Identification of residues critical for topology inversion of the transmembrane protein TM4SF20 through regulated alternative translocation.

Adopting a proper topology is crucial for transmembrane proteins to perform their functions. We previously reported that ceramide regulates a transmembrane protein called TM4SF20 (transmembrane 4 L six family member 20) through topological inversion by altering the direction through which the protein is translocated across membranes during translation. This regulatory mechanism, denoted regulated alternative translocation (RAT), depends on a GN motif present in the first transmembrane helix of TM4SF20.

Chitosan nanoparticles for siRNA delivery: optimization of processing/formulation parameters.

Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using ultrasonication methodology at specific amplitudes and times of sonication. Subsequently, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was added to the solution at predetermined values of nitrogen to phosphorous ratio (N/P), and stirring time. Employing response surfaces generated from a statistical model, the effect of sonication time and amplitude, stirring time, and N/P ratio was studied on the particle size, polydispersity, and loading efficiency of prepared siRNA/chitosan nanoparticles.

Production, characterisation, and in vitro nebulisation performance of budesonide-loaded PLA nanoparticles.

The aim of this study is to prepare a nanosuspension of budesonide for respiratory delivery using nebuliser by optimising its particle size and characterising its in vitro deposition behaviour. PLA (poly lactic acid)-budesonide nanosuspension (BNS) was prepared using high-pressure emulsification/solvent evaporation method. To optimise particle size, different parameters such as PLA concentration, sonication time, and amplitude were investigated.

Preparation and characterization of self-assembled chitosan nanoparticles for the sustained delivery of streptokinase: an in vivo study.

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles have been extensively studied as carriers for therapeutic proteins in recent years. In this study, streptokinase loaded-CS nanoparticles were prepared and the pharmacokinetic parameters of streptokinase were compared with those of naked streptokinase. The preparation method included stirring the protein with the CS solution.

Processing/formulation parameters determining dispersity of chitosan particles: an ANNs study.

Although a great number of studies may be found in literature about the parameters affecting the size of chitosan nanoparticles, no systematic work so far has detailed the factors affecting the polydispersity of chitosan as an important factor determining the quality of many preparations. Herein, using artificial neural networks (ANNs), four independent variables, namely, pH and concentration of chitosan solution as well as time and amplitude of sonication of the solution were studied to determine their influence on the polydispersity of solution. We found that in an ultrasound prepared nanodispersion of chitosan, all the four input parameters have reverse but non-linear relation with the polydispersity of the nanoparticles.