An efficient method to produce 1,4-pentanediol from the biomass of the algae with levulinic acid as intermediate.

Today, the development of innovative methods for production of organic compounds from natural resources is essential topic for many research groups in the worldwide. Levulinic acid is a platform for many important organic processes in the synthesis of natural products, pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, drugs and various other additives. In addition, 1,4-pentanediol which is a product of reduction of levulinic acid, is a valuable raw material in the chemical industry.

One-step sonochemical preparation of redox-responsive nanocapsules for glutathione mediated RNA release.

Efficient RNA delivery to targeted cells requires the use of stable interactive carriers that provide RNA protection during the extracellular transit and trigger release once internalised. One strategy to avoid the premature extracellular RNA drain coupled to sufficient intracellular release is the use of stimuli-responsive delivery materials exploiting as a triggering mechanism the redox gradient between the extra- and intracellular compartments. This work describes a facile route for the preparation of redox-active nanocarriers containing disulphides that combine RNA protection and delivery on demand based on intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels.