Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nabanita Mukherjee, Satyajit Ghosh, Jayita Sarkar, Rajsekhar Roy, Debasmita Nandi, Surajit Ghosh
Summary: The inherent mechanical strength and customizable physicochemical properties of amyloids allow for the rational design and synthesis of biomaterials for specific purposes. However, the significant antimicrobial efficacy of these materials has been largely overlooked. This research provides insight into the relationship between self-assembly and antimicrobial activity of amyloid-derived peptide amphiphiles, leading to the development of novel antimicrobial materials with excellent wound healing properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Thomas Babut, Mona Semsarilar, Marc Rolland, Damien Quemener
Summary: In this study, a waterborne approach was proposed to co-assemble peptide amphiphiles (PA) and polyelectrolytes into porous membranes with nanostructured networks. Various production methods were explored to shape the material and optimize the structure, leading to a membrane material in the ultrafiltration range with a pore radius of about 7.6 nm.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fang-Yi Wu, Hsin-Chieh Lin
Summary: Synthetic bioactive aromatic peptide amphiphiles are recognized as key elements of emerging biomedical strategies due to their biocompatibility, design flexibility, and functionality. We investigated the self-assembly driving force of two supramolecular materials and found ordered π-π interactions and secondary structures in both compounds. In cell experiments, PFB-IKVAV showed promise as a potential supramolecular biomaterial for biomedical applications.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ziv Azoulay, Polina Aibinder, Ayala Gancz, Jacob Moran-Gilad, Shiri Navon-Venezia, Hanna Rapaport
Summary: FKF, a tripeptide with potential antimicrobial activity, forms a pure peptide hydrogel phase made of natural amino acids. The hydrogel exhibits bactericidal activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and reduces P. aeruginosa contamination in a rat skin lesion model.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kevin T. Campbell, Matthew B. Curtis, Joshua M. Massey, Kajetan Wysoczynski, Dustin J. Hadley, Steve C. George, Eduardo A. Silva
Summary: Lymphatic dysfunction is associated with the progression of several vascular disorders, and there are limited strategies currently available to promote new lymphatic vasculature. This study isolated lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells from human umbilical cord blood and found that they have the potential to promote lymphatic sprouts, highlighting the therapeutic potential of these cells. Delivery of lymphatic EPCs using alginate hydrogels also showed promise for possible therapeutic applications.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lianlian Wang, Zhijie Chen, Yufei Yan, Chuan He, Xinming Li
Summary: The study presents a new bioactive hydrogel composed of silk fibroin and a self-assembling peptide, which can induce cell adhesion, growth, and migration, as well as stimulate collagen deposition and expression of angiogenesis-related genes/proteins. This bioactive hydrogel shows promise for applications in vascular regeneration and wound healing.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Fang, Zhi Wang, Chao-yu Miao
Summary: Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally due to its high disability and mortality rates. Currently, there are limited clinical treatment strategies available for stroke, with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) being the only FDA-approved drug. Angiogenesis, which promotes neural regeneration and functional recovery, is an important protective mechanism during stroke. Thus, inducing angiogenesis in the affected area can improve hemodynamics and facilitate vascular remodeling and recovery of neurovascular function. This review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia, and provides pro-angiogenic strategies for exploring the treatment of ischemic stroke, including endothelial progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, non-coding RNAs, etc.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gal Yosefi, Nitsan Eliraz, Sofiya Kolusheva, Hanna Rapaport, Ronit Bitton
Summary: This study reports on the formation and characterization of self-assembled membranes made with & lambda;-carrageenan and cationic & beta;-sheet peptides. The results show that the polysaccharide conformation, solution viscosity, and interactions between polysaccharides and peptides affect the properties of the membranes. The interplay between polymer-peptide interactions and polysaccharide chain stiffness could be used to control the structure-function relationship of the membranes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jason Koon-Lam Poon, Zhen Chen, Sammual Yu-Lut Leung, Ming-Yi Leung, Vivian Wing-Wah Yam
Summary: Complex supramolecular tessellations are achieved through directed self-assembly, with key factors including topological transition and side chain phase separation. These findings demonstrate the potential of supramolecular engineering in creating complex self-assembled architectures of soft materials.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lisa Claire du Toit, Yahya Essop Choonara, Viness Pillay
Summary: This study developed an injectable nano-thermogel system for controlled delivery of the p11 anti-angiogenic peptide to prevent neovascularization in ocular disorders. The system showed potential efficacy and biocompatibility through various characterizations and evaluations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naoki Tsutsumi, Akitaka Ito, Azumi Ishigamori, Masato Ikeda, Masayuki Izumi, Rika Ochi
Summary: In this study, a novel bola-amphiphilic glycosylated lipopeptide-type supramolecular hydrogelator is presented, exhibiting reversible thermochromism and gel-sol transition. The investigation focused on the effects of different numbers of F residues on gelation ability and morphology of self-assembled nanostructures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenbo Zhang, Mingwei Liu, Lanlan Yu, Shanshan Mo, Zhun Deng, Shuli Liu, Yanlian Yang, Chen Wang, Chenxuan Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the contribution of various noncovalent interactions to supramolecular assembly by investigating the self-assembly of peptides.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuhui Liu, Yaning Lu, Shuang Zhang, Xiaoyan Li, Zhibin Zhang, Liya Ge, MengYu Chang, Yunhai Liu, Grzegorz Lisak, Sheng Deng
Summary: In this study, an amphiphilic ligand NND was successfully synthesized and used to enhance the adsorption capacity of MoS2 particles for UO22+ by replacing H2O through hydrogen bonding. The NND-modified MoS2 showed higher adsorption capacity and stronger stability under extreme conditions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiaoqing Yan, Yue Su, Xia Fan, Hui Chen, Zixian Lu, Zijuan Liu, Yingjian Li, Mei Yi, Guigui Zhang, Chunjie Gu, Kai Wang, Jiamin Wu, Da Sun, Yikai Zhang, Chi Zhang, Xiaozhen Dai, Chao Zheng
Summary: Liraglutide has the potential to improve endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function and promote angiogenesis under diabetic conditions by activating the Nrf2 pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monica-Cornelia Sardaru, Irina Rosca, Simona Morariu, Elena-Laura Ursu, Razvan Ghiarasim, Alexandru Rotaru
Summary: A facile method for preparing beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized hydrogels based on guanosine quartet assembly was discussed. The ratio of beta-cyclodextrin and guanosine components significantly influenced the internal structuration and mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogels showed potential for specific applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, with self-healing and thixotropic properties and selective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Anton Gradisek, Mario Cifelli, Donatella Ancora, Ana Sepe, Bostjan Zalar, Tomaz Apih, Valentina Domenici
Summary: In this study, non-destructive NMR techniques were used to analyze a large set of EVOO samples from Tuscany and Apulia, showing common relaxation properties regardless of cultivars, climate, and geographic origin. This promising result suggests the potential for quality control and monitoring in the EVOO industry.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Pelosi, Francesca Saitta, Caterina Zerino, Giovanni Canil, Tarita Biver, Alessandro Pratesi, Celia Duce, Dimitrios Fessas, Chiara Gabbiani, Maria Rosaria Tine
Summary: In this study, the binding of three Pt(II) complexes with model proteins was analyzed, revealing that compounds 1 and 2 exhibit strong binding affinity while compound 3 shows low affinity. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the binding modes when transitioning from HEWL to RNase A.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chiara Pelosi, Elisa Guazzelli, Matteo Calosi, Luca Bernazzani, Maria Rosaria Tine, Celia Duce, Elisa Martinelli
Summary: The study reveals a novel smart material with self-assembling behavior in water and identifies its thermoresponsive properties at the nanoscale level.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Pulidori, Simone Micalizzi, Emilia Bramanti, Luca Bernazzani, Celia Duce, Carmelo De Maria, Francesca Montemurro, Chiara Pelosi, Aurora De Acutis, Giovanni Vozzi, Maria Rosaria Tine
Summary: A one-pot microwave-assisted process was developed for eco-friendly keratin extraction from poultry feathers, followed by direct electrospinning to obtain keratin-based bioplastics. The properties of these bioplastics can be modulated by changing keratin and GPTMS concentrations, making them suitable for applications in bio-packaging and filtration/purification membranes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Donatella Ancora, Jerneja Milavec, Anton Gradisek, Mario Cifelli, Ana Sepe, Tomaz Apih, Bostjan Zalar, Valentina Domenici
Summary: The study focuses on the detection of adulterated extra-virgin olive oil using H-1 NMR relaxation and diffusion measurements, comparing samples from Italy with various vegetable oils. Results indicate significant differences in diffusion coefficients between olive oils and vegetable oils, with linseed oil and macadamia oil being the easiest and most difficult frauds to detect, respectively.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna Lapomarda, Elena Pulidori, Giorgia Cerqueni, Irene Chiesa, Matteo De Blasi, Mike Alexander Geven, Francesca Montemurro, Celia Duce, Monica Mattioli-Belmonte, Maria Rosaria Tine, Giovanni Vozzi, Carmelo De Maria
Summary: The study improved gelatin bioprinting performance by using pectin and GPTMS, resulting in uniform gels and successful fabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds with microporosity and macroporosity. Pectin played a key role in increasing the viscosity and yield stress of gelatin solutions, providing a new approach for bioprinting.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rongrong Liu, Giorgio Pitruzzello, Mafalda Rosa, Antonella Battisti, Chiara Cerri, Giuseppe Tortora
Summary: This study aims to integrate an innovative sensor for haemolysis and pH detection into the Smart Capsule, a technology capable of managing drone transportation of blood components. The effectiveness of the proposed system was demonstrated through temperature stability testing and haemolysis detection validation. The results confirm the concept design of the minilysis device and the capability of maintaining proper temperature in the delivery system.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Giaganini, Mario Cifelli, Denise Biagini, Silvia Ghimenti, Andrea Corti, Valter Castelvetro, Valentina Domenici, Tommaso Lomonaco
Summary: Microplastics and nanoplastics are a major environmental issue due to their ubiquity and potential danger to ecosystems and human life. This study investigates the effect of temperature and light on five types of reference polymers using a solar box. A multi-analytical approach was used to analyze the degradation products of these microplastics.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Antonella Battisti, Sangram Keshari Samal, Dario Puppi
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile material obtained by the strong oxidation of graphite. Its remarkable ability to significantly alter the fluorescence of many common fluorophores and dyes has been exploited in the design of novel switch-ON and switch-OFF fluorescence biosensing platforms for the detection of various biomolecules, especially pathological biomarkers and environmental contaminants.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Dario Puppi, Simona Braccini, Antonella Battisti, Antonella Manariti, Gianni Pecorini, Sangram Keshari Samal
Summary: This study describes a novel additive manufacturing method for fabricating medical implant prototypes using a polysulfone (PSU)/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the fabricated implants had a dense external skin layer and an inner macroporous/microporous structure. Physical-chemical and thermal characterization demonstrated that the PSU processing did not affect its molecular structure and glass-transition temperature, and post-processing resulted in implants free of residual solvent or nonsolvent. Mechanical characterization showed that the macroporous architecture could be used to vary the tensile and compressive modulus of the PSU scaffolds. The findings encourage further research on the applicability of this method for customized PSU implants.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Elisa Della Latta, Francesca Sabatini, Cosimo Micheletti, Marco Carlotti, Francesca Martini, Francesca Nardelli, Antonella Battisti, Ilaria Degano, Marco Geppi, Andrea Pucci, Svenja Pohl, Guido Kickelbick
Summary: In this study, flexible luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) with a size of 5 x 5 cm(2) were prepared by integrating a reactive perylene bisimide fluorophore (FC546) into a polysiloxane network. The LSCs exhibited higher thermal and light stability, as well as superior device efficiency, compared to other similar-sized flexible LSC systems.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Costanza De Simone, Antonella Battisti, Azzurra Ruggeri
Summary: This study examined how adolescents aged 14 to 17 search the web for information about unresolved scientific dilemmas. The researchers found that their learning ability was not influenced by their search strategies, but rather by their control over the search process and their experience. The results showed that actively controlling the search process enhanced learning and retention of factual information, while passively following the process improved their ability to reflect on, process, and elaborate on the information found on the web. The findings have important implications for educational practices.
COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Silvia Pizzimenti, Luca Bernazzani, Maria Rosaria Tine, Celia Duce, Ilaria Bonaduce
Summary: This study investigated the effect of amorphous carbon black on the mechanism and speed of autoxidation of a polyunsaturated oil, as well as the effect of the addition of aluminium stearate and zinc stearate. The results showed that amorphous carbon black has an antioxidant effect and the addition of aluminium and zinc stearates accelerates the formation of peroxides.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Elena Pulidori, Anna Lluveras-Tenorio, Rita Carosi, Luca Bernazzani, Celia Duce, Stefano Pagnotta, Marco Lezzerini, Germana Barone, Paolo Mazzoleni, Maria Rosaria Tine
Summary: This study conducted thermal analysis and structural characterization of a set of geomaterials for the synthesis of geopolymers designed for the conservation of Cultural Heritage buildings, especially in seismic hazard zones. Statistical treatment of the data highlighted the direct relation between thermal data and material composition, aiding in the selection of optimal materials.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Costanza Papucci, Rima Charaf, Carmen Coppola, Adalgisa Sinicropi, Mariangela di Donato, Maria Taddei, Paolo Foggi, Antonella Battisti, Bastiaan de Jong, Lorenzo Zani, Alessandro Mordini, Andrea Pucci, Massimo Calamante, Gianna Reginato
Summary: By optimizing LSC performance through the adjustment of fluorophores and guest polymer matrices, a series of high quantum yield DQ1-5 fluorophores were designed and utilized to achieve remarkable photon efficiencies in thin-film LSCs.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)