Synthesis and characterization of PMBN as a biocompatible nanopolymer for bio-applications

Objective: Poly [2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphoryl choline [MPC]-co-n-buthyl methacrylate [BMA]-co-p-nitrophenyl-oxycrabonyl poly ethylene glycol-methacrylate [MEONP]] [PMBN], a biocompatible terpolymer, is a unique polymer with applications that range from drug delivery systems [DDS] to scaffolds and biomedical devices. In this research, we have prepared a monomer of p-nitrophenyl-oxycarbonyl poly [ethylene glycol] methacrylate [MEONP] to synthesize this polymer. Next, we designed and prepared a smart, water soluble, amphiphilic PMBN polymer composed of MPC, BMA, and MEONP

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we dissolved MPC [4 mmol, 40% mole fraction], BMA [5 mmol, 50% mole fraction], and MEONP [1 mmol, 10% mole fraction] in 20 ml of dry ethanol in two necked flasks equipped with inlet-outlet gas. The structural characteristics of the synthesized monomer and polymer were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FT-IR], proton nuclear magnetic resonance [H-NMR], dynamic light scattering [DLS], gel permeation chromatography [GPC], scanning electron microscope [SEM], and transmission electron microscope [TEM] analyses for the first time. We treated the polymer with two different cell lines to determine its biocompatibility

Results: FT-IR and H-NMR analyses confirmed the synthesis of the polymer. The size of polymer was approximately 40 nm with a molecular weight [MW] of 52 kDa, which would be excellent for a nano carrier. Microscopic analyses showed that the polymer was rod-shaped. This polymer had no toxicity for individual cells

Conclusion: We report here, for the first time, the full properties of the PMBN polymer. The approximately 40 nm size with an acceptable zeta potential range of -8.47, PDI of 0.1, and rod-shaped structure indicated adequate parameters of a nanopolymer for nano bio-applications. We used this polymer to design a new smart nano carrier to treat leukemia stem cells based on a target DDS as a type of bio-application

Natural pigment production by monascus purpureus: improving the yield in a bioreactor based on statistical analysis

Due to the especial properties such as high growth rates, easy extraction as well as high yields, using microorganisms in comparison to other sources is more chosen for pigment production. Pigments are used in food industries as natural colorants and preservatives, they also have pharmaceutical applications. In this study, fungus Monascus purpureus PTCC 5303 have been used to produce red, orange and yellow pigments. At first significant variables were screened based on plackett-Burman design and then the optimized value of two effectivefactors such as yeast extract and K[2] HPO[4] concentrations wasoptimized byresponse surface method. Optimal levels of factors were found to be 2/75 g/L yeast extract and1/5 g/LK[2] PO[4] respectively. Antimicrobial activity of pigments was evaluated on Gram-positive foodborne bacteria under optimal conditionswhich resultsshowed inhibitory effects. Moreover Pigments production at optimal conditions in a bioreactor was evaluatedand the rate of production of red, orange and yellow pigments, 2.05, 1.55 and 0.78 [ODU/ml] were observed respectively

Production of single cell protein from natural gas: parameter optimization and RNA evaluation

Production of single cell protein [SCP] from natural gas in a one liter bubble column reactor and optimization of the process parameters were investigated. The medium specifications, nitrogen sources, initial inoculum volume, and inlet ratio of gas to air were considered as process parameters to be optimized. The optimum condition for highest biomass production in which the maximum quantity of protein was obtained, were the use of a certain carbon-less salt broth utilizable with methane [named as Methane Salt Broth/MSB] and sodium nitrate as medium and nitrogen source respectively. Also, 7%[v/v] inoculation size, and an inlet gas mixture of 60/40 natural gas/air were determined as the effective inoculation and appropriate volume configuration of inlet gases. Protein production in optimum condition was 69.3%[w/w] of biomass in dry basis which its structural amino acids can be in comparable with other nutrient sources. An average amount of 10 g RNA out of 100 g of cellular protein [or 6%[w/w] RNA in whole biomass] was extracted from the biomass which is extremely near to the possible minimum of RNA distribution among bacteria. Heat shock treatment was applied for reducing the RNA in the biomass bulk. Heat Treatment at 60 to 65°C for 10 to 20 min provided the best RNA reduction results [around 1 gram in 100 grams of protein]. Regarding the structural amino acids and RNA content, the properties of single cell protein resulted in this experimental work, were in a frame which it could be consumed safely