Description of Release Process of Doxorubicin from Modified Carbon Nanotubes.

The article discusses the release process of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) from multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The studies described a probable mechanism of release and actions between the surface of functionalized MWCNTs and anticancer drugs. The surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been modified via treatment in nitric acid to optimize the adsorption and release process.

Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies of Doxorubicin Adsorption onto Carbon Nanotubes.

This study provides deep insight into the adsorption process of doxorubicin onto different types of carbon nanotubes that have been proved to show attractive properties as a drug delivery system. The main aim of the work was to propose probable adsorption mechanisms and interactions between the anticancer drug and surface of modified and pristine carbon nanotubes at blood pH. The carbon nanotubes were oxidized to optimize the absorbance efficiency relative to that of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

Can the Isothermal Calorimetric Curve Shapes Suggest the Structural Changes in Micellar Aggregates?

Inspired by the unusual shapes of the titration curve observed for many surfactants and mixed colloidal systems, we decided to extend the analysis to isothermal titration calorimetric curves (ITC) by paying special attention to potential structural changes in micellar aggregates. In this paper, we used isothermal titration calorimetry in conjunction with Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and X-ray Scattering (SAXS) methods support by Monte Carlo and semiempirical quantum chemistry simulations to confirm if the isothermal calorimetric curve shape can reflect micelle transition phenomena. For that purpose, we analysed, from the thermodynamic point of view, a group of cationic gemini surfactants, alkanediyl-α,ω-bis(dimethylalkylammonium) bromides.

Communication: Molecular-level description of constrained chain topologies in multiblock copolymer gel networks.

Network characteristics in physical gels composed of solvated block copolymers varying in molecular design are examined here by dynamic rheology and computer simulations. In two triblock copolymer series, one with chain length (N) varied at constant copolymer composition (f) and the other with f varied at constant N, we discern the dependence of equilibrium network metrics on both N and f. Increasing the block number in a linear multiblock series at constant N and f escalates conformational complexity, which dominates network connectivity classified according to a midblock conformation index.

Complex Phase Behavior and Network Characteristics of Midblock-Solvated Triblock Copolymers as Physically Cross-Linked Soft Materials.

In the presence of a midblock-selective solvent, triblock copolymers not only self-organize but also form a molecular network. Thermoplastic elastomer gels constitute examples of such materials and serve as sealants and adhesives, as well as ballistic, microfluidic, and electroactive media. We perform Monte Carlo and dissipative particle dynamics simulations to investigate the phase behavior and network characteristics of these materials.

Dual modes of self-assembly in superstrongly segregated bicomponent triblock copolymer melts.

While ABC triblock copolymers are known to form a plethora of dual-mode (i.e., order-on-order) nanostructures, bicomponent ABA triblock copolymers normally self-assemble into single morphologies at thermodynamic incompatibility levels up to the strong-segregation regime.

Communication: Molecular-level insights into asymmetric triblock copolymers: network and phase development.

Molecularly asymmetric triblock copolymers progressively grown from a parent diblock copolymer can be used to elucidate the phase and property transformation from diblock to network-forming triblock copolymer. In this study, we use several theoretical formalisms and simulation methods to examine the molecular-level characteristics accompanying this transformation, and show that reported macroscopic-level transitions correspond to the onset of an equilibrium network. Midblock conformational fractions and copolymer morphologies are provided as functions of copolymer composition and temperature.