Development of Liposomes Loaded with Chloroaluminum Phthalocyanine for Application of Photodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer.

Chloraluminium phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) has potential therapeutic effect for the treatment of cancer; however, the molecule is lipophilic and may present self-aggregation which limits its clinical success. Thus, nanocarriers like liposomes can improve ClAlPc solubility, reduce off-site toxicity and increase circulation time. For this purpose, developing suitable liposomes requires the evaluation of different lipid compositions.

Nanoencapsulation of R-phycoerytrin extracted from improves protein stability and enables its biological application as a fluorescent dye.

We aimed to encapsulate R-PE to improve its stability for use as a fluorescent probe for cancer cells. Purified R-PE from the algae was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles using PCL. Nanoparticles were characterised and R-PE release was evaluated.

Anthocyanins Formulated with Carboxymethyl Starch for Gastric and Intestinal Delivery.

Anthocyanins obtained from jambolan have been used as active agents in different carboxymethyl starch-based tablet formulations and their release profiles evaluated in simulated gastric fluids (SGF) and simulated intestinal (SIF) fluids. Structural analysis highlighted a strong interaction between anthocyanins and carboxymethyl starch, evidenced by scanning electron microscopy and infrared analysis. Tablet dissolution behavior varied according to the pH of the media, being controlled by the swelling and/or erosion of the polymeric matrix.

Modeling geosmin removal in a full-scale filter.

Taste and odor compounds affect drinking water safety perception and may drive consumers to less secure water sources. Adsorption, using powered activated carbon, is the most common method to remove these compounds but greatly increases the amount of sludge generated. Another way of removing taste and odor compounds is to use filters with granular activated carbon (GAC) but little is still known on how to design them.

EGFR targeting for cancer therapy: Pharmacology and immunoconjugates with drugs and nanoparticles.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the tyrosine kinase receptors family and is present in the epithelial cell membrane. Its endogenous activation occurs through the binding of different endogenous ligands, including the epidermal growth factor (EGF), leading to signaling cascades able to maintain normal cellular functions. Although involved in the development and maintenance of tissues in normal conditions, when EGFR is overexpressed, it stimulates the growth and progression of tumors, resulting in angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, through some main cascades such as Ras/Raf/MAPK, PIK-3/AKT, PLC-PKC and STAT.

Recovery and purification of a Kluyvermyces lactis β-galactosidase by Mixed Mode Chromatography.

Mixed Mode Chromatography (MMC) is a potential separation technique that allows simultaneous ionic and hydrophobic interactions between the adsorbent and the adsorbate. The aim of this work was to assess the recovery and purification of a Kluyveromyces lactis β-galactosidase employing MMC. Protein precipitation and dialysis were performed in order to concentrate the enzyme of interest and eliminate cell debris and other interferences inherent in the fermentation medium.

High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of rolipram, bupivacaine and omeprazole using a tartardiamide-based stationary phase influence of flow rate and temperature on the enantioseparation.

Chromatographic separation of the chiral drugs rolipram, bupivacaine and omeprazole on a tartardiamide-based stationary phase commercially named Kromasil CHI-TBB is shown in this work. The effect of temperature on the chromatographic separation of the chiral drugs using the Kromasil CHI-TBB stationary phase was determined quantitatively so as to contribute toward the design for the racemic mixtures of the named compound by using chiral columns. A decrease in the retention and selectivity factors was observed, when the column temperature increased.