Pluronic Gel Research Articles

Response of rice genotypes to rice root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) infection under varying temperature regimes

AbstractThe rice root‐knot nematode (RRKN), Meloidogyne graminicola, is one of the major pests of the rice–wheat cropping system. Resistance against M. graminicola in rice could be most valuable in alleviating this problem. The host response of 75 Oryza genotypes was examined at three day/night temperature regimes, 29/26°C, 34/31°C and 38/35°C, in Pluronic gel as well as in soil. Out of the 75 selected rice genotypes, only Zhenshan 97 B exhibited high resistance to this set of temperature regimes, with the least number of galls/root system. At 34/31°C, more second‐stage juveniles (J2s) were hatched and J2 population densities in roots of the susceptible rice genotypes increased significantly compared with those of plants grown at the 29/26°C. In resistant genotypes, only a few J2s penetrated roots and developed into mature females. The histopathological studies revealed that in susceptible rice genotypes at high‐temperature regimes, the multinucleate giant cells were well developed. The results presented in this study revealed that an increase in temperature had a significant effect on the resistance of rice genotypes and resistance appeared more pronounced in genotype Zhenshan 97 B. This resistant genotype can be used in marker‐assisted selection to develop resistant elite cultivars.

Evaluation of burn wound healing activity of thermosensitive gel and PLGA nanoparticle formulation of quercetin in Wistar albino rats

Modern burn treatments with gene therapy, stem cells and healing factors are highly cost and not always possible to access these treatments. For this reason, new effective treatment approaches should have easy accessibility. Recent studies have shown that quercetin, a flavonoid, has a wound-healing effect. However, quercetin has low water solubility and cannot uptake into cells sufficiently. To overcome these disadvantages quercetin nanoparticle and thermosensitive gel formulations appear to be potential alternatives. In this study, to compare the efficacy of quercetin-loaded PLGA nanoparticle with quercetin-loaded pluronic thermosensitive gel formulations, nanoparticle and thermosensitive gel formulations were developed, characterized and evaluated in the burn model. Biochemical analysis has been performed to investigate the effects of formulations on such as growth factors and some cytokines that are effective in wound healing process. Finally, histopathological analyzes has been performed to evaluate the presence and density of granulation tissue, inflammation and fibrosis. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) of nanoparticles was found 25 ± 5%. It is indicating that during the preparation of PLGA nanoparticles, there is more quercetin lost than preparation process of gel. Also quercetin release from PLGA nanoparticles is limited when compared with gel formulation of quercetin. PLGA nanoparticles and thermosensitive gel formulations are effective when compared with quercetin solution and Silverdin®. Considering the cost of PLGA polymer, EE and efficacy results it was concluded that pluronic thermosensitive gel formulations could be a cost-effective option for burn wound therapy.

Intramural injection of pluronic gel loaded with drugs to alleviate arterial injury.

Balloon angioplasty, stent implantation, and application of an arterial clamp during surgery can induce artery injury such as elastin breaks and endothelium injury, but there is little research focused on the injury induced by these therapeutic manipulations. We established a simple and reproducible small animal aortic injury model and examined intramural injection as a potential therapeutic method to alleviate injury. The abdominal aorta of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats or C57BL/6J mice was clamped sequentially throughout its length. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), SB431542, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), rapamycin, or MHY1485 contained in Pluronic gel was injected intramurally at day 0 or day 7. Animals were fed with chow containing 0.25% beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) to evaluate the influence of BAPN. All samples were harvested and examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The clamped rat aorta showed luminal dilation, elastin fiber breaks, neointimal hyperplasia, and dissection (days 0-90). Intramural injection of TGFβ1, rapamycin and Nec-1 showed a protective effect on the injured aorta, whereas SB431542, MHY1485 and LPS showed more severe wall damage. The aortic lumen in rats fed with BAPN was significantly larger than in control rats (day 7). Mouse aorta showed similar injury with neointimal hyperplasia and elastin fiber breaks. The rodent arterial injury model is reproducible and may mimic early changes of arterial injury. The model accommodates intramural injection of different drugs that may show mechanisms of arterial injury. Although this is a preliminary animal model, the intramural injection method may have potential clinical application in the future.

A methacrylated hyaluronic acid network reinforced Pluronic F-127 gel for treatment of bacterial keratitis

In this study, we developed a novel in situ thermoresponsive gel by introducing crosslinked methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HA-MA) networks into Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) gel (HP gel) to achieve sustained levofloxacin (LFX) delivery in bacterial keratitis treatment. The interactions between PF-127 molecules and HA-MA networks were studied by scanning electron microscopy, rheology, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and small angle x-ray scattering. The results showed that the HP gel exhibited a higher critical gelling temperature and lower viscosity than the PF-127 gel (P gel), and could form a uniform thin layer on the ocular surface. Moreover, the drug release profile and gel dissolution rate revealed that the HA-MA network could retard the diffusion and dissolution of drug molecules and prolong the drug release time, which corresponded to an enhanced antibacterial ability of the HP-LFX gel. Furthermore, the HP gel exhibited low cytotoxicity to human corneal epithelial cells. Finally, an in vivo pharmacodynamic study was conducted with rabbit keratitis models. An improved treatment efficacy was observed after application of the HP-LFX gels. This study highlights the potential of HP gels in ophthalmic drug delivery.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL-CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLE GEL FOR THE CONTROLLED NASAL DELIVERY OF NOSCAPINE AGAINST GLIOMA

Objective: To synthesize the PEG surface modulated Chitosan Nanoparticles aiding in Pluronic intranasal gel (PEG-CHT-PL) encapsulating cytotoxic noscapine for enhanced anticancer effect against glioma. Methods: The PEG-CHT-PL was synthesized by inotropic gelation method and evaluated for in vitro characterization parameters such as zeta sizer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), zeta potential followed by gelling time, Thixotropy and flow index evaluation. The cell uptake assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) evaluation and apoptosis was evaluated on human Glioblastoma U-87 cell line post evaluation by evaluating drug release pattern at 7.4 pH by PBS buffer for stable intranasal brain delivery. Results: The synthesized PEG-CHT-PL showed nanosize range of 110 nm and a smooth spherical shape with a negative zeta potential of27±1.9 mV. The gel showed stable rheology exhibiting negligible normal deviation in viscosity, Thixotropy and flow index on long-term storage. The drug release pattern followed the Higuchi’s model in 48 h at 7.4pH showed sustained noscapine discharge. The in vitro Glioblastoma U-87 cell line studies showed enhanced cell uptake and distribution, with notable cell toxicity by MTT and apoptosis evaluation confirming significant antitumor efficiency via intranasal delivery. Conclusion: The present research has showed promising operational intranasal therapy against brain tumor crossing BBB efficiently and can be subjected for an effective antitumor approach in clinical platform in future drug delivery system.

Influence of Chitosan on Orientation–Micellar Ordering of the Pluronic F-127 Gel Phase in an Aqueous Medium

Influence of Chitosan on Orientation–Micellar Ordering of the Pluronic F-127 Gel Phase in an Aqueous Medium

Transdermal Reservoir-Type Patch Loaded with a Pluronic F-127 Gel with Dexamethasone: Design, Development, and Characterization

The purpose of the present study was the development and characterization of a reservoir-type transdermal patch loaded with dexamethasone gel through physicochemical and biopharmaceutical tests to generate an innovative pharmaceutical form. The reservoir-type transdermal patch consists of three parts: i) the adhesive film, ii) an impermeable film with a reservoir function, and iii) dexamethasone formulated in a PF-127 gel. The patch was evaluated based on area, thickness, resistance to fracture, bioadhesion, and post-wetting bioadhesion of the adhesive film. In addition, release studies were conducted on the reservoir-type transdermal patch. The characterization tests were for i) an impermeable film with an area of 247 ± 0.19 cm2, a thickness of 0.22 ± 0.01 mm, and tensile strength of 1463.9 ± 300.30 gf; ii) an adhesive film with a tensile strength of 64.21± 18.74 gf, bio-adhesion of 879.71±205.67 gf, and a post-wetting bio-adhesion of 505.10±34.39 gf; and finally, iii) dexamethasone gel with a relative density value of 0.938±0.01, non-Newtonian fluid, 99.06% of drug content, dexamethasone release test adjusted to the zero-order kinetic model and skin permeation studies with a Flux (Jss) =140.98 μg/cm2*h. As a result of these tests, the reservoir type transdermal patch presents adequate characteristics for dexamethasone transdermal administration.

Formulation, development and characterization of topical organogel of mometasone furoate for the treatment of skin disease

Topical glucocorticoid formulations are widely used for effective treatment and control of a variety of dermatoses. Mometasone furoate is a medium potency, synthetic, non-fluorinated topical corticosteroid, indicated for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses including psoriasis. The percutaneous absorption increases risk associated with systemic absorption of topically applied formulation. Controlled release of the drug to the skin could reduce the side effects while reducing percutaneous absorption. Organogels are semi-solid materials, in which an organic phase is immobilized by a three-dimensional network composed of self-organized system, forming the aqueous phase. The present study deals with the preparation and evaluation of a pluronic lecithin organogel gel containing mometasone furoate for transdermal delivery. Blank pluronic lecithin organogel were prepared using ricinoleic acid as the oil phase. Formulation, Development and Characterization of Topical Organogel of Mometasone Furoate was carried out and evaluated for the treatment of Skin Disease. The absorption maxima of mometasone furoate were determined by running the spectrum of drug solution in double beam ultraviolet spectrophotometer (Labindia UV 3000+) using concentration range of 5-25μg/ml mometasone furoate in 7.4 phosphate buffers. The IR spectrum of sample drug and drug with excipients shows the peak values which are characteristics of the drug. The formulated gel formulation was evaluated with parameter appearance, consistency, drug content pH, viscosity, spreadability, in-vitro release test, washability, extrudability study and stability studies. FT-IR studies revealed no interaction between the drug and excipients. Selected organogels (F3) showed a drug content of 99.45±0.14% and drug release of 99.12 % in10 hrs. The results suggest that the developed organogels formulation containing mometasone furoate can be of actual value for improving the clinical effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis.

17R/S-Benzo-RvD1, a synthetic resolvin D1 analogue, attenuates neointimal hyperplasia in a rat model of acute vascular injury.

Persistent inflammation following vascular injury drives neointimal hyperplasia (NIH). Specialized lipid mediators (SPM) mediate resolution which attenuates inflammation and downstream NIH. We investigated the effects of a synthetic analogue of resolvin D1 (RvD1) on vascular cells and in a model of rat carotid angioplasty. Human venous VSMC and endothelial cells (EC) were employed in migration, cell shape, toxicity, proliferation and p65 nuclear translocation assays. Murine RAW 264.7 cells were utilized to test the effect of pro-resolving compounds on phagocytic activity. A model of rat carotid angioplasty was used to evaluate the effects of 17R/S-benzo-RvD1 (benzo-RvD1) and 17R-RvD1 applied to the adventitia via 25% Pluronic gel. Immunostaining was utilized to examine Ki67 expression and leukocyte recruitment. Morphometric analysis was performed on arteries harvested 14 days after injury. Exposure to benzo-RvD1 attenuated PDGF- stimulated VSMC migration across a range of concentrations (0.1-100 nM), similar to that observed with 17R-RvD1. Pre-treatment with either Benzo-RvD1 or 17R-RvD1 (10, 100nM) attenuated PDGF-BB-induced VSMC cytoskeletal changes to nearly baseline dimensions. Benzo-RvD1 demonstrated modest anti-proliferative activity on VSMC and EC at various concentrations, without significant cytotoxicity. Benzo-RvD1 (10nM) inhibited p65 nuclear translocation in cytokine-stimulated EC by 21% (p<0.05), similar to 17R-RvD1. Consistent with pro-resolving activities of other SPM, both 17R-RvD1 and benzo-RvD1 increased the phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells against S. Aureus and Zymosan particles. There were no significant differences in Ki-67 or CD45 staining observed on day 3 after angioplasty. Periadventitial treatment with benzo-RvD1 reduced carotid neointimal area at 14 days compared to control (0.08 mm2 v. 0.18 mm2; p<0.05), with similar efficacy to 17R-RvD1. 17R/S-benzo-RvD1 and 17R-RvD1 exhibit similar pro-resolving and anti-migratory activity in cell-based assays, and both compounds attenuated NIH following acute arterial injury in rats. Further studies of the mechanisms of resolution following vascular injury, and the translational potential of SPM analogues, are indicated.

Chitosan/Pluronic F127 Thermosensitive Hydrogel as an Injectable Dexamethasone Delivery Carrier.

Intra-articular administration of anti-inflammatory drugs is a strategy that allows localized action on damaged articular cartilage and reduces the side effects associated with systemic drug administration. The objective of this work is to prepare injectable thermosensitive hydrogels for the long-term application of dexamethasone. The hydrogels were prepared by mixing chitosan (CS) and Pluronic-F127 (PF) physically. In addition, tripolyphosphate (TPP) was used as a crosslinking agent. Chitosan added to the mix increased the gel time compared to the pluronic gel alone. The incorporation of TPP into the material modified the morphology of the hydrogels formed. Subsequently, MTS and Live/Dead® experiments were performed to investigate the toxicity of hydrogels against human chondrocytes. The in vitro releases of dexamethasone (DMT) from CS-PF and CS-PF-TPP gels had an initial burst and took more time than that from the PF hydrogel. In vivo studies showed that hydrogels retained the fluorescent compound longer in the joint than when administered in PBS alone. These results suggest that the CS-PF and CS-PF-TPP hydrogels loaded with DMT could be a promising drug delivery platform for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Adiponectin Prevents Restenosis Through Inhibiting Cell Proliferation in a Rat Vein Graft Model.

ResumoFundamento:O enxerto de bypass na artéria coronária (CABG) continua a ser eficiente como tratamento para pacientes portadores de doença arterial coronariana; entretanto, o enxerto venoso tende a apresentar reestenose ou oclusão. A adiponectina (ADP) é uma proteína hormonal plasmática com a função de regular a proliferação celular.Objetivo:Foram utilizadas duas doses diferentes da proteína ADP em um modelo de enxerto venoso em ratos para estimular a alteração do enxerto venoso. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da ADP sobre a reestenose em enxerto venoso.Métodos:Veias jugulares autólogas foram implantadas como enxertos interposicionais de carótida pela técnica de anastomose de manga em ratos Sprague Dawley. A adiponectina (2,5 μg e 7,5 μg) foi entregue ao enxerto venoso por bypass de forma perivascular, suspensa em gel Pluronic-F127 a 30%. O grupo tratado apenas com bypass e o grupo tratado com gel veículo carregado apenas com Pluronic funcionaram como controle. Foram feitas comparações com análise de via única de variância e teste post-hoc, com p <0,05 sendo considerado significativo.Resultados:A proliferação celular (índice de PCNA) foi significativamente baixa no grupo tratado com adiponectina em comparação com o grupo de controle e o grupo tratado com o gel veículo na íntima e na adventícia dos enxertos a partir do dia 3 (p <0,01). VCAM-1 e ICAM-1 avaliados por imuno-histoquímica diminuíram significativamente em enxertos venosos tratados com adiponectina na quarta semana (p <0,01). O tratamento de enxertos venosos com gel carregado com adiponectina reduziu a espessura da íntima, da média e da adventícia, em comparação com os enxertos de controle e tratados com gel veículo no dia 28 (p <0,01).Conclusões:Este estudo oferece evidências adicionais do possível papel terapêutico da adiponectina na modulação de lesão vascular e seu reparo.

Study on osteogenesis and angiogenesis of Pluronic F-127 composite gel loaded with transforming growth factor β 3 and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rabbit maxillary sinus lift

To prepare Pluronic F-127 composite gel loaded with transforming growth factor β 3 (TGF-β 3) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and observe its osteogenesis and angiogenesis effects in vivo and in vitro. BMSCs were isolated from the tibial and femoral bone marrow of New Zealand white rabbits and passaged, and the 3rd generation cells were used for subsequent experiments after identification of osteogenic and adipogenic induction. Pluronic F-127 powder and TGF-β 3 were dissolved in L-DMEM medium to prepare Pluronic F-127 gel, TGF-β 3+Pluronic F-127 gel, BMSCs+Pluronic F-127 gel, and TGF-β 3+BMSCs+Pluronic F-127 gel. The 3rd generation of BMSCs were cultured with L-DMEM medium (group A), osteogenic induction medium (group B), osteogenic induction medium containing Pluronic F-127 gel (group C), and osteogenic induction medium containing TGF-β 3+Pluronic F-127 gel (group D), respectively. After 14 days of culturing, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin red staining were used to observe the osteogenesis. In addition, the BMSCs were cultured with L-DMEM medium containing Pluronic F-127 gel (experimental group) and L-DMEM medium (control group) for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days, respectively. And the cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Ten New Zealand white rabbits were taken to prepare the maxillary sinus lift models, and Pluronic F-127 gel (group A), TGF-β 3+Pluronic F-127 gel (group B), BMSCs+Pluronic F-127 gel (group C), and TGF-β 3+BMSCs+Pluronic F-127 gel (group D) were injected into the bone defects, respectively. On the 8th week, imaging examination and HE staining were used to observe the formation of new bone, immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in bone tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the relative expressions of VEGF, oncostatin M (OSM), and BMP-4 proteins in bone tissue. Osteogenic and adipogenic induction identified the isolated and cultured cells as BMSCs. In vitro staining showed that ALP activity and Alizarin red concentration in group D were significantly higher than those in other groups ( P<0.05). MTT assay showed that the absorbency ( A) value of the two groups increased gradually, and there was no significant difference between the groups at each time point ( P>0.05). In vivo experimental imaging examination showed that the bone mineral density and osteogenic continuity of group D were the best, and the proportion of new bone volume was superior to other groups ( P<0.05). HE staining showed that compared with other groups, bone trabeculae in group D were dense and arranged regularly, on which a large number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts were distributed, and a large number of new bone formation could be seen. Immunohistochemical staining showed the strong positive expressions of BMP-2 and VEGF in group D ( P<0.05); Western blot detection showed that the relative expressions of VEGF, OSM, and BMP-4 proteins in group D were significantly higher than those in other groups ( P<0.05). The BMSCs in Pluronic F-127 composite gel loaded with TGF-β 3 and BMSCs can be induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, and the composite gel has no toxic effect on cells, and has obvious osteogenesis and angiogenesis in the maxillary sinus of rabbits.

A combination strategy based on an Au nanorod/doxorubicin gel via mild photothermal therapy combined with antigen-capturing liposomes and anti-PD-L1 agent promote a positive shift in the cancer-immunity cycle

The antitumor immune response involves a cascade of cancer-immunity cycles. Developing a combination therapy aimed at the cancer-immunity cycle is of great importance. In this research, we designed and tested a combined therapeutic—Au nanorod (AuNR)/doxorubicin (DOX) gel (AuNR/DOX gel)—in which the sustained release of DOX was controlled by Pluronic gel. DOX served as an immunogenic tumor cell death (ICD) inducer, triggering the production of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Mild photothermal therapy (Mild PTT) produced by 880 nm laser-irradiated AuNRs also generated tumor-associated antigens. Maleimide-modified liposomes (L-Mals), as antigen capturing agents, promoted tumor antigen uptake by DCs. Ultimately, more CD8+ T cells and fewer regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltrated the tumor, eliciting antitumor responses from the PD-L1 antibody. Our results indicate that this combination strategy promotes a positive shift in the cancer-immunity cycle and holds much promise for combination strategy will lead to development of an antitumor drug delivery system. Statement of significanceDeveloping a combination therapy for cancer-immunity cycle is of great importance due to antitumor immune response involving a cascade of cancer-immunity cycles. Cancer-immunity cycle usually includes tumor antigen release, antigen presentation, immune activation, trafficking, infiltration, specific recognition of tumor cells by T cells, and finally cancer cell killing.In this research, we designed a combination strategy based on Au nanorod/doxorubicin gel via mild photothermal therapy combined with antigen-capturing liposomes and anti-PD-L1 agent promoting a positive shift in the cancer-immunity cycle.Our results indicate that this combination strategy promotes a positive shift in the cancer-immunity cycle and holds much promise for combination strategy will lead to development of an antitumor drug delivery system.

Mangiferin-Loaded Smart Gels for HSV-1 Treatment.

Infections due to HSV-1 affect many people all over the world. To counteract this pathology, usually characterized by perioral sores or by less frequent serious symptoms including keratitis, synthetic antiviral drugs are employed, such as acyclovir, often resulting in resistant viral strains under long-term use. Many plant-derived compounds, such as mangiferin and quercetin, have demonstrated antiviral potentials. In this study, smart semisolid forms based on phosphatidylcholine and Pluronic were investigated as delivery systems to administer mangiferin on skin and mucosae affected by HSV-1 infection. Particularly, lecithin organogels, Pluronic gel, and Pluronic lecithin organogels were formulated and characterized. After the selection of gel compositions, physical aspects, such as rheological behavior, spreadability, leakage, and adhesion were evaluated, suggesting a scarce suitability of the lecithin organogel for topical administration. Mangiferin was efficiently included in all type of gels. An in vitro study based on the Franz cell enabled us to find evidence of the gel capability to control drug diffusion, especially in the case of Pluronic organogel, while an in vivo study conducted on human volunteers demonstrated the safeness of all of the gels after cutaneous administration. Furthermore, a plaque reduction assay demonstrated the virucidal effect of mangiferin loaded in a Pluronic gel and a Pluronic lecithin organogel against the HSV-1 KOS strain.

Control of Meloidogyne incognita in Three-Dimensional Model Systems and Pot Experiments by the Attract-and-Kill Effect of Furfural Acetone

Meloidogyne incognita causes large-scale losses of agricultural crops worldwide. The natural metabolite furfural acetone has been reported to attract and kill M. incognita, but whether the attractant and nematicidal activities of furfural acetone on M. incognita function simultaneously in the same system, especially in three-dimensional spaces or in soil, is still unknown. Here, we used 23% Pluronic F-127 gel and a soil simulation device to demonstrate that furfural acetone has a significant attract-and-kill effect on M. incognita in both three-dimensional model systems. At 24 h, the chemotaxis index and the corrected mortality of nematodes exposed to 60 mg/ml of furfural acetone in 23% Pluronic F-127 gel were as high as 0.82 and 74.44%, respectively. Soil simulation experiments in moist sand showed that at 48 h, the chemotaxis index and the corrected mortality of the nematode toward furfural acetone reached 0.63 and 82.12%, respectively, and the effect persisted in the presence of tomato plants. In choice experiments, nematodes selected furfural acetone over plant roots and were subsequently killed. In pot studies, furfural acetone had a control rate of 82.80% against M.incognita. Collectively, these results provide compelling evidence for further investigation of furfural acetone as a novel nematode control agent.

Effect of Alltech® Crop Science products on root-knot nematode attraction and infestation in tomato plants

ABSTRACT Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are highly damaging pests with broad host range causing crop yield loss of about 30% in susceptible crop varieties annually. Natural-based products for RKN management have gained a lot of interest due to the harmful effects of conventional chemical nematicides. Two Alltech Crop Science products, (ACS5075 and ACS3048), were evaluated against the RKN Meloidogyne javanica. Attraction assays were performed by adding either product to 20% (w/v) Pluronic F-127 gel to study the behaviour of RKN second-stage juveniles (J2) towards host roots. ACS5075 completely inhibited attraction of RKN juveniles towards roots when compared to ACS3048 (7 ± 1 juveniles) or the control (8 ± 0.5 juveniles). Pot trials were also conducted for 2 months, where several combinations of products were assessed to determine their impact on egg masses and plant development. The ACS5075 treatment caused a significant reduction in egg masses (2.04 and 1.4 fold) when applied at 1% and 3% (p ≤ 0.05), respectively, compared to inoculated control. Correlation studies (r = −0.414) clearly depicted positive contribution of the product towards plant growth while reducing egg mass formation. A combination of 3% ACS5075 and 3 g ACS3048 behaved similarly. It is concluded that these products could potentially provide promising alternatives for sustainable RKN management.

Bioefficacy evaluation of chalcone derivatives against Meloidogyne graminicola infecting rice, Oryza sativa L.

A series of chalcones (1–14) were synthesized, characterized (using IR and 1H NMR techniques), and evaluated with an objective to manage rice root-knot nematode (RRKN) (Meloidogyne graminicola) both under pluronic gel and field conditions. Out of these fourteen compounds, 1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-phenyl-propenone (13) and 1,3-diphenyl-propenone (14) showed promising and dose dependent activity at 10, 20, and 40 mg L−1. A significant reduction in penetration of second stage juveniles (J2s) in rice roots was observed in compounds 13 (9.5–12.0 J2s/plant) and 14 (10.5–13.4 J2s/plant) compared to control plants (PB1121) (13.5–23.6 J2s/plant) in pluronic gel study. The results of field trials indicated that 14, showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) better plant growth on 28 days after sowing (DAS) compared to 13. Both 13 and 14 reduced gall formation significantly than carbofuran 3 G @1 kg a.i./ha. However, lower concentrations were less effective in field in reducing the gall formation. Also, a significant reduction in the number of galls was observed when soil was drenched with 14 @ 40 mg L−1. However, root dipping was not as effective as soil drenching. The study revealed that both the chalcones have the potential for effective management of RRKN in fields, and can be a better alternative to carbofuran.

Preliminary study on a new 3D radiochromic KI-Pluronic F-127 gel dosimeter for radiotherapy

This work concerns a new potassium iodide based radiochromic gel dosimeter with Pluronic F-127 gel matrix. The optimal dosimeter composition obtained in this work comprises 200 mM potassium iodide as a radiation sensitive colour changing compound, 200 mM fructose, 50 mM gluconic acid δ-lactone and 25% (w/w) poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic F-127) as a physical gel matrix. The potassium iodide changes from colourless to yellow colour upon ionizing radiation and the intensity of colour increases with an increase of radiation dose. The dosimeter after irradiation was measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometry to derive basic characteristics related to dose response: threshold dose, linear and dynamic dose response, dose sensitivity as well as stability over time after irradiation. Water equivalence was also analysed with respect to other similar 3D radiochromic gel dosimeters for a broad photon energy range. The results obtained indicate that the KI-Pluronic F-127 radiochromic gel dosimeter shows potential for use in 3D radiotherapy dosimetry.

Thermoresponsive and Injectable Composite Hydrogels of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Pluronic F127.

Thermoresponsive amphiphilic Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer solutions have been widely investigated in smart biomaterial applications due to the proximity of its critical gel temperature to human body temperature. Meanwhile, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have quickly become the focus of many drug delivery and tissue engineering applications due to their biocompatibility, abundance, ability to conjugate with drug molecules, and superior rheological properties. Herein, we investigate the phase behavior and thermo-rheological properties of the composite hydrogels containing cellulose nanocrystals (up to 5% by weight) and the temperature responsive Pluronic F127. Our results revealed an unprecedented role of CNC network formation on micellization and gelation behavior of the triblock copolymer. Linear and nonlinear rheological analysis suggest that at low and moderate nanocrystal loadings (1-3% by weight), the composite gel remarkably becomes softer and deformable compared to the neat Pluronic F127 gels. The softening effect results from the disruption of the close packed micelles by the rodlike CNCs. At high concentrations, however, the nanocrystals form their own network and the micelles are trapped within the CNC meshes. As a result, the original (neat F127) hard-gel modulus is recovered at 4 to 5% nanocrystal loading, yet the composite gel is much more deformable (and tougher) in the presence of the CNC network. Our temperature sweep experiments show that the CNC addition up to 3% does not change the rapid thermal gelation of the F127 solutions; therefore, these composites are suitable for smart drug delivery systems. On the other hand, at higher CNC concentrations, abrupt viscosity transition is not observed, rather the composite gels smoothly thicken with temperature in contrast to thermal thinning of the aqueous neat CNC. Thus, they can be used as smartly adaptive biolubricants and bioviscostatic materials.

An Ex Vivo Acid Injury and Repair (AIR) Model Using Precision-Cut Lung Slices to Understand Lung Injury and Repair.

Recent advances in cell culture models like air-liquid interface culture and ex vivo models such as organoids have advanced studies of lung biology; however, gaps exist between these models and tools that represent the complexity of the three-dimensional environment of the lung. Precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) mimic the in vivo environment and bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo models. We have established the acid injury and repair (AIR) model where a spatially restricted area of tissue is injured using drops of HCl combined with Pluronic gel. Injury and repair are assessed by immunofluorescence using robust markers, including Ki67 for cell proliferation and prosurfactant protein C for alveolar type 2/progenitor cells. Importantly, the AIR model enables the study of injury and repair in mouse lung tissue without the need for an initial in vivo injury, and the results are highly reproducible. Here, we present detailed protocols for the generation of PCLS and the AIR model. We also describe methods to analyze and quantify injury in AIR-PCLS by immunostaining with established early repair markers and fluorescence imaging. This novel ex vivo model is a versatile tool for studying lung cell biology in acute lung injury and for semi-high-throughput screening of potential therapeutics. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of precision-cut lung slices Basic Protocol 2: The acid injury and repair model Basic Protocol 3: Analysis of AIR-PCLS: Immunostaining and imaging.