Diacerein reduces inflammasome activation and SARS-CoV-2 virus replication: a proof-of-concept translational study.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is linked to high mortality, primarily through an intense inflammatory response. Diacerein has emerged as a potential therapy for COVID-19 due to its potential impact in decreasing the inflammasome activation and coronavirus replication. This study aims to explore diacerein's influence in inhibiting both viral replication and the inflammatory response after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Do ethoxylated polymeric coacervate micelles respond to temperature similarly to ethoxylated surfactant aggregates?

Hypothesis: Ethoxylated complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms), formed by the electrostatic coacervation of a charge-neutral diblock copolymer and an oppositely charged homopolymer, exhibit morphology governed by molecular packing principles. Additionally, this morphology is temperature-dependent, leading to transitions similar to those observed in classical ethoxylated surfactant aggregates.

Experiments: To explore the thermal effects on the size and morphology of C3Ms, we employed dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM).

Bio-Inspired Magnetically Responsive Silicone Cilia: Fabrication Strategy and Interaction with Biological Mucus.

Cilia are biological structures essential to drive the mobility of secretions and maintain the proper function of the respiratory airways. However, this motile self-cleaning process is significantly compromised in the presence of silicone tracheal prosthesis, leading to biofilm growth and impeding effective treatment. To address this challenge and enhance the performance of these devices, we propose the fabrication of magnetic silicone cilia, with the prospect of their integration onto silicone prostheses.

Cubosome-carrying bacterial cellulose membrane as a versatile drug delivery platform.

Using advanced nanotechnology membranes has opened up new possibilities in the field of biomedicine, particularly for controlled drug delivery and especially for topical use. Bacterial cellulose membranes (BCM), particularly, have gained prominence owing to their distinctive attributes, including remarkable water retention, safety, biodegradability, and tunable gas exchange. However, they are aqueous matrices and, for this reason, of limited capacity for incorporation of apolar compounds.

Assessing the Structure and Equilibrium Conditions of Complex Coacervate Core Micelles by Varying Their Shell Composition and Medium Ionic Strength.

Complex coacervates result from an associative phase separation commonly involving oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. When this associative interaction occurs between charged-neutral diblock copolymers and oppositely charged homopolymers, a nanometric aggregate called a complex coacervate core micelle, C3M, is formed. Recent studies have addressed the issue of their thermodynamic or kinetic stability but without a clear consensus.

Chitosan/Virgin-Coconut-Oil-Based System Enriched with Cubosomes: A 3D Drug-Delivery Approach.

Emulsion-based systems that combine natural polymers with vegetable oils have been identified as a promising research avenue for developing structures with potential for biomedical applications. Herein, chitosan (CHT), a natural polymer, and virgin coconut oil (VCO), a resource obtained from coconut kernels, were combined to create an emulsion system. Phytantriol-based cubosomes encapsulating sodium diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, were further dispersed into CHT/VCO- based emulsion.

Complexes of Charged-Neutral Block Copolymers and Surfactants: Process-Dependent Features and Long-Term Stability of Their Aqueous Dispersions.

Aqueous dispersions of charged-neutral block copolymers (poly(acrylamide)--poly(acrylate)) complexed with an oppositely charged surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium) have been prepared by different approaches: the simple mixing of two solutions (MS approach) containing the block copolymer and surfactant, with their respective simple counterions, and dispersion of a freeze-dried complex salt prepared in the absence of simple counterions (CS approach). The CS particles were investigated under different conditions: dispersion of a CS in salt-free water and dispersion of a CS in a dilute salt solution, the latter condition yielding dispersions with the same composition as the MS process. Additionally, aged dispersions (up to 6 months) and dispersed complexes of the polyacrylate homopolymer and dodecyltrimethylammonium surfactant were evaluated.

Interaction of polyelectrolyte-shell cubosomes with serum albumin for triggering drug release in gastrointestinal cancer.

Nano-structured and functionalized materials for encapsulation, transport, targeting and controlled release of drugs are of high interest to overcome low bioavailability in oral administration. We develop lipid-based cubosomes, which are surface-functionalized with biocompatible chitosan--arginine and alginate, displaying internal liquid crystalline structures. Polyelectrolyte-shell (PS) cubosomes have pH-responsive characteristics profitable for oral delivery.

Assessing the Contribution of the Neutral Blocks in DNA/Block-Copolymer Polyplexes: Poly(acrylamide) vs. Poly(ethylene Oxide).

The interaction of DNA with different block copolymers, namely poly (trimethylammonium chloride methacryloyoxy)ethyl)-block-poly(acrylamide), i.e., (PTEA)-b-(PAm), and poly (trimethylammonium chloride methacryloyoxy)ethyl)-block-poly(ethylene oxide), i.

Stabilizing both oil droplets and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in aqueous dispersion with nanofibrillated cellulose.

Nanocellulose is a well-known stabilizer for several colloidal dispersions, including emulsions and solid nanoparticles, replacing surfactants, polymers, and other additives, and therefore providing more minimalistic and eco-friendly formulations. However, could this ability be extended to stabilize oil droplets and inorganic nanoparticles simultaneously in the same colloidal system? This work aimed to answer this question. We evaluated both cationic and anionic nanofibrillated celluloses to stabilize both titanium dioxide nanoparticles and oil droplets.

How to Predict the Order of Phase Separation of Polyelectrolyte Complexes and Their Miscibility.

The mixture of two oppositely charged polyelectrolyte solutions results in complexation that may lead to an associative phase separation, forming a highly concentrated phase in both polyelectrolytes in equilibrium with a dilute phase. In this work, we aim to investigate what controls the order of complexation when more polyelectrolytes of the same charge are present. For this, the effect of the addition of a third oppositely charged polyelectrolyte in a mixture of two polyelectrolytes with the same charge was studied.

Versatile Diblock Polyampholytes Can Form Two Types of Charged and Internally Structured Core-Shell Particles by Complexation with Cationic or Anionic Surfactants.

We used diblock poly(acrylic acid)--poly(2-dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate) (PAA--PDMAEMA) polyampholytes to prepare core-shell complexes with ionic surfactants. The dispersions have been characterized by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), dynamic light-scattering, and zeta potential methods. Using cationic or anionic surfactants it is possible to produce particles with either positively or negatively charged shells, both having an internal liquid-crystalline core structure.

Characterization of cubosomes immobilized in hydrogels of hyaluronic acid and their use for diclofenac controlled delivery.

Cubosomes are dispersions of bicontinuous surfactant phases that constitute an assertive option to carry and release drugs and biomolecules, offering high efficiency of entrapment and specificity towards biological targets. This paper reports, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the immobilization and characterization of cubosomes in chemically cross-linked oxi-hyaluronic acid and the evaluation of their use for controlled delivery of diclofenac, which is chosen as a model drug. Immobilized cubosomes prepared with phytantriol and bearing either negative or positive charges (in this case due to the addition of a cationic surfactant) were characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis and high-resolution confocal microscopy, confirming that their internal structure remains unaltered and that they appear uniformly distributed within the hydrogel matrix.

Molecular Assembly in Block Copolymer-Surfactant Nanoparticle Dispersions: Information on Molecular Exchange and Apparent Solubility from High-Resolution and PFG NMR.

Internally structured block copolymer-surfactant particles are formed when the complex salts of ionic-neutral block copolymers neutralized by surfactant counterions are dispersed in aqueous media. Here, we report the H NMR signal intensities and self-diffusion coefficients (, from pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance, PFG NMR) of trimethyl alkylammonium surfactant ions and the poly(acrylamide)--poly(acrylate) (PAAm--PA) polyions forming such particles. The results reveal the presence of an "NMR-invisible" (slowly exchanging) fraction of aggregated surfactant ions in the particle core and an "NMR-visible" fraction consisting of surface surfactant ions in rapid exchange with the surfactant ions dissociated into the aqueous domain.

Preparation of Poly(acrylate)/Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) Coacervates without Small Counterions and Their Phase Behavior upon Salt Addition towards Poly-Ions Segregation.

In this work, we report the phase behavior of polyelectrolyte complex coacervates (PECs) of poly(acrylate) (PA) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDADMA) in the presence of inorganic salts. Titrations of the polyelectrolytes in their acidic and alkaline forms were performed to obtain the coacervates in the absence of their small counterions. This approach was previously applied to the preparation of polymer-surfactant complexes, and we demonstrate that it also succeeded in producing complexes free of small counterions with a low extent of Hofmann elimination.

From Associative to Segregative Phase Separation: The Phase Behavior of Poly(acrylate)/Dodecyltrimethylammonium Complex Salts in the Presence of NaBr and NaCl.

We report here a systematic study on the phase behavior of dodecyltrimethylammonium-poly(acrylate) (CTAPA) complex salts upon addition of simple salts (NaBr and NaCl). Complex salts of poly(acrylate) of two molar masses were employed (2000 and 450,000 g mol). Systems containing different surfactant mesophases were observed, whose structures were elucidated by small-angle X-ray scattering analyses.

Latanoprost-loaded phytantriol cubosomes for the treatment of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a degenerative optic neuropathy characterized by increased intraocular pressure that if untreated can result in blindness. Ophthalmological drug therapy is a challenge of great clinical importance due to the diversity of ocular biological barriers which commonly causes limited or no effectiveness for drugs delivered through the eye. In this work, we proposed the development of nanosized cubic liquid crystals (cubosomes) as a new drug carrier system for latanoprost, an anti-glaucoma drug.

Effect of Molecular Architecture and Composition on the Aggregation Pathways of POEGMA Random Copolymers in Water.

Understanding of the temperature-induced phase transition of poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA) random copolymers with varied composition remains largely incomplete. Upon heating they can form either macroscopically phase-separated aggregates or micelles. We examined the effect of polymer architecture by rationally designing and synthesizing various POEGMA copolymer structures via atom transfer radical polymerization using OEGMA monomers of different EO lengths.

Adhesive Sponge Based on Supramolecular Dimer Interactions as Scaffolds for Neural Stem Cells.

Improving cell-material interactions of nonadhesive scaffolds is crucial for the success of biomaterials in tissue engineering. Due to their high surface area and open pore structure, sponges are widely reported as absorbent materials for biomedical engineering. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of polysaccharide sponges, coupled with the chemical functionalities of supramolecular dimers, make them promising combinations for the development of adhesive scaffolds.

Inclusion Complexation between α-Cyclodextrin and Oligo(ethylene glycol) Methyl Ether Methacrylate.

The preparation of inclusion complexes based on α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) was investigated aiming to reveal complexation particularities and thermodynamic and kinetic aspects as a function of the oligomer architecture. Small-angle X-ray scattering and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements revealed that oligomer molecular weight controls both the kinetics and thermodynamics of inclusion. Unlike linear ethylene glycol polymers, OEGMA groups possess a methacrylate group, which seems to act as a stopper, affecting their mode of complexation.

Double stabilization mechanism of O/W Pickering emulsions using cationic nanofibrillated cellulose.

Hypothesis: Hydrophobic oleic acid/water interfaces are negatively charged. Hence, the use of cationic nanocelluloses as stabilizers of Pickering emulsions could improve the colloidal stability due to the electrostatic complexation at the oil-water interface.

Experiments: Two cationic nanofibrillated cellulose (cNFCs) with two degrees of substitution were prepared and used as stabilizers of Pickering emulsions.

Preparation and Characterization of Stabilizer-Free Phytantriol-Based Water-in-Oil Internally Liquid Crystalline Emulsions.

Despite the widespread use of surfactants, there are known issues such as allergic reactions and formulation complications in their use as emulsion stabilizers. In this study, stabilizer-free water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions containing water, phytantriol, and almond oil were prepared by an ultra-turrax homogenizer, a standard laboratory equipment, and a high specialized high-shear device. Parameters such as mixing time, stirring rate, composition, order of addition of phases, and temperature were investigated to systematically optimize the preparation of the formulations through evaluating their accelerated physical stability by a centrifugal sedimentation technique.

Charge Matters: Electrostatic Complexation As a Green Approach to Assemble Advanced Functional Materials.

We report on electrostatically complexed materials bearing advanced functions that are not possible for other assemblies. The fundamentals of electrostatic association between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and colloidal particles are introduced together with the conditions needed for complexation, including those related to ionic strength, pH, and hydration. Related considerations allow us to control the properties of the formed complexes and to develop features such as self-healing and underwater adhesion.

Analysis of the structure-function relationship of alpha amylase complexed with polyacrylic acid.

Alpha-amylase is frequently used in technologies that require its immobilization, stabilization or encapsulation. Polyacrylic acid is a very suitable polymer for these purposes because it can bind to enzymes and then be released under certain conditions without altering the functional capacity of enzymes. The consequences produced by polyacrylic acid on alpha-amylase structure and function have been investigated through various techniques.

Effect of particle functionalization and solution properties on the adsorption of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme onto silica nanoparticles.

Silica nanoparticles present an enormous potential as controlled drug delivery systems with high selectivity towards diseased cells. This application is directly related to the phenomenon of protein corona, characterized by the spontaneous adsorption of proteins on the nanoparticle surface, which is not fully understood. Here, we report an investigation on the influence of pH, ionic strength and temperature on the thermodynamics of interaction of bovine serum albumin protein (BSA) with non-functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiONPs).