Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xingjing Zhang, Baohe Li, Xiaoqian Han, Nong Wang
Summary: This study successfully developed a novel magnetic nano-adsorber for the removal of heavy metal ions and organic dye molecules from aqueous solution. Through various analyses and experiments, it was found that the nano-adsorber exhibited high adsorption capacity for Cu(ii), and the adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm kinetic models.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sibel Tunali Akar, Dilek Tunc, Fatih Sayin, Tamer Akar
Summary: In this study, chitosan was used to immobilize alunite to investigate its adsorption and preconcentration potential for Cu2+ ions. The immobilized composite showed significantly improved adsorption efficiency compared to alunite and chitosan individually. The adsorption of Cu2+ followed the pseudo-second-order model and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were determined at different temperatures. The composite was also successfully regenerated using HNO3. In addition, a preconcentration method was explored and optimized, showing high recovery yield and low detection limits. The accuracy and applicability of the method were confirmed using certified standard materials and real water samples.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Akash Prabhu, Robert D. Crapnell, Kasper Eersels, Bart van Grinsven, Aruna K. Kunhiraman, Pankaj Singla, Jake McClements, Craig E. Banks, Katarina Novakovic, Marloes Peeters
Summary: This minireview focuses on the application of chitosan and polydopamine, two commonly used biopolymers, in electrochemical sensing. Chitosan exhibits high chemical resistance and easy modification, while polydopamine has universal adhesion and self-assembling ability. The unique structural and electrochemical features of these biopolymers have a wide range of applications in electrochemical biosensing platforms.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sherif Elbasuney, M. Yehia, Gharieb S. El-Sayyad
Summary: This study presents a method for achieving intimate mixing between MnO2 NPs and Al NPs through surface modification. Surface modification of Al NPs with PDA was accomplished via in situ polymerization, leading to successful preparation of MnO2/PDA/Al nanocomposite.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Caihong Liu, Ziyue Wang, Qiang He, Jennifer Jackson, Andreia F. Faria, Wenjuan Zhang, Dan Song, Jun Ma, Zhiqiang Sun
Summary: The study successfully enhanced the anti-biofouling properties of thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes through mild electroless deposition of copper nanoparticles and polydopamine coating, primarily by increasing membrane surface hydrophilicity and releasing antibacterial Cu2+ ions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Celia Nieto, Gema Marcelo, Milena Vega, Eva M. Martin del Valle
Summary: Polydopamine nanoparticles (PD NPs) were synthesized through the oxidative polymerization of dopamine in aqueous media containing five different types of alcohol. The type of alcohol used influenced particle size and the nanoparticles' ability to adsorb iron. Nanoparticles synthesized using 2-propanol showed higher adsorption of Fe3+ and greater toxicity to breast tumor cells, suggesting a potential correlation between iron loading and antineoplastic activity.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuan Zou, Huijie Liu, Xianheng Wang, Yuanting Xu, Ye Yang, Wanjie Bai, Yiwen Li
Summary: Click chemistry has been regarded as a powerful tool to construct and engineer complex macromolecular materials. In this study, thiol-Michael click chemistry was used to tune the energy structure and light harvesting behavior of melanin-like polymers, resulting in enhanced light absorption and photothermal effect. The study demonstrated the potential of click chemistries in regulating the functions of complex bioinspired macromolecules.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daohu Sheng, Xintong Ying, Rui Li, Siyao Cheng, Cheng Zhang, Wei Dong, Xihao Pan
Summary: In this study, we successfully synthesized a novel functional magnetic nanocomposite material for efficient tetracycline removal. The material exhibited excellent stability, reusability, and high tetracycline adsorption capacity under various experimental conditions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Caihong Liu, Qiang He, Dan Song, Jennifer Jackson, Andreia F. Faria, Xihui Jiang, Xueyan Li, Jun Ma, Zhiqiang Sun
Summary: In this study, highly antimicrobial CuNPs were integrated into a hydrophilic polydopamine (PDA) coating and immobilized on a RO TFC membrane to form a stable and durable dual-functional layer. The modified membranes showed improved anti-adhesive properties and strong bacterial toxicity, leading to a substantial reduction in biofouling propensity in dynamic biofouling experiments.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Taoran Wang, Wusigale, Deepa Kuttappan, Mary Anne Amalaradjou, Yaguang Luo, Yangchao Luo
Summary: In this study, chitosan-based hydrogel beads immobilized with silver nanoparticles were prepared to enhance antimicrobial and adsorption activity, showing potential for controlling both chemical and biological contaminants in wastewater. The presence of AgNPs improved the adsorption capacity of the beads and exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
P. Sirajudheen, Perumal Karthikeyan, Sivakumar Vigneshwaran, M. C. Basheer, Sankaran Meenakshi
Summary: The alginate reinforced reduced graphene oxide@hydroxyapatite (rGO@HAP-Alg) hybrids were effectively used for the removal of different kinds of azo dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous, pH-dependent with maximum dye removal at pH 6-7, and the hybrids showed reusability and stability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Najeh Maaloul, Paula Oulego, Manuel Rendueles, Achraf Ghorbal, Mario Diaz
Summary: This study successfully prepared biopolymer composite from cellulose nanocrystals of almond shell and investigated its structure and adsorption performance. The results showed that CPCNCs exhibited excellent Cu2+ ion adsorption capacity and excellent recyclability.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Caihong Liu, Ziyue Wang, Qiang He, Jennifer Jackson, Andreia F. Faria, Wenjuan Zhang, Dan Song, Jun Ma, Zhiqiang Sun
Summary: In this study, we successfully improved the anti-biofouling performance of thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes through a facile membrane modification process. The modified membranes exhibited lower adsorption ability, lower membrane-foulant adhesion forces, lower bacterial cell viability and reduced adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) content. Both contact-mediated and Cu2+ release-based antibacterial mechanisms contributed to the excellent anti-biofouling capacity of the modified membranes under long-term dynamic conditions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giulia Siciliano, Antonio Turco, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Elisabetta Fanizza, Alessandra Quarta, Roberto Comparelli, Elisabetta Primiceri, M. Lucia Curri, Nicoletta Depalo, Giuseppe Maruccio
Summary: The removal of pollutants from water remains a challenge. Adsorption-based techniques, specifically polydopamine-coated magnetic nanoparticles, have shown promise for the removal of heavy metals. In this study, polydopamine-coated Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (PDA@SPIONs) were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to bind and remove Cu2+ ions from water by applying a magnetic field. The results indicate that these nanostructures hold great potential for future bioremediation applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yingcai Meng, Jiaojiao Zhu, Jinsong Ding, Wenhu Zhou
Summary: Polyserotonin (PST), obtained through self-polymerization of serotonin monomer, can form pH-responsive degradable coatings on arbitrary surfaces and be used for controlled drug release. When combined with its intrinsic photothermal effect, it achieves a robust anti-tumor effect.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Milad Ashrafizadeh, Kiavash Hushmandi, Sepideh Mirzaei, Saied Bokaie, Ashkan Bigham, Pooyan Makvandi, Navid Rabiee, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Alan Prem Kumar, Esmaeel Sharifi, Rajender S. Varma, Amir Reza Aref, Marcin Wojnilowicz, Ali Zarrabi, Hassan Karimi-Maleh, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Ebrahim Mostafavi, Gorka Orive
Summary: Green chemistry has shown great promise in biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy. Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CS-NPs) serve as a promising carrier for anti-cancer drugs, overcoming drug resistance and enabling synergistic therapy. Various types of nanostructures can be modified with chitosan for efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (DOX). The functionalization of CS-NPs with ligands and their pH-sensitive and redox-responsive characteristics further enhance their selectivity and drug release. Considering their high encapsulation efficiency and biocompatibility, significant progress is expected in the clinical translation of CS-NPs.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Muamer Dervisevic, Esma Dervisevic, Lars Esser, Christopher D. Easton, Victor J. Cadarso, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Microneedle-based wearable sensors provide an alternative approach for health monitoring and disease diagnostics by detecting pH levels in the skin interstitial fluid. This technology significantly contributes to the advancement of wearable sensors, simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves cost-effectiveness.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Neda Farnad, Khalil Farhadi
Summary: The use of green silver nanoparticles synthesized by Rosa damascena mill L. extract was demonstrated to control the encapsulation efficiency of riboflavin (Rf) in potato starch. The presence of AgNPs reduces the size of Rf nanocapsules, increases the encapsulation efficiency, and improves their thermal stability, antibacterial and antioxidant activities.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Neda Farnad, Khalil Farhadi
Summary: Anthocyanins extracted from Rosa damascena mill L. were successfully encapsulated into zein and starch nanocapsules using simple and complex coacervation methods, with higher pH values. The encapsulated nanocapsules showed high antioxidant activity and encapsulation efficiency.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Meihua Luo, Yuchen Li, Bo Peng, Jacinta White, Ermei Makila, Wing Yin Tong, Chung Hang Jonathan Choi, Bryan Day, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: The clinical treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) is challenging due to the blood-brain barrier, chemotherapeutic resistance, and aggressive tumor metastasis. In this study, researchers developed porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) modified with antisense oligonucleotide (AON) for targeted gene and drug delivery in GBM treatment. These AON-modified pSiNPs (AON@pSiNPs) had selective internalization by GBM cells and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells expressing scavenger receptors. The results showed that AON@pSiNPs could cross the blood-brain barrier, knock down the key driver of GBM invasion, and inhibit GBM cell migration, making them a potential strategy for clinical treatment of GBM and targeted drug and gene delivery.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Peije Russell, Lars Esser, Christoph E. E. Hagemeyer, Nicolas H. H. Voelcker
Summary: COVID-19-induced thromboinflammation can lead to severe complications such as pulmonary embolisms, ischaemic stroke, and myocardial infarctions. The long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases also significantly increases in COVID-19 survivors. Nanomedicine shows promising potential in protecting pharmaceuticals and delivering targeted treatments. Developing nanomedicine for COVID-19-induced thromboinflammation, including dual-therapeutic approaches, may greatly aid in combating the ongoing pandemic.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nazia Tabassum, Maria Alba, Li Yan, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Porous silicon microneedles (pSi MNs) with controlled degradation, tunable porosity, and high mechanical stability are introduced for transdermal delivery of bioactive molecules. By changing the thickness of the porous layer, the biodegradability and mechanical properties of pSi MNs can be adjusted. pSi MNs can uniformly load both small and macromolecular drug molecules, and ex vivo experiments demonstrate their efficient transdermal delivery capability.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ishdeep Kaur, Terence Tieu, Veerasikku G. Deepagan, Muhammad A. Ali, Fahad Alsunaydih, David Rudd, Maliheh A. Moghaddam, Laure Bourgeois, Timothy E. Adams, Kristofer J. Thurecht, Mehmet Yuce, Anna Cifuentes-Rius, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Despite the clinical benefits of chemotherapeutics, drug resistance remains a major challenge in breast cancer treatment. Nanomedicines, such as porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs), offer a targeted and effective approach by delivering multiple therapeutics and minimizing drug resistance. In this study, breast cancer-targeted pSiNPs co-loaded with an anticancer drug and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) were engineered. The combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy using targeted pSiNPs showed higher cell-killing efficacy compared to monotherapy and a nontargeted system with combined therapeutics. These findings highlight the potential of targeted pSiNPs as a versatile platform for personalized medicine.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muamer Dervisevic, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Transdermal electrochemical sensors based on microneedle array with integrated conductive microcavities were developed to protect the sensing layer during insertion and removal from the skin. The platforms retain their functionality and sensitivity even after multiple skin applications. This approach has great potential in advancing transdermal sensing technology and providing reliable and cost-effective sensing devices.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Parham Sahandi Zangabad, Zahra Abousalman Rezvani, Ziqiu Tong, Lars Esser, Roshan B. Vasani, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Recent studies have focused on therapeutic peptides due to their high potency in treating various diseases, but they have limitations such as poor bioavailability and short half-life. However, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations have improved their administration by providing long-acting delivery and precise dose administration, among other advantages.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rahimeh Alizadeh, Khalil Farhadi, Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Sara Jambarsang, Mohammad Hossein Salmani, Ali Motahhari, Taher Ahmadzadeh Kokya
Summary: For the first time, the application of Pb/PbO2 anode and steel cathode in the electrochemical treatment of vinasse and alcohol factories wastewater has been investigated. The efficiency of the treatment setup was evaluated based on the removal percentage of COD, turbidity, and color. The results showed high reduction values under optimum conditions.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ziqiu Tong, Lars Esser, Peter Galettis, Helmut Thissen, David Rudd, Christopher D. Easton, Azadeh Nilghaz, Bo Peng, Douer Zhu, Jennifer H. Martin, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: This paper explores the use of a synthetic fluoropolymer, Teflon(TM) AF 2400, to functionalize organ-on-chip systems, reducing the absorption of hydrophobic compounds. Using CBD as a test compound, the researchers quantified CBD absorption into PDMS and found that surface modification with the fluoropolymer significantly increased CBD signals. The study also demonstrated the compatibility of fluoropolymer-modified microchannels for cell culture and CBD perfusion experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Zhe Yoh, Yaping Chen, Ali-Reza Shokouhi, Helmut Thissen, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Roey Elnathan
Summary: The advancement of nanofabrication technologies has enabled the exploration of new territories in nanoneedles applications, particularly in intracellular delivery. In this study, programmable polymeric nanotubes (NTs) were fabricated for efficient mRNA delivery into cells, and the role of actin cytoskeleton in this process was investigated.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mohammad Gheshlaghi, Khalil Farhadi, Rahele Tahmasebi
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been listed as hazardous compounds due to their toxicity. This study developed a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber based on a highly porous monolithic nanofiber nanocomposite and designed a new sampling chamber for the measurement of PAHs in indoor spaces.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
