Hydrothermal synthesis of Ag-doped ZnO/sepiolite nanostructured material for enhanced photocatalytic activity.

This work is devoted to the development of Ag-ZnO/sepiolite photocatalysts as novel nanostructured materials by the immobilization of Ag-doped ZnO on the surface of fibrous clay. Herein, innovative Ag-ZnO/sepiolite photocatalysts were successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal route using diverse Ag dopant concentrations (2 and 5%). Structural, morphological, and optical properties of the obtained photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM, MEB, and DRS-UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Removal of two anionic reactive textile dyes by adsorption into MgAl-layered double hydroxide in aqueous solutions.

Textile dyes pose a significant challenge for water pollution due to the poor degradability of their complex aromatic structures (e.g., RR-120 and RBB-150).

Nanoscale zero-valent iron functionalized Posidonia oceanica marine biomass for heavy metal removal from water.

Because of the excellent reducing capacity of nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI), it can be used as alternative materials for the removal of a variety of reducible water contaminants including toxic metals. The current paper reports the research results obtained for self-prepared biosorbent, Posidonia oceanica biomass, activated in alkaline medium and functionalized with NZVI particles. The structural characteristics, surface morphology, and binding properties of the resulting nanobiosorbent are presented.

Structure and antibacterial activity relationships of native and amyloid fibril lysozyme loaded on layered double hydroxide.

Lysozyme from hen egg white is composed by a unique linear chain of 129 amino acids. It is known to inhibit Gram positive bacteria and to form amyloid fibrils at low pH, under 75°C. This work investigates the effect of the fibrillation and/or adsorption onto a layered double hydroxide material on the antibacterial properties of lysozyme.

Adsorption of nisin into layered double hydroxide nanohybrids and in-vitro controlled release.

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanohybrid intercalated biomolecules, including oligonecluotides, genes and peptides/proteins, have attracted particular attention since they exhibit improved safety and effectiveness as successful delivery biosystems. The current study specifically investigated the adsorption of nisin peptide and precisely the control of the release of the payload. Adsorption occurred from peptide solution in contact with zinc-aluminum LDH at room temperature, looking out over the influence of the Zn/Al ratio, the anion exchange capacity, the nature of the intercalated anion, the host matrix, and the host morphology.

Delivery system for berberine chloride based on the nanocarrier ZnAl-layered double hydroxide: Physicochemical characterization, release behavior and evaluation of anti-bacterial potential.

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) has attracted major interest as one of the most versatile drug delivery systems especially for adsorption capacity and/or controlled delivery property of bioactive agents owing to their combining features of biohybrid. ZnAl synthesized layered double hydroxide can offer a platform to immobilize various types of bioactive compounds, particularly berberine chloride (BBC). However, the immobilization reaction of berberine chloride into ZnAl-LDH was performed by direct co-precipitation method at different ratios of BBC/LDH.

Preparation and optimization of a drug delivery system based on berberine chloride-immobilized MgAl hydrotalcite.

Hydrotalcite (HT), also known as a layered double hydroxide (LDH) compound, has been widely used in past years in the formulation of drugs due to its specific properties including good biocompatibility, null toxicity, high chemical stability and pH-dependent solubility which aid in drug controlled release. In this work, berberine chloride (BBC) class antibacterial agent was immobilized into magnesium-aluminum LDH in order to improve the drug efficiency as well as to achieve the controlled release property. BBC molecules were immobilized into MgAl LDH through a conventional ion exchange reaction and co-precipitation method.

[Konno aortoventriculoplasty: indications and results. 13 cases].

Background: Konno procedure is used to enlarge the aortic root and increase the size of the aortic valve implanted.

Aim: The aim of this study is to present the indications of the Konno procedure in congenital and acquired aortic lesions, in young patients with normal or hypoplastic aortic annulus or adults with small aortic annulus.

Methods: We reported our experience of this technique with a retrospective study of 13 patients operated on between 1998 and 2004.

[Beating heart coronary revascularisation. Report of 26 cases].

The beating heart coronary artery bypass technique is becoming more popular in many cardiac units throughout the world. This relativity new technique has prompted surgeons and anaesthetists to review and analysed the routine approach to coronary surgery. In this study we reviewed 26 patients operated off pump technique group I (50 %) and the group II (50 %) operated on pump coronary artery bypass.

[Imaging cardiac hydatid cysts: 8 cases].

Background: Early diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis is required because this uncommon disease may lead to serious complications. We report 8 cases of cardiac hydatidosis, review the modes of diagnosis, and stress the contribution of modern imaging techniques.

Methods: This retrospective study describes 8 patients with cardiac echinococcosis.

[Predictive factors of mortality in combined coronary and vascular surgery. Report of 46 cases].

From 1994 and 2003, 46 patients underwent surgical myocardial revascularisation associated to valvular surgery. Surgical indications were for valvular disease in 13 cases (28%), for coronary disease in 16 cases (35%) and associated coronary and valvular disease in 17 cases (37%); Isolated conservative mitral repair was performed in 22 cases (48%); mitral valve replacement in 10 cases (41%), aortic valve replacement in 11 cases (46%) associated mitral and aortic surgery in 3 cases (13%). Intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 4 patients (9%).