Cytotoxicity assessment of HDPE microplastic on Tetrahymena thermophila (Protozoa, Ciliate): Assuring quality and FAIR data.

Microplastics is recognized as an emerging pollutant and adapting and harmonizing existing test methods is essential to advancing research. The aim of our work was to provide a case study on how to ensure quality and FAIR data in the assessment of microplastic hazards with the unicellular organism Tetrahymena thermophila (Protozoa, Ciliata). We selected high density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastics as a model material.

Development of a one-pot synthesis of rGO in water by optimizing Tour's method parameters.

Since its first synthesis in 2004, graphene has been widely studied and several different synthesis methods has been developed. Solvent exfoliation of graphite and the reduction of graphene oxide previously obtained through graphite oxidation are the most employed. In this work, we exploited synthesis conditions of a method usually employed for obtaining graphene oxide (the Tour's method) for directly obtaining a very poorly oxidised material with characteristics like reduced graphene oxide.

Gelatin nanoparticles loaded with 3-alkylpyridinium salt APS7, an analog of marine toxin, are a promising support in human lung cancer therapy.

This study demonstrates the potential of gelatin nanoparticles as a nanodelivery system for antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to improve chemotherapy efficacy and reduce off-target effects. Too often, chemotherapy for lung cancer does not lead to satisfactory results. Therefore, new approaches directed at multiple pharmacological targets in cancer therapy are being developed.

Modulation of the Effect of Cisplatin on Nicotine-Stimulated A549 Lung Cancer Cells Using Analog of Marine Sponge Toxin Loaded in Gelatin Nanoparticles.

Nicotine activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are overexpressed in numerous cancer types, leading to signaling pathways that increase lung cancer invasiveness and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, the effects of APS12-2, a synthetic analog of marine sponge toxin that acts as an antagonist of nAChRs, was investigated in vitro on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and non-tumorigenic human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells. In addition, gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) loaded with APS12-2 (APS12-2-GNPs) were prepared and their effects were compared with those of free APS12-2.