Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahlem Meziadi, Navid Zuberi, Hendrick W. de Haan, Marc A. Gauthier
Summary: This study reveals that the inefficiency of bioconjugation reactions, such as protein PEGylation, is caused by the excluded volume effect (EVE) between methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and proteins. The researchers found that this EVE leads to the self-assembly of proteins and reactive mPEG into separate protein-rich and mPEG-rich domains. By adding unreactive low-molecular weight mPEG as a co-solvent, the association between the larger protein and reactive mPEG can be promoted, resulting in improved reaction efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Morgan D. McSweeney, Limei Shen, Alexander C. DeWalle, Jordan B. Joiner, Elizabeth C. Ciociola, Dharmendra Raghuwanshi, Matthew S. Macauley, Samuel K. Lai
Summary: This study explored the effectiveness of prophylaxis with free PEG or tolerogenic PEGylated liposomes as a strategy to reduce the amount of APA induced by subsequently administered PEGylated liposomes. The results showed that a single administration of free PEG alone was capable of markedly reducing the APA response to PEG-liposomes for up to 2 months, which was comparable to, and often exceeded, interventions with different tolerogenic PEG-liposomes. These findings support further research on free PEG prophylaxis as a potential strategy to mitigate the APA response to sensitizing PEGylated therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asim Mushtaq, Li Li, A. Anitha, Lisbeth Grondahl
Summary: This study synthesized methoxy polyethyleneglycol grafted chitosan (mPEG-CHI) using carbodiimide-mediated coupling and evaluated the effect of reaction conditions on the degree of substitution and PEGylation yield. The optimized conditions resulted in a high DS and PEGylation yield, making the product suitable for medical applications. The cytotoxicity of mPEG-CHI was also assessed and found to be non-toxic against breast cancer cell lines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shenglan Li, Xizi Wang, Xiaojuan Liu, Andrew J. Thompson, Fulai Liu
Summary: This study explores the mechanisms by which tomato plants respond to osmotic stress and finds that elevated CO2 concentration and high endogenous ABA level can enhance the plant's resistance to osmotic stress through osmotic and hydraulic adjustments. Elevated CO2 improves water status, while high endogenous ABA compensates for the decreased root hydraulic conductance by increasing specific leaf area and root branching intensity.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taro Shimizu, Mizuki Awata, Amr S. Abu Lila, Chihiro Yoshioka, Yoshino Kawaguchi, Hidenori Ando, Yu Ishima, Tatsuhiro Ishida
Summary: In this study, we developed a delivery system using hydroxy PEG-modified liposomes (HO-PEG-Lip) that efficiently activated the complement system, facilitated the association with MZ-B cells, and significantly enhanced antigen delivery in vivo. The manipulation of HO-PEG density at 2 mol% in total lipids led to a successful induction of OVA-specific IgG response after a single intravenous injection. This new delivery technique may provide a simple and effective way to deliver antigens to MZ-B cells, inducing a significant humoral immune response.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kai Sugiura, Toshiki Sawada, Yuuki Hata, Hiroshi Tanaka, Takeshi Serizawa
Summary: This study demonstrates a simple method for distinguishing anti-PEG antibodies using antibiofouling cello-oligosaccharide assemblies tethering specific one-terminal methoxy oligo(ethylene glycol) ligands. The method allows for quantitative detection of the antibodies, even in the presence of serum.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Atul Soni, Augustine Samuel, K. Narayan Prabhu
Summary: Aqueous polymer quenchants are increasingly used in the quench hardening of steels. The inverse solubility property of polymer media leads to polymer film encapsulation of the quenched component, followed by an instantaneous rupture of the polymer film. The effect of molecular weight of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) on heat transfer characteristics and rewetting kinematics of PEG/water quenchants was studied. An increase in the molecular weight of PEG changed the rewetting kinematics from a local wetting front movement to an instantaneous rupture of the polymer film, resulting in increased uniformity of heat transfer.
EXPERIMENTAL THERMAL AND FLUID SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. P. Keerthana, R. Yuvakkumar, P. Senthil Kumar, G. Ravi, S. Hong, Dhayalan Velauthapillai
Summary: In this study, polyethylene glycol-assisted antimony tungstate nanorod photocatalysts were prepared via a hydrothermal route. The properties of the catalysts were investigated, and it was found that the 10 ml PEG-assisted sample exhibited a narrow bandgap and nanorod growth without agglomeration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the composition and vibrational modes of the samples. Furthermore, the prepared 10 ml PEG-Sb2WO6 photocatalyst showed high efficiency and stability in degrading toxic pollutants in wastewater, making it a promising candidate for water treatment applications.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tien-Ching Chang, Bing-Mae Chen, Jer-Yuan Wu, Tian-Lu Cheng, Steve Roffler
Summary: Antibodies that bind polyethylene glycol (PEG) can accelerate the clearance of pegylated medicines, with higher affinity antibodies leading to greater clearance and reduced drug efficacy. The molar ratio of high affinity anti-PEG antibodies to PEG-EPO correlates with accelerated blood clearance in mice.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anne M. Talkington, Morgan D. McSweeney, Timothy Wessler, Marielle K. Rath, Zibo Li, Tao Zhang, Hong Yuan, Jonathan E. Frank, M. Gregory Forest, Yanguang Cao, Samuel K. Lai
Summary: PEGylation is commonly used to prolong the circulation time of protein therapeutics and nanomedicines. However, individuals exposed to PEGylated therapeutics may develop antibodies specific to PEG, increasing the risk of hypersensitivity and accelerated drug clearance. In this study, a PBPK model was developed to investigate the impact of anti-PEG antibodies on the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of PEGylated drugs.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Iakovos Kalamartzis, George Menexes, Christos Dordas
Summary: The study found that low water availability affects seed production and quality of five basil cultivars, with plants exposed to low water producing seeds with higher germination rates. Seed vigor can serve as an indicator of low water availability.
Article
Polymer Science
Chen Zhang, Zhanping Zhang, Yuhong Qi
Summary: Introducing polystyrene microspheres into hydrogels can significantly improve the compressive strength and swelling degree, while gradually reducing the surface energy of the hydrogels.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhaohui Min, Qichang Wang, Yuxiang Xie, Jiaqin Xie, Bo Zhang
Summary: In this study, the toughness and low-temperature resistance of epoxy asphalt have been successfully improved by introducing PEG with different molecular weights, showing great potential for practical applications.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samson O. Akpotu, Paul N. Diagboya, Isiaka A. Lawal, Saheed O. Sanni, Agnes Pholosi, Moses G. Peleyeju, Fanyana M. Mtunzi, Augustine E. Ofomaja
Summary: The combination of montmorillonite, graphene oxide, and polyethylene glycol methyl ether can effectively adsorb enrofloxacin in water, with higher adsorption efficiency and lower cost.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jingwen Gao, Bo Guan, Minjia Ge, Franziska Eller, Junbao Yu, Xuehong Wang, Jincheng Zuo
Summary: This study revealed the allelopathic effects of Phragmites australis on neighboring plant Suaeda salsa, and found that belowground extract of P. australis had the strongest inhibitory effect. These findings are important for understanding the competitive mechanisms in plant communities of the Yellow River Delta coastal wetland.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milica Acimovic, Jovana Stankovic Jeremic, Marina Todosijevic, Biljana Kiprovski, Senka Vidovic, Jelena Vladic, Lato Pezo
Summary: The most abundant volatile compounds in sweet wormwood essential oil are artemisia ketone and trans-caryophyllene, while the major compounds in the hydrosol are camphor, 1,8-cineole, and artemisia ketone. Sweet wormwood essential oil can be classified into four chemotypes: artemisia ketone+artemisia alcohol, artemisia ketone, camphor, and nonspecific. The high content of camphor, 1,8-cineole, and artemisia ketone in sweet wormwood hydrosol makes it a potential substitute in various industries.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jahad Soorni, Zahra-Sadat Shobbar, Danial Kahrizi, Federica Zanetti, Kaveh Sadeghi, Sara Rostampour, Peter Gergo Kovacs, Attila Kiss, Iman Mirmazloum
Summary: This study investigated the diverse agronomic traits of 136 doubled haploid (DH) camelina lines, including seed yield, fatty acid composition, and protein content. The results showed significant diversity among the lines for these traits. The positive relationships observed suggest the potential for developing higher-yielding camelina cultivars with high seed oil content. The study also identified promising genotypes for further breeding to increase seed yield and improve food/nonfood traits.
Article
Agronomy
Dragana Rajkovic, Ana Marjanovic Jeromela, Lato Pezo, Biljana Loncar, Federica Zanetti, Andrea Monti, Ankica Kondic Spika
Summary: Yield prediction is crucial for agricultural producers, stakeholders, and the global trade market. Artificial neural networks and random forest regression are effective machine learning tools for crop yield prediction. This study conducted a four-year investigation on rapeseed yield and quality prediction using ANN and RFR models, and found that the RFR model had better prediction capabilities.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Calliope Panoutsou, Moritz von Cossel, Pilar Ciria, Carlos S. Ciria, Przemyslaw Baraniecki, Andrea Monti, Federica Zanetti, Jean-Luc Dubois
Summary: This study assesses the social sustainability of cultivating biomass on marginal agricultural land (MAL) through a combination of value-chain analysis and social life-cycle analysis (S-LCA). The findings indicate that annual crops have promising opportunities across all impact categories and indicators, while the cultivation of perennial crops poses challenges and biodiversity risks. Additionally, the study identifies several technological pathways with good chances of short-term implementation.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Walter Zegada-Lizarazu, Federica Zanetti, Nicola Di Virgilio, Andrea Monti
Summary: This study assessed the impact of growing switchgrass on soil carbon storage capacity in marginal land. The results showed that growing switchgrass can increase soil carbon content, with the greatest increase observed in the center of the field.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Leandro Gomes, Jorge Costa, Joana Moreira, Berta Cumbane, Marcelo Abias, Fernando Santos, Federica Zanetti, Andrea Monti, Ana Luisa Fernando
Summary: Cultivating energy crops on degraded soils reduces risks and provides additional revenue as bioenergy feedstock. Switchgrass yields were not affected by Cd contamination and low Ni levels but significantly reduced by high Ni levels. Giant reed yields were significantly affected by all metals and contamination levels, except for low Ni levels. Contaminants did not impact the high heating value of switchgrass and giant reed biomass.
Editorial Material
Agricultural Engineering
Petar Canak, Federica Zanetti, Dusica Jovicic, Bojana Vujosevic, Zlatica Miladinov, Dusan Stanisavljevic, Milan Mirosavljevic, Barbara Alberghini, Erika Facciolla, Ana Marjanovic Jeroela
Summary: This study found that camelina has a strong germination response under osmotic stress, making it able to withstand higher levels of drought stress. As a result, camelina may be a more suitable option for marginal land or environments with irregular precipitation.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Agricultural Engineering
Federica Zanetti
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Claudia Antonetti, Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti, Domenico Licursi, Sara Fulignati, Nicola Di Fidio, Federica Zanetti, Andrea Monti, Tommaso Tabanelli, Fabrizio Cavani
Summary: Commercial niobium and synthesized zirconium phosphates were tested as water-tolerant acid catalysts in the hydrothermal conversion of bio-based substrates. The different acid properties of the two catalysts enabled the production of target products with high yields, such as furanic compounds and cellulose-derived sugars. These findings suggest the potential for cascade production of value-added bio-products using the synthesized hydrolysates rich in C5 and C6 carbohydrates.
Article
Plant Sciences
Milica G. Acimovic, Vidak Raicevic, Biljana Bozanic Tanjga, Biljana Loncar, Danijela Suput, Olja Sovljanski, Ana Tomic, Teodora Cvanic, Katarina Radovanovic, Biljana Kiprovski
Summary: Rose essential oil is a valuable raw material in the perfume industry. Garden roses have potential for profitable cultivation and processing, and can be applied in both food and pharmaceutical industries.
JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL BEARING PLANTS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Dejan Prvulovic, Sonja Gvozdenac, Dragana Latkovic, Marijana Peic Tukuljac, Vladimir Sikora, Biljana Kiprovski, Aleksandra Misan, Antonios Chrysargyris, Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Jelena Ovuka
Summary: The biological activity of industrial hemp extract was tested against a destructive storage pest of sunflower, showing repellent and insecticidal effects. The extract also had potential as a sunflower grain protectant. It promoted germination of sunflower seeds and affected the development and fecundity of the pest.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Jacimovic, Biljana Kiprovski, Petar Ristivojevic, Dusan Dimic, Dura Nakarada, Biljana Dojcinovic, Vladimir Sikora, Nemanja Teslic, Nebojsa D. Pantelic
Summary: This study determined the phenolic composition, elemental profile, and antioxidant activity of sixteen food-grade sorghum grains grown in Serbia. The results showed that sorghum contained nine characteristic phenolic compounds and exhibited strong antioxidant potential. Additionally, sorghum was found to be a good source of beneficial macro- and microelements.
Article
Horticulture
Biljana Kiprovski, Tijana Zeremski, Ana Varga, Ivana Cabarkapa, Jelena Filipovic, Biljana Loncar, Milica Acimovic
Summary: The aim of this study was to test the quality and bioactivity of lavender and lavandin essential oils cultivated in Serbia. The results show that most of the essential oils meet the standard requirements for lavender essential oil composition and exhibit high antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This preliminary research reveals the potential of lavender essential oils for medicinal and aromatic plant species production and agricultural diversification.
Article
Horticulture
Biljana Bozanic Tanjga, Biljana Loncar, Milica Acimovic, Biljana Kiprovski, Olja Sovljanski, Ana Tomic, Vanja Travicic, Mirjana Cvetkovic, Vidak Raicevic, Tijana Zeremski
Summary: This study determined the chemical composition of garden rose hydrosols and evaluated their biological properties. The results showed that garden rose hydrosol could be used as an alternative to Damascus rose hydrosol, but it had low total phenolic content and poor antioxidant activity. It also did not exhibit antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory activity, and no antihyperglycemic activity was detected. Therefore, the potential therapeutic application of rose hydrosol beyond aromatherapy is not evident.
Article
Agronomy
Vukasin Popovic, Slavoljub Lekic, Biljana Kiprovski, Adam Takac
Summary: This study investigated the influence of ripening, variety, and production year on the seed and fruit quality of eggplant. The results showed significant differences in the weight of 1000 seeds among different varieties during ripening. Seeds extracted from fruits at commercial ripeness did not germinate. The total sugar and protein content of fruits decreased as they ripened, while the total protein and oil content of seeds increased. The full ripeness phase was found to be the optimal time for harvesting fruits to obtain high germinating seeds.
EMIRATES JOURNAL OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)