Application Of Gel Research Articles

Preparation and Application of High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsion Gels Stabilized by Starch Nanocrystal/Tannic Acid Complex Particles.

Herein, the starch nanocrystal/tannic acid (ST) complex particles, which were prepared based on the hydrogen bond between starch nanocrystal (SNC) and tannic acid (TA), were successfully used to stabilize the HIPPE gels. The optimal TA concentration of the ST complex particles resulted in better water dispersibility, surface wettability, and interfacial activity as compared to SNC. The hydrogen bond responsible for the formation of ST complex particles and subsequent stable emulsions was demonstrated by varying the pH and ionic strength of the aqueous phase. Notably, the HIPPE gels stabilized via the ST complex particles can maintain long-term stability for up to three months. The HIPPEs stabilized via the ST complex particles all displayed gel-like features and had smaller droplets and denser droplet networks than the SNC-stabilized HIPPEs. The rheological behavior of HIPPE gels stabilized via the ST complex particles can be readily changed by tuning the mass ratio of SNC and TA as well as pH. Finally, the prepared HIPPE gels used to effectively protect encapsulated β-carotene against high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation and its controllable release at room temperature were demonstrated. It is anticipated that the aforementioned findings will provide new perspectives on the preparation of Pickering emulsion for delivery systems.

Effect of a novel copper chloride gel on endometrial growth and function in healthy volunteers

Research questionDoes the application of a micro-dose of copper chloride gel increase endometrial production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) without compromising endometrial function or producing embryo toxicity? DesignAn estimate of optimal dose was made based on cell culture studies. Ten healthy participants received an initial uterine application of placebo gel, followed by copper chloride gel (37.5 μM, 75 μM, or 150 μM dose) in a later hormone replacement cycle. Endometrial biopsies (day 5.5 luteal) and pelvic ultrasound were carried out during each cycle to evaluate endometrial function and growth. Uterine fluid was assessed for residual copper levels on the day of biopsy, and copper chloride gel underwent mouse embryos assay assessment for potential embryo toxicity. ResultsThe copper gel significantly increased endometrial VEGF expression (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), and also increasing endometrial thickness by an average of 2.2 mm compared with matched control cycles. The copper gel did not adversely affect endometrial morphology or maturation (histological dating and molecular receptivity testing), and mouse embryos assay studies showed no evidence of embryo toxicity. Furthermore, uterine cavity flush samples mostly lacked copper, with only negligible amounts present in one sample. ConclusionApplying copper chloride gel to the uterine cavity upregulated endometrial VEGF and significantly increased endometrial thickness and volume. No adverse effects on the endometrium or embryos were observed. Copper chloride gels show promise for treating suboptimal endometrial thickness if the results of this study are confirmed by larger randomized controlled trials.

Use of ultrasound gel to mitigate risks of skin burns from non-actively cooled mic rowave applicators

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of using ultrasound gel to mitigate the risks of skin burn at the insertion site during microwave ablation (MWA) using non-actively cooled applicators. Ex vivo experiments in porcine tissue were conducted using two identical MWA systems. Five MWA scenarios were tested at different applicator insertion depths with an ultrasound gel layer applied at the applicator insertion sites: 8 cm insertion depth with and without 4 cm thick gel, 10 cm insertion depth with and without 2 cm thick gel, and 12 cm insertion depth without gel (reference). In all experiments, temperature elevations at the applicator insertion site on the tissue surface were recorded using thermal sensors in all experiments during 10-min MWA. The application of ultrasound gel and increasing applicator insertion depths resulted in measurable reductions in temperature elevations at the applicator insertion sites. For an insertion depth of 8 cm, the temperature elevations were 39.9 ± 4.7°C and 23.2±6.5°C without and with gel, respectively (P < 0.001). For an insertion depth of 10 cm, the temperature elevations were 20.8 ± 1.5°C and 14.4 ± 1.5°C without and with gel, respectively (P < 0.001). The maximal temperature elevations corresponding to an 8 cm insertion depth with gel were comparable with those corresponding to a 10 cm insertion depth without gel. Similarly, the maximal temperature elevations (12.2 ± 1.8°C) corresponding to 12 cm insertion depth without gel were comparable to those corresponding to 10 cm insertion depth with gel. Applying ultrasound gel at the applicator insertion site can significantly reduce temperature elevations at the tissue surface during MWA procedures.

Application of alginate saline gel for drug delivery, cancer treatment and wound dressing

Application of alginate saline gel for drug delivery, cancer treatment and wound dressing

PH dominates the formation of ginkgo seed protein and whey protein composite gels

This study aimed to investigate the impact of pH on gelation of ginkgo seed protein isolate (GSPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI). The GSPI-WPI composite gels were made by heating a mixture of 12% (w/v) GSPI and 12% (w/v) WPI in equal parts at 90 °C for 30 min at different pHs. Hardness, springiness, and water holding capacity (WHC) of the composite gels at pH 7.0, 8.0 were improved due to formation of a compacted network by disulfide crosslinking. GSPI-WPI formed weak, particulate gels at pH 3.0 with poor WHC. At pH 6.0, the formation of hydrogen bonding improved the rheology of the composite gels. In short, pH is an important quality determinant of the GSPI-WPI composite gels, which provides a basis for gel modification and application in food.

Ayurvedic Management of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with Local Application of Guduchi-Triphala-Danti Gel

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the infection of the vaginal mucosa and/or vulva caused by the Candida species, a gram-positive yeast-like fungus. It is the second most common vulvovaginal infection characterized by thick-curdy white-cottage-cheese type vaginal discharge and intense vulvovaginal pruritus. Symptomatically vulvovaginal candidiasis can be compared with Slaishmiki yonivyapat in Ayurveda, the line of management of which is the use of Ruksha and Ushna aushadha. Local application of gel has the advantages of easy administration, more bioavailability of drugs, and prolonged retention without much local irritation. The classical Guduchi-Triphala-Danti pariseka yoga, mentioned in Yonivyapat chikitsa has been modified into a gel form, facilitating self-administration by women. Methodology: Here is a case report of a 31-year-old multiparous woman who presented with complaints of curdy white vaginal discharge associated with itching over the vulvar region for the last 6 months. She was diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis by vaginal swab culture. Intervention with Guduchi-Triphala-Danti gel was carried out for 14 days for 2 consecutive cycles excluding days of menstruation and followed up after the next 30 days without medication. Results: After completion of the treatment protocol there was substantial relief of symptoms like curdy white vaginal discharge and itching over the vulvar region, wet-mount microscopy was negative for pseudohyphae, and the vaginal swab culture showed no growth. Conclusion: Local application of Guduchi-Triphala-Danti gel was found to be effective in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Customized 3D printing to build plant-based meats: Spirulina platensis protein-based Pickering emulsion gels as fat analogs

To expand the application of emulsion gels as fat replacers in food systems, they were applied as fat analogs for plant-based meats by single-channel and dual-channel 3D printing. Spirulina platensis protein, as sustainable food sources, exhibits excellent emulsifying ability and has been generated into nanoparticles to stabilize emulsions. Three novel fat analogs: spirulina platensis protein nanoparticle based Pickering emulsions gels (SPP); nanoparticles/xanthan gum-based emulsions gels (SPP-XG); nanoparticles/xanthan gum/sunflower wax-based emulsions gels (Bigel); and three conventional oils: coconut oil; palm oil; and oleogel were regarded as fat components. The fat and protein components blended for printing by single-channel 3D printing, resulting in a new type of plant-based meats with extremely high printing accuracy and exhibiting “print inflation”. It exhibited lower hardness, which was conducive to chew compared with control ones. The water mobility was weakened as showed in LF-NMR, meaning the improved water holding capacity of plant-based meats. Protein and oil matrix were loaded into two printing cartridges respectively for dual-channel 3D printing, Bigels and palm oil (PO) served as a comparison of oil types. The cooking loss and shrinkage of Bigel-based plant-based meats obtained by this method were at extremely low level with 4.81% ∼ 6.20% and 5.16% ∼ 7.72%, respectively. As the oil content increased to 60%, the PO-plant-based meats collapsed and lost their printing structure, while Bigel-plant-based meats exhibited better printing effects, which can be regarded as an ideal special fat for 3D printing to construct plant-based meats.

In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Antifibrotic Properties of Verteporfin in a Composition of a Collagen Scaffold.

Extensive skin damage requires specialized therapy that stimulates regeneration processes without scarring. The possibility of using combination of a collagen gel application as a wound dressing and fibroblast attractant with verteporfin as an antifibrotic agent was examined in vivo and in vitro. In vitro effects of verteporfin on viability and myofibroblast markers expression were evaluated using fibroblasts isolated from human scar tissue. In vivo the collagen gel and verteporfin (individually and in combination) were applied into the wound to investigate scarring during skin regeneration: deviations in skin layer thickness, collagen synthesis, and extracellular matrix fibers were characterized. The results indicate that verteporfin reduces fibrotic phenotype by suppressing expression of the contractile protein Sm22α without inducing cell death. However, administration of verteporfin in combination with the collagen gel disrupts its ability to direct wound healing in a scarless manner, which may be related to incompatibility of the mechanisms by which collagen and verteporfin control regeneration.

Microbiological Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite/-Amino Acids and Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Adjunctive to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment.

To investigate the microbiological outcomes obtained with either subgingival debridement (SD) in conjunction with a gel containing sodium hypochlorite and amino acids followed by subsequent application of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel (xHyA) gel, or with SD alone. Forty-eight patients diagnosed with stages II-III (grades A/B) generalised periodontitis were randomly treated with either SD (control) or SD plus adjunctive sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and xHyA gel (test). Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the deepest site per quadrant in each patient at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Pooled sample analysis was performed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for the identification of detection frequencies and changes in numbers of the following bacteria: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Tannerella forsythia (T.f), Treponema denticola (T.d), and Prevotella intermedia (P.i). In terms of detection frequency, in the test group, statistically significant reductions were found for P.g, T.f, T.d and P.i (p < 0.05) after 6 months. In the control group, the detection frequencies of all investigated bacterial species at 6 months were comparable to the baseline values (p > 0.05). The comparison of the test and control groups revealed statistically significant differences in detection frequency for P.g (p = 0.034), T.d (p < 0.01) and P.i (p = 0.02) after 6 months, favouring the test group. Regarding reduction in detection frequency scores, at 6 months, statistically significant differences in favour of the test group were observed for all investigated bacterial species: A.a (p = 0.028), P.g (p = 0.028), T.f (p = 0.004), T.d (p <0.001), and P.i (p = 0.003). The present microbiological results, which are related to short-term outcomes up to 6 months post-treatment, support the adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and xHyA to subgingival debridement in the treatment of periodontitis.

Mangosteen Peel Extract vs Tetracycline Gel in Treatment of Periodontal Abscess in Type-2 Diabetes – A Randomized Clinical Trial

Herbal products are gaining popularity due to their diverse biological action and safety. Mangosteen peel extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat periodontal diseases. Objective: To compare the efficacy of mangosteen peel extract and tetracycline gel as an adjunct to non-surgical management of periodontal abscess in type-II diabetes patients. Methods: This was a double blinded, randomized clinical trial included 20 Patients with Type-II diabetes. Both test and control groups received NSPT followed by adjunctive local application of mangosteen peel extract and tetracycline gel. Clinical parameters i.e., Probing depth (PPD), Clinical attachment level (CAL), Bleeding Index (BI) and Landry’s healing index (HI) were evaluated at base line and 1 month. Results: In intra and intergroup analysis, both the test and control groups had a better reduction in PPD, BI and CAL with a statistical significance. However, there was no statistical significance between the groups in healing index and showed no change in patient perception in both the groups. Conclusion: 4% mangosteen gel has significantly reduced the BI and PPD with increased CAL and acceptable subjective perception with no recurrence of periodontal abscess over the traditionally used tetracycline gel.

A self-healing and recyclable carrageenan based gel based on multi-dynamic interactions for multifunctional sensor

Preparation of high performance and recyclable gels remain a challenge. In this study, a zwitterionic ion poly-[2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (PDMAPS) network was constructed in renewable polysaccharide carrageenan to obtain CMM gel. The multiple reversible cross-linking network in CMM gel was engineered by molecular-level multi-dynamic interactions including hydrogen bonds among the molecular chains, two-dimensional MXene and tannic acid (TA), as well as electrostatic interaction. CMM gels exhibited enhanced mechanical strain, low-temperature resistance, self-healing performance (∼95 %), recyclable property, and antibacterial ability. CMM gel can be directly served as a strain sensor with short responsive time to accurately discern subtle and macro bodily motions, handwriting and personal physiological state, even after self-healing and recycling. Additionally, CMM gel can be used as solid electrolyte with polyaniline(PANI) on both sides to obtain sandwich structure CMM-PANI gel, which can be fabricated as all-solid state capacitor with high area specific capacitance of 478 mF/cm2 at 2 mA/cm2. Furthermore, a self-powered sensing device was assembled by the combination of the CMM gel and the capacitor, which demonstrates the sensing performance on various physical activities. This study gives an essential strategy for designing and fabricating self-healing and recyclable gels, and opens up new avenues for the practical application of gels.

Effect of isoflurane anaesthetic time on ocular a-scan ultrasonography measures and their relationship to age and OCT measures in the Guinea pig

A-scan ultrasonography enables precise measurement of internal ocular structures. Historically, its use has underpinned fundamental studies of eye development and aberrant eye growth in animal models of myopia; however, the procedure typically requires anaesthesia. Since anaesthesia affects intra-ocular pressure (IOP), we investigated changes in internal ocular structures with isoflurane exposure and compared measurements with those taken in awake animals using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Continuous A-scan ultrasonography was undertaken in tri-coloured guinea pigs aged 21 (n = 5), 90 (n = 5) or 160 (n = 5) days while anaesthetised (up to 36 min) with isoflurane (5% in 1.5L/min O2). Peaks were selected from ultrasound traces corresponding to the boundaries of the cornea, crystalline lens, retina, choroid and sclera. OCT scans (Zeiss Cirrus Photo 800) of the posterior eye layers were taken in 28-day-old animals (n = 19) and compared with ultrasound traces, with choroid and scleral thickness adjusted for the duration of anaesthesia based on the changes modelled in 21-day-old animals. Ultrasound traces recorded sequentially in left and right eyes in 14-day-old animals (n = 30) were compared, with each adjusted for anaesthesia duration. The thickness of the cornea was measured in enucleated eyes (n = 5) using OCT following the application of ultrasound gel (up to 20 min). Retinal thickness was the only ultrasound internal measure unaffected by anaesthesia. All other internal distances rapidly changed and were well fitted by exponential functions (either rise-to-max or decay). After 10 and 20 min of anaesthesia, the thickness of the cornea, crystalline lens and sclera increased by 17.1% and 23.3%, 0.4% and 0.6%, and 5.2% and 6.5% respectively, whilst the anterior chamber, vitreous chamber and choroid decreased by 4.4% and 6.1%, 0.7% and 1.1%, and 10.7% and 11.8% respectively. In enucleated eyes, prolonged contact of the cornea with ultrasound gel resulted in an increase in thickness of 9.3% after 10 min, accounting for approximately half of the expansion observed in live animals. At the back of the eye, ultrasound measurements of the thickness of the retina, choroid and sclera were highly correlated with those from posterior segment OCT images (R2 = 0.92, p = 1.2 × 10−13, R2 = 0.55, p = 4.0 × 10−4, R2 = 0.72, p = 5.0 × 10−6 respectively). Furthermore, ultrasound measures for all ocular components were highly correlated in left and right eyes measured sequentially, when each was adjusted for anaesthetic depth. This study shows that the depth of ocular components can change dramatically with anaesthesia. Researchers should therefore be wary of these concomitant effects and should employ adjustments to better render ‘true’ values.

Effect of injection compound rolling process and curdlan gel on water retention of sauced beef

Research background and significance: Under the current development trend in the field of global food science and technology, consumers' requirements for food safety, nutritional value and sensory quality are increasing, prompting the innovation of food processing and preservation technology to become the core of the industry development. In the production of traditional food spiced beef, how to ensure the yield and quality of spiced beef is the focus of the spiced beef market. By adding edible glue can gain weight, thereby improving the yield, but previous studies have shown that carrageenan, seaweed extract and so on seriously affect the sensory quality of marinated beef, especially causing its juice oozing, colloidal attachments oozing and so on. Research content: Through the systematic study of the application of curdlan gel in the processing of brine injection spiced beef, the specific effects of curdlan gel on the water retention and sensory quality of spiced beef were discussed in this study. (1) Sensory optimization injection rolling composite curing process. The experiment was carried out with beef tendinous meat and a series of auxiliary materials, using fine processes and methods, including saline injection, rolling salting, cooking treatment, etc., and then conducting sensory evaluation. (2) Compare the quality difference of curdlan gel 1 and 2. Determination of gel strength and optimization of water retention of stewed beef were carried out. Single factor ANOVA test was used to determine the optimal dosage of curdlan gel. The results showed that the water retention of beef with brine injection could be enhanced significantly when the dosage was 2%, respectively. Under the optimal process conditions, the sensory score of brined beef was 85.4 points. Through this study, important scientific and technological findings were obtained, which did not mean that the higher the concentration of curdlan gel, the better the water retention, on the contrary, the higher the concentration of its water retention would be affected but would decrease. This research not only expands the application range of curdlan gel in the food industry, but also provides new technical solutions and theoretical support for the innovation and development of meat processing technology, and meets the needs of consumers for high-quality meat products.

Effects of sugar molecules on the rheological and tribological properties and on the microstructure of agarose-based fluid gels

Introduction: Fluid gels exhibit a unique flow behaviour. Their pronounced viscoelastic behaviour arises from irregular microgel particles, leading to plasticity and yielding, as well as a characteristic transition from a solid to a fluid-like state. This is defined by both the core and the surface structures of the particles. Adding co-solutes such as sucrose alters the network properties at the molecular scale, affecting texture and lubrication. This study investigates how the microscopic changes due to sucrose addition correlate with macroscopic changes.Material and methods: Agarose fluid gels with varying sucrose concentrations were prepared and studied using the rheometer. Temperature dependent viscosity behaviour during gelation under shear was investigated in situ. Light microscopy and particle size measurements were examined, and complemented by amplitude, frequency and flow sweeps as well as tribological studies. These tests allow us to understand the influence of sucrose on the particle network formation.Results and discussion: Sucrose concentration influenced the sizes, shapes, and interconnected network structure of the microgel particles. These microstructural changes are closely related to the dynamic competition between gelation and disruption of the agarose chains during shear, which directly influences the rheological and tribological properties of the resulting fluid gels. Additionally, the association of the agarose chains and their gelation process is also influenced depending on whether the sucrose or agarose was first dissolved in water. The experimental observations suggest specific molecular mechanisms, explaining the role of sucrose in structure formation of agarose-based fluid gels. These results have the potential to expand the applications of fluid gels, which play a crucial role in modifying the texture and flow behaviour of foods and beverages, particularly in addressing challenges such as dysphagia.

Influence of the addition of Curdlan gel on the textural properties of beef emulsified sausage

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of Curdlan gel in beef emulsified sausage, to optimise its process parameters and to improve its textural properties in order to provide a safer and healthier way of processing meat products. Cure time, chopping time and steaming time were selected as the influencing factors to find out the optimal process combination by orthogonal test. Subsequently, the effects of different additive amounts of CY-1 and CY-2 Curdlan gel on the texture of beef emulsified sausage were investigated, and a comprehensive texture evaluation model was established. Through orthogonal tests, the optimal process combination was found to be 60 min for cure time, 20 s for chopping time, and 40 min for steaming time, and it was found that the additive amounts of CY-1 Curdlan gel of 1.5%~2.25% and CY-2 Curdlan gel of 0.75%~1.5% could improve the texture of beef emulsified sausage significantly, and produce the beef emulsified sausage with good texture characteristics. The production of beef emulsified sausage with good textural characteristics provides a certain reference for the optimization and improvement of the processing technology of beef emulsified sausage.

The Application of Umbilical Cord Blood-derived Platelet Gel for Skin Ulcers Associated With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Pediatrics: A Randomized Trial

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative strategy against a variety of malignant and nonmalignant disorders. However, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD and cGVHD, respectively) commonly complicate this approach, culminating in substantial morbidities and mortalities. The integumentary system is the preponderant organ involved in cGVHD, and its response to existing treatments, including well-versed immunosuppressants and novel targeted therapies, is not desirable. Despite the rarity, ulcers of sclerotic skin cGVHD are treatment-refractory and associated with significant morbidities and an exaggerated risk of infectious complications. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its derivatives are endowed with growth factors and proangiogenic molecules and hold regenerative potential. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the application of platelet gel-containing dressing against ulcerative skin cGVHD in pediatric patients. This randomized trial is conducted at the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation unit of the Children's Medical Center Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Twenty-one pediatric patients (aged between 5 and 15 years) were initially enrolled, and 16 met the inclusion criteria. All cases (4 females) were recipients of allo-HSCT who had been complicated with symmetrically or near-symmetrically ulcerative sclerotic skin cGVHD. Fresh umbilical cord blood (UCB) was obtained from healthy donors and underwent centrifugation using a novel PRP preparation kit in a single-step process. Platelet gel was produced by adding thrombin to the isolated buffy coat layer. Two similar ulcers of each patient were randomized to receive either conventional dressing or platelet gels up to 6 times. At each time point evaluation, ulcer size and its relative reduction compared to the basal size were recorded. Included patients received a total of 80 platelet gel-containing dressings. While the mean sizes of randomized ulcers at the beginning of the study were similar, their differences became significant 15 days after the initiation of intervention (P = .019). In addition, the mean reduction in the ulcers’ surface area (in comparison to their baseline values) was significantly higher for the intervention arm at all evaluation points (P = .001 for day 5 and P < .001 for subsequent time points). At the end of the trial, the number of ulcers with a more than 50% reduction in size was 14 (87.5%) in the intervention arm (including 6 completely healed ulcers) versus 1 (6.25%, which was not completely healed) in the control arm (P < .001). None of the patients exhibited any localized or systemic treatment-related adverse events. In this study, using a relatively large number of cases, we showed that UCB-derived platelet gel is a safe, feasible, and effective curative approach for skin ulcers of sclerotic skin cGVHD in pediatric patients. Designing upcoming trials on the efficacy of this therapeutic approach for ocular, mucosal, and acute skin GVHD is prudent. Retrospectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number IRCT20190101042197N1) on August 24, 2020.

True and False Chirality in Chiral Magnetic Nanoparticles.

Determining the true or false chirality of a system is essential for the design of advanced chiral materials and for improving their applications. Typically, a magnetic field would cause false optical activity in the chiral material system, thus confusing the true chirality's influence. Here, we provide a simple way to uncover the true and false chirality in chiral ferrimagnetic nanoparticles (FNPs) by using the gel as a rigid frame. The remnant local magnetic field of the FNP gel can be easily adjusted by an external magnetic field or by controlling the concentration of the FNPs. Moreover, the potential application of the FNP gel is detected by induced magnetic circularly polarized luminescence. This work provides deep insight into the true and false chirality in magnetic nanosystems and offers a strategy to construct new optic elements with an adjustable local magnetic field.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 promotes the biofunctions of perivascular preadipocytes mediated by Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway.

The influence of SGLT-1 on perivascular preadipocytes (PVPACs) and vascular remodeling is not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role and mechanism of SGLT-1-mediated PVPACs bioactivity. PVPACs were cultured in vitro and applied ex vivo to the carotid arteries of mice using a lentivirus-based thermosensitive in situ gel (TISG). The groups were treated with Lv-SGLT1 (lentiviral vector, overexpression), Lv-siSGLT1 (RNA interference, knockdown), or specific signaling pathway inhibitors. Assays were conducted to assess changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, glucose uptake, adipogenic differentiation, and vascular remodeling in the PVPACs. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and/or immunohistochemistry. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and Hoechst 33342 staining indicated that SGLT-1 overexpression significantly promoted PVPACs proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in vitro. Conversely, SGLT-1 knockdown exerted the opposite effect. Oil Red O staining revealed that SGLT-1 overexpression facilitated adipogenic differentiation, while its inhibition mitigated these effects. 3H-labeled glucose uptake experiments demonstrated that SGLT-1 overexpression enhanced glucose uptake by PVPACs, whereas RNA interference-mediated SGLT-1 inhibition had no significant effect on glucose uptake. Moreover, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that SGLT-1 overexpression upregulated FABP4 and VEGF-A levels and activated the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, whereas SGLT-1 knockdown produced the opposite effects. In vivo studies corroborated these findings and indicated that SGLT-1 overexpression facilitated carotid artery remodeling. Our study demonstrates that SGLT-1 activation of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway promotes PVPACs proliferation, adipogenesis, glucose uptake, glucolipid metabolism, and vascular remodeling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY SGLT-1 is expressed in PVPACs and can affect preadipocyte glucolipid metabolism and vascular remodeling. SGLT-1 promotes the biofunctions of PVPACs mediated by Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. Compared with caudal vein or intraperitoneal injection, the external application of lentivirus-based thermal gel around the carotid artery is an innovative attempt at vascular remodeling model, it may effectively avoid the transfection of lentiviral vector into the whole body of mice and the adverse effect on experimental results.

Regulation and application of supramolecular gel with circularly polarized luminescence

Regulation and application of supramolecular gel with circularly polarized luminescence

Spring Lock: Constructing Cluster Emitters with Colorful TADF from Non‐Conjugated Polymaleimide Helical Chains

AbstractNon‐conjugated luminescent polymers have received much attention due to their excellent flexibility, processability, and biocompatibility. However, the single emission color and low solid‐state luminescence efficiency restrict their further development. Herein, by introducing carboxyl‐terminated alkyl chains on the rigid and helical polymaleimide backbone, a series of non‐conjugated luminescent polymers are designed and synthesized. Due to the “spring lock” formed by the synergism of scalable helical main chains and flexible alkyl side chains, these polymers exhibit effective cluster luminescence with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) property, thereby significantly improving the solid‐state luminescence efficiency with the quantum yield up to 59.6%. The TADF emission wavelengths of the polymer powders can be tuned from 498 to 639 nm through changing reaction solvents, because the conformation of helical chains forming clusters is sensitive to solvent polarity. Interestingly, metal ions can induce the polymers to construct self‐repairing cluster luminescence gels, which show excellent potential applications in ammonia detection and information encryption. This work not only provides an effective design strategy for the colorful cluster luminescence with high‐efficiency TADF, but also further reveals the cluster luminescence mechanism and enlightens the promising applications of cluster luminescent gels.