Targeted Hybrid Nanocarriers as a System Enhancing the Skin Structure

The skin is constantly exposed to external and internal factors that disturb its function. In this work, two nanosystems-levan nanoparticles and a surfactin-stabilized nanoemulsion were preserved (tested for microbial growth) and characterized (size, polydispersity, Zeta potential, and stability). The nanosystems were introduced in the model formulations-cream, tonic, and gel, and confirmed by TEM. The analysis showed that nanoemulsion has a spherical morphology and size 220–300 nm, while levan nanoparticles had irregular shapes independently of the use of matrix and with particle size (130–260 nm). Additionally, we examined the antiradical effect of levan nanoparticles and nanoemulsion in the prototype of formulations by scavenging DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; EPR spectroscopy). The model cream with both nanosystems and the whole range of products with nanosystems were evaluated in vivo for hydration, elasticity, smoothness, wrinkles and vascular lesions, discoloration, respectively. The cream improved skin condition in all tested parameters in at least 50% of volunteers. The use of more comprehensive care, additionally consisting of a tonic and gel, reduced the previously existing skin discoloration to 10.42 ± 0.58%. The presented prototype formulations are promising in improving skin conditions.     

Thermal and Sc(OTf)3 catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of open-chain nitrones to α,β-unsaturated lactones: combined experimental and computational studies

The stereoselectivity of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of C-phenyl open-chain nitrones and α,β-unsaturated γ- and δ-lactones was investigated under thermal and catalytic conditions. It was found that under thermal conditions, the endo approach of the reactants was preferred leading to the thermodynamic product. In the presence of Sc(OTf)₃ the exo adduct was obtained in high yield and selectivity. The energies of the cycloaddition reactions were investigated by means of molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) and MP3/6-31+G(d,p) theory level. Different reaction channels and reactant approaches, fitting the individual regio- and stereochemical preferences, are discussed. The computational results were compared with the corresponding experimental data and found to be in good agreement.     

The new method of fabrication of submicron structures by optical lithography with mask shifting and mask rotation

This paper presents the methods of fabricating narrow parallel submicrometric stripes in silicon dioxide and a resist layer. The experiments were conducted by two techniques: double patterning lithography and double exposure lithography. In addition to the above mentioned processes, mask translation was applied. For all conducted experiments, chrome masks and a 405 nm line of the high pressure mercury lamp of an MA-56 Mask Aligner System were used. The main aim of the performed tests was to establish the utility and the possible applications of the methods used.     

Interactions of polar hydrogen bond donor solvents with ions: a theoretical study

Structural Chemistry - Intermolecular interactions between molecules of protic solvents (water, methanol, formic acid, formamide, methylamine and ammonia) and monatomic ions (Li+, Na+, K+,...     

The Computer-Aided Design,Synthesis, and Activity Prediction of New Leucine Aminopeptidase Inhibitors

The design, stereo-, and enantioselective synthesis and activity prediction of aminophosphonic acids as new leucine aminopeptidase inhibitors will be discussed.