Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Lim Kim, James W. Evans, Mark S. Gordon
Summary: This study provides a molecular-level analysis of amino-catalyzed mesoporous silica nanoparticles using the effective fragment potential method. The analysis reveals that the diffusion process plays a crucial role in the aldol reaction, particularly the dispersion interaction.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanan Wang, Fang Li, Junbo Xin, Jia Xu, Guanghua Yu, Qin Shi
Summary: Mesoporous materials have gained considerable attention in the field of pharmaceutical science due to their great potential in controlling polymorphs and delivering poorly water-soluble drugs. Formulating amorphous or crystalline drugs into mesoporous drug delivery systems can affect their physical properties and release behaviors. In this review, the physicochemical characteristics, control of polymorphic forms, physical stability, in vitro performance, and in vivo performance of mesoporous drug delivery systems are comprehensively discussed. The challenges and strategies of developing robust mesoporous drug delivery systems are also addressed.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Beatriz Mayol, Victor Dato, Manuel Rodriguez, Elena Lucena, Anabel Villalonga, Paula Diez, Sandra Jimenez-Falcao, Felix Sancenon, Alfredo Sanchez, Diana Vilela, Paloma Martinez-Ruiz, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Reynaldo Villalonga
Summary: A novel enzyme-controlled nanomachine with multiple release mechanisms was constructed using modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles and encapsulated drugs. The release of drugs was achieved through the presence of H2O2, acidic media, and enzymatic reactions, allowing for on-command delivery. The nanomachine demonstrated successful controlled release of drugs in cancer cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ute Schoknecht, Helena Mathies, Jan Lisec
Summary: Stormwater from urban areas can transport biocidally active substances and related transformation products from buildings into the environment. The distribution of these substances and transformation products in eluates and coatings differs with exposure conditions. Monitoring data need to consider relevant transformation products for environmental monitoring of biocide emissions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Masomeh Mahmoudi, Hamid Saeidian, Zohreh Mirjafary, Javad Mokhtari
Summary: A 7-MEOTA delivery system based on polycaprolactone nanocapsules was prepared and investigated, showing stable physico-chemical properties with controlled drug release. The drug amount loaded in nanocapsules was estimated at 65%, with spherical nanoparticles free of aggregation. In vitro release experiments indicated controlled release of 7-MEOTA from the nanocapsules, following Fick's law of diffusion.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haojie Zhang, Yinping Pan, Yao Hou, Minghui Li, Jia Deng, Bochu Wang, Shilei Hao
Summary: Transdermal drug delivery systems based on physical principles have provided a stable, efficient, and safe strategy for disease therapy. Intelligent design and concepts have enabled real-time monitoring and precise drug release. The combination with pharmaceutical dosage forms can achieve better transdermal effects and facilitate the development of smart medical devices.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lu Cui, Judit Rebeka Molnar, Maria Budai-Szucs, Maria Szecsenyi, Katalin Burian, Peter Valyi, Szilvia Berko, Bela Pukanszky
Summary: The study found that the composition of fibers changes during preparation, with limited solubility of the drug and components leading to formation of multiple phases and drug precipitation. Drug release occurs in a burst-like step, with Amox located among the fibers exhibiting antimicrobial activity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ping Huang, Daizheng Lian, Hualin Ma, Nansha Gao, Limin Zhao, Ping Luan, Xiaowei Zeng
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles, with their simple synthesis, biocompatibility, and high surface area, have been developed as drug carriers for targeted and controlled drug release. By designing gated systems using various materials, these nanoparticles offer a new approach for selective delivery of antitumor drugs. Challenges and future prospects of gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles are discussed for their potential in drug delivery systems.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yingjun Cui, Xiangyou Wang, Meng Cheng, Yanli Guo, Rongfei Zhang
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) with different pore structures were developed to carry and release thymol, enhancing its bioavailability. The loading capacity of thymol-loaded MSNPs reached the highest when the ratio of thymol to MSNPs was 3:1. The encapsulation of thymol improved its stability and the release behavior followed Fickian diffusion process. Thymol-loaded MSNPs showed remarkable antimicrobial efficiency against S. aureus.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ngoc Xuan Dat Mai, Thu-Ha Thi Nguyen, Long Binh Vong, Minh-Huy Dinh Dang, Trang Thi Thu Nguyen, Linh Ho Thuy Nguyen, Hanh Kieu Thi Ta, Thi-Hiep Nguyen, Thang Bach Phan, Tan Le Hoang Doan
Summary: The biodegradable B-PMO nanoparticles, particularly the P4S synthesized in this study, exhibited high drug loading capacity and slow release profile, making it an excellent nanocarrier for therapeutic drugs. The incorporation of aromatic phenylene groups in the framework enhanced the interaction with cordycepin molecules, resulting in specific release behavior and minimal side effects. Moreover, P4S demonstrated complete biodegradability in a reducing environment within 14 days, with high drug loading and slower release compared to conventional materials like liposomes, gelatin nanoparticles, and hydrogels.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Piedade d'Orey, Teresa Cordeiro, Mirtha A. O. Lourenco, Ines Matos, Florence Danede, Joao C. Sotomayor, Isabel M. Fonseca, Paula Ferreira, Natalia T. Correia, Madalena Dionisio
Summary: The study evaluates how the release profile of naproxen is affected by its physical state, molecular mobility, and distribution in the host when loaded into different mesoporous silicas. The results show that the ordering of the host surface and its chemical modification can influence the guest behavior, impacting the drug delivery rate. Additionally, the presence of water in the unmodified MCM-41 matrix affects the naproxen release speed.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reda M. Abdelhameed, Emann Alzahrani, Abdallah A. Shaltout, Hossam E. Emam
Summary: Essential oils are known for their potency as anti-pathogens and anti-oxidants, but their application is limited by uncontrollable release. This study focused on designing mesoporous composites for temperature-controlled release of essential oils. The mesoporous ZIF@MCC composites were synthesized and investigated for the release of thyme and cumin oils at different temperatures, showing a slower release at lower temperatures and a slightly faster release with higher temperatures. The releasing mechanism is mainly attributed to a combination of physical diffusion and chemical processing.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kiara Montiel-Centeno, Deicy Barrera, Fatima Garcia-Villen, Rita Sanchez-Espejo, Ana Borrego-Sanchez, Enrique Rodriguez-Castellon, Giuseppina Sandri, Cesar Viseras, Karim Sapag
Summary: Functionalized KIT-6 and KIT-6/NH2 were effective carriers for loading and controlled release of cephalexin, protecting it from degradation at pH 6.8 and showing diffusion-controlled release profiles that satisfied the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Mesoporous silicas in this study demonstrated high cell viability and potential for use in controlled release systems for cephalexin.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Emanuela Lo Faro, Tommaso Salerno, Giuseppe Montevecchi, Patrizia Fava
Summary: This research aimed to reduce the acrylamide content in biscuits while maintaining their characteristics. By modifying the formulation and baking process, it achieved an 87.2% reduction in acrylamide concentration compared to the reference biscuits. Color indices and a(w) were found to be significant markers for predicting acrylamide content.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Zhong Zhang, Guoying Hao, Chen Liu, Junqing Fu, Dan Hu, Jianhui Rong, Xingbin Yang
Summary: Nanogel carriers have become a major delivery strategy in various fields due to their small particle size, excellent solubility, high loading, and controlled release. This review focuses on the selection of natural polysaccharides and proteins to prepare biocompatible and biodegradable nano gels, as well as the applications and future prospects of polysaccharide-protein complexes in different areas. Integration with nano-intelligent technology is expected to enhance the capabilities of these nanocomposites in terms of functional ingredient loading, specificity, and controlled release in the food industry.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Archaeology
Veronica Ciaramitaro, Francesco Armetta, Monica de Cesare, Maria Luisa Saladino
Summary: The analysis and identification of color traces found in architectural elements and artifacts from the Archeological Park of Segesta (Trapani, Italy) were conducted using various non-invasive techniques. The study identified several pigments, including hematite, umber, vegetable black, and bone black. Despite the limited amount of detectable pigment, the investigation provided insight into the ancient civilizations and allowed for a glimpse into the past.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Armetta, Vitalii Boiko, Dariusz Hreniak, Rosina C. Ponterio, Maria Luisa Saladino
Summary: A method was developed to prepare luminescent inks of YPO4:Eu dispersions with PVA. YPO4:Eu nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation and hydrothermal treatment. The process included systematic studies on preparing stable colloidal system, investigating the parameters affecting its stability and UV-excited YPO4:Eu emission intensity. The interaction responsible for the dispersion stability was also investigated.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
G. Landia, G. V. Spinelli, F. Zama, D. Chillura Martino, P. Conte, P. Lo Meo, V. Bortolotti
Summary: Fast Field-Cycling Nuclear Magnetic Resonance relaxometry is a non-destructive technique used to investigate molecular dynamics and structure in various applications. This paper models the parameter identification problem as a constrained L1-regularized non-linear least squares problem and proposes an algorithm to compute the regularization parameter and model parameters. The convergence properties of the algorithm are analyzed, and extensive testing on synthetic and real data is conducted.
APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Paola Bambina, Alberto Spinella, Giuseppe Lo Papa, Delia Francesca Chillura Martino, Paolo Lo Meo, Onofrio Corona, Luciano Cinquanta, Pellegrino Conte
Summary: The soil effect on the micro-component composition of Nero d'Avola wines obtained from different locations was investigated using 1H NMR-based metabolomics. The study found that the differences among wines were not only due to the concentrations of various analytes but also to the characteristics of the H-bond network. Furthermore, the H-bond network was found to be related to the soil properties.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Armetta, Dario Giuffrida, Maria Clara Martinelli, Viviana Mollica Nardo, Maria Luisa Saladino, Rosina Celeste Ponterio
Summary: The goal of this work is to contribute to the study of Neolithic painted pottery through the chemical characterization of samples from the Aeolian Islands. Analysis of 16 different sherds revealed the presence of pigments, including some no longer visible to the naked eye, and provided information about pottery differentiation using FT-IR.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Angela Sciatti, Paola Marzullo, Gabriella Chirco, Elena Piacenza, Federica Arcidiacono, Elena Dellu, Delia F. Chillura Martino
Summary: The analysis of organic and mineral content in biological samples helps determine post-mortem changes and the preservation status of ancient human remains. This study focuses on the physical-chemical characterization of bone specimens from different historical periods found in Apulia, Italy. Specific infrared and X-ray spectroscopies were used to evaluate the extent of diagenetic processes and elemental composition. Physical-chemical post-mortem transformations were influenced by soil composition, tissue specificity, burial rituals, probable dietary customs, and pathologies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Armetta, Rosina Celeste Ponterio, Ivana Pibiri, Maria Luisa Saladino
Summary: This paper reports on the investigation of metal finds from the wreck of a Punic ship, using techniques such as portable X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy to identify their composition. The degradation of these finds in the underwater environment was also explained through the analysis of micro-samples using X-ray diffractometry, polarised optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Armetta, Mattia Gaboardi, Jasper Plaisier, Maria Luisa Saladino
Summary: Yttrium aluminium gallium garnet (YAGG) doped with rare-earth ions has been synthesized via the urea glass route followed by thermal treatment. The formation of the garnet was studied in situ using synchrotron powder diffraction. The results show that the onset of formation of the garnet is about 860 degrees C, with comparable cell parameters for both undoped and doped YAGG. A possible growth mechanism of YAGG is discussed based on observed microstructural parameters.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessandro Presentato, Eleonora La Greca, Luca Consentino, Rosa Alduina, Leonarda Francesca Liotta, Michelangelo Gruttadauria
Summary: The reaction of octakis(3-chloropropyl)octasilsesquioxane with hexylimidazole or decylimidazole resulted in the synthesis of HQ-POSS and DQ-POSS. HQ-POSS demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. Due to its viscous nature, HQ-POSS was adsorbed onto the surface of active oxides for application purposes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Antonella Di Vincenzo, Delia Chillura Martino, Elena Piacenza, Pellegrino Conte, Alberto Pettignano, Giuseppe Lazzara, Paolo Lo Meo
Summary: Significant activity improvement was achieved by associating graphene oxide-silver composite photocatalysts with cyclodextrin-based nanosponge materials, due to the synergistic effect provided by the supramolecular host abilities of the nanosponge. The nanosponge-based materials showed enhanced performances in the oxidative photodegradation of organic pollutants and good recyclability. The local concentration effect provided by the nanosponge is attributed to the activity improvement.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Francesco Armetta, Vitalii Boiko, Dariusz Hreniak, Cecilia Mortalo, Cristina Leonelli, Ludovico Barbata, Maria Luisa Saladino
Summary: This study reports a method for controlling the desired shape and microstructure of YPO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles using the precipitation method followed by hydrothermal treatment. The method allows for highly controlled formation of YPO4:Eu3+ by selecting appropriate synthesis parameters. The shape and size of the nano-needle-shaped particles can be independently controlled in both directions through autoclave processing time, as confirmed by various analytical techniques.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maduka L. Weththimuni, Giacomo Fiocco, Chiara Milanese, Alberto Spinella, Maria Luisa Saladino, Marco Malagodi, Maurizio Licchelli
Summary: The aim of this research is to investigate the improvement of varnish resistance to different aging processes for classical violins. The traditional varnish was recreated in the laboratory and functionalized with a cross-linking agent. The functionalized varnish exhibited enhanced resistance to aging, particularly in terms of photostability and hardness.
Article
Polymer Science
Arash Ghalayani Esfahani, Maria Sartori, Chiara Bregoli, Jacopo Fiocchi, Carlo Alberto Biffi, Ausonio Tuissi, Gianluca Giavaresi, Alessandro Presentato, Rosa Alduina, Angela De Luca, Alessia Cabrini, Cristina De Capitani, Milena Fini, Emanuele Gruppioni, Marino Lavorgna, Alfredo Ronca
Summary: Prosthetic reconstruction can provide functional and aesthetic benefits to individuals with hand and finger injuries. This study developed a new silver-doped chitosan coating as a potential solution for infection therapy. The coatings exhibited impressive biological and physical properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Aleksandra Gerus, Vitalii Boiko, Veronica Concetta Ciaramitaro, Maria Luisa Saladino, Dariusz Hreniak
Summary: This paper reports on the control of high brightness persistent luminescence of the smallest ZGO:Cr nanoparticles by optimizing hydrothermal synthesis parameters. The influence of pH solution, synthesis temperature, and calcination on structure and optical properties was systematically investigated. The results show that different synthesis conditions modify the trap depths distribution, affecting the duration and intensity of persistent luminescence.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Ciaramitaro, Elena Piacenza, Paolo Lo Meo, Calogero Librici, Martina M. Calvino, Pellegrino Conte, Giuseppe Lazzara, Delia F. Chillura Martino
Summary: The researchers modified starch films by adding citric acid and polyethylene glycol 200, which improved their properties and inhibited starch chains' retrogradation and recrystallization. By observing the mobility of the polymer chains through ss-NMR, the study revealed a different polymer chain structural organization, which explained the film's higher resistance to thermal degradation and greater elongation at the break.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
