ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3365-3759
Current Organisation
University of Adelaide
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Chemical Engineering Design | Functional Materials | Chemical Engineering | Nanomaterials | Powder and Particle Technology | Microeconomic Theory | Experimental Economics | Mineral Processing/Beneficiation | Applied Economics | Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy | Materials Engineering | Composite and Hybrid Materials | Theory and Design of Materials |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Expanding Knowledge in Engineering | Expanding Knowledge in Technology | Market-Based Mechanisms | Microeconomics not elsewhere classified | Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Inorganic Industrial Chemicals | Human Pharmaceutical Products not elsewhere classified | Concentrating Processes of Base Metal Ores (excl. Aluminium and Iron Ores) | First Stage Treatment of Ores and Minerals not elsewhere classified
Related Links
Publications
Recent achievements and perspectives for large-scale recombinant production of antimicrobial peptides
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-11-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00253-018-9524-1
Abstract: Antibiotic resistance poses a growing threat to global public health. It is urgent to develop new alternative antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is a erse class of natural-occurring molecules that constitute immune systems of living organisms. More than 2500 AMPs have been identified and isolated from natural sources. Compared to conventional antibiotics, AMPs exhibit antimicrobial activities against a broad spectrum of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. More importantly, the unique antimicrobial mechanisms of AMPs make it difficult for microorganisms to develop resistance. Therefore, it is very promising to develop AMPs as high-value antimicrobial candidates. This mini review provides an update of recent progresses in recombinant production of AMPs after fusion of AMP with carrier proteins and their scale-up. Key factors including selection of expression host and fusion tags are firstly introduced, followed by subsequent discussions on purification of fusion proteins and recovery of antimicrobial peptides. The scale production of AMPs is also explored.
A general approach for biomimetic mineralization of MOF particles using biomolecules
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
A simple corresponding-states group-contribution method for estimating surface tension of ionic liquids
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Imaging the effects of peptide bio-surfactants on droplet deformation in a Taylor–Couette shear cell
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1039/C0SM00951B
Tumor-Microenvironment-on-a-Chip for Evaluating Nanoparticle-Loaded Macrophages for Drug Delivery
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 29-07-2020
Insights into the Role of Biomineralizing Peptide Surfactants on Making Nanoemulsion-Templated Silica Nanocapsules
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 11-01-2016
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.5B03811
Abstract: We recently developed a novel approach for making oil-core silica-shell nanocapsules using designed bifunctional peptides (also called biomineralizing peptide surfactants) having both surface activity and biomineralization activity. Using the bifunctional peptides, oil-in-water nanoemulsion templates can be readily prepared, followed by the silicification directed exclusively onto the oil droplet surfaces and thus the formation of the silica shell. To explore their roles in the synthesis of silica nanocapsules, two bifunctional peptides, AM1 and SurSi, were systematically studied and compared. Peptide AM1, which was designed as a stimuli-responsive surfactant, demonstrated quick adsorption kinetics with a rapid decrease in the oil-water interfacial tension, thus resulting in the formation of nanoemulsions with a droplet size as small as 38 nm. Additionally, the nanoemulsions showed good stability over 4 weeks because of the formation of a histidine-Zn(2+) interfacial network. In comparison, the SurSi peptide that was designed by modularizing an AM1-like surface-active module with a highly cationic biosilicification-active module was unable to effectively reduce the oil-water interfacial tension because of its high molecular charge at neutral pH. The slow adsorption resulted in the formation of less stable nanoemulsions with a larger size (60 nm) than that of AM1. Besides, both AM1 and SurSi were found to be able to induce biomimetic silica formation. SurSi produced well-dispersed and uniform silica nanospheres in the bulk solution, whereas AM1 generated only irregular silica aggregates. Consequently, well-defined silica nanocapsules were synthesized using SurSi nanoemulsion templates, whereas silica aggregates instead of nanocapsules predominated when templating AM1 nanoemulsions. This finding indicated that the capability of peptide surfactants to form isolated silica nanospheres might play a role in the successful fabrication of silica nanocapsules. This fundamental study provides insights into the design of bifunctional peptides for making silica nanocapsules.
Non‐chromatographic bioprocess engineering of a recombinant mineralizing protein for the synthesis of silica nanocapsules
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-09-2016
DOI: 10.1002/BIT.26079
Abstract: Inspired by nature, synthetic mineralizing proteins have been developed to synthesize various structures of silica-based nanomaterials under environmentally friendly conditions. However, the development of bioprocesses able to assist in the translation of these new materials has lagged the development of the materials themselves. The development of cost-effective and scalable bioprocesses which minimize reliance on chromatography to recover biomolecules from microbial cell factories remains a significant challenge. This paper reports a simplified purification process for a recently reported recombinant catalytic modular (D4S2) protein (M(DPSMKQLADS-LHQLARQ-VSRLEHA)
Development of Core‐Shell Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems Based on Biomimetic Mineralization
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-06-2020
Collective generation of milliemulsions by step-emulsification
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C7RA00935F
Abstract: Milliemulsions are produced by microcapillary films based on step-emulsification and the flow behaviors depend on the geometry and capillary number.
Sustained Release of Fipronil Insecticide in Vitro and in Vivo from Biocompatible Silica Nanocapsules
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 16-12-2014
DOI: 10.1021/JF504455X
Abstract: A pesticide delivery system made of biocompatible components and having sustained release properties is highly desirable for agricultural applications. In this study, we report a new biocompatible oil-core silica-shell nanocapsule for sustained release of fipronil insecticide. Silica nanocapsules were prepared by a recently reported emulsion and biomimetic dual-templating approach under benign conditions and without using any toxic chemicals. The loading of fipronil was achieved by direct dissolution in the oil core prior to biomimetic growth of a layer of silica shell surrounding the core, with encapsulation efficiency as high as 73%. Sustained release of fipronil in vitro was tunable through control of the silica-shell thickness (i.e., 8-44 nm). In vivo laboratory tests showed that the insecticidal effect of the fipronil-encapsulated silica nanocapsules against economically important subterranean termites could be controlled by tuning the shell thickness. These studies demonstrated the effectiveness and tunability of an environmentally friendly sustained release system for insecticide, which has great potential for broader agricultural applications with minimal environmental risks.
Active Encapsulation in Biocompatible Nanocapsules
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-06-2020
Implications of Quenching‐to‐Dequenching Switch in Quantitative Cell Uptake and Biodistribution of Dye‐Labeled Nanoparticles
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2021
Abstract: A general strategy to carry out cell uptake and biodistribution studies is to label nanoparticles (NPs) with a fluorescent dye. However, the comparative study of different dye‐loaded NPs remains difficult owing to uncontrolled dye quenching and de‐quenching. Here we compared two types of dye‐labeled NPs and demonstrated their distinct properties. NPs with dye molecules at a solid state suffer from dye quenching, so the dye release and/or NP degradation in biological environments leads to a several‐fold increase of fluorescence intensity despite the same amount of NPs, owing to the state switch from quenching to de‐quenching. In contrast, NPs with dye molecules at a soluble state exhibit no quenching effect. To standardize the comparative study, we propose two possible solutions: using lower dye loading or using medium analysis for quantifying cell uptake of NPs. This work provides valuable insights into selecting valid quantification methods for bio‐nano studies.
Design of Modular Peptide Surfactants and Their Surface Activity
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-08-2017
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.7B01382
Abstract: Designed peptide surfactants offer a number of advanced properties over conventional petrochemical surfactants, including biocompatibility, sustainability, and tailorability of the chemical and physical properties through peptide design. Their biocompatibility and degradability make them attractive for various applications, particularly for food and pharmaceutical applications. In this work, two new peptide surfactants derived from an hiphilic peptide surfactant (AM1) were designed (AM-S and C
Biocompatible Amphiphilic Hydrogel-Solid Dimer Particles as Colloidal Surfactants.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 15-12-2017
Abstract: Emulsions of two immiscible liquids can slowly coalesce over time when stabilized by surfactant molecules. Pickering emulsions stabilized by colloidal particles can be much more stable. Here, we fabricate biocompatible hiphilic dimer particles using a hydrogel, a strongly hydrophilic material, and achieve large contrast in the wetting properties of the two bulbs, resulting in enhanced stabilization of emulsions. We generate monodisperse single emulsions of alginate and shellac solution in oil using a flow-focusing microfluidics device. Shellac precipitates from water and forms a solid bulb at the periphery of the droplet when the emulsion is exposed to acid. Molecular interactions result in hiphilic dimer particles that consist of two joined bulbs: one hydrogel bulb of alginate in water and the other hydrophobic bulb of shellac. Alginate in the hydrogel compartment can be cross-linked using calcium cations to obtain stable particles. Analogous to surfactant molecules at the interface, the resultant hiphilic particles stand at the water/oil interface with the hydrogel bulb submerged in water and the hydrophobic bulb in oil and are thus able to stabilize both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions, making these hiphilic hydrogel-solid particles ideal colloidal surfactants for various applications.
Cost-effective downstream processing of recombinantly produced pexiganan peptide and its antimicrobial activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-01-2018
Microfluidic synthesis of multifunctional liposomes for tumour targeting
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2016.09.016
Abstract: Nanotechnology has started a new era in engineering multifunctional nanoparticles for diagnosis and therapeutics by incorporating therapeutic drugs, targeting ligands, stimuli-responsive release and imaging molecules. However, more functionality requires more complex synthesis processes, resulting in poor reproducibility, low yield and high production cost, hence difficulties in clinical translation. Herein we report a one-step microfluidic method for making multifunctional liposomes. Three formulations were prepared using this simple method, including plain liposomes, PEGylated liposomes and folic acid functionalised liposomes, all with a fluorescence dye encapsulated for imaging. The size and surface properties of these liposomes can be precisely controlled by simply tuning the flow rate ratio and the ratio of the lipids to PEGylated lipid (DSPE-PEG
Stable Polymer Nanoparticles with Exceptionally High Drug Loading by Sequential Nanoprecipitation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-02-2020
Axial dispersion coefficient in high-speed counter-current chromatography
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2009.04.020
Abstract: Experimental measurements of axial dispersion coefficients in high-speed counter-current chromatography have been carried out in the single-phase and two-phase modes. Axial dispersion coefficients were calculated from the residence time distribution curve (or the elution profile). The experimental data obtained were used to develop a model involving Peclet number Pe, Reynolds number and the ratio of flow velocity u to linear angular velocity u(theta) for predicting the axial dispersion coefficient. Furthermore, the models obtained from the single-phase and two-phase modes were compared, and a counterintuitive phenomenon was found in that the effects of the flow rate and the rotation speed on the axial dispersion coefficients are inconsistent: the axial dispersion coefficient decreases with the rotation speed and increases with the flow rate in the single-phase mode, but increases with rotation speed and decreases slightly with the flow rate in the two-phase mode.
Bioinspired Core–Shell Nanoparticles for Hydrophobic Drug Delivery
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-08-2019
Abstract: A large range of nanoparticles have been developed to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs. However, drug loading is usually less than 10 % or even 1 %. Now, core-shell nanoparticles are fabricated having exceptionally high drug loading up to 65 % (drug weight/the total weight of drug-loaded nanoparticles) and high encapsulation efficiencies (>99 %) based on modular biomolecule templating. Bifunctional hiphilic peptides are designed to not only stabilize hydrophobic drug nanoparticles but also induce biosilicification at the nanodrug particle surface thus forming drug-core silica-shell nanocomposites. This platform technology is highly versatile for encapsulating various hydrophobic cargos. Furthermore, the high drug loading nanoparticles lead to better in vitro cytotoxic effects and in vivo suppression of tumor growth, highlighting the significance of using high drug-loading nanoparticles.
Alginate Particles for Enzyme Immobilization Using Spray Drying
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-2022
Densities and viscosities of binary mixtures of tri-n-butyl phosphate + cyclohexane, + n-heptane at T = (288.15, 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, and 308.15) K
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 05-08-2008
DOI: 10.1021/JE8003707
Fluid properties and hydrodynamics of microfluidic systems
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2018
Mass transfer and separation criteria for high-speed countercurrent chromatography
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-01-2011
DOI: 10.1002/AIC.12282
Stable Ultrathin‐Shell Double Emulsions for Controlled Release
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-03-2016
Abstract: Double emulsions are normally considered as metastable systems and this limit in stability restricts their applications. To enhance their stability, the outer shell can be converted into a mechanically strong layer, for ex le, a polymeric layer, thus allowing improved performance. This conversion can be problematic for food and drug applications, as a toxic solvent is needed to dissolve the polymer in the middle phase and a high temperature is required to remove the solvent. This process can also be highly complex, for ex le, involving UV initiation of polymeric monomer crosslinking. In this study, we report the formation of biocompatible, water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions with an ultrathin layer of fish oil. We demonstrate their application for the encapsulation and controlled release of small hydrophilic molecules. Without a trigger, the double emulsions remained stable for months, and the release of small molecules was extremely slow. In contrast, rapid release was achieved by osmolarity shock, leading to complete release within 2 h. This work demonstrates the significant potential of double emulsions, and provides new insights into their stability and practical applications.
Tumor-Vasculature-on-a-Chip for Investigating Nanoparticle Extravasation and Tumor Accumulation.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 31-10-2018
Abstract: Nanoparticle tumor accumulation relies on a key mechanism, the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, but it remains challenging to decipher the exact impact of the EPR effect. Animal models in combination with imaging modalities are useful, but it is impossible to delineate the roles of multiple biological barriers involved in nanoparticle tumor accumulation. Here we report a microfluidic tumor-vasculature-on-a-chip (TVOC) mimicking two key biological barriers, namely, tumor leaky vasculature and 3D tumor tissue with dense extracellular matrix (ECM), to study nanoparticle extravasation through leaky vasculature and the following accumulation in tumor tissues. Intact 3D tumor vasculature was developed with selective permeability of small molecules (20 kDa) but not large ones (70 kDa). The permeability was further tuned by cytokine stimulation, demonstrating the independent control of the leaky tumor vasculature. Combined with tumor spheroids in dense ECM, our TVOC model is capable of predicting nanoparticles' in vivo tumor accumulation, thus providing a powerful platform for nanoparticle evaluation.
Emulsion-templated silica nanocapsules formed using bio-inspired silicification
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 07-08-2014
DOI: 10.1039/C4CC04904G
Abstract: A novel, bio-inspired templating platform technology is reported for the synthesis of biocompatible oil-core silica-shell nanocapsules with tunable shell thickness by utilizing a designed bifunctional peptide. Furthermore, facile encapsulation of an active molecule and its sustained release are demonstrated.
Orthogonal Multiplexed NIR-II Imaging with Excitation-Selective Lanthanide-Based Nanoparticles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 17-02-2022
Phase separation‐induced nanoprecipitation for making polymer nanoparticles with high drug loading
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-01-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AGT2.314
Abstract: Increasing drug loading remains a critical challenge in the development and translation of nanomedicine. High drug‐loading nanoparticles have demonstrated unique advantages such as less carrier material used, better‐controlled drug release, and improved efficacy and safety. Herein, we report a simple and efficient salt concentration screening method for making polymer nanoparticles with exceptionally high drug loading (up to 66.5 wt%) based on phase separation‐induced nanoprecipitation. Upon addition of salt, phase separation occurs in a miscible solvent‐water solution delaying the precipitation time of drugs and polymers to different extents, facilitating their co‐precipitation thus the formation of high drug‐loading nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency ( %) and excellent stability ( month). This technology is versatile and easy to be adapted to various hydrophobic drugs, different polymers, and solvents. This salt‐induced nanoprecipitation strategy offers a novel approach to fabricating polymer nanoparticles with tunable drug loading, and opens great potentials for future nanomedicines.
One-step fabrication of titania hollow spheres by controlled interfacial reaction in a droplet-based microfluidic system
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-11-2012
Diverse Particle Carriers Prepared by Co-Precipitation and Phase Separation: Formation and Applications
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-09-2020
Role of Nanoparticle Mechanical Properties in Cancer Drug Delivery
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-07-2019
Abstract: The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles play critical roles in regulating nano-bio interactions. Whereas the effects of the size, shape, and surface charge of nanoparticles on their biological performances have been extensively investigated, the roles of nanoparticle mechanical properties in drug delivery, which have only been recognized recently, remain the least explored. This review article provides an overview of the impacts of nanoparticle mechanical properties on cancer drug delivery, including (1) basic terminologies of the mechanical properties of nanoparticles and techniques for characterizing these properties (2) current methods for fabricating nanoparticles with tunable mechanical properties (3)
Implications of Quenching‐to‐Dequenching Switch in Quantitative Cell Uptake and Biodistribution of Dye‐Labeled Nanoparticles
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2021
Abstract: A general strategy to carry out cell uptake and biodistribution studies is to label nanoparticles (NPs) with a fluorescent dye. However, the comparative study of different dye‐loaded NPs remains difficult owing to uncontrolled dye quenching and de‐quenching. Here we compared two types of dye‐labeled NPs and demonstrated their distinct properties. NPs with dye molecules at a solid state suffer from dye quenching, so the dye release and/or NP degradation in biological environments leads to a several‐fold increase of fluorescence intensity despite the same amount of NPs, owing to the state switch from quenching to de‐quenching. In contrast, NPs with dye molecules at a soluble state exhibit no quenching effect. To standardize the comparative study, we propose two possible solutions: using lower dye loading or using medium analysis for quantifying cell uptake of NPs. This work provides valuable insights into selecting valid quantification methods for bio‐nano studies.
Development of High‐Drug‐Loading Nanoparticles
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-08-2020
Microfluidic synthesis of monodisperse hierarchical silica particles with raspberry-like morphology
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1039/C3RA42362J
Multiphase microfluidic synthesis of micro- and nanostructures for pharmaceutical applications
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
A General Approach for Encapsulation of Biomolecules Using MOF Particles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 12-03-2020
DOI: 10.26434/CHEMRXIV.11971938.V1
Abstract: Encapsulation of biomoleucles in metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has recently attracted significant interest because of the benign process including room temperature, neutral pH and without the requirement of any other chemical reagents. Also, these biomolecule incorporated MOFs (biomolecules@MOFs) have demonstrated their potential in biomolecule protection and controlled release for various applications such as drug delivery, vaccines, etc. This work aims to develop a general strategy to make biomolecules@MOFs via a biomimetic mineralization process.
Multiphase flow microfluidics for the production of single or multiple emulsions for drug delivery
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDR.2013.05.009
Abstract: Considerable effort has been directed towards developing novel drug delivery systems. Microfluidics, capable of generating monodisperse single and multiple emulsion droplets, executing precise control and operations on these droplets, is a powerful tool for fabricating complex systems (microparticles, microcapsules, microgels) with uniform size, narrow size distribution and desired properties, which have great potential in drug delivery applications. This review presents an overview of the state-of-the-art multiphase flow microfluidics for the production of single emulsions or multiple emulsions for drug delivery. The review starts with a brief introduction of the approaches for making single and multiple emulsions, followed by presentation of some potential drug delivery systems (microparticles, microcapsules and microgels) fabricated in microfluidic devices using single or multiple emulsions as templates. The design principles, manufacturing processes and properties of these drug delivery systems are also discussed and compared. Furthermore, drug encapsulation and drug release (including passive and active controlled release) are provided and compared highlighting some key findings and insights. Finally, site-targeting delivery using multiphase flow microfluidics is also briefly introduced.
Nanoparticle elasticity regulates the formation of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles and their nano-bio interactions
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 27-12-2022
Abstract: Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles are emerging as a new type of promising nanomaterials for immune evasion and targeted delivery. An underlying premise is that the unique biological functions of natural cell membranes can be conferred on the inherent physiochemical properties of nanoparticles by coating them with a cell membrane. However, the extent to which the membrane protein properties are preserved on these nanoparticles and the consequent bio–nano interactions are largely unexplored. Here, we synthesized two mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) membrane-coated silica nanoparticles (MCSNs), which have similar sizes but distinctly different stiffness values (MPa and GPa). Unexpectedly, a much lower macrophage uptake, but much higher cancer cell uptake, was found with the soft MCSNs compared with the stiff MCSNs. Intriguingly, we discovered that the soft MCSNs enabled the forming of a more protein-rich membrane coating and that coating had a high content of the MSC chemokine CXCR4 and MSC surface marker CD90. This led to the soft MCSNs enhancing cancer cell uptake mediated by the CD90/integrin receptor-mediated pathway and CXCR4/SDF-1 pathways. These findings provide a major step forward in our fundamental understanding of how the combination of nanoparticle elasticity and membrane coating may be used to facilitate bio–nano interactions and pave the way forward in the development of more effective cancer nanomedicines.
Prediction of Phytochemical Constituents in Cayenne Pepper Using MIR and NIR Spectroscopy
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-04-2023
DOI: 10.3390/APP13085143
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of handheld near-infrared (NIR) and benchtop mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for the rapid prediction of antioxidant capacity, dry matter, and total phenolic contents in cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’). Using NIR spectroscopy, the best-performing model for dry matter had an R2pred = 0.74, RMSEP = 0.38%, and RPD of 2.02, exceeding the best results previously reported in the literature. This was also the first study to predict dry matter content from the mid-infrared spectra, although with lower accuracy (R2pred = 0.54 RMSEP = 0.51%, RPD 1.51). The models for antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content did not perform well using NIR or MIR spectroscopy (RPD values 1.5), indicating that further optimization is required in this area. Application of support vector regression (SVR) generally gave poorer results compared to partial least squares regression (PLSR). NIR spectroscopy may be useful for in-field measurement of dry matter in the chili crop as a proxy measure for fruit maturity. However, the lower accuracy of MIR spectroscopy is likely to limit its use in this crop.
Microfluidic Elucidation of the Effects of Interfacial Rheology on Droplet Deformation
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-10-2011
DOI: 10.1021/IE200631M
Retention of the stationary phase for high-speed countercurrent chromatography
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-04-2007
DOI: 10.1002/AIC.11185
Design of Stimuli‐Responsive Peptides and Proteins
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-12-2022
Abstract: Stimuli‐responsive peptides and proteins are an exciting class of smart biomaterials for various applications and have received significant attention over the past decades. A wide variety of stimuli such as temperature, pH, ions, enzymes, magnetic field, redox, etc., are explored. This article provides a review of five intensively studied types of stimuli‐responsive peptides and proteins, their design principles and applications, including temperature‐, pH‐, light‐, metal ion‐, and enzyme‐responsive with an emphasis on the key design concepts and switch function. Moreover, typical ex les of their applications are discussed to provide a better understanding of the design concept and underlying methodology. This review will facilitate and inspire future innovation toward new peptide‐ and protein‐based materials and their erse applications.
Dispersing hydrophobic natural colourant β-carotene in shellac particles for enhanced stability and tunable colour
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.170919
Abstract: Colour is one of the most important visual attributes of food and is directly related to the perception of food quality. The interest in natural colourants, especially β-carotene that not only imparts colour but also has well-documented health benefits, has triggered the research and development of different protocols designed to entrap these hydrophobic natural molecules to improve their stability against oxidation. Here, we report a versatile microfluidic approach that uses single emulsion droplets as templates to prepare microparticles loaded with natural colourants. The solution of β-carotene and shellac in the solvent is emulsified by microfluidics into droplets. Upon solvent diffusion, β-carotene and shellac co-precipitates, forming solid microparticles of β-carotene dispersed in the shellac polymer matrix. We substantially improve the stability of β-carotene that is protected from oxidation by the polymer matrix and achieve different colour appearances by loading particles with different β-carotene concentrations. These particles demonstrate great promise for practical use in natural food colouring.
Interfacial Films Formed by a Biosurfactant Modularized with a Silken Tail
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 28-06-2017
A nonlinear active learning based on AUC optimization and its application to obstacle detection
Publisher: China Science Publishing & Media Ltd.
Date: 02-06-2010
Two-phase microfluidic flows
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
Therapeutic modulators of hepatic stellate cells for hepatocellular carcinoma
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-03-2020
DOI: 10.1002/IJC.32899
Biomimetic Silica Nanocapsules for Tunable Sustained Release and Cargo Protection
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-05-2017
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.7B00590
Abstract: Silica nanocapsules have attracted tremendous interest for encapsulation, protection, and controlled release of various cargoes due to their unique hierarchical core-shell structure. However, it remains challenging to synthesize silica nanocapsules having high cargo-loading capacity and cargo-protection capability without compromising process simplicity and biocompatibility properties. Here, we synthesized oil-core silica-shell nanocapsules under environmentally friendly conditions by a novel emulsion and biomimetic dual-templating approach using a dual-functional protein, in lieu of petrochemical surfactants, thus avoiding the necessities for the removal of toxic components. A light- and pH-sensitive compound can be facilely encapsulated in the silica nanocapsules with the encapsulation efficiency of nearly 100%. Release of the encapsulated active from the nanocapsules was not shown an indication of undesired burst release. Instead, the release can be tuned by controlling the silica-shell thicknesses (i.e., 40 and 77 nm from which the cargo released at 42.0 and 31.3% of the initial amount after 32 days, respectively). The release kinetics were fitted well to the Higuchi model, enabling the possibility of the prediction of release kinetics as a function of shell thickness, thus achieving design-for-purpose silica nanocapsules. Furthermore, the nanocapsules showed excellent alkaline- and sunlight-shielding protective efficacies, which resulted in significantly prolonged half-life of the sensitive cargo. Our biomimetic silica nanocapsules provide a nanocarrier platform for applications that demand process scalability, sustainability, and biocompatibility coupled with unique cargo-protection and controlled-release properties.
Microfluidic Mass‐Transfer Control for the Simple Formation of Complex Multiple Emulsions
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2009
Fundamental studies on throughput capacities of hydrodynamic flow-focusing microfluidics for producing monodisperse polymer nanoparticles
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
Nanoparticle synthesis in microreactors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
Stable Polymer Nanoparticles with Exceptionally High Drug Loading by Sequential Nanoprecipitation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-02-2020
Controlled Generation of Ultrathin‐Shell Double Emulsions and Studies on Their Stability
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-03-2017
Abstract: Double emulsions with a hierarchical core-shell structure have great potential in various applications, but their broad use is limited by their instability. To improve stability, water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions with an ultrathin oil layer of several hundred nanometres were produced by using a microcapillary device. The effects of various parameters on the generation of ultrathin-shell double emulsions and their droplet size were investigated, including the proper combinations of inner, middle and outer phases, flow rates and surfactants. The surfactant in the middle oil phase was found to be critical for the formation of the ultrathin-shell double emulsions. Furthermore, the stability of these double emulsions can be notably improved by increasing the concentration of the surfactant, and they can be stable for months. This opens up new opportunities for their future applications in cosmetics, foods and pharmaceuticals.
Controlled co-precipitation of biocompatible colorant-loaded nanoparticles by microfluidics for natural color drinks
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9LC00240E
Abstract: Controlled co-precipitation of biocompatible colorant-loaded nanoparticles in microfluidic channels for natural color drinks.
FRET Ratiometric Nanoprobes for Nanoparticle Monitoring
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-12-2021
DOI: 10.3390/BIOS11120505
Abstract: Fluorescence labelling is often used for tracking nanoparticles, providing a convenient assay for monitoring nanoparticle drug delivery. However, it is difficult to be quantitative, as many factors affect the fluorescence intensity. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), taking advantage of the energy transfer from a donor fluorophore to an acceptor fluorophore, provides a distance ruler to probe NP drug delivery. This article provides a review of different FRET approaches for the ratiometric monitoring of the self-assembly and formation of nanoparticles, their in vivo fate, integrity and drug release. We anticipate that the fundamental understanding gained from these ratiometric studies will offer new insights into the design of new nanoparticles with improved and better-controlled properties.
Interfacial engineering for silica nanocapsules
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CIS.2016.08.001
Abstract: Silica nanocapsules have attracted significant interest due to their core-shell hierarchical structure. The core domain allows the encapsulation of various functional components such as drugs, fluorescent and magnetic nanoparticles for applications in drug delivery, imaging and sensing, and the silica shell with its unique properties including biocompatibility, chemical and physical stability, and surface-chemistry tailorability provides a protection layer for the encapsulated cargo. Therefore, significant effort has been directed to synthesize silica nanocapsules with engineered properties, including size, composition and surface functionality, for various applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of emerging methods for the manufacture of silica nanocapsules, with a special emphasis on different interfacial engineering strategies. The review starts with an introduction of various manufacturing approaches of silica nanocapsules highlighting surface engineering of the core template nanomaterials (solid nanoparticles, liquid droplets, and gas bubbles) using chemicals or biomolecules which are able to direct nucleation and growth of silica at the boundary of two-phase interfaces (solid-liquid, liquid-liquid, and gas-liquid). Next, surface functionalization of silica nanocapsules is presented. Furthermore, strategies and challenges of encapsulating active molecules (pre-loading and post-loading approaches) in these capsular systems are critically discussed. Finally, applications of silica nanocapsules in controlled release, imaging, and theranostics are reviewed.
Effects of fluid-fluid interfacial elasticity on droplet formation in microfluidic devices
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-07-2010
DOI: 10.1002/AIC.12382
Immunogenicity of Outer Membrane Proteins VirB9-1 and VirB9-2, a Novel Nanovaccine against Anaplasma marginale
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-04-2016
Solubility of atractylenolide III in hexane, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, and ethanol from (283.2 to 323.2) K
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.1021/JE6005482
Design and production of a novel antimicrobial fusion protein in Escherichia coli
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-08-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00253-018-9319-4
Abstract: In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted increasing attention. The microbial cells provide a simple, cost-effective platform to produce AMPs in industrial quantities. While AMP production as fusion proteins in microorganisms is commonly used, the recovery of AMPs necessitates the use of expensive proteases and extra purification steps. Here, we develop a novel fusion protein DAMP4-F-pexiganan comprising a carrier protein DAMP4 linked to the AMP, pexiganan, through a long, flexible linker. We show that this fusion protein can be purified using a non-chromatography approach and exhibits the same antimicrobial activity as the chemically synthesized pexiganan peptide without any cleavage step. Activity of the fusion protein is dependent on a long, flexible linker between the AMP and carrier domains, as well as on the expression conditions of the fusion protein, with low-temperature expression promoting better folding of the AMP domain. The production of DAMP4-F-pexiganan circumvents the time-consuming and costly steps of chromatography-based purification and enzymatic cleavages, therefore shows considerable advantages over traditional microbial production of AMPs. We expect this novel fusion protein, and the studies on the effect of linker and expression conditions on its antimicrobial activity, will broaden the rational design and production of antimicrobial products based on AMPs.
Microfluidic self-assembly of a combinatorial library of single- and dual-ligand liposomes for in vitro and in vivo tumor targeting
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJPB.2018.06.017
Abstract: Precise engineering of nanoparticles with systematically varied properties (size, charge surface properties, targeting ligands, etc.) remains a challenge, limiting the effective optimization of nanoparticles for particular applications. Herein we report a single-step microfluidic combinatorial approach for producing a library of single and dual-ligand liposomes with systematically-varied properties including size, zeta potential, targeting ligand, ligand density, and ligand ratio. A targeting ligand folic acid and a cell penetrating peptide TAT were employed to achieve the optimal synergistic targeting effect. In 2D cell monolayer models, the single-ligand folic acid modified liposome didn't show any enhanced cellular uptake, while the incorporation of TAT peptide "switched on" the function of folic acid, and induced significant elevated cellular uptake compared to the single ligand modified liposomes, showing a strong synergistic targeting effect. The folic acid and TAT peptide dual-ligand liposome also demonstrated enhanced tumor penetration as observed using 3D tumor spheroid models. The in vivo study further confirmed the improved tumor targeting and longer tumor retention (up to 72 h) of the dual-ligand liposomes. Our work not only proved the versatility of this microfluidic combinatorial approach in producing libraries of multifunctional liposomes with controlled properties but also revealed the great potential of the optimized liposome formulation for synergistic targeting effects.
Axons-on-a-chip for mimicking non-disruptive diffuse axonal injury underlying traumatic brain injury.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D2LC00730D
Abstract: Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is the most severe pathological feature of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, how primary axonal injury is induced by transient mechanical impacts remains unknown, mainly due to the low temporal and spatial resolution of medical imaging approaches. Here we established an axon-on-a-chip (AoC) model for mimicking DAI and monitoring instant cellular responses. Integrating computational fluid dynamics and microfluidic techniques, DAI was induced by injecting a precisely controlled micro-flux in the transverse direction. The clear correlation between the flow speed of injecting flux and the severity of DAI was elucidated. We next used the AoC to investigate the instant intracellular responses underlying DAI and found that the dynamic formation of focal axonal swellings (FAS) accompanied by Ca
Nanoparticle elasticity regulates phagocytosis and cancer cell uptake
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 17-04-2020
Abstract: The deformation of soft nanocapsules during cell binding and endocytosis leads to a lower cellular uptake than the stiff ones.
A simple and low‐cost platform technology for producing pexiganan antimicrobial peptide in E. coli
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-01-2015
DOI: 10.1002/BIT.25505
Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides, as a new class of antibiotics, have generated tremendous interest as potential alternatives to classical antibiotics. However, the large-scale production of antimicrobial peptides remains a significant challenge. This paper reports a simple and low-cost chromatography-free platform technology for producing antimicrobial peptides in Escherichia coli (E. coli). A fusion protein comprising a variant of the helical biosurfactant protein DAMP4 and the known antimicrobial peptide pexiganan is designed by joining the two polypeptides, at the DNA level, via an acid-sensitive cleavage site. The resulting DAMP4(var)-pexiganan fusion protein expresses at high level and solubility in recombinant E. coli, and a simple heat-purification method was applied to disrupt cells and deliver high-purity DAMP4(var)-pexiganan protein. Simple acid cleavage successfully separated the DAMP4 variant protein and the antimicrobial peptide. Antimicrobial activity tests confirmed that the bio-produced antimicrobial peptide has the same antimicrobial activity as the equivalent product made by conventional chemical peptide synthesis. This simple and low-cost platform technology can be easily adapted to produce other valuable peptide products, and opens a new manufacturing approach for producing antimicrobial peptides at large scale using the tools and approaches of biochemical engineering.
Biocompatible snowman-like tumor-targeting dimer nanoparticles for improved delivery efficiency and enhanced anti-tumor therapy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Stimuli-Responsive Peptide Nanostructures at the Fluid–Fluid Interface
Publisher: Humana Press
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-354-1_10
Abstract: The self-organization of peptide-based nanostructures at a confined fluid-fluid interface, for ex le, the air-water or oil-water interface, is important in the context of stabilizing macroscopic soft-matter foams and emulsions. The unique ability to design interfacial nanostructures by controlling the subtle cooperativity that drives peptide self-assembly, and the ability to switch molecular cooperativity by facile triggers such as pH, opens new vistas for controlling macroscopic soft matter in industries as erse as healthcare and industrial processing. Here we describe research aimed at developing new understanding into soft-matter formation and control, through variation of peptide sequence and bulk conditions. Macroscopic foaming and microfluidic emulsification studies prove particularly useful in visualizing and hence understanding the synergistic link between molecular design, mesoscopic interfacial properties, and bulk soft-matter stability.
Microfluidic Formation of Coculture Tumor Spheroids with Stromal Cells As a Novel 3D Tumor Model for Drug Testing
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-10-2018
Investigation of Convective Heat Transfer with Liquids in Microtubes
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 28-06-2012
DOI: 10.1021/IE301174J
Nanoparticle vaccines
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.VACCINE.2013.11.069
Abstract: Nanotechnology increasingly plays a significant role in vaccine development. As vaccine development orientates toward less immunogenic "minimalist" compositions, formulations that boost antigen effectiveness are increasingly needed. The use of nanoparticles in vaccine formulations allows not only improved antigen stability and immunogenicity, but also targeted delivery and slow release. A number of nanoparticle vaccines varying in composition, size, shape, and surface properties have been approved for human use and the number of candidates is increasing. However, challenges remain due to a lack of fundamental understanding regarding the in vivo behavior of nanoparticles, which can operate as either a delivery system to enhance antigen processing and/or as an immunostimulant adjuvant to activate or enhance immunity. This review provides a broad overview of recent advances in prophylactic nanovaccinology. Types of nanoparticles used are outlined and their interaction with immune cells and the biosystem are discussed. Increased knowledge and fundamental understanding of nanoparticle mechanism of action in both immunostimulatory and delivery modes, and better understanding of in vivo biodistribution and fate, are urgently required, and will accelerate the rational design of nanoparticle-containing vaccines.
Innentitelbild: Implications of Quenching‐to‐Dequenching Switch in Quantitative Cell Uptake and Biodistribution of Dye‐Labeled Nanoparticles (Angew. Chem. 28/2021)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2021
Lipid Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-11-2021
Abstract: Lipid nanoparticles have attracted significant interests in the last two decades, and have achieved tremendous clinical success since the first clinical approval of Doxil in 1995. At the same time, lipid nanoparticles have also demonstrated enormous potential in delivering nucleic acid drugs as evidenced by the approval of two RNA therapies and mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. In this review, an overview on different classes of lipid nanoparticles, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers, is first provided, followed by the introduction of their preparation methods. Then the characterizations of lipid nanoparticles are briefly reviewed and their applications in encapsulating and delivering hydrophobic drugs, hydrophilic drugs, and RNAs are highlighted. Finally, various applications of lipid nanoparticles for overcoming different delivery challenges, including crossing the blood–brain barrier, targeted delivery, and various routes of administration, are summarized. Lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery systems offer many attractive benefits such as great biocompatibility, ease of preparation, feasibility of scale‐up, nontoxicity, and targeted delivery, while current challenges in drug delivery warrant future studies about structure–function correlations, large‐scale production, and targeted delivery to realize the full potential of lipid nanoparticles for wider clinical and pharmaceutical applications in future.
NIR-II bioluminescence for in vivo high contrast imaging and in situ ATP-mediated metastases tracing
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-08-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-020-18051-1
Abstract: Bioluminescence imaging has been widely used in life sciences and biomedical applications. However, conventional bioluminescence imaging usually operates in the visible region, which h ers the high-performance in vivo optical imaging due to the strong tissue absorption and scattering. To address this challenge, here we present bioluminescence probes (BPs) with emission in the second near infrared (NIR-II) region at 1029 nm by employing bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and two-step fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with a specially designed cyanine dye FD-1029. The biocompatible NIR-II-BPs are successfully applied to vessels and lymphatics imaging in mice, which gives ~5 times higher signal-to-noise ratios and ~1.5 times higher spatial resolution than those obtained by NIR-II fluorescence imaging and conventional bioluminescence imaging. Their capability of multiplexed imaging is also well displayed. Taking advantage of the ATP-responding character, the NIR-II-BPs are able to recognize tumor metastasis with a high tumor-to-normal tissue ratio at 83.4.
Conformation and self-assembly changes of isomeric peptide amphiphiles influenced by switching tyrosine in the sequences
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C7TB00736A
Abstract: By simply switching the location of Tyr in isomeric peptide hiphiles of C 12 -(GA) 3 GY, the varied conformations between the β-sheet and disordered one of these peptide hiphiles and the alternating morphologies between nanofibers and nanospheres of their assemblies are revealed.
Evaluation of baiting fipronil-loaded silica nanocapsules against termite colonies in fields
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Automatic Live and Dead Cell Classification via Hyperspectral Imaging
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 09-2019
Numerical investigation of drug transport from blood vessels to tumour tissue using a Tumour-Vasculature-on-a-Chip
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
J‐Aggregate‐Based FRET Monitoring of Drug Release from Polymer Nanoparticles with High Drug Loading
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-09-2020
Antifouling Surfaces Enabled by Surface Grafting of Highly Hydrophilic Sulfoxide Polymer Brushes
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 11-12-2020
Biomimetic core–shell silica nanoparticles using a dual-functional peptide
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
A biocompatible electrolyte enables highly reversible Zn anode for zinc ion battery
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-10-2023
Titania microparticles using a facile microfluidic mass-transfer control method
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
Formulation of Nanoparticles Using Mixing-Induced Nanoprecipitation for Drug Delivery
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-12-2019
From Folding to Function: Design of a New Switchable Biosurfactant Protein
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-01-2017
Abstract: A new anionic biosurfactant protein (SP16) capable of tuning foaming behaviour by pH or salt has been designed. This biosurfactant exhibits unique foaming behaviour with high sensitivity to pH. A good level of foaming was observed at pH 2 but not at pH 3. A further increase by one pH unit to pH 4 restored good foaming. At pH 5-8, SP16 again showed low foaming propensity, whereas the presence of salt (NaCl) was able to restore foaming again. Interfacial tension and circular dichroism investigations revealed the foaming control mechanism. The high negative charge (-16.6) at pH 6 and above restricted the ability of SP16 to fold into an α-helical conformation and also restricted surface activity. For pH 5 (-13.6), even though SP16 folds in bulk to give α-helical structure, the high charge inhibited adsorption at the air-water interface, resulting in a significant lag time of about 150-200 sec to achieve a decrease in interfacial tension. In contrast to its low foaming behaviour at pH 5-8, the presence of salt (NaCl) was found to effectively screen negative charge, thus leading to its folding and a decrease of interfacial tension. This new design offers a new strategy to control foaming behaviour, and elaborates a clear link between charge, structure and interfacial activity for biosurfactants.
Synergetic Combinations of Dual‐Targeting Ligands for Enhanced In Vitro and In Vivo Tumor Targeting
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-05-2018
Abstract: The concept of dual-ligand targeting has been around for quite some time, but remains controversial due to the intricate interplay between so many different factors such as the choice of dual ligands, their densities, ratios and length matching, etc. Herein, the synthesis of a combinatorial library of single and dual-ligand nanoparticles with systematically varied properties (ligand densities, ligand ratios, and lengths) for tumor targeting is reported. Folic acid (FA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are used as two model targeting ligands. It is found that the length matching and ligand ratio play critical roles in achieving the synergetic effect of the dual-ligand targeting. When FA is presented on the nanoparticle surface through a 5K polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain, the dual ligand formulations using the HA with either 5K or 10K length do not show any targeting effect, but the right length of HA (7K) with a careful selection of the right ligand ratio do enhance the targeting efficiency and specificity significantly. Further in vitro 3D tumor spheroid models and in vivo xenograft mice models confirm the synergetic targeting efficiency of the optimal dual-ligand formulation (5F2H
Facile bioinspired synthesis of iron oxide encapsulating silica nanocapsules
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Densities and viscosities of binary mixtures of tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate + cyclohexane or n-hexane at T= (293.15, 298.15, and 303.15) K and p = 0.1 MPa
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 24-10-2008
DOI: 10.1021/JE8006138
Preparative isolation and purification of atractylon and atractylenolide III from the Chinese medicinal plant Atractylodes macrocephala by high-speed counter-current chromatography
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2006
Abstract: The medicinal plant Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu in Chinese) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for energy and stomach complaints, treatment of dyspepsia and anorexia, anti-inflammation, anticancer and for increasing assimilation. A high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) method was developed for the preparative separation and purification of two main bioactive components, namely, atractylon and atractylenolide III from A. macrocephala by using light petroleum (60-90 degrees C)-ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (4:1:4:1 v/v) as the two-phase solvent system in dual-mode elution. Compared with the separation using the normal-mode elution, the dual-mode HSCCC can be achieved with shorter elution time. Atractylenolide III (32.1 mg) at 99.0% purity and 319.6 mg atractylon at 97.8% purity could be obtained from 1000 mg crude s le in a single run. The recoveries of atractylenolide III and atractylon were 95.4 and 92.6%, respectively.
Understanding the Effects of Nanocapsular Mechanical Property on Passive and Active Tumor Targeting
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 28-02-2018
Abstract: The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (size, charge, and surface chemistry, etc.) influence their biological functions often in complex and poorly understood ways. This complexity is compounded when the nanostructures involved have variable mechanical properties. Here, we report the synthesis of liquid-filled silica nanocapsules (SNCs, ∼ 150 nm) having a wide range of stiffness (with Young's moduli ranging from 704 kPa to 9.7 GPa). We demonstrate a complex trade-off between nanoparticle stiffness and the efficiencies of both immune evasion and passive/active tumor targeting. Soft SNCs showed 3 times less uptake by macrophages than stiff SNCs, while the uptake of PEGylated SNCs by cancer cells was independent of stiffness. In addition, the functionalization of stiff SNCs with folic acid significantly enhanced their receptor-mediated cellular uptake, whereas little improvement for the soft SNCs was conferred. Further in vivo experiments confirmed these findings and demonstrated the critical role of nanoparticle mechanical properties in regulating their interactions with biological systems.
A novel approach for therapeutic drug monitoring of valproic acid using ATR-FTMIR spectroscopy and non-linear support vector regression.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-11-2022
Abstract: Recent technological progress has bolstered efforts to bring personalized medicine from theory into clinical practice. However, progress in areas such as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has remained somewhat stagnant. In drugs with well-known dose-response relationships, TDM can enhance patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. Traditional monitoring method such as chromatography-based or immunoassay techniques are limited by their higher costs and slow turnaround times, making them unsuitable for real-time or onsite analysis. In this work, we propose the use of a fast, direct and simple approach using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTMIR) combined with chemometric techniques for the therapeutic monitoring of valproic acid. In this context, a database of FT-IR spectra was constructed from human plasma s les containing various concentrations of valproic acid these s les were characterized by the reference method (immunoassay technique) to determine the valproic acid contents. The ATR-FTMIR spectra were processed by two chemometric regression methods: partial least squares regression (PLS) and support vector regression (SVR). The results provide good evidence for the effectiveness of the combination of ATR-FTMIR spectroscopy and SVR modeling for estimating valproic acid in human plasma. SVR models showed better predictive abilities than PLS models in terms of RMSEC, RMSEP, R2Cal, R2Pred and RPD. This analytical tool offers potential for real-time TDM in the clinical setting. FTIR spectroscopy was evaluated for the first time to predict valproic acid in human plasma for TDM. Two regressions were evaluated to predict valproic acid in human plasma, and the best performing model was obtained using nonlinear support vector regression.
Sustained-release ketamine-loaded nanoparticles fabricated by sequential nanoprecipitation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Improving phytase production in Pichia pastoris fermentations through de‐repression and methanol induction optimization
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-07-2023
DOI: 10.1002/BIT.28510
Abstract: Pichia pastoris ( Komagataella phaffii ) is a fast‐growing methylotrophic yeast with the ability to assimilate several carbon sources such as methanol, glucose, or glycerol. It has been shown to have outstanding secretion capability with a variety of heterologous proteins. In previous studies, we engineered P. pastoris to co‐express Escherichia coli AppA phytase and the HAC1 transcriptional activator using a bidirectional promoter. Phytase production was characterized in shake flasks and did not reflect industrial conditions. In the present study, phytase expression was explored and optimized using instrumented fermenters in continuous and fed‐batch modes. First, the production of phytase was investigated under glucose de‐repression in continuous culture at three dilution factors, 0.5 d −1 , 1 d −1 , and 1.5 d −1 . The fermenter parameters of these cultures were used to inform a kinetic model in batch and fed‐batch modes for growth and phytase production. The kinetic model developed aided to design the glucose‐feeding profile of a fed‐batch culture. Kinetic model simulations under glucose de‐repression and fed‐batch conditions identified optimal phytase productivity at the specific growth rate of 0.041 h −1 . Validation of the model simulation with experimental data confirmed the feasibility of the model to predict phytase production in our newly engineered strain. Methanol was used only to induce the expression of phytase at high cell densities. Our results showed that high phytase production required two stages, the first stage used glucose under de‐repression conditions to generate biomass while expressing phytase, and stage two used methanol to induce phytase expression. The production of phytase was improved 3.5‐fold by methanol induction compared to the expression with glucose alone under de‐repression conditions to a final phytase activity of 12.65 MU/L. This final volumetric phytase production represented an approximate 36‐fold change compared to the flask fermentations. Finally, the phytase protein produced was assayed to confirm its molecular weight, and pH and temperature profiles. This study highlights the importance of optimizing protein production in P. pastoris when using novel promoters and presents a general approach to performing bioprocess optimization in this important production host.
Microfluidic Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-04-2022
Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted tremendous interest in drug delivery in the past decades. Microfluidics offers a promising strategy for making NPs for drug delivery due to its capability in precisely controlling NP properties. The recent success of mRNA vaccines using microfluidics represents a big milestone for microfluidic NPs for pharmaceutical applications, and its rapid scaling up demonstrates the feasibility of using microfluidics for industrial‐scale manufacturing. This article provides a critical review of recent progress in microfluidic NPs for drug delivery. First, the synthesis of organic NPs using microfluidics focusing on typical microfluidic methods and their applications in making popular and clinically relevant NPs, such as liposomes, lipid NPs, and polymer NPs, as well as their synthesis mechanisms are summarized. Then, the microfluidic synthesis of several representative inorganic NPs (e.g., silica, metal, metal oxide, and quantum dots), and hybrid NPs is discussed. Lastly, the applications of microfluidic NPs for various drug delivery applications are presented.
Axons-on-a-Chip for Mimicking Non-Disruptive Diffuse Axonal Injury underlying Traumatic Brain Injury
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 06-05-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.06.442958
Abstract: Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is the most severe pathological feature of traumatic brain injury. However, how primary axonal injury is induced by mechanical stress and whether it could be mitigated remain unknown, largely due to the resolution limits of medical imaging approaches. Here we established an Axon-on-a-Chip (AoC) model for mimicking DAI and investigating its early cellular responses. By integrating computational fluid dynamics and microfluidic techniques, DAI was observed for the first time during mechanical stress, and a clear correlation between stress intensity and severity of DAI was elucidated. This AoC was further used to investigate the dynamic intracellular changes occurring simultaneously with stress, and identified delayed local Ca 2+ surges escorted rapid disruption of periodic axonal cytoskeleton during the early stage of DAI. Compatible with high-resolution live-microscopy, this model hereby provides a versatile system to identify early mechanisms underlying DAI, offering a platform for screening effective treatments to alleviate brain injuries.
A numerical investigation of drug extravasation using a tumour–vasculature microfluidic device
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-11-2018
Development of a group contribution method for determination of thermal conductivity of ionic liquids
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
Development of a concentration‐controlled sequential nanoprecipitation for making lipid nanoparticles with high drug loading
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-06-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AGT2.369
Abstract: Lipid‐based nanostructures have garnered considerable interests over the last two decades, and have achieved tremendous clinical success including the first clinical approval of a liposome (Doxil) for cancer therapy in 1995 and the recent COVID‐19 mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines. Compared to liposomes which have a lipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous core, lipid nanoparticles with a particle structure have several attractive advantages for encapsulating poorly water‐soluble drugs such as better stability due to the particle structure, high drug encapsulation efficiency because of a pre‐ or co‐drug‐loading strategy. While many studies have reported the synthesis of lipid nanoparticles for hydrophobic drug encapsulation, the precise control of drug loading and encapsulation efficiency remains a significant challenge. This work reports a new concentration‐controlled nanoprecipitation platform technology for fabricating lipid nanoparticles with tunable drug loading up to 70 wt%. This method is applicable for encapsulating a wide range of drugs from very hydrophobic to slightly hydrophilic. Using this facile method, nanoparticles with tunable drug loading exhibited excellent properties such as small particle size, narrow size distribution, good particle stability, showing great promise for future drug delivery applications.
Macrophage-mediated cancer drug delivery
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Sample capacity in preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2007.01.105
Abstract: High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) is a versatile technique in preparative separation and purification of pure compounds from complex matrices. As a preparative chromatography, there is a need to maximize the column production. Based on the plate theory of Van Deemter, the effect of the s le load on the separation was investigated in a preparative HSCCC with a 1000 ml column capacity. The test s les of hydroquinone, pyrocatechol and phenol were separated using a two-phase solvent system of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (1:1:1:1, v/v/v/v) at different s le loads. The results showed that for the case of HSCCC, the agreement of the effect of s le load on peak height and peak width between the Van Deemter's theory and the experiments is excellent. Furthermore, the factors limiting the mass load, including the resolution between the peaks, the partition isotherm and the solute solubility were also discussed.
Microfluidic formation of core-shell alginate microparticles for protein encapsulation and controlled release
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCIS.2018.12.075
Abstract: Alginate hydrogel particles are promising delivery systems for protein encapsulation and controlled release because of their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mild gelation process. In this study, a facile microfluidic approach is developed for making uniform core-shell hydrogel microparticles. To address the challenge of protein retention within the alginate gel matrix, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI)- and chitosan-coated alginate microparticles were fabricated demonstrating improved protein retention as well as controlled release. Furthermore, a model protein ovalbumin was loaded along with delta inulin microparticulate adjuvant into the water-core of the alginate microparticles. Compared to those microparticles with only antigen loaded, the antigen + adjuvant loaded microparticles showed a delayed and sustained release of antigen. This microfluidic approach provides a convenient method for making well-controlled alginate microgel particles with uniform size and controlled properties, and demonstrates the ability to tune the release profiles of proteins by engineering microparticle structure and properties.
Actomyosin-II Proactively Shields Axons of the Central Nervous System from Mild Mechanical Stress
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 13-08-2023
DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552549
Abstract: Pan et al found that actomyosin-II-driven radial contractility underpins the resilience of central axons to mild mechanical stress by suppressing the propagation and firing of injurious Ca 2+ waves. Boosting actomyosin-II activity alleviates axon degeneration in mice with traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant and unmet health challenge. However, our understanding of how neurons, particularly their fragile axons, withstand the abrupt mechanical impacts within the central nervous system remains largely unknown. Using a microfluidic device applying discrete levels of transverse forces to axons, we identified the stress levels that most axons could resist and explored their instant responses at nanoscale resolution. Mild stress induces rapid and reversible axon beading, driven by actomyosin-II-dependent radial contraction, which restricts the spreading and bursting of stress-induced Ca 2+ waves. More severe stress causes irreversible focal swelling and Ca 2+ overload, ultimately leading to focal axonal swelling and degeneration. Up-regulating actomyosin-II activity prevented the progression of initial injury in vivo , protecting commissural axons from degeneration in a mice TBI model. Our study established a scalable axon injury model and uncovered the critical roles of actomyosin-II in shielding neurons against detrimental mechanical stress.
Design of low-charge peptide sequences for high-yield formation of titaniananoparticles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1039/C2RA00726F
Improved enzyme thermal stability, loading and bioavailability using alginate encapsulation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
A Microfluidic Tumor‐on‐a‐Chip for Assessing Multifunctional Liposomes' Tumor Targeting and Anticancer Efficacy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-03-2019
Abstract: Two principal methods for cancer drug testing are widely used, namely, in vitro 2D cell monolayers and in vivo animal models. In vitro 2D culture systems are simple and convenient but are unable to capture the complexity of biological processes. Animal models are costly, time-consuming, and often fail to replicate human activity. Here a microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip (TOC) model designed for assessing multifunctional liposome cancer targeting and efficacy is presented. The TOC device contains three sets of hemispheric wells with different sizes for tumor spheroid formation and evaluation of liposomes under a controlled flow condition. There is good agreement between time-elapsed tumor targeting of fluorescent liposomes in the TOC model and in in vivo mouse models. Evaluation of the anticancer efficacy of four PTX-loaded liposome formulations shows that compared to 2D cell monolayers and 3D tumor spheroid models, the TOC model better predicts the in vivo anticancer efficacy of targeted liposomes. Lastly, the TOC model is used to assess the effects of flow rates and tumor size on treatment outcome. This study demonstrates that the TOC model provides a convenient and powerful platform for rapid and reliable cancer drug evaluation.
J‐Aggregate‐Based FRET Monitoring of Drug Release from Polymer Nanoparticles with High Drug Loading
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-09-2020
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials Using Microfluidic Technology
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2016
Magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles end-capped with hydroxyapatite for pH-responsive drug release
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1039/C3TB20641F
Inside Cover: Implications of Quenching‐to‐Dequenching Switch in Quantitative Cell Uptake and Biodistribution of Dye‐Labeled Nanoparticles (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 28/2021)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2021
Interfacial Biomimetic Synthesis of Silica Nanocapsules Using a Recombinant Catalytic Modular Protein
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-02-2015
DOI: 10.1021/LA504684G
Abstract: This paper reports interfacially driven synthesis of oil-core silica-shell nanocapsules using a rationally designed recombinant catalytic modular protein (ReCaMoP), in lieu of a conventional chemical surfactant. A 116-residue protein, D4S2, was designed by modularizing a surface-active protein module having four-helix bundle structure in bulk and a biosilicification-active peptide module rich in cationic residues. This modular combination design allowed the protein to be produced via the industrially relevant cell factory Escherichia coli with simplified purification conferred by thermostability engineered in design. Dynamic interfacial tension and thin film pressure balance were used to gain an overview of the protein behavior at macroscopic interfaces. Functionalities of D4S2 to make silica nanocapsules were demonstrated by facilitating formation and stabilization of pharmaceutically grade oil droplets through its surface-active module and then by directing nucleation and growth of a silica shell at the oil-water interface through its biosilicification-active module. Through these synergistic activities in D4S2, silica nanocapsules could be formed at near-neutral pH and ambient temperature without using any organic solvents that might have negative environmental and sustainability impacts. This work introduces parallelization of biomolecular, scale-up and interfacial catalytic design strategies for the ultimate development of sustainable and scalable production of a recombinant modular protein that is able to catalyze synthesis of oil-filled silica nanocapsules under environmentally friendly conditions, suitable for use as controlled-release nanocarriers of various actives in biomedical and agricultural applications.
Development of a Microfluidic Droplet-Based Microbioreactor for Microbial Cultivation
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 05-05-2020
A partially purified outer membrane protein VirB9-1 for low-cost nanovaccines against Anaplasma marginale
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.VACCINE.2016.11.037
Abstract: Anaplasma marginale is a devastating tick-borne pathogen causing anaplasmosis in cattle and results in significant economic loss to the cattle industry worldwide. Currently, there is no widely accepted vaccine against A. marginale. New generation subunit vaccines against A. marginale, which are much safer, more efficient and cost-effective, are in great need. The A. marginale outer membrane protein VirB9-1 is a promising antigen for vaccination. We previously have shown that soluble recombinant VirB9-1 protein can be expressed and purified from Escherichia coli and induce a high level of humoral and cellular immunity in mice. In this study, we re-formulated the nanovaccines using the partially-purified VirB9-1 protein as the antigen and hollow nano-size silica vesicles (SV-100) as the adjuvant. We simplified the purification method to obtain the partially-purified antigen VirB9-1 with a six-fold higher yield. The new formulations using the partially-purified VirB9-1 protein achieved higher antibody and cell-mediated immune responses compared to the purified ones. This finding suggests that the partially-purified VirB9-1 protein performs better than the purified ones in the vaccination against A. marginale, and a certain level of contaminants in the protein antigen can be self-adjuvant and boost immunogenicity together with the nanoparticle adjuvant. This may lead to finding a "Goldilocks" level of contaminants. The new nanovaccine formulation using partially-purified antigens along with nanoparticle adjuvants offers an alternative strategy for making cheaper veterinary vaccines.
Biocompatible microcapsules with a water core templated from single emulsions
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
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