusion of both lignin and montmorillonite exhibits a synergistic effect, resulting in enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, gas barrier permeability, UV-shielding, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities in the HPMC bionanocomposite.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky, Cristina Ruiz-Garcia
Summary: This article compares the properties of MXene and clay phyllosilicates, discusses their similarities and applications, and suggests that the current understanding of clay minerals can serve as a basis for the development of MXene-derived nanoarchitectures.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ana C. S. Alcantara, Yorexis Gonzalez-Alfaro, Margarita Darder, Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky, Pilar Aranda
Summary: Magnetic nanoarchitectures have been used to introduce multifunctionality in bionanocomposite foams based on the corn protein zein, prepared by removing ethanol-soluble fractions, followed by water swelling and a further freeze-drying process. The incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles alone or previously assembled into sepiolite clay fibers results in more homogeneous materials with improved water stability and mechanical properties, offering superparamagnetic behavior.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)