Anticancer activity modulation of an innovative solid formulation of extra virgin olive oil by cultured zeolite scaffolds.

This paper deals with the design and manufacture of pure and hybrid synthetic (Mixed Matrix Membranes, MMMs) zeolite scaffolds (containing various amount of zeolite crystals dispersed in a polymeric matrix) to obtain new biomaterials. These scaffolds can potentially be used in the field of translational medicine to obtain innovative results to address tumorigenesis mechanisms with the promotion of an effort to deal with technical methods and information. Since olive oil has beneficial effects in healthy human cells and slows down and/or inhibits cell growth, the aim of this work was to monitor the protective and beneficial antitumor effects of olive oil in a new solid formulation (Spread Bio-Oil) on cancer cell cultured on zeolite scaffolds.

Fabrication and evaluation of novel zeolite membranes to control the neoplastic activity and anti-tumoral drug treatments in human breast cancer cells. Part 1: Synthesis and characterization of Pure Zeolite Membranes and Mixed Matrix Membranes for adhesion and growth of cancer cells.

Novel pure and hybrid zeolite membranes were prepared with appropriate different physicochemical characteristics such as frameworks, hydrophilicity, crystal size, chemical composition, acid-base properties (Point of Zero Charge, PZC) and surface morphology and used in inorganic cell/scaffold constructs. Because the control of cell interactions, as the adhesion, proliferation, remodelling and mobility, is important for differentiation and progression of tumors, this work focused on response of cancer cells adhered and grown on synthesized zeolite surfaces in order to study the influence of these scaffolds in controlled conditions. We have selected the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line as model tumor cell lines.

Zeolite scaffolds for cultures of human breast cancer cells. Part II: Effect of pure and hybrid zeolite membranes on neoplastic and metastatic activity control.

This work is focused on the response of two invasive phenotypes of human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, grown on synthesized zeolite scaffolds in order to study the influence of those biomaterials in controlled conditions with and without anti-tumoral drug treatments. Our research was directed to the use of doxorubicin (DOX) and bergapten (5-MOP). The former is broadly considered the most active single agent available for the treatment of breast cancer, the second is a natural psoralen with an apoptotic effect.

Influence of zeolite PZC and pH on the immobilization of cytochrome c: a preliminary study regarding the preparation of new biomaterials.

The adsorption of cytochrome c on to zeolite crystals and membranes with different chemical composition and structure was studied. The structure and texture of zeolite materials were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), while the variation of protein conformation was studied by Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analysis. In order to separate the influence of zeolite structures from the effect of composite membranes, a through analysis of the cytochrome c adsorption was performed on different crystals by varying several experimental parameters such as: pH value, protein amount, zeolite structures and chemical compositions.

Zeolite inorganic supports for BSA immobilization: comparative study of several zeolite crystals and composite membranes.

Zeolites due to their low toxicity and high compatibility are considered new biomaterials for medical applications. The surface adsorption behaviour of zeolite crystals and composite membranes was discussed in this research. The zeolite materials were synthesized by hydrothermal syntheses using different reaction gels to modulate the Brönsted acidity of the microporous structures.

Pericardium of the frog, Rana esculenta, is morphologically designed as a lymphatic space.

The importance of the pericardium and the pericardial fluid (PF) in the control of cardiac function has emerged over the past few years. Despite the acknowledgment that amphibians are exposed to both dehydration and excessive water accumulation, nothing is known about their pericardial structure and the morphological basis of the PF formation. We have studied the parietal pericardium (PP) morphology in Rana esculenta by electron microscopy.