Thermosensitive magnetic polymer particles as contactless controllable drug carriers

Spherically shaped thermosensitive micro and nanoparticles based on N-isopropylacrylamide were synthesized using a novel inverse suspension polymerization technique which enables a bead formation within minutes. In addition to the rapidity, the suspension procedure provides an effective platform for the encapsulation of magnetic colloids and simultaneous drug analogous substances. The presence of the magnetic colloids allows an inductive heating of the particles using an alternating magnetic field above the polymer transition temperature (>35 °C). This results in a pronounced de-swelling accompanied by a release of the encapsulated substances. The potential of this technology for a new contactless controllable drug releasing approach is exemplarily demonstrated using rhodamine B and methylene blue as drug analogous substances.     

Bone healing process in critical-sized defects by rhBMP-2 using poloxamer gel and collagen sponge as carriers

The bone morphogenetic protein type 2, is an osteoinduction protein, but new carriers to improve its actions are being studied in recent researches. The objective of this study was to evaluate the poloxamer gel as potential carrier of the rhBMP-2 during the bone healing process and verify if the collagen sponge can improve this process. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were used, which were divided into two groups, considering two periods of time. Thus, each one of these groups was divided in four groups with seven animals each, according to the treatment and the defect filled by 4 microg rhBMP-2 in aqueous solution, 4 microg rhBMP-2 in aqueous solution+collagen sponge, 4 microg rhBMP-2 combined with poloxamer gel, and 4 microg rhBMP-2 combined with poloxamer gel+collagen sponge. After 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, animals were perfused and the hemi-mandibles removed for histological analysis. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant difference between all analyzed groups (p<0.01), and between the periods of time (p=0.0118). There was no interaction between the applied treatment and considered periods of time (p=0.642). Results showed that the rhBMP-2 used in this study was able to induce bone regeneration and had its action optimized when combined to the used carriers, being the bone repair time-dependent.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic levan particles as matrix for trypsin immobilization

Magnetic levan was synthesized by co-precipitating D-fructofuranosyl homopolysaccharide with a solution containing Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in alkaline conditions at 100 °C. The magnetic levan particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), magnetization measurements, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Afterwards, magnetic levan particles were functionalized by NaIO₄ oxidation and used as matrices for trypsin covalent immobilization. Magnetite and magnetic levan particles were both heterogeneous in shape and levan-magnetite presented bigger sizes compared to magnetite according to SEM images. Magnetic levan particles exhibited a magnetization 10 times lower as compared to magnetite ones, probably, due to the coating layer. XRD diffractogram showed that magnetite is the dominant phase in the magnetic levan. Infrared spectroscopy showed characteristics absorption bands of levan and magnetite (O-H, C-O-C and Fe-O bonds). The immobilized trypsin derivative was reused 10 times and lost 16% of its initial specific activity only. Therefore, these magnetic levan particles can be proposed as an alternative matrices for enzyme immobilization.     

Thermal response of contrast agent microbubbles: preliminary results from physico-chemical and US-imaging characterization

Hyperthermia (HT) is a therapeutic strategy based on the selective damaging of tumoral cells when heated at temperatures in the range 41-45 degrees C. We are currently investigating the feasibility of Ultrasound (US) imaging to perform a non-invasive, efficient and cost effective temperature monitoring of heated tissues. Commercial US contrast agents (Sonovue, Bracco), consisting in microbubbles of SF(6) coated with a phospholipidic shell, greatly improve the US echo signal from tissues. Further investigations have been performed, consisting in physico-chemical and US-imaging characterization. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Sonovue microbubbles reach their maximal diameter at 40 degrees C, and then a sharp decrease is observed, possible due to the occurrence of gel-sol transition of the phospholipidic shell. At the same temperature the maximal backscattering intensity is predicted and actually experimentally observed. Sonovue, as well as other contrast agents based only on phospholipids, are, therefore, not suitable for use as non-invasive temperature monitoring medium since it is sensitive to temperatures below the hyperthermic range. Although microbubbles are in principle thermally effective, other coating materials should be investigated in order to increase their operative thermal range.     

Controllable fabrication and characterization of biocompatible core-shell particles and hollow capsules as drug carrier

SiO₂@CdSe core-shell particles were fabricated by controllable deposition CdSe nanoparticles on silica colloidal spheres. Step-wise coating process was tracked by the TEM and XRD measurements. In addition, SiO₂@CdSe/polypyrrole(PPy) multi-composite particles were synthesized based on the as-prepared SiO₂@CdSe particles by cationic polymerization. The direct electrochemistry of myoglobin (Mb) could be performed by immobilizing Mb on the surface of SiO₂@CdSe particles. Immobilized with Mb, SiO₂@CdSe/PPy-Mb also displayed good bioelectrochemical activity. It confirmed the good biocompatible property of the materials with protein. CdSe hollow capsules were further obtained as the removal of the cores of SiO₂@CdSe spheres. Hollow and porous character of CdSe sub-meter size capsules made them becoming hopeful candidates as drug carriers. Doxorubicin, a typical an antineoplastic drug, was introduced into the capsules. A good sustained drug release behavior of the loading capsules was discovered via performing a release test in the PBS buffer (pH 7.4) solution at 310 k. Furthermore, SiO₂@CdSe/PPy could be converted to various smart hollow capsules via selectively removal of their relevant components.     

Modeling the binding of peptides on carbon nanotubes and their use as protein and DNA carriers

An in-depth study of a novel functionalization of carbon nanotubes for their application as protein and DNA carriers is presented. First, the optimum conditions for the dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with amphiphilic polypeptides were obtained, and the SWCNT–polypeptide complexes were characterized by different techniques (UV–Vis-NIR, CD, and AFM). Based on the properties of the SWCNT–polypeptide complexes, a model that characterizes the adsorption of natural proteins onto SWCNT was described for the first time. This model predicts the adsorption of natural proteins on SWCNTs based on the protein structure and composition, and therefore, allows the design of methods for the preparation of SWCNT–protein complexes. Besides, the use of cationic-designed amphiphilic polypeptides to disperse SWCNTs is applied for subsequent and efficient binding of DNA to carbon nanotubes by a bilayer approach. Therefore, in this article, we develop procedures for the use of SWCNTs as protein and DNA carriers. The systems were delivered into cells showing that the efficiency of delivery is affected by the charge of the complexes, which has important implications in the use of SWCNT as platforms for protein and DNA binding and subsequent use as delivery systems.     

Structure and stability characterization of pea protein isolate-xylan conjugate-stabilized nanoemulsions prepared using ultrasound homogenization

Preparation of pea protein isolate-xylan (PPI-X) conjugate-stabilized nanoemulsions using ultrasonic homogenization and the corresponding structure and environmental stability were investigated in this study. Conditions used to prepare nanoemulsions were optimized using a response surface methodology as follows: protein concentration 8.86 mg/mL, ultrasound amplitudes 57 % (370.5 W), and ultrasound time 16 min. PPI-X conjugate-stabilized nanoemulsions formed under these conditions exhibited less mean droplet size (189.4 ± 0.45 nm), more uniform droplet distribution, greater absolute value of zeta-potential (44.8 ± 0.22 mV), and higher protein adsorption content compared with PPI-stabilized nanoemulsions. PPI-X conjugate-stabilized nanoemulsions also exhibited even particle distribution and dense network structure, which might be reasons for the observed high interfacial protein adsorption content of conjugate-stabilized nanoemulsions. Moreover, better stability against environmental stresses, such as thermal treatment, freeze–thaw treatment, ionic strength and type, and storage time was also observed for the conjugate-stabilized nanoemulsions, indicating that this type of nanoemulsions possess a potential to endure harsh food processing conditions. Therefore, results provide a novel approach for the preparation of protein-polysaccharide conjugate-stabilized nanoemulsions to be applied as novel ingredients to meet special requirements of processed foods.     

Quantization as deformation: Identical particles

For a system ofn identical particles it is shown that *-quantization does not distinguish between different sectors of states. The discussion is valid for any multiply connected phase spaceM= =M/ where is a discrete group acting on M.The author is grateful to Professors H. D.Doebher and J.Niederle for valuable discussions on the subject.     

Charging energy and stability of charged metallic particles

The stability of a charged metallic particle is investigated within the classical theory. The minimal number of atoms for which a charged spherical particle is stable against the spheroidal deformation, which relaxes the energy cost due to the Coulomb repulsion between extra charges, is derived. It is suggested that, for negatively charged particles, an extra electron virtually bound to particle is emitted before the fragmentation due to the Coulomb repulsion between extra charges will occur.     

Self-propelled particles with soft-core interactions: patterns, stability, and collapse

Understanding collective properties of driven particle systems is significant for naturally occurring aggregates and because the knowledge gained can be used as building blocks for the design of artificial ones. We model self-propelling biological or artificial individuals interacting through pairwise attractive and repulsive forces. For the first time, we are able to predict stability and morphology of organization starting from the shape of the two-body interaction. We present a coherent theory, based on fundamental statistical mechanics, for all possible phases of collective motion.     

Effect of microencapsulation using soy protein isolate and gum arabic as wall material on red raspberry anthocyanin stability,characterization, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions

This study involves microencapsulation of anthocyanin extract (AC) from red raspberry using a freeze drying technique involving ultrasonication of soy protein isolate (SPI), gum arabic (AG), and their combination. Analyses included microcapsule properties, encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant capacity using the DPPH assay, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), color, thermal stability, stability during storage, morphology, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) ranged from 93.05% to 98.87% for all microcapsules. The morphology of microcapsules by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated a broken glass shape, with mean size of microcapsules ranging from 21.07 ± 2.71 μm to 48.19 ± 2.33 μm using Mastersizer analyzer. A good relationship obtained between zeta potential (ZP) and FTIR spectrum indicated that there is a chemical cross linking interaction between wall material and core material. All microcapsules enhanced the thermal stability of AC in the temperature range 80–114 °C. Furthermore, AC retention (up to 48%) during storage at 37 °C for 60 days revealed that treatment H combination of SPI and AG was best. In addition, SPI and AG combination presented good release behavior under simulated gastrointestinal conditions compared with unencapsulated anthocyanin.     

Structure characterization and stability of mixed lipid/protein monolayer at the air/water interface

A mixed protein/lipid monolayer has been constructed by the protein adsorption from subphase into the spread phospholipid monolayer. A precisely controlled pump was used to exchange the protein solution with different pH values after the protein was ensured to reach the less condensed surface.

The domains formed in the coexistence region of D-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (D-DPPC) have been recorded by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) combined with the film balance before and after the penetration of the protein, human serum albumin (HSA). The subphase was exchanged by gradually increasing or decreasing pH value of the solution. Three isotherms of the mixed D-DPPC/HSA monolayer with the subphase of pH=4.2, pH=7.0 and pH=9.1, respectively, were obtained. It indicated that the area per lipid molecule with protein increased as the subphase pH value was lowed. Simultaneously, morphological dynamic changes caused by the gradual changing on subphase pH were observed. These variations can be ascribed to the conformation change of protein under the fluctuation of pH value. The hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the phospholipid and HSA were as considered for the interpretation of domain change based on the current experimental results     

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable magnetic carriers by single emulsion-solvent evaporation

This paper describes a single emulsion-solvent evaporation protocol to prepare PEGylated biodegradable/biocompatible magnetic carriers by utilizing hydrophobic magnetite and a mixture of poly(D,L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(lactic acid-block-polyethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) (26:1 by mass) polymers. We characterized the magnetic microspheres in terms of morphology, composite microstructure, size and size distribution, and magnetic properties. Results show that the preparation produces magnetic microspheres with a good spherical morphology, small size (mean diameter of 1.2–1.5 μm) by means of large size distributions, and magnetizations up to 20–30 emu/g of microspheres.     

Synthesis and physico-chemical characteristics of nanosized particles produced by laser ablation of a nickel target in water

Ablation of Ni targets in water by laser impact (532 nm, 40 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz and 8 ns duration) focused on massive samples (2 mm diameter) generates colloids with fine nanoparticles. The amount of metal released in the solution (measured by mass loss of the target or ICP) was found to increase first linearly with time, but slower after 8 min of impact. The size distribution of the nanoparticles thus produced was measured (by TEM) to be in the range 3–5.3 nm in diameter, with a tendency for the size to be smaller for larger number of laser shots. Actually, nickel oxide nanoparticles were produced, rather than nickel nanoparticles as it was shown by HRTEM. XPS photoemission measurements evidenced the presence of nickel oxide species on the crater of the nickel sample surface after laser ablation.     

纳米铝粉/聚苯乙烯包覆粒子的制备及表征

利用超声波的分散和粉碎作用,对纳米Al粒子进行了表面疏水处理。然后,以无水乙醇为反应介质,苯乙烯为单体,偶氮二异丁腈为引发剂,聚乙烯吡咯烷酮为分散剂,在氮气保护环境下,利用超声波的活化和引发作用,引发苯乙烯单体在纳米Al粒子表面进行分散聚合反应,制备出了纳米铝粉/聚苯乙烯包覆粒子。最后,运用多种测试手段对纳米Al/PS包覆粒子形貌、粒径大小及分布、表面特性、化学组成及结构等进行了表征。测试结果表明,所制备的纳米Al/PS包覆粒子已经形成了完整的球型核壳包覆结构,表面完整无缺陷,粒径大小约为2.0 m。     

Preparation and characterization of iron/titanium-oxide composite particles

The iron/titanium-oxide composite particles have been prepared using “in-situ” hydrogen-thermal reduction method. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, physical property measurement system and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the presence of crystalline α-iron and titanium-oxide (FeTiO₃/TiO₂). The Mössbauer spectra of powders have been measured at room temperature, which indicated that the α-iron and the high-spin iron(II/III) components were observed. The complex permittivity and permeability of the composites have been measured using vector network analyzers. Reflection loss of the iron/titanium-oxide composite powders dispersing in epoxy resin has been calculated using measured values of complex permittivity and permeability in the frequency range of 2–12 GHz. The maximum reflection loss of ?36 dB was observed at 5.0 GHz. This study shows the possibility to obtain the novel dielectric and magnetic based microwave absorbers.     

Fabrication and characterization of chemically bonded polysilsesquioxane-polyacrylate hybrid latex particles

This paper attempted to prepare hybrid particles in which the inorganic and organic components were chemically bonded in simplification. The polymethacryloxypropylsilsesquioxanes-polyacrylate (PMPS-PA) latex particles were prepared through seeded emulsion polymerization using polymethacryloxypropylsilsesquioxanes (PMPS) as seed. As a reference, silica-polyacrylate (S-PA) latex particles were obtained with similar method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the chemical composition and morphology of the resultant hybrid particles. The results showed that PMPS-PA particles were uniformly spherical with core-shell morphology and possessed narrow size distribution, whereas S-PA hybrid particles were not uniform as PMPS-PA particles and had bimodal size distribution. The surface properties, optical properties and thermal stability of the corresponding films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Comparatively, PMPS-PA film exhibited smoother surface, larger optical transmittance and better thermal stability than S-PA film. These could be attributed to PMPS that were chemically bonded with PA phases, whereas weak interactions between silica and PA phases in S-PA, where silica surface modification was usually required to increase the surface interactions. Thus, PMPS particles containing reactive carbon-carbon double bond could be prospective and be directly used as seeds in the following emulsion polymerization to prepare chemically bonded hybrid particles.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic chitosan particles for hyperthermia application

The size and shape of magnetic chitosan particles were found to be dependent on both the barium ferrite/chitosan (BF/C) ratio and viscosity of a chitosan solution. The saturation magnetization of magnetic chitosan particles varied directly with the BF/C ratio, while coercivity remained almost constant. Notably, incorporated chitosan was shown to exert substantial activity with regard to low cytotoxicity and high heating rate.     

Synthesis and characterization of MCM-41 decorated with CuO particles

CuO particles have decorated on the external surface of MCM-41 by in situ introducing cupric nitrate during the hydrothermal synthesis followed by the calcination. The textural and structural properties of CuO/MCM-41 are compared with those of pure MCM-41. The results show that CuO particles are about 40 nm in size and are not agglomerated. The addition of cupric nitrate to the synthesis gel leads to materials with somewhat reduced quality as evidenced from X-ray diffraction patterns and nitrogen adsorption measurements. CuO/MCM-41 is less ordered relative to pure MCM-41 and there are inter-aggregate pores resulting in a higher average pore diameter in the material. The formation of CuO particles on the external surface of MCM-41 and the possible reason for the less ordered structure of CuO/MCM-41 are also discussed in the present paper.     

Chemical synthesis and characterization of manganese oxide coated Ni particles

Nanosized Ni particles with an average diameter of about 8 nm were prepared by reducing of NiCl 2 with sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) in aqueous solution. By moderate annealing in protective atmosphere, the composite grew up to be 15-20 nm particles. Both of the as-prepared and annealed Ni particles were coated by a layer of manganese oxide via decomposition reaction in aqueous KMnO4 solution. Hysteresis loops of as-prepared samples show a large increase in the magnetization with decreasing temperature and an unsaturated component at high magnetic field. In contrast, the ferromagnetic characteristics of annealed one are much stronger with large magnetization and coercivity. The thermomagnetic curves verified the coexistence of ferromagnetic Ni and antiferromangetic Mn oxide phases. But there exists no exchange bias behavior in the samples, even though the interface structure between the ferromagnetic Ni core and the antiferromagnetic manganese oxides has been distinctly formed. The absence of exchange bias probably originates from the weak ferromagnetic characteristic of Ni cores.