Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Wang, Xiaojie Sun, Lanlan Chen, Wenbin Liang
Summary: In this study, biodegradable blends of PGA and PBAT with in situ compatibilization using MDI were prepared. The addition of PBAT was found to increase the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the blends, leading to improved compatibility and impact strength. The morphology of the dispersed phase evolved from spherical structure to in situ microfiber, enhancing interfacial adhesion and improving toughness.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Herrero-Herrero, Jose Antonio Gomez-Tejedor, Ana Valles-Lluch
Summary: Tailored membranes with a fiber diameter of 1.8 μm were electrospun from PLGA and PCLGA solutions by adjusting electrospinning and polymer solution parameters. PCLGA, with its amorphous morphology, required the addition of a salt to increase conductivity for successful electrospinning, presenting notable difficulties due to its structure. Interestingly, PCLGA, with a higher glycolic acid molar fraction, could be successfully electrospun, a feat not previously reported.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Duoyi Zhao, Tongtong Zhu, Jie Li, Liguo Cui, Zhiyu Zhang, Xiuli Zhuang, Jianxun Ding
Summary: This article comprehensively reviews the research and applications of artificial bone-substitute materials based on PLGA and its composites, discussing their potential and challenges in bone regeneration.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Alastair Little, Alan M. Wemyss, David M. Haddleton, Bowen Tan, Zhaoyang Sun, Yang Ji, Chaoying Wan
Summary: The study investigates the effects of various reaction conditions on the synthesis of PLGA25, showing how factors such as reaction temperature, initiator concentration, and catalyst concentration impact the molecular weight, monomer conversion, and thermal properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Han-Seung Ko, Sangwoon Lee, Doyoung Lee, Jae Young Jho
Summary: By introducing PGA fibers and HA into PLA composites and modifying HA, the tensile and flexural strength of PLA/HA-g-PLA composites were improved, along with enhancing the interfacial adhesion between HA and the PLA matrix.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eva M. M. Eger, Seema Agarwal
Summary: This study focuses on the characterization and reprocessing ability of PLGA in the form of dynamic covalent networks. The synthesized networks with dynamic bonding and debonding have enhanced thermomechanical properties and maintain the potential for thermal reprocessing and recycling like thermoplastics.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kostas Tsachouridis, Evi Christodoulou, Alexandra Zamboulis, Anna Michopoulou, Panagiotis Barmpalexis, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Summary: The present study evaluates the use of novel copolymers for the preparation of paclitaxel loaded nanoparticles. The copolymers showed good enzymatic hydrolysis and low cytotoxicity, making them suitable drug matrix/carriers. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited small size, good drug loading and encapsulation efficiency. In vitro dissolution analysis showed biphasic drug dissolution profiles.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Orkun Uyanik, Kubra Cigdem Pekkoc-Uyanik, Siddika Findik, Ahmet Avci, Zeynep Altuntas
Summary: In a study on rat Achilles tendon injury models, the application of poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) significantly reduces peritendinous adhesions, promotes tendon healing, and demonstrates good biocompatibility in histopathological examination.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Motahare Masoumi, Mohsen Jahanshahi, Morteza Ghorbanzadeh Ahangari, Ghasem Najafpour Darzi
Summary: In this study, the interactions of PLGA monomer with CNT and SiO2NT were investigated using density functional theory. The results revealed a chemisorption interaction between PLGA and SiO2NT, while a physisorption interaction was observed between PLGA and CNT. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the mechanical properties of these materials, showing an increase in mechanical properties when PLGA interacts with SiO2NT.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiye Lu, Geoffrey W. Coates
Summary: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is widely used in various biomedical applications due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. This study successfully developed a method to synthesize syndioenriched, alternating PLGA from racemic methyl-glycolide (rac-MeG), and confirmed the high degree of alternation of the comonomer sequence and moderate syndiotacticity within the polymer backbone stereoconfiguration through NMR investigations.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiye Lu, Geoffrey W. Coates
Summary: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer used in biomedical applications. This study presents a method for synthesizing syndioenriched, alternating PLGA from racemic methyl-glycolide with the use of an optimized racemic aluminum catalyst. The resulting material has a high degree of alternation in copolymer sequence and moderate syndiotacticity, and is amorphous, making it suitable for drug complexation.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wan-Yi Liu, Yun-Shan Hsieh, Yu-Tse Wu
Summary: This study aimed to develop a nanoparticle formulation for the oral delivery of beta-carotene. The results showed that the formulation significantly enhanced the release and intestinal permeability of the drug, suggesting its potential for oral administration.
Article
Polymer Science
Hong Wang, Yanwei Zhang, Yaru Liu, Yi Ren, Jianhong Wang, Baolong Niu, Wenfeng Li
Summary: This paper focuses on the development of targeted drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. HA-SS-PLGA copolymer was used to form reduction-sensitive amphiphilic micelles, which actively targeted tumor cells and inhibited cancer cell proliferation. This research provides a promising drug carrier for cancer therapy.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Deyu Niu, Pengwu Xu, Jiaxuan Li, Weijun Yang, Tianxi Liu, Piming Ma
Summary: This work successfully obtains designable strength and ductility of PGA/PBAT films by tuning the drawing temperature. The films exhibit high tensile strength and remarkable strain hardening at low temperature, high ductility at moderate temperature, and excellent strength, stiffness, and ductility at high temperature.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seounghun Lee, Hyo-Jung Shin, Chan Noh, Song- Kim, Young-Kwon Ko, Sun-Yeul Lee, Chaeseong Lim, Boohwi Hong, Sin-Young Yang, Dong-Woon Kim, Won-Hyung Lee, Yoon-Hee Kim
Summary: The activation of NF-kappa B in microglia is crucial for the development of neuropathic pain. Inhibitor of I kappa B (I kappa B) blocks NF-kappa B activation, and IKBKB is responsible for breaking down I kappa B to inhibit NF-kappa B activity. Delivering IKBKB siRNA via PLGA nanoparticles effectively reduces pain response and inflammatory mediators in SNL rats, suggesting its potential as a treatment for neuropathic pain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ricardo Correia, Brett Gadsby, Sergiy Korposh, Andrew M. Norris, Barrie r. Hayes-gill, Rishie Sinha, Jonathan G. Hardman, David S. Gardner, Simon Talbot, Daniel Harvey, Julian Mcglashan, Stephen P. Morgan
Summary: This study describes the development of a smart endotracheal tube (ETT) that can measure contact pressure and blood perfusion at the cuff-trachea interface. Testing on a porcine model during mechanical ventilation shows that the device can accurately obtain relevant data, and blood occlusion caused by over-inflation of the cuff can be observed.
BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Junjun Zhang, Jianing Zhang, Xiaowei Huang, Jiyong Shi, Arslan Muhammad, Xiaodong Zhai, Jianbo Xiao, Zhihua Li, Megan Povey, Xiaobo Zou
Summary: A pH-triggered dynamic mechanism packaging film was developed to control the release rate of Cinnamon essential oil. The film demonstrated a core-shell structure and exhibited antibacterial efficacy. The pH-sensitive film effectively extended the shelf-life of meat.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lorenzo Metilli, Liam Morris, Aris Lazidis, Stephanie Marty-Terrade, Melvin Holmes, Megan Povey, Elena Simone
Summary: This study presents a novel method, based on an acoustic probe and supervised-machine learning, to monitor the solid fat content (SFC%) of crystallizing lipids under shear. A predictive model using temperature, composition, ultrasonic velocity, and SFC(%) data measured with nuclear magnetic resonance was developed, with Gaussian models showing the highest accuracy (RMSE = 0.03).
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junjun Zhang, Jianing Zhang, Xiaowei Huang, Jiyong Shi, Li Liu, Wenjun Song, Xiaodong Zhai, Jianbo Xiao, Sulafa B. H. Hashim, Zhihua Li, Xiaobo Zou, Megan Povey
Summary: Visual indicator bi-layer films incorporating kappa-carrageenan, butterfly pea flower anthocyanin, varying Nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) content, and agar were developed for freshness detection of Penaeus chinensis (Chinese white shrimp). The films consisted of a kappa-carrageenan-anthocyanin (CA) layer as an indicator and a TiO2-agar (TA) layer as a protective layer to enhance film photostability. The bi-layer structure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TA2-CA film exhibited the highest tensile strength (17.8 MPa) and the lowest water vapor permeability (2.98 x 10-7 g.m-1.h-1.pa-1) among all the tested bi-layer films. The TiO2 particles in the protective layer improved the opacity of the film and provided stability against UV/visible light exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhikun Yang, Chuang Li, Tao Wang, Zhihua Li, Xiaobo Zou, Xiaowei Huang, Xiaodong Zhai, Jiyong Shi, Tingting Shen, Yunyun Gong, Melvin Holmes, Megan Povey
Summary: A novel probiotic film made of gellan gum, cranberry extract, and Lactococcus lactis was successfully fabricated. The addition of Lactococcus lactis significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of the film. Cranberry extract improved the antioxidant activity and survivability of Lactococcus lactis in the film. The combination of 2.0% Lactococcus lactis and 0.5% cranberry extract resulted in the best comprehensive properties of the film, which also showed optimal preservation effect on fresh-cut potatoes and apples. Therefore, the GN/2.0% LA/0.5% CE probiotic film is suitable for fruit and vegetable preservation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Megan J. Povey, Rammile Ettelaie, Ken Lewtas, Andy Price, Xiaojun Lai, Fei Sheng
Summary: This article outlines techniques for controlling and measuring the nucleation of crystalline materials. It demonstrates the impact of low power ultrasound on the nucleation and crystallization of a wax-n-eicosane dissolved in a heptane/toluene solvent. A mathematical-physical approach based on rectifying heat and mass transport by low power oscillating pressure fields is suggested, and its combination with dissipative particle dynamics computational modeling is proposed as a predictive method for modeling the impact of low power oscillating pressure fields on nucleating systems.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Physiology
S. J. Stockwell, T. C. Kwok, S. P. Morgan, D. Sharkey, B. R. Hayes-Gill
Summary: Heart rate is an important physiological parameter in critically unwell infants, and measuring it with a forehead-based PPG sensor could help overcome the issue of reduced blood supply to the limbs. This study demonstrates that the forehead is a reliable alternative location for measuring heart rate using the PPG.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Junjun Zhang, Yan Yang, Jianing Zhang, Jiyong Shi, Li Liu, Xiaowei Huang, Wenjun Song, Zhihua Li, Xiaobo Zou, Megan Povey
Summary: High-stability bi-layer films (A-CBAL) containing anthocyanin-loaded liposomes were developed for non-destructive monitoring of shrimp freshness. Increasing the lecithin ratio improved the encapsulation efficiency of liposomes from 36.06% to 46.99%. Compared to films with free anthocyanins (A-CBA), the A-CBAL films showed lower water vapor transmission and slower exudation rate at pH 7 and pH 9. The bi-layer films successfully detected shrimp freshness through visible color changes, indicating potential applications in high-humidity environments.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Laura E. Wadkin, Andrew Golightly, Julia Branson, Andrew Hoppit, Nick G. Parker, Andrew W. Baggaley
Summary: Invasive woodland pests can have significant impacts on ecology, economy, and society, causing harm to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Bayesian-informed mathematical modeling can enhance our understanding of invasive pest behaviors and provide predictive tools for future spread. The oak processionary moth (OPM) is a major invasive pest in the UK, harmful to both oak trees and humans, with its infestation expanding continuously. In this study, a computational inference scheme is used to estimate parameters for a two-node network epidemic model, describing the temporal dynamics of OPM in two geographically neighboring parks (Bushy Park and Richmond Park, London). Results suggest that the infestation in Richmond Park has largely driven the infestation in Bushy Park, showcasing the applicability of network models in describing invasive pest dynamics.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhikun Yang, Mingrui Li, Yanxiao Li, Xin Wang, Zhihua Li, Jiyong Shi, Xiaowei Huang, Xiaodong Zhai, Xiaobo Zou, Yunyun Gong, Melvin Holmes, Megan Povey, Jianbo Xiao
Summary: In this study, a gelatin/gellan gum-based bilayer emulsion film was developed to improve the survivability of Bifidobacterium longum during storage. Baobab seed oil was added to the gelatin matrix as the outer layer, while blueberry anthocyanin extract was incorporated into the gellan gum-based inner layer to enhance the viability of B. longum. The bilayer film showed successful entrapment of the probiotics and exhibited the highest survivability and viable cell numbers of B. longum during storage. The bilayer film also maintained satisfactory probiotic viability in steamed bread coating application.
Article
Optics
Xiaoqi Hao, Shuicai Wu, Lan Lin, Yixiong Chen, Stephen P. Morgan, Shen Sun
Summary: The study aims to achieve quantitative measurement of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) using artificial intelligence. A three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) was trained with experimental data from a rotating diffuser, and a LSCI velocities prediction model (CNN-LSCI) was established. The trained model showed a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.33 and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.34, and it was validated with ten phantom velocities covering the typical blood flow velocity range of the human body, achieving a correlation of 0.98. The proposed model outperformed traditional LSCI and multi-exposure laser speckle contrast imaging (MELSCI). This study demonstrates the potential of applying machine learning to achieve quantitative blood perfusion measurement with LSCI.
OPTICS AND LASERS IN ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhangqi Huang, Xiaodong Zhai, Litao Yin, Jiyong Shi, Xiaobo Zou, Zhihua Li, Xiaowei Huang, Xingdan Ma, Megan Povey
Summary: A bilayer film with antibacterial activity and indicating ability was developed for preserving and monitoring the freshness of fish. It showed strong antibacterial activity against foodborne bacteria and could extend the shelf life of fish by 24 hours. The film was also sensitive to NH3 and exhibited a color change to indicate the freshness of fish.
JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bradley T. Flinn, Valentin Radu, Michael W. Fay, Ashley J. Tyler, Jem Pitcairn, Matthew J. Cliffe, Benjamin L. Weare, Craig T. Stoppiello, Melissa L. Mather, Andrei N. Khlobystov
Summary: Spin-active nanomaterials are crucial in quantum technologies such as spintronics and data storage. This study combines NV spin-active defects in diamond and an electron beam to probe the functional magnetic properties of nanoparticles. The results demonstrate perturbation of NV spins by neighboring electron spins and provide insights into sensing magnetic materials encapsulated in nanostructures. These findings advance the development of quantum technologies and solid-state NV sensing.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhikun Yang, Mingrui Li, Yanxiao Li, Xiaowei Huang, Zhihua Li, Xiaodong Zhai, Jiyong Shi, Xiaobo Zou, Jianbo Xiao, Yue Sun, Megan Povey, Yunyun Gong, Melvin Holmes
Summary: To overcome the limitations of sodium alginate/guar gum film (SG), a study was conducted to enhance its properties using beta-Cyclodextrin/persimmon pectin-stabilized baobab seed oil Pickering emulsion (BOPE), silver nanoparticles (AgNPS), and Lycium ruthenicum extract (LA). The results showed that the optimized BOPE-loaded SG/LA/AgNPS film improved the mechanical, barrier, nutrient retention, and biological properties, making it suitable for active packaging applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Megan J. Povey, Daniel Ingo Hefft
Summary: Foods exhibit a wide range of elastic properties during mastication, from hard solid to viscous fluid. This study uses an elastic description to quantify the elastic behavior of food, focusing on the use of sound. The authors illustrate the application of this mathematical description in measuring the mechanical and flow properties of food through acoustic and rheological measurement techniques. They conclude that acoustic and rheological measurements complement each other and offer the potential for in-process determination of mechanical and flow properties.
