Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcin Borowicz, Marek Isbrandt, Joanna Paciorek-Sadowska
Summary: The research aimed to obtain two new eco-polyols based on waste polylactide (PLA) and tested their effects on rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams. Analysis showed that partial replacement of petrochemical polyol by eco-polyols resulted in better performance in terms of density, compressive strength, brittleness, water absorption, and aging resistance for both RPU/PIR and PRU foams.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karla Cisneros, Naisha Chowdhury, Emily Coleman, Tamanna Ferdous, Hengjie Su, Jessica A. Jennings, Joel D. Bumgardner, Tomoko Fujiwara
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of controlled release of simvastatin from 3D-printed triple-network hydrogels for osteogenic stimulation and characterizes their mechanical and biological properties as an implant. The tunable triple-network hydrogels loaded with simvastatin provide a potential therapeutic value for bone regeneration.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tovi Shapira-Furman, Abraham J. Domb
Summary: This report introduces a novel approach of nano formulation using stereo-interaction mechanism with poly(D-lactide)-polyethylene glycol (D-PLA-PEG) to address the challenges of controlled drug delivery for peptide and protein therapeutics. The study demonstrates that nano particles formed by the interaction between water-soluble D-PLA-PEG and insulin can achieve sustained release of insulin, showing potential application in diabetes treatment.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Neda Rostami, Farzaneh Faridghiasi, Aida Ghebleh, Hadi Noei, Meisam Samadzadeh, Mohammad Mahmoudi Gomari, Alireza Tajiki, Majid Abdouss, Alireza Aminoroaya, Manisha Kumari, Reza Heidari, Vladimir N. Uversky, Bryan R. Smith
Summary: In this study, copolymers PLA-PEG-PLA and PEG-PLA-PEG were synthesized and compared for their delivery capacity of curcumin to MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The results showed that PLA-PEG-PLA had stronger interaction with the cell membrane and lower free energy, making it a better carrier for cell membrane penetration.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dazhong Yan, Yanzhen Li, Yinling Liu, Na Li, Xue Zhang, Chen Yan
Summary: Chitosan, a natural antimicrobial polymer, has potential as an alternative for antibiotics in therapy and disinfection due to its ability to kill microbes by neutralizing their negative charges on the surface. Chemically modified chitosan derivatives have better water solubility and antimicrobial properties, offering promise for improvement in the treatment of enteric infections.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
C. Munoz-Nunez, R. Cuervo-Rodriguez, C. Echeverria, M. Fernandez-Garcia, A. Munoz-Bonilla
Summary: This work investigates the chemical modification of chitosan using cationic thiazolium groups to enhance its water solubility and antimicrobial properties. The synthesized molecule, quaternized 4(2-(4-methylthiazol-5-yl) ethoxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid (MTBAQ), was successfully attached to chitosan through the amine groups using enzymatic synthesis and EDC/NHS chemistry. The resulting derivative exhibited water solubility at physiological pH and excellent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but less effective against fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the derivative was incorporated into chitosan/glycerol based films, maintaining the film's characteristics while significantly enhancing its antimicrobial activity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Romulo Salazar, Veronica Salas-Gomez, Adriana A. Alvarado, Haci Baykara
Summary: Chitosan, derived from shrimp shells, was used to prepare polylactide-chitosan composite films. The addition of chitosan significantly improved the tensile strength of the films and exhibited antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria. These composite films could potentially replace conventional non-degradable packaging materials for eco-friendly food packaging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luiza Madalina Gradinaru, Mihaela Barbalata-Mandru, Alin Alexandru Enache, Cristina Mihaela Rimbu, Georgiana Ileana Badea, Magdalena Aflori
Summary: The main strategy of this study was to combine traditional medicinal extracts with polymeric scaffolds to create an antimicrobial dressing. Chitosan-based membranes containing S. officinalis and H. perforatum extracts were developed and investigated as novel dressing materials. The addition of plant extracts increased fluid absorption, especially in the membrane with S. officinalis extract. The membranes with 4% chitosan and plant extracts maintained their integrity and exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aleksandra Grzabka-Zasadzinska, Przemyslaw Bartczak, Slawomir Borysiak
Summary: This study focused on the alkaline treatment and modification of cellulose with poly(ethylene glycol) for polyurethane fillers. It was found that the modified fillers improved the compression strength and density of polyurethane composites, while reducing water absorption and thermal conductivity. Additionally, the introduction of cellulosic fillers did not deteriorate the strength or thermal properties of the polyurethane foams, showing great application potential.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lidija Fras Zemljic, Tjasa Krasevac Glaser, Olivija Plohl, Ivan Anzel, Vida Simat, Martina Cagalj, Eva Meznar, Valentina Malin, Meta Sternisa, Sonja Smole Mozina
Summary: Due to the increasing concern about food and packaging waste, environmental awareness, and customer demands for food safety, there is a high demand for innovative and functional packaging. Active packaging, which aims to address these issues, is a leading concept in this area. However, there is still a lack of multifunctional concepts and sustainable approaches. This study focuses on developing active chemical substances derived from natural sources and applying them as coatings on polylactic acid (PLA) films. Biopolymer chitosan and plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds were selected for this purpose. By combining these substances in different colloidal formulations, the effectiveness and multifunctionality of the coatings were enhanced. The successful functionalization of PLA was confirmed through various tests, including XPS, ATR-FTIR, contact angle measurements, microscopy, antioxidant tests, and microbiological analysis. The developed films exhibited antifogging, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making them a promising option for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging materials.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiakai Song, Xincheng Cui, Luming Jiang, Nianhao Ma, Yong Shu, Jingzhe Li, Dongxing Du
Summary: This paper investigates the influence of nanoparticles on foam stability under harsh geological conditions using the Orthogonal Experimental Design method. The results provide insights into the important parameters and optimal formulation for NP-stabilized ScCO2 foam system.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dominika Kulig, Zaneta Krol-Kilinska, Lukasz Bobak, Barbara Zarowska, Andrzej Jarmoluk, Anna Zimoch-Korzycka
Summary: This study aimed to obtain chitooligosaccharides (COS) from chitosan (CH) with improved functional properties. Two different enzymes, commercial cellulase (CL) and the dedicated enzyme chitosanase (CS), were used for comparison. Results showed that the enzymes had different cleavage mechanisms. The fractions LMF and NF had improved solubility compared to HMF and CH samples, and LMF was sensitive to high temperatures. COS were a mixture of oligomers with different degrees of polymerisation. LMF had lower DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to HMF and NF.
Review
Polymer Science
Inmaculada Aranaz, Andres R. Alcantara, Maria Concepcion Civera, Concepcion Arias, Begona Elorza, Angeles Heras Caballero, Niuris Acosta
Summary: Chitosan, a polymer with diverse properties and potential applications, is facing challenges such as poor solubility, complex molecular structure, and varied biological properties. Researchers are exploring the chemistry of chitosan to improve its solubility and enhance its properties, focusing on its biological and technological performance. Additionally, applications of chitosan in green processes, such as the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and support for biocatalysts, are being investigated for their potential in drug delivery systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shun-Hsien Chang, Ying-Ju Chen, Hsiang-Jung Tseng, Hsin-I Hsiao, Huey-Jine Chai, Kuo-Chung Shang, Chorng-Liang Pan, Guo-Jane Tsai
Summary: This study aimed to enhance the antibacterial activity of chitosan-pla composite films by adding nisin and EDTA, with the addition significantly improving the antibacterial activity and helping to preserve grouper fillets. Adding EDTA + nisin to the chitosan-PLA matrix improved antibacterial activity, with C5EN1 and C5EN2 films showing the highest activity among the five films tested.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
I. Mena-Prado, J. J. Reinosa, M. Fernandez-Garcia, J. F. Fernandez, A. Munoz-Bonilla, A. del Campo
Summary: In this study, biobased composite materials based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-tera-phthalate) (PBAT) were developed for antibacterial and compostable food packaging films. The incorporation of sodium hexametaphosphate microparticles (E452i) as antimicrobial filler and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) as plasticizer improved the thermal stability, crystallinity, and mechanical properties of the films. The E452i particles also provided antimicrobial properties against Listeria innocua and Staphylococcus aureus, with bacterial reduction percentages higher than 50% in films with 5 wt% of particles. The films maintained their disintegradability under industrial composting conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Malgorzata Szopiska, Jacek Ryl, Mattia Pierpaoli
Summary: In this study, the use of electrochemical oxidation with upcycled secondary waste materials (SWMs) as electrodes was demonstrated as a safer and cleaner technology to minimize the impact of pharmaceuticals in wastewaters. The design of tailored multifunctional electrode materials, derived from combustion and industrial processes, addresses the energy efficiency and potential release of toxic by-products issues. The results show that SWMs can substitute costly engineered fillers and the tailored fibrous composite electrodes have low energy consumption and absence of reaction by-products, making them good candidates for safer and cleaner technologies.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Krystian Lankauf, Karolina Gornicka, Patryk Blaszczak, Jakub Karczewski, Jacek Ryl, Grzegorz Cempura, Marcin Zajac, Maciej Bik, Maciej Sitarz, Piotr Jasinski, Sebastian Molin
Summary: In this study, a series of MnCo2-xFexO(4) powders were synthesized by the sol-gel method to investigate the effect of partial Fe substitution on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of MnCo2O4 spinel. The synthesized powders were characterized using various techniques. The findings revealed that the electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was enhanced when Fe was partially substituted for Co, with the highest activity observed at x = 0.5. This indicates that tuning the eg occupancy at the octahedral sites through Fe substitution can modulate the catalytic activity of OER.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mateusz Cieslik, Agata Rodak, Agnieszka Susik, Natalia Wojcik, Michal Szocinski, Jacek Ryl, Krzysztof Formela
Summary: This study investigated the multiple reprocessing of a commercially available PLA conductive composite with carbon black filler for 3D printing. The effects of extrusion temperature and reprocessing steps on the rheology, morphology, thermal, and electrochemical properties of the conductive PLA 3D-printing filament were evaluated. The results showed deterioration in thermal stability and material strength, as well as an increase in melting point after initial melting. The conduction mechanism and reversibility of the redox process were also affected by the multiple processing. Furthermore, the material fluidity was too high after multiple reprocessing, which should be considered for proper application as a 3D-printed electrode material.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joanna Pilch, Agnieszka Potega, Agata Kowalczyk, Artur Kasprzak, Patrycja Kowalik, Piotr Bujak, Ewa Paluszkiewicz, Ewa Augustin, Anna M. Nowicka
Summary: In this study, folic acid was used as a self-navigating molecule to deliver an antitumor compound to lung and prostate cancers as well as normal cells. The compound formed an inclusion complex with beta-cyclodextrin and its release was pH-dependent. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy confirmed the delivery of the compound to acidic organelles where it was released. The release of the compound was lower in normal cells due to their higher pH.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lukasz Harynski, Dariusz Czylkowski, Bartosz Hrycak, Jakub Karczewski, Justyna Gumieniak, Agnieszka Kramek, Jacek Ryl, Katarzyna Grochowska, Miroslaw Dors, Katarzyna Siuzdak
Summary: Anodic TiO2 nanotubes have potential for large-scale production due to their high specific surface area and easy growth. In this study, a fast 30-second nitrogen plasma-induced crystallization method was proposed for TiO2 nanotubes. The method showed comparable photoresponse to furnace annealed TiO2 nanotubes without significant changes in their ordered morphology. This method demonstrates promise for reproducible and stable fabrication of photoanodes and could contribute to wider applications of plasma for phase transitions in functional materials.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adrian Olejnik, Karol Olbrysi, Jakub Karczewski, Jacek Ryl, Robert Bogdanowicz, Katarzyna Siuzdak
Summary: In this work, the electropolymerization of quinone-rich polydopamine (PDA) on hydrogenated TiO2 nanotubes is described, resulting in improved photoactivity in the visible spectrum. The deposition of PDA is uniform on the nanotube walls and its chemical structure depends on the pH of the supporting electrolyte. The modification of the nanotubes leads to a 20-fold increase in photocurrent response and improvement in quantum efficiency at specific wavelengths.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wiktoria Lipinska, Adrian Olejnik, Monika Janik, Mateusz Brodowski, Karolina Sapiega, Mattia Pierpaoli, Katarzyna Siuzdak, Robert Bogdanowicz, Jacek Ryl
Summary: The electrodes with a periodic matrix of gold particles patterned by titanium dimples and modified by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) followed by CD147 receptor grafting were studied for specific impedimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral spike proteins. The study revealed that MPA adsorption on the Au-Ti surface had preferential and stronger binding patterns with CD147, resulting in enhanced surface coverage. Control of bonding at the surface was crucial for oriented receptor assembling and boosted sensitivity. The method has been demonstrated for detecting the SARS virus and can be applied to protein-antigen systems.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Natalia Anna Wojcik, Stefania Wolff, Jakub Karczewski, Jacek Ryl, Sharafat Ali
Summary: The impact of crystallinity on the structural, thermal, and in vitro dissolution properties of Na2O-CaO-Nb2O5/MgO-P2O5 glasses/glass-ceramics was investigated. Glass-ceramics were synthesized through spontaneous crystallization. The Nb content in the materials increased with melting temperature, and the crystallinity was directly proportional to the Nb content. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline niobates and phosphates, which was consistent with XRD results. The phosphate network was found to consist of different proportions of Q2, Q1, and Q0 units, depending on the amount and type of crystalline phase. Most samples exhibited improved thermal stability. The in vitro dissolution test showed that the highest mass loss occurred within the first 6 days of immersion, with smaller phosphate crystals favoring the deposition of hydroxyapatite while larger niobate crystals dissolved more readily.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haseebul Hassan, Muhammad Waqas Iqbal, Sarah Alharthi, Mohammed A. Amin, Amir Muhammad Afzal, Jacek Ryl, Mohd Zahid Ansari
Summary: In this study, the effect of introducing ester co-solvents into ethylene carbonate (EC) as an electrolyte for supercapacitors was investigated. The use of ester co-solvents improved conductivity, electrochemical properties, and stability, leading to enhanced energy storage capacity and durability. A novel electrode material, Mg(NbAgS)(x)(SO4)(y), was synthesized and deposited on a nickel foam substrate, demonstrating high specific capacity and energy density in combination with activated carbon (AC). The supercapattery showed promising performance after 15,000 consecutive cycles, with a Coulombic efficiency of 81% and capacity retention of 78%. The results highlight the potential of using this electrode material in ester-based electrolytes for supercapattery applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Przemyslaw Gnatowski, Karolina Gwizdala, Agnieszka Kurdyn, Andrzej Skorek, Ewa Augustin, Justyna Kucinska-Lipka
Summary: This paper focuses on assessing the possibility of using a 3D printed nasal septum cartilage implant made from various market-available filaments. Bioflex was found to have the most applicable properties among the tested materials, but cell viability tests showed toxicity. Therefore, further research is needed on biocompatible elastic materials for 3D printing, either through modifying existing materials or synthesizing new ones.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Nadolska, M. Szkoda, K. Trzcinski, J. Ryl, A. Lewkowicz, K. Sadowska, J. Smalc-Koziorowska, M. Przesniak-Welenc
Summary: Solar-driven photocatalysis using clean solar energy has great potential as a sustainable wastewater treatment technology. This study focuses on the development of NH4V4O10 (NVO) and its composite with rGO (NVO/rGO) as efficient and low-cost photocatalysts. The results show that the NVO and NVO/rGO photocatalysts have strong visible light absorption, high V4+ surface species, and a well-developed surface area, leading to excellent performance in methylene blue photodegradation. The NVO/rGO composite also shows promising results in the photoreduction of inorganic pollutants like Cr(VI).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Natalia Musial, Aleksandra Bogucka, Dmitry Tretiakow, Andrzej Skorek, Jacek Ryl, Paulina Czaplewska
Summary: Salivary stones, also known as sialoliths, are formed in pathological conditions in the salivary glands. The composition of sialoliths and the proteins associated with their formation have been studied using mass spectrometry and SWATH-MS analysis. Different types of sialoliths were found to contain unique proteins, and bacterial proteins were also identified. The results suggest that bacterial infections, disturbances in calcium metabolism, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may play a role in the formation of sialoliths.
CLINICAL PROTEOMICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Adrian Olejnik, Krzysztof Polaczek, Marek Szkodo, Alicja Stanislawska, Jacek Ryl, Katarzyna Siuzdak
Summary: This study focuses on using laser-induced graphite/graphene to achieve graphitization of polydopamine and improve electrochemical activity and photocurrent generation. The proposed composite is applied as a photoelectrochemical sensor and exhibits significantly enhanced sensing performance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Maria A. Osipenko, Jakub Karczewski, Michal Dominow, Marta Przes, Iryna V. Makarava, Irina Kurilo, Dzmitry S. Kharytonau, Jacek Ryl
Summary: This research developed an impedance-based tool and combined the multisinusoidal perturbation signal approach with the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis to monitor non-stationary electrochemical processes for the first time. It identified common processes related to corrosion product layer formation and provided real-time recognition of a unique localized filiform corrosion attack process.