Preparation and Characterization of Hydrogel Films and Nanoparticles Based on Low-Esterified Pectin for Anticancer Applications.

Prospective adjuvant anticancer therapy development includes the establishing of drug delivery systems based on biocompatible and biodegradable carriers. We have designed films and nanoparticles (NPs) based on low-esterified pectin hydrogel using the ionic gelation method. We investigated morphology, nanomechanical properties, biocompatibility and anticancer activity. Hydrogel films are characterized by tunable viscoelastic properties and surface nanoarchitectonics through pectin concentration and esterification degree (DE), expressed in variable pore frequency and diameter. An in vitro study showed a significant reduction in metabolic activity and the proliferation of the U87MG human glioblastoma cell line, probably affected via the adhesion mechanism. Glioma cells formed neurosphere-like conglomerates with a small number of neurites when cultured on fully de-esterified pectin films and they did not produce neurites on the films prepared on 50% esterified pectin. Pectin NPs were examined in terms of size distribution and nanomechanical properties. The NPs' shapes were proved spherical with a mean diameter varying in the range of 90-115 nm, and a negative zeta potential from -8.30 to -7.86 mV, which indicated their stability. The NPs did not demonstrate toxic effect on cells or metabolism inhibition, indicating good biocompatibility. Nanostructured biomaterials prepared on low-esterified pectins could be of interest for biomedical applications in adjuvant anticancer therapy and for designing drug delivery systems.

Preparation of Hydrogels Based on Modified Pectins by Tuning Their Properties for Anti-Glioma Therapy.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by low stiffness and predominance of carbohydrates on protein components, mediates limited cell proliferation and migration. Pectins are polysaccharides derived from plants and could be very promising for a tunable hydrogel design that mimics the neural ECM. Aiming to regulate gel structure and viscoelastic properties, we elaborated 10 variants of pectin-based hydrogels via tuning the concentration of the polymer and the number of free carboxyl groups expressed in the degree of esterification (DE). Viscoelastic properties of hydrogels varied in the range of 3 to 900 Pa for G' and were chosen as the first criteria for the selection of variants suitable for CNS remodeling. For extended reciprocal characterization, two pairs of hydrogels were taken to test pectins with opposite DEs close to 0% and 50%, respectively, but with a similar rheology exceeding 100 Pa (G'), which was achieved by adjusting the concentration of pectin. Hydrogel swelling properties and in vitro stability, together with structure characterization using SEM and FTIR spectroscopy, displayed some differences that may sense for biomedical application. Bioassays on C6 and U87MG glioblastoma cultures testified the potential prospects of the anti-glioma activity of hydrogels developed by decreasing cell proliferation and modulating migration but supporting the high viability of neural cells.

Hydrogels based on modified pectins capable of modulating neural cell behavior as prospective biomaterials in glioblastoma treatment.

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the brain, but its treatment outcomes can be improved by new therapeutic techniques using biocompatible materials. Utilizing controllable alkaline de-esterification we obtained pectin preparation with 27.4% esterification degree and used it for bio-artificial matrix production. We discovered optimal gelation conditions in the presence of Ca2+ by the analysis of visco-elastic properties of the gels and produced a series of biomaterials in hydrogel forms. Hydrogels based on low-esterified pectin significantly slow down the metabolism of C6 glioma cells and neural stem cells (NSCs) and slightly decrease the viability of the C6 glioma, but not of NSCs. This happens due to a decrease in cell proliferation rate, while apoptosis degrees remain stable or negligibly decrease. We created a set of pectin hydrogels supplemented with different ratios of two ECM proteins-collagens I and IV. We have shown that the formation of cell processes in glioma C6 can be regulated by varying the ratio of two ECM proteins in gels used for 3D cell cultivation. Thus, composite matrix materials obtained can be used for modeling brain tumor invasion. The results presented suggest that modified pectins supplemented with two collagen types may serve as prospective biomaterials for glioblastoma treatment due to their ability to regulate glioma cell dynamics.

Lead-binding capacity of calcium pectates with different molecular weight.

Nowadays, heavy metal contamination of environment is considered as a serious threat to public health because of toxicity of these pollutants and the lack of effective materials with metal-binding properties. Some biopolymers such as pectins were proposed for removal of metal ions from industrial water disposals. Chemical structure of pectins is quite variable and substantially affects their metal binding properties. In this work, relationship between molecular weight and Pb(II)-binding capacity of calcium pectates was investigated in a batch sorption system. The results showed that all pectate samples are able to form complexes with Pb(II) ions. The effects of contact time, pH of the media and equilibrium metal concentration on metal-binding process were tested in experiments. The equilibrium time min required for uptake of Pb(II) by pectate compounds was found to be 60min. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied for description of interactions between pectates and metal ions. Binding capacity of low molecular pectate was highest among all the samples tested. Langmuir model was figured out to be the best fit within the whole range of pH values. These results demonstrate that calcium pectate with low molecular weight is more promising agent for elimination of Pb(II) ions from contaminated wastewaters.

Removal of the metal ions from aqueous solutions by nanoscaled low molecular pectin isolated from seagrass Phyllospadix iwatensis.

Pectins from sea grasses are considered as promising substances with pronounced metal-binding activity. Due to the high molecular weight and heterogeneous structure, the use of pectins for removal of metal ions is difficult. Technology of directed pectin degradation was developed and homogenous degraded nanoscaled pectin polymers were synthesized. Experimental samples of degraded pectin isolated from Phyllospadix iwatensis were tested for their metal binding activity in comparison with native pectin from this seagrass and commercial citrus pectin. The metal uptake of all pectin compounds was highest within the pH range from 4.0 to 6.0. The Langmuir, Freundlich and BET sorption models were applied to describe the isotherms and constants. Results showed that depolymerized pectin exerts highest lead and cadmium binding activity with pronounced affinity. All pectin compounds were suggested to be favorable sorbents. Therefore, it can be concluded that degraded pectin is a prospective material for creation of metal-removing water treatment systems.

Optical wave equation for light scattering in micro- and nanostructured media and its application.

An optical wave equation for scattered light in materials with macroscopic spatial inhomogeneities is presented and analyzed. The equation is applicable to a variety of linear and nonlinear optical interactions in media with intrinsic, induced, or engineered inhomegeneities. While it is valid regardless of the spatial scale of these inhomogeneities, the strongest effect is expected from inhomogeneities of a subwavelength scale size typical for nanostructured optical media.

Cerium binding activity of pectins isolated from the seagrasses Zostera marina and Phyllospadix iwatensis.

Cerium binding activity of three different water soluble pectin compounds of different origin was studied in a batch sorption system. The Langmuir, Freundlich and BET sorption models were adopted to describe the binding reactions between metal ions and pectin molecules. The Langmuir model provided the best fit. Within the pH range from 4.0 to 6.0, the largest amount of the cerium ions was bound by pectin isolated from the seagrass Phylospadix iwatensis in comparison to pectin extracted from the seagrass Zostera marina and pectin obtained from citrus peel (commercial grade). The Langmuir constants were also highest for the pectin samples isolated from the seagrass P. iwatensis. The results obtained from this study suggest that pectin is a prospective source for the development of radioisotope-removing pharmaceuticals.

Carrageenans as a new source of drugs with metal binding properties.

Carrageenans are abundant and safe non-starch polysaccharides exerting their biological effects in living organisms. Apart from their known pro-inflammation properties and some pharmacological activity, carrageenans can also strongly bind and hold metal ions. This property can be used for creation of the new drugs for elimination of metals from the body or targeted delivery of these metal ions for healing purposes. Metal binding activity of different carrageenans in aqueous solutions containing Y(3+) or Pb(2+) ions was studied in a batch sorption system. The metal uptake by carrageenans is not affected by the change of the pH within the range from 2.0 to 6.0. The rates and binding capacities of carrageenans regarding metal ions were evaluated. The Langmuir, Freundlich and BET sorption models were applied to describe the isotherms and constants, and the sorption isothermal data could be explained well by the Langmuir equation. The results obtained through the study suggest that kappa-, iota-, and lambda-carrageenans are favorable sorbents. The largest amount of Y(3+) and Pb(2+) ions are bound by iota-carrageenan. Therefore, it can be concluded that this type of polysaccharide is the more appropriate substance for elaboration of the drugs with high selective metal binding properties.

Cerium binding activity of different pectin compounds in aqueous solutions.

Cerium binding activity of different water soluble pectin compounds varying according to their degree of esterification and insoluble calcium pectate beads in aqueous solution was studied in a batch sorption system. The cerium uptake by all pectin compounds was highest within the pH range from 4.0 to 6.0. The binding capacities and rates of cerium ions by pectin compounds were evaluated. The Langmuir, Freundlich and BET sorption models were applied to describe the isotherms and constants. Sorption isothermal data could be well interpreted by the Langmuir equation. The results obtained through the study suggest that pectin compounds are favorable sorbents. The largest amount of cerium ions is bound by pectin with the degree of esterification close to zero. Therefore, it can be concluded that low esterified pectins are more effective substances for elimination of cerium ions from aqueous disposals.

Means for easy and accurate measurement of the stimulated Brillouin scattering gain coefficient in optical fiber.

We propose and investigate an accurate method for the experimental measurement of the stimulated Brillouin scattering gain coefficient in optical fiber. The gain is extracted from measuring the transmitted pump power at the threshold of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) laser oscillation in a Fabry-Perot cavity formed by Fresnel reflection at the fiber ends. The method is free from a range of uncertainties and difficulties of commonly used approaches and is easy to implement. Experimental evidence of the variation of the SBS gain coefficient with numerical aperture of the fiber, first predicted in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 1879 (2000)], is proven.

Comparative equilibrium studies of sorption of Pb(II) ions by sodium and calcium alginate.

The absorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution by different alginate compounds was studied in a batch sorption system. Water soluble sodium alginate and insoluble calcium alginate beads were investigated. The lead-binding capacity of both alginate compounds was highest within the pH range 6-8. The binding capacities and rates of Pb(II) ions by alginate compounds were evaluated. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Bruneaur, Emmet and Teller (BET) sorption models were applied to describe the isotherms and isotherm constants. Sorption isothermal data could be well interpreted by the Langmuir model. The results obtained through the study suggest that alginate compounds are favorable sorbents. The largest amount of Pb(II) ions were bound by sodium alginate although the difference between two compounds was slight. Therefore, alginate substances may be considered as an alternative for sorption and removal of Pb(II) ions from wastewaters.

Equilibrium studies of sorption of lead(II) ions by different pectin compounds.

The adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution by different pectin compounds was studied in a batch sorption system. Water-soluble low- and high-esterified pectins and insoluble calcium pectate beads were investigated. The lead-binding capacity of all pectin compounds was highest within the pH range from 7 to 8. The binding capacities and rates of Pb(II) ions by pectin compounds were evaluated. The Langmuir, Freundlich and BET sorption models were applied to describe the isotherms and isotherm constants. Sorption isothermal data could be well interpreted by the Langmuir model. These results obtained through the study suggest that pectin compounds are favorable sorbers. The largest amount of Pb(II) ions were bound by pectin with the low degree of esterfication. Therefore, pectin substances may be considered as perspective for sorption and removal of Pb(II) ions from wastewaters.

Temporally stable continuous-wave phase conjugation by stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fiber with cavity feedback.

Temporally stable high-fidelity optical phase conjugation by stimulated Brillouin scattering of cw laser radiation is achieved in multimode silica fiber with cavity feedback. A power threshold of approximately 500 mW and a reflectivity of 70% were obtained in a 340-m-long fiber with a cw Nd:YAG laser.

Origin of temporally stable continuous-wave stokes emission in stimulated Brillouin scattering: evidence of spectral self-phase conjugation.

We report results on the appearance of temporally stable Stokes emission in stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) excited by continuous-wave pump radiation in optical fiber. With increasing pump strength the stable component emerges from stochastic emission slightly above the SBS threshold to become the dominant contribution, independent of fiber characteristics. These findings are shown to be a manifestation of spectral self-phase conjugation, providing what is to our knowledge the first experimental evidence of this phenomenon in optics.

300 W quasi-continuous-wave diffraction-limited output from a diode-pumped Nd:YAG master oscillator power amplifier with fiber phase-conjugate stimulated Brillouin scattering mirror.

A master oscillator power amplifier system comprising a cw Nd:YAG master oscillator, a quasi-cw diode-pumped power amplifier, and a fiber-based stimulated Brillouin scattering phase-conjugate mirror is reported. A 12-pass amplifier configuration is employed to achieve high gain in a small-length slab amplifier. Residual and pump-induced optical inhomogeneities in the slab are corrected by the fiber phase conjugator to achieve diffraction-limited output beam quality. 300 W quasi-cw output and a maximal attainable gain of approximately 150 for the system are obtained.

Spectral broadening of continuous-wave monochromatic pump radiation caused by stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fiber.

We experimentally show that, when stimulated Brillouin scattering is generated in optical fiber by use of monochromatic cw pump radiation, the transmitted pump radiation exhibits spectral broadening that is much narrower than the classical homogeneous gain-narrowed Brillouin bandwidth. The bandwidth is practically independent of the pump strength, fiber characteristics, and the waveguide-induced inhomogeneously broadened bandwidth of the Stokes emission. We show that these properties arise from strong parametric coupling of the Stokes and pump signals in the pump-depletion region.

Waveguide-induced inhomogeneous spectral broadening of stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fiber.

We provide direct experimental evidence of waveguide-induced inhomogeneous spectral broadening of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in optical fiber. It is shown that the SBS spectral width and gain depend on the numerical aperture for both single-mode and multimode fibers, the functional dependencies of which are in good agreement with our model description of the phenomenon.