Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniella Souza Silva, William Marcondes Facchinatto, Danilo Martins dos Santos, Fernanda Isadora Boni, Talita Alvarenga Valdes, Andrei Leitao, Maria Palmira Daflon Gremiao, Luiz Alberto Colnago, Sergio Paulo Campana-Filho, Sidney Jose Lima Ribeiro
Summary: Two samples of DPCat derivatives with different degrees of quaternization were successfully synthesized and showed good water solubility and electrostatic stability at different pH levels. DPCat35 demonstrated better interactions with biological tissue and mucin glycoproteins, suggesting potential for the development of drug delivery systems for prostate and liver cancer treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhi Zhao, Jinyu Han, Shangen Xu, Zheng Jin, Tan Hui Yin, Kai Zhao
Summary: This report presents the encapsulation of amoxicillin in N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan and N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles for biomedical applications. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated sustained drug release, good cytocompatibility and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yu Kang, Zhi Liu, Yingyun Long, Baolong Wang, Xu Yang, Di Sha, Kai Shi, Xiangling Ji, Bai Li, Yonggang Liu
Summary: A two-step method was used to synthesize N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) from chitosan, with molecular weight ranging from 29 to 136 kg/mol and quaternization degree from 70% to 82%. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with multiangle laser light scattering was employed to analyze the molecular weight and chain conformation, showing a significant increase in chain flexibility upon N-methylation, possibly due to the breakage of intramolecular hydrogen bonds between chitosan repeating units.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kessily B. Rufato, Paulo R. Souza, Ariel C. de Oliveira, Sharise B. R. Berton, Roberta M. Sabino, Edvani C. Muniz, Ketul C. Popat, Eduardo Radovanovic, Matt J. Kipper, Alessandro F. Martins
Summary: This study demonstrates that polysaccharide-based polyelectrolyte multilayers prepared using the layer-by-layer approach can provide stability and durability for free-standing gels, as well as antimicrobial properties and cytocompatibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
William Marcondes Facchinatto, Joana Galante, Leticia Mesquita, Daniella Souza Silva, Danilo Martins dos Santos, Tiago Bueno Moraes, Sergio Paulo Campana-Filho, Luiz Alberto Colnago, Bruno Sarmento, Jose das Neves
Summary: This study explored the use of novel nanoparticles as carriers for clotrimazole, demonstrating good drug release properties and improved drug permeability in cell monolayer models.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaojing Xiong, Huiting Jiang, Yukun Liao, Yangrui Du, Yu Zhang, Zhigang Wang, Minming Zheng, Zhiyu Du
Summary: In this study, a new combination therapy using liposomes and trimethyl chitosan (TMC) for the codelivery of insulin (INS) and vascular endothelial growth factor small interfering RNA (siVEGF) to treat alkali-burned corneas was designed. The therapy effectively inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation, and VEGF expression in vitro and maintained corneal transparency, accelerated epithelialization, and inhibited corneal neovascularization (CNV) in vivo. Metabolomic analysis suggested that the therapeutic mechanism of siVEGF-TIL might be associated with the inhibition of the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Overall, siVEGF-TIL NPs could be a safe and effective therapy for corneal alkali burn.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan Gao, Xiaochen Gong, Shuang Yu, Zheng Jin, Qicheng Ruan, Chunjing Zhang, Kai Zhao
Summary: The study found that N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan/N, O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (N-2-HACC/CMCS NPs) showed good immunogenicity and no toxicity as a universal vaccine adjuvant/delivery system. The prepared N-2-HACC/OVA/CMCS NPs induced higher levels of antibodies and immune responses in mice, suggesting their potential in enhancing humoral, cellular, and mucosal immune responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aldo Y. Tenorio-Barajas, Maria de la L. Olvera, Gabriel Romero-Paredes, Victor Altuzar, Efrain Garrido-Guerrero, Claudia Mendoza-Barrera
Summary: This work proposes a modified method using microfluidics combined with the microemulsion technique to manufacture chitosan nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles showed improved size control and distribution compared to batch synthesis. The total encapsulation of IgG protein was confirmed during the fabrication of chitosan/IgG-loaded nanoparticles. The proposed materials have the potential to be used as carrier-delivery systems.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiong Cheng, Arunmozhiarasi Armugam, Yang Yang, Fangming Jin, Yugen Zhang, Ning Yan
Summary: The group of Ning Yan at the National University of Singapore presents a powerful antimicrobial 'weapon' produced by modified oligosaccharides from marine biomass, with the aid of a formaldehyde 'booster'. The Research Article itself can be accessed at 10.1002/cssc.202300591.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiong Cheng, Arunmozhiarasi Armugam, Yang Yang, Fangming Jin, Yugen Zhang, Ning Yan
Summary: This study presents a convenient method for the synthesis of N,N-dimethyl chitosan oligosaccharide (DMCOS) from chitin. The synthesis protocol involves acid-catalyzed tandem depolymerization-deacetylation-N-methylation reactions using formaldehyde as the methylation reagent. The resulting DMCOS exhibits a high degree of deacetylation, a high degree of methylation, and a low average molecular weight, and shows superior antifungal activity against Candida species compared to chitosan.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Peng Dong, Qingshan Shi, Ruqun Peng, Yingzi Yuan, Xiaobao Xie
Summary: By modifying chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) with the Eschweiler-Clarke reaction, a derivative called DMCOS was synthesized. Analysis revealed that DMCOS had converted primary amines into tertiary amines after methylation. DMCOS showed less thermal stability than COS, but exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity against bacterial and yeast strains, while also displaying lower antioxidant activity and causing mitochondrial damage in C. albicans cells.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qun Liu, Bo Li, Yan Li, Xiaodeng Yang, Congde Qiao, Wei Hu, Mingxia Liu
Summary: pH-sensitive and amphiphilic chitosan derivatives were synthesized and studied for their rheological properties, showing that high degree of substitution and pH near the isoelectric points corresponded to low viscosity and viscoelasticity. Strong networks formed at high concentrations, and the role of Ca2+ varied depending on concentration levels. Molecular dynamics simulations were also used to examine intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jana Szabova, Filip Mravec, Mostafa Mokhtari, Remi Le Borgne, Michal Kalina, Jean-Francois Berret
Summary: This article discusses the effect of N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) on a mimetic pulmonary surfactant, Curosurf (R). The results show that TMC has a strong interaction with Curosurf (R), leading to the formation of aggregates at electrostatic charge stoichiometry. At the nanoscale, Curosurf (R) undergoes a profound reorganization of its lipid vesicles in terms of size and lamellarity. The neutralization of cationic charges by pulmonary surfactant may inhibit the permeation enhancement capacity of TMC, especially at low TMC content. Therefore, the permeation properties of pulmonary surfactant-neutralized TMC should be evaluated for its applicability as a permeation enhancer for inhalation in the alveolar region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Agnieszka Piegat, Anna Zywicka, Agata Niemczyk, Agata Goszczynska
Summary: The antibacterial activity of N,O-acylated chitosan derivative with linoleic acid was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori strains using various methods. The results showed that the derivative exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and specific mucin interactions, especially against S. aureus and H. pylori. This study highlights the high potential of the derivative in antibacterial applications, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin He, Xin Wen, Ke Wu, Haichao Liu
Summary: A novel route for the sustainable synthesis of Vinyl Methyl Ether (VME) from biomass-derived ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (EGDE) catalyzed by CaO-MgO catalyst at atmospheric pressure has been reported. The strongly basic sites on CaO-MgO surfaces facilitated the formation of VME, achieving high efficiency and stability. This work provides a viable and sustainable strategy for the synthesis of VME and other high-value vinyl compounds from biomass.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dolores R. Serrano, Aytug Kara, Ivan Yuste, Francis C. C. Luciano, Baris Ongoren, Brayan J. J. Anaya, Gracia Molina, Laura Diez, Bianca I. I. Ramirez, Irving O. O. Ramirez, Sergio A. A. Sanchez-Guirales, Raquel Fernandez-Garcia, Liliana Bautista, Helga K. K. Ruiz, Aikaterini Lalatsa
Summary: 3D printing technologies offer customization of medicine to meet individual patients' needs. Various techniques such as nozzle-based extrusion, laser-writing systems, and powder binder jetting are used to print solid dosage forms, implants, stents, medical devices, and locally applied medicines. The challenge lies in selecting the appropriate 3D printing technique and pharmaceutical ink to ensure desired physicochemical and biological performance. Integration of biopharmaceuticals, nanotechnology-based drugs, and 3D printing opens up new possibilities for personalized nanomedicines. Continuous manufacturing using 3D-printed microfluidic chips facilitates translation into clinical practice.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yvonne Lerchbammer-Kreith, Nadine S. Sommerfeld, Klaudia Cseh, Xian Weng-Jiang, Uchechukwu Odunze, Andreas G. Schaetzlein, Ijeoma F. Uchegbu, Mathea S. Galanski, Michael A. Jakupec, Bernhard K. Keppler
Summary: A new class of anticancer prodrugs was developed by combining platinum(IV) complexes with glycol chitosan polymers as drug carriers. The platinum(IV) complexes were synthesized and conjugated with degraded glycol chitosan (dGC) polymers of different chain lengths. These conjugates exhibited higher cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity in cancer cell lines compared to platinum(IV) counterparts. In particular, a cisplatin(IV)-dGC conjugate showed the highest cytotoxicity, being 33 times more potent than the corresponding platinum(IV) complex and twice as potent as cisplatin. Biodistribution studies of an oxaliplatin(IV)-dGC conjugate also showed increased accumulation in the lung, suggesting potential for further activity studies.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Olga Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Enrique Leal, Mercedes Martin-Martinez, Liliana Bautista, Maria Paloma Ballesteros, Juan J. Torrado, Dolores R. Serrano
Summary: The stability of commonly prescribed topical SCG formulations was evaluated. The results showed that these formulations can be stable for up to three months at room temperature. Creamgel formulations with 2% SCG significantly improved the permeation of SCG across the skin, being 4.5-fold higher than formulations prepared with Beeler's base. These findings can guide rational prescription of topical SCG formulations.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Ramos, Emilio Gil-Martin, Cristobal de los Rios, Javier Egea, Francisco Lopez-Munoz, Rene Pita, Antonio Juberias, Juan J. J. Torrado, Dolores R. R. Serrano, Russel J. J. Reiter, Alejandro Romero
Summary: In this review, melatonin is proposed as a therapeutic option to counteract the toxicological mechanisms and pathways activated after exposure to sulfur and nitrogen mustards. Additionally, the metabolites of melatonin are predicted to have a scavenger action and neutralize the damage induced by these blister agents. The anti-inflammatory action and NLRP3 inflammasome modulation of melatonin can also provide protection against sulfur and nitrogen mustard-induced injury.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ivan Yuste, Francis C. Luciano, Brayan J. Anaya, Pablo Sanz-Ruiz, Almudena Ribed-Sanchez, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Dolores R. Serrano
Summary: The use of additive manufacturing or 3D printing in biomedicine has grown rapidly, especially in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. It shows promise as a tool for preventing and treating periprosthetic joint infections through the development of novel therapies using 3D-printing techniques. This review provides an in-depth understanding of different approaches and strategies for the current management and prophylaxis of PJIs using 3D printing.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Aytug Kara, Dinesh Kumar, Anne Marie Healy, Aikaterini Lalatsa, Dolores R. Serrano
Summary: Using cocrystals is a promising strategy to improve the physicochemical properties of APIs. This study utilized 3D-printed microfluidic chips to control the cocrystal habit and polymorphism of SDM:4ASA cocrystals, resulting in high-purity cocrystals with improved solubility and bioavailability. The microfluidic device allowed for a more homogenous and rapid mixing process, enabling continuous manufacturing of cocrystals coated on beads in a single step.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Ana Isabel Fraguas-Sanchez, Dolores R. Serrano, M. angeles Medina Sanchez, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos
Summary: This study investigated the impact of a Ph.D. degree on students' satisfaction and career prospects among graduates from the Complutense University of Madrid. The findings suggest that the Ph.D. degree has a positive influence on the development of soft skills and the ability for continuous learning, while its impact on overall employability is minimal.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Salome S. Celi, Raquel Fernandez-Garcia, Andreina I. Afonso-Urich, M. Paloma Ballesteros, Anne Marie Healy, Dolores R. Serrano
Summary: In recent decades, the increasing incidence and prevalence of pulmonary fungal infections has become a global health problem due to the lack of specific antifungal therapies for pulmonary administration. This study developed microparticles and dry powder inhalers to improve the pharmacological effect of antifungal drugs, providing new options for pulmonary treatment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sarah Kymberly Santos de Lima, italo Novaes Cavallone, Dolores Remedios Serrano, Brayan J. Anaya, Aikaterini Lalatsa, Marcia Dalastra Laurenti, Joao Henrique Ghilardi Lago, Dalete Christine da Silva Souza, Gabriela Pustiglione Marinsek, Beatriz Soares Lopes, Renata de Britto Mari, Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero, Bozena B. Michniak-Kohn
Summary: This study developed a topical formulation containing 8-HQ and demonstrated its efficacy in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. The formulation was able to reduce parasite burden and lesion size without causing significant side effects.
Article
Microbiology
Beatriz Esteban-Cartelle, Dolores R. Serrano, Covadonga Perez Menendez-Conde, Noelia Vicente-Oliveros, Ana alvarez-Diaz, Jesus Fortun Abete, Pilar Martin-Davila, Maria Guembe
Summary: This study demonstrates the suitability of using Meropenem in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy with portable elastomeric infusion devices, and elucidates its physicochemical stability at different concentrations and temperatures.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olga Gonzalez-Gonzalez, M. Paloma Ballesteros, Juan J. Torrado, Dolores R. Serrano
Summary: In this study, the Accelerated Predictive Stability (APS) approach was used to investigate the commercially available Cristalmina (CR) and extemporaneously compounded chlorhexidine (DCHX) formulations, revealing different degradation kinetics between the two formulations. By predicting and confirming through experiments, it was demonstrated that the shelf life of DCHX extemporaneously compounded formulations could be prolonged by up to 6 months.