The Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Molecular Organization, Thermomechanical, and Shape Memory Properties of Gelatin-Matrix Composite Films.

Gelatin is a natural hydrocolloid with excellent film-forming properties, high processability, and tremendous potential in the field of edible coatings and food packaging. However, its reinforcing by materials such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is often necessary to improve its mechanical behavior, including shape memory properties. Since the interaction between these polymers is complex and its mechanism still remains unclear, this work aimed to study the effect of low concentrations of CNC (2, 6, and 10 weight%) on the molecular organization, thermomechanical, and shape memory properties in mammalian gelatin-based composite films at low moisture content (~10 weight% dry base).

Wrinkled TiNAgNW Nanocomposites for High-Performance Flexible Electrodes on TEMPO-Oxidized Nanocellulose.

In this study, we present a novel method for fabricating semi-transparent electrodes by combining silver nanowires (AgNW) with titanium nitride (TiN) layers, resulting in conductive nanocomposite coatings with exceptional electromechanical properties. These nanocomposites were deposited on cellulose nanopaper (CNP) using a plasma-enhanced pulsed laser deposition (PE-PLD) technique at low temperatures (below 200 °C). Repetitive bending tests demonstrate that incorporating AgNW into TiN coatings significantly enhances the microstructure, increasing the electrode's electromechanical robustness by up to four orders of magnitude compared to commercial PET/ITO substrates.

Partial long-term clinical improvement after a BCG challenge in systemic lupus erythematosus-prone mice.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that causes a breakdown of immune tolerance. Current treatments mainly involve general immunosuppression, increasing the risk of infections. On the other hand, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been investigated as a potential therapy for autoimmune diseases in recent years, prompting an ongoing investigation.

Synthesis and characterization of marine seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata) mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles for antibacterial, antibiofilm and antioxidant properties.

Cymodocea serrulata mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) were successfully synthesized. The XRD pattern and FTIR spectra demonstrated the crystalline structure of TiO NPs and the presence of phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids in the extract. Further SEM revealed that TiO NPs has uniform structure and spherical in shape with their size ranged from 58 to 117 nm.

Anti-quorum Sensing and Anti-biofilm Effect of Nocardiopsis synnemataformans RMN 4 (MN061002) Compound 2,6-Di-tert-butyl, 1,4-Benzoquinone Against Biofilm-Producing Bacteria.

In this study, the anti-biofilm compound of 2,6-Di-tert-butyl, 1,4-benzoquinone was purified from Nocardiopsis synnemataformans (N. synnemataformans) RMN 4 (MN061002). To confirm the compound, various spectroscopy analyses were done including ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), preparative HPLC, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

New Benzotrithiophene-Based Molecules as Organic P-Type Semiconductor for Small-Molecule Organic Solar Cells.

A new benzotrithiophene-based small molecule, namely 2,5,8-Tris[5-(2,2-dicyanovinyl)-2-thienyl]-benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b':6,5-b″]-trithiophene (DCVT-BTT), was successfully synthesized and subsequently characterized. This compound was found to present an intense absorption band at a wavelength position of ∼544 nm and displayed potentially relevant optoelectronic properties for photovoltaic devices. Theoretical studies demonstrated an interesting behavior of charge transport as electron donor (hole-transporting) active material for heterojunction cells.

Understanding the Molecular Conformation and Viscoelasticity of Low Sol-Gel Transition Temperature Gelatin Methacryloyl Suspensions.

For biomedical applications, gelatin is usually modified with methacryloyl groups to obtain gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), which can be crosslinked by a radical reaction induced by low wavelength light to form mechanically stable hydrogels. The potential of GelMA hydrogels for tissue engineering has been well established, however, one of the main disadvantages of mammalian-origin gelatins is that their sol-gel transitions are close to room temperature, resulting in significant variations in viscosity that can be a problem for biofabrication applications. For these applications, cold-water fish-derived gelatins, such as salmon gelatin, are a good alternative due to their lower viscosity, viscoelastic and mechanical properties, as well as lower sol-gel transition temperatures, when compared with mammalian gelatins.

Metal tolerance and biosorption of Pb ions by Bacillus cereus RMN 1 (MK521259) isolated from metal contaminated sites.

Recent years, metal pollution is an alarming factor to know about protects the environmental ecosystem due to the toxic, persistent and abundant in nature. Metals are present everywhere in the biotic and abiotic samples including soil, water, and microbes. The rate of bioaccumulation and biotransformation are very high.

Mechanistic interrogation of mutation-independent disease modulators of RDEB identifies the small leucine-rich proteoglycan PRELP as a TGF-β antagonist and inhibitor of fibrosis.

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a genetic extracellular matrix disease caused by deficiency in type VII collagen (Col VII). The disease manifests with devastating mucocutaneous fragility leading to progressive fibrosis and metastatic squamous cell carcinomas. Although Col VII abundance is considered the main predictor of symptom course, previous studies have revealed the existence of mutation-independent mechanisms that control disease progression.

Preparation of antibacterial Zn and Ni substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for efficient biofilm eradication.

Zinc (Zn) and, alternatively, nickel (Ni) substituted cobalt ferrite (CF) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of cubic structure of cobalt ferrite. FTIR analysis confirmed the vibrational band located at 550-580 cm that belongs to the M - O bond (M = Ni, and Zn).

Review: Auxetic Polymer-Based Mechanical Metamaterials for Biomedical Applications.

Over the last three decades but more particularly during the last 5 years, auxetic mechanical metamaterials constructed from precisely architected polymer-based materials have attracted considerable attention due to their fascinating mechanical properties. These materials present a negative Poisson's ratio and therefore unusual mechanical behavior, which has resulted in enhanced static modulus, energy adsorption, and shear resistance, as compared with the bulk properties of polymers. Novel advanced polymer processing and fabrication techniques, and in particular additive manufacturing, allow one to design complex and customizable polymer architectures that are particularly relevant to fabricate auxetic mechanical metamaterials.

Results in mediastinal lymph node staging of surgical lung cancer: Data from the prospective cohort of the Spanish Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Group.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of combined computerised tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) in mediastinal staging of surgical lung cancer based on data obtained from the prospective cohort of the Spanish Group for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (GEVATS).

Methods: A total of 2782 patients underwent surgery for primary lung carcinoma. We analysed diagnostic success in mediastinal lymph node staging (cN2) using CT and PET.

Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs.

Biosorption and adsorption isotherm of chromium (VI) ions in aqueous solution using soil bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

This study looked at the development of effective biosorbents to recover the most toxic elements from industrial water. B. amyloliquefaciens was isolated from marine soils showing extreme resistance to Chromium (Cr(VI)) ions.

Corona Detective: a simple, scalable, and robust SARS-CoV-2 detection method based on reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Surveillance screening at scale to identify people infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prior to extensive transmission is key to bringing an end to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, even though vaccinations have already begun. Here we describe Corona Detective, a sensitive and rapid molecular test to detect the virus, based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification, which could be applied anywhere at low cost. Critically, the method uses freeze-dried reagents, readily shipped without cold-chain dependence.

Development of chitosan decorated FeO nanospheres for potential enhancement of photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye molecules.

FeO nanospheres (Nsps) and chitosan (Cts)/FeO Nsps were prepared using a one-pot hydrothermal method and subsequently used as photocatalysts against the degradation of Congo red (CR) dye molecules. The sphere-shaped FeO nanoparticles were heterogeneously decorated by the Cts matrix, which was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The Cts/FeO Nsps demonstrated 98% efficient photocatalytic activity against CR dye molecules upon 60 min exposure to visible light compared to FeO Nsps (77% for 60 min).

Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs.

Highly efficient antibacterial activity of graphene/chitosan/magnetite nanocomposites against ESBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

In the present study, chitosan-containing nanocomposites were investigated as new antibacterial agents. Magnetite (FeO) nanoparticles (NPs) as well as chitosan (CS)/FeO nanocomposites (NCs) and graphene(Gr)/CS/FeO NCs were synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. Their composition, structure and morphology were studied, followed by the evaluation of their antibacterial activity against ESBL-producing and gram-negative P.

Enhanced anti-cancer activity of chitosan loaded Morinda citrifolia essential oil against A549 human lung cancer cells.

In the present study, the chemical composition of Morinda citrifolia essential oils was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and was found to contain several anti-cancer compounds including L-scopoletin, nordamnacanthal, β-morindone, α-copaene, 9-H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole, β-thujene and terpinolene. The physico-chemical characterization of chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles and Morinda citrifolia essential oils loaded chitosan nanoparticles combination was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering coupled with zeta potential. The morphological observation obtained by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy provided clear indication that the immobile chitosan polymer formed a coating onto the Morinda citrifolia essential oils surface.

Highly efficient multifunctional graphene/chitosan/magnetite nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of important dye molecules.

Multifunctional chitosan/magnetite (CS/FeO) and graphene/chitosan/magnetite (Gr/CS/FeO) nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. The NCs were subsequently evaluated as magnetic photocatalysts towards the photodegradation of dye molecules that are detrimental to the environment. In the present study, sphere shaped FeO nanoparticles (NPs) were found to uniformly decorate CS and Gr surfaces.

Chitosan mediated gold nanoparticles against pathogenic bacteria, fungal strains and MCF-7 cancer cells.

In the present study, we report cytotoxic and antimicrobial potential of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) synthesized using chitosan derived from squilla shell wastes. Here we adopted ecofriendly approach for the synthesis of Au NPs and characterized them using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. The UV-visible spectroscopic analysis revealed an absorption peak at 529 nm, which represents the Surface Plasmon Resonance of Au NPs.

Production of Biocompatible Protein Functionalized Cellulose Membranes by a Top-Down Approach.

Protein functionalized cellulose fibrils were isolated from the tunic of and subsequently used to produce protein functionalized cellulose membranes. Bleached cellulose membranes were also obtained and used as reference material. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that the membranes are mostly constituted of cellulose along with the presence of residual proteins and pigments.

3D Printing of Antimicrobial Alginate/Bacterial-Cellulose Composite Hydrogels by Incorporating Copper Nanostructures.

Novel antimicrobial 3D-printed alginate/bacterial-cellulose hydrogels with in situ-synthesized copper nanostructures were developed having improved printability. Prior to 3D printing, two methods were tested for the development of the alginate hydrogels: (a) ionic cross-linking with calcium ions followed by ion exchange with copper ions (method A) and (b) ionic cross-linking with copper ions (method B). A solution containing sodium borohydride, used as a reducing agent, was subsequently added to the hydrogels, producing in situ clusters of copper nanoparticles embedded in the alginate hydrogel matrix.

Wrinkled titanium nitride nanocomposite for robust bendable electrodes.

Electrical contacts and interconnections are critical components for all electronic devices. Bendable electrodes with enhanced electro-mechanical properties are highly desirable to develop innovative wearable electronic devices. Herein we report on a fabrication method for robust bendable coatings based on titanium nitride (TiN) thin films and silver nanowires (Ag NWs).