ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0026-3906
Current Organisation
Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute
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Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-08-2021
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1TB01796A
Abstract: Pickering emulsions with stimuli responsive properties have attracted mounting research attention owing to their potential for on-demand destabilisation of emulsions. However, a combination of biocompatibility and long-term stability are essential to efficiently apply such systems in biomedical applications, and this remains a significant challenge. To address current limitations, here we report the formation of photothermally responsive oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsions fabricated using biocompatible stabilisers and showing prolonged stability. For the first time, we explore polydopamine (PDA) bowl-shaped mesoporous nanoparticles (PDA nanobowls) as a Pickering stabiliser without any surface modification or other stabiliser present. As-prepared PDA nanobowl-stabilised Pickering emulsions are shown to be pH responsive, and more significantly show high photothermal efficiency under near-infrared illumination due the incorporation of PDA into the system, which has remarkable photothermal response. These biocompatible, photothermally responsive o/w Pickering emulsion systems show potential in controlled drug release applications stimulated by NIR illumination.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 09-04-2019
DOI: 10.1101/600288
Abstract: Recently, cortical correlates of specific dream contents have been reported, such as the activation of the sensorimotor cortex during dreamed hand clenching. Yet, the causal mechanisms underlying specific dream content remain largely elusive. Here, we investigated how alterations in the excitability of sensorimotor areas through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) might alter dream content. Following bihemispheric tDCS or sham stimulation, participants who were awakened from REM sleep filled out a questionnaire on bodily sensations in dreams. tDCS, compared to sham stimulation, significantly decreased reports of dream movement, especially repetitive actions. Contrary to this, other types of bodily experiences, such as tactile or vestibular sensations, were not affected by tDCS, confirming the specificity of stimulation effects. In addition, tDCS reduced interhemispheric coherence in parietal areas and altered the phasic electromyography correlation between the two arms. These findings reveal that a complex reorganization of the motor network co-occurred with the reduction of dream movement, confirming spatial specificity of the stimulation site. We conclude that tDCS over the sensorimotor cortex causally interferes with dream movement during REM sleep.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0CC05880G
Abstract: Biomolecules are very attractive nanomaterial components, generally, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundance, renewability, and sustainability, as compared to other resources for nanoparticle-based delivery systems.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D2TB01756C
Abstract: Mesoporous polydopamine (PDA) nanobowls, which can be prepared using Pluronic® F-127, ammonia, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB), are one of the most studied anisotropic nanoparticle systems. However, only limited reports on polymerised analogues polynorepinephrine (PNE) and polyepinephrine (PEP) exist. Herein, we present modifications to a one-pot, soft template method, originally applied to make PDA nanobowls, to fabricate new shape-anisotropic nanoparticles (mesoporous nanospheres or "nano-golf balls" and nanobowls) using PNE and PEP for the first time. These modifications include the use of different oil phases (TMB, toluene and
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2016
DOI: 10.1002/JSFA.7681
Abstract: Betalains, which are red-purple and yellow pigments, are ideal alternatives to synthetic colorants as they possess strong coloring potential and excellent health-contributing properties. However, the instability of betalains toward normal storage and biological conditions, in addition to the limited number of betalain sources, impedes their food application and diminishes their bioactivities. This study aimed to evaluate the health-promoting bioactivities of betalains from red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus (Weber) Britton and Rose) peels as affected by encapsulation in maltodextrin-gum Arabic and maltodextrin-pectin matrices. Encapsulation in maltodextrin-gum Arabic and maltodextrin-pectin matrices afforded dry betalain powders after lyophilization. Optical microscopy imaging showed that the betalain powders consisted of matrix-type and shard-like microparticles. ABTS antioxidant assay revealed that maltodextrin-gum Arabic-betalain (MGB) and maltodextrin-pectin-betalain (MPB) microparticles possessed higher antioxidant capacities (195.39 ± 8.63 and 201.76 ± 4.06 µmol Trolox g The study showed that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and GST-inducing activities of betalains from red dragon fruit peels were enhanced through carbohydrate encapsulation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-01-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-03-2022
DOI: 10.1002/JSFA.11826
Abstract: Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is considered as a major postharvest disease affecting many fruits. This plant disease is traditionally managed with synthetic fungicides, which are generally toxic and are linked to pathogen resistance. Recently, microencapsulated bioactives have been developed as potential alternative strategies to these methods, while utilizing natural fungicides and other phytochemicals. Wild oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, contains potent antimicrobial phenolics, but these compounds are volatile and relatively unstable, which limits their efficacy during application. Herein, a baker's yeast microencapsulation system was applied to improve the stability of wild oregano phenolic extract (WOPE) and enhance its antifungal activity against anthracnose. Encapsulation of WOPE in plasmolyzed yeast cells afforded a high encapsulation efficiency (93%) and yielded WOPE-loaded yeast microcapsules (WLYMs) with an average diameter of 2.65 μm. Storage stability studies showed WLYMs are stable for at least 4 months. A 24 -h in vitro release experiment showed that WLYMs had an initial burst release upon redispersion in water, followed by a controlled release to about 80% of the loaded WOPE. Upon application as a spray-type postharvest treatment for papaya, WLYMs exhibited a significantly improved mycelial inhibitory action against C. gloeosporioides and greatly reduced the anthracnose symptoms in papaya fruits. This study presented a yeast microencapsulation system that can effectively stabilize WOPE and enhance its antifungal activity, making this microparticle formulation a promising environmentally safe postharvest treatment option to combat anthracnose symptoms in papaya fruits. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-12-2022
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.1C02393
Abstract: A novel procedure for the synthesis of polyethylenimine (PEI)-silica nanocomposite particles with high adsorption capacities has been developed based on an emulsion templating concept. The exceptional chelating properties of PEI as the parent polymer for the particle core promote the binding abilities of the resulting composite for charged species. Further, the subsequent introduction of silica via the self-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane facilitates production of robust composite particles with smooth surfaces, enabling potential use in multiphase environments. To enable tailored application in solid/liquid porous environments, the production of particles with reduced sizes was attempted by modulating the shear rates and surfactant concentrations during emulsification. The use of high-speed homogenization resulted in a substantial decrease in average particle size, while increasing surfactant loading only had a limited effect. All types of nanocomposites produced demonstrated excellent binding capacities for copper ions as a test solute. The maximum binding capacities of the PEI-silica nanocomposites of 210-250 mg/g are comparable to or exceed those of other copper binding materials, opening up great application potential in resources, chemical processing, and remediation industries.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRASMEDBIO.2022.04.001
Abstract: Ultrasound has important applications, predominantly in the field of diagnostic imaging. Presently, colloidal systems such as microbubbles, phase-change emulsion droplets and particle systems with acoustic properties and multiresponsiveness are being developed to address typical issues faced when using commercial ultrasound contrast agents, and to extend the utility of such systems to targeted drug delivery and multimodal imaging. Current technologies and increasing research data on the chemistry, physics and materials science of new colloidal systems are also leading to the development of more complex, novel and application-specific colloidal assemblies with ultrasound contrast enhancement and other properties, which could be beneficial for multiple biomedical applications, especially imaging-guided treatments. In this article, we review recent developments in new colloids with applications that use ultrasound contrast enhancement. This work also highlights the emergence of colloidal materials fabricated from or modified with biologically derived and bio-inspired materials, particularly in the form of biopolymers and biomembranes. Challenges, limitations, potential developments and future directions of these next-generation colloidal systems are also presented and discussed.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1CP01146D
Abstract: Perfluorocarbon emulsion droplets are interesting colloidal systems with applications in biomedicine. This work describes the use of small- and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering in studying their heat-induced phase transition into microbubbles.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 16-11-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-06-2022
Abstract: To enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects in cancer treatment, multimodal therapies are increasingly desired. In particular, combined chemo‐ and photothermal therapy has been developed as an approach with significantly higher therapeutic efficacy. However, long‐term cytotoxicity arising particularly from poor biodegradability of the nanoparticles typically used for such treatment remains a challenge. In the present in vitro study, a new approach targeted toward cancer treatment that combines chemo‐ and photothermal therapy using bio‐derived polydopamine (PDA) bowl‐shaped mesoporous nanoparticles with exceptional biocompatibility is indicated. The potential of PDA mesoporous nanobowls as a new chemo‐ and photothermal agent was explored by loading the anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) into nanobowls and investigating their photothermal performance upon near‐infrared (NIR) illumination. Strikingly, DOX loaded nanobowls show significantly higher pharmaceutical cytotoxicity to HeLa cells in vitro in comparison with free DOX due to their preferential uptake into cells. Following this with photothermal treatment resulted in nearly 100% cell death from the combined treatment of DOX loaded nanobowls and NIR illumination. This first step highlights the potential of PDA mesoporous nanobowls as a scaffold for combined chemo‐ and photothermal therapy for cancer treatment that offers new opportunities for combined physicochemical therapies to treat advanced disease states.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-09-2020
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-08-2022
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.2C01457
Abstract: Increasing demand for copper resources, accompanied by increasing pollution, has resulted in an urgent need for effective materials for copper binding and extraction. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is one of the strongest copper-chelating agents but is not suitable directly (as is) for most applications due to its high solubility in water. PEI-based composite materials show potential as efficient and practical alternatives. In the present work, the interaction of copper ions with PEI-silica nanocomposite particles and precursor PEI microgels (as a reference) is investigated. It is hypothesized that the main driving force of the reaction is chelation of copper ions by amino groups in the PEI network. The presence of silica in the PEI-silica composites was shown to increase the copper-binding capacity in comparison with the parent microgel. The copper-binding behavior of etched (PEI-free "ghost") composite particles in comparison with the original composites and microgel particles shows that silica nanoparticles in the composite structure increase the number of copper-binding sites in the PEI network rather than adsorbing copper themselves. PEI-silica composites can be easily recycled after copper adsorption by simply washing in 1 M nitric acid, which results in complete copper extraction. Employing this recovery method, PEI-silica composite particles can be used for multiple, efficient cycles of copper removal and extraction.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-09-2021
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 23-02-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-11-2018
DOI: 10.1002/JSFA.9396
Abstract: Quercetin is a phenolic compound occurring in many food plants and agricultural crops. It is reported to possess various health-promoting properties. However, the poor bioavailability of quercetin, due to its low aqueous solubility and its degradation during digestion, limits its nutraceutical applications. This study aimed to encapsulate quercetin in nanoliposomes using rice-bran phospholipids for its efficient delivery and controlled release, the protection of its structural stability, and enhancement of its bioactivity. Nanoliposomal encapsulation of quercetin by thin film-sonication method yielded spherical nanoparticles (157.33 ± 23.78 nm) with high encapsulation efficiency (84.92 ± 0.78%). Storage stability studies showed that nanoliposomal quercetin was stable at 4 °C and 27 °C for 6 and 5 months, respectively, as indicated by unchanged antioxidant activity and quercetin retention. Nanoliposomal quercetin showed a slow, limited release pattern in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), and an initial burst release followed by a slow constant releasing pattern in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). A 1004-fold increase in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity was observed in quercetin nanoliposomes (SC This study showed that nanoliposomal encapsulation in rice-bran phospholipids enhanced the radical-scavenging and anti-angiogenic activities of quercetin. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that nanoliposomes can serve as efficient oral delivery system for quercetin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AAP.2016.07.005
Abstract: Although vehicle impoundment has become a common sanction for various driving offences, large-scale evaluations of its effectiveness in preventing drinking and driving reci ism are almost non-existent in the peer-reviewed literature. One reason is that impoundment programs have typically been introduced simultaneously with other countermeasures, rendering it difficult to disentangle any observed effects. Previous studies of impoundment effectiveness conducted when such programs were implemented in isolation have typically been restricted to small jurisdictions, making high-quality evaluation difficult. In contrast, Ontario's "long-term" and "seven-day" impoundment programs were implemented in relative isolation, but with tight relationships to already existing drinking and driving suspensions. In this work, we used offence data produced by Ontario's population of over 9 million licensed drivers to perform interrupted time series analysis on drinking and driving reci ism and on rates of driving while suspended for drinking and driving. Our results demonstrate two key findings: (1) impoundment, or its threat, improves compliance with drinking and driving licence suspensions and (2) addition of impoundment to suspension reduces drinking and driving reci ism, possibly through enhanced suspension compliance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-01-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-08-2020
No related grants have been discovered for Mark Louis Vidallon.