Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Magdalena Lepicka, Magdalena Rodziewicz, Michal Kawalec, Klaudia Nowicka, Yurii Tsybrii, Krzysztof Jan Kurzydlowski
Summary: The effect of introducing diatomaceous earth as a filler in a glass-ionomer cement matrix was investigated. The results showed that diatomaceous earth particles are uniformly distributed in the matrix and can enhance surface microhardness and roughness, but have no effect on wear performance or compressive strength.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marta Dobrosielska, Renata Dobrucka, Dariusz Brzakalski, Michal Gloc, Janusz Rebis, Julia Glowacka, Krzysztof J. Kurzydlowski, Robert E. Przekop
Summary: The study examined the impact of sample acquisition methods and composite degassing on mechanical properties and standard deviation. Differences in properties were found between samples cast in glass molds and silicone molds due to heterogeneity and self-degassing. The type of filler and degassing method significantly influenced the mechanical properties of the composite materials, providing guidelines for testing with fillers showing extended inner structures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin Sedlacik, Martin Nguyen, Tomas Opravil, Radomir Sokolar
Summary: This study explores the potential use of waste diatomaceous earth for the production of foam glass. The chemical composition, mineralogy, and high temperature behavior of the waste diatomite were analyzed to assess its suitability. Glass-ceramic foams were produced using NaOH solution as a foaming agent, and the effects of different treatments and firing temperatures on the foam's structure and strength were investigated. The results show that the pretreatment temperature and firing conditions significantly influence the foam properties, and the thermal decomposition of organic matter in the waste material contributes to foam formation.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Masoud Hamidi, Oseweuba Valentine Okoro, Peiman Brouki Milan, Mohammad Reza Khalili, Hadi Samadian, Lei Nie, Amin Shavandi
Summary: Fungal exopolysaccharides have diverse potential applications in various industries. However, there are only a few commercialized products based on fungal EPSs in the biomedical field. This review critically discusses the potential biomedical applications of fungal EPSs in tissue engineering, drug and gene delivery.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Masoud Arastouei, Mohammad Khodaei, Seyed Mohammad Atyabi, Milad Jafari Nodoushan
Summary: The study demonstrated that PLA/akermanite scaffolds have a positive impact on bone tissue engineering applications, enhancing cell proliferation, growth, and viability, as well as increasing calcium deposition. The release of gentamicin from gelatin microspheres increased over time with longer cross-linking duration. Overall, PLA/akermanite scaffolds are an ideal candidate for bone tissue engineering.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Wen Shen, Yuanlan Ning, Xuemei Ge, Guodong Fan, Fen Ao, Shang Wu, Yueyang Mao
Summary: Polymer microspheres are used as carriers for hydrophobic or hydrophilic drugs, and surface coating with phosphoglyceride (P-P-Gly) can improve their properties. The microspheres prepared in this study showed porous characteristics, with P-P-Gly successfully coated on the surface. In vitro release experiments demonstrated a gentle drug release trend due to incomplete coverage of microspheres' pores by the coating.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wedja Timoteo Vieira, Meuris Gurgel Carlos da Silva, Laura de Oliveira Nascimento, Melissa Gurgel Adeodato Vieira
Summary: This study encapsulated indomethacin (IND) in a crosslinked k-Car/Ser polymeric matrix using covalent and thermal methods to evaluate drug delivery modulation and properties. The particles showed a spherical shape and a rough surface, with a mean diameter range of 1.38-2.15 mm (CCA) and 1.56-1.86 mm (thermal crosslinking). The in vitro release in acidic medium (pH 1.2) and phosphate buffer saline solution (pH 6.8) was 1.23-6.81% and 81-100%, respectively. The formulations remained stable after 6 months and exhibited a diffusion mechanism, swelling, and relaxation of chains. The indomethacin-loaded k-carrageenan/sericin/CMC formulations showed increased cell viability and potential as drug delivery carriers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ming Yuan, Jiangxiu Niu, Qinghan Xiao, Huiyuan Ya, Yansong Zhang, Yanli Fan, Lingmei Li, Xueke Li
Summary: This study investigated the use of hyaluronic acid-modified transfersomes to enhance the transdermal delivery of indomethacin. The results showed that the prepared transfersomes had good encapsulation efficiency and nanometric particle size. The transfersomes were further incorporated into a hydrogel to prolong retention capacity on the skin. In vitro experiments demonstrated sustained drug release, improved drug permeation, and penetration of the transfersomes/gel across the skin. The study also revealed that hyaluronic acid improved the transdermal effect by changing the microstructure of skin layers and decreasing skin barrier function.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shuaijian Ni, Zhenjian Zhuo, Yufei Pan, Yuanyuan Yu, Fangfei Li, Jin Liu, Luyao Wang, Xiaoqiu Wu, Dijie Li, Youyang Wan, Lihe Zhang, Zhenjun Yang, Bao-Ting Zhang, Aiping Lu, Ge Zhang
Summary: Aptamers, with oligonucleotide sequences, have capabilities to bind to specific target molecules and are attracting great attention in diverse clinical translations. They offer advantages such as prolonged storage life and feasibility of chemical modifications for enhancing stability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Paraskevi Agrafioti, Mariastela Vrontaki, Marianna Rigopoulou, Evagelia Lampiri, Katerina Grigoriadou, Philippos M. Ioannidis, Christos I. Rumbos, Christos G. Athanassiou
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of three diatomaceous earth formulations against various stored-product beetle species. The results showed that the Silicid formulation provided complete control of the major stored-product insect species, and offspring production was only observed in primary colonizers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Han Liu, Yuhan Liu, Kevin Li, Zhangji Zhao, Samuel S. S. Schoenholz, Ekin D. D. Cubuk, Puneet Gupta, Mathieu Bauchy
Summary: Numerical simulations have greatly impacted material design, but their application to inverse design has been limited due to high computing cost and lack of differentiability. This study introduces a computational framework that addresses these challenges by using differentiable simulations on the TensorFlow platform to train a deep generative model. The model outputs an optimal porous matrix based on any input sorption isotherm curve. The use of tensor processing units (TPUs) enhances the effectiveness of this inverse design approach.
NPJ COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Tramontano, Bruno Miranda, Giovanna Chianese, Luca De Stefano, Carlo Forestiere, Marinella Pirozzi, Ilaria Rea
Summary: This study combined inorganic diatomite nanoparticles with gelatin-stabilized gold nanoparticles to develop an optical platform for drug delivery. By increasing the thickness of the gelatin shells, the drug loading capacity was improved. Optical modeling was used to monitor drug release processes and proved to be an efficient tool for designing polymer-coated nanocarriers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rahila Batul, Abdul Khaliq, Ahmed Alafnan, Mrinal Bhave, Aimin Yu
Summary: This study investigates the drug loading and release behavior of gentamicin loaded into polydopamine nanoparticles. The release kinetics of gentamicin is found to be influenced by the pH and surface charge of the nanoparticles. The findings suggest that the in situ loading method using polydopamine nanoparticles can provide sustained drug release over a period of seven days.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alla B. Mirgorodskaya, Marina Yu Koroleva, Rushana A. Kushnazarova, Ekaterina Mishchenko, Konstantin A. Petrov, Oxana A. Lenina, Alexandra B. Vyshtakalyuk, Alexandra D. Voloshina, Lucia Ya Zakharova
Summary: A noncovalent strategy was successfully employed to enhance the colloidal stability and efficacy of two amphiphilic formulations of the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin. The addition of cationic surfactants improved the stability and size characteristics of nanoemulsions and microemulsions, while the carbamate modified analogue demonstrated beneficial effects. The drug-loaded emulsions showed prolonged-release compared to the free drug. In vitro and in vivo tests confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the modified microemulsion. Nanoemulsions without cationic surfactants appeared to be more efficient, while carbamate surfactant enhanced the effectiveness of microemulsions.
Article
Polymer Science
Josselyne Transito-Medina, Edna Vazquez-Velez, Marilu Chavez Castillo, Horacio Martinez, Bernardo Campillo
Summary: This study proposes the use of electrospun PHB/PEG polymeric microfibers as dressings for treating skin infections. Plasma treatment improves the hydrophilicity of the fibers and prolongs the release of gentamicin.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Quoc Hue Pho, LiangLiang Lin, Evgeny Rebrov, Mohammad Mohsen Sarafraz, Thanh Tung Tran, Nam Nghiep Tran, Dusan Losic, Volker Hessel
Summary: N-doped carbon quantum dots were synthesized using a microplasma jet and a gas-liquid reactor. By adjusting the distance between the jet and water surface and the liquid conditions, the mass transfer and photoluminescence intensity were maximized.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Tran T. Tung, Manh T. Tran, Ana L. C. Pereira, Cristiano M. B. Cordeiro, Duc D. Nguyen, Nyan-Hwa Tai, Van V. Tran, Chia-Chen Hsu, Prerna Joshi, Masamichi Yoshimura, Jean F. Feller, Mickael Castro, Kamul Hassan, Md J. Nine, Nathan Stanley, Dusan Losic
Summary: Graphene, with its outstanding electromechanical property, can be used for wearable electronic sensor platforms. This study presents the performance of flexible and stretchable sensors fabricated from graphene woven fabrics embedded in a PDMS film substrate. The sensors demonstrate high pressure sensitivity, gauge factor, and temperature sensitivity, making them suitable for wearable devices in the healthcare sector.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Quang Nghia Pham, Marnie Winter, Valentina Milanova, Clifford Young, Mark R. Condina, Peter Hoffmann, Nguyen T. H. Pham, Tran Thanh Tung, Dusan Losic, Benjamin Thierry
Summary: Here, we present an optimized protocol for immuno-magnetic enrichment of specific extracellular vesicle (EV) subtypes, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The results demonstrate efficient enrichment of target EVs with high protein recovery and low non-specific binding. This optimized method provides a low-cost, high-throughput approach for EV proteomic studies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
B. S. Nishchith, Yogesh Kalegowda, S. Ashoka, Ganesan Sriram, Mahaveer D. Kurkuri, Manjunatha Channegowda
Summary: In this study, environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthesis of amorphous nickel-copper carbonate hydroxide was achieved by etching hydrothermally prepared Na3NiCuCO3PO4 using alkaline solution. The resulting mesoporous structure and high specific surface area enhanced electrolyte penetration and facilitated high faradaic reactions. The synthesized material showed excellent capacitance and cyclic stability, making it a promising electrode material for advanced electronic applications.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Le Yu, Penelope Adamson, Pei Lay Yap, Tran Tung, Shaheer Makar, Mark Turra, Geoff Higgins, Dusan Losic
Summary: The gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis is based on RT-PCR using centralized facilities and commercial viral RNA extraction kits. Due to shortages at the beginning of the pandemic, alternative low-cost magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were developed from biowaste for viral RNA extraction. These MNPs, with their unique nanoplatelet shape and high surface area, showed comparable performance to commercial magnetic beads in high throughput PCR analysis and could significantly reduce the cost of nucleic acid extraction.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shrinath Bhat, U. T. Uthappa, T. Sadhasivam, Tariq Altalhi, Sung Soo Han, Mahaveer D. Kurkuri
Summary: Researchers have developed a low-cost porous material using coriander plants for the treatment of dye contaminants and energy applications. The activated carbon material produced from coriander plants showed excellent adsorption properties for dyes and demonstrated high removal efficiencies. It also exhibited promising performance as a supercapacitor with high specific capacitance and cycling stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Le Yu, Pei Lay Yap, Alexandre M. C. Santos, Diana N. H. Tran, Dusan Losic
Summary: Conventional lead-based aprons used in medical institutions and nuclear industries have many disadvantages. Therefore, there is a strong demand for lightweight, Pb-free, and flexible X-ray shielding materials. This study explores a new solution using a sandwich-structure composite to develop superior X-ray shielding materials. The sandwich-structure coated polyester fabric showed good X-ray shielding ability, making it a potential alternative to traditional lead-vinyl X-ray shielding clothing.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suresh Sagadevan, Md Zillur Rahman, Estelle Leonard, Dusan Losic, Volker Hessel
Summary: Graphene, a two-dimensional material with a single atomic crystal structure, has the potential to create next-generation devices in various fields due to its excellent properties. Azobenzene (AZO) polymers, with their unique light-induced conformations and structures, are recognized as excellent candidates for a new generation of light-controllable molecular electronics. Combining graphene derivatives and AZO-based polymers could generate hybrid structures with interesting properties.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gururaj M. Neelgund, Erica A. Jimenez, Ram L. Ray, Mahaveer D. Kurkuri
Summary: A powerful adsorbent, CNTs-PLA-Pd, was developed for the efficient adsorption of divalent mercury and hexavalent chromium. The adsorption rate for these contaminants was rapid initially, followed by a gradual decrease and attainment of equilibrium. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and chemisorption was the rate-limiting step. The Hg(II) and Cr(VI) adsorption over CNTs-PLA-Pd occurred through multiple phases and monolayer molecular covering and chemisorption were observed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Md Julker Nine, Alena Chizhova, Shaheer Maher, Ashis Tripathy, Arash Mazinani, Mahnaz Dadkhah, Kamrul Hassan, Pei Lay Yap, Tran T. Tung, Dusan Losic
Summary: Subzero temperatures cause ice-fouling on solid surfaces, which economically affects multiple industries. Surface chemistry modifications delay icing, but the limitations of slippery and superhydrophobic surfaces in preventing ice adhesion are not well understood.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Akhilesh Bendre, Vinayak Hegde, Kanalli V. Ajeya, Subrahmanya Thagare Manjunatha, Derangula Somasekhara, Varalakshmi K. Nadumane, Krishna Kant, Ho-Young Jung, Wei-Song Hung, Mahaveer D. Kurkuri
Summary: Drug delivery systems (DDS) are constantly explored to efficiently treat complex diseases, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as an ideal material due to their unique properties. In this study, a microfluidic technique was used to synthesize MOFs containing cobalt ions and its bimetallic variant with cobalt and zinc. These MOFs were incorporated into a biopolymer to create a reliable DDS for sustained drug release, demonstrating the potential of microfluidics in MOF synthesis and drug delivery.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Padmaja V. Mane, Pravin Patil, Anusha A. Mahishi, Madhuprasad Kigga, Mahesh P. Bhat, Kyeong-Hwan Lee, Mahaveer Kurkuri
Summary: A rhodamine-derived receptor that can distinguish copper ions (Cu2+) from other competing cations was synthesized and characterized. The receptor exhibited a color change from yellow to pink upon addition of Cu2+ ions, while other competing cations showed no color variation. The binding stoichiometry of the receptor with Cu2+ ions was found to be 1:1, with a detection limit of 9.663 x 10-8 M. Furthermore, the receptor was tethered on nanoporous diatomaceous earth microparticles (P2D) for practical application in removing Cu2+ ions from water, with promising results.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anusha A. Mahishi, Sachin M. Shet, Padmaja V. Mane, Jingxian Yu, A. Ve. Sowriraajan, Madhuprasad Kigga, Mahesh P. Bhat, Kyeong-Hwan Lee, Mahaveer D. Kurkuri
Summary: A Schiff base receptor with an active -NH group was synthesized for the colorimetric detection of inorganic fluoride (F-) ions in an aqueous medium. The receptor showed enhanced sensitivity for F- ions due to the presence of electron-withdrawing -NO2 groups, resulting in a remarkable color change. Characterization techniques confirmed the structural integrity of the synthesized receptors and a binding mechanism involving deprotonation of the -NH group and formation of -HF2 was proposed.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Purna B. Samal, Shengjian J. Chen, Tran T. Tung, Dusan Losic, Christophe Fumeaux
Summary: This article presents a design strategy to improve the radiation efficiency of a planar antenna made of MXene conductor on a lossy PDMS substrate. New methods are proposed to reduce conductor loss and dielectric loss. By identifying the high current density location on the antenna radiator and redistributing the surface currents, the conductor loss is minimized. The dielectric loss is reduced by using a folded ground plane structure.
IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ganesan Sriram, Karmegam Dhanabalan, Kanalli V. Ajeya, Kanakaraj Aruchamy, Yern Chee Ching, Tae Hwan Oh, Ho-Young Jung, Mahaveer Kurkuri
Summary: This comprehensive review provides an overview of recent advancements in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and their performance in water electrolysis. It also discusses the progress of electrocatalysts for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Greta Camilla Magnano, Marika Quadri, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Francesca Loschi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Michela Abrami, Francesca Larese Filon, Alessandra Marconi, Dritan Hasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the loading of sildenafil citrate in three commercial transdermal vehicles using 3D full-thickness skin equivalent and compare the results with permeability experiments using porcine skin. The results showed that the results obtained using the 3D skin equivalent were comparable to those obtained using porcine skin, suggesting that the 3D skin model can be a valid alternative for ex-vivo skin absorption experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
James W. Mckeage, Andrew Z. H. Tan, Andrew J. Taberner
Summary: Needle-free jet injection is a promising alternative drug delivery technique that offers rapid, non-invasive, and large-volume injections. The study presents a prototype multi-orifice nozzle and a computational fluid dynamic model to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
