Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elisa Ficarella, Mohammad Minooei, Lorenzo Santoro, Elisabetta Toma, Bartolomeo Trentadue, Marco De Spirito, Massimiliano Papi, Catalin I. Pruncu, Luciano Lamberti
Summary: This article provides a detailed study on the mechanical characterization of the immature equine zona pellucida (ZP) membrane, identifying suitable models for its hyperelastic and viscous components. Material properties are determined through inverse analysis, fitting nanoindentation curves, and demonstrating good agreement with AFM data. Additionally, a critical comparison of the mechanical behavior of two immature ZP membranes is carried out, considering structural information from electron microscopy investigations.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Koki Takebayashi, Manita Wittayarat, Qingyi Lin, Maki Hirata, Naoaki Yoshimura, Nanaka Torigoe, Megumi Nagahara, Lanh Thi Kim Do, Fuminori Tanihara, Takeshige Otoi
Summary: CRISPR/Cas9 technology has greatly influenced the efficiency and effectiveness of genetic modifications. The study found that electroporation alone significantly increased the frequency of biallelic mutations, while lipofection alone required the removal of the zona pellucida to enable CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. Additionally, additional lipofectamine treatment did not improve the mutation rates.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zhao Namula, Maki Hirata, Quynh Anh Le, Qingyi Lin, Koki Takebayashi, Naoaki Yoshimura, Fuminori Tanihara, Chommanart Thongkittidilok, Takeshige Otoi
Summary: The study showed that weakening the ZP does not affect the developmental competence, mutation rate, or mutation efficiency of electroporated zygotes, while ZP removal has a detrimental effect on embryonic development but may increase the mutation rate.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yue Du, Yizhe Chen, Shuai Zhang, Dai Cheng, Yaowei Liu, Qili Zhao, Mingzhu Sun, Maosheng Cui, Xin Zhao
Summary: This study developed a high-fidelity finite element model for describing the viscoelastic responses of oocytes under loading. By analyzing and characterizing the subcellular components of oocytes, the model accurately predicted the deformation of oocytes under different loading conditions. This model has important implications for further investigating the characteristics and behavior of oocytes.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keivan Asadi, Junghoon Yeom, Hanna Cho
Summary: Investigating internal resonance (IR) mechanisms in micro/nanoresonators reveals that intermodal coupling between second and third flexural modes in asymmetric structures provides an optimal condition for strong IR, with high energy transfer to the resonated mode. This study introduces design strategies that can be easily integrated into typical micro/nanoelectromechanical systems, offering potential for paradigm-shifting applications in micro/nanosystems.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
A. Bakhtiyari, M. Baghani, S. Sohrabpour
Summary: This study introduces a semi-analytical solution for describing shape memory polymers (SMPs) behavior based on nonlinear thermo-visco-hyperelasticity which incorporates internal state variables and rational thermodynamics. The method is applied to investigate the bending of multilayers in a dual-shape memory effect (SME) cycle for two different SMPs and a hyperelastic material. The predicted results are verified through finite element simulation, showing the high accuracy of the proposed solution in predicting multilayer SMP behavior. Due to its lower computational cost compared to the finite element method (FEM), this method can be employed as an effective tool for analyzing SMP behavior under various conditions.
APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND MECHANICS-ENGLISH EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Kaitlin P. McCreery, Callan M. Luetkemeyer, Sarah Calve, Corey P. Neu
Summary: Degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis lead to cartilage matrix deterioration, affecting tissue function. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is commonly used for measuring mechanical properties, but linear elastic contact models ignore the nonlinear nature of soft materials, impacting clinical studies. This study compared classical Hertzian theory with five hyperelastic models to measure cartilage ECM and found that the Fung model demonstrated the best fit. By selectively degrading ECM components, the study also revealed that proteoglycans drive the nonlinear response of cartilage ECM. These findings contribute to the biomechanics community's understanding of two-parameter material models for micro-indentation of soft biomaterials.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Aman Khurana, Atul Kumar Sharma, M. M. Joglekar
Summary: This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic behavior of aniso-visco-hyperelastic DEMES actuators and explores the effects of anisotropy on their performance. The study reveals that material anisotropy enhances the equilibrium angle and resonant frequency of the structures, leading to a favorable impact on their actuation performance. The analytical model and trends presented in this study can be potentially utilized in the design and development of anisotropic DEMES actuators under time-dependent actuation.
NONLINEAR DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kshitiz Upadhyay, Ahmed Alshareef, Andrew K. Knutsen, Curtis L. Johnson, Aaron Carass, Philip V. Bayly, Dzung L. Pham, Jerry L. Prince, K. T. Ramesh
Summary: Computational head models are promising tools for understanding and predicting traumatic brain injuries. However, current head models suffer from uncertainty and poor accuracy in capturing the nonlinear brain tissue response. To address these issues, a framework for developing subject-specific head models using magnetic resonance imaging and elastography is proposed. The models employ a nonlinear visco-hyperelastic constitutive model to capture the brain tissue response.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
Janusz Wojcik, Norbert Zolek
Summary: The equations of streaming generated by an acoustic mod propagating in a nonlinear dispersive medium are derived, considering a general dispersion model and taking into account relaxation effects. The quasi-stationary flow is driven by a force given by the average value of the dispersion operator, and the weighted spectral power density distribution of the acoustic field. The effect of refractive index deviation on the driving force of streaming is also revealed, and the possibility of generalizing the description of streaming in a non-Newtonian fluid is analyzed.
Article
Mechanics
Aman Khurana, Ajay Kumar, Santosh Kumar Raut, Atul Kumar Sharma, M. M. Joglekar
Summary: The dielectric elastomer minimum energy structure (DEMES) formed by attaching a pre-stretched dielectric elastomer (DE) membrane to a compliant frame exhibits both material and geometrical nonlinearity, significantly affecting the transient motion of the actuator. Analyzing the viscoelastic effect of the DE membrane on the DEMES dynamic behavior is crucial for efficient design, as revealed by the developed analytical model. The study predicts the delay in equilibrium state onset with increasing viscosity parameter, and demonstrates the significant impact of electric field and viscoelastic behavior on the bending angle of the DEMES actuator.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Danalache, Jasmin Knoll, Walter Linzenbold, Markus Enderle, Tanja Abruzzese, Arnulf Stenzl, Wilhelm K. Aicher
Summary: The study investigated the effects of WJ technology on cell viability, differentiation, attachment capabilities, and biomechanical features. It was found that WJ injections did not affect cell attachment, reduced cellular stiffness, and maintained high cell viability and differentiation capacities. However, further optimization of the WJ device may be necessary to minimize effects on cell biomechanical properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Sebastian J. Mueller, Franziska Weigl, Carina Bezold, Christian Baecher, Krystyna Albrecht, Stephan Gekle
Summary: In this study, a numerical model is proposed to simulate the deformation of biological cells in arbitrary three-dimensional flows, calibrated using experimental data and validated through comparison to previous experiments on different types of cells and particles.
BIOMECHANICS AND MODELING IN MECHANOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ribrio Ivan Tavares Pereira Batista, Lucia N. Moro, Emilie Corbin, Carmen Alminana, Joanna Maria Goncalves Souza-Fabjan, Vicente Jose De Figueiredo Freitas, Pascal Mermillod
Summary: The combination of treating oocytes with diluted oviduct fluid 30 minutes before IVF, followed by IVF in the presence of oviduct epithelial cells, improved the production of monospermic zygotes in pigs without reducing the penetration rate when the IVF medium was supplemented with heparin.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Kinga Kaminska, Kasun Godakumara, Bianka Swiderska, Agata Malinowska, Getnet Midekessa, Kamila Sofinska, Jakub Barbasz, Alireza Fazeli, Malgorzata Grzesiak
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanoparticles released by different cell types, playing a crucial role in intercellular communication by carrying various biomolecular compounds. This study assessed the use of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) for effectively isolating EVs from porcine ovarian follicular fluid. The characterization of EVs was performed using multiple techniques, and the results showed that SEC is an effective method for isolating and studying EVs from porcine follicular fluid, providing opportunities for further functional analyses such as proteomics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesca Giulimondi, Erica Quagliarini, Luca Digiacomo, Serena Renzi, Valentina Palmieri, Massimiliano Papi, Daniela Pozzi, Giulio Caracciolo
Summary: This article discusses the impact of interoperator variability and the use of automated systems on biomolecular corona studies, and investigates the effects of molecular crowding and washing the pellet during corona isolation in nanoparticle-biofluid incubation. The findings are believed to be important for improving the accuracy of experimental design and reporting.
PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Flavio De Maio, Giulia Santarelli, Valentina Palmieri, Giordano Perini, Alessandro Salustri, Ivana Palucci, Giovanni Delli Carpini, Alberto Augello, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Marco De Spirito, Michela Sali, Giovanni Delogu, Massimiliano Papi
Summary: Respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of death from infectious diseases globally, with COVID-19 adding to the burden of existing respiratory tract infections like tuberculosis. Graphene and curcumin can be used to create fabric coatings on cotton and polyester, providing personal protective equipment that is resistant to infectious agents.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giada Bianchetti, Maria Elisabetta Clementi, Beatrice Sampaolese, Cassandra Serantoni, Alessio Abeltino, Marco De Spirito, Shlomo Sasson, Giuseppe Maulucci
Summary: Diabetes-induced oxidative stress causes vascular complications, particularly diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is attributed to harmful oxidative stress events in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has therapeutic potential against oxidative damage in retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19) and activates the Nrf2/Nqo1 signaling cascade to promote antioxidant response. This study investigates the modulation of lipid metabolism by high-glucose (HG) conditions on ARPE-19 cells and demonstrates that DHA ameliorates lipid metabolism and reduces ROS production under HG conditions. Targeting lipid metabolism pathways may offer new treatment strategies for DR.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Valentina Palmieri, Francesco Amato, Andrea Giacomo Marrani, Ginevra Friggeri, Giordano Perini, Alberto Augello, Marco De Spirito, Massimiliano Papi
Summary: Graphene Oxide (GO) is an oxidized form of graphene that contains various oxygen functional groups. The solubility of GO in water makes it an ideal material in the biomedical field, but the synthesis methods used can affect the balance of oxygen groups and the impact on cells. Spectroscopic techniques are commonly used to characterize GO, but they have limitations in indicating its reactivity with polymers or biological media. In this study, a colorimetric method based on GO's reactivity with copper ions was developed to evaluate the oxidation degree and accessibility of polymeric samples. This technique will be crucial for scaffold characterization in tissue engineering and studying interactions between GO-related materials and biological entities.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Massimiliano Papi, Marco De Spirito, Valentina Palmieri
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted collaboration between nanotechnology scientists, industry stakeholders, and clinicians to find solutions for SARS-CoV-2 infections. Carbon-based materials (CBM) like graphene and carbon nanotubes have shown potential in viral research due to their unique effects on microorganisms and immune interaction. This review explores the interaction of CBM with SARS-CoV-2, including their physical and chemical properties, known interactions with viral components, and potential applications in prevention, treatment, and diagnostics.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alessio Abeltino, Giada Bianchetti, Cassandra Serantoni, Alessia Riente, Marco De Spirito, Giuseppe Maulucci
Summary: Nutrition is a crucial aspect of medicine, affecting various health conditions. Digital medicine utilizes digital twins, which are replicas of human physiology, to prevent and treat diseases. This study compared different models for the deployment of Personalized Metabolic Avatars, with GRUs and LSTMs showing the best predictive performance and acceptable computational times. The Transformer model did not significantly improve predictive performance but increased computational time, while the SARIMAX model had the best computational time but worst predictive performance.
Article
Microbiology
Alessandro Salustri, Flavio De Maio, Valentina Palmieri, Giulia Santarelli, Ivana Palucci, Delia Mercedes Bianco, Federica Marchionni, Silvia Bellesi, Gabriele Ciasca, Giordano Perini, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Michela Sali, Massimiliano Papi, Marco De Spirito, Giovanni Delogu
Summary: Graphene Oxide has been proposed as a potential adjuvant to improve anti-TB treatment by trapping mycobacteria and limiting their entry into macrophages. However, our findings show that graphene oxide is not effective in clearing Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human immune cells, possibly due to its toxic effects on monocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Davide Pierangeli, Giordano Perini, Valentina Palmieri, Ivana Grecco, Ginevra Friggeri, Marco De Spirito, Massimiliano Papi, Eugenio DelRe, Claudio Conti
Summary: The authors discovered that tumor-cell spheroids exhibit optical rogue waves under randomly modulated laser beam illumination. The intensity of transmitted light follows a Weibull statistical distribution, with extreme events corresponding to localized optical modes propagating within the cell network. These nonlinear optical filaments form high-transmission channels and can be used to achieve controlled temperature increase. This study sheds light on optical propagation in biological aggregates and demonstrates the potential of using rogue waves in biomedical applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Amato, Giordano Perini, Ginevra Friggeri, Alberto Augello, Alessandro Motta, Leonardo Giaccari, Robertino Zanoni, Marco De Spirito, Valentina Palmieri, Andrea Giacomo Marrani, Massimiliano Papi
Summary: Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide are widely used carbon nanomaterials in biomedicine. However, the hydrophobic behavior of reduced graphene oxide limits its stability in biological media. In this study, sodium ascorbate is used as a reducing agent to prepare reduced graphene oxide with improved stability and suitability for applications in cell culture media.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alessia Riente, Alessio Abeltino, Cassandra Serantoni, Giada Bianchetti, Marco De Spirito, Stefano Capezzone, Rosita Esposito, Giuseppe Maulucci
Summary: We developed a non-invasive device that evaluates personalized chewing styles by analyzing various aspects. The device provides valuable insights into personalized chewing profiles and could modify unhealthy chewing habits.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roberto Matassa, Marta Gatti, Martina Crociati, Roberto Brunelli, Ezio Battaglione, Massimiliano Papi, Marco De Spirito, Stefania Annarita Nottola, Giuseppe Familiari
Summary: The ability of branched glycoprotein filaments to change their hierarchical organization through external stimuli expands understanding of self-assembling strategies that can rearrange networks. This research focuses on the morpho-structural changes of the zona pellucida and its self-assembled filament networks, revealing controlled levels of structured organizations during different stages of oocyte development. The changes are regulated by the nanostructured polymorphisms of the branched filaments and controlled by self-extension/-contraction/-bending processes.
