1
|
Physicochemical and pharmacological investigations of polyvinylpyrrolidone - tetrahydroxyborate hydrogel containing the local anesthetic lidocaine. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
2
|
Gabrielli V, Kuraite A, da Silva MA, Edler KJ, Angulo J, Nepravishta R, Muñoz-García JC, Khimyak YZ. Spin diffusion transfer difference (SDTD) NMR: An advanced method for the characterisation of water structuration within particle networks. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 594:217-227. [PMID: 33756365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.02.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS The classical STD NMR protocol to monitor solvent interactions in gels is strongly dependent on gelator and solvent concentrations and does not report on the degree of structuration of the solvent at the particle/solvent interface. We hypothesised that, for suspensions of large gelator particles, solvent structuration could be characterised by STD NMR when taking into account the particle-to-solvent 1H-1H spin diffusion transfer using the 1D diffusion equation. EXPERIMENTS We have carried out a systematic study on effect of gelator and solvent concentrations, and gelator surface charge, affecting the behaviour of the classical STD NMR build-up curves. To do so, we have characterised solvent interactions in dispersions of starch and cellulose-like particles prepared in deuterated water and alcohol/D2O mixtures. FINDINGS The Spin Diffusion Transfer Difference (SDTD) NMR protocol is independent of the gelator and solvent concentrations, hence allowing the estimation of the degree of solvent structuration within different particle networks. In addition, the simulation of SDTD build-up curves using the general one-dimensional diffusion equation allows the determination of minimum distances (r) and spin diffusion rates (D) at the particle/solvent interface. This novel NMR protocol can be readily extended to characterise the solvent(s) organisation in any type of colloidal systems constituted by large particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Gabrielli
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Agne Kuraite
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | | | - Karen J Edler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Jesús Angulo
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Juan C Muñoz-García
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Yaroslav Z Khimyak
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Simpson LW, Good TA, Leach JB. Protein folding and assembly in confined environments: Implications for protein aggregation in hydrogels and tissues. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 42:107573. [PMID: 32512220 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the biological milieu of a cell, soluble crowding molecules and rigid confined environments strongly influence whether the protein is properly folded, intrinsically disordered proteins assemble into distinct phases, or a denatured or aggregated protein species is favored. Such crowding and confinement factors act to exclude solvent volume from the protein molecules, resulting in an increased local protein concentration and decreased protein entropy. A protein's structure is inherently tied to its function. Examples of processes where crowding and confinement may strongly influence protein function include transmembrane protein dimerization, enzymatic activity, assembly of supramolecular structures (e.g., microtubules), nuclear condensates containing transcriptional machinery, protein aggregation in the contexts of disease and protein therapeutics. Historically, most protein structures have been determined from pure, dilute protein solutions or pure crystals. However, these are not the environments in which these proteins function. Thus, there has been an increased emphasis on analyzing protein structure and dynamics in more "in vivo-like" environments. Complex in vitro models using hydrogel scaffolds to study proteins may better mimic features of the in vivo environment. Therefore, analytical techniques need to be optimized for real-time analysis of proteins within hydrogel scaffolds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura W Simpson
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Eng 314, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Theresa A Good
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Jennie B Leach
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Eng 314, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Raghuwanshi VS, Garnier G. Characterisation of hydrogels: Linking the nano to the microscale. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 274:102044. [PMID: 31677493 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2019.102044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are water enriched soft materials widely used for applications as varied as super absorbents, breast implants and contact lenses. Hydrogels have also been designed for smart functional devices including drug delivery, tissue engineering and diagnostics such as blood typing. The hydrogel properties and functionality depend on their crosslinking density, water holding capacity and fibre/polymer composition, strength and internal structure. Determining these parameters and properties are challenging. This review presents the main characterisation methods providing both qualitative and quantitative information of the structures and compositions of hydrogel. The length scale of interest ranges from the nano to the micro scale and the techniques and results are analysed in relationship to the hydrogel macroscopic applications. The characterisation methods examined aim at quantifying swelling, mechanical strength, mesh size, bound and free water content, pore structure, chemical composition, strength of chemical bonds and mechanical strength. These hydrogel parameters enable us to understand the fundamental mechanisms of hydrogel formation, to control their structure and functionality, and to optimize and tailor specific hydrogel properties to engineer particular applications.
Collapse
|
5
|
Onaciu A, Munteanu RA, Moldovan AI, Moldovan CS, Berindan-Neagoe I. Hydrogels Based Drug Delivery Synthesis, Characterization and Administration. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:E432. [PMID: 31450869 PMCID: PMC6781314 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11090432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels represent 3D polymeric networks specially designed for various medical applications. Due to their porous structure, they are able to swollen and to entrap large amounts of therapeutic agents and other molecules. In addition, their biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, together with a controlled release profile, make hydrogels a potential drug delivery system. In vivo studies have demonstrated their effectiveness as curing platforms for various diseases and affections. In addition, the results of the clinical trials are very encouraging and promising for the use of hydrogels as future target therapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anca Onaciu
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Marinescu 23/Pasteur 4-6 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Raluca Andrada Munteanu
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Marinescu 23/Pasteur 4-6 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alin Iulian Moldovan
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Marinescu 23/Pasteur 4-6 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics-Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6 Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Silviu Moldovan
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Marinescu 23/Pasteur 4-6 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics-Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur 6 Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Marinescu 23 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Medfuture-Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Marinescu 23/Pasteur 4-6 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Marinescu 23 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- The Oncology Institute "Prof Dr Ion Chiricuța", Republicii 34-36 Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li J, Zheng C, Liu B, Chou T, Kim Y, Qiu S, Li J, Yan W, Fu J. Controlled graphene encapsulation: a nanoscale shield for characterising single bacterial cells in liquid. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 29:365705. [PMID: 29889049 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aacba7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution single-cell imaging in their native or near-native state has received considerable interest for decades. In this research, we present an innovative approach that can be employed to study both morphological and nano-mechanical properties of hydrated single bacterial cells. The proposed strategy is to encapsulate wet cells with monolayer graphene with a newly developed water membrane approach, followed by imaging with both electron microscopy (EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A computational framework was developed to provide additional insights, with the detailed nanoindentation process on graphene modelled based on the finite element method. The model was first validated by calibration with polymer materials of known properties, and the contribution of graphene was then studied and corrected to determine the actual moduli of the encapsulated hydrated sample. Application of the proposed approach was performed on hydrated bacterial cells (Klebsiella pneumoniae) to correlate the structural and mechanical information. EM and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy imaging confirmed that the cells in their near-native stage can be studied inside the miniaturised environment enabled with graphene encapsulation. The actual moduli of the encapsulated hydrated cells were determined based on the developed computational model in parallel, with results comparable with those acquired with wet AFM. It is expected that the successful establishment of controlled graphene encapsulation offers a new route for probing liquid/live cells with scanning probe microscopy, as well as correlative imaging of hydrated samples for both biological and material sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Iturri J, Toca-Herrera JL. Characterization of Cell Scaffolds by Atomic Force Microscopy. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E383. [PMID: 30971057 PMCID: PMC6418519 DOI: 10.3390/polym9080383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review reports on the use of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the investigation of cell scaffolds in recent years. It is shown how the technique is able to deliver information about the scaffold surface properties (e.g., topography), as well as about its mechanical behavior (Young's modulus, viscosity, and adhesion). In addition, this short review also points out the utilization of the atomic force microscope technique beyond its usual employment in order to investigate another type of basic questions related to materials physics, chemistry, and biology. The final section discusses in detail the novel uses that those alternative measuring modes can bring to this field in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jagoba Iturri
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of NanoBiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Wien, Austria.
| | - José L Toca-Herrera
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of NanoBiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Wien, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|