A cationic amino acid polymer nanocarrier synthesized in supercritical CO for co-delivery of drug and gene to cervical cancer cells.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the ability of a drug curcumin-loaded polymer to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells by enhancing the anti-cancer efficiency of curcumin. We synthesized poly(methacryloyl beta-alanine) (PMBA) as a nanocarrier by radical polymerization in supercritical CO. The results showed that the curcumin encapsulated and folic acid (FA)-treated PMBA (Poly@Cur-FA) for 24 h activated the reactive oxygen species-mediated programmed cell death machinery in HeLa cells.

Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Applications.

Highly effective antimicrobial agents are needed to control the emergence of new bacterial strains, their increased proliferation capability, and antibacterial resistance that severely impact public health, and several industries including water, food, textiles, and oil and gas. Recently, bimetallic nanoparticles, formed via integration of two different metals, have appeared particularly promising with antibacterial efficiencies surpassing that of monometallic counterparts due to synergistic effects, broad range of physiochemical properties, and diverse mechanisms of action. This work aims to provide a review on developed bimetallic and supported bimetallic systems emphasizing in particular on the relation between synthesis routes, properties, and resulting efficiency.

Multifaceted thermoresponsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) coupled with carbon dots for biomedical applications.

A fluorescent thermoresponsive polymer consisting of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) coupled with carbon dots (CDs) (PVCL-CDs) was synthesized by reacting a carboxyl-terminated PVCL derivative with CDs via N-hydroxysuccinimide and N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride coupling. The temperature-dependent fluorescence properties of this material were studied for biomedical applications. Fluorescence quenching in PVCL-CDs was observed above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) due to thermo-induced aggregation of the PVCL chains.

Vesicocervical fistula: rare complication secondary to intrauterine device (Lippes loop) erosion.

We report a case of vesicocervical fistula following intrauterine device (Lippes loop) erosion following insertion 45 years ago. Vesicocervical fistula was suspected clinically. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a foreign body.

Poly(acrylic acid)-grafted graphene oxide as an intracellular protein carrier.

A pH-sensitive poly(acrylic acid)-grafted graphene oxide (GO-PAA) nanocarrier was synthesized by in situ atom transfer radical polymerization to allow the oral delivery of hydrophilic macromolecular proteins in their active forms to specific cells or organs. The synthesis, morphology, and physiochemical properties of GO-PAA were examined. A model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) (BSAFITC), was loaded onto GO-PAA through noncovalent interactions and its release was arrested at acidic pH similar to stomach, whereas at pH similar to intestine it was reduced, which paves way for site specific delivery without its degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) grown on nanographene oxide as an effective nanocargo for drug delivery.

This study evaluated graphene oxide functionalized covalently with poly N-vinyl caprolactam (GO-PVCL) via in situ atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), as a nano-cargo carrier for the efficient delivery of drugs into cells. Water-soluble GO-PVCL exhibited excellent stability in physiological solutions. An anti-cancer drug, camptothecin (CPT), was then loaded onto GO-PVCL with a high payload (20%) through π-π stacking and hydrophobic interactions, and its release could be controlled by varying the pH.

pH-sensitive nanocargo based on smart polymer functionalized graphene oxide for site-specific drug delivery.

Graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized covalently with pH-sensitive poly(2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDEA) by surface-initiated in situ atom transfer radical polymerization. The structure of the PDEA-grafted GO (GO-PDEA) were examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy. The grafted PDEA endowed the GO sheets with good solubility and stability in physiological solutions.