Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paolo Branchini, Valentina Spampinato, Alexis Franquet, Gianlorenzo Bussetti, Luca Tortora, Stefania De Rosa
Summary: Intercalation mechanisms, diffusion, and segregation phenomena have significant implications in various fields of applied science involving graphitic materials. This study investigates the effects of different ion sources and energy conditions on the structure and chemistry of graphite through depth profiling experiments, aiming to determine the optimal conditions for preserving the crystal features.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sarah E. Bamford, Robert T. Jones, Wil Gardner, Benjamin W. Muir, David A. Winkler, Paul J. Pigram
Summary: This work presents a 3D chemical characterization of a low emissivity double silver coating on glass using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and machine learning. The composition of different layers is visualized using an unsupervised machine learning technique. Repeating layers are identified based on their mass spectra and classified as chemically indistinguishable. This technique provides valuable insight into manufacturing processes and production challenges, and has strong potential in forensic applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marco Ruggeri, Rita Sanchez-Espejo, Luca Casula, Raquel de Melo Barbosa, Giuseppina Sandri, Maria Cristina Cardia, Francesco Lai, Cesar Viseras
Summary: The aim of this study was to design and develop curcumin nanocrystals incorporated into natural inorganic hydrogels for topical application. Results showed that the presence of bentonite increased curcumin skin penetration and allowed its radical scavenging properties.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Muhammad Waseem Akram, Danish Mazhar, Iqra Afzal, Ahmad Zeb, Qurat Ul Ain, Salman Khan, Hussain Ali
Summary: This research developed Continentalic acid-loaded transfersomes embedded in Carbopol gel for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The fabricated transfersomes showed promising therapeutic outcomes in terms of behavioral findings, arthritic index, and histological findings. The study also showed improvement in the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins, suggesting an improvement in the arthritic condition.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junichiro Sameshima, Shigenori Numao
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the behavior and mechanism of background signals during depth profiling of atmospheric elements using dual-beam TOF-SIMS on silicon wafers. It was found that the background signals of atmospheric elements are inversely proportional to the sputtering rate, mainly attributed to the accumulation of components through adsorption and ion bombardment in the pre-equilibrium state. Additionally, H2O dominates the background formation process of hydrogen and oxygen, while the background signal levels of carbon with respect to the sputtering rate show a different trend than other elements.
SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Amal Ben Hadj Mabrouk, Christophe Licitra, Antoine Chateauminois, Marc Veillerot
Summary: This study investigated the impact of PMMA thin film molecular weight on ToF-SIMS sputtering mechanisms and kinetics, revealing a decrease in sputtering yield volume with increasing molecular weight. Physical parameters such as glass transition temperature and polymer chain entanglement were discussed in relation to this behavior, with sputtering yield variation found to logarithmically correlate with primary beam energy. Preliminary experiments with low molecular weight PMMA also showed a nanoconfinement effect similar to argon cluster sputtering but of lesser magnitude.
SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Zhu, R. Hou, M. Liu, L. Wang, W. Chen, Y. Sun, W. Wei, S. Ye
Summary: This study utilized a supramolecular hydrogel, NapFFY, to encapsulate EGCG for sustained release in wound areas, promoting wound healing. In vivo experiments demonstrated that sustained release of EGCG from EGCG-NapFFY effectively improved wound healing compared to pure EGCG.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takeshi Oshizaka, Mao Hayakawa, Mayu Uesaka, Kota Yoshizawa, Tomoyo Kamei, Issei Takeuchi, Kenji Mori, Shoko Itakura, Hiroaki Todo, Kenji Sugibayashi
Summary: In this study, an ionic liquid-type enhancer IL-Azone was designed and found to have moderate enhancing effects on skin permeation. Although its enhancing effect was not as high as Azone, IL-Azone still showed potential as a skin penetration enhancer.
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Noelia Loza-Rodriguez, Aina Millan-Sanchez, Olga Lopez
Summary: The development of a new biocompatible delivery system, known as bigel, for topical application is described in this study. The bigel, composed of 40% colloidal lipid hydrogel and 60% olive oil and beeswax oleogel, showed a lamellar structure with orthorhombic lateral packing and deeper penetration ability for hydrophilic and lipophilic probes. This makes it a promising candidate for effective topical carriers in medical and dermatological applications.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fernanda Mendes de Moraes, Silvana Cristina Trauthman, Francieli Zimmer, Patricia Piovezan Pacheco, Fernando Dal Pont Morisso, Ana Luiza Ziulkoski, Luiz Alberto Kanis, Karine Modolon Zepon
Summary: This study investigated the potential role of using carrageenan/locust bean gum hydrogel to enhance transdermal delivery of hydrophilic actives. The results showed that the kappa C:LBG:AR hydrogel had higher viscosity values, smooth surfaces, and good cytocompatibility in vitro. By changing the structural organization of the lipid bilayer, the kappa C:LBG:AR hydrogel enhanced transdermal delivery and significantly improved skin hydration and reduced melanin index.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michael Leitzenberger, Peter Kuegler, Stefan Krivec, Herbert Hutter
Summary: Artifact-free depth profiles of alkali ions in SiO2 were obtained using ToF-SIMS with Cs+ beam as sputter gun, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method. The approach allows for accurate depth profiling without the need for advanced equipment, making it more accessible to laboratories.
SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takamasa Suzuki, Tomohiro Aoki, Masato Saito, Ichiro Hijikuro, Shoko Itakura, Hiroaki Todo, Kenji Sugibayashi
Summary: Penetration enhancers, such as non-lamellar liquid crystal (NLLC) forming lipids, are crucial for overcoming the barrier function of the stratum corneum in topical formulations development. In this study, the use of acryl-base pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape containing NLLC forming lipids like mono-O-(5,9,13-trimethyl-4-tetradecenyl) glycerol ester (MGE) or phytantriol (PHY) significantly enhanced the permeation of hydrophilic drug fluorescein sodium (FL-Na) through the skin. The addition of MGE into the formulation led to improved skin permeation of drugs that are typically difficult to permeate through the skin.
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kanokwan Singpanna, Chaiyakarn Pornpitchanarong, Prasopchai Patrojanasophon, Theerasak Rojanarata, Tanasait Ngawhirunpat, S. Kevin Li, Praneet Opanasopit
Summary: The present study evaluated the effect of gold nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan (CS-AuNPs) and citrate ions (Ci-AuNPs) on skin permeation of sodium fluorescein (NaFI) and rhodamine b base (RhB). CS-AuNPs showed enhanced permeation of NaFI, superior to Ci-AuNPs, and this enhancement was likely due to improved delivery through the transepidermal pathway. However, CS-AuNPs and Ci-AuNPs had no significant effect on the permeability of the lipophilic molecule RhB. CS-AuNPs also exhibited no cytotoxicity towards human skin fibroblast cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Han Zhang, Kai Liu, Yimou Gong, Wenjun Zhu, Jiafei Zhu, Feng Pan, Yu Chao, Zhishen Xiao, Yanbin Liu, Xianwen Wang, Zhuang Liu, Yang Yang, Qian Chen
Summary: This study presents the use of a novel Vitamin C nanofiber hydrogel as a platform for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. The hydrogel not only serves as a reservoir for Vitamin C but also exhibits anti-tumor effects. The encapsulated stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist synergistically activates the immune system to inhibit the progression of tumors.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rui Pereira, Sandra G. Silva, Marina Pinheiro, Salette Reis, M. Luisa do Vale
Summary: Transdermal drug delivery has advantages over conventional routes, but faces challenges due to the skin's natural barrier properties. Amino acid derivatives as permeation enhancers show great potential with high biodegradability and low toxicity, facilitating the delivery of various drugs through the skin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robert E. Turnbull, Katrin N. Sander, James Turnbull, David A. Barrett, Alison H. Goodall
Summary: In addition to haemostasis, platelets play a role in various pathological processes through the release of bioactive molecules upon activation. This study found that platelets stimulated by GPVI release multiple oxylipins with biological properties. Inhibition of COX-1 and 12-LOX could modify the production of these bioactive molecules released by activated platelets.
PROSTAGLANDINS & OTHER LIPID MEDIATORS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas Webb, Xueping Liu, Robert J. E. Westbrook, Stefanie Kern, Muhammad T. Sajjad, Sandra Jenatsch, K. D. G. Imalka Jayawardena, W. Hashini K. Perera, Igor P. Marko, Sanjayan Sathasivam, Bowei Li, Mozhgan Yavari, David J. Scurr, Morgan R. Alexander, Thomas J. Macdonald, Saif A. Haque, Stephen J. Sweeney, Wei Zhang
Summary: A new approach is presented in this paper to address the issue of dopant induced instability in high efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By utilizing organometallocenes, significant improvements are observed in device stability and hole extraction efficiency at the hole transporting layer (HTL) interface.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rowan Watson, Morwenna Oldfield, Jack A. Bryant, Lily Riordan, Harriet J. Hill, Julie A. Watts, Morgan R. Alexander, Michael J. Cox, Zania Stamataki, David J. Scurr, Felicity de Cogan
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for controlling the spread of airborne respiratory pathogens, leading to a demand for novel technologies for clean air. This study reports on the effectiveness of novel biocide treated filters in killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The filters are shown to maintain their structure and filtration function, and have excellent efficacy in reducing microbial species in air conditioning systems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Phoebe McCrorie, Jonathan Rowlinson, David J. Scurr, Maria Marlow, Ruman Rahman
Summary: Historically, pre-clinical neuro-oncological drug delivery studies have primarily relied on overall animal survival as a measure of efficacy. However, this study demonstrates the potential of OrbiSIMS, a next-generation analytical instrument, to accurately detect brain penetration of drug compounds and provide imaging capabilities. This method could complement in vivo efficacy studies and assess the distribution and penetration of drugs in the brain.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jack A. Bryant, Lily Riordan, Rowan Watson, Naa Dei Nikoi, Wioleta Trzaska, Louise Slope, Callum Tibbatts, Morgan R. Alexander, David J. Scurr, Robin C. May, Felicity de Cogan
Summary: There is a growing concern about antimicrobial resistant infections in healthcare settings. While bacterial infections are well-documented, fungal infections receive less attention despite their significant impact on society and potential lethality. Fungi share many biological features with humans, making it challenging to develop effective technologies and infrastructure for combating fungal infections. This study presents a novel antimicrobial surface modified with the broad-spectrum biocide chlorhexidine, which demonstrates rapid killing of the opportunistic fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, and outperforms current available technologies like silver and copper.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Waraporn Suvannapruk, Max K. Edney, Dong-Hyun Kim, David J. Scurr, Amir M. Ghaemmaghami, Morgan R. Alexander
Summary: Studying the metabolic characteristics of macrophage subsets is important for understanding the human immune system's response to different stimuli, and utilizing the newly developed 3D OrbiSIMS instrument for cell analysis can provide useful information for metabolite profiling at the single-cell level, aiding in understanding the body's response to implanted devices and immune diseases.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rory C. McNulty, Keir Penston, Sharad S. Amin, Sandro Stal, Jie Yie Lee, Mario Samperi, Lluisa Perez-Garcia, Jamie M. Cameron, Lee R. Johnson, David B. Amabilino, Graham N. Newton
Summary: The mixing of [V10O28](6-) decavanadate anions with a dicationic gemini surfactant leads to the self-assembly of nanostructured arrays of decavanadate clusters. Calcination of the material results in different crystalline structures and morphologies of V2O5, which significantly affect the cathode performance as lithium-ion intercalation electrodes. Larger crystallites and long-range microstructure deliver higher capacity retention, while smaller crystallite size and higher surface area allow faster lithium insertion and superior rate performance.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paula Muresan, Phoebe McCrorie, Fiona Smith, Catherine Vasey, Vincenzo Taresco, David J. Scurr, Stefanie Kern, Stuart Smith, Pavel Gershkovich, Ruman Rahman, Maria Marlow
Summary: This study developed polymeric microneedle (MN) patches for the treatment of CNS tumors. The results demonstrated successful drug release and penetration, providing a potential solution for local brain drug delivery.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Albatool Sabeeh Al-Badry, Mohammed Hussain Al-Mayahy, David J. Scurr
Summary: Hydrogel microneedles offer a promising approach for delivering drug molecules across the skin in a sustained release manner. The use of hydrogel microneedles containing acyclovir could improve bioavailability and patient compliance while reducing gastrointestinal side effects. The optimal formulation of the hydrogel microneedle array was found to have suitable needle formation, mechanical strength, and drug release over a 24-hour period. The permeation of acyclovir from the hydrogel microneedle array was significantly increased compared to the control, and the array was able to deliver a high percentage of the loading dose over 24 hours.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Franziska Linke, James E. C. Johnson, Stefanie Kern, Christopher D. Bennett, Anbarasu Lourdusamy, Daniel Lea, Steven C. Clifford, Catherine L. R. Merry, Snow Stolnik, Morgan R. Alexander, Andrew C. Peet, David J. Scurr, Rian L. Griffiths, Anna M. Grabowska, Ian D. Kerr, Beth Coyle
Summary: By comparing the most aggressive subgroup (Group 3) with the intermediate (SHH) subgroup, crucial differences in tumour heterogeneity were identified in medulloblastoma (MB) in children. Group 3 exhibited multiple subpopulations with enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity, while SHH had unique matrix-producing subpopulations containing sulfur-containing species such as collagen organizer lumican. Patients with high fumarate levels and activated stress response pathways showed poorer survival. Inhibition of NRF2 increased sensitivity to vincristine in Group 3 MB.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Songtao Xue, Zhiwei Li, Xiaotong Ze, Xiuyuan Wu, Chen He, Wen Shuai, Maria Marlow, Jian Chen, David Scurr, Zheying Zhu, Jinyi Xu, Shengtao Xu
Summary: Excessive melanin deposition can cause various skin disorders. We discovered a series of novel tyrosinase inhibitor hybrids that can inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin content in the skin. Compound 11c showed the most potent activity against tyrosinase, with nanomolar IC50 values, significant antioxidant activity, and low cytotoxicity. It also exhibited excellent permeability in vitro and reduced melanin content in a guinea pig model of UV-induced skin pigmentation. Compound 11c holds promise as a potential therapy for treating skin hyperpigmentation.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: Multifunctional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have vast potential in various fields including sensing, imaging, delivery, and medicine. However, accurately quantifying surface conjugated molecules on multifunctional AuNPs has been challenging. In this study, a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum analysis was developed to calculate the precise concentration and number of specific molecules bound to each AuNP. This method provides valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: This study presents a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum to accurately calculate the concentration and number of molecules bound to multifunctional AuNPs. The method is able to reveal the precise binding situation of Cyt C and Zn Porph molecules with each multifunctional AuNP, providing valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Malak A. Jaber, Bruna de Falco, Salah Abdelrazig, Catharine A. Ortori, David A. Barrett, Dong-Hyun Kim
Summary: In comprehensive lipidomics studies, accurate quantification is hindered by unwanted variations such as lipid degradation, matrix effects, and non-linear responses of instruments. This study employed an in vivo labelling strategy to generate C-13-labelled internal standards (C-13-ISs) from different species for more accurate and quantitative lipidomics analysis. The use of C-13-labelled P. pastoris extract as internal standards resulted in significant reduction in lipid variations compared to other normalization methods. This study highlights the benefit of in vivo labelling strategy in reducing technical and analytical variations in lipidomics studies.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Bunty Sharma, Akhil Jain, Frankie J. Rawson, Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Lluisa Perez-Garcia, Gurpreet Kaur
Summary: In order to address the challenges in photodynamic therapy (PDT), researchers have developed a metallocatanionic vesicles (MCVs) nanosystem loaded with Rose Bengal (RB) to enhance the phototoxicity of cancer cells. The RB-loaded CuCPC I:AOT and FeCPC I:AOT vesicles showed increased singlet oxygen generation and exhibited significant cytotoxicity against U-251 cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of dual-charge and biocompatible metallocatanionic vesicles as a promising delivery system for photodynamic therapy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Greta Camilla Magnano, Marika Quadri, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Francesca Loschi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Michela Abrami, Francesca Larese Filon, Alessandra Marconi, Dritan Hasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the loading of sildenafil citrate in three commercial transdermal vehicles using 3D full-thickness skin equivalent and compare the results with permeability experiments using porcine skin. The results showed that the results obtained using the 3D skin equivalent were comparable to those obtained using porcine skin, suggesting that the 3D skin model can be a valid alternative for ex-vivo skin absorption experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
James W. Mckeage, Andrew Z. H. Tan, Andrew J. Taberner
Summary: Needle-free jet injection is a promising alternative drug delivery technique that offers rapid, non-invasive, and large-volume injections. The study presents a prototype multi-orifice nozzle and a computational fluid dynamic model to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)