Synthesis of Poly(L-lactide)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) Terpolymer Grafted onto Partially Oxidized Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for Drug Delivery.

Nanocomposites prepared with a terpolymer of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and partially oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTspo) were synthesized and characterized to evaluate their ability to act as an effective nanocarrier of the anticancer drug methotrexate. The homopolymers of PLLA and PCL were synthesized through ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and characterized through gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The PLLA-PCL-PEG terpolymers were synthesized through a four-step chemical route using oxalyl chloride as a linker agent and analyzed with 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FTIR spectroscopies. Additionally, the nanocomposites were characterized through FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. XPS analysis revealed that PLLA-PCL-PEG terpolymer chains are grafted onto CNTspo. Moreover, evaluations through FTIR and DSC strongly suggest that the PCL-rich domains are preferentially oriented toward CNTspo. The release tests exhibited a "burst effect" profile, which was more evident in the terpolymers than in the nanocomposites. Five models were used to assess methotrexate's in vitro release. For the nanocomposites, the best fit to the experimental data was obtained using the first-order model, whereas the results obtained from the Korsmeyer-Peppas model indicated that Fickian diffusion drives methotrexate's release.

Protective Role of Rosmarinic Acid in Experimental Urolithiasis: Understanding Its Impact on Renal Parameters.

This study aimed to assess the ability of rosmarinic acid (RA) to prevent kidney stone formation in an ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride (EG/AC) model. There was an increase in diuresis in the normotensive (NTRs) and hypertensive rats (SHRs) treated with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and exposed to EG/AC, while RA restored urine volume in NTRs. The EG/AC groups exhibited lower urine pH and electrolyte imbalance; these parameters were not affected by any of the treatments. Both HCTZ+EG/AC and RA+EG/AC reduced calcium oxalate crystal formation in NTR and SHR urine. Kidney tissue analysis revealed alterations in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters in all EG/AC-receiving groups, with RA enhancing antioxidant defenses in SHRs. Additionally, crystals were found in the kidney histology of all EG/AC-exposed groups, with reduced Bowman's capsule areas in NTRs and SHRs. The NTR VEH+EG/AC group showed intense renal damage, while the others maintained their structures, where treatments with HCTZ and RA were fundamental for kidney protection in the NTRs. Docking analysis showed that RA exhibited good binding affinity with matrix metalloproteinase-9, phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase, and human glycolate oxidase enzymes. The data disclosed herein underscore the importance of further research to understand the underlying mechanisms better and validate the potential of RA for clinical use.

Use of a one-step freezing protocol for boar sperm with distinct cryoprotectants / Protocolo de congelamento one-step para sêmen suíno utilizando diferentes crioprotetores

The present study evaluated the cryoprotectant efficacy of dimethylacetamide (DMA) and ethylene glycol in a one-step protocol to freeze boar sperm. The sperm-rich portion of the ejaculates from two boars were collected once a week, for 10 weeks. After collection, the ejaculates were diluted (1:1; v/v) in the cooling extender. After determining their spermatozoa concentration, the ejaculates were pooled with the same number of spermatozoa from each boar and stabilized at 20°C for 120 min. Distinct cryoprotectants were added to the cooling extender at 20 °C, at different concentrations, composing six treatments: 1.25% and 2.5% glycerol (control); 1.25% and 2.5% ethylene glycol; 2.5% and 5.0% DMA. The samples were stored in 0.25 mL straws, containing 35 × 106 spermatozoa. After 90 min at 20 °C, the straws were submitted to a cooling curve until 5 °C (0.3 to 0.5 °C/min) and kept at 5°C for 60 min. Freezing was conducted by placing the straws horizontally 5 cm above the liquid nitrogen for 10 min, followed by immersion on liquid nitrogen. After thawing at 37 °C for 30 seconds, sperm quality was evaluated through a computer-assisted semen analysis system and flow cytometry. Sperm motility was greater (P< 0.05) in treatments with 5.0% and 2.5% DMA (22.2 ± 2.6% and 20.0 ± 2.8%, respectively) than in treatment with 2.5% ethylene glycol (8.2 ± 1.0%). The integrity of the plasma membrane (P = 0.08) and mitochondrial membrane potential (P = 0.27) was similar among the treatments. The treatment with 2.5% ethylene glycol was the least efficient to maintain intact acrosome membrane (P< 0.01). Some kinetics parameters (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL e ALH) were positively affected by 5.0% DMA. The one-step freezing protocol resulted in unsatisfactory boar sperm motility after thawing, regardless of the cryoprotectant.

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a eficácia de um protocolo one-step de congelamento do sêmen suíno utilizando dimetilacetamida (DMA) e etilenoglicol como crioprotetores. Durante 10 semanas, a fração rica dos ejaculados de dois machos suínos foram coletados, uma vez por semana. Após a coleta, os ejaculados foram diluídos (1:1; v/v) no diluidor de resfriamento. Após a avaliação da concentração espermática, os ejaculados foram agrupados em um pool com o mesmo número de espermatozoides de cada macho e estabilizados a 20 °C por 120 min. Os criopropetores foram adicionados ao diluidor de congelamento a 20 °C, em diferentes concentrações, compondo seis tratamentos: glicerol (controle), 1,25% e 2,5%; etilenoglicol, 1,5% e 2,5%; e DMA, 2,5% e 5,0%. As amostras foram armazendadas em palhetas de 0,25 mL contendo 35 x 106 espermatozoides. Após 90 min a 20 °C as palhetas foram submetidas a uma curva de resfriamento até 5 °C (0,3 a 0,5 °C/mim) e mantidas a 5 °C por 60 min. O congelamento foi realizado a partir da colocação das palhetas horizontalmente a 5 cm acima do nitrogênio líquido por 10 min, com sua posterior imersão no nitrogênio líquido. Após o descongelamento a 37 °C por 30 segundos a qualidade espermática foi avaliada através de um sistema computadorizado e por citometria de fluxo. A motilidade espermática foi maior (P < 0,05) nos tratamentos com 5,0% e 2,5% DMA (22,2 ± 2,6% e 20,0 ± 2,8%, respectivamente) do que no tratamento com 2,5% etilenoglicol (8,2 ± 1,0%). A integridade da membrana plasmática (P = 0,08) e potencial de membrana mitocondrial (P = 0,27) foi similar entre os tratamentos. O tratamento com 2,5% de etilenoglicol foi menos eficiente em manter membrana acrossomal intacta (P< 0,01). Alguns parâmetros de cinética espermática (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL e ALH) foram afetados positivamente pelo uso de DMA a 5.0%. O protocolo simplificado para congelamento de sêmen suíno resultou em motilidade espermática insatifatória após o descongelamento, independente do crioprotetor utilizado.

Sperm cryopreservation in Windsnyer boars; principles, technique, and updated outcomes.

The domestic pig breeds are in danger of extinction whereas the erosion of their gene pool is a serious concern because they significantly contribute to the rich biodiversity. Overall aim of this study was to determine the protocol for preserving the semen of the Windsnyer boars for conservation. A total of 18 ejaculates (6 replications/boar) were collected from three Windsnyer boars of proven fertility with the use of hand-gloved approach method, twice per week. Boars semen were pooled and extended with Beltsville Thawing Solution [(BTS) IMV Technologies, France], held at 18°C for 3 hours and centrifuged. The sperm pellet was re-suspended with Fraction A (20% egg yolk + BTS) and cooled at 5°C for 1 hour. Following cooling, semen was divided and diluted into different cryoprotectants (ethylene glycol, glycerol, propanediol, ethylene glycol + glycerol + propanediol) at equal contribution to make the total concentrations [4, 8, 12 and 16% and the 0% (control; without cryoprotectant)] and loaded into 0.25 mL straws. Two cryopreservation methods (liquid nitrogen vapour and controlled rated) were used to cryopreserve the semen straws. Semen straws were thawed at different temperatures (5, 18, 37 and 40°C) and evaluated for sperm motility, viability, and morphology traits. Post-thawed sperm total motility (36.0±5.3) and live normal sperm (49.5±8.3) percentages were recorded to be higher in the treatment supplemented with 16% glycerol (P<0.05). The highest sperm total motility percentage was recorded at 40°C (26.8±3.2) thawing temperature for liquid nitrogen vapour treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, 16% glycerol was found to be the suitable cryoprotectant concentration for semen cryopreserved with liquid nitrogen vapour method and thawed at 40°C.

Therapeutic effects of electrospun chitosan nanofibers on animal skin wounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Electrospun chitosan nanofibers (QSNFs) enhance the healing process by mimicking skin structure and function. The aim of this study was to analyze the therapeutic effects of QSNFs application on animal skin wounds to identify a potential direction for translational research in dermatology. The PRISMA methodology and the PICO scheme were used. A random effects model and mean difference analysis were applied for the meta-analysis. A meta-regression model was constructed, risk of bias was determined, and methodological quality assessment was performed. Of the 2370 articles collected, 54 studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The wound healing area was used for building models on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days of follow-up; the results were - 10.4% (95% CI, -18.2% to -2.6%, p = 0.001), -21.0% (95% CI, -27.3% to -14.7%, p = 0.001), and - 14.0% (95% CI, -19.1 to -8.8%, p = 0.001), respectively. Antioxidants and synthetic polymers combined with QSNFs further reduced skin wound areas (p < 0.05). The results show a more efficient reduction in wound area percentages in experimental groups than in control groups, so QSNFs could potentially be applied in translational human medicine research.

Biotransformation of ethylene glycol to glycolic acid by Yarrowia lipolytica: A route for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) upcycling.

Biological recycling of PET waste has been extensively investigated recently to tackle plastic waste pollution, and ethylene glycol (EG) is one of the main building blocks recovered from this process. Wild-type Yarrowia lipolytica IMUFRJ 50682 can be a biocatalyst to biodepolymerize PET. Herein, we report its ability to perform oxidative biotransformation of EG into glycolic acid (GA): a higher value-added chemical with varied industrial applications. We found that this yeast tolerates high EG concentrations (up to 2 M) based on maximum non-inhibitory concentration (MNIC) tests. Whole-cell biotransformation assays using resting yeast cells showed GA production uncoupled to cell growth metabolism, and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed GA production. Moreover, higher agitation speed (450 vs. 350 rpm) resulted in a 1.12-fold GA production improvement (from 352 to 429.5 mM) during Y. lipolytica cultivation in bioreactors after 72 h. GA was constantly accumulated in the medium, suggesting that this yeast may also share an incomplete oxidation pathway (i.e., it is not metabolized to carbon dioxide) as seen in acetic acid bacterial group. Additional assays using higher chain-length diols (1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol) revealed that C4 and C6 diols were more cytotoxic, suggesting that they underwent different pathways in the cells. We found that this yeast consumed extensively all these diols, however, 13 C NMR analysis from supernatant identified solely the presence of 4-hydroxybutanoic acid from 1,4-butanediol, along with GA from EG oxidation. Findings reported herein reveal a potential route for PET upcycling to a higher value-added product.

Interchangeable Biomass Fuels for Paper-Based Microfluidic Fuel Cells: Finding Their Power Density Limits.

Paper batteries are self-pumping emerging tools for powering portable analytical systems. These disposable energy converters must be low-cost and must achieve enough energy to power electronic devices. The challenge is reaching high energy while keeping the low cost. Here, for the first time, we report a paper-based microfluidic fuel cell (PµFC) equipped with Pt/C on a carbon paper (CP) anode and a metal-free CP cathode fed by biomass-derived fuels to deliver high power. The cells were engineered in a mixed-media configuration, where methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, or glycerol is electro-oxidized in an alkaline medium, while Na2S2O8 is reduced in an acidic medium. This strategy allows for optimizing each half-cell reaction independently. The colaminar channel of the cellulose paper was chemically investigated by mapping the composition, which reveals a majority of elements from the catholyte and anolyte on each respective side and a mixture of both at the interface, assuring the existing colaminar system. Moreover, the colaminar flow was studied by investigating the flow rate by considering recorded videos for the first time. All PµFCs show 150-200 s to build a stable colaminar flow, which matches the time to reach a stable open circuit voltage. The flow rate is similar for different concentrations of methanol and ethanol, but it decreases with the increase in ethylene glycol and glycerol concentrations, suggesting a longer residence time for the reactants. The cells perform differently for the different concentrations, and their limiting power densities are composed of a balance among anode poisoning, residence time, and viscosity of the liquids. The sustainable PµFCs can be interchangeably fed by the four biomass-derived fuels to deliver ∼2.2-3.9 mW cm-2. This allows choosing the proper fuel due to their availability. The unprecedented PµFC fed by ethylene glycol delivered 6.76 mW cm-2, which is the benchmark output power for a paper battery fed by alcohol.

Sperm cryopreservation in Windsnyer boars; principles, technique, and updated outcomes

Abstract The domestic pig breeds are in danger of extinction whereas the erosion of their gene pool is a serious concern because they significantly contribute to the rich biodiversity. Overall aim of this study was to determine the protocol for preserving the semen of the Windsnyer boars for conservation. A total of 18 ejaculates (6 replications/boar) were collected from three Windsnyer boars of proven fertility with the use of hand-gloved approach method, twice per week. Boars semen were pooled and extended with Beltsville Thawing Solution [(BTS) IMV Technologies, France], held at 18°C for 3 hours and centrifuged. The sperm pellet was re-suspended with Fraction A (20% egg yolk + BTS) and cooled at 5°C for 1 hour. Following cooling, semen was divided and diluted into different cryoprotectants (ethylene glycol, glycerol, propanediol, ethylene glycol + glycerol + propanediol) at equal contribution to make the total concentrations [4, 8, 12 and 16% and the 0% (control; without cryoprotectant)] and loaded into 0.25 mL straws. Two cryopreservation methods (liquid nitrogen vapour and controlled rated) were used to cryopreserve the semen straws. Semen straws were thawed at different temperatures (5, 18, 37 and 40°C) and evaluated for sperm motility, viability, and morphology traits. Post-thawed sperm total motility (36.0±5.3) and live normal sperm (49.5±8.3) percentages were recorded to be higher in the treatment supplemented with 16% glycerol (P<0.05). The highest sperm total motility percentage was recorded at 40°C (26.8±3.2) thawing temperature for liquid nitrogen vapour treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, 16% glycerol was found to be the suitable cryoprotectant concentration for semen cryopreserved with liquid nitrogen vapour method and thawed at 40°C.

Mesoporous Silica and Oligo (Ethylene Glycol) Methacrylates-Based Dual-Responsive Hybrid Nanogels.

Polymeric-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials have emerged as novel multifunctional platforms because they combine the intrinsic characteristics of both materials with unexpected properties that arise from synergistic effects. In this work, hybrid nanogels based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles, oligo (ethylene glycol) methacrylates, and acidic moieties were developed employing ultrasound-assisted free radical precipitation/dispersion polymerization. Chemical structure was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Hydrodynamic diameters at different temperatures were determined by dynamic light scattering, and cloud point temperatures were determined by turbidimetry. Cell viability in fibroblast (NIH 3T3) and human prostate cancer (LNCaP) cell lines were studied by a standard colorimetric assay. The synthetic approach allows covalent bonding between the organic and inorganic components. The composition of the polymeric structure of hybrid nanogels was optimized to incorporate high percentages of acidic co-monomer, maintaining homogeneous nanosized distribution, achieving appropriate volume phase transition temperature values for biomedical applications, and remarkable pH response. The cytotoxicity assays show that cell viability was above 80% even at the highest nanogel concentration. Finally, we demonstrated the successful cell inhibition when they were treated with camptothecin-loaded hybrid nanogels.

Interplay between mucus mobility and alveolar macrophage targeting of surface-modified liposomes.

Alveolar macrophages play a crucial role in the initiation and resolution of the immune response in the lungs. Pro-inflammatory M1 alveolar macrophages are an interesting target for treating inflammatory and infectious pulmonary diseases. One commune targeting strategy is to use nanoparticles conjugated with hyaluronic acid, which interact with CD44 overexpressed on the membrane of those cells. Unfortunately, this coating strategy may be countered by the presence on the surface of the nanoparticles of a poly(ethylene glycol) corona employed to improve nanoparticles' diffusion in the lung mucus. This study aims to measure this phenomenon by comparing the behavior in a murine lung inflammation model of three liposomal platforms designed to represent different poly(ethylene glycol) and hyaluronic acid densities (Liposome-PEG, Liposome-PEG-HA and Liposome-HA). In this work, the liposomes were obtained by a one-step ethanol injection method. Their interaction with mucin and targeting ability toward pro-inflammatory macrophages were then investigated in vitro and in vivo in a LPS model of lung inflammation. In vitro, poly(ethylene glycol) free HA-liposomes display a superior targeting efficiency toward M1 macrophages, while the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) induces better mucus mobility. Interestingly in vivo studies revealed that the three liposomes showed distinct cell specificity with alveolar macrophages demonstrating an avidity for poly(ethylene glycol) free HA-liposomes, while neutrophils favored PEGylated liposomes exempt of HA. Those results could be explained by the presence of two forces exercising a balance between mucus penetration and receptor targeting. This study corroborates the importance of considering the site of action and the targeted cells when designing nanoparticles to treat lung diseases.

Dimethylformamide Preserves the Integrity of Cryopreserved Goat Semen in a Soybean Lecithin-Based Extender.

This study investigated the cryoprotectant effects of dimethylformamide (DMF), ethylene glycol (EG), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as substitutes for glycerol (GLY) in a soybean lecithin (SL)-based extender in the cryopreservation of buck sperm. In this study, the semen of three Saanen bucks was individually extended in SL supplemented with 5% GLY (control), DMF, EG, or DMSO. After this, the extended semen was cryopreserved and two straws from each group were thawed (37°C for 30 seconds), pooled, and analyzed for sperm motion parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), acrosomal integrity (ACI), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP). Samples were analyzed after 15 minutes (T0) and after 2 hours of incubation at 37°C (T2). The results revealed higher values of motility (total and progressive) and sperm motion parameters for DMF than the other cryoprotectants (p < 0.0001). PMI and HMMP did not differ (p > 0.05) between GLY and DMF, but ACI was higher (p < 0.01) for DMF compared with GLY. Based on these results, DMF and GLY samples were used in heterologous in vitro fertilization assays by using bovine oocytes (n = 337) obtained from a slaughterhouse. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed between GLY and DMF for unfertilized (GLY: 38.8%; DMF: 25.33%), pronucleus (GLY: 25.68%; DMF: 27.92%), and cleavage rates (GLY: 35.52%; DMF: 46.75%). Based on these results, it is concluded that DMF preserves sperm motion characteristics and ACI better than GLY, EG, and DMSO, and it is the penetrating cryoprotectant of choice for the cryopreservation of buck sperm in SL extender.

Chitosan as a matrix of nanocomposites: A review on nanostructures, processes, properties, and applications.

Chitosan is a biopolymer that is natural, biodegradable, and relatively low price. Chitosan has been attracting interest as a matrix of nanocomposites due to new properties for various applications. This study presents a comprehensive overview of common and recent advances using chitosan as a nanocomposite matrix. The focus is to present alternative processes to produce embedded or coated nanoparticles, and the shaping techniques that have been employed (3D printing, electrospinning), as well as the nanocomposites emerging applications in medicine, tissue engineering, wastewater treatment, corrosion inhibition, among others. There are several reviews about single chitosan material and derivatives for diverse applications. However, there is not a study that focuses on chitosan as a nanocomposite matrix, explaining the possibility of nanomaterial additions, the interaction of the attached species, and the applications possibility following the techniques to combine chitosan with nanostructures. Finally, future directions are presented for expanding the applications of chitosan nanocomposites.

The protective effect of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L) pollen seeds against the toxicity of a solvent (EGME) in Wistar rats

Environmental pollution is the unfavorable alteration of our environment, wholly or mainly as a by-product of human actions, by the direct or indirect effects of changes in energy patterns, radiation levels, the chemical and physical constitution, and the abundance of the organisms. Thus, the environment's pollution is one of the most severe problems humanity and other forms of life face today on our planet, and this population makes severe disruption. The xenobiotic substances responsible for this pollution are numerous and diverse due to multiple human activities that can be the source. However, attention mainly focuses on fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, and certain petrochemicals of significant consumption, such as solvents. The purpose of this study is to highlight the reprotoxic and hepatotoxic effects of Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGME) on male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were exposed to Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Etheralone (EGME) (500 mg/kg), combined with the aqueous extract of the pollen grains of Sinapis arvensis (P-EGME) (300mg/kg), in addition to the control (T) and positive control (P) groups for a period of 4 weeks by gavage, to estimate the protective role of this plant against the intoxication of EGME. The results show that EGME can induce reprotoxic effects revealed by a reduction in testes and epididymis mass accompanied by decreased male fertility indicators (sperm concentration). The results also show that treatment with EGME caused a reduction in the red blood cell number, hemoglobin and hematocrit rate, white blood cells in the treated groups compared to the control groups. The present study revealed that treatment with Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGME) under the same experimental conditions could affect several biological markers, especially male fertility. Besides, the protective activity of the wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) pollen in the face of cellular [...] (AU)

The protective effect of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L) pollen seeds against the toxicity of a solvent (EGME) in Wistar rats

Environmental pollution is the unfavorable alteration of our environment, wholly or mainly as a by-product of human actions, by the direct or indirect effects of changes in energy patterns, radiation levels, the chemical and physical constitution, and the abundance of the organisms. Thus, the environment's pollution is one of the most severe problems humanity and other forms of life face today on our planet, and this population makes severe disruption. The xenobiotic substances responsible for this pollution are numerous and diverse due to multiple human activities that can be the source. However, attention mainly focuses on fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, and certain petrochemicals of significant consumption, such as solvents. The purpose of this study is to highlight the reprotoxic and hepatotoxic effects of Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGME) on male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were exposed to Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Etheralone (EGME) (500 mg/kg), combined with the aqueous extract of the pollen grains of Sinapis arvensis (P-EGME) (300mg/kg), in addition to the control (T) and positive control (P) groups for a period of 4 weeks by gavage, to estimate the protective role of this plant against the intoxication of EGME. The results show that EGME can induce reprotoxic effects revealed by a reduction in testes and epididymis mass accompanied by decreased male fertility indicators (sperm concentration). The results also show that treatment with EGME caused a reduction in the red blood cell number, hemoglobin and hematocrit rate, white blood cells in the treated groups compared to the control groups. The present study revealed that treatment with Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGME) under the same experimental conditions could affect several biological markers, especially male fertility. Besides, the protective activity of the wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) pollen in the face of cellular [...]

Docetaxel in chitosan-based nanocapsules conjugated with an anti-Tn antigen mouse/human chimeric antibody as a promising targeting strategy of lung tumors.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties of docetaxel (DCX) loaded chitosan nanocapsules (CS Nc) functionalized with the monoclonal antibody Chi-Tn (CS-PEG-ChiTn mAb Nc) as a potential improvement treatment for cancer therapy. The Tn antigen is highly specific for carcinomas, and this is the first time that such structure is targeted for drug delivery. The nanocapsules (Ncs), formed as a polymeric shell around an oily core, allowed a 99.9% encapsulation efficiency of DCX with a monodispersity particle size in the range of 200 nm and a high positive surface charge that provide substantial stability to the nanosystems. Release profile of DCX from Ncs showed a sustained and pH dependent behavior with a faster release at acidic pH, which could be favorable in the intracellular drug delivery. We have designed PEGylated CS Nc modified with a monoclonal antibody which recognize Tn antigen, one of the most specific tumor associated antigen. A biotin-avidin approach achieved the successful attachment of the antibody to the nanocapsules. Uptake studies and viability assay conducted in A549 human lung cancer cell line in vitro demonstrate that ChiTn mAb enhance nanoparticles internalization and cell viability reduction. Consequently, these ChiTn functionalized nanocapsules are promising carriers for the active targeting of DCX to Tn expressing carcinomas.

Simulation of ethanol recovery and economic analysis of pectin production on an industrial scale.

Taking into account that the industrial processing of passion fruit generates significant amounts of waste (only the peels represent 51% of the total mass of the fruit), in the present study an economic analysis was conducted to evaluate industrial line viability for pectin extraction from passion fruit peels. Knowing that absolute ethanol (99.50% purity), used in the precipitation and washing steps, has a higher cost, a simulation of extractive distillation was performed using solvents ethylene glycol and glycerol, in the software Aspen Plus v.11, being possible to recover 99.63% of ethanol for both solvents. The results of the economic evaluation showed that the process using ethylene glycol has an advantage, mainly due to its higher profitability (1.13 times higher), lower production cost (94.86% of the price using glycerol), and a lower breakeven point (around 3% smaller). The financial indicators showed profitability and attractiveness for the implementation of this processing line.

Mesoporous molecularly imprinted polymer core@shell hybrid silica nanoparticles as adsorbent in microextraction by packed sorbent for multiresidue determination of pesticides in apple juice.

In this work, we report the synthesis of a mesoporous molecularly imprinted polymer on the surface of silica nanoparticles (core@mMIP) to be applied as adsorbent in microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) for selective determination of pesticides in apple juice. The core@mMIP was properly characterized, showing good adhesion of the polymer to the silica core. The best extraction conditions were: 200 µL of ultrapure water as washing solvent, 150 µL of acetonitrile as eluent, 100 µL of sample at pH 2.5, five draw-eject cycles and 8 mg of adsorbent. Thereby, recoveries of 96.12 ± 1.05%, 76.88 ± 6.18% and 76.18 ± 5.57% were obtained for pyriproxyfen (PPX), deltamethrin (DTM) and etofenprox (ETF), respectively. After validation, the method presented linearity in the range of 0.02-10 µg mL-1 (r > 0.99), limit of detection of 0.005 µg mL-1, satisfactory selectivity, and proper precision and accuracy. The method was successfully applied real samples of processed and fresh apple juice.

Simultaneous quantification of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in beer by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in beer was developed and validated according to current legislation. This method includes the application of sample dilution with ethanol followed by quantification using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. All figures of merit were within the limits established by regulation. The recoveries of the analytes, expressed as mean recovery, were between 91.9% and 108.9%. Precision, in terms of repeatability and intermediate precision, was established (relative standard deviations were lower than or equal to 10%). The limits of detection (10.0 and 5.0 mg.L-1 for ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, respectively) and quantification (15.0 mg.L-1 for ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol) obtained were appropriate. Finally, the present method was applied for determination of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in 701 beer samples (from 67 different brands and 128 different labels), proving to be reliable.

Optimization, kinetic, and scaling-up of solvent-free lipase-catalyzed synthesis of ethylene glycol oleate emollient ester.

The use of enzymatic catalysts is an alternative to chemical catalysts as they can help to obtain products with less environmental impact, considered sustainable within the concept of green chemistry. The optimization, kinetic, lipase reuse, and scale-up of enzymatic production of ethylene glycol oleate in the batch mode were carried out using the NS 88011 lipase in a solvent-free system. For the optimization step, a 23 Central Composite Design was used and the optimized condition for the ethylene glycol oleate production, with conversions above 99%, was at 70 °C, 600 rpm, substrates molar ratio of 1:2, 1 wt% of NS 88011 in 32 H of reaction. Kinetic tests were also carried out with different amounts of enzyme, and it showed that by decreasing the amount of the enzyme, the conversion also decreases. The lipase reuse showed good conversions until the second cycle of use, after which it had a progressive reduction reaching 83% in the fourth cycle of use. The scale-up (ninefold increase) showed promising results, with conversion above 99%, achieving conversions similar to small-scale reactions. Therefore, this work proposed an environmentally safe route to produce an emollient ester using a low-cost biocatalyst in a solvent-free system.

Small interfering RNA for cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in delivery.

In many ways, cancer cells are different from healthy cells. A lot of tactical nano-based drug delivery systems are based on the difference between cancer and healthy cells. Currently, nanotechnology-based delivery systems are the most promising tool to deliver DNA-based products to cancer cells. This review aims to highlight the latest development in the lipids and polymeric nanocarrier for siRNA delivery to the cancer cells. It also provides the necessary information about siRNA development and its mechanism of action. Overall, this review gives us a clear picture of lipid and polymer-based drug delivery systems, which in the future could form the base to translate the basic siRNA biology into siRNA-based cancer therapies.