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Chen XZ, Niu D, Gao HT, Du M. Deswelling Mechanisms of PNIPAM Grafted in Nanochannels: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7692-7700. [PMID: 38546150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Porous thermosensitive hydrogels exhibit a more flexible strategy for freshwater capture compared to conventional hydrogels. This study employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the deswelling behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) grafted within the nanochannel, aiming to elucidate the deswelling elimination process at various temperatures. Notably, a distinct phase separation is observed at specific temperatures above the lower solution temperature (LCST). Furthermore, this study takes the effect of heat flux into account, wherein distinct heat fluxes lead to varying levels of phase separation between water and the polymer. Specifically, the number of hydrogen bonds, volume of polymer chains, and density distribution of water molecules are statistically analyzed to reveal the mechanism of phase separation in a thermosensitive hydrogel. These findings provide insight into the accelerated deswelling kinetics of the PNIPAM polymer chain, which has guiding significance for the field of water harvesting by the enhancement of the water release capacity in thermosensitive hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Zhi Chen
- Institute of Refrigeration & Cryogenics Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, P. R. China
| | - Dong Niu
- Institute of Refrigeration & Cryogenics Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Tao Gao
- Institute of Refrigeration & Cryogenics Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, P. R. China
| | - Mu Du
- Institute for Advanced Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250061, P. R. China
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2
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Consoli GML, Maugeri L, Forte G, Buscarino G, Gulino A, Lanzanò L, Bonacci P, Musso N, Petralia S. Red light-triggerable nanohybrids of graphene oxide, gold nanoparticles and thermo-responsive polymers for combined photothermia and drug release effects. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:952-961. [PMID: 37975827 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01863f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The development of multifunctional nanohybrid systems for combined photo-induced hyperthermia and drug release is a challenging topic in the research of advanced materials for application in the biomedical field. Here, we report the first example of a three-component red-light-responsive nanosystem consisting of graphene oxide, gold nanoparticles and poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (GO-Au-PNM). The GO-Au-PNM nanostructures were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and atomic force microscopy. They exhibited photothermal conversion effects at various wavelengths, lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behaviour, and curcumin (Curc) loading capacity. The formation of GO-Au-PNM/Curc adducts and photothermally controlled drug release, triggered by red-light excitation (680 nm), were demonstrated using spectroscopic techniques. Drug-polymer interaction and drug-release mechanism were well supported by modelling simulation calculations. The cellular uptake of GO-Au-PNM/Curc was imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vitro experiments revealed the excellent biocompatibility of the GO-Au-PNM that did not affect the viability of human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia M L Consoli
- CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy.
- CIB-Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnologies U.O. of Catania, Via Flavia, 23/1, 34148 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ludovica Maugeri
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Buscarino
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 36, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Gulino
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Catania, and I.N.S.T.M. UdR of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Lanzanò
- Department of Physics and Astronomy "Ettore Majorana", University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonacci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy.
- CIB-Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnologies U.O. of Catania, Via Flavia, 23/1, 34148 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED, Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95124 Catania, Italy
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3
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Consiglio G, Gorcyński A, Petralia S, Forte G. Predicting the dye-sensitized solar cell performance of novel linear carbon chain-based dyes: insights from DFT simulations. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:15995-16004. [PMID: 37847522 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt01856c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we employ density functional theory (DFT) simulations to predict the energy conversion efficiency of a novel class of organic dyes based on linear carbon chain (LCC) linkers for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We investigate the role of the anchoring group, which serves as a bridge connecting the linker and the surface. Specifically, we compare the performance of cyanoacrylic acid, dyes PY-4N and PY-3N, with that of phosphonate derivatives, dyes PY-4NP and PY-3NP, wherein the carboxylic group of the cyanoacrylic moiety is replaced with phosphonic acid. The observed variations in the UV/VIS absorption spectra have a slight impact on the light harvesting efficiency (LHE). Based on the empirical parameters we have taken into account, the electron injection efficiency (Φinj) and electron collection efficiency (ηcoll) values do not impact the short-circuit current density (JSC) values of all the studied dyes. The open-circuit voltage (Voc) is theoretically predicted using the improved normal model (INM) method. Among the dyes, PY-4N and PY-3N demonstrate the highest Voc values. This can be attributed to a more favorable recombination rate value, which is related to the energy gap between the HOMO level of the dyes and the conduction band minimum (CBM) of the surface. Dyes PY-4N and PY-3N are predicted to demonstrate remarkably high photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) values of approximately 21.79% and 16.52%, respectively, and therefore, they are expected to be potential candidates as organic dyes for applications in DSSCs. It is worth noting that PY-4NP and PY-3NP exhibit strong adsorption energy on the surface and interesting PCE values of 11.66% and 8.29%, respectively. This opens up possibilities for their application in DSSCs either as standalone sensitizers or as co-sensitizers alongside metal-free organic dyes or organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Consiglio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95125, Italy
| | - Adam Gorcyński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95125, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95125, Italy.
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4
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Forte G, La Mendola D, Satriano C. The Hybrid Nano-Biointerface between Proteins/Peptides and Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials. Molecules 2023; 28:7064. [PMID: 37894543 PMCID: PMC10609159 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In typical protein-nanoparticle surface interactions, the biomolecule surface binding and consequent conformational changes are intermingled with each other and are pivotal to the multiple functional properties of the resulting hybrid bioengineered nanomaterial. In this review, we focus on the peculiar properties of the layer formed when biomolecules, especially proteins and peptides, face two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge and the current challenges concerning the biomolecule coronas and, in general, the 2D nano-biointerface established when peptides and proteins interact with the nanosheet surface. Specifically, this review includes both experimental and simulation studies, including some recent machine learning results of a wide range of nanomaterial and peptide/protein systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Cristina Satriano
- NanoHybrid Biointerfaces Laboratory (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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5
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Karmakar R, Chakrabarti J. Hot crystals of thermo-responsive particles with temperature dependent diameter in the presence of a temperature gradient. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:034904. [PMID: 37466232 DOI: 10.1063/5.0157604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Structure formation under non-equilibrium steady state conditions is poorly understood. A non-equilibrium steady state can be achieved in a system by maintaining a temperature gradient. A class of cross-linked microgel particles, such as poly-N-iso-propylacrylamide, is reported to increase in size due to the adsorption of water as the temperature decreases. Here, we study thermo-responsive particles with a temperature sensitive diameter in the presence of a temperature gradient, using molecular dynamics simulations with the Langevin thermostat. We find long-ranged structural order using bond order parameters in both cold and hot regions of the system beyond a certain diameter ratio of the cold and hot particles. This is due to an increase in packing and pressure in both regions. Our observations might be useful in understanding ordered structures under extreme conditions of a non-equilibrium steady state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Karmakar
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block-JD, Sector-III, Salt Lake Kolkata 700106, India
| | - J Chakrabarti
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block-JD, Sector-III, Salt Lake Kolkata 700106, India
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6
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Terada E, Isono T, Satoh T, Yamamoto T, Kakuchi T, Sato S. All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Temperature Response of Poly(glycidyl ether)s with Oligooxyethylene Side Chains Terminated with Alkyl Groups. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101628. [PMID: 37242043 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recently, experimental investigations of a class of temperature-responsive polymers tethered to oligooxyethylene side chains terminated with alkyl groups have been conducted. In this study, aqueous solutions of poly(glycidyl ether)s (PGE) with varying numbers of oxyethylene units, poly(methyl(oligooxyethylene)n glycidyl ether) (poly(Me(EO)nGE)), and poly(ethyl(oligooxyethylene)n glycidyl ether) (poly(Et(EO)nGE) (n = 0, 1, and 2) were investigated by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on the thermal responses of their chain extensions, the recombination of intrapolymer and polymer-water hydrogen bonds, and water-solvation shells around the alkyl groups. No clear relationship was established between the phase-transition temperature and the polymer-chain extensions unlike the case for the coil-globule transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). However, the temperature response of the first water-solvation shell around the alkyl group exhibited a notable correlation with the phase-transition temperature. In addition, the temperature at which the hydrophobic hydration shell strength around the terminal alkyl group equals the bulk water density (TCRP) was slightly lower than the cloud point temperature (TCLP) for the methyl-terminated poly(Me(EO)nGE) and slightly higher for the ethyl-terminated poly(Et(EO)nGE). It was concluded that the polymer-chain fluctuation affects the relationship between TCRP and TCLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Terada
- Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takuya Isono
- Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Satoh
- Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Toyoji Kakuchi
- Research Center for Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Weixing Road 7989, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Shinichiro Sato
- Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
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7
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Consoli GML, Giuffrida ML, Zimbone S, Ferreri L, Maugeri L, Palmieri M, Satriano C, Forte G, Petralia S. Green Light-Triggerable Chemo-Photothermal Activity of Cytarabine-Loaded Polymer Carbon Dots: Mechanism and Preliminary In Vitro Evaluation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:5732-5743. [PMID: 36688816 PMCID: PMC9906628 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-based nanostructures are attracting a lot of attention because of their very low toxicity, excellent visible light-triggered optical and photothermal properties, and intriguing applications. Currently, the development of multifunctional carbon-based nanostructures for a synergistic chemo-photothermal approach is a challenging topic for the advancement of cancer treatment. Here, we report an unprecedented example of photoresponsive carbon-based polymer dots (CPDs-PNM) obtained by a one-pot thermal process from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) without using organic solvent and additional reagents. The CPDs-PNM nanostructures were characterized by spectroscopic techniques, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The CPDs-PNM exhibited high photothermal conversion efficiency, lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior, and good cytarabine (arabinosyl cytosine, AraC) loading capacity (62.3%). The formation of a CPDs-PNM/AraC adduct and photothermal-controlled drug release, triggered by green light excitation, were demonstrated by spectroscopic techniques, and the drug-polymer interaction and drug release mechanism were well supported by modeling simulation calculations. The cellular uptake of empty and AraC-loaded CPDs-PNM was imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vitro experiments evidenced that CPDs-PNM did not affect the viability of neuroblastoma cells, while the CPDs-PNM/AraC adduct under light irradiation exhibited significantly higher toxicity than AraC alone by a combined chemo-photothermal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia M. L. Consoli
- CNR-Institute
of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126Catania, Italy
- CIB-Interuniversity
Consortium for Biotechnologies, University
of Catania, Via Flavia,
23/1, 34148Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Zimbone
- CNR-Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Ferreri
- CNR-Institute
of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126Catania, Italy
| | - Ludovica Maugeri
- Department
of Drug Science and Health, University of
Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Palmieri
- CSEM-Swiss
Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, Rue Jaquet-Droz 1, 2002New Chatel, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department
of Chemical Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department
of Drug Science and Health, University of
Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- CIB-Interuniversity
Consortium for Biotechnologies, University
of Catania, Via Flavia,
23/1, 34148Trieste, Italy
- Department
of Drug Science and Health, University of
Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125Catania, Italy
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8
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Forte G, Consiglio G, Satriano C, Maugeri L, Petralia S. A nanosized photothermal responsive core-shell carbonized polymer dots based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) for light-triggered drug release. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 217:112628. [PMID: 35716451 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Core-shell nanocomposites are one of the most important achievements in the fast-growing field of nanotechnology. The combination of multi-responsive nano-shell with luminescent and photothermal core has led to promising applications in various fields such as optics, electronics and medicine. In this work, a nanosized core-shell system composed by carbonized dots core and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) shell was developed and the photothermal triggered release of doxorubicin was demonstrated. The system was fully characterized by H1-NMR, DLS, Z-potential, AFM, optical absorption and fluorescence measurements. A photothermal conversion efficiency (η) value of about 67.9% and a doxorubicin photo-release rate value of about 1.0% min-1 were measured. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations data were in agreement with experimental results, at 310 K the coil-to-globule transition and a consequent desorption of doxorubicin from the polymer were observed. Both the radius of gyration and the fluctuation of the distance doxorubicin-PNIPAM pointed that the temperature above the LCST and the acid pH facilitated the polymer transition. Moreover, MD simulations and experimental data suggested an influence on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) exerted by the number of polymer chains anchored to the carbon core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 64, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Consiglio
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Ludovica Maugeri
- A.O.U Policlinico "G. Rodolico San Marco", Via S. Sofia, 5125 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 64, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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9
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Forte G, Ventimiglia G, Pesaturo M, Petralia S. A highly sensitive PNA-microarray system for miRNA122 recognition. Biotechnol J 2022; 17:e2100587. [PMID: 35225426 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Surface chemistry is a fundamental aspect of the development of the sensitive biosensor based on microarray technology. Here we described an advanced PNA-microarray system for the detection of miRNA, composed by a multilayered Si/Al/Agarose component. A straightforward optical signal enhancement is achieved thanks to a combination of the Al film mirror effect and the positive interference for the emission wavelength of the Cy5 fluorescent label tuned by the agarose film. The PNA-microarray was investigated for the detection of miRNA_122, resulting in a sensitivity of about 1.75 μM-1 and Limit of Detection in the range of 0.043 nM as a function of the capture probe sequence. The contribution, in terms of H-bonds amounts at 298 and 333 K, of the agarose coating to the dsPNA-RNA interactions was demonstrated by Molecular Dynamic simulations. These results pave the way for advanced sensing strategies suitable for the environmental monitoring and the public safety. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, via S. Sofia 64, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ventimiglia
- EM Microelectronic, Rue de Sors 3, 2074, Marin (Suisse), Marin-Epagnier, Switzerland
| | | | - Salvatore Petralia
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, via S. Sofia 64, 95125, Catania, Italy
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10
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Consoli GML, Giuffrida ML, Satriano C, Musumeci T, Forte G, Petralia S. A novel facile one-pot synthesis of photothermally responsive carbon polymer dots as promising drug nanocarriers. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:3126-3129. [PMID: 35018398 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc06530k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Luminescent and photothermic carbon polymer dots (CPDs-PNM), composed of a carbonized core and cross-linked chains of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), were synthetized by a novel, simple, solvent- and reagent-free method. The formation of CPDs-PNM was controlled by both temperature and heating time. The CPDs-PNM exhibited LCST behaviour, high photothermal conversion efficiency, curcumin loading capacity and no toxicity to eukaryotic cells. Proof of concept experiments confirmed an excellent thermally induced drug release activity to be used for photothermally controlled drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Laboratory of NanoHybrid Biointerfaces (NHBIL), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Musumeci
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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11
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Stöbener DD, Weinhart M. On the foundation of thermal "Switching": The culture substrate governs the phase transition mechanism of thermoresponsive brushes and their performance in cell sheet fabrication. Acta Biomater 2021; 136:243-253. [PMID: 34530139 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thermally "switchable" poly(glycidyl ether) (PGE) brushes constitute effective coatings for the temperature-triggered harvest of confluent cell sheets. Based on a simple "grafting-to" approach, such coatings can be tethered to various applied plastic culture substrate materials. Herein, we elucidate the self-assembly of PGE brushes with tunable grafting densities up to 0.12 and 0.22 chains nm-2 on polystyrene (PS) and tissue culture PS (TCPS), respectively. In terms of temperature-dependent wettability and protein adsorption, we found that brushes exhibit distinct grafting density-dependent properties which correlate with their cell sheet fabrication performance. In addition, temperature-ramped quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) measurements revealed marked substrate-specific PGE phase transitions which allowed us to deduce comprehensive switching mechanisms. Thus, we demonstrate that brushes tethered to hydrophilic TCPS (contact angle (CA) ∼ 60°) undergo a "cushioned" transition comprising a non-switchable, hydrated basal layer as well as a switchable top layer which regulates cell sheet detachment. In contrast, PGE brushes tethered to PS undergo a "grounded" transition which is substantially influenced by the dehydrating effect of the less hydrophilic PS substrate (CA ∼ 90°). These divergent phase transition mechanisms give rise to a broad scope in cell sheet fabrication performance, yielding staggered detachment times within a 30 min to 3 h range. Hence, we emphasize the importance of a detailed knowledge on the effect of applied culture substrates on the thermal switchability and phase transition characteristics of thermoresponsive brush coatings to accomplish an optimized design for functional cell culture dishes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As the first comparative study of its kind, we elucidate the substrate-dependent thermal switchability of thermoresponsive brush coatings and evaluate their grafting density-dependent phase transition mechanism and its effect on cell sheet fabrication performance.
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12
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Arai N, Koishi T, Ebisuzaki T. Nanotube Active Water Pump Driven by Alternating Hydrophobicity. ACS NANO 2021; 15:2481-2489. [PMID: 33534546 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Water transport must be efficiency controlled for the future sustainability of life. Various water transport systems using carbon nanotubes have been proposed in recent years. Although these systems are more permeable than aquaporins, their water transport is passive. In this study, we successfully demonstrate an active water pump driven by simple hydrophobic interaction through computer simulation. Even in the absence of a pressure- or density-gradient, the proposed pump can actively transport water molecules by alternately switching the hydrophobicity of the pump surface. The water transport rate can be easily controlled by varying the time interval of switching. The pump with optimized switching time exhibits prominent water permeance. The results obtained herein can be applied in various water transport technologies because of the simple mechanics. The proposed water pump has the potential to realize an effective device such as a low-energy artificial purification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Arai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
- Computational Astrophysics Laboratory, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takahiro Koishi
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Fukui, Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
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13
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Vondrasek B, Wen C, Cheng S, Riffle JS, Lesko JJ. Hydration, Ion Distribution, and Ionic Network Formation in Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether sulfones). Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Britannia Vondrasek
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Chengyuan Wen
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Shengfeng Cheng
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Judy S. Riffle
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - John J. Lesko
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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Comparison based on statistical thermodynamics between globule-to-coil transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and cold denaturation of a protein. J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Zanatta M, Tavagnacco L, Buratti E, Chiessi E, Natali F, Bertoldo M, Orecchini A, Zaccarelli E. Atomic scale investigation of the volume phase transition in concentrated PNIPAM microgels. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:204904. [PMID: 32486676 DOI: 10.1063/5.0007112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining elastic incoherent neutron scattering and differential scanning calorimetry, we investigate the occurrence of the volume phase transition (VPT) in very concentrated poly-(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel suspensions, from a polymer weight fraction of 30 wt. % up to dry conditions. Although samples are arrested at the macroscopic scale, atomic degrees of freedom are equilibrated and can be probed in a reproducible way. A clear signature of the VPT is present as a sharp drop in the mean square displacement of PNIPAM hydrogen atoms obtained by neutron scattering. As a function of concentration, the VPT gets smoother as dry conditions are approached, whereas the VPT temperature shows a minimum at about 43 wt. %. This behavior is qualitatively confirmed by calorimetry measurements. Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to complement experimental results and gain further insights into the nature of the VPT, confirming that it involves the formation of an attractive gel state between the microgels. Overall, these results provide evidence that the VPT in PNIPAM-based systems can be detected at different time- and length-scales as well as under overcrowded conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zanatta
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, I-38123 Trento, Italy
| | - L Tavagnacco
- CNR-ISC and Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - E Buratti
- CNR-ISC and Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - E Chiessi
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Roma, Italy
| | - F Natali
- CNR-IOM, Operative Group in Grenoble (OGG), c/o Institut Laue Langevin, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - M Bertoldo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Orecchini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, I-06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - E Zaccarelli
- CNR-ISC and Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Roma, Italy
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16
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Inoue M, Hayashi T, Hikiri S, Ikeguchi M, Kinoshita M. Mechanism of globule-to-coil transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in water: Relevance to cold denaturation of a protein. J Mol Liq 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2019.111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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