Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Talia Chetty, Jessica T. Mhlongo, Ayman Y. Waddad, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. de la Torre
Summary: The synthesis and study of hybrid peptides have significant implications in the research community. Several new analogs were synthesized and their antibacterial activity, hemolytic activity, and enzymatic stability were investigated. It was found that substitution of Lys residues with Arg increased hemolytic activity, while substitution with Orn preserved antibacterial activity and improved enzymatic stability.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Bency Thankappan, Anto Thomas, Aishwarya Sakthivadivel, Nivetha Shanmuganathan, Jayaraman Angayarkanni
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of self-assembled melittin nanoparticles (MelNP) with native melittin peptide (Mel). MelNP showed a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa compared to Mel peptide. MelNP also exhibited lower hemolytic activity and higher lytic activity against trypsin/serum. In toxicity analysis, MelNP was non-toxic to zebrafish embryos while Mel caused mortality. Furthermore, MelNP and Mel reduced bacterial load and improved survivability in infected embryos. Overall, MelNP could be a more effective and safer therapeutic molecule than Mel.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sajjad Eshtiaghi, Razieh Nazari, Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi
Summary: Despite efforts to control infectious diseases, they remain a leading cause of death in humans, emphasizing the need to prioritize research on opportunistic pathogens. Researchers have used antibacterial peptides to address antibiotic resistance. This study explores the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of a modified cecropin-melittin 11-peptide, mCM11, which has improved therapeutic properties and reduced side effects. The results show that mCM11 has a strong inhibitory effect on Acinetobacter baumannii strains and potential as a therapeutic option for infections caused by these strains.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Lizhen Guo, Min Tang, Shiqi Luo, Xin Zhou
Summary: In this study, a class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) called Cecropin was identified from insect transcriptomes using bioinformatics. The identified Cecropin genes were found in several insects and their antimicrobial activity against bacteria was validated. This study provides a reliable analytical method for the discovery of AMPs, which have promising applications in diverse fields.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pooja Rani, Rajender S. Varma, Karanpal Singh, Roberto Acevedo, Jagpreet Singh
Summary: A waste leaf extract can be used to generate cost-effective gold and gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles, which exhibit improved catalytic and antibacterial capabilities compared to single-metal nanoparticles. This method is effective in removing contaminants from water and countering antibiotic resistance, and it is cost-effective and sustainable.
Article
Entomology
Kangkang Chen, Shiqi Lu, Jiahui Song, Xiaoyi Dou, Xiangyi Wei, Xinyan Wang, Xu Liu, Congjing Feng
Summary: This study investigates the role of MMP14 in immune responses and antimicrobial activity in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae. The knockdown of MMP14 in the larvae reduces phenoloxidase (PO) activity and Cecropin expression, while enhancing the expressions of Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin. The knockdown of MMP14 also decreases larvae survival to bacterial infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rima Erviana, Yutthakan Saengkun, Prapenpuksiri Rungsa, Nisachon Jangpromma, Patcharaporn Tippayawat, Sompong Klaynongsruang, Jureerut Daduang, Sakda Daduang
Summary: The rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance is a severe health issue. The invention of new antimicrobial agents, such as antimicrobial peptides like Heteroscorpine-1, shows promise in combating bacterial strains. Mutants of CeHS-1 have potential to be developed as novel antimicrobial peptides with increased efficacy and reduced toxicity.
Article
Polymer Science
Giulio Pota, Giuseppe Vitiello, Virginia Venezia, Francesca Della Sala, Assunta Borzacchiello, Aniello Costantini, Luigi Paduano, Leide P. Cavalcanti, Fabiana Tescione, Brigida Silvestri, Giuseppina Luciani
Summary: Hybrid heparin/silica nanoparticles were synthesized in this study, with silica acting as a templating agent for heparin supramolecular organization. The nanoparticles exhibited different supramolecular organization leading to distinct behaviors in drug encapsulation and release.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chih-Lung Wu, Ya-Han Chih, Hsin-Ying Hsieh, Kuang-Li Peng, Yi-Zong Lee, Bak-Sau Yip, Shih-Che Sue, Jya-Wei Cheng
Summary: Cecropins, a type of antimicrobial peptides found in the innate immune system of Cecropia moths, exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anticancer activities. This study developed a strategy to produce recombinant KR12AGPWR6 with enhanced antimicrobial properties through a self-cleavage system. The results showed that the recombinant KR12AGPWR6 exhibited similar antimicrobial activities compared to the chemically synthesized peptide. This method provides a potential strategy for large-scale production of AMPs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Grace Brennan, Sally Ryan, Tewfik Soulimane, Syed A. M. Tofail, Christophe Silien
Summary: Magnetic-plasmonic Fe3O4-Au core-shell nanoparticles are widely used in therapeutics and diagnostics. By exploring their nonlinear optical properties in biological imaging, nanoparticles coated with gold nanoseeds and thinner gold shells showed the highest contrast agent potential.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kamran Banan, Fatemeh Ghorbani-Bidkorbeh, Hanif Afsharara, Dara Hatamabadi, Behnaz Landi, Rustem Kecili, Borje Sellergren
Summary: Bulk and magnetic core-shell Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MMIPs) were introduced and compared for the extraction and determination of amiodarone from plasma. The study found that MMIPs exhibited higher efficiency in the extraction and separation of amiodarone compared to bulk polymers. MMIPs showed higher adsorption capacity, imprinting factors, and selectivity factors, while reducing sample amount, adsorbent consumption, and pretreatment time. Therefore, MMIPs are a preferable choice for the extraction of amiodarone.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jaya Verma, Avi Gupta, Deepak Kumar
Summary: This research focused on developing a highly efficient and cost-effective multifunctional nanocoating by incorporating silica-titania core-shell particles into polyurethane for various applications. The core-shell structure combined the mechanical properties improvement of silica with the antimicrobial and hydrophobic enhancement of titania. Through testing and analysis, it was found that a concentration of 4% (wt) of nano core-shell particles in the PU coating system produced the best results for multipurpose applications.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
J. Mohapatra, J. Elkins, M. Xing, D. Guragain, Sanjay R. Mishra, J. Ping Liu
Summary: Self-assembly of nanoparticles can lead to the formation of new materials with desired physical properties. In this study, composition-modulated bimagnetic nanoparticles were used to produce ordered structures with enhanced magnetic properties, such as anisotropy and remanent magnetization. The presence of magnetic fields during assembly played a key role in the formation of oriented nanoparticle chains in superlattice structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanni Marco Saladino, Ronak Kakadiya, Shaquib Rahman Ansari, Alexandra Teleki, Muhammet Sadaka Toprak
Summary: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) play a dominant role in various biomedical applications, including magnetic separation, drug delivery, diagnostics, and hyperthermia treatments. In this study, superparamagnetic nanoclusters (SP-NCs) with high unit magnetization and diameters up to 400 nm were synthesized using conventional or microwave-assisted solvothermal methods. The choice of synthesis route and capping agent significantly influenced the particle size, SP-NC size, surface chemistry, and magnetic properties. The SP-NCs were then coated with a silica shell doped with a fluorophore to provide fluorescence properties and high stability. The heating efficiency studies demonstrated the potential of these synthesized SP-NCs in hyperthermia treatment. The enhanced magnetically-active content, fluorescence, magnetic property, and heating efficiency of SP-NCs offer promising opportunities for biomedical applications.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ekaterina A. Kukushkina, Helena Mateos, Nazan Altun, Maria Chiara Sportelli, Pelayo Gonzalez, Rosaria Anna Picca, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: Active investment in the development and study of novel unconventional antimicrobials is important for addressing antimicrobial resistance and bacterial contamination. The use of natural compounds, such as chitosan and tannic acid, in combination with silver nanoparticles shows potential for creating antimicrobial materials. The efficiency of these materials in preventing biofilm growth has been demonstrated in studies against food-borne pathogens. Further research on the application of these materials in food packaging is currently being conducted.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreia Vilaca, Leon J. de Windt, Hugo Fernandes, Lino Ferreira
Summary: Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as miRNAs and lncRNAs, have shown potential as regulators of cardiovascular pathophysiology and offer therapeutic opportunities for cardiovascular diseases. However, the physico-chemical features of RNA hinder efficient cellular delivery. This review highlights recent advancements in ncRNA delivery for the cardiovascular system and suggests potential solutions for clinical translation.
TRENDS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Artur Filipe Rodrigues, Catarina Rebelo, Susana Simoes, Cristiana Paulo, Sonia Pinho, Vitor Francisco, Lino Ferreira
Summary: Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies require safe and effective delivery formulations. Polymeric nanoparticles can be designed to modulate cell targeting and have shown superior performance over lipid-based agents in the delivery of mRNA. A polymeric nanoformulation based on specific monomers has been identified to efficiently transfect fibroblasts and target fibrotic diseases, with receptor-mediated endocytosis playing a role in this tropism. Structure-activity analysis reveals the importance of high buffering capacity and low mRNA binding affinity for efficient mRNA delivery.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Patricia Diogo, M. Amparo F. Faustino, Paulo J. Palma, Akhilesh Rai, Maria Graca P. M. S. Neves, Joao Miguel Santos
Summary: This review article focuses on the mechanism of action of various newly developed nanocarriers (NCs) with antimicrobial properties. Nine types of NCs are discussed, along with nineteen approaches based on in vitro antimicrobial assays. The challenges and limitations of all NCs are highlighted, and it is suggested that further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy in endodontic antimicrobial studies.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
N. Soares, T. Matias, L. Duraes, P. N. Simoes, J. J. Costa
Summary: This paper aims to assess the key thermophysical properties of ten paraffin-based phase-change materials. The major contribution of this work is a reliable dataset for upcoming numerical modelling and reference for future inter-laboratorial comparison studies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Noor Al-Jawuschi, Shiyi Chen, Nahal Abie, Thomas Fischer, Silvia Fare, Hajar Homa Maleki
Summary: In this study, a 3D aerogel-based composite scaffold with a dual-network structure was successfully fabricated for successive tumor therapy and tissue regeneration. The scaffold exhibited photothermal triggered controlled drug release and cancer cell ablation. Additionally, the scaffold showed excellent biodegradation properties, making it a potential implant for tissue regeneration.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sahadevan Seena, Rafaela Ferra, Melike Pala, S. L. K. W. Roelants, Wim Soetaert, Christian V. V. Stevens, Lino Ferreira, Akhilesh Rai
Summary: The combination of acidic sophorolipid nanoparticles (ASL NPs) and LL37 peptides demonstrates an effective antimicrobial effect against various bacteria in the presence of human serum and trypsin. It also prevents the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm and eradicates existing biofilm. The combination has a rapid damaging effect on the bacterial membrane, particularly on Escherichia coli, and is biocompatible to human keratinocyte cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro M. C. Matias, Joana F. M. Sousa, Eva F. Bernardino, Joao P. Vareda, Luisa Duraes, Paulo E. Abreu, Jorge M. C. Marques, Dina Murtinho, Artur J. M. Valente
Summary: Toxic heavy metals, commonly found in dangerous concentrations in wastewater, can be effectively removed by chitosan and its derivatives. Among the synthesized reduced chitosan derivatives (RCDs), RCD3 exhibited the highest adsorption efficiency for Cu(II) under optimal conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that RCDs had stronger interactions with Cu(II) compared to chitosan, resulting in improved adsorption.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Samaneh Aynehband, Joshua N. Arthur, Maryam Mohammadi, Jean -Michel Nunzi, Soniya D. Yambem, Abdolreza Simchi
Summary: Phototransistors based on blended MAPbI3 perovskite nanocrystals and P3HT exhibit higher absorption coefficient and unique optical properties, resulting in faster response time and more stable photoresponse compared to pure P3HT phototransistors. The optimized device with a 2:1 weight ratio of MAPbI3 nanocrystals to P3HT achieves an ILIGHT/IDARK ratio of 123, which is 63% higher than in pure P3HT phototransistors. These phototransistors may have potential applications as tunable photosensors due to their ease of fabrication and high sensitivity.
ORGANIC ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Ines Roque, Joao Gomes, Igor Reva, Artur J. M. Valente, Nuno E. E. Simoes, Paula V. V. Morais, Luisa Duraes, Rui C. C. Martins
Summary: Ensuring drinking water quality is crucial for public health, especially in the context of increasing industrialization. Disinfection is a key process, but it leads to the formation of unwanted disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that negatively impact human health. Stricter regulations and techniques for DBP removal have been developed, but further research is needed to monitor and control these contaminants in water distribution systems.
Article
Optics
Mahdi Hasanzadeh Azar, Samaneh Aynehband, Habib Abdollahi, Homayoon Alimohammadi, Nooshin Rajabi, Shayan Angizi, Vahid Kamraninejad, Razieh Teimouri, Raheleh Mohammadpour, Abdolreza Simchi
Summary: Recently, organic-inorganic perovskites have shown great potential in enhancing the performance of photovoltaic systems due to their exceptional optical and electronic properties. In this study, the influence of different hole transport layers (HTLs) and perovskite active layers (ALs) on the performance of solar cells was numerically analyzed using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D). The results showed that CsSnI3 as the HTL and FAPbI(3) as the AL achieved the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.90%. Machine learning (ML) was used to predict the performance metrics of solar cells with approximately 75% accuracy.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matteo Paolieri, Zihao Chen, Firoz Babu Kadumudi, Morteza Alehosseini, Melanie Zorron, Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz, Hajar Maleki
Summary: In order to adapt to the era of IoT and AI, there is a need for biocompatible, elastic, and self-healing soft electronic devices, such as wearable sensors. Inspired by the adhesive properties of marine organisms, a library of materials was synthesized and fabricated, including adhesive, self-healable, and stretchable gum-like materials, hydrogels, and aerogels. The resulting materials exhibit mussel-inspired adhesiveness, mechanical flexibility, electrical conductivity, and self-healing features. These materials have potential applications in soft electronic devices, such as electronic skins and wearable pressure sensors.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Golara Kafili, Elnaz Tamjid, Hassan Niknejad, Abdolreza Simchi
Summary: Recently, decellularized amniotic membranes (dAM) have been modified with sodium alginate and Laponite nanoplatelets to improve their rheological behavior and mechanical durability for 3D bioprinting. The addition of Laponite significantly enhanced the shear-thinning behavior and dynamic mechanical modulus of the hydrogel, enabling the printing of free-standing constructs without compromising biological properties. However, excessive agglomeration of the nanoplatelets at high concentrations was observed, leading to nozzle clogging. Overall, the nanoengineered hydrogel showed suitable structural integrity and biocompatibility, highlighting its potential for tissue engineering applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto J. Aguado, Beatriz O. Gomes, Luisa Duraes, Artur J. M. Valente
Summary: Complexes of lanthanide ions with proper ligands can emit red and green light, and with shorter wavelengths, they achieve yellow and orange emission under UV radiation. Polymeric matrix and 1,10-phenanthroline were used as ligands, and the addition of a cationic polyfluorene with blue emission further enhanced the color possibilities. The resulting luminescent inks could reveal a full-color image with UV-C radiation for anti-counterfeiting applications, and the luminescence of both lanthanide ion complexes and polyfluorenes were quenched by Cu(II) ions and nitroarenes, respectively.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Claudio M. R. Almeida, Joao Pina, Julia M. C. S. Magalhaes, Maria Fatima Barroso, Luisa Duraes
Summary: A novel paper-supported ratiometric fluorescent sensing platform based on co-doped Tb3+ and Eu3+ silica film is developed for the detection and discrimination of amines. The sensor demonstrates excellent detection performance and can be used as a food freshness indicator in the food industry.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Mohsen Saeidi, Hossein Chenani, Mina Orouji, MahsaSadat Adel Rastkhiz, Nafiseh Bolghanabadi, Shaghayegh Vakili, Zahra Mohamadnia, Amir Hatamie, Abdolreza (Arash) Simchi
Summary: This review systematically reviews the research progress of hydrogel-based wearable electrochemical biosensors (HWEBs). Hydrogels have excellent properties such as biocompatibility, high porosity, and reliable detection of disease biomarkers. However, most hydrogels suffer from low mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Researchers have explored various electroactive nanofillers to improve the mechanical and electrochemical properties of hydrogels. The review also discusses the prospects and potential applications of HWEBs in biosensing, healthcare monitoring, and clinical diagnostics.
