Incorporation Of Polyethylene Glycol Research Articles

Simple, direct amplification of RNA-containing paper discs for diagnosing the hepatitis C virus.

Nucleic acid extraction (NAE) is crucial for molecular diagnostics but presents challenges in point-of-care testing (POCT) and decentralized settings. We developed a streamlined, paper-based NAE method for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA amplification, suitable for integration into POCT and lab-on-a-chip systems. This method uses Fusion 5 paper discs, completing extraction in under 30 min without centrifugation. The nucleic acids on the disc can be directly used or eluted for amplification. We validated this method's compatibility with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), demonstrating versatility across amplification platforms. Clinical evaluation (n = 60) showed 100% sensitivity and specificity with a low detection limit of ~101 IU/mL. Results matched those from standard HCV RQ-PCR, confirming accuracy. Additionally, incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) improves extraction efficiency, eliminating the need for ethanol treatment and washing/drying steps. This modification enhances performance and suitability for field applications. Our paper-based HCV amplification is affordable and user-friendly, making it valuable for decentralized HCV detection and supporting global health initiatives.

Enhancing device characteristics of InP quantum dot LED through structural modification with polyethylene glycol blend

This study explored the integration of polyethylene glycol (PEG) into InP-based quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). By 5 wt% of PEG 400 blended into the QD emission layer (EML), we achieved an enhancement in both current efficiency (100 %) and external quantum efficiency (91 %). X-ray reflectivity revealed significant morphological changes in the QD EML upon PEG incorporation, primarily manifesting as increased thickness in the dense surface region without affecting the total thickness. This adjustment influenced electron density distribution, impacting hole and electron flow. Overall, the addition of PEG not only improved the electrical properties of QD LEDs but also reshaped the internal morphology of the QD EML. Notably, the efficiency improvements observed rival those achieved by integrating traditional hole transport materials into QD EMLs.

In‐Silico Nanomedical Exploration of Mefloquine Drug Transport Using Pegylated Graphene Oxide Nanocarrier

AbstractThis study investigates the in‐silico transport of mefloquine (MQ) by using graphene oxide (GO) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐functionalized GO nanocarriers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to explore the molecular interactions, electronic properties, thermodynamics, and release kinetics of MQ‐GO and MQ‐GO/PEG complexes across different phases and environmental conditions. Results indicate a strong affinity between MQ and both types of nanocarriers, with the adsorption energies ranging from −59.14 to −143.16 kcal mol−1, particularly in acidic environments. This suggests a potential for targeted drug delivery in acidic tumor micro‐environments. The incorporation of PEG, enhances stability and compatibility across phases, with chi interaction parameters of between 1.36 and 28.47, and the energy of mixture values, ranging from 0.80 to 16.86 kcal mol−1. The release time of MQ from the nanocarriers, varies significantly, depending on the adsorption energy, and ranges from 2.03 × 1030 to 6.98 × 1091 milliseconds across different phases, highlighting the need for further optimization of the drug delivery systems. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the design and development of novel nanomedicines, based on MQ and GO nanocarriers, with implications for malaria treatments.

Integrated approach for co-production of bioethanol and light aromatics from lignocellulose through polyethylene glycol-aided acidic glycerol pretreatment

Acid-catalyzed glycerol organosolv (GO) pretreatment is a promising method for lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) fractionation. However, this method often leads to lignin repolymerization, intensifying lignin's inhibitory effects on subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis and limiting the production of highly active lignin, thereby hindering its valorization. This study explored incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) into acidic-catalyzed GO to improve bioethanol and bio-oil yields, with a focus on improving the yield of light aromatics, from LCB. Optimized PEG-aided GO pretreatment achieved a significantly higher bioethanol yield (23.7 g/L) compared to GO (17 g/L) and dilute acid (DA: 11.3 g/L) pretreatments. This improvement is attributed to the ability of PEG to mitigate lignin inhibition and modify the physicochemical properties of the pretreated substrate. Furthermore, thermal pyrolysis of PEG-aided GO lignin, obtained after the fermentation process, resulted in a substantially increased bio-oil yield (45.5 %) compared to GO (19 %) and DA (12 %). The enhanced bio-oil yield from PEG-aided GO lignin is ascribed to the promotion of β-O-4 linkages and the formation of β-O-4′ linkages. Characterization of the pyrolysis bio-oil revealed that light aromatic compounds were the dominant fraction, with their relative abundance significantly increasing from DA (5.9 %) to GO (9.7 %) and PEG-aided GO lignin (24.9 %). The PEG-aided GO method achieved an energy output of 8.85 MJ/kg, exceeding that of the GO and DA methods by 31 % and 57 %, respectively. The energy conversion efficiency of the PEG-aided GO method was 70 %, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to GO (57 %) and DA (51 %). This approach promotes the circular economy by upcycling LCB for bioethanol and valuable light aromatic compound production.

High‐Voltage Catholyte for High‐Energy‐Density Nonaqueous Redox Flow Battery

AbstractRedox flow batteries (RFBs) with high energy densities are essential for efficient and sustainable long‐term energy storage on a grid scale. To advance the development of nonaqueous RFBs with high energy densities, a new organic RFB system employing a molecularly engineered tetrathiafulvalene derivative ((PEG3/PerF)‐TTF) as a high energy density catholyte was developed. A synergistic approach to the molecular design of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) was applied, with the incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains, which enhance its solubility in organic carbonate electrolytes, and a perfluoro (PerF) group to increase its redox potential. When paired with a lithium metal anode, the two‐electron‐active (PEG3/PerF)‐TTF catholyte produced a cell voltage of 3.56 V for the first redox process and 3.92 V for the second redox process. In cyclic voltammetry and flow cell tests, the redox chemistry exhibited excellent cycling stability. The Li|(PEG3/PerF)‐TTF batteries, with concentrations of 0.1 M and 0.5 M, demonstrated capacity retention rates of ~94 % (99.87 % per cycle, 97.52 % per day) and 90 % (99.93 % per cycle, 99.16 % per day), and the average Coulombic efficiencies of 99.38 % and 98.35 %, respectively. The flow cell achieved a high power density of 129 mW/cm2. Furthermore, owing to the high redox potential and solubility of (PEG3/PerF)‐TTF, the flow cell attained a high operational energy density of 72 Wh/L (100 Wh/L theoretical). A 0.75 M flow cell exhibited an even higher operational energy density of 96 Wh/L (150 Wh/L theoretical).

Flexible nanoplatform facilitates antibacterial phototherapy by simultaneously enhancing photosensitizer permeation and relieving hypoxia in bacterial biofilms

Antimicrobial phototherapy has gained recognition as a promising approach for addressing bacterial biofilms, however, its effectiveness is often impeded by the robust physical and chemical defenses of the biofilms. Traditional antibacterial nanoplatforms face challenges in breaching the extracellular polymeric substances barrier to efficiently deliver photosensitizers deep into biofilms. Moreover, the prevalent hypoxia within biofilms restricts the success of oxygen-reliant phototherapy. In this study, we engineered a soft mesoporous organosilica nanoplatform (SMONs) by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG), catalase (CAT), and indocyanine green (ICG), forming SMONs-PEG-CAT-ICG (SPCI). We compared the antimicrobial efficacy of SPCI with more rigid nanoplatforms. Our results demonstrated that unique flexible mechanical properties of SPCI enable it to navigate through biofilm barriers, markedly enhancing ICG penetration in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms. Notably, in a murine subcutaneous MRSA biofilm infection model, SPCI showed superior biofilm penetration and pharmacokinetic benefits over its rigid counterparts. The embedded catalase in SPCI effectively converts excess H2O2 present in infected tissues into O2, alleviating hypoxia and significantly boosting the antibacterial performance of phototherapy. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that SPCI surpasses traditional rigid nanoplatforms in overcoming biofilm barriers, offering improved treatment outcomes for infections associated with bacterial biofilms. This study presents a viable strategy for managing bacterial biofilm-induced diseases by leveraging the unique attributes of a soft mesoporous organosilica-based nanoplatform. Statement of significanceThis research introduces an innovative antimicrobial phototherapy soft nanoplatform that overcomes the inherent limitations posed by the protective barriers of bacterial biofilms. By soft nanoplatform with flexible mechanical properties, we enhance the penetration and delivery of photosensitizers into biofilms. The inclusion of catalase within this soft nanoplatform addresses the hypoxia in biofilms by converting hydrogen peroxide into oxygen in infected tissues, thereby amplifying the antibacterial effectiveness of phototherapy. Compared to traditional rigid nanoplatforms, this flexible nanoplatform not only promotes the delivery of therapeutic agents but also sets a new direction for treating bacterial biofilm infections, offering significant implications for future antimicrobial therapies.

Separation performance of cationic and anionic dyes from water using polyvinylidene fluoride-based ultrafiltration membrane incorporating polyethylene glycol

Membrane separation shows high performance in the dye’s removal at nanofiltration conditions. Pinpointing the problems accompanying using high pressure in the nanofiltration process sparks increased interest among investigators to tackle this important point. This work tackles the problem of using the nanofiltration process to remove intermediate molecular weight dyes by decorating new functionalized membranes working at ultrafiltration conditions. Flat sheet ultrafiltration membranes were successfully prepared by the phase inversion technique from polymeric solutions containing 16, 18, and 20 wt% of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and N, N-dimethyl formamide as a solvent. The prepared membranes were tested using rhodamine B (RhB) dye as a model pollutant at different transmembrane pressures of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bar. Optimistic permeability, permeate flux, and dye removal were obtained using 18 wt% of PVDF. This membrane was developed with different polyethylene glycol (PEG) contents of 3, 6, and 9 wt% to improve the hydrophilicity and permeability of the membrane surface at low pressure. The morphology analysis, elemental composition, and surface functional groups of the pure and modified membranes were examined. The effect of dye concentration and pH of the feed solution on the permeate flux and RhB removal was studied using an 18 wt% PVDF membrane containing 6 wt% of PEG. The results showed that incorporating 6 wt% of PEG in the 18 wt% PVDF casting solution reduced the CA from 78.85° for pure PVDF to 62.08° and enhanced the permeability from 7.16 L/m2.h for pure PVDF to 74.72 L/m2.h at 1 bar and initial RhB concentration of 10 mg/L. While RhB dye removal slightly decreased from 93.08 % for pure PVDF to 91.26 %. The results showcased the potential efficiency of the (6 wt%)PEG/(18 wt%)PVDF membrane for dye separation from water. Also, molecular weight cut-off was evaluated using RhB as a cationic dye, acid orange 10, and congo red as anionic dyes and it was 478 Da.

Unveiling zirconium phytate-heteropolyacids-ionic liquids membranes for PEM fuel cells applications up to 150 °C

In the context of escalating energy demands and the pressing issues of climate change, fuel cells emerge as a pivotal, economically feasible, and environmentally sound renewable energy alternative. This study highlights the importance of fuel cells, specifically focusing on high-temperature and Nafion-free membranes. Membranes composed of zirconium phytate, silicotungstic acid, polyethylene glycol, and ionic liquids employing porous polytetrafluoroethylene polymer for support are reported. Investigating varying ratios of silicotungstic acid, polyethylene glycol, and ionic liquids, electrochemical spectroscopy revealed heightened proton conductivity upon ionic liquids integration. Initially, the unmodified zirconium phytate membrane demonstrated a conductivity of 6.65 × 10−4 S/cm, escalating tenfold (2.23 × 10−3 S/cm) with silicotungstic acid addition. Further enhancements, such as incorporating polyethylene glycol, led to an increase in the conductivity to 3.81 × 10−2 S/cm. The maximum conductivity value obtained in this work (0.1 S/cm), comparable to Nafion, was achieved with 5.86 wt% of the 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide. Testing at elevated temperatures up to 150 °C revealed a drop in conductivity by two orders of magnitude (10−3 S/cm), highlighting their remarkable conductive properties. Additionally, water uptake analysis demonstrated the membranes' ability to retain more than 60 wt% water molecules within their matrix. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis revealed the thermal stability of membranes at high temperatures up to 600 °C. These findings strongly indicate that these synthesized membranes possess considerable potential for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications.

Biodegradable electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)/polyethylene glycol/bioactive glass composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

The field of tissue engineering has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the pursuit of innovative solutions to address the challenges of bone regeneration. In this study, we developed an electrospun composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering. The composite scaffold is made of a blend of poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), with the incorporation of calcined and lyophilized silicate-chlorinated bioactive glass (BG) particles. Our investigation involved a comprehensive characterization of the scaffold's physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, alongside an evaluation of its biological efficacy employing alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The incorporation of PEG and BG resulted in elevated swelling ratios, consequently enhancing hydrophilicity. Thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the efficient incorporation of BG, with the scaffolds demonstrating thermal stability up to 250°C. Mechanical testing revealed enhanced tensile strength and Young's modulus in the presence of BG; however, the elongation at break decreased. Cell viability assays demonstrated improved cytocompatibility, especially in the PLCL/PEG+BG group. Alizarin red staining indicated enhanced osteoinductive potential, and fluorescence analysis confirmed increased cell adhesion in the PLCL/PEG+BG group. Our findings suggest that the PLCL/PEG/BG composite scaffold holds promise as an advanced biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.

Blended Membrane of Polyethylene‐Glycol‐Grafted‐PIM‐1 and Tröger's Base Polymer for the Separation of Pentose and Hexose

AbstractMonosaccharides are vital building blocks in bioengineering applications; however, their extraction from intricate mixtures is challenging and uses substantial amounts of energy. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) offer an innovative avenue for separating monosaccharides. We modified PIM‐1membranes to improve the glucose/xylose separation by incorporating polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG). The optimal mPEG (molecular weight: 1000 Da; mass fraction: 2.5 %; solvent: methanol) delivered a xylose separation coefficient of 2.62. With the hybrid membrane of PIM‐1‐mPEG (50 w.t.%) and hydrophilic Tröger's base polymerer (DMBP‐TB, 50 w.t.%), the separation factor for xylose/glucose in an aqueous solution was 2.51 for single‐stage running and 11.32 after five‐stage running. There are large fractions of micropores for PIM‐1‐mPEG, and there is difference on solute‐membrane interactions for pentose/hexose, which are regarded to be the main driving force for the high pentose/hexose selectivity in methanol. The blending of PIM‐1‐mPEG and DMBP‐TB, integrates the microporosity and hydrophilicity, finally endues the high pentose/hexose selectivity in aqueous solution. These microporous membranes are promising materials for efficiently separating monosaccharides and jnl> small organic molecules while minimizing energy consumption. We established a solid foundation for further exploring microporous membranes for various applications, notably in bioengineering.

Double in-situ lignin modification in surfactant-assisted glycerol organosolv pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse towards efficient enzymatic hydrolysis

Organosolv pretreatment effectively fractionates lignocellulosic biomass for efficient enzymatic hydrolysis, yielding fermentable sugars. However, substantial lignin redeposition on the substrate surface and residual lignin content exacerbate lignin’s inhibitory effects on subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. An in-situ lignin modification is proposed to address this challenge by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) series into glycerol organosolv (GO) pretreatment. According to the results obtained, PEG-assisted GO pretreated substrate exhibited significantly increased sugar yield during enzymatic hydrolysis, particularly with PEG 4000, showing 35.4% higher glucose yield over 72 h. The improved glucose yield with PEG could be attributed to changes in the physicochemical structure and properties of residual lignin, mitigating its non-productive interaction with cellulase enzymes. PEG's presence in GO pretreatment also increased β-O-4 linkages preservation by 55% and reduced phenolic hydroxyl groups by 28% in lignin fragments versus no surfactants. This outcome resulted from introducing glycerol and PEG hydroxyl tails into the lignin structure, forming α-etherified lignin and rendering it more hydrophilic. Simulations confirmed strong Van Der Waals and hydrogen bonding interactions between lignin units and PEG, hindering lignin fragments repolymerization. Incorporating PEG in the organosolv pretreatment proves highly beneficial for cellulase-mediated lignocellulosic biorefinery, resembling a lignin-first strategy. The optimized process enables efficient biomass utilization for sustainable fuels and chemicals production.

Synthesis and characterization of an innovative sodium alginate/flaxseed gum green hydrogel for forward osmosis desalination

Recently, fresh water resources have been limited globally. Thus, desalination has been the most recommended solution to overcome this issue. Forward osmosis (FO) is an affordable and developing desalination technique. In this current study, a cutting-edge green hydrogel was prepared from a polymer blend of flaxseed gum (FG) and sodium alginate using epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a crosslinker and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a semi-interpenetrating network polymer. The impact of PEG incorporation on the hydrogel’s response was investigated, and the influence of different mass contents of FG and ECH on the swelling measurements of the hydrogel was studied to optimize the composition of the hydrogel. The optimum hydrogel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction and the compressive strength test. Furthermore, the behavior of the present hydrogel was examined as a draw agent in a batch FO unit. The water flux and the reverse solute flux were measured at various values of average hydrogel particle size and feed solution (FS) temperature and concentration. The optimal hydrogel of 0.3 PEG/polymer blend mass ratio, 12% FG, and 0.95 ECH/polymer blend mass ratio exhibits a swelling ratio (%) of 1800 after an hour and an equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR) (%) of 5300. The results of the FO experiments revealed that raising FS temperature and reducing FS concentration and average hydrogel particle size enhance water flux.

Plastic composite of bamboo charcoal stabilized polyethylene glycol with thermal energy storage and temperature regulation for building energy efficiency

AbstractPhase change materials (PCMs) are often used as building materials to reduce the energy consumption. However, conventional PCMs are susceptible to leakage and have a short service life. To solve this problem, thermal energy storage (TES) composites were fabricated by using bamboo charcoal (BC) encapsulating polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the PCM and low density polyethylene (LDPE) as the matrix. The shape and structure of BC and BC‐plastic composites were examined using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry (TG), and infrared thermography were used to characterize the manufactured TES composites. Physical and mechanical strength assessments were also conducted. The results demonstrated that: (1) BC possessed a rich void structure with a porosity of 61.4%, which could be used to adsorb PEG and the composites was a combination of PEG, BC, and LDPE with no chemical reaction; (2) thermal tests demonstrated that the composites exhibited favorable temperature regulation properties, featuring a maximum latent heat capacity of 29.1 J/g along with suitable phase change temperatures, yet thermal durability needs to be improved much further, addition of PEG reduced thermal conductivity of the composite from 0.38 to 0.34 W/mK; (3) the addition of PEG was beneficial for the impact strength but had a negative impact on the flexural and tensile properties; and (4) due to their satisfactory thermal performance and acceptable mechanical properties, these TES composites can be effectively utilized as building materials for temperature control purposes.Highlights Bamboo charcoal (BC) had a large number of pores that can encapsulate polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG/BC performed satisfactory latent heat. Low density polyethylene was used as the matrix to realize the second encapsulation of phase change material. Thermal energy storage composites had excellent stability and good heat storage capacity. PEG incorporation negatively affected flexural and tensile properties.

Improvement of the mechanical and shape memory properties in polylactide/polyethylene glycol blends by reactive graphene oxide

The widespread application of biodegradable polylactide (PLA) is hindered by its brittleness. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly utilized as a plasticizer because of its favorable compatibility with PLA. However, the incorporation of PEG considerably diminishes the tensile strength of PLA. To address this issue, reactive isocyanate-modified graphene oxide (mGO) was synthesized and used as an enhancer in PLA/PEG blends. By virtue of the reaction between the isocyanate group in mGO and the terminal hydroxyl groups of PLA and PEG, graphene-based polyurethane (PU) in-situ formed and enhanced the interface between GO and the matrix. Consequently, the PLA/PEG/mGO composites exhibit simultaneously improved tensile and impact strengths, achieving an increase of 20.6% and 29.4%, respectively, compared to PLA/PEG blends. Moreover, the in situ formed PU reduces the relaxation time of the molecule motion and improved the entanglement density, thereby improving the shape-memory recovery rate and final recovery degree of the composites. This work provides a facile method to simultaneously improve the dispersion of GO and enhance its interface with polymer, thereby supplying well comprehensive properties of PLA and extending the applications of biodegradable polymers.

Cerasome Versus Liposome: A Comparative Pharmacokinetic Analysis Following Intravenous Administration into Rats.

Cerasomes, due to their external siloxane network, demonstrate markedly higher physicochemical stability and, therefore, easier handling and storage than liposomes. The main objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of cerasome and liposome following intravenous administration. The PK of PEGylated and non-PEGylated cerasomes was also compared to see whether the presence of a hydrophilic siloxane network on the surface of cerasomes can play the role of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in increasing the blood circulation of these vesicles. Silver sulfide (Ag2S) quantum dots (Qds)-loaded PEGylated and non-PEGylated cerasomes and PEGylated liposomes were fabricated and thoroughly characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro stability. For pharmacokinetic evaluation, the free Qds and the selected formulations were intravenously injected into rats, and blood samples were collected for up to 72 hours. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by the non-compartmental method. Both cerasomal and liposomal carriers significantly improved the PK of Qds. For example, the elimination half-life (t1/2) and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to time infinity (AUC0-∞) for the free Qds were 4.39 h and 8.01 µg/mL*h and for cerasomal and liposomal formulations were 28.82 versus 26.95 h and 73.25 versus 62.02 µg/mL*h, respectively. However, compared to each other, the plasma concentration-time profiles of PEGylated cerasomes and liposomes displayed similar patterns, and the statistical comparison of their pharmacokinetic parameters did not show any significant difference between the two types of carriers. For PEGylated cerasomes, t1/2 and AUC0-∞ values were respectively 1.6 and 3.3 times greater than the classic cerasome, indicating that despite the presence of a hydrophilic siloxane network, the incorporation of PEG is necessary to reduce the clearance of cerasomes. The comparable PK of PEGylated cerasomes and liposomes, along with the higher physicochemical stability of cerasomes, can be considered an important advantage for the clinical application of cerasomes. Additionally, the easy surface functionalizing ability of cerasomes confers a dual advantage over liposomes. The study findings also showed that the presence of a hydrophilic siloxane network on the surface of cerasomes alone is not enough to make them circulate long.

Hydrophilic nanofibers with aligned topography modulate macrophage-mediated host responses via the NLRP3 inflammasome

Successful biomaterial implantation requires appropriate immune responses. Macrophages are key mediators involved in this process. Currently, exploitation of the intrinsic properties of biomaterials to modulate macrophages and immune responses is appealing. In this study, we prepared hydrophilic nanofibers with an aligned topography by incorporating polyethylene glycol and polycaprolactone using axial electrospinning. We investigated the effect of the nanofibers on macrophage behavior and the underlying mechanisms. With the increase of hydrophilicity of aligned nanofibers, the inflammatory gene expression of macrophages adhering to them was downregulated, and M2 polarization was induced. We further presented clear evidence that the inflammasome NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) was the cellular sensor by which macrophages sense the biomaterials, and it acted as a regulator of the macrophage-mediated response to foreign bodies and implant integration. In vivo, we showed that the fibers shaped the implant-related immune microenvironment and ameliorated peritendinous adhesions. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that hydrophilic aligned nanofibers exhibited better biocompatibility and immunological properties.

Improved bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp-based tissue papers incorporating wet-strength resins

Abstract Common tissue paper manufacturing trends aim at partial or total replacement of softwood pulp with hardwood pulp for its production, such as bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), in order to optimize the process and the final product properties such as softness. However, the use of a single type of hardwood fiber results in lower strengths of both wet and dry webs. To maintain necessary strength and desired properties, the incorporation of several additives is often required. In this context, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) and different wet strength resins, such as polyamideamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) and glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM) resins, were combined to achieve an innovated product with improved properties. In particular, wet and dry tensile strength was significantly improved when combining PEG and wet strength resins, especially observed in tissue papers prepared with PAE resin, high-charge cationic agent and bulk applied aqueous PEG solution. Noteworthy that water absorption capacity and softness of tissue paper were not critically affected by PEG incorporation, regardless of application method used (in bulk or by spray).

Green synthesis of polyvinylidene fluoride ultrafiltration membrane with upgraded hydrophilicity

The use of Cyrene™ as an alternative non-toxic solvent to produce a PVDF-based ultrafiltration membrane was investigated in this study. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were used as organic additives to explore its ability to improve membrane hydrophilicity. The additives were introduced into the casting solution via phase inversion with a combined non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) and evaporation-induced phase separation (EIPS) technique. The prepared membranes were characterized to examine its morphology, mechanical properties, and filtration performance. The results show that the addition of PEG and PVP has proven able to improve the membrane hydrophilicity with the lowest contact angle of 76.81° achieved from the addition of PEG with concentration 3 wt%. However, the nascent membranes were not adequate enough, in terms of its mechanical properties, to undergo performance tests due to its very brittle nature. The overall results from this study demonstrate a great potential as a proposed method of utilizing Cyrene™ as a choice of green solvent to fabricate PVDF-based ultrafiltration membrane with the incorporation of PEG and PVP as organic additives.

High Affinity and FAP-Targeted Radiotracers: A Potential Design Strategy to Improve the Pharmacokinetics and Tumor Uptake for FAP Inhibitors.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts, making it an attractive target for both imaging and therapy of malignancy. This study presents a range of novel FAP inhibitors derived from amino derivatives of UAMC1110, incorporating polyethylene glycol and bulky groups containing bifunctional DOTA chelators. The compounds labeled with gallium-68 were developed and characterized to study biodistribution properties and tumor-targeting performance in nude mice bearing U87MG tumor xenografts. Several tracers of interest were screened due to the advantages in imaging and tumor-specific uptake. Positron emission tomography scans revealed that polyethylene glycol-modified 68Ga-3-3 had a rapid penetration within the neoplastic tissue and excellent tumor-to-background contrast. In a comparative biodistribution study, naphthalene-modified 68Ga-6-3 exhibited more significant tumor uptake (∼50% ID/g, 1 h p.i.) than 68Ga-3-3 and 10-fold higher than 68Ga-FAPI-04 under the same conditions. Remarkably, 68Ga-8-1, combining the two structural design strategies, obtains superior imaging performance.

Preparation and Characterization of Novel Membrane from Waste Polyethylene terephthalate and Bio-based Polymer

A large amount of post-consumer Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle waste could be recycled for downstream products. In this work, used PET bottles were utilized as a raw material to develop environmentally-friendly ultrafiltration membranes by phase inversion technique. Poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), prepared from a sustainable bio-based monomer, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), was blended into rPET matrix to improve the mechanical properties of the membrane. Ethanol was also used as a non-solvent in a coagulation bath and polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a molecular weight of 400 Da was added as a hydrophilic additive. The effects of PEF and PEG incorporation to waste PET-based membranes have been thoroughly studied. The morphology of obtained membrane was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The membrane’s permeation and resistance were tested using a pressure-driven dead-end membrane module. The result revealed that adding PEF increased the roughness of the membrane surface, which lowered the flux recovery ratio and rejection performance. However, the filtration performance and the membrane resistance could be improved by adjusting the content of the PEG additive.