Nanofibers for Biomedical and Healthcare Applications

Unique features of nanofibers provide enormous potential in the field of biomedical and healthcare applications. Many studies have proven the extreme potential of nanofibers in front of current challenges in the medical and healthcare field. This review highlights the nanofiber technologies, unique properties, fabrication techniques (i.e., physical, chemical, and biological methods), and emerging applications in biomedical and healthcare fields. It summarizes the recent researches on nanofibers for drug delivery systems and controlled drug release, tissue‐engineered scaffolds, dressings for wound healing, biosensors, biomedical devices, medical implants, skin care, as well as air, water, and blood purification systems. Attention is given to different types of fibers (e.g., mesoporous, hollow, core‐shell nanofibers) fabricated from various materials and their potential biomedical applications.     

CuI-catalyzed tandem synthesis of thioethers using aryl halides,electron-deficient alkenes,and sodium iso-propyl xanthogenate

A ligand-free, CuI-catalyzed protocol was developed for the one-step preparation of Michael adducts of aromatic thiols in high yields by reacting a mixture of an aryl halide and an electron-deficient alkene with sodium iso-propyl xanthogenate.     

Preparation and characterization of polyurethane based self-cleaning and antibacterial coating containing silver ion exchanged montmorillonite/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite

In order to reach an antibacterial, photocatalytic, and hydrophilic coating, commercial grade polyurethane (CPU) resin was modified with silver ion exchanged montmorillonite/TiO₂ nanocomposite in various montmorillonite to TiO₂ nanoparticle ratios. To characterize the prepared nanocomposites and coatings, X-ray diffraction patterns, FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy and SEM images were used. The modified commercial grade polyurethane coatings containing nanocomposites show better properties, including hydrophilicity, degradation of organic pollutants, antibacterial activity and water resistivity, compared to unmodified commercial grade polyurethane coatings. The water droplet contact angle of unmodified CPU coating was 70°, however it decreased to lower than 10° in modified CPU coatings after 24 h LED lamp irradiation. Decolorization efficiency of malachite green dye solution by the use of modified CPU coatings achieved up to 70% after 5 h LED lamp illumination, compared to less than 5% for unmodified CPU coatings. Modified CPU coatings also showed significant water resistivity and antibacterial properties.     

One-pot synthesis of functionalized thioureas by reaction of benzoyl isothiocyanates, secondary amines, and alkyl propiolates

An efficient one-pot synthesis of functionalized thioureas is described via three-component reaction of benzoyl isothiocyanates, secondary amines, and alkyl propiolates in the presence of triphenylphosphine (20 mol%). Correspondence: Issa Yavari, Chemistry Department, Tarbiat Modares University, PO Box 14115-175, Tehran, Iran     

A synthesis of diethyl alkylsulfanylmethylmalonates catalyzed by KOH in an ionic liquid

Abstract  1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide was used as a green recyclable alternative to volatile organic solvents for KOH catalyzed three-component synthesis of diethyl alkylsulfanylmethylmalonates from aldehydes, diethyl malonate, and alkylthiols. Graphical Abstract  A synthesis of diethyl alkylsulfanylmethylmalonates catalyzed by KOH in an ionic liquid      

ZnO-nanorods as economical catalyst for synthesis of 4-amino-2-iminodithiole derivatives using tetramethyl thiourea in water

4-amino-2-iminodithiole derivatives were synthesised via multi-component reactions of tetramethyl thiourea, isothiocyanates and alkyl bromides in the presence of ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NR) as the catalyst in water at ambient temperature. These reactions provide low yields without catalysts. The catalyst exhibited significant reusable activity.     

Imidazole-functionalized magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: an efficient,green, recyclable catalyst for one-pot Friedländer quinoline synthesis

Research on Chemical Intermediates - An efficient and cost-effective procedure for preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and supported Brønsted acidic ionic liquid...     

Guanidine hydrochloride catalyzed efficient one-pot pseudo five-component synthesis of 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ols) in water

The present methodology describes an efficient, environmentally friendly and simple protocol for the synthesis of some 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ol) derivatives through a one-pot pseudo-five-component reaction of hydrazine hydrate/phenyl hydrazine, ethyl acetoacetate, and various aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by guanidine hydrochloride. This condensation reaction was performed by tandem Knoevenagel–Michael reaction in water under refluxing conditions giving the title compounds in 82–92% yields. Atom economy, simple operation, easy work-up, using inexpensive organocatalyst, high yields in short times, clean transformation, and environmentally benign are some of the important features of this new protocol.     

A co-opetitive framework for the hub location problems in transportation networks

In this paper, we present the first model of co-opetition for a Hub Location Problem between two logistics service provider (LSPs) companies where the mother company is the owner of infrastructure. The LSPs would like to cooperate with each other by establishing joint edges with limited capacities connecting their service networks. Such services are in form of pendulum services (a direct service between two points) between nodes of different networks. Additional market can be generated as a result of joining the two networks. At the same time, a competition is taking place between the two operators to increase their share from the additional market generated. In order to solve this problem, we propose a matheuristic approach combining a local search algorithm and a Lagrangian relaxation-based approach. In our matheuristic algorithm, the neighbourhood solutions are evaluated using a Lagrangian relaxation-based approach. Numerical results of applying the proposed algorithm on a real case study of the problem are presented.     

Solvent-free one-pot synthesis of 2-pyridone derivatives

An efficient synthesis of methyl 4-hydroxy-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-2-pyridine carboxylates is described.This involves three component reactions between primary alkyl amines,malonyl dichloride and methyl propiolates.