Increased RNAi Efficacy in via the Formulation of dsRNA With Guanylated Polymers.

Lepidoptera comprise some of the most devastating herbivorous pest insects worldwide. One of the most promising novel pest control strategies is exploiting the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to target essential genes for knockdown and incite toxic effects in the target species without harming other organisms in the ecosystem. However, many insects are refractory to oral RNAi, often due to rapid degradation of ingested dsRNA in their digestive system.

Chitosan functionalized poly-ε-caprolactone electrospun fibers and 3D printed scaffolds as antibacterial materials for tissue engineering applications.

Tissue engineering (TE) approaches often employ polymer-based scaffolds to provide support with a view to the improved regeneration of damaged tissues. The aim of this research was to develop a surface modification method for introducing chitosan as an antibacterial agent in both electrospun membranes and 3D printed poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. The scaffolds were functionalized by grafting methacrylic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHSMA) onto the surface after Ar-plasma/air activation.

Pseudo-double network hydrogels with unique properties as supports for cell manipulation.

Pseudo-double network hydrogels based on vinylpyrrolidone and anionic methacrylic units were prepared, for the first-time, via a simple one step radical polymerization procedure using thermal or photoinitiation. These networks showed improved mechanical properties, in the hydrated state, compared with their single network cousins and were capable of hosting cells to confluence. Rapid cell detachment can be induced through simple mechanical agitation and the cell sheets can be transplanted easily without the need for a cell superstrate.

Chemical guiding of magnetic nanoparticles in dispersed media containing poly-(methylmethacrylate-co-vinylpyrrolidone).

The differential reactivity of methylmethacrylate (MMA) and vinylpyrrolidone (VP) in free radical copolymerization, with stirring in methanol, renders an emulsified two phase system. The dispersed and continuous liquid phases contain copolymers rich in MMA and VP, respectively. When Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) stabilized with tetramethylammonium hydroxide are added to this emulsion, the mNPs are located in the continuous phase.