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Butt FS, Lewis A, Rea R, Mazlan NA, Chen T, Radacsi N, Mangano E, Fan X, Yang Y, Yang S, Huang Y. Highly-Controlled Soft-Templating Synthesis of Hollow ZIF-8 Nanospheres for Selective CO 2 Separation and Storage. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37345663 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Global warming is an ever-rising environmental concern, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is among its major causes. Different technologies, including adsorption, cryogenic separation, and sequestration, have been developed for CO2 separation and storage/utilization. Among these, carbon capture using nano-adsorbents has the advantages of excellent CO2 separation and storage performance as well as superior heat- and mass-transfer characteristics due to their large surface area and pore volume. In this work, an environmentally friendly, facile, bottom-up synthesis of ZIF-8 hollow nanospheres (with reduced chemical consumption) was developed for selective CO2 separation and storage. During this soft-templating synthesis, a combined effect of ultra-sonication and low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis showed better control over an oil-in-water microemulsion formation and the subsequent growth of large-surface-area hollow ZIF-8 nanospheres having excellent particle size distribution. Systematic studies on the synthesis parameters were also performed to achieve fine-tuning of the ZIF-8 crystallinity, hollow structures, and sphere size. The optimized hollow ZIF-8 nanosphere sample having uniform size distribution exhibited remarkable CO2 adsorption capability (∼2.24 mmol g-1 at 0 °C and 1.75 bar), a CO2/N2 separation selectivity of 12.15, a good CO2 storage capacity (1.5-1.75 wt %), and an excellent cyclic adsorption/desorption performance (up to four CO2 adsorption/desorption cycles) at 25 °C. In addition, the samples showed exceptional structural stability with only ∼15% of overall weight loss up to 600 °C under a nitrogen environment. Therefore, the hollow ZIF-8 nanospheres as well as their highly controlled soft-templating synthesis method reported in this work are useful in the course of the development of nanomaterials with optimized properties for future CO2 capture technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraz Saeed Butt
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Allana Lewis
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Riccardo Rea
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Nurul A Mazlan
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Ting Chen
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Enzo Mangano
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Xianfeng Fan
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
| | - Yaohao Yang
- Jiangsu Dingying New Materials Co., Ltd., Changzhou, Jiangsu 213031, China
| | - Shuiqing Yang
- Jiangsu Dingying New Materials Co., Ltd., Changzhou, Jiangsu 213031, China
| | - Yi Huang
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, U.K
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Khan SR, Wang X, Jiang T, Ju W, Radacsi N, Kadir MA, Rabbani KSE, Cunningham S, Mitra S. Multi-Modal Portable Respiratory Rate Monitoring Device for Childhood Pneumonia Detection. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:708. [PMID: 37420941 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Accurate assessment of Respiratory Rate (RR) is the most important mechanism in detecting pneumonia in low-resource settings. Pneumonia is a disease with one of the highest mortality rates among young children under five. However, the diagnosis of pneumonia for infants remains challenging, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In such situations, RR is most often measured manually with visual inspection. Accurate RR measurement requires the child to remain calm without any stress for a few minutes. The difficulty in achieving this with a sick child in a clinical environment can result in errors and misdiagnosis, even more so when the child is crying and non-cooperating around unfamiliar adults. Therefore, we propose an automated novel RR monitoring device built with textile glove and dry electrodes which can make use of the relaxed posture when the child is resting on the carer's lap. This portable system is non-invasive and made with affordable instrumentation integrated on customized textile glove. The glove has multi-modal automated RR detection mechanism that simultaneously uses bio-impedance and accelerometer data. This novel textile glove with dry electrodes can easily be worn by a parent/carer and is washable. The real-time display on a mobile app shows the raw data and the RR value, allowing a healthcare professional to monitor the results from afar. The prototype device has been tested on 10 volunteers with age variation of 3 years to 33 years, including male and female. The maximum variation of measured RR with the proposed system is ±2 compared to the traditional manual counting method. It does not create any discomfort for either the child or the carer and can be used up to 60 to 70 sessions/day before recharging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadeque Reza Khan
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- School of Engineering, Institute of Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Tiantao Jiang
- School of Engineering, Institute of Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Wei Ju
- School of Engineering, Institute of Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK
| | - Muhammad Abdul Kadir
- Department of Biomedical Physics and Technology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Steve Cunningham
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Srinjoy Mitra
- School of Engineering, Institute of Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
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Lopresti F, Patella B, Divita V, Zanca C, Botta L, Radacsi N, O’Riordan A, Aiello G, Kersaudy-Kerhoas M, Inguanta R, La Carrubba V. Green and Integrated Wearable Electrochemical Sensor for Chloride Detection in Sweat. Sensors (Basel) 2022; 22:8223. [PMID: 36365929 PMCID: PMC9654961 DOI: 10.3390/s22218223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Wearable sensors for sweat biomarkers can provide facile analyte capability and monitoring for several diseases. In this work, a green wearable sensor for sweat absorption and chloride sensing is presented. In order to produce a sustainable device, polylactic acid (PLA) was used for both the substrate and the sweat absorption pad fabrication. The sensor material for chloride detection consisted of silver-based reference, working, and counter electrodes obtained from upcycled compact discs. The PLA substrates were prepared by thermal bonding of PLA sheets obtained via a flat die extruder, prototyped in single functional layers via CO2 laser cutting, and bonded via hot-press. The effect of cold plasma treatment on the transparency and bonding strength of PLA sheets was investigated. The PLA membrane, to act as a sweat absorption pad, was directly deposited onto the membrane holder layer by means of an electrolyte-assisted electrospinning technique. The membrane adhesion capacity was investigated by indentation tests in both dry and wet modes. The integrated device made of PLA and silver-based electrodes was used to quantify chloride ions. The calibration tests revealed that the proposed sensor platform could quantify chloride ions in a sensitive and reproducible way. The chloride ions were also quantified in a real sweat sample collected from a healthy volunteer. Therefore, we demonstrated the feasibility of a green and integrated sweat sensor that can be applied directly on human skin to quantify chloride ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lopresti
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Bernardo Patella
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Divita
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Zanca
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Botta
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK
| | - Alan O’Riordan
- Nanotechnology Group, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, T12R5CP Cork, Ireland
| | - Giuseppe Aiello
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Rosalinda Inguanta
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Carrubba
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Waqas M, Robert C, Arif U, Radacsi N, Ray D, Koutsos V. Improving the through‐thickness electrical conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites using interleaving conducting veils. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.53060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqas
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Colin Robert
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Urwah Arif
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Scottish Microelectronics Centre The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Dipa Ray
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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Uhljar LÉ, Alshweiat A, Katona G, Chung M, Radacsi N, Kókai D, Burián K, Ambrus R. Comparison of Nozzle-Based and Nozzle-Free Electrospinning for Preparation of Fast-Dissolving Nanofibers Loaded with Ciprofloxacin. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081559. [PMID: 36015184 PMCID: PMC9413034 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to prepare ciprofloxacin-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone electrospun nanofibers for oral drug delivery, using a conventional nozzle-based and a lab-built nozzle-free electrospinning equipment. To produce nanofibers, electrospinning is the process most often used. However, from the industry’s point of view, conventional electrospinning does not have sufficiently high productivity. By omitting the nozzle, productivity can be increased, and so the development of nozzle-free processes is worthwhile. In this study, a solution of ciprofloxacin and polyvinylpyrrolidone was electrospun under similar conditions, using both single-nozzle and nozzle-free methods. The two electrospinning methods were compared by investigating the morphological and physicochemical properties, homogeneity, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity. The stability of the nanofibers was monitored from different aspects in a 26 month stability study. The results showed that the use of the nozzle-free electrospinning was preferable due to a higher throughput, improved homogeneity, and the enhanced stability of nanofiber mats, compared to the nozzle-based method. Nevertheless, fast dissolving nanofibers loaded with poorly water-soluble ciprofloxacin were produced by both electrospinning methods. The beneficial properties of these nanofibers can be exploited in innovative drug development; e.g., nanofibers can be formulated into orodispersible films or per os tablets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Éva Uhljar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (L.É.U.); (G.K.)
| | - Areen Alshweiat
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Gábor Katona
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (L.É.U.); (G.K.)
| | - Michael Chung
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK; (M.C.); (N.R.)
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK; (M.C.); (N.R.)
| | - Dávid Kókai
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Dóm Square 10, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Katalin Burián
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Dóm Square 10, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Rita Ambrus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (L.É.U.); (G.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Muenwacha T, Weeranantanapan O, Chudapongse N, Diaz Sanchez FJ, Maensiri S, Radacsi N, Nuansing W. Fabrication of Piezoelectric Electrospun Termite Nest-like 3D Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:7684. [PMID: 34947288 PMCID: PMC8708465 DOI: 10.3390/ma14247684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A high piezoelectric coefficient polymer and biomaterial for bone tissue engineering- poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-has been successfully fabricated into 3D scaffolds using the wet electrospinning method. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds have significant advantages for tissue engineering applications. Electrospinning is an advanced method and can fabricate 3D scaffolds. However, it has some limitations and is difficult to fabricate nanofibers into 3D shapes because of the low controllability of porosity and internal pore shape. The PVDF-HFP powders were dissolved in a mixture of acetone and dimethylformamide with a ratio of 1:1 at various concentrations of 10, 13, 15, 17, and 20 wt%. However, only the solutions at 15 and 17 wt% with optimized electrospinning parameters can be fabricated into biomimetic 3D shapes. The produced PVDF-HFP 3D scaffolds are in the cm size range and mimic the structure of the natural nests of termites of the genus Apicotermes. In addition, the 3D nanofiber-based structure can also generate more electrical signals than the conventional 2D ones, as the third dimension provides more compression. The cell interaction with the 3D nanofibers scaffold was investigated. The in vitro results demonstrated that the NIH 3T3 cells could attach and migrate in the 3D structures. While conventional electrospinning yields 2D (flat) structures, our bio-inspired electrospun termite nest-like 3D scaffolds are better suited for tissue engineering applications since they can potentially mimic native tissues as they have biomimetic structure, piezoelectric, and biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanapon Muenwacha
- Institute of Science, School of Physics, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (T.M.); (S.M.)
- Thailand Center of Excellence in Physics (ThEP), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Oratai Weeranantanapan
- Institute of Science, School of Preclinical Sciences, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (O.W.); (N.C.)
- Center of Excellence on Advanced Functional Materials (CoE-AFM), Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Nuannoi Chudapongse
- Institute of Science, School of Preclinical Sciences, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (O.W.); (N.C.)
- Center of Excellence on Advanced Functional Materials (CoE-AFM), Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Francisco Javier Diaz Sanchez
- Institute for Materials and Processes, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK;
| | - Santi Maensiri
- Institute of Science, School of Physics, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (T.M.); (S.M.)
- Center of Excellence on Advanced Functional Materials (CoE-AFM), Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC—SUT on Advanced Nanomaterials and Characterization, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- Institute for Materials and Processes, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK;
| | - Wiwat Nuansing
- Institute of Science, School of Physics, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (T.M.); (S.M.)
- Center of Excellence on Advanced Functional Materials (CoE-AFM), Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC—SUT on Advanced Nanomaterials and Characterization, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
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Chung M, Skinner WH, Robert C, Campbell CJ, Rossi RM, Koutsos V, Radacsi N. Fabrication of a Wearable Flexible Sweat pH Sensor Based on SERS-Active Au/TPU Electrospun Nanofibers. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:51504-51518. [PMID: 34672514 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Development of wearable sensing platforms is essential for the advancement of continuous health monitoring and point-of-care testing. Eccrine sweat pH is an analyte that can be noninvasively measured and used to diagnose and aid in monitoring a wide range of physiological conditions. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers a rapid, optical technique for fingerprinting of biomarkers present in sweat. In this paper, a mechanically flexible, nanofibrous, SERS-active substrate was fabricated by a combination of electrospinning of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and Au sputter coating. This substrate was then investigated for suitability toward wearable sweat pH sensing after functionalization with two commonly used pH-responsive molecules, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), and 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPy). The developed SERS pH sensor was found to have good resolution (0.14 pH units for 4-MBA; 0.51 pH units for 4-MPy), with only 1 μL of sweat required for a measurement, and displayed no statistically significant difference in performance after 35 days (p = 0.361). Additionally, the Au/TPU nanofibrous SERS pH sensors showed fast sweat-absorbing ability as well as good repeatability and reversibility. The proposed methodology offers a facile route for the fabrication of SERS substrates which could also be used to measure a wide range of health biomarkers beyond sweat pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chung
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - William H Skinner
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Robert
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Colin J Campbell
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - René M Rossi
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
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Skinner WH, Chung M, Mitchell S, Akidil A, Fabre K, Goodwin R, Stokes AA, Radacsi N, Campbell CJ. A SERS-Active Electrospun Polymer Mesh for Spatially Localized pH Measurements of the Cellular Microenvironment. Anal Chem 2021; 93:13844-13851. [PMID: 34609126 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular pH (pHe) is an important chemical factor in many cellular processes and disease pathologies. The routine sampling of pHe in vitro could lead to innovative advances in therapeutics. To this end, we have fabricated a novel gold-coated polymer mesh, which facilitates the real-time measurement of pHe via surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In this proof of concept study, we apply our SERS sensor to measure metabolically induced changes in the pHe of carcinoma-derived cell line HepG2/C3A. We demonstrate that gold-coated polyurethane electrospun nanofibers (AuNF) have strong and reproducible SERS spectra of surface-adsorbed analytes. By functionalizing AuNF with pH-responsive reporter 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA), we have developed an accurate pH SERS sensor for the extracellular microenvironment. We cultured HepG2/C3A on the surface of MBA-AuNF and measured an acidic shift in pHe at the cell-fiber interface. Following exposure to staurosporine, an apoptosis-inducing drug, we observed changes in the HepG2/C3A cellular morphology indicative of controlled cell death, and detected an increase in the pHe of HepG2/C3A. These results demonstrate how subtle changes in pHe, induced by the metabolic activity of cells, can be measured with our novel SERS sensor MBA-AuNF. The excellent pH measurement performance of MBA-AuNF provides a unique platform to study extracellular pH on the microscale and will help to deepen our understanding of pHe in disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Skinner
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Chung
- School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Asli Akidil
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Fabre
- Innovation Scientist, Baylor College of Medicine, Centre for Space Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Richard Goodwin
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Adam A Stokes
- School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Colin J Campbell
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
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Lewis A, Chen T, Butt FS, Wei X, Radacsi N, Fan X, Huang Y. Facile fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework hollow fibre membranes via a novel scalable continuous fluid circulation process. Nanoscale 2021; 13:14644-14655. [PMID: 34558583 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03112k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A novel continuous fluid circulation system was designed and employed for the impregnation seeding and fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) crystals on the internal surface of polymeric hollow fibre membranes. Application of impregnation seeding has been proven effective to decrease crystal size, consequently increasing surface roughness and wettability of the membrane. Evaluation of the as-synthesised membrane demonstrated excellent separation efficiencies (>99%) of surfactant stabilised oil-in-water emulsions. Owing to the simple impregnation strategy assisted by the continuous fluid circulation, the active ZIF layer formed was visibly thinner and denser than typical seeding techniques, hence a high pure water flux of >1150 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 was achieved. The membranes were highly selective and ultra-permeable to water, however, almost impermeable to oils in a water environment, e.g., n-hexane, n-heptane, chloroform and dichloromethane, as well as their emulsion mixtures, with a separation efficiency higher than 99%. Besides, this new continuous fluid circulation method was also found promising for the synthesis of other types of ZIF on hollow fibre membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allana Lewis
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Ting Chen
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Fraz Saeed Butt
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Xiuming Wei
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Xianfeng Fan
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Yi Huang
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Scotland, UK.
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Badmus M, Liu J, Wang N, Radacsi N, Zhao Y. Hierarchically electrospun nanofibers and their applications: A review. Nano Materials Science 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoms.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Fazal F, Raghav S, Callanan A, Koutsos V, Radacsi N. Recent advancements in the bioprinting of vascular grafts. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34102613 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac0963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in the bioinks and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting methods used to fabricate vascular constructs are summarized herein. Critical biomechanical properties required to fabricate an ideal vascular graft are highlighted, as well as various testing methods have been outlined to evaluate the bio-fabricated grafts as per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines. Occlusive artery disease and cardiovascular disease are the major causes of death globally. These diseases are caused by the blockage in the arteries, which results in a decreased blood flow to the tissues of major organs in the body, such as the heart. Bypass surgery is often performed using a vascular graft to re-route the blood flow. Autologous grafts represent a gold standard for such bypass surgeries; however, these grafts may be unavailable due to the previous harvesting or possess a poor quality. Synthetic grafts serve well for medium to large-sized vessels, but they fail when used to replace small-diameter vessels, generally smaller than 6 mm. Various tissue engineering approaches have been used to address the urgent need for vascular graft that can withstand hemodynamic blood pressure and has the ability to grow and remodel. Among these approaches, 3D bioprinting offers an attractive solution to construct patient-specific vessel grafts with layered biomimetic structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Fazal
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, EH9 3FB Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, (New Campus) Pakistan
| | - Sakshika Raghav
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, EH9 3FB Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Callanan
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, EH9 3JL Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, EH9 3FB Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, EH9 3FB Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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12
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Fazal F, Diaz Sanchez FJ, Waqas M, Koutsos V, Callanan A, Radacsi N. A modified 3D printer as a hybrid bioprinting-electrospinning system for use in vascular tissue engineering applications. Med Eng Phys 2021; 94:52-60. [PMID: 34303502 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There is a high demand for small diameter vascular grafts having mechanical and biological properties similar to that of living tissues. Tissue-engineered vascular grafts using current methods have often failed due to the mismatch of mechanical properties between the implanted graft and living tissues. To address this limitation, a hybrid bioprinting-electrospinning system is developed for vascular tissue engineering applications. The setup is capable of producing layered structure from electrospun fibres and cell-laden hydrogel. A Creality3D Ender 3D printer has been modified into a hybrid setup having one bioprinting head and two electrospinning heads. Fortus 250mc and Flashforge Creator Pro 3D printers were used to print parts using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) polymers. An Arduino mega 2560 and a Ramps 1.4 controller board were selected to control the functions of the hybrid bioprinting setup. The setup was tested successfully to print a tubular construct around a rotating needle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Fazal
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, (new campus) Pakistan.
| | - Francisco Javier Diaz Sanchez
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.
| | - Anthony Callanan
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL, United Kingdom.
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.
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13
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Waqas M, Keirouz A, Sanira Putri MK, Fazal F, Diaz Sanchez FJ, Ray D, Koutsos V, Radacsi N. Design and development of a nozzle-free electrospinning device for the high-throughput production of biomaterial nanofibers. Med Eng Phys 2021; 92:80-87. [PMID: 34167715 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This technical note provides a step-by-step guide for the design and construction of a temperature-controlled nozzle-free electrospinning device. The equipment uses a rotating mandrel partially immersed within a polymer solution to produce fibers in an upward motion by inducing the formation of multiple Taylor cones and subsequently multi-jetting out of an electrified open surface. Free-surface electrospinning can overcome limitations and drawbacks associated with single and multi-nozzle spinneret configurations, such as low yield, limited production capacity, nonuniform electric field distribution, and clogging. Most importantly, this lab-scaled high-throughput device can provide an alternative economical route for needleless electrospinning research, in contrast to the high costs associated with industrially available upscaling equipment. Among the device's technical specifications, a key feature is a cryo-collector mandrel, capable of collecting fibers in sub-zero temperatures, which can induce ultra-porous nanostructures, wider pores, and subsequent in-depth penetration of cells. A multi-channel gas chamber allows the conditioning of the atmosphere, temperature, and airflow, while the chamber's design averts user exposure to the high-voltage components. All the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files and point-by-point assembly instructions, along with a list of the materials used, are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqas
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Antonios Keirouz
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Kana Sanira Putri
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Faraz Fazal
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, (city campus) Pakistan
| | - Francisco Javier Diaz Sanchez
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Dipa Ray
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, United Kingdom..
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14
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Tsiamis A, Diaz Sanchez F, Hartikainen N, Chung M, Mitra S, Lim YC, Tan HL, Radacsi N. Graphene Wrapping of Electrospun Nanofibers for Enhanced Electrochemical Sensing. ACS Omega 2021; 6:10568-10577. [PMID: 34056211 PMCID: PMC8153741 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a scalable method of developing ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensors. This is achieved by maximizing sensor conductivity through graphene wrapping of carbonized electrospun nanofibers. The effectiveness of the graphene wrap was determined visually by scanning electron microscopy and chemically by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The sensing performance of different electrode samples was electrochemically characterized using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, with the graphene-wrapped carbonized nanofiber electrode showing significantly improved performance. The graphene-wrapped carbonized nanofibers exhibited a relative conductivity of ∼14 times and an electroactive surface area of ∼2 times greater compared to the bare screen-printed carbon electrode despite experiencing inhibitive effects from the carbon glue used to bind the samples to the electrode. The results indicate potential for a highly conductive, inert sensing platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Tsiamis
- School
of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
| | - Francisco Diaz Sanchez
- School
of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Mayfield
Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, U.K.
| | - Niklas Hartikainen
- School
of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Mayfield
Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, U.K.
| | - Michael Chung
- School
of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Mayfield
Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, U.K.
| | - Srinjoy Mitra
- School
of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
| | - Ying Chin Lim
- Faculty
of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi
MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Huey Ling Tan
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi
MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School
of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Mayfield
Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, U.K.
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15
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Uhljar LÉ, Kan SY, Radacsi N, Koutsos V, Szabó-Révész P, Ambrus R. In Vitro Drug Release, Permeability, and Structural Test of Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Nanofibers. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040556. [PMID: 33921031 PMCID: PMC8071406 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanofibers of the poorly water-soluble antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) were fabricated in the form of an amorphous solid dispersion by using poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) as a polymer matrix, by the low-cost electrospinning method. The solubility of the nanofibers as well as their in vitro diffusion were remarkably higher than those of the CIP powder or the physical mixture of the two components. The fiber size and morphology were optimized, and it was found that the addition of the CIP to the electrospinning solution decreased the nanofiber diameter, leading to an increased specific surface area. Structural characterization confirmed the interactions between the drug and the polymer and the amorphous state of CIP inside the nanofibers. Since the solubility of CIP is pH-dependent, the in vitro solubility and dissolution studies were executed at different pH levels. The nanofiber sample with the finest morphology demonstrated a significant increase in solubility both in water and pH 7.4 buffer. Single medium and two-stage biorelevant dissolution studies were performed, and the release mechanism was described by mathematical models. Besides, in vitro diffusion from pH 6.8 to pH 7.4 notably increased when compared with the pure drug and physical mixture. Ciprofloxacin-loaded poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) nanofibers can be considered as fast-dissolving formulations with improved physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Éva Uhljar
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (L.É.U.); (P.S.-R.)
| | - Sheng Yuan Kan
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK; (S.Y.K.); (N.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK; (S.Y.K.); (N.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK; (S.Y.K.); (N.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Piroska Szabó-Révész
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (L.É.U.); (P.S.-R.)
| | - Rita Ambrus
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (L.É.U.); (P.S.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Zhang M, Chen X, Radacsi N. New tricks of old drugs: Repurposing non-chemo drugs and dietary phytochemicals as adjuvants in anti-tumor therapies. J Control Release 2020; 329:96-120. [PMID: 33259852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Combination therapy has long been applied to enhance therapeutic effect and deal with the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in cancer treatment. However, the overlapping toxicity of multiple anticancer drugs to healthy tissues and increasing financial burden on patients emerged as major concerns. As promising alternatives to chemo agents, repurposed non-chemo drugs and dietary phytochemicals have been investigated as adjuvants to conventional anti-tumor therapeutics, offering a safe and economic strategy for combination therapy. In this review, we aim to highlight the advances in research about combination therapy using conventional therapeutics and repurposed drugs or phytochemicals for an enhanced anti-tumor efficacy, along with the mechanisms involved in the synergism. Beyond these, we outlined the potential challenges and solutions for clinical translation of the proposed combination therapy, providing a safe and affordable strategy to improve the reach of cancer therapy to low income regions with such new tricks of old drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhang
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom; School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom.
| | - Xianfeng Chen
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom.
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.
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17
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Moreira A, Lawson D, Onyekuru L, Dziemidowicz K, Angkawinitwong U, Costa PF, Radacsi N, Williams GR. Protein encapsulation by electrospinning and electrospraying. J Control Release 2020; 329:1172-1197. [PMID: 33127450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Given the increasing interest in the use of peptide- and protein-based agents in therapeutic strategies, it is fundamental to develop delivery systems capable of preserving the biological activity of these molecules upon administration, and which can provide tuneable release profiles. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) techniques, encompassing electrospinning and electrospraying, allow the generation of fibres and particles with high surface area-to-volume ratios, versatile architectures, and highly controllable release profiles. This review is focused on exploring the potential of different EHD methods (including blend, emulsion, and co-/multi-axial electrospinning and electrospraying) for the development of peptide and protein delivery systems. An overview of the principles of each technique is first presented, followed by a survey of the literature on the encapsulation of enzymes, growth factors, antibodies, hormones, and vaccine antigens using EHD approaches. The possibility for localised delivery using stimuli-responsive systems is also explored. Finally, the advantages and challenges with each EHD method are summarised, and the necessary steps for clinical translation and scaled-up production of electrospun and electrosprayed protein delivery systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Lawson
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK
| | - Lesley Onyekuru
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Karolina Dziemidowicz
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Ukrit Angkawinitwong
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Pedro F Costa
- BIOFABICS, Rua Alfredo Allen 455, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK.
| | - Gareth R Williams
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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18
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McClements J, Zhang M, Radacsi N, Koutsos V. Measuring the interactions between carbon black nanoparticles and latex thin films in aqueous media using AFM force spectroscopy. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.124920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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19
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Robert C, Thitasiri WB, Mamalis D, Hussein ZE, Waqas M, Ray D, Radacsi N, Koutsos V. Improving through‐thickness conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced polymer using carbon nanotube/polyethylenimine at the interlaminar region. J Appl Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/app.49749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Robert
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Witiwat Best Thitasiri
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Dimitrios Mamalis
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Zakareya Elmo Hussein
- School of Engineering, Scottish Microelectronics Centre The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Dipa Ray
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Keirouz
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Michael Chung
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Jaehoon Kwon
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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21
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Tan HL, Sanira Putri MK, Idris SS, Hartikainen N, Abu Bakar NF, Keirouz A, Radacsi N. High‐throughput
fabrication of carbonized electrospun polyacrylonitrile/poly(acrylic acid) nanofibers with additives for enhanced electrochemical sensing. J Appl Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/app.49341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huey Ling Tan
- Faculty of Chemical EngineeringUniversiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia
| | - Maria Kana Sanira Putri
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Siti Shawalliah Idris
- Faculty of Chemical EngineeringUniversiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia
| | - Niklas Hartikainen
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Noor Fitrah Abu Bakar
- Faculty of Chemical EngineeringUniversiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia
| | - Antonios Keirouz
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings Edinburgh UK
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22
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Huang J, Koutsos V, Radacsi N. Low-cost FDM 3D-printed modular electrospray/electrospinning setup for biomedical applications. 3D Print Med 2020; 6:8. [PMID: 32291555 PMCID: PMC7333274 DOI: 10.1186/s41205-020-00060-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report on the inexpensive fabrication of an electrospray/electrospinning setup by fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing and provide the files and parameters needed to print this versatile device. Both electrospray and electrospinning technologies are widely used for pharmaceutical, healthcare and bioengineering applications. The setup was designed to be modular, thus its parts can be exchanged easily. The design provides a safe setup, ensuring that the users are not exposed to the high voltage parts of the setup. PLA, PVA, and a thermoplastic elastomer filament were used for the 3D printing. The filament cost was $100 USD and the rig was printed in 6 days. An Ultimaker 3 FDM 3D printer was used with dual print heads, and the PVA was used as a water-soluble support structure. The end part of the setup had several gas channels, allowing a uniform gas flowing against the direction of the nanoparticles/nanofibers, enhancing the drying process by enhancing the evaporation rate. The setup was tested in both electrospray and electrospinning modes successfully. Both the .sldprt and .stl files are provided for free download.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
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23
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Keirouz A, Zakharova M, Kwon J, Robert C, Koutsos V, Callanan A, Chen X, Fortunato G, Radacsi N. High-throughput production of silk fibroin-based electrospun fibers as biomaterial for skin tissue engineering applications. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2020; 112:110939. [PMID: 32409085 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a nozzle-free electrospinning device was built to obtain high-throughput production of silk fibroin-based biocompatible composite fibers with tunable wettability. Synthetic biomaterials tend to present suboptimal cell growth and proliferation, with many studies linking this phenomenon to the hydrophobicity of such surfaces. In this study, electrospun mats consisting of Poly(caprolactone) blended with variant forms of Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and regenerated silk fibroin were fabricated. The main aim of this work was the development of fiber mats with tunable hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity properties depending on the esterification degree and concentration of PGS. A variation of the conventional protocol used for the extraction of silk fibroin from Bombyx mori cocoons was employed, achieving significantly increased yields of the protein, in a third of the time required via the conventional extraction protocol. By altering the surface properties of the electrospun membranes, the trinary composite biomaterial presented good in vitro fibroblast attachment behavior and optimal growth, indicating the potential of such constructs towards the development of an artificial skin-like platform that can aid wound healing and skin regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Keirouz
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom; Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Mariia Zakharova
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Jaehoon Kwon
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Robert
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Callanan
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Xianfeng Chen
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.
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Keirouz A, Radacsi N, Ren Q, Dommann A, Beldi G, Maniura-Weber K, Rossi RM, Fortunato G. Nylon-6/chitosan core/shell antimicrobial nanofibers for the prevention of mesh-associated surgical site infection. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:51. [PMID: 32188479 PMCID: PMC7081698 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-00602-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The state-of-the-art hernia meshes, used in hospitals for hernia repair, are predominantly polymeric textile-based constructs that present high mechanical strength, but lack antimicrobial properties. Consequently, preventing bacterial colonization of implanted prosthetic meshes is of major clinical relevance for patients undergoing hernia repair. In this study, the co-axial electrospinning technique was investigated for the development of a novel mechanically stable structure incorporating dual drug release antimicrobial action. Core/shell structured nanofibers were developed, consisting of Nylon-6 in the core, to provide the appropriate mechanical stability, and Chitosan/Polyethylene oxide in the shell to provide bacteriostatic action. The core/shell structure consisted of a binary antimicrobial system incorporating 5-chloro-8-quinolinol in the chitosan shell, with the sustained release of Poly(hexanide) from the Nylon-6 core of the fibers. Homogeneous nanofibers with a "beads-in-fiber" architecture were observed by TEM, and validated by FTIR and XPS. The composite nanofibrous meshes significantly advance the stress-strain responses in comparison to the counterpart single-polymer electrospun meshes. The antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated in vitro against two of the most commonly occurring pathogenic bacteria; S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, in surgical site infections. This study illustrates how the tailoring of core/shell nanofibers can be of interest for the development of active antimicrobial surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Keirouz
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, UK
| | - Qun Ren
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Alex Dommann
- Center for X-Ray Analytics, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Guido Beldi
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Visceral Surgery, Inselspital University Hospital Bern and University Bern, Freiburgstrasse 18, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Maniura-Weber
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - René M Rossi
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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25
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Keirouz A, Chung M, Kwon J, Fortunato G, Radacsi N. 2D and 3D electrospinning technologies for the fabrication of nanofibrous scaffolds for skin tissue engineering: A review. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2020; 12:e1626. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Keirouz
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Michael Chung
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Jaehoon Kwon
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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Chung M, Fortunato G, Radacsi N. Wearable flexible sweat sensors for healthcare monitoring: a review. J R Soc Interface 2019; 16:20190217. [PMID: 31594525 PMCID: PMC6833321 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The state-of-the-art in wearable flexible sensors (WFSs) for sweat analyte detection was investigated. Recent advances show the development of integrated, mechanically flexible and multiplexed sensor systems with on-site circuitry for signal processing and wireless data transmission. When compared with single-analyte sensors, such devices provide an opportunity to more accurately analyse analytes that are dependent on other parameters (such as sweat rate and pH) by improving calibration from in situ real-time analysis, while maintaining a lightweight and wearable design. Important health conditions can be monitored and on-demand regulating drugs can be delivered using integrated wearable systems but require correlation verification between sweat and blood measurements using in vivo validation tests before any clinical application can be considered. Improvements are necessary for device sensitivity, accuracy and repeatability to provide more reliable and personalized continuous measurements. With rapid recent development, it can be concluded that non-invasive WFSs for sweat analysis have only skimmed the surface of their health monitoring potential and further significant advancement is sure to be made in the medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chung
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK
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Abstract
Early diagnosis and efficient treatment are of paramount importance to fighting cancers. Monitoring the foreign body response of a patient to treatment therapies also plays an important role in improving the care that cancer patients receive by their medical practitioners. As such, there is extensive research being conducted into ultrasensitive point-of-care detection systems and "smart" personalized anticancer drug delivery systems. Electrospun nanofibers have emerged as promising materials for the construction of nanoscale biosensors and therapeutic platforms because of their large surface areas, controllable surface conformation, good surface modification, complex pore structure, and high biocompatibility. Electrospun nanofibers are produced by electrospinning, which is a very powerful and economically viable method of synthesizing versatile and scalable assemblies from a wide array of raw materials. This review describes the theory of electrospinning, achievements, and problems currently faced in producing effective biosensors/drug delivery systems, in particular, for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Finally, insights into future prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Cleeton
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Antonios Keirouz
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
| | - Xianfeng Chen
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom
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Ambrus R, Alshweiat A, Csóka I, Ovari G, Esmail A, Radacsi N. 3D-printed electrospinning setup for the preparation of loratadine nanofibers with enhanced physicochemical properties. Int J Pharm 2019; 567:118455. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Guo W, Zhao B, Zhou Q, He Y, Wang Z, Radacsi N. Fe-Doped ZnO/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite with Synergic Enhanced Gas Sensing Performance for the Effective Detection of Formaldehyde. ACS Omega 2019; 4:10252-10262. [PMID: 31460117 PMCID: PMC6648138 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the synthesis of Fe-doped ZnO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites for gas sensing applications via a one-pot hydrothermal process. A wide range of characterization techniques were used to confirm the successful fabrication of the nanocomposite material and to determine the surface area, the structural and morphological properties, the chemical composition, and the purity of the samples, such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The gas sensing performance to formaldehyde was studied thoroughly in a temperature-controlled test chamber. Compared to that of the bare ZnO and ZnO/rGO nanocomposites, the as-prepared 5 atom % Fe-doped ZnO/rGO nanocomposites presented significantly enhanced gas sensing performance to formaldehyde at relatively low temperatures. Whereas most formaldehyde sensors operate at 150 °C and can detect as low as 100 ppm concentrations, the presented sensor can detect 5 ppm formaldehyde at 120 °C. Its fast response-recovery time, high stability, and high selectivity make it an ideal sensor; however, it can exhibit degenerative gas sensing performance at elevated relative humidity. The enhanced gas sensing mechanism was explained as the synergic effect of rGO and Fe doping. The results demonstrate that Fe doping and decorating the nanocomposite with rGO are promising approaches for achieving a superior gas sensing performance for the development of ZnO gas sensors for the detection of formaldehyde.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Guo
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Catalysis and New Environmental Materials, College
of Environment and Resources, Chongqing
Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bangyu Zhao
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Catalysis and New Environmental Materials, College
of Environment and Resources, Chongqing
Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qilin Zhou
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Catalysis and New Environmental Materials, College
of Environment and Resources, Chongqing
Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youzhou He
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Catalysis and New Environmental Materials, College
of Environment and Resources, Chongqing
Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongchang Wang
- Department
of Quantum and Energy Materials, International
Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre Jose Veiga, Braga 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- School
of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United
Kingdom
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30
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Keirouz A, Fortunato G, Zhang M, Callanan A, Radacsi N. Nozzle-free electrospinning of Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Poly(glycerol sebacate) fibrous scaffolds for skin tissue engineering applications. Med Eng Phys 2019; 71:56-67. [PMID: 31257053 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A novel composite for skin tissue engineering applications by use of blends of Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and Poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) was fabricated via the scalable nozzle-free electrospinning technique. The formed PVP:PGS blends were morphologically, thermochemically and mechanically characterized. The morphology of the developed fibers correlated to the blend ratio. The tensile modulus appeared to be affected by the concentration of PGS within the blends, with an apparent decrease in the elastic modulus of the electrospun mats and an exponential increase of the elongation at break. Ultraviolet (UV) crosslinking of the composite fibers significantly decreased the construct's wettability and stabilized the formed fiber mats, which was indicated by contact angle measurements. In vitro examination showed good viability and proliferation of human dermal fibroblast cells. The present findings provide valuable insights for tuning the elastic properties of electrospun material by incorporating this unique elastomer as a promising future candidate for skin substitute constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Keirouz
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Protection and Physiology, St. Gallen CH-9014, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppino Fortunato
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Protection and Physiology, St. Gallen CH-9014, Switzerland
| | - Mei Zhang
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom; The School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Callanan
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
This highlight gives a helicopter view on the application of electric fields and discusses its potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Fiona Alexander
- Institute for Materials and Processes
- School of Engineering
- The University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- Institute for Materials and Processes
- School of Engineering
- The University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- UK
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Ismail I, Bakar NF, Ling T, Ideris N, Zain ZH, Radacsi N. Morphology and Conductivity Evaluation of Electrospun Polyacrylic Acid (PAA) Microfiber. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2019.06.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Radacsi N, Campos FD, Chisholm CRI, Giapis KP. Spontaneous formation of nanoparticles on electrospun nanofibres. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4740. [PMID: 30413717 PMCID: PMC6226441 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07243-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the spontaneous formation of nanoparticles on smooth nanofibres in a single-step electrospinning process, as an inexpensive and scalable method for producing high-surface-area composites. Layers of nanofibres, containing the proton conducting electrolyte, caesium dihydrogen phosphate, are deposited uniformly over large area substrates from clear solutions of the electrolyte mixed with polymers. Under certain conditions, the normally smooth nanofibres develop caesium dihydrogen phosphate nanoparticles in large numbers on their external surface. The nanoparticles appear to originate from the electrolyte within the fibres, which is transported to the outer surface after the fibres are deposited, as evidenced by cross-sectional imaging of the electrospun fibres. The presence of nanoparticles on the fibre surface yields composites with increased surface area of exposed electrolyte, which ultimately enhances electrocatalytic performance. Indeed, solid acid fuel cells fabricated with electrodes from processed nanofibre-nanoparticle composites, produced higher cell voltage as compared to fuel cells fabricated with state-of-the-art electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Radacsi
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
- Institute for Materials and Processes, The School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, UK.
| | | | | | - Konstantinos P Giapis
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
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Chung M, Radacsi N, Robert C, McCarthy ED, Callanan A, Conlisk N, Hoskins PR, Koutsos V. On the optimization of low-cost FDM 3D printers for accurate replication of patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm geometry. 3D Print Med 2018; 4:2. [PMID: 29782613 PMCID: PMC5954792 DOI: 10.1186/s41205-017-0023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a potential for direct model manufacturing of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using 3D printing technique for generating flexible semi-transparent prototypes. A patient-specific AAA model was manufactured using fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing technology. A flexible, semi-transparent thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), called Cheetah Water (produced by Ninjatek, USA), was used as the flexible, transparent material for model manufacture with a hydrophilic support structure 3D printed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Printing parameters were investigated to evaluate their effect on 3D-printing precision and transparency of the final model. ISO standard tear resistance tests were carried out on Ninjatek Cheetah specimens for a comparison of tear strength with silicone rubbers. RESULTS It was found that an increase in printing speed decreased printing accuracy, whilst using an infill percentage of 100% and printing nozzle temperature of 255 °C produced the most transparent results. The model had fair transparency, allowing external inspection of model inserts such as stent grafts, and good flexibility with an overall discrepancy between CAD and physical model average wall thicknesses of 0.05 mm (2.5% thicker than the CAD model). The tear resistance test found Ninjatek Cheetah TPU to have an average tear resistance of 83 kN/m, higher than any of the silicone rubbers used in previous AAA model manufacture. The model had lower cost (4.50 GBP per model), shorter manufacturing time (25 h 3 min) and an acceptable level of accuracy (2.61% error) compared to other methods. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that the model would be of use in endovascular aneurysm repair planning and education, particularly for practicing placement of hooked or barbed stents, due to the model's balance of flexibility, transparency, robustness and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chung
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Colin Robert
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Edward D. McCarthy
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Anthony Callanan
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Noel Conlisk
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ UK
| | - Peter R. Hoskins
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ UK
| | - Vasileios Koutsos
- The School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Stevenson Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
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35
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Vong M, Speirs E, Klomkliang C, Akinwumi I, Nuansing W, Radacsi N. Controlled three-dimensional polystyrene micro- and nano-structures fabricated by three-dimensional electrospinning. RSC Adv 2018; 8:15501-15512. [PMID: 35539475 PMCID: PMC9080079 DOI: 10.1039/c7ra13278f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of electrospinning with extrusion based 3D printing technology opens new pathways for micro- and nanofabrication, which can be applied in a wide range of applications. This simple and inexpensive method has been proven to fabricate 3D fibrous polystyrene structures with controlled morphology and micro- to nano-scale fibers diameter. The controllable movement of the nozzle allows precise positioning of the deposition area of the fibers during electrospinning. A programmed circular nozzle pattern results in the formation of controllable 3D polystyrene designed shapes with fiber diameters down to 550 nm. The assembly of the fibrous structures starts instantaneously, and a 4 cm tall and 6 cm wide sample can be produced within a 10 minutes electrospinning process. The product exhibits high stability at ambient conditions. The shape, size, and thickness of fibrous polystyrene structures can be easily controlled by tuning the process parameters. It is assumed that the build-up of 3D fibrous polystyrene structures strongly depends on charge induction and polarization of the electrospun fibers. The combination of electrospinning and extrusion based 3D printing opens new pathways for micro- and nanofabrication in a wide range of applications. The fast production of a highly stable self-standing polystyrene 3D structure is demonstrated.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Vong
- The School of Engineering
- Institute for Materials and Processes
- The University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - E. Speirs
- The School of Engineering
- Institute for Materials and Processes
- The University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - C. Klomkliang
- The School of Engineering
- Institute for Materials and Processes
- The University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - I. Akinwumi
- The School of Engineering
- Institute for Materials and Processes
- The University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- UK
| | - W. Nuansing
- School of Physics
- Institute of Science
- Suranaree University of Technology
- Nakhon Ratchasima
- Thailand
| | - N. Radacsi
- The School of Engineering
- Institute for Materials and Processes
- The University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- UK
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36
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Li WW, Radacsi N, Kramer HJM, van der Heijden AEDM, Ter Horst JH. Solid Separation from a Mixed Suspension through Electric-Field-Enhanced Crystallization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:16088-16091. [PMID: 27860094 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201609832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
When applied to a pure component suspension in an apolar solvent, a strong inhomogeneous electric field induces particle movement, and the particles are collected at the surface of one of the two electrodes. This new phenomenon was used to separately isolate two organic crystalline compounds, phenazine and caffeine, from their suspension in 1,4-dioxane. First, crystals of both compounds were collected at different electrodes under the influence of an electric field. Subsequent cooling crystallization enabled the immobilization and growth of the particles on the electrodes, which were separately collected after the experiment with purities greater than 91 %. This method can be further developed into a technique for crystal separation and recovery in complex multicomponent suspensions of industrial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei W Li
- Process and Energy Department, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- Process and Energy Department, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB, Delft, The Netherlands.,Current Address: School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Herman J M Kramer
- Process and Energy Department, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine E D M van der Heijden
- Process and Energy Department, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB, Delft, The Netherlands.,Energetic Materials, TNO, P.O. Box 45, 2280 AA, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Joop H Ter Horst
- EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC), Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, UK
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37
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Li WW, Radacsi N, Kramer HJM, van der Heijden AEDM, ter Horst JH. Solid Separation from a Mixed Suspension through Electric-Field-Enhanced Crystallization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201609832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei W. Li
- Process and Energy Department; Delft University of Technology; Leeghwaterstraat 39 2628 CB Delft The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- Process and Energy Department; Delft University of Technology; Leeghwaterstraat 39 2628 CB Delft The Netherlands
- Current Address: School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes; University of Edinburgh; EH9 3FB Edinburgh UK
| | - Herman J. M. Kramer
- Process and Energy Department; Delft University of Technology; Leeghwaterstraat 39 2628 CB Delft The Netherlands
| | - Antoine E. D. M. van der Heijden
- Process and Energy Department; Delft University of Technology; Leeghwaterstraat 39 2628 CB Delft The Netherlands
- Energetic Materials; TNO, P.O. Box 45; 2280 AA Rijswijk The Netherlands
| | - Joop H. ter Horst
- EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC), Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), Technology and Innovation Centre; University of Strathclyde; 99 George Street Glasgow G1 1RD UK
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38
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Xiouras C, Radacsi N, Sturm G, Stefanidis GD. Furfural Synthesis from d-Xylose in the Presence of Sodium Chloride: Microwave versus Conventional Heating. ChemSusChem 2016; 9:2159-2166. [PMID: 27416892 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201600446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the existence of specific/nonthermal microwave effects for the dehydration reaction of xylose to furfural in the presence of NaCl. Such effects are reported for sugars dehydration reactions in several literature reports. To this end, we adopted three approaches that compare microwave-assisted experiments with a) conventional heating experiments from the literature; b) simulated conventional heating experiments using microwave-irradiated silicon carbide (SiC) vials; and at c) different power levels but the same temperature by using forced cooling. No significant differences in the reaction kinetics are observed using any of these methods. However, microwave heating still proves advantageous as it requires 30 % less forward power compared to conventional heating (SiC vial) to achieve the same furfural yield at a laboratory scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Xiouras
- Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS), Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
- Process & Energy Department, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Norbert Radacsi
- Process & Energy Department, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB, Delft, the Netherlands
- Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Guido Sturm
- Process & Energy Department, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Georgios D Stefanidis
- Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS), Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
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Radacsi N, Stankiewicz AI, Creyghton YLM, van der Heijden AEDM, ter Horst JH. Electrospray Crystallization for High-Quality Submicron-Sized Crystals. Chem Eng Technol 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ceat.201000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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