Delivery Applications Research Articles

Graphene family in cancer therapy: recent progress in cancer gene/drug delivery applications.

In the past few years, the development in the construction and architecture of graphene based nanocomplexes has dramatically accelerated the use of nano-graphene for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, fostering a new area of nano-cancer therapy. To be specific, nano-graphene is increasingly used in cancer therapy, where diagnosis and treatment are coupled to deal with the clinical difficulties and challenges of this lethal disease. As a distinct family of nanomaterials, graphene derivatives exhibit outstanding structural, mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal capabilities. Concurrently, they can transport a wide variety of synthetic agents, including medicines and biomolecules, such as nucleic acid sequences (DNA and RNA). Herewith, we first provide an overview of the most effective functionalizing agents for graphene derivatives and afterward discuss the significant improvements in the gene and drug delivery composites based on graphene.

Extremophile-based biohybrid micromotors for biomedical operations in harsh acidic environments

The function of robots in extreme environments is regarded as one of the major challenges facing robotics. Here, we demonstrate that acidophilic microalgae biomotors can maintain their swimming behavior over long periods of time in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, thus enabling them to be applied for gastrointestinal (GI) delivery applications. The biomotors can also be functionalized with a wide range of cargos, ranging from small molecules to nanoparticles, without compromising their ability to self-propel under extreme conditions. Successful GI delivery of model payloads after oral administration of the acidophilic algae motors is confirmed using a murine model. By tuning the surface properties of cargos, it is possible to modulate their precise GI localization. Overall, our findings indicate that multifunctional acidophilic algae-based biomotors offer distinct advantages compared to traditional biohybrid platforms and hold great potential for GI-related biomedical applications.

Remarkable enhancement in durability of ZrCo alloy against hydrogen induced disproportionation by Ti and Nb co-substitution

Considering the thermodynamic stability of various hydrides, a strategy has been employed to improve the hydrogen isotope storage properties of ZrCo alloy which involves partial co-substitution of Zr with Ti and Nb. Herein, alloys of composition Zr0.8Ti0.2-xNbxCo (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) is prepared, characterized and the effect of Ti and Nb doping on hydrogen storage properties of parent ZrCo alloy is investigated. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of desired pure cubic phase of all the synthesized alloys similar to ZrCo phase. The presence of a single plateau in hydrogen desorption pressure-composition isotherms confirms single step hydrogen absorption-desorption behavior in Zr0.8Ti0.2-xNbxCo alloys. The equilibrium pressure of hydrogen desorption decreases marginally with increasing Nb content in Zr0.8Ti0.2-xNbxCo alloys which is further corroborated by differential scanning calorimetry measurements. Investigation of hydrogen induced disproportionation behavior in ITER-simulating condition revealed substantial impact of co-substitution of Ti and Nb on anti-disproportionation properties of ZrCo alloy. These remarkable properties make the Ti and Nb co-substituted quaternary alloys a desirable material for hydrogen isotope storage and delivery application.

Citrus pectin research advances: Derived as a biomaterial in the construction and applications of micro/nano-delivery systems

Citrus fruits are rich in pectin, phenolics, essential oils, and other bioactive. Pectin, as the main substance in the by-product (e.g., peel and pomace), has potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This may arise through structural function as well as pectinolytic and its metabolites. The structural characteristics of pectin, such as neutral sugar side chains, molecular weight, and degree of methyl-esterification, determine the functional properties. Therefore, green extraction and modification techniques can be performed on pectin to improve bioactivity and encapsulation ability. In addition, green extraction techniques can obtain a high extraction yield of pectin, with the advantages of short time, low solvent usage, and environmental friendliness. Due to its biodegradability and low toxicity, citrus pectin holds great promise as a biomaterial for micro/nano delivery applications. Pectin can interact with cations, polysaccharides, and proteins to construct delivery systems, which can encapsulate polyphenols, essential oils, and probiotics in bioactives delivery and biofilm applications. Therefore, this paper compares six green extraction and three modification techniques for pectin, and discusses the influencing conditions and major structural changes. Recent advances in citrus pectin regarding the micro/nano-delivery systems construction and application are systematically summarized, which can provide a reference for the potential utilization of citrus pectin in the future.

Transforming an Insulating Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) into Semiconducting MOF/Gold Nanoparticle (AuNP) and MOF/Polymer/AuNP Composites to Gain Electrical Conductivity

Transforming permanently porous but electrically insulating metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into electrically conducting materials is key to expanding their utility beyond traditional guest storage, separation, and delivery applications into the realms of modern electronics and energy technologies. To this end, herein, we have converted a highly porous but intrinsically insulating NU-1000 MOF into semiconducting NU-1000/gold nanoparticle (AuNP) and NU-1000/polydopamine/AuNP composites via MOF- and polymer-induced reduction of infiltrated Au3+ ions into metallic AuNPs. The NU-1000/AuNP and NU-1000/PDA/AuNP composites not only gained significant room temperature electrical conductivity (∼10–7 S/cm), which was ca. 104 times greater than any MOF/metal nanoparticle (MNP) composites exhibited thus far under the same conditions, i.e., without photoinduction and thermal induction, but also retained sizable porosity and surface areas (1527 and 715 m2/g, respectively), which were also larger than most intrinsically conducting 3D MOFs developed to date. The markedly higher conductivities of the NU-1000/AuNP and NU-1000/PDA/AuNP composites can be attributed to more efficient charge hopping or tunneling through well-dispersed AuNPs embedded inside the crystalline MOF matrix, which pristine NU-1000 lacked. Thus, this work presented an effective new strategy to transform porous but nonconducting MOFs into electrically conducting MOF/MNP composites with considerable porosity, which could be useful in future electronics, electrocatalysis, and energy storage devices.

Public Opinion About the Benefit, Risk, and Acceptance of Aerial Manipulation Systems

Aerial manipulation systems are an emerging subclass of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or “drones”) that use a mobile arm to manipulate their environment. Public opinion is an important consideration for drones, but past public opinion polls have focused on drones without attached arms and have relied on text-based surveys. Study 1 ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">N</i> = 190) assessed participants’ perceived benefit, risk, and acceptance of aerial manipulation systems across five applications, using an animation-based online public opinion survey. Study 2 ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">N</i> = 194) assessed the influence of stimulus sampling on public opinion of aerial manipulation systems by replicating Study 1 using an alternative set of animations. Study 3 ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">N</i> = 396) assessed the influence of using animations versus a text control on perceptions of the poll and aerial manipulation systems, as well as the influence of survey platform (YouGov Direct versus Mechanical Turk). Results show that delivery applications are perceived as more beneficial than several other applications; that people’s opinions and imagining of drones were different if they watched animations versus read text; and that stimulus and population sampling influence the results of public opinion polls about drones.

Constitutive modelling of hydrolytic degradation in hydrogels

Biodegradable synthetic hydrogels have emerged as promising materials for tissue engineering and drug/cell delivery applications. However, their successful implementation requires precise understanding of the degradation response in terms of mechanical properties, swelling, and mass loss. In this work, we develop a thermodynamically-consistent continuum framework and constitutive models for coupled large deformation and hydrolytic degradation in hydrogels. In particular, we propose constitutive models for the evolution of elastic modulus and polymer mass loss based on a description of the evolving network topology during hydrolysis. The theory is validated against experimental data for two model hydrogel systems with different network architectures, namely biodegradable Tetra-PEG hydrogels and PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA hydrogels. We have also implemented our model in a finite element software. We show that our model is capable of simulating degradation-induced heterogeneous swelling in scenarios relevant to biomedical applications. Our theory and constitutive models could be useful for the design of hydrogels with controlled degradation behaviour.

Preparation and Characterization of Novel Oleogels Using Jasmine Floral Wax and Wheat Germ Oil for Oral Delivery of Curcumin.

Oleogels (OGs) have gained a lot of interest as a delivery system for a variety of pharmaceuticals. The current study explains the development of jasmine floral wax (JFW) and wheat germ oil (WGO)-based OGs for oral drug (curcumin) delivery application. The OGs were made by dissolving JFW in WGO at 70 °C and cooling it to room temperature (25 °C). The critical gelation concentration of JFW that induces the gelation of WGO was found to be 10% (w/w). The OGs were characterized using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopic analysis, and mechanical test. XRD data indicated that JFW influences the crystallinity of the OGs. Among the prepared OGs, OG 17.5 showed higher crystallization in the series. Optical microscopic studies demonstrated the formation of fiber structures due to the entanglement of crystals whereas, polarized light micrographs suggested the formation of spherulites or clustered crystallite structures. The mechanical properties of the OGs increased linearly with the increase in the JFW concentration. Curcumin-loaded OGs were examined for their controlled release applications. In summary, the developed OGs were found to have the necessary features for modulating the oral delivery of curcumin.

Edukasi Bijak Dalam memilih Makanan di Aplikasi Pesan Antar pada Masa New Normal

The fast-spreading Corona virus requires the government to take policies quickly to break the chain of its spread. Various ways are done starting from diverting all activities that are usually done offline to online. This increase in the use of technology is due to activity restrictions and causes people to spend more time at home, one of which is buying food online through delivery applications, resulting in many people choosing food without paying attention to the nutritional content contained in the food. Nutritional problems in adults tend to lead to obesity. One of the factors that influence nutritional status is nutritional knowledge. One of the prevention efforts that can be done is through education to increase public knowledge. This education is carried out online with the theme "Education Wisely in Choosing Food in the Delivery Application During the New Normal" with pocket books and Instagram social media accounts. This activity begins with a pretest and ends with a posttest to assess the increase in knowledge. There was an increase in the value of the results of the pretest and posttest scores as well as pocket book media and Instagram social media accounts which affected the increase in respondents' knowledge. Respondents of this activity have normal nutritional status as many as 35 respondents out of 60 respondents.

Temperature Effects in Flexible Adsorption Processes for Amorphous Microporous Polymers.

A collection of atomistic molecular simulations is reported that illustrate the impact of adsorption temperature on species uptake and adsorbate-induced structural rearrangement for amorphous polymers of intrinsic microporosity. Temperature-sensitive structural rearrangement is evaluated by contrasting two methods: standard grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations using a rigid framework approximation and a combined Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics approach that fully incorporates framework flexibility. We report single-component gas phase adsorption isotherms for CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8, and CO2 across a temperature range of 250-400 K for models of an archetypal polymer of intrinsic microporosity, PIM-1. A quadratic model is presented that captures two main mechanisms of temperature-dependent adsorption-induced deformation of PIM-1 up to a relative swelling of 1.15: thermal expansion and an increased propensity to swell as a function of species uptake. Two case studies are reported that highlight the critical role of operating temperature in industrial storage and separation applications. The first study focuses on methane storage and delivery applications using a pressure-temperature swing adsorption application (PTSA). We demonstrate that larger working capacities are accompanied by increased volumetric strain between adsorption-desorption steps. The second case study considers PIM-1 as an adsorbent to separate an exemplar ternary syngas mixture at operating temperatures ranging 300-550 K. A temperature threshold of ∼400 K is identified, beyond which adsorption-induced PIM-1 swelling is negligible and the solubility selectivity-loading curve transitions to exhibiting a nearly linear relationship.

Autonomous robot-driven deliveries: A review of recent developments and future directions

The adoption of autonomous delivery robots (ADRs) across various delivery applications has rapidly accelerated in recent years. This growth can be attributed to advancements in technology and legislation, exacerbated conventional delivery challenges, and pandemic-mediated need for contactless deliveries. A growing number of studies have investigated the various aspects pertaining to ADR-based delivery operations. Nevertheless, there is a lack of extensive literature review that holistically reports on various problems in ADR-based delivery operations, adopted methodologies, novel findings, and future needs. This paper aims to systematically survey the existing research on ADR-based delivery systems and associated operations. Foremost, we discuss various technology, design, and legal factors that impact ADR operations. Subsequently, we are the first to review the state-of-the-art research in ADR-based deliveries concerning the following areas—routing, infrastructure and fleet planning, factors affecting efficiency, technology acceptance, and social intelligence. Finally, we anticipate potential challenges from an operations management perspective, identify research gaps, and delineate future research opportunities for ADR-based deliveries.

Motion planning in complex urban environments: An industrial application on autonomous last‐mile delivery vehicles

AbstractIn this article, a motion planning framework for autonomous driving is explored to achieve unmanned last‐mile delivery vehicle application in complicated urban scenario. This approach can dramatically improve the intelligence, driving safety, driving robustness, and scalability of autonomous vehicles. In this framework, a specific High‐Definition (HD) map representation was proposed for last‐mile delivery applications, and a Route Planning layer generates a kinematically feasible reference line with smoothness condition based on Routing and HD Map components. Then a Scenario Planning layer considers routing results and both static and dynamic obstacles into account to select a corresponding scenario to execute, such as cruise on‐road scenario, cross intersection scenario, parking scenario, and so forth. Finally, a Trajectory Planning layer which is classified with trajectory generation and optimization modules is described. In the trajectory generation part, a rough path–speed profile and corresponding decisions, such as nudge, stop, yield, and so forth, are generated. Then, the rough path–speed profile is postprocessed by optimization algorithms in the trajectory optimization part. On the basis of the real road test results from thousands of times for JD.com's real autonomous delivery vehicle operations and approximate 115,475 km of fully autonomous driving mode in an urban scenario, the proposed motion planning framework demonstrates the efficiency of autonomous driving, improves the driving quality and reduces the manual intervention.

Development of biodegradable chitosan/ graphene oxide nanocomposite via spray drying method for drug loading and delivery application

Biocompatible chitosan (CS) - graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites synthesized by spray drying method to evaluate their mechanical, thermal, and drug delivery attributes. Spray drying is a single step process that reduces particle size and alters surface morphology to transform a liquid suspension or solution into a solid dry powder with improved solubility. In present article, mechanical and thermal properties of spray dried CS nanocomposites with variable concentrations of GO were examined, employing a combination of physiochemical methods including FT-IR, UV–Visible spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, DMA, and FESEM. The nanocomposite comprising 5 wt% GO had the best combination of thermal and mechanical properties and was chosen as a nanocarrier system for the curcumin (CU) drug. The goal of developing a drug delivery (DD) vehicle for CU drug was to improve its therapeutic applications, such as increasing CU solubility and preventing degradation. The CS/GO nanocarrier system had a 74% drug entrapment efficiency. The in-vitro drug release analysis demonstrated a quick release of about 35% of the drug at acidic pH 4 and 16% at pH 7.4 within 6 h, indicating a regulated release of CU drug for 24 h. On human prostate cancer cells (PC-3), the in vitro viability of CS/GO/CU, CS, GO, CS/GO, CU systems was investigated. CS/GO/CU nanocomposite exhibited greater cytotoxic effect on PC-3 cancer cells than CU drug. These findings imply that a spray dried CS/GO nanocarrier system could be a promising nanocarrier system for DD application.

Strategi Bertahan Dan Bersaing Pada Usaha Mikro Dan Kecil Kedai Kopi Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 Di Kota Semarang Tahun 2020

This study aims to analyze the business strategy of micro and small coffee shops in Semarang City, related to the impacts and challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of fifty (50) coffee shop MSEs were taken as sample. The analytical tool used in this study is the analysis of Cross Tabulation and Chi Square using SPSS 20 software. The results of the study show that the survival strategy was applied by conducting online promotions to reduce physical promotion costs as well as to penetrate new market targets. Then, the coffee shop also lowered the selling price by giving discounts on the products. The competitive strategy implemented by micro and small coffee shops was to create new products which different from their competitors and provide better services according to government policies by implementing health protocols for coffee shops during the Covid-19 pandemic to increase trust in consumers. Coffee shops also implemented sales through delivery applications such as GoFood and GrabFood to add new target markets.

Recent Advances in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery Applications.

Nanotechnology provides the means to design and fabricate delivery vehicles capable of overcoming physiologically imposed obstacles and undesirable side effects of systemic drug delivery. This protocol allows maximal targeting effectiveness and therefore enhances therapeutic efficiency. In recent years, Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNPs) have sparked interest in nanomedicine research community, particularly for their promising applications in cancer treatment. The intrinsic physio-chemical stability, facile functionalization, high surface area, low toxicity, and great loading capacity for a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents make MSNPs very appealing candidates for controllable drug delivery systems. Importantly, the peculiar nanostructures of MSNPs enabled them to serve as an effective drug, gene, protein and antigen delivery vehicle for a variety of therapeutic regimens. For these reasons, in this review article, we underscore the recent progress in the design and synthesis of MSNPs along with the parameters influencing their characteristic features and activities. In addition, the process of absorption, dissemination and secretion by injection or oral management of MSNPs are also discussed, as they are key directions for potential utilization of MSNPs. Factors influencing the in vivo fate of MSNPs will also be highlighted, with a main focus on particle size, morphology, porosity, surface functionality and oxidation. Given that combining other functional materials with MSNPs may increase their biological compatibility, monitor drug discharge, or improve absorption by tumor cells coated MSNPs; these aspects are also covered and discussed herein.

Applications of Ultrasound-Mediated Gene Delivery in Regenerative Medicine.

Research on the capability of non-viral gene delivery systems to induce tissue regeneration is a continued effort as the current use of viral vectors can present with significant limitations. Despite initially showing lower gene transfection and gene expression efficiencies, non-viral delivery methods continue to be optimized to match that of their viral counterparts. Ultrasound-mediated gene transfer, referred to as sonoporation, occurs by the induction of transient membrane permeabilization and has been found to significantly increase the uptake and expression of DNA in cells across many organ systems. In addition, it offers a more favorable safety profile compared to other non-viral delivery methods. Studies have shown that microbubble-enhanced sonoporation can elicit significant tissue regeneration in both ectopic and disease models, including bone and vascular tissue regeneration. Despite this, no clinical trials on the use of sonoporation for tissue regeneration have been conducted, although current clinical trials using sonoporation for other indications suggest that the method is safe for use in the clinical setting. In this review, we describe the pre-clinical studies conducted thus far on the use of sonoporation for tissue regeneration. Further, the various techniques used to increase the effectiveness and duration of sonoporation-induced gene transfer, as well as the obstacles that may be currently hindering clinical translation, are explored.

Jump-starting the conversation about harm reduction: making sense of drug effects

This paper describes the history of the development of taxonomies of psychoactive drug use, and discusses the conceptualization of three recent taxonomies: comparing their features, and considering their application in education, treatment, and harm reduction settings. Firstly, the Drugs Wheel was created in 2012, prompted by the emergence of New Psychoactive Substances and rapid developments in their legislative control. It was created in collaboration with health professionals and trainers in the drugs field, people who use drugs, and harm reduction non-government organizations, as a learning tool for NPS. Secondly, by contrast, the Drug Pyramid was an academic creation published in 2016 that aimed to conceptualize the multitude of NPS then being developed at a rate of two per week, as primarily an educational project. Finally, building from limitations identified in the previous two models, the Drugs Venn was created by the authors for the purpose of this paper and in consultation with staff at a drug checking service provider, with the intention of future application in delivery of drug checking consultations. Viewed together, each model addresses objections raised to its predecessor, and in doing so highlights the multi-dimensional nature of taxonomies, and their potential for generation of further hypotheses.

Modulated self-assembly of an interpenetrated MIL-53 Sc metal–organic framework with excellent volumetric H2 storage and working capacity

To achieve optimal performance in gas storage and delivery applications, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) must combine high gravimetric and volumetric capacities. One potential route to balancing high pore volume with suitable crystal density is interpenetration, where identical nets sit within the void space of one another. Herein, we report an interpenetrated MIL-53 topology MOF, named GUF-1, where one-dimensional Sc(μ2-OH) chains are connected by 4,4′-(ethyne-1,2-diyl)dibenzoate linkers into a material that is an unusual example of an interpenetrated MOF with a rod-like secondary building unit. A combination of modulated self-assembly and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations are used to optimise the porosity of GUF-1; H2 adsorption isotherms reveal a moderately high Qst for H2 of 7.6 kJ/mol and a working capacity of 41 g/L in a temperature–pressure swing system, which is comparable to benchmark MOFs. These results show that interpenetration is a potentially viable route to high-performance gas storage materials comprised of relatively simple building blocks.

Opportunities and critical issues related to the use of amendments as sustainable remediation techniques

This study aims to analyse the opportunities and critical issues related to the use of amendments as remediation techniques. The performance of amendments (Aerobic Bioremediation, In Situ Chemical Oxidation and Surfactants) was compared with the performance of other groundwater remediation technologies (Air Sparging, Pump&amp;Treat, Multi-Phase Extraction, Pump&amp;Reinjection, Monitoring Natural Attenuation) based on a dataset of 180 contaminated sites. The considered factors are: effectiveness of the remediation; cost to remediate; operational time; environmental sustainability. The occurrence and types of amendment-related issues analyzed were studied on the 40 sites where the amendments had been applied. Issues occurred in 20% of the 40 analyzed cases and consisted of: a) partial or total occlusion of the monitoring wells and by-product formation, for example heavy metals (5%); b) uncontrolled increase in contaminant concentrations and potential downstream migration (8%); c) byproduct formation without well obstruction (7%). For each critical event, a detailed analysis was conducted to understand the processes (pH-Eh equilibria, contaminant desorption, hydraulic conductivity reduction), to highlight the design and procedural gaps (surplus of amendment, injection method selection, contaminant removal by purge). However, it has been observed that the issues can be avoided or mitigated with an accurate design, pilot tests performance, with the application of delivery and monitoring protocols, and at least with a prompt response adopting a corrective action plan, if necessary. The use of amendments turns out to be an effective solution: in 64% of the analyzed sites, it led to a significative reduction of the contamination within one year from the application. The cost is about one third if compared to the average of the other technologies. The operational time is about half the average operational time of the other technologies. Based on the results of sustainability analysis, amendments technologies reduce the production of waste, energy and water consumption, and they minimize air emissions. Considering the sustainability in its broadest sense (environmental, economic, and temporal), it is possible to state that the remediation by amendments is the most sustainable and would meet the interest of all the stakeholders.

Electro-assisted printing of soft hydrogels via controlled electrochemical reactions

Hydrogels underpin many applications in tissue engineering, cell encapsulation, drug delivery and bioelectronics. Methods improving control over gelation mechanisms and patterning are still needed. Here we explore a less-known gelation approach relying on sequential electrochemical–chemical–chemical (ECC) reactions. An ionic species and/or molecule in solution is oxidised over a conductive surface at a specific electric potential. The oxidation generates an intermediate species that reacts with a macromolecule, forming a hydrogel at the electrode–electrolyte interface. We introduce potentiostatic control over this process, allowing the selection of gelation reactions and control of hydrogel growth rate. In chitosan and alginate systems, we demonstrate precipitation, covalent and ionic gelation mechanisms. The method can be applied in the polymerisation of hybrid systems consisting of more than one polymer. We demonstrate concomitant deposition of the conductive polymer Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and alginate. Deposition of the hydrogels occurs in small droplets held between a conductive plate (working electrode, WE), a printing nozzle (counter electrode, CE) and a pseudoreference electrode (reference electrode, RE). We install this setup on a commercial 3D printer to demonstrate patterning of adherent hydrogels on gold and flexible ITO foils. Electro-assisted printing may contribute to the integration of well-defined hydrogels on hybrid electronic-hydrogel devices for bioelectronics applications.