NMR Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol Conjugates for Nanoparticle Functionalization

Strategies, Challenges, and Prospects of Nanoparticles in Gynecological Malignancies

Gynecologic cancers are a significant health issue for women globally. Early detection and successful treatment of these tumors are crucial for the survival of female patients. Conventional therapies are often ineffective and harsh, particularly in advanced stages, necessitating the exploration of new therapy options. Nanotechnology offers a novel approach to biomedicine. A novel biosensor utilizing bionanotechnology can be employed for early tumor identification and therapy due to the distinctive physical and chemical characteristics of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles have been rapidly applied in the field of gynecologic malignancies, leading to significant advancements in recent years. This study highlights the significance of nanoparticles in treating gynecological cancers. It focuses on using nanoparticles for precise diagnosis and continuous monitoring of the disease, innovative imaging, and analytic methods, as well as multifunctional drug delivery systems and targeted therapies. This review examines several nanocarrier systems, such as dendrimers, liposomes, nanocapsules, and nanomicelles, for gynecological malignancies. The review also examines the enhanced therapeutic potential and targeted delivery of ligand-functionalized nanoformulations for gynecological cancers compared to nonfunctionalized anoformulations. In conclusion, the text also discusses the constraints and future exploration prospects of nanoparticles in chemotherapeutics. Nanotechnology will offer precise methods for diagnosing and treating gynecological cancers.

Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Advanced Antimicrobial Electrospun Polymers

The aim of this work was to synthesize, characterize and apply advanced antimicrobial biocompatible electrospun polymers suitable for medical implants for surgical repairs. Injuries to the musculoskeletal system often necessitate surgical repair, but current treatments can still lead to high failure rates, such as 40% for the repair of rotator cuff tears. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of new biocompatible materials that can effectively support the repair of damaged tissues. Additionally, infections acquired during hospitalization, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, result in more fatalities than AIDS, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis combined. This underscores the critical necessity for the advancement of antimicrobial implants with specialized coatings capable of combating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), two strains notoriously known for their antibiotic resistance. Therefore, we developed an antimicrobial coating incorporating nanoparticle mixtures using the sol-gel process and applied it to electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) filaments, followed by thorough characterization by using spectroscopic (FTIR, Raman, NMR) microscopic (SEM and SEM-EDX), and tensile test. The results have shown that the integration of electro-spinning technology for yarn production, coupled with surface modification techniques, holds significant potential for creating antimicrobial materials suitable for medical implants for surgical repairs.

Bioresorbable Polyester Coatings with Antifouling and Antimicrobial Properties for Prevention of Biofilm Formation in Early Stage Infections on Ti6Al4V Hard-Tissue Implants

Implants made from titanium are used as prostheses because of their biocompatibility and their mechanical properties close to those of human bone. However, the risk of bacterial infection is always a major concern during surgery, and the development of biofilm can make these infections difficult to treat. A promising strategy to mitigate against bacterial infections is the use of antifouling and antimicrobial coatings, where bioresorbable polymers can play an important role due to their controlled degradability and sustained drug release, as well as excellent biocompatibility. In the present study, poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA) and poly[d,l-lactide-co-methyl ether poly(ethylene glycol)] (PDLLA-PEG) were studied, varying the PEG content (20-40% w/w) to analyze the effectiveness of PEG as an antifouling molecule. In addition, silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) was used as an additional antimicrobial agent with a concentration ≤5% w/w and incorporated into the PEGylated polymers to create a polymer with both antifouling and antimicrobial properties. Polymers synthesized were applied using spin coating to obtain homogeneous coatings to protect samples made from titanium/aluminum/vanadium (Ti6Al4V). The polymer coatings had a smoothing effect in comparison to that of the uncoated material, decreasing the contact area available for bacterial colonization. It was also noted that PEG addition into the polymeric chain developed amphiphilic materials with a decrease in contact angle from the most hydrophobic (Ti6Al4V) to the most hydrophilic PDLLA-PEG (60/40), highlighting the increase in water uptake contributing to the hydration layer formation, which confers the antifouling effect on the coating. This study demonstrated that the addition of PEG above 20% w/w and AgSD above 1% w/v into the formulation was able to decrease bacterial adherence against clinically relevant biofilm former strains Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Chemical engineering of zein with polyethylene glycol and Angiopep-2 to manufacture a brain-targeted docetaxel nanomedicine for glioblastoma treatment

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest adult brain cancer. The current standard-of-care chemotherapy using orally administered temozolomide (TMZ) presents poor improvement in patient survival, emphasizing the compelling need for new therapies. A possible chemotherapeutic alternative is docetaxel (DTX), which possesses higher tumoricidal potency against GBM cells. However, its limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability poses a constraint on its application. Nonetheless, nanomedicine offers promising avenues for overcoming this challenge. Angiopep-2 (ANG2) is a peptide that targets the BBB-overexpressed low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). In this work, we managed, for the first time, to employ a pioneering approach of covalently linking zein protein with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and ANG2 prior to its formulation into nanoparticles (ZNPs) with enhanced stability and LDLR-mediated brain targetability, respectively. Carbodiimide and click chemistry approaches were optimized, resulting in functional modification of zein with around 25% PEG, followed by functional modification of PEG with nearly 100% ANG2. DTX-loaded ZNPs presented 100 nm average size, indicating high suitability for BBB crossing through receptor-mediated transcytosis. ZNPs maintained the cytotoxic effect of the loaded DTX against GBM cells, while demonstrating a safe matrix against BBB cells. Importantly, these brain-targeted ZNPs showcased up to fourfold enhancement in blood-to-brain permeability in a BBB in vitro model, highlighting the potential of this novel approach of BBB targeting in significantly improving therapeutic outcomes for GBM patients. The versatility of the system and the possibility of significantly increasing drug concentration in the brain open the door to its future application in a wide range of other brain-related diseases.

Synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and investigation of anti-inflammatory activity of water-soluble PEGylated 1,2,4-Triazoles

A series of water-soluble PEGylated 1,2,4-triazoles 5-8 were successfully synthesized from methyl 5-(chloromethyl)-1-aryl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylates 1. All of the water-soluble PEGylated 1,2,4-triazoles were characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The solubility, in vitro plasma stability, and anti-inflammatory activity were also determined and compared to original methyl 5-(halomethyl)-1-aryl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylates. For SAR study, all PEGylated 1,2,4-triazoles 5-8 performed potential anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells (IC50 = 3.42-7.81 μM). Moreover, the western blot result showed PEGylated 1,2,4-triazole 7d performed 5.43 and 2.37 folds inhibitory activity over iNOS and COX-2 expressions. On the other hand, the cell viability study revealed PEGylated 1,2,4-triazoles 7 and 8 with PEG molecular weight more than 600 presented better cell safety (cell viability > 95 %). Through the solubility and in vitro plasma stability studies, PEGylated 1,2,4-triazoles 7a-d exhibited higher hydrophilicity and prolonged 2.01 folds of half-life in compound 7d. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-inflammatory and gastric safety results indicated PEGylated 1,2,4-triazole 7d more effectively decreased the inflammatory response in edema and COX-2 expression and exhibited higher gastric safety than Indomethacin. Following the in vitro and in vivo study results, PEGylated 1,2,4-triazole 7d possessed favorable solubility, plasma stability features, safety, and significant anti-inflammatory activity to become the potential water-soluble anti-inflammatory candidate.

Improving the 3D Printability and Mechanical Performance of Biorenewable Soybean Oil-Based Photocurable Resins

The general requirement of replacing petroleum-derived plastics with renewable resources is particularly challenging for new technologies such as the additive manufacturing of photocurable resins. In this work, the influence of mono- and bifunctional reactive diluents on the printability and performance of resins based on acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) was explored. Polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylates of different molecular weights were selected as diluents based on the viscosity and mechanical properties of their binary mixtures with AESO. Ternary mixtures containing 60% AESO, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and polyethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (PEG200DMA) further improved the mechanical properties, water resistance and printability of the resin. Specifically, the terpolymer AESO/PEG575/PEG200DMA 60/20/20 (wt.%) improved the modulus (16% increase), tensile strength (63% increase) and %deformation at the break (21% increase), with respect to pure AESO. The enhancement of the printability provided by the reactive diluents was proven by Jacobs working curves and the improved accuracy of printed patterns. The proposed formulation, with a biorenewable carbon content of 67%, can be used as the matrix of innovative resins with unrestricted applicability in the electronics and biomedical fields. However, much effort must be done to increase the array of bio-based raw materials.

What's in My Ink: An Analysis of Commercial Tattoo Ink on the US Market

As tattoos continue to rise in popularity, the demand for tattoo ink has surged. Historically, tattoo inks have been underregulated in the US market. This study analyzes inks from nine different brands that are common in the United States, ranging from major to small manufacturers. Out of 54 inks, 45 contained unlisted additives and/or pigments. Major, unlisted adulterants include poly(ethylene glycol), propylene glycol, and higher alkanes. Many of the adulterants pose possible allergic or other health risks. Taken together, the results from this study highlight the potential for a significant issue around inaccurate tattoo ink labeling in the United States.

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate(PHBV)-Polyethylene glycol 20k(PEG20k) as a promising delivery system for PT2399 in the treatment of disc degeneration

Disc degeneration often leads to a highly prevalent symptom known as low back pain. Healthy nucleus pulposus tissue exhibited a hypoxic environment devoid of blood vessels, while degenerated nucleus pulposus experienced hypoxic deterioration and the formation of new blood vessels. In this study, the expression of important genes like HIF-2α was found to vary between normal and degenerated nucleus pulposus cells when compared to the hypoxic surroundings. The aim of this study was to examine how HIF-2α is controlled in nucleus pulposus cells under hypoxic conditions and its role in angiogenic mechanisms. To assess the impact of gradual inhibition of HIF-2α on disc degeneration, we utilized PHBV-based synthetic materials loaded with inhibitors of HIF-2α. Specifically, we employed LPS and PT2399 loaded PHBV-PEG20k (PP20) to intervene with human nucleus pulposus cells. Additionally, we treated APD rat models with PT2399 loaded PP20 to evaluate its effects. The expression levels of target markers in nucleus pulposus cells were detected using PCR, WB, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, the effect of drugs on disc degeneration was identified through HE staining. The findings indicated that HIF-2α, CAIX, PPP1R15A, VEGFA, and EGLN3 could potentially serve as new indicators of disc degeneration. Additionally, HIF-2α might contribute to the progression of disc degeneration through involvement in angiogenesis and the regulation of hypoxia. Furthermore, the utilization of PT2399 loaded PHBV-PEG20k (PP20) could potentially offer a fresh alternative for treating disc degeneration.

Study on aging behavior of polyethylene glycol under three wavelengths of ultraviolet light irradiation

PEG2000 (polyethylene glycol, molecular weight: 2000) is commonly used for the dehydration and reinforcement of waterlogged wooden cultural relics, but its photo-aging degradation will seriously affect the long-term conservation of the wooden cultural relics. In this study, the photo-aging characteristics and mechanisms of PEG2000 under UV (ultraviolet) irradiations of three wavelengths were comprehensively investigated, and the surface morphology, crystal structure, and relative molecular weight of PEG2000 were systematically characterized. The results showed that PEG2000 showed a higher gloss loss rate, carbonyl index and crystallinity, and a wider molecular weight distribution with increasing aging time, especially under the irradiation of 313 nm ultraviolet light. The evolution of the PEG2000 from surface to interior during photoaging was elucidated by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and it was determined that photodegradation not only occurs on the surface of PEG2000 but also gradually extends to the interior of the sample with the prolongation of irradiation time, resulting in the transformation of the basic component unit of spherical crystals in PEG2000 from fibrous crystals to spherical particles. Based on 1H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), the photochemical reactions for the generation of degradation products were proposed, and it was found that the degradation occurred at the C-H and C-O-C bonds on the main chain, forming a large number of ester and ethoxy structures. The aging degree of PEG2000 was evaluated from the perspective of surface morphology and chemical structure by gloss and FTIR spectroscopy, and it was found that the combination of gloss loss rate and carbonyl index was more suitable to evaluate the aging degree of the sample. The relevant theoretical research will provide reliable guidance for the preservation of polyethylene glycol in waterlogged wooden cultural relics.

Comparison of the Efficiency of Hetero- and Homogeneous Catalysts in Cellulose Liquefaction

Biomass liquefaction is a well-known and extensively described process. Hydrothermal processes are well understood and can be used in the fuel industry. The use of organic solvents can result in full-fledged products for use in the synthesis of polyurethanes. The plastics industry, including polyurethanes, is targeting new, more environmentally friendly solutions. One of these is the replacement of petrochemical polyols with compounds obtained from renewable sources. It is common in biomass liquefaction to use sulfuric acid (VI) as a catalyst. The purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of a heterogeneous catalyst such as Nafion ion-exchange resin on the cellulose liquefaction process. The results obtained were compared with the bio-polyols obtained in a conventional way, using a homogeneous catalyst (sulfuric acid (VI)). Depending on the catalyst used and the temperature of the process, bio-polyols characterized, among other things, by a hydroxyl number in the range of 740-400 mgKOH/g were obtained. The research provides new information on the possibility of using heterogeneous catalysts in cellulose liquefaction.

A novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)-PEG-melatonin composite scaffold enhances for inhibiting bone tumor recurrence and enhancing bone regeneration

Introduction: Postoperative comprehensive treatment has become increasingly important in recent years. This study was to repair tissue defects resulting from the removal of diseased tissue and to eliminate or inhibit the recurrence and metastasis of residual tumors under the condition of reducing the systemic side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. To address these challenges, multifunctional scaffolds based local drug delivery systems will be a promising solution. Methods: An optimal drug-loaded scaffold material PHBV-mPEG5k (PP5) was prepared, which is biocompatible, hydrophilic and biodegradable. Furthermore, this material showed to promote bone healing, and could be conveniently prepared into porous scaffold by freeze-drying the solution. By means of introducing melatonin (MT) into the porous surfaces, the MT loaded PP5 scaffold with desirable sustained release ability was successfully prepared. The effectiveness of the MT loaded PP5 scaffold in promoting bone repair and anti-tumor properties was evaluated through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Results and Discussion: The MT loaded PP5 scaffold is able to achieve the desired outcome of bone tissue repair and anti-bone tumor properties. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that the PP5 scaffold was able to enhance the anti-tumor effect of melatonin by improving cellular autophagy, which provided a therapeutic strategy for the comprehensive postoperative treatment of osteosarcoma.