Loading Efficiency Research Articles

Engineering Nano-Pills to Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Proliferation and Migration through a Combination of Chemical/Nucleic Acid Therapy.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most fatal of all gynecological malignancies, presenting a significant threat to women's health. Its treatment is complicated by severe dose-dependent chemotherapy toxicity, drug resistance, and tumor migration. Herein, an intelligent combination strategy of chemotherapy and nucleic acid therapy, named ApMEmiR&D is developed. This integrated system consists of three parts: the nano-pill, the protective membrane, and the navigation element. Nano-pills are nanospheres assembled from miRNA and doxorubicin (DOX) with the help of ferrous ions (Fe2+). The protective membrane is derived from tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs membrane) originating from the primary tumor microenvironment (TME). The navigation element is the cholesterol-conjugated AS1411 aptamer. The resulting ApMEmiR&D nanoparticles exhibit uniform size, a well-defined nanosphere structure, robust serum stability, and ultra-high drug loading efficiency and capacity. The system can efficiently accumulate in the tumor, allowing for the synergistic inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis without apparent systemic toxicity. The results demonstrate the homing effect of tumor microenvironment-derived macrophage cell membrane and the targeting effect of aptamer, leading to precise drug targeting and immune compatibility, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The success of this strategy paves the way for metastasis inhibition and targeted cancer therapy.

The Influence of Process Parameters on Tensile Features of Vetiver Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

Due to their outstanding specific strength and modulus, fiber-reinforced polymer composites have long been influential in a range of applications. Composites made of thermoplastic and vetiver fiber (VF) offer an alternative to synthetic polymers that cause environmental contamination. The advantages of natural fibers (like banana, sisal, coir, jute, vetiver, flax, hemp, kenaf, etc.) over conventional reinforcing fibers (glass and carbon fiber) are their ease of procurement, renewability, non-corrosive nature, light density, biodegradability, high specific energy (strength of density ratio), and low cost. In place of costly chemical treatment of VF in polymer composites, VF length management has been offered as a low-cost and ecologically friendly alternative. In the current study, VF-reinforced low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites were altered using the film process stacking method with the hot press compression molding technique using a variety of process parameters, including VF condition (untreated and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment), VF sizes (short VF < 3 cm and long VF > 3 cm), and VF percent (5, 10, and 15 wt%). The tensile modulus and modulus efficiency factor of the LDPE composite were studied in relation to the impacts of VF size, VF content, and SDS treatment. The results showed that a specific amount of tensile modulus and modulus efficiency factor was boosted by VF content up to 10 wt%, processing temperature up to 160oC, and SDS treatment during processing up to 5 hours due to an increase in load bearing and interfacial adhesion. The improvement in tensile modulus and its efficiency factor because of efficient load transfer is evidently attributable to long VF load transfers, which have had a favourable impact. The brittle nature of the fibers caused a loss in ductility.

Particles made of a novel recombinant spider silk protein rAcSp2 as delivery system for peptide drugs with anti-tumor activity

The recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) are promising biomaterials for the use as drug delivery system (DDS) because of their non-cytotoxicity, low immunogenicity and customizable properties. However, most reported spidroin-based materials as DDS derive from the repetitive domain of dragline silk protein, limiting us to take advantage of their desirable properties for medical and industrial innovation. Here, we produced the recombinant aciniform silk protein (rAcSp2) that contains only the N-terminal domain and formulated it into nanoparticles for use as a DDS. We demonstrated that antitumor peptide drugs such as ChMAP-28 can be loaded onto rAcSp2 particles via electrostatic interaction, with a high loading capacity of up to 45 % (w/w) and nearly 100 % loading efficiency. In addition, the release of ChMAP-28 depends on the pH and ionic strength of the release buffer. In the meantime, rAcSp2 particles not only effectively reduce the toxicity of ChMAP-28 to normal cells, but also significantly enhance its anti-tumor activity. Therefore, our rAcSp2 particles are a promising novel particulate drug carrier system for the delivery of peptide drugs with anti-tumor activity.

Streamlined miRNA loading of surface protein-specific extracellular vesicle subpopulations through electroporation

BackgroundExtracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as an exciting tool for targeted delivery of therapeutics for a wide range of diseases. As nano-scale membrane-bound particles derived from living cells, EVs possess inherent capabilities as carriers of biomolecules. However, the translation of EVs into viable therapeutic delivery vehicles is challenged by lengthy and inefficient processes for cargo loading and pre- and post-loading purification of EVs, resulting in limited quantity and consistency of engineered EVs.ResultsIn this work, we develop a fast and streamlined method to load surface protein-specific subpopulations of EVs with miRNA by electroporating EVs, while they are bound to antibody-coated beads. We demonstrate the selection of CD81+ EV subpopulation using magnetic microbeads, facilitating rapid EV manipulations, loading, and subsequent purification processes. Our approach shortens the time per post-electroporation EV wash by 20-fold as compared to the gold standard EV washing method, ultracentrifugation, resulting in about 2.5-h less time required to remove unloaded miRNA. In addition, we addressed the challenge of nonspecific binding of cargo molecules due to affinity-based EV selection, lowering the purity of engineered EVs, by implementing innovative strategies, including poly A carrier RNA-mediated blocking and dissociation of residual miRNA and EV-like miRNA aggregates following electroporation.ConclusionsOur streamlined method integrates magnetic bead-based selection with electroporation, enabling rapid and efficient loading of miRNA into CD81+ EVs. This approach not only achieves comparable miRNA loading efficiency to conventional bulk electroporation methods but also concentrates CD81+ EVs and allows for simple electroporation parameter adjustment, promising advancements in therapeutic RNA delivery systems with enhanced specificity and reduced toxicity.

A MINI REVIEW ON APPLICATION OF NON-THERMAL TECHNIQUES FOR PROTECTION OF FRUIT JUICES

Abstract: Globally, fruit juices are widely consumed due to their nutritional and health benefits. With increased consumer knowledge about health and safety demand for nutritious fresh like juices is also increased. Fruit juices are more susceptible to spoilage mostly by spoilage microorganisms or by intrinsic enzymatic reactions that adversely affect the sensory attributes of juices. Conventional thermal pasteurization is effective to control spoilage, but it also affects heat sensitive functional compounds and the nutritional value of juices. Therefore, to meet increased consumer demand and requirements, it is necessary to process a variety of fruits for juice preparation with improved preservation techniques to control spoilage. Non-thermal preservation like high pressure processing, pulse electric field, ultraviolet radiations and cold press, etc., are recognized as best alternatives to thermal pasteurization as they have substantial potential to completely inactivate spoilage microbes by causing cell disruption either during processing or after juice has packaged. One of the promising features of employing non-thermal preservation methods is that they do not affect nutritional and organoleptic characteristics of processed juice. Also, most of the methods are relatively less expensive and efficient cause maximum microbial load reduction and improve shelf life.

Optimization Research on the Impact of Charging Load and Energy Efficiency of Pure Electric Vehicles

In this paper, the negative impact of the charging load generated by the disorderly charging scheme of large-scale pure electric vehicles on the operation performance of the power grid system and the problem of reducing its charging energy efficiency are studied and analyzed. First, based on Matlab 2022a simulation software and the Monte Carlo random sampling method, the probability density model of the factors affecting the charging load is constructed, and the total charging load of different quantities is simulated. Second, the IEEE33-node distribution network model is introduced to simulate the influence of charging load on the grid under different permeability schemes. Finally, the multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to optimize the charging cost and battery life. Taking the 20% permeability scheme as an example, the research results show that, compared with the disorderly charging scheme, the multi-objective optimization scheme reduces the peaking valley difference rate by 24.34%, the charging load power generation cost by 29.5%, and the charging cost by 23.9%. The power grid profit increased by 45.8%, and the research conclusion has practical significance for the energy efficiency optimization of pure electric vehicles.

Co-delivery of vitamin and amino acid within MOFs for oxidative stress-based tumor gas therapy

As an alternative to chemotherapy, emerging gas therapy is considered a “green” treatment due to its minimal side effects. However, even typical gas molecules like nitric oxide (NO) face challenges such as a very short half-life (1.5–6 min), poor targeting, and limited therapeutic effects. This study employs a one-pot method to simultaneously encapsulate the NO donor L-arginine (L-Arg) and the H2O2 precursor Vitamin K3 (VK3) into the pores of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), achieving their co-delivery to tumor sites to address these issues. Furthermore, ZIF-8 is functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA) to impart active targeting properties to tumor tissues. In the acidic tumor microenvironment, pH-sensitive ZIF-8 degrades, releasing VK3 and L-Arg. Under the action of the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) enzyme, VK3 generates H2O2, increasing oxidative stress levels in the tumor microenvironment, and reacts with L-Arg to produce NO, thereby achieving tumor oxidative stress-based gas therapy. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed good tumor treatment effects, with a tumor inhibition rate of up to 90.5 % and minimal impact on normal tissues and organs. This approach demonstrates efficient loading, controlled release, and significant anti-tumor performance, offering new insights into gas and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synergistic therapy.

Reticular Chemistry for Enhancing Bioentity Stability and Functional Performance.

Addressing the fragility of bioentities that results in instability and compromised performance during storage and applications, reticular chemistry, specifically through metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), offers versatile platforms for stabilization and enhancement of bioentities. These highly porous frameworks facilitate efficient loading and mass transfer, offer confined environments and selective permeability for stabilization and protection, and enable finely tunable biointerfacial interactions and microenvironments for function optimization, significantly broadening the applications of various bioentities, including enzymes, nucleic acids, cells, etc. This Perspective outlines strategies for integrating bioentities with reticular frameworks, highlighting new design ideas for existing issues within these strategies. It emphasizes the crucial roles of these frameworks for bioentities in enhancing stability, boosting activity, imparting non-native functions, and synergizing bioentity systems. Concluding with a discussion of the challenges and prospects in the design, characterization, and practical applications of these biocomposites, this Perspective aims to inspire further development of high-performance biocomposites in this promising field.

Development and in vitro evaluation of a lignin-PLGA nanocarrier for florfenicol delivery

Florfenicol (FF) is a widely used antimicrobial in veterinary medicine because of its broad antimicrobial activity, although it has certain limitations and raises concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance genes. These limitations highlight the need to explore novel drug with controlled release systems to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of FF, while minimizing the potential for resistance development. This study introduces an innovative approach for the design, synthesis, and evaluation of lignin-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-FF nanoparticles. By leveraging the properties of PLGA and lignin, this study aimed to augment the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of FF, thereby enabling dosage reduction and consequently diminishing the likelihood of resistance emergence and other limitations. Lignin-PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating FF were synthesized and characterized to assess their physicochemical properties, such as particle size, zeta potential, and drug loading efficiency. The release profile, antimicrobial efficacy, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Comparative analyses with standard FF formulations were performed to ascertain the superior performance and potential benefits of the nanoparticle-based antimicrobials. Our findings indicate that the synthesized lignin-PLGA nanoparticles exhibited favorable drug delivery attributes, including a controlled and sustained release mechanism, significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity at reduced concentrations relative to free FF, with minimal cytotoxic effects. Importantly, the nanoparticle system inhibited bacterial biofilm formation, which is a key factor in the onset and spread of antimicrobial resistance. These findings underscore the potential of integrating biodegradable polymers with natural compounds to forge innovative pathways in drug delivery, addressing critical challenges in veterinary medicine.

Realtime estimation of average sand grain diameter and sand bed height and mass for a trailing suction hopper dredger

A Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) in the sailing process, excavating seabed sediment with the drag head and pumping it through the pipeline to the spoil hopper sedimentation. The spoil hopper sedimentation process, as a critical factor affecting the loading yield and efficiency of a dredger, is susceptible to the influence of different average sand grain diameter dm\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$d_{m}$$\\end{document}. However, the soil type tends to change continuously during the loading process, making it difficult to obtain the dm\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$d_{m}$$\\end{document} by measurement or calculation. In this paper, combined with the existing simplified one-dimensional sedimentation model and simulated loading data, the Bootstrap Particle Filter (BPF), Gaussian Particle Swarm Optimized Particle Filter (GPSO-PF), Assisted Particle Filter (APF), Continuous-Discrete Feedback Particle Filter based on the constant feedback gain approximation (CD-FPF-CG) and the Galerkin method feedback gain approximation (CD-FPF-GL) are applied in the numerical simulations for online estimation of important variables such as the average sand grain diameter dm\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$d_{m}$$\\end{document}, the sand bed height hs\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$h_{s}$$\\end{document} and mass ms\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$m_{s}$$\\end{document}, respectively. The simulations results show that the CD-FPF-CG has a higher numerical accuracy and efficiency than the BPF, GPSO-PF, APF and CD-FPF-GL. Therefore, the CD-FPF-CG is used to estimate the above important variables for the actual vessel and the initial value of the average sand grain diameter dm\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$d_{m}$$\\end{document} for the CD-FPF-CG is determined via Simulated Annealing Multiple Population Genetic Algorithm (SAMPGA).

A Strategy for Reliable Cargo Loading of Low-Pressure Liquid Carbon Dioxide Carriers

This study addresses the control challenges associated with loading low-pressure liquid carbon dioxide carriers (LCO2Cs), which are crucial components of the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) chain. It explores the need for stable pressure and temperature control to prevent dry ice formation and ensure efficient cargo handling. The research employed HYSYS dynamic simulations to assess three different control strategies. The simulations assessed each strategy’s effectiveness in maintaining stable operating conditions and preventing risks, such as dry ice formation and valve blockages. The study concluded by examining the necessity of pressurization for safe and efficient LCO2 loading and by determining which control strategy is most effective and reliable based on the simulation outcomes. Among the three scenarios examined, Case A, which utilized two control valves, exhibited initial instability due to significant flow coefficient differences, resulting in temperature drops below the CO2 triple point and increasing the risk of dry ice formation. Case C, operating without pressurization, experienced severe pressure fluctuations and prolonged exposure to temperatures below the triple point, posing risks of valve blockages. In contrast, Case B, which uses a remote pressure-reducing valve and a control valve, demonstrated the most stable performance, effectively avoiding dry ice formation and pressure fluctuations, making it the most reliable method for safe LCO2 cargo loading.

Supramolecular nanomedicine targeted therapy for tumor treatment

Abstract. In recent years, the incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) has been increasing significantly and showing a trend of younger age. With the advent of new therapies, the median overall survival of patients with MM has improved, but some still relapse early or even pass away. Meanwhile, chemotherapy drugs such as Bortezomib (BTZ) used in patients bring great pain to them because of its non-targeting. Based on this, this paper explores a supramolecular nanomedicine with targeted therapeutic effect on tumors and evaluates the potential of this drug to form new supramolecular nanomedicine. The drug is a combination of BTZ, the natural polyphenol Caffeic Acid (CA), and iron ion (Fe3+), a supramolecular design that brings many advantages to cancer treatment systems, including efficient drug loading, excellent biodegradability and bio-compatibility. Studies have shown that this supramolecular nanomedicine can effectively reduce the killing effect of chemotherapy BTZ on normal cells. This kind of supramolecular nanomedicine provides a new idea for the construction of tumor targeting drugs and is also hopeful to be applied to more chemotherapy drugs.

Comparative efficacy of Knema retusa extract delivery via PEG-b-PCL, niosome, and their combination against Acanthamoeba triangularis genotype T4: characterization, inhibition, anti-adhesion, and cytotoxic activity.

Acanthamoeba spp. is a waterborne, opportunistic protozoan that can cause amebic keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Knema retusa is a native tree in Malaysia, and its extracts possess a broad range of biological activities. Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicle formations and suggest a future targeted drug delivery system. Copolymer micelle (poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ɛ-caprolactone); PEG-b-PCL) is also a key constituent of niosome and supports high stability and drug efficacy. To establish Knema retusa extract (KRe) loading in diverse nanocarriers via niosome, PEG-b-PCL micelle, and their combination and to study the effect of all types of nanoparticles (NPs) on Acanthamoeba viability, adherent ability, elimination of adherence, and cytotoxicity. In this study, we characterized niosomes, PEG-b-PCL, and their combination loaded with KRe and tested the effect of these NPs on Acanthamoeba triangularis stages. KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL, KRe-loaded niosome, and KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL plus niosome were synthesized and characterized regarding particle size and charge, yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading content (DLC). The effect of these KRe-loaded NPs on trophozoite and cystic forms of A.triangularis was assessed through assays of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), using trypan blue exclusion to determine the viability. The effect of KRe-loaded NPs was also determined on A.triangularis trophozoite for 24-72 h. Additionally, the anti-adhesion activity of the KRe-loaded niosome on trophozoites was also performed on a 96-well plate. Cytotoxicity activity of KRe-loaded NPs was assessed on VERO and HaCaT cells using MTT assay. KRe-loaded niosome demonstrated a higher yielded (87.93 ±6.03%) at 286nm UV-Vis detection and exhibited a larger size (199.3 ±29.98 nm) and DLC (19.63±1.84%) compared to KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL (45.2 ±10.07 nm and 2.15±0.25%). The EE (%) of KRe-loaded niosome was 63.67 ±4.04, which was significantly lower than that of the combination of PEG-b-PCL and niosome (79.67±2.08). However, the particle charge of these NPs was similar (-28.2 ±3.68 mV and -28.5 ±4.88, respectively). Additionally, KRe-loaded niosome and KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL plus niosome exhibited a lower MIC at 24 h (0.25 mg/mL), inhibiting 90-100% of Acanthamoeba trophozoites which lasted 72 h. KRe-loaded niosome affected adherence by around 40-60% at 0.125-0.25 mg/mL and removed Acanthamoeba adhesion on the surface by about 90% at 0.5 mg/mL. Cell viability of VERO and HaCaT cells treated with 0.125 mg/mL of KRe-loaded niosome and KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL plus niosome exceeded 80%. Indeed, niosome and niosome plus PEG-b-PCL were suitable nanocarrier-loaded KRe, and they had a greater nanoparticle property to test with high activities against A. triangularis on the reduction of adherence ability and demonstration of its low toxicity to VERO and HaCaT cells.

One-step on-chip preparation of nanoparticle-conjugated red blood cell carriers

Red blood cell (RBC)-based carriers have emerged as promising vehicles for drug delivery due to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Traditional methods for loading nanoparticles (NPs) onto RBC surfaces often involve labor-intensive processes like incubation and multiple centrifugation steps, limiting their practicality and controllability. In this study, we introduce a fully integrated acoustofluidic platform that enables one-step preparation of NP-loaded RBC carriers with controlled modification and on-site purification. By incorporating a high-frequency bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator into a microfluidic chip, we utilize acoustic streaming effects to manipulate the movement and interaction of RBCs and NPs within the microchannel. This design allows for precise control over NP loading efficiency by adjusting the input power to the resonator. Experimental results using 200 nm positively charged fluorescent NPs demonstrate that our platform significantly enhances the interaction between RBCs and NPs, achieving efficient and controllable surface loading of NPs onto RBCs. Furthermore, the platform simplifies post-processing by directing excess NPs to waste outlets, eliminating the need for repetitive washing and centrifugation. This acoustofluidics approach not only automates the loading process but also offers high controllability, highlighting its potential for various applications in particle and cell surface modification.

Pathways to commercial building plug and process load efficiency and control

To accomplish net-zero carbon emissions in the built environment by 2050, we must equitably decarbonize commercial buildings, including reducing plug and process loads (PPLs). PPLs are plug-in or hardwired electric and gas loads that are not associated with major building end uses like lighting and HVAC. Research shows PPL energy reduction strategies and control technologies have the potential to save energy. But even when implemented, these savings have rarely been achieved and there has not been widespread uptake in U.S. commercial buildings. We investigate why these technologies and strategies have not seen widespread adoption and identify behavior and technology pathways to increase PPL reduction in U.S. commercial buildings. We examined behaviors of commercial building stakeholders through 44 interviews and cross-referenced qualitative analysis findings with in-depth technical knowledge of existing PPL control technologies and reduction strategies. PPL control implementation must be paired with management strategies, such as occupant engagement and training, to achieve optimal savings, and best practices should be disseminated across the industry. We found that increasing access to cost and energy savings data will promote uptake of PPL control technologies and allow designers to better incorporate PPLs into building design. Improving access to funding for PPL energy efficiency projects and addressing the split-incentive problem will increase adoption of PPL efficiency and control. Code bodies should continue to include PPL monitoring and reduction measures in energy codes. Key building stakeholders, including cybersecurity and information technology teams, should be involved in PPL monitoring and reduction strategy processes for successful implementation.

Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) micelles as potential nanocarriers for donepezil

Polymeric micelles were prepared for the delivery of donepezil, a leading Alzheimer’s disease drug, to enhance its transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Empty and donepezil loaded polymer micelles were formed using the dialysis method and characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Drug loading efficiency and release behavior were monitored using UV/Vis spectroscopy, and cytotoxicity was evaluated via colorimetric tests and impedance measurements. Additionally, the permeability of the nanocarriers across an in vitro BBB culture model was assessed. Drug-loaded micelles demonstrated similar permeability to free donepezil but offered sustained release and improved stability. This micellar delivery system holds significant potential for improving therapeutic outcomes in Alzheimer’s treatment by enhancing donepezil’s delivery across the BBB. Improved BBB permeability and sustained drug release could lead to more effective concentration of the drug in the brain, potentially reducing peripheral cholinergic side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, often observed with traditional donepezil administration. This could result in better patient compliance and improved cognitive outcomes, making this nanocarrier system a promising alternative for Alzheimer’s therapy.

Capsaicin-Loaded Melanin Nanoparticles for Long-Lasting Nociceptive-Selective Nerve Blockade.

Clinically used amino-ester and amino-amide local anesthetics, such as bupivacaine and lidocaine, face two primary challenges: inadequate duration of action and nonselective action on both sensory and motor neurons, resulting in motor function loss alongside pain relief. In this work, we developed capsaicin-loaded melanin nanoparticles (Cap-MNPs) to address these two challenges. Capsaicin selectively acts on sensory neurons without affecting motor neurons, thereby achieving nociceptive-selective nerve blockade. Melanin is known for its exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, and abundance in pigmented human tissue. Melanin's inherent chemical structure and hydrophobic nature enable the encapsulation and sustained release of amino-ester and amino-amide local anesthetics with aromatic rings through π-π interactions and hydrophobic interactions. The drug loading efficiency of Cap-MNPs was 82.99 ± 1.55%, the drug loading capacity was 67.47 ± 4.24%, and capsaicin was continuously released for more than 360 h. In rats, a single injection of Cap-MNPs containing 8.04 mg of capsaicin produced a sciatic sensory nerve block lasting for 6 h without causing any local toxicity and capsaicin-related systemic toxicity. Cap-MNPs show promise as clinically useful therapeutics for pain management.

Acclimatation of Microbial Biomass to Effluents From a Swine Slaughterhouse in Batch Reactors

Objective: To evaluate the acclimatization of microbial biomass in sequential reactors to optimize the treatment of wastewater from pig slaughterhouses. Theoretical framework: The meat industry generates highly contaminated wastewater. Biological treatments, such as aerobic and anaerobic systems, are more efficient and sustainable than physicochemical ones. Materials and methods: Industrial effluents were collected in a pig slaughterhouse and then characterized. The microbial biomass was collected from the same slaughterhouse and was subjected to an acclimatization process in a sequential batch reactor. Results and discussion: The results showed that the wastewater from the pig slaughterhouse had high levels of BOD, COD and suspended solids, exceeding the limits established by local regulations. During the acclimatization process, the microbial biomass demonstrated a gradual improvement in its COD removal capacity, reaching efficiencies greater than 70%. The positive correlation observed between volumetric organic load and organic matter removal efficiency indicates that acclimated biomass has a greater capacity to treat effluents with high levels of organic load. Research implications: Biomass acclimatization is essential to improve the efficiency of biological treatment in slaughterhouse effluents, reducing its environmental impact and the need for costly treatments. Value/originality: This study proposes a more sustainable and efficient solution for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater, highlighting the importance of biomass acclimatization.

Dynamic characteristics and transmission efficiency of energy-harvesting shock absorber with low speed and heavy duty capacity

Traditional hydraulic shock absorbers commonly encounter challenges such as cavitation, oil leakage, and the management of energy dissipation. The proposed regenerative shock absorber, which utilizes a ball screw mechanism, offers advantages such as high efficiency and heavy load capacity. This paper focuses on the design, modeling, and testing of a mechatronic shock absorber. Virtual prototype simulation techniques are employed to investigate the dynamic behaviors of the shock absorber. The paper presents a systematic efficiency model of a shock absorber, which is based on the ball screw and gearbox mechanisms. The study comprehensively analyzes the effects of rotation speed, axial load, and structure parameters on transmission efficiency. The results demonstrate that a peak power of 38 W can be achieved with a damping force of only 340 N, and the recovery efficiency can reach up to 28%. The experimental test results validate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed dynamic and efficiency models. The originality of this study lies in the development of a novel energy-harvesting shock absorber with a ball screw mechanism in series with a gearbox, which shows excellent energy recovery potential and transmission efficiency under low speed and high duty conditions.

Water-Stable Magnetic Lipiodol Micro-Droplets as a Miniaturized Robotic Tool for Drug Delivery.

Magnetic microrobots, designed to navigate the complex environments of the human body, show promise for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment. However, their clinical adoption faces hurdles such as biocompatibility, precise control, and intelligent tracking. Here a novel formulation (referred to water-stable magnetic lipiodol micro-droplets, MLMD), integrating clinically approved lipiodol, gelatin, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) with a fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationships is presented. This formulation demonstrates multiple improved properties including flowability, shape adaptability, efficient drug loading, and compatibility with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. This enables the MLMD as a versatile tool for image-guided therapy, supported by a close-looped magnetic navigation system featuring artificial intelligence (AI)-driven visual feedback for autonomous control. The system effectively performs navigational tasks, including pinpointing specific locations of MLMD, recognizing and avoiding obstacles, mapping and following predetermined paths, and utilizing magnetic fields for precise motion planning to achieve visual drug delivery. The MLMD combines magnetic actuation with an AI-directed close-looped navigation, offering a transformative platform for targeted therapeutic delivery.