Physicochemical Research Articles

Insight Into Factors Influencing the Aggregation Process in Wild-Type and P66R Mutant SOD1: Computational andSpectroscopic Approaches.

Disturbances in metal ion homeostasis associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been described for several years, but the exact mechanism of involvement is not well understood. To elucidate the role of metalation in superoxide dismutase (SOD1) misfolding and aggregation, we comprehensively characterized the structural features (apo/holo forms) of WT-SOD1 and P66R mutant in loop IV. Using computational and experimental methodologies, we assessed the physicochemical properties of these variants and their correlation with protein aggregation at the molecular level. Modifications in apo-SOD1 compared to holo-SOD1 were more pronounced in flexibility, stability, hydrophobicity, and intramolecular interactions, as indicated by molecular dynamics simulations. The enzymatic activities of holo/apo-WT SOD1 were 1.30 and 1.88-fold of the holo/apo P66R mutant, respectively. Under amyloid-inducing conditions, decreased ANS fluorescence intensity in the apo-form relative to the holo-form suggested pre-fibrillar species and amyloid aggregate growth due to occluded hydrophobic pockets. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that apo-WT-SOD1 and apo-P66R exhibited a mixture of parallel and intermolecular β-sheet structures, indicative of aggregation propensity. Aggregate species were identified using TEM, Congo red staining, and ThT/ANS fluorescence spectroscopy. Thermodynamic analyses with GdnHCl demonstrated that metal deficit, mutation, and intramolecular disulfide bond reduction are essential for initiating SOD1 misfolding and aggregation. These disruptions destabilize the dimer-monomer equilibrium, promoting dimer dissociation into monomers and decreasing the thermodynamic stability of SOD1 variants, thus facilitating amyloid/amorphous aggregate formation. Our findings offer novel insights into protein aggregation mechanisms in disease pathology and highlight potential therapeutic strategies against toxic protein aggregation, including SOD1.

Physicochemical property and microbial community characteristics of the casing soil for cultivating Oudemansiella raphanipes

BackgroundCasing soil is critical for the cultivation process of Oudemansiella raphanipes and promotes the formation of mushroom fruiting bodies. Therefore, reliable casing soil indicators are crucial for obtaining high yields of high-quality mushrooms.MethodsIn this study, soil enzyme activity, physicochemical properties, and microorganisms at five cultivation stages [namely casing (A1), mycelial (A2), primordial (A3), fruiting (A4), and harvesting (A5)] of O. raphanipes cultivation were evaluated in casing soils.ResultsThe results indicated that sucrase and catalase activities were significantly increased with increasing cultivation time (p < 0.01), and the activities peaked [16.67 and 0.25 g/(g·h), respectively] at A4. Urease activity peaked [1.56 g/(g·h)] at A1, and it decreased gradually (p < 0.01). Polyphenol oxidase activity was significantly higher at A2 [0.95 g/(g·h)] than at the other stages and was significantly lower at A1 [0.06 g/(g·h)]. Soil pH peaked at A1 (8.20) and decreased gradually (p = 0.003). Soil total organic carbon content increased significantly with increasing cultivation time (p < 0.001) and was the highest at A5 (8.40 g/kg). The available phosphorus at A1 (0.40 g/kg) was significantly higher than those at the other stages (p = 0.004), and the available nitrogen at A1 (0.28 g/kg) and A3 (0.26 g/kg) was significantly higher than those at the other stages (p < 0.001). The number and diversity of bacteria and fungi in soil increased gradually, and nine bacterial and four fungal genera were identified.ConclusionThis study offers soil characteristic and microbial community data for O. raphanipes casing soil at different cultivation stages, which could facilitate sustainable cultivation of O. raphanipes and reduction of live contaminants.

An updated AL-base reveals ranked enrichment of immunoglobulin light chain variable genes in AL amyloidosis

Background Each monoclonal antibody light chain associated with AL amyloidosis has a unique sequence. Defining how these sequences drive amyloid deposition could facilitate faster diagnosis and lead to new treatments. Methods Light chain sequences are collected in the AL-Base repository. Monoclonal sequences from AL amyloidosis, multiple myeloma and the healthy polyclonal immune repertoire were compared to identify differences in precursor gene use, mutation frequency and physicochemical properties. Results AL-Base now contains 2,200 monoclonal light chain sequences from AL amyloidosis and other plasma cell dyscrasias. Sixteen germline precursor genes were enriched in AL amyloidosis, relative to multiple myeloma and the polyclonal repertoire. Two genes, IGKV1-16 and IGLV1-36, were infrequently observed but highly enriched in AL amyloidosis. The number of mutations varied widely between light chains. AL-associated κ light chains harboured significantly more mutations compared to multiple myeloma and polyclonal sequences, whereas AL-associated λ light chains had fewer mutations. Machine learning tools designed to predict amyloid propensity were less accurate for new sequences than their original training data. Conclusions Rarely-observed light chain variable genes may carry a high risk of AL amyloidosis. New approaches are needed to define sequence-associated risk factors for AL amyloidosis. AL-Base is a foundational resource for such studies.

Beyond the hive: designing an alternative food wax through chemical processes

This study focuses on the development and detailed characterization of a synthetic alternative to natural beeswax, tailored specifically for beekeeping applications. Through a systematic experimental approach, a comprehensive comparison was conducted between the properties of the newly developed biomatrix and those of natural beeswax. The investigation emphasized their physicochemical attributes, aiming to assess the feasibility of the synthetic substitute. The findings reveal that this alternative wax, composed of paraffin, soy wax, natural honey, and carefully selected oils, exhibits spectroscopic and thermal properties that closely resemble those of natural beeswax. The synthetic wax demonstrated significant potential, presenting itself as a practical and innovative solution for beekeeping. Beyond its effectiveness, this substitute offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, promoting ecological and economic benefits while ensuring the health and productivity of bee colonies. Such a development could represent a meaningful step forward in supporting sustainable apiculture practices.

Chiral Cobalt Nanocluster-Driven Chemiluminescent System for the Facile Discrimination of Carnitine Enantiomers with a Hydrogel-Assisted Strategy.

Facile chiral discrimination without relying on chromatographic techniques has long been a huge challenge due to the minimal differences in the physicochemical properties of enantiomers. Polysaccharide hydrogels with natural chiral selectivity can be promising materials for constructing chiral discrimination platforms. In this study, l-cysteine-induced cobalt nanoclusters (LC-CoNCs) were prepared and utilized as chiral nanozymes for promoting the chemiluminescent (CL) signal of a luminol-H2O2 system. Based on the competitive affinity of LC-CoNCs and carnitine enantiomers on a Ca2+ crosslinked sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel interface, a CL method was established for the effective discrimination of carnitine enantiomers. With this strategy, d-carnitine led to a significantly inhibited CL signal, whereas l-carnitine did not exhibit an inhibition effect on the CL signal. According to the results of density functional theory calculations and contact angle measurements, the hydrogel shows an affinity sequence of d-carnitine > LC-CoNCs > l-carnitine due to the synergistic effect of SA and Ca2+, which is the foundation for achieving effective discrimination. This approach demonstrated acceptable accuracy for assaying d-carnitine in complex matrices such as drug preparation and milk. This work pioneers the combination of a polysaccharide hydrogel as a chiral selector with a nanozyme as the CL indicator for the effective discrimination of enantiomers, offering an innovative tool for the development and production of chiral drugs.

ANALISIS SENYAWA FITOKIMIA DAUN Moringa oleifera DARI KAWASAN GEOTERMAL ACEH BESAR SEBAGAI KANDIDAT ANTIINFLAMASI

Indonesia is home to a diversity of herbal plants, particularly in Aceh. Moringa oleifera is traditional medicinal plant utilized by locals in the geothermal area Aceh Besar, recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the bioactive compounds in M. oleifera leaves sourced from Ie Seum have not been documented, making it challenging to explain the roles of the compounds scientifically to anti-inflammatory factors. This research aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds in the ethanol extract of M. oleifera leaves (referred to as EDM) and analyze the physicochemical characteristics of the soil in the geothermal area. This study used a qualitative design to identify EDM compounds with GC-MS and soil physicochemistry. The identification of EDM compounds is conducted through gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The physicochemical properties of the soil are assessed by examining its texture, pH, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, exchangeable cations, and phosphorus. Sample collection on topsoil (0-20 cm) with an area of ​​100cmx100cm on one land where M. oleifera plants grow in Ie Seum area in September 2024. A soil sample of 500g was using several methods, namely the hydrometermethod, pH meter, Walkey and Black, ammonium acetate 1M pH 7, Kjeldahl, KCl 1N, Bray 1, HCl 25%, and DTPA extraction. The soil test result showed classified as silty clay. The results GC-MS indicated the presence 11 metabolites, including linolenic acid, phytol, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, neophytadiene, gamma-tocopherol, vitamin E, squalene, icosane, and beta-pinene. EDM from the Ie Seum contains compounds that are beneficial in anti-inflammatory.

Single-molecule diffusivity quantification in Xenopus egg extracts elucidates physicochemical properties of the cytoplasm

The living cell creates a unique internal molecular environment that is challenging to characterize. By combining single-molecule displacement/diffusivity mapping (SMdM) with physiologically active extracts prepared from Xenopus laevis eggs, we sought to elucidate molecular properties of the cytoplasm. Quantification of the diffusion coefficients of 15 diverse proteins in extract showed that, compared to in water, negatively charged proteins diffused ~50% slower, while diffusion of positively charged proteins was reduced by ~80 to 90%. Adding increasing concentrations of salt progressively alleviated the suppressed diffusion observed for positively charged proteins, signifying electrostatic interactions within a predominately negatively charged macromolecular environment. To investigate the contribution of RNA, an abundant, negatively charged component of cytoplasm, extracts were treated with ribonuclease, which resulted in low diffusivity domains indicative of aggregation, likely due to the liberation of positively charged RNA-binding proteins such as ribosomal proteins, since this effect could be mimicked by adding positively charged polypeptides. Interestingly, in extracts prepared under typical conditions that inhibit actin polymerization, negatively charged proteins of different sizes showed similar diffusivity suppression consistent with our separately measured 2.22-fold higher viscosity of extract over water. Restoring or enhancing actin polymerization progressively suppressed the diffusion of larger proteins, recapitulating behaviors observed in cells. Together, these results indicate that molecular interactions in the crowded cell are defined by an overwhelmingly negatively charged macromolecular environment containing cytoskeletal networks.

Microplastics and Nanoplastics Alter the Physicochemical Properties of Willow Trees and Lead to Mortality in Leaf Beetle Larvae.

Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly found in terrestrial environments, posing risks across the food web. However, the potential impacts of MNPs transfer on plant-insect interactions remains largely unknown. In this study, consumption of willow plants (Salix maizhokunggarensis) exposed to 10.0 mg/L MNPs for 21 days inhibited survival and reduced body weight in Plagiodera versicolora larvae unlike those exposed to lower concentrations or shorter durations (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/L MNPs for 7 or 14 days). MNPs exposure increased lignin content and leaf thickness in willows, leading to decreased leaf consumption and increased mouthpart wear in P. versicolora larvae. Transcriptome and gut microbiota analyses revealed significant downregulation of genes related to digestion, intestinal homoeostasis, immunity, and growth/development along with profound alterations in gut microbiota composition. Notably, the abundance of the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas increased significantly. The gut barrier was disrupted, allowing gut bacteria to translocate into the haemolymph, accelerating larval mortality. Overall, MNPs altered plant physiology, making willow plants unsuitable for herbivore consumption and indirectly influenced herbivore survival by modulating gut bacteria. These findings offer novel insights into the cascading ecological effects and risks of MNPs, highlighting potential impacts on plant-herbivore interactions, biodiversity, and ecosystem health in terrestrial ecosystems.

Adjusting Interface Action and Spacing for Control of Particle Potential.

As the core issue of physical chemistry, how to acquire, control, even adjust surface charging of colloidal particle is far from being completely understood. So poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) is first introduced with different chain lengths onto crude anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (150-200 nm) through two-step surface modification. Along with rising basic nonionic polyisobutylene succinimide (PIBS) concentration, those modified TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NH-PLMA) with the low grafting amount (0.33-4.86 wt.%) and the short chain of the grafted PLMA fragments (layer thickness: 3.0-6.9 nm) underwent charge reversal from being positively to negatively charged in nonpolar isododecane solution. And the more modified ones (PLMA grafting amount: 11.10%; layer thickness: 9.5 nm) remained original electropositivity under same conditions. Based on molecular dynamics simulation, once the repeating unit number exceeds 12, these long grafted PLMA chains will bring about strong steric hindrance to increase interface spacing and weaken interface action against PIBS absorption. This may propose a unique strategy for adjusting or stabilizing surface potential of colloid particles by grafted polymer chains. It is anticipated to provide a facile, precise, and promising control to electronic ink for electrophoretic display.

Analyzing the impact of variations in land use and elevation on selected soil microbial indices and spatial distribution.

Soil biological characteristics are highly sensitive to land use changes, making them valuable indicators of soil quality. This study assesses the effects of three land use types (agriculture, rangeland, and forest) and elevation variations on soil microbial parameters and their spatial distribution in the Khaneghah region. Standard physicochemical and biological properties of the soil were measured on a total of 72 soil samples collected using systematic and random sampling techniques. Spatial distribution maps of the biological indices were generated using geostatistical techniques, specifically the Kriging method, within a geographic information system (GIS). The results revealed significantly higher values for microbial biomass carbon (MBC = 900 mg Cmic-CO2 kg-1), nitrogen (MBN = 8.97 mg Nmic kg-1), basal respiration (BR = 25.1 mg C-CO2 g-1 day-1), and the total microbial population (MPN = 0.63 × 109 cells g-1) in forest soils compared to rangeland and agricultural soils. The alignment between land use maps and biological index maps reinforced these findings. Although the correlations between biological indices and physicochemical properties were generally weak (positive or negative), organic matter content, field capacity moisture, and silt percentage exhibited a slight positive correlation with most of the microbial indices evaluated. The comparison of soil microbial indices with the digital elevation model map indicated higher levels of MBC, MBN, BR, and MPN at elevated regions. However, the microbial quotient and metabolic quotient (qCO₂) did not show significant changes with increasing elevation. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of Kriging interpolation in mapping specific soil microbial indices, as the correlation between Kriging estimates and measured values at sampling points exceeded 0.2, demonstrating statistical significance at a 5% confidence level.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of OSC Gene Family in Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Cucurbitaceae)

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant of considerable application value and commercial potential, primarily due to its production of various bioactive compounds, particularly dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins that are structurally analogous to ginsenosides. Oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), a pivotal enzyme in the biosynthesis of triterpenoid metabolites in plants, catalyzes the conversion of oxidosqualene into triterpenoid precursors, which are essential components of the secondary metabolites found in G. pentaphyllum. To elucidate the role of OSC gene family members in the synthesis of gypenosides within G. pentaphyllum, this study undertook a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of OSC genes within G. pentaphyllum and compared their expression levels across populations distributed over different geographical regions by both transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR experimental validation. The results identified a total of 11 members of the OSC gene family within the genome of G. pentaphyllum. These genes encode proteins ranging from 356 to 767 amino acids, exhibiting minor variations in their physicochemical properties, and are localized in peroxisomes, cytoplasm, plasma membranes, and lysosomes. All GpOSCs contain highly conserved DCTAE and QW sequences that are characteristic of the OSC gene family. A phylogenetic analysis categorized the GpOSCs into four distinct subfamilies. A cis-element analysis of the GpOSC promoters revealed a substantial number of abiotic stress-related elements, indicating that these genes may respond to drought conditions, low temperatures, and anaerobic environments, thus potentially contributing to the stress resistance observed in G. pentaphyllum. Expression analyses across different G. pentaphyllum populations demonstrated significant variability in OSC gene expression among geographically diverse samples of G. pentaphyllum, likely attributable to genetic variation or external factors such as environmental conditions and soil composition. These differences may lead to the synthesis of various types of gypenosides within geographically distinct G. pentaphyllum populations. The findings from this study enhance our understanding of both the evolutionary history of the OSC gene family in G. pentaphyllum and the biosynthetic mechanisms underlying triterpenoid compounds. This knowledge is essential for investigating molecular mechanisms involved in forming dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins as well as comprehending geographical variations within G. pentaphyllum populations. Furthermore, this research lays a foundation for employing plant genetic engineering techniques aimed at increasing gypenoside content.

Sustainable capacitive deionization process for enhanced chromium reclamation using functionalized biochar electrode

Water pollution, driven by urbanization and industrial growth, poses a significant threat, with chromium (Cr(VI)) discharge from industries like electroplating and tanneries. To address this issue, capacitive deionization (CDI) is explored for its low energy consumption and efficient removal of ionic contaminants. However, CDI faces challenges related to electrode costs and internal resistance. So, it is necessary to find a low-cost sustainable, functional electrode for the hazardous Cr(VI) reclamation without conventional additives to prevent internal resistance. Industrial Biochar, a product of pyrolysis enriched with carbon content, replaces conventional activated carbon and possesses better physicochemical properties. Similarly, Chitosan is a natural derived functional material enriched with functional groups that can adsorb the Cr(VI) ions. Apart from their functionality, they also improve the electrochemical stability and capacitance of the electrode. In response, the present study focuses on developing cost-effective functional electrodes using a biochar/chitosan (BC-CS) composite. The utilization of the chitosan enriches the physico-electrochemical properties and replaces the requirement of binder for the electrode development. The crosslinked BC-CS composite demonstrates a three-fold increase in specific capacitance compared to biochar electrode. Optimizing the ratio, the 1:1 BC-CS composite achieves a remarkable 96.7% chromium removal from a 100 ppm Cr(VI) solution in 3 h at 2 V. The composite also exhibits promising regeneration capabilities and shows potential in treating real-time chrome wash effluent from electroplating industries, indicating its viability for chromium water reclamation.

Recent advances in synthesis and bio-applications of natural stabilizers for metal nanoparticles

Due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, the synthesis and application of metal nano-particles gained significant traction and a grip in industries and scientific fields or regions. However, the thermodynamic instability of metal nanoparticles poses or leads to challenges in their controlled synthesis and stabilization. To address this stability and the immobilization strategies, natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, alginate, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid have been explored for their non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly characteristics. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to an increased focus on these natural polymer’s utilization as effective stabilizers for diverse metal nanoparticles. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in utilizing these natural polymers as stabilizers for metal nanoparticles. Synthesis methods, stabilization mechanisms, and applications spanning catalysis, sensing, drug delivery, and biomedical imaging are discussed. Challenges such as scalability and reproducibility are addressed, alongside future directions for research and development. In this review, our goal is to encourage continued research and creativity in sustainable nanomaterials. By doing so, we hope to advance the development of adaptable and environmentally friendly nanoparticles that find applications across various industries.

Recent advances in cell membrane-coated porphyrin-based nanoscale MOFs for enhanced photodynamic therapy

Porphyrins-based nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs) has been widely utilized to kills tumor cells by generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, porphyrin based nMOFs (por-nMOFs) still face challenges such as rapid immune clearance and weak tumor targeting. Researchers have discovered that using a top-down biomimetic strategy, where nMOFs are coated with cell membranes, can promote long blood circulation, evade the reticuloendothelial system, and improve cancer cell targeting, thereby significantly enhancing the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect of nMOFs. This review summarizes the recent work on different cell membranes-coated por-nMOFs for enhanced tumor PDT. This review details the changes in physicochemical properties, enhanced homotypic cancer cell-selective endocytosis, improved tumor tissue targeting, and increased cytotoxicity and effective in vivo tumor suppression after the nMOFs are wrapped with cell membranes. Additionally, this review compares the biological functions of various types of cell membranes, including cancer cell membranes, red blood cell membranes, aptamer-modified red blood cell membranes, and hybrid membranes from the fusion of cancer and immune cells. The review highlights the enhanced immunogenic cell death function when using hybrid membranes derived from the fusion of cancer and immune cell membranes. By summarizing the augmented PDT effects and the combined antitumor outcomes with other therapeutic modalities, this review aims to provide new insights into the biomedical applications of por-nMOFs and offer more references for the preclinical application of porphyrin-based photosensitizers.

Potential matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 inhibitors identified from Ehretia species for the treatment of chronic wounds - Computational drug discovery approaches

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) serve as prognostic factors in several pathophysiological conditions, including chronic wounds. Therefore, they are considered important therapeutic targets in the intervention and treatment of these conditions. In this study, computational tools such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to gain insight into protein‒ligand interactions and determine the free binding energy between Ehretia species phytoconstituents and gelatinases (MMP2 and MMP9). A total of 74 phytoconstituents from Ehretia species were compiled from the literature, and 46 of these compounds were identified as potential inhibitors of at least one type of MMP. Molecular docking revealed that lithospermic acid B, rosmarinic acid, and danshensu had stronger binding affinities against the two enzymes than the reference ligands. Furthermore, (9S, 10E, 12Z, 15Z)-9-hydroxy-10,12,15-octadecatrienoic (∗-octadecatrienoic) had a higher binding energy for MMP2, whereas caffeic anhydride and caffeic acid established stronger binding energy with MMP9 than the reference ligand. These complexes also demonstrated relatively stable, favourable, and comparable conformational changes with those of unbound proteins at 500 ns. The free energy decomposition results further provide detailed insights into the contributions of active site residues and different types of interactions to the overall binding free energy. Finally, most of the hit phytoconstituents (rosmarinic acid, caffeic anhydride, caffeic acid, and danshensu) had good physicochemical, drug-likeness, and pharmacokinetic properties. Collectively, our findings showed that phytoconstituents from Ehretia species could be beneficial in the search for novel MMP inhibitors as therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Electrolyte Engineering of Hard Carbon for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: From Mechanism Analysis to Design Strategies

AbstractThe hard carbon (HC) anodes with desirable electrochemical performances including high initial Coulombic efficiency, superior rate performance and long‐term cycling play an indispensable role in the practical application of sodium ion batteries (SIBs), which are closely related to the electrolytes them matched. Fully analyzing the mechanism of electrolyte engineering for HC anodes is crucial for promoting the commercialization of SIBs, but is still lacking. In this review, the correlation between physicochemical properties of the electrolyte and the electrochemical performance of HC is first summarized. And point out the crucial role of electrolyte properties, including ion conductivity, de‐solvation energy, and interface passivation ability for the Na+ storage in HC. Then, the formation process, composition, as well as structure of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on HC surface are mainly discussed, and the structure‐activity relationship of SEI is analyzed in depth. Moreover, based on the mechanism analysis, relevant electrolyte design strategies have been summarized. Finally, the challenges and future development directions of the electrolyte engineering of HC are proposed. This review is expected to provide professional theoretical guidance for the development of electrolyte and contribute to the rational design of high‐performance HC anodes, promoting the industrialization of SIBs.

Environmentally friendly shape memory biofoams

AbstractSearching for renewable raw materials that would comply with the requirements of Green Chemistry and the assumptions of sustainable development is an ongoing and important problem. In the present article, an attempt was made to obtain biopolyols from selected solid plant fats, i.e., babassu, cocoa, coconut, mango, palm, or shea oil. In the research performed, modification of plant oil was provided by a one-step and solvent-free transesterification method, to obtain biopolyols characterized by hydroxyl numbers from 360 to 460 mgKOH/g. Biopolyols from plant oils were subsequently used to obtain polyurethane viscoelastic foams (PUVFs). Biopolyols were applied in the amount of 10%, 20%, and 30% relative to the total weight of the polyols used to prepare PUVFs. The obtained materials were characterized by an apparent density of about 100 kg/m3, a hardness of about 2–3 kPa, a comfort factor of about 2.5, and a resilience of less than 10%, which may be interesting to the industrial sector for applications such foams as the materials able to energy absorbing. The study analyzed the effect of the chemical structure of the oils on the physicochemical properties of the obtained biopolyols, as well as the physical and mechanical properties of PUVFs.

Aerosol Fluorescent Labeling via Probe Molecule Volatilization.

The physicochemical properties of aerosols, including hygroscopicity, phase state, pH, and viscosity, influence important processes ranging from virus transmission and pulmonary drug delivery to atmospheric light scattering and chemical reactivity. Despite their importance, measurements of these key properties in aerosols remain experimentally challenging due to small particle sizes and low mass densities in air. Fluorescence probe spectroscopy is one of the only analytical techniques that is capable of experimentally determining these properties in situ in a nondestructive and minimally perturbative manner. However, the application of fluorescence probe spectroscopy to important classes of aerosols including exhaled respiratory and ambient atmospheric aerosols has been limited due to a typical reliance on premixing the probe molecule with particle constituents prior to particle generation, which is not always possible. Here, a method for aerosol fluorescent labeling based on probe molecule volatilization is developed. The method is first applied to label model polyethylene glycol (PEG) aerosols with two different polarity-sensitive probes, Nile red and Prodan. The similarity of the relative humidity-dependent fluorescent emission of each probe between prelabeled and volatilized-probe PEG particles validated the methodology. A preliminary application of the technique to indicate the hygroscopicity of artificial saliva respiratory particles and model atmospheric secondary organic aerosol particles is demonstrated. The methodology developed here paves the way for future studies applying powerful fluorescent probe-based analytical techniques to study exhaled or natural aerosols for which fluorescent prelabeling is not possible.

Enhanced Stability and Prolonged Insect-Repellent Action of Essential Oil-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

Mosquito-borne diseases are a global health concern, necessitating effective and long-lasting insect repellents. This study investigated the physicochemical properties, stability, release kinetics, and efficacy of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and conventional emulsions (CEs) containing essential oils (NLC EOs) for insect-repellent applications. The droplet size of the CE was 18.46 ± 1.78 μm (Span 0.27 ± 0.06), while the NLC measured 136 ± 10.7 nm (PDI 0.26 ± 0.2) with a ζ-potential of –68 mV ± 2.2 mV (width 4.3 ± 0.1). EO incorporation did not significantly alter droplet size or ζ-potential. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry confirmed an EO content of 8.57 ± 0.15 mg/mL in the CE EO and 7.75 ± 0.05 mg/mL in the NLC EO, with the NLC retaining a higher EO content over 90 days. Stability tests demonstrated consistent droplet sizes and ζ-potential for both formulations during storage. Release kinetics revealed diffusion-based release mechanisms, with the NLC providing a more sustained release than the CE. In a field test against mosquito species most frequently found in Greece, the NLC EO exhibited a significantly longer complete protection time (CPT) of 45 min, demonstrating more effective, long-lasting insect-repellent action. These findings revealed the NLC’s ability to retain volatile EO components efficiently, offering promising implications for long-lasting insect-repellent action.

Bifunctional Oxaliplatin (IV) Prodrug Based pH-Sensitive PEGylated Liposomes for Synergistic Anticancer Action Against Triple Negative Breast cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits higher susceptibility towards oxaliplatin (OXA) due to a faulty DNA damage repair system. However, the unfavorable physicochemical properties and risk of toxicities limit the clinical utility of OXA. Therefore, to impart kinetic inertness, site-specific delivery, and multidrug action, an octahedral Pt(IV) prodrug was developed by using chlorambucil (CBL) as a choice of ligand. The combination of OXA and CBL exhibited synergistic anti-cancer action in TNBC cell lines. Further, to maximize tumor-specific delivery, intracellular accumulation, and in-vivo performance, the developed prodrug (OXA-CBL) was encapsulated in pH-sensitive PEGylated liposomes into (OXA-CBL/PEG-Liposomes). The fabricated liposomes had smaller particle size < 200nm and higher drug loading (~ 4.26 ± 0.18%). In-vitro release displayed pH-dependent sustained release for up to 48h. Cellular internalization revealed maximal uptake via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The cytotoxicity assay showed reduced IC50 in the 4T1 (~ 1.559-fold) and MDA-MB-231 (~ 1.539-fold) cell lines than free OXA-CBL. In-vivo efficacy in 4T1-induced TNBC model revealed a marked increase in % tumor inhibition rate, while diminished % tumor burden in OXA-CBL/BSA-NPs treated animals. Toxicity assessment displayed no signs of systemic and hemolytic toxicity. Overall, delivery of Pt (IV) prodrug as a pH-sensitive PEGylated liposomes offers a safer and efficient system to manage TNBC.