Dead Sea Minerals loaded polymeric nanoparticles

Therapeutic properties of Dead Sea Water (DSW) in the treatment of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and photo aging UV damaged skin have been well established. DSW is in fact rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc and strontium which are known to exploit anti-inflammatory effects and to promote skin barrier recovery. In order to develop a Dead Sea Minerals (DSM) based drug delivery system for topical therapy of skin diseases, polymeric nanoparticles based on Poly (maleic anhydride-alt-butyl vinyl ether) 5% grafted with monomethoxy poly(ethyleneglycol) 2000 MW (PEG) and 95% grafted with 2-methoxyethanol (VAM41-PEG) loaded with DSM were prepared by means of a combined miniemulsion/solvent evaporation process. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized in terms of dimension, morphology, biocompatibility, salt content and release. Cytocompatible spherical nanoparticles possessing an average diameter of about 300 nm, a time controlled drug release profile and a high formulation yield were obtained.     

Blends of Poly(Buty1ene Terephthalate) with Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polyesters. Morphology and Thermal Behavior

Blends of poly(butylene terephthalate) with liquid crystalline poly (decamethylene 4, 4′-terephthaloyldioxydibenzoate) were studied in all the composition range by optical and electron microscopy and differential calorimetry. The morphology and phase transitions of the blends are markedly influenced by the composition and thermal history. The results suggest the occurrence of miscibility phenomena between the two components in the amorphous phase.     

Injection molded hybrid composites based on corn fibers and poly(vinyl alcohol)

Ongoing research cooperation between USDA and the University of Pisa, Italy has yielded several composite blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and corn fibers (CF). The USA is the largest producer of ethanol from cereal grains. Composites based on natural fibers alone are extremely sensitive to water. Their mechanical properties deteriorated upon the absorption of water, thus suggesting a limited usefulness of such formulations in practical applications. In this study, corn-fibers produced during the wet milling process of corn for fuel ethanol were used to prepare composites. CF and PVA were processed in variable amounts in the presence of both dry/fluid plasticizers, such as glycerol and pentaerythritol. Composites prepared from CF in combination with PVA showed little change in their mechanical properties even after conditioning at variable relative humidities, as well as complete soaking in water. Composites tested after storage for one year under 50% relative humidity and 23°C exhibited mechanical properties similar to those of freshly prepared composites. Cornstarch was introduced in the formulation for the purpose of reducing the cost of the final product and to further increase the composition of natural components in the composites. Addition of starch moderately reduced the mechanical properties of the composites.     

Malolactonate polymers and copolymers for biomedical applications

A new class of malolactonate polymers and copolymers with a wide range of lateral chain structures were synthesized by anionic ring opening polymerization of alkyl malolactonate monomers. The monomers were prepared in good yields according to established procedures. Final macromolecular and thermal characteristics were in agreement with the designed monomer structures. Molecular weights in the range 4-20 kD were attained, as a result of chain transfer reactions. Representative polymeric compounds displayed stability up to 200 °C. Many of the obtained poly(alkyl malolactonate)s were able to sustain and promote with 3T3 murine fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation onto their surface.     

Impact of Barrel Toasting on Ellagitannin Composition of Aged Cognac Eaux-de-Vie

It is well established that C-glucosidic ellagitannins contribute to wine quality, and new forms of ellagitannins have been found recently in cognac eaux-de-vie. The contribution of some ellagitannin-derived spirit compounds to eaux-de-vie taste has been demonstrated recently. However, there is a gap in our knowledge of the content, composition, and evolution of C-glucosidic ellagitannins in this matrix. Indeed, the quantification of these compounds and their evolutionary compounds have never before been researched in cognac eaux-de-vie. Thus, the aim of this study was not only to quantify these compounds, but also to study their kinetics and to observe how they are impacted by barrel toasting. For this purpose, barrels representing eight different toasting levels were used to age the same eau-de-vie during the first 18 months. Ellagitannin quantification was carried out by HPLC-Triple quadrupole. The results showed that the evolutionary trend of the eight ellagitannins is the same for all eight types of barrel toasting. The maximum concentrations of C-glucosidic ellagitannins were found after 3 months of aging (up to 23 mg/L) before decreasing to 18 months (9.7 mg/L), whereas ellagitannin-derived spirit compound concentrations increased throughout aging (up to 130.9 mg/L). In addition, barrel toasting had such an impact on ellagitannin content that barrels could be differentiated according to their levels. Eaux-de-vie in barrels with high toasting were lower in ellagitannins concentrations.     

A simple approach to covalent functionalization of boron nitride nanotubes

A novel and simple method for the preparation of chemically functionalized boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) is presented. Thanks to a strong oxidation followed by the silanization of the surface through 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES), BNNTs exposing amino groups on their surface were successfully obtained. The efficacy of the procedure was assessed with EDS and XPS analyses, which demonstrated a successful functionalization of ~15% boron sites. This approach opens interesting perspectives for further modification of BNNTs with several kinds of molecules. Since, in particular, biomedical applications are envisaged, we also demonstrated in vitro biocompatibility and cellular up-take of the functionalized BNNTs.     

Preparation and characterization of hybrid nanoparticles based on chitosan and poly(methacryloylglycylglycine)

CeO₂–MnO _x composites possessing rod-like morphology (fixed mole proportion of Ce/Mn) were synthesized through hydrothermal method and chosen as supporters to load PdO nanoparticles (PdO/Ce _x Mn_1–x ). The size of loaded PdO nanoparticles is about 2 nm. The catalytic behaviors of supported catalysts were examined through the complete catalytic oxidation of benzene. The results illustrated that the activities of supported catalysts were enhanced greatly as compared to unsupported, and the completely conversion temperature of benzene was reduced to ca. 250 °C. The effect of noble metal species (PdO) addition on the catalytic property and crystal structure of composites was researched in detail. The data revealed that the interaction between PdO and supporter, and intrinsic properties of supporter resulted in the enhancement of catalytic abilities.