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Amato P, Fantauzzi M, Sannino F, Ritacco I, Santoriello G, Farnesi Camellone M, Imparato C, Bifulco A, Vitiello G, Caporaso L, Rossi A, Aronne A. Indirect daylight oxidative degradation of polyethylene microplastics by a bio-waste modified TiO 2-based material. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132907. [PMID: 37939563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are recognized as an emerging critical issue for the environment. Here an innovative chemical approach for the treatment of microplastics is proposed, based on an oxidative process that does not require any direct energy source (irradiation or heat). Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) was selected as target commodity polymer, due to its widespread use, chemical inertness and inefficient recycling. This route is based on a hybrid material coupling titanium oxide with a bio-waste, rosin, mainly constituted by abietic acid, through a simple sol-gel synthesis procedure. The ligand-to-metal charge transfer complexes formed between rosin and Ti4+ allow the generation of reactive oxygen species without UV irradiation for its activation. In agreement with theorical calculations, superoxide radical ions are stabilized at ambient conditions on the surface of the hybrid TiO2. Consequently, an impressive degradation of LLDPE is observed after 1 month exposure in a batch configuration under indirect daylight, as evidenced by the products revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and by chemical and structural modifications of the polymer surface. In a context of waste exploitation, this innovative and sustainable approach represents a promising cost-effective strategy for the oxidative degradation of microplastics, without producing any toxic by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Amato
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Marzia Fantauzzi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Campus of Monserrato, I-09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Filomena Sannino
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, I-80055 Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Ida Ritacco
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", INSTM Research Unit, University of Salerno, I-84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Santoriello
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", INSTM Research Unit, University of Salerno, I-84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Matteo Farnesi Camellone
- CNR-IOM, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto Officina dei Materiali, I-34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Imparato
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Aurelio Bifulco
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, I-80125 Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Caporaso
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", INSTM Research Unit, University of Salerno, I-84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Antonella Rossi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Campus of Monserrato, I-09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Aronne
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, I-80125 Naples, Italy.
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2
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Russo S, Muscetta M, Amato P, Venezia V, Verrillo M, Rega R, Lettieri S, Cocca M, Marotta R, Vitiello G. Humic substance/metal-oxide multifunctional nanoparticles as advanced antibacterial-antimycotic agents and photocatalysts for the degradation of PLA microplastics under UVA/solar radiation. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140605. [PMID: 37931713 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
As a result of the accumulation of plastic in the environment, microplastics have become part of the food chain, boosting the resistance of fungi and bacteria which can frequently encounter human beings. Employing photocatalytic degradation is a possible route towards the removal of chemical and biological pollutants, such as plastics and microplastic wastes as well as microorganisms. Using biowaste materials to design hybrid nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial features would uphold the principles of the circular bioeconomy. Here, two unexpensive semiconductors-namely titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) - were synthetized through solvothermal synthesis and combined with humic substances deriving from agrifood biomass. The preparation led to hybrid nanoparticles exhibiting enhanced ROS-generating properties for simultaneous applications as antimicrobial agents against different bacterial and fungal strains and as photoactive catalysts to degrade polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics under UVA and solar irradiation. In comparison to bare nanoparticles, hybrid nanoparticles demonstrated higher antibacterial and antimycotic capabilities toward various pathogenic microorganisms as well as advanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of PLA with a carbonyl index reduction in the range of 15-23%, thus confirming a noteworthy ability in microplastics photodegradation under UVA and solar irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Russo
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Marica Muscetta
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy.
| | - Paola Amato
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Venezia
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariavittoria Verrillo
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy; Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agro-Alimentare ed i Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Romina Rega
- Institute for Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council (CNR-ISASI), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Stefano Lettieri
- Institute for Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council (CNR-ISASI), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; Department of Physics "Ettore Pancini", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marotta
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
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Pota G, Silvestri B, Vitiello G, Gallucci N, Di Girolamo R, Scialla S, Raucci MG, Ambrosio L, Di Napoli M, Zanfardino A, Varcamonti M, Pezzella A, Luciani G. Towards nanostructured red-ox active bio-interfaces: Bioinspired antibacterial hybrid melanin-CeO 2 nanoparticles for radical homeostasis. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 153:213558. [PMID: 37467646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Redox-active nano-biointerfaces are gaining weight in the field of regenerative medicine since they can act as enzymes in regulating physiological processes and enabling cell homeostasis, as well as the defense against pathogen aggression. In particular, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) stand as intriguing enzyme-mimicking nanoplatforms, owing to the reversible Ce+3/Ce+4 surface oxidation state. Moreover, surface functionalization leads to higher catalytic activity and selectivity, as well as more tunable enzyme-mimicking performances. Conjugation with melanin is an adequate strategy to boost and enrich CeO2 NPs biological features, because of melanin redox properties accounting for intrinsic antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory power. Herein, hybrid Melanin/CeO2 nanostructures were designed by simply coating the metal-oxide nanoparticles with melanin chains, obtained in-situ through ligand-to-metal charge transfer mechanism, according to a bioinspired approach. Obtained hybrid nanostructures underwent detailed physico-chemical characterization. Morphological and textural features were investigated through TEM, XRD and N2 physisorption. The nature of nanoparticle-melanin interaction was analyzed through FTIR, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy. Melanin-coated hybrid nanostructures exhibited a relevant antioxidant activity, confirmed by a powerful quenching effect for DPPH radical, reaching 81 % inhibition at 33 μg/mL. A promising anti-inflammatory efficacy of the melanin-coated hybrid nanostructures was validated through a significant inhibition of BSA denaturation after 3 h. Meanwhile, the enzyme-mimicking activity was corroborated by a prolonged peroxidase activity after 8 h at 100 μg/mL and a relevant catalase-like action, by halving the H2O2 level in 30 min at 50 μg/mL. Antimicrobial assays attested that conjugation with melanin dramatically boosted CeO2 biocide activity against both Gram (-) and Gram (+) strains. Cytocompatibility tests demonstrated that the melanin coating not only enhanced the CeO2 nanostructures biomimicry, resulting in improved cell viability for human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFs), but mostly they proved that Melanin-CeO2 NPs were able to control the oxidative stress, modulating the production of nitrite and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HDFs, under physiological conditions. Such remarkable outcomes make hybrid melanin-CeO2 nanozymes, promising redox-active interfaces for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Pota
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Noemi Gallucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rocco Di Girolamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scialla
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Raucci
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; Department of Physics "Ettore Pancini", University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
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Castagliuolo G, Di Napoli M, Vaglica A, Badalamenti N, Antonini D, Varcamonti M, Bruno M, Zanfardino A, Bazan G. Thymus richardii subsp. nitidus (Guss.) Jalas Essential Oil: An Ally against Oral Pathogens and Mouth Health. Molecules 2023; 28:4803. [PMID: 37375358 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Thymus L., belonging to the Lamiaceae family, contains about 220 species with a distribution that mainly extends in Europe, northwest Africa, Ethiopia, Asia, and southern Greenland. Due to their excellent biological properties, fresh and/or dried leaves and aerial parts of several Thymus ssp. have been utilized in the traditional medicine of many countries. To evaluate not only the chemical aspects but also the biological properties, the essential oils (EOs), obtained from the pre-flowering and flowering aerial parts of Thymus richardii subsp. nitidus (Guss.) Jalas, endemic to Marettimo Island (Sicily, Italy), were investigated. The chemical composition of the EOs, obtained by classical hydrodistillation and GC-MS and GC-FID analyses, showed the occurrence of similar amounts of monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The main constituents of the pre-flowering oil were β-bisabolene (28.54%), p-cymene (24.45%), and thymol methyl ether (15.90%). The EO obtained from the flowering aerial parts showed as principal metabolites β-bisabolene (17.91%), thymol (16.26%), and limonene (15.59%). The EO of the flowering aerial parts, and its main pure constituents, β-bisabolene, thymol, limonene, p-cymene, and thymol methyl ether were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and for their antibiofilm and antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Castagliuolo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vaglica
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Natale Badalamenti
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Dario Antonini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruno
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bazan
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Zanfardino A, Di Napoli M, Migliore F, Hay Mele B, Soriente A, De Rosa M, Notomista E, Varcamonti M. Characterization of Linezolid-Analogue L3-Resistance Mutation in Staphylococcus aureus. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030700. [PMID: 36985273 PMCID: PMC10054786 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, a linezolid analogue, called 10f, was synthesized. The 10f molecule has an antimicrobial activity comparable to that of the parental compound. In this study, we isolated a Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strain resistant to 10f. After sequencing the 23S rRNA and the ribosomal proteins L3 (rplC) and L4 (rplD) genes, we found that the resistant phenotype was associated with a single mutation G359U in rplC bearing to the missense mutation G120V in the L3 protein. The identified mutation is far from the peptidyl transferase center, the oxazolidinone antibiotics binding site, thus suggesting that we identified a new and interesting example of a long-range effect in the ribosome structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Migliore
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Hay Mele
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Annunziata Soriente
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Margherita De Rosa
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Nanoparticle Coatings on Glass Surfaces to Prevent Pseudomonas fluorescens AR 11 Biofilm Formation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030621. [PMID: 36985196 PMCID: PMC10057769 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial colonization of surfaces is a sanitary and industrial issue for many applications, leading to product contamination and human infections. When microorganisms closely interact with a surface, they start to produce an exo-polysaccaridic matrix to adhere to and protect themselves from adverse environmental conditions. This type of structure is called a biofilm. The aim of our work is to investigate novel technologies able to prevent biofilm formation by surface coatings. We coated glass surfaces with melanin-ZnO2, melanin-TiO2, and TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles. The functionalization was performed using cold plasma to activate glass-substrate-coated surfaces, that were characterized by performing water and soybean oil wetting tests. A quantitative characterization of the antibiofilm properties was done using Pseudomonas fluorescens AR 11 as a model organism. Biofilm morphologies were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis techniques were used to obtain quantitative morphological parameters. The results highlight the efficacy of the proposed surface coating to prevent biofilm formation. Melanin-TiO2 proved to be the most efficient among the particles investigated. Our results can be a valuable support for future implementation of the technique proposed here in an extended range of applications that may include further testing on other strains and other support materials.
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Di Napoli M, Castagliuolo G, Badalamenti N, Maresca V, Basile A, Bruno M, Varcamonti M, Zanfardino A. Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Leaves. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11243573. [PMID: 36559685 PMCID: PMC9783700 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) is an aromatic fennel with important practices in medicinal and traditional fields, used in the treatment of digestive complications, and gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Its leaves and stems, tender and fresh, are used in the production of pasta dressing and main courses, while its seeds, with a strong smell of anise, are excellent flavoring for baked goods, meat dishes, fish, and alcoholic beverages. The aim of this work is concerning the extraction of essential oil (EO) from the leaves of F. vulgare subsp. vulgare var. vulgare, investigating antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant efficacy. In particular, GC-MS analysis showed how the chemical composition of EO was influenced by the massive presence of monoterpene hydrocarbons (α-pinene 33.75%) and phenylpropanoids (estragole 25.06%). F. vulgare subsp. vulgare var. vulgare EO shows excellent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. This EO can inhibit biofilm formation at very low concentrations and has a good ability to scavenge oxygen radicals in vitro. F. vulgare subsp. vulgare var. vulgare EO also has an increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes and decreased ROS levels in zymosan opsonized PMNs (OZ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Castagliuolo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Natale Badalamenti
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Viviana Maresca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Adriana Basile
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruno
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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8
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Pota G, Vitiello G, Venezia V, Della Sala F, Borzacchiello A, Costantini A, Paduano L, Cavalcanti LP, Tescione F, Silvestri B, Luciani G. Shall We Tune? From Core-Shell to Cloud Type Nanostructures in Heparin/Silica Hybrids. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14173568. [PMID: 36080642 PMCID: PMC9460005 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparin plays multiple biological roles depending on the availability of active sites strongly influenced by the conformation and the structure of polysaccharide chains. Combining different components at the molecular scale offers an extraordinary chance to easily tune the structural organization of heparin required for exploring new potential applications. In fact, the combination of different material types leads to challenges that cannot be achieved by each single component. In this study, hybrid heparin/silica nanoparticles were synthesized, and the role of silica as a templating agent for heparin supramolecular organization was investigated. The effect of synthesis parameters on particles compositions was deeply investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) reveals a different supramolecular organization of both components, leading to amazing organic-inorganic nanoparticles with different behavior in drug encapsulation and release. Furthermore, favorable biocompatibility for healthy human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and tumor HS578T cells has been assessed, and a different biological behavior was observed, ascribed to different surface charge and morphology of synthesized nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Pota
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Venezia
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Della Sala
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, (IPCB-CNR), 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Assunta Borzacchiello
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, (IPCB-CNR), 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Aniello Costantini
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana Tescione
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, (IPCB-CNR), 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7682413
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
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9
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Massarano T, Baruch Leshem A, Weitman M, Lampel A. Spatiotemporal Control of Melanin Synthesis in Liquid Droplets. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:20520-20527. [PMID: 35451309 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c21006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are natural biopolymers that have remarkable properties including UV-protection, coloration, and antioxidant activity. Their biosynthesis is regulated both spatially and temporally and involves supramolecular templating and compartmentalization of enzymes and reactants within specialized organelles called melanosomes. In contrast, the laboratory-based bulk synthesis of melanin by tyrosine or dopamine oxidation is a poorly controlled process, resulting in materials with undefined properties. Inspired by the pigment's biosynthesis, we developed a methodology to spatiotemporally regulate melanin formation in liquid droplets. The spatial control is achieved by sequestration of the reaction in dextran-rich droplets of a polyethylene glycol/dextran aqueous two-phase system, where the use of a photocleavable protected tyrosine provides a temporal control over its enzymatic oxidation-polymerization. We show that the liquid droplets allow for confined local reactivity as they serve as reaction centers for melanin synthesis and compartmentalize the melanin product. This methodology opens tremendous opportunities for applications in skincare and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tlalit Massarano
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Avigail Baruch Leshem
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Michal Weitman
- Department of Chemistry, Bar -Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Ayala Lampel
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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10
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Silica Meets Tannic Acid: Designing Green Nanoplatforms for Environment Preservation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27061944. [PMID: 35335307 PMCID: PMC8948831 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid tannic acid-silica-based porous nanoparticles, TA-SiO2 NPs, have been synthesized under mild conditions in the presence of green and renewable tannic acid biopolymer, a glycoside polymer of gallic acid present in a large part of plants. Tannic acid (TA) was exploited as both a structuring directing agent and green chelating site for heavy metal ions recovery from aqueous solutions. Particles morphologies and porosity were easily tuned by varying the TA initial amount. The sample produced with the largest TA amount showed a specific surface area an order of magnitude larger than silica nanoparticles. The adsorption performance was investigated by using TA-SiO2 NPs as adsorbents for copper (II) ions from an aqueous solution. The effects of the initial Cu2+ ions concentration and the pH values on the adsorption capability were also investigated. The resulting TA-SiO2 NPs exhibited a different adsorption behaviour towards Cu2+, which was demonstrated through different tests. The largest adsorption (i.e., ~50 wt% of the initial Cu2+ amount) was obtained with the more porous nanoplatforms bearing a higher final TA content. The TA-nanoplatforms, stable in pH value around neutral conditions, can be easily produced and their use would well comply with a green strategy to reduce wastewater pollution.
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11
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Venezia V, Pota G, Silvestri B, Vitiello G, Di Donato P, Landi G, Mollo V, Verrillo M, Cangemi S, Piccolo A, Luciani G. A study on structural evolution of hybrid humic Acids-SiO 2 nanostructures in pure water: Effects on physico-chemical and functional properties. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:131985. [PMID: 34454229 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Humic acids (HA) are considered a promising and inexpensive source for novel multifunctional materials for a huge range of applications. However, aggregation and degradation phenomena in aqueous environment prevent from their full exploitation. A valid strategy to address these issues relies on combining HA moieties at the molecular scale with an inorganic nanostructured component, leading to more stable hybrid nanomaterials with tunable functionalities. Indeed, chemical composition of HA can determine their interactions with the inorganic constituent in the hybrid nanoparticles and consequently affect their overall physico-chemical properties, including their stability and functional properties in aqueous environment. As a fundamental contribution to HA materials-based technology, this study aims at unveiling this aspect. To this purpose, SiO2 nanoparticles have been chosen as a model platform and three different HAs extracted from composted biomasses, manure (HA_Man), artichoke residues (HA_Art) and coffee grounds (HA_Cof), were employed to synthetize hybrid HA-SiO2 nanoparticles through in-situ sol-gel synthesis. Prepared samples were submitted to aging in water to assess their stability. Furthermore, antioxidant properties and physico-chemical properties of both as prepared and aged samples in aqueous environment were assessed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), N2 physisorption, Simultaneous Thermogravimetric (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. The experimental results highlighted that hybrid HA-SiO2 nanostructures acted as dynamic systems which exhibit structural supramolecular reorganization during aging in aqueous environment with marked effects on physico-chemical and functional properties, including improved antioxidant activity. Obtained results enlighten a unique aspect of interactions between HA and inorganic nanoparticles that could be useful to predict their behavior in aqueous environment. Furthermore, the proposed approach traces a technological route for the exploitation of organic biowaste in the design of hybrid nanomaterials, providing a significant contribution to the development of waste to wealth strategies based on humic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Venezia
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giulio Pota
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy.
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloids and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Florence, Italy.
| | - Paola Di Donato
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples "Parthenope", Centro Direzionale Isola C4, 80143, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Landi
- Institute of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Energy and Mobility-CNR, P.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy.
| | - Valentina Mollo
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia@CABHC, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mariavittoria Verrillo
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agroalimentare ed i Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy.
| | - Silvana Cangemi
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agroalimentare ed i Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Piccolo
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agroalimentare ed i Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy.
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12
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Luchini A, Cavasso D, Radulescu A, D'Errico G, Paduano L, Vitiello G. Structural Organization of Cardiolipin-Containing Vesicles as Models of the Bacterial Cytoplasmic Membrane. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:8508-8516. [PMID: 34213914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial cytoplasmic membrane is the innermost bacterial membrane and is mainly composed of three different phospholipid species, i.e., phosphoethanolamine (PE), phosphoglycerol (PG), and cardiolipin (CL). In particular, PG and CL are responsible for the negative charge of the membrane and are often the targets of cationic antimicrobial agents. The growing resistance of bacteria toward the available antibiotics requires the development of new and more efficient antibacterial drugs. In this context, studying the physicochemical properties of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane is pivotal for understanding drug-membrane interactions at the molecular level as well as for designing drug-testing platforms. Here, we discuss the preparation and characterization of PE/PG/CL vesicle suspensions, which contain all of the main lipid components of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. The vesicle suspensions were characterized by means of small-angle neutron scattering, dynamic light scattering, and electron paramagnetic spectroscopy. By combining solution scattering and spectroscopy techniques, we propose a detailed description of the impact of different CL concentrations on the structure and dynamics of the PE/PG bilayer. CL induces the formation of thicker bilayers, which exhibit higher curvature and are overall more fluid. The experimental results contribute to shed light on the structure and dynamics of relevant model systems of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Luchini
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Domenico Cavasso
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Aurel Radulescu
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science, Garching Forschungszentrum, Lichtenbergstrasse 1, D-85747 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
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13
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Vitiello G, Iervolino G, Imparato C, Rea I, Borbone F, De Stefano L, Aronne A, Vaiano V. F-doped ZnO nano- and meso-crystals with enhanced photocatalytic activity in diclofenac degradation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143066. [PMID: 33127133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is considered one of the most widespread emerging contaminants. Its incidence in water can favor the growth of drug-resistant bacteria and harm aquatic organisms endangering both the human health and the ecosystem. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on the action of reactive oxygen species are very effective technologies for the removal of this contaminant from water. In this context, ZnO is one of the most studied semiconductors for photocatalytic water treatment. In this work, the photocatalytic activity of fluorine-doped ZnO nano- and meso-crystals synthesized by a hydrothermal approach is reported, exploring the role of a low F atomic concentration (0.25, 0.5 and 1 at. %) on the degradation of DCF in comparison with bare ZnO. All doped samples show high rates of DCF degradation and mineralization, which were realized primarily thanks to their high efficiency in the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH). The property-structure-function relationships of the materials are investigated by complementary techniques, such as SEM, XRD, EPR, UV-vis DRS and PL, with the aim to evaluate the role of fluorine in determining their morphological, electronic and optical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Vitiello
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, I-80125 Napoli, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Interface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, (FI), Italy
| | - Giuseppina Iervolino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, (Salerno), Italy
| | - Claudio Imparato
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, I-80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rea
- ISASI-CNR, Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti-Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Borbone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, via Cinthia, 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- ISASI-CNR, Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti-Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Aronne
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, I-80125 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Vaiano
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Interface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, (FI), Italy.
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14
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Pota G, Zanfardino A, Di Napoli M, Cavasso D, Varcamonti M, D'Errico G, Pezzella A, Luciani G, Vitiello G. Bioinspired antibacterial PVA/Melanin-TiO 2 hybrid nanoparticles: the role of poly-vinyl-alcohol on their self-assembly and biocide activity. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 202:111671. [PMID: 33706162 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid Melanin-TiO2 nanoparticles are promising bioinspired antibacterial agents for biomedical coatings and food-packaging fields. However, due to a very low colloidal stability, they showed a high tendency to self-aggregate and rapidly precipitate, making not easy their use in aqueous medium to produce homogeneous antimicrobial coatings or nanocomposites. A valid strategy to improve their dispersion is the combination with a hydrophilic water-soluble polymer such as poly-vinyl-alcohol (PVA), which is a good choice to improve the colloidal stability of nanoparticles and to modulate their agglomeration. In this work, we propose an in-situ synthetic approach based on the hydrothermal route, by which the hybrid Melanin-TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared starting from the inorganic and organic precursors in the presence of PVA. Combined approach of TEM, XRD, TG/DSC, EPR and DLS techniques allows for assessing the PVA role in the formation of hybrids and on their morphological features as well as colloidal stability and aqueous dispersion. Antibacterial tests demonstrated the biocide activity of PVA/Melanin-TiO2 nanoparticles against Escherichia coli bacterial cultures, which resulted partially influenced by the PVA content. This study provides key information on the mutual influence of organic/inorganic components on the functional properties of the final hybrid nanocomposites, contributing to define a much more far-reaching implementation in the synthesis of bioinspired polymer-based nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Pota
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Cavasso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- Department of Physics "Ettore Pancini", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy; Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
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15
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Avossa J, Pota G, Vitiello G, Macagnano A, Zanfardino A, Di Napoli M, Pezzella A, D'Errico G, Varcamonti M, Luciani G. Multifunctional mats by antimicrobial nanoparticles decoration for bioinspired smart wound dressing solutions. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 123:111954. [PMID: 33812582 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.111954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Developing advanced materials for wound dressings is a very challenging, yet unaddressed task. These systems are supposed to act as temporary skin substitutes, performing multiple functions, including fluid absorption and antimicrobial action, supporting cell proliferation and migration in order to promote the skin regeneration process. Following a global bioinspired approach, in this study, we developed a multifunctional textile for wound dressing applications. Biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate/poly-3-caprolactone (PHB/PCL) mats were fabricated by electrospinning to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), thus providing structural and biochemical support to tissue regeneration. Furthermore, inspired by nature's strategy which exploits melanin as an effective weapon against pathogens infection, PHB/PCL mats were modified with hybrid Melanin-TiO2 nanostructures. These were combined to PHB/PCL mats following two different strategies: in-situ incorporation during electrospinning process, alternately ex-post coating by electrospraying onto obtained mats. All samples revealed huge water uptake and poor cytotoxicity towards HaCat eukaryotic cells. Melanin-TiO2 coating conferred PHB/PCL mats significant antimicrobial activity towards both Gram(+) and Gram(-) strains, marked hydrophilic properties as well as bioactivity which is expected to promote materials-cells interaction. This study is going to provide a novel paradigm for the design of active wound dressings for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Avossa
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research-National Research Council (IIA-CNR), Research Area of Rome 1, Via Salaria km 29,300, Monterotondo 00016, Italy
| | - G Pota
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - G Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Sesto Fiorentino, via della Lastruccia 3, Firenze, Italy
| | - A Macagnano
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research-National Research Council (IIA-CNR), Research Area of Rome 1, Via Salaria km 29,300, Monterotondo 00016, Italy
| | - A Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - M Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - A Pezzella
- Department of Physics "Ettore Pancini", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - G D'Errico
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Sesto Fiorentino, via della Lastruccia 3, Firenze, Italy; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - M Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - G Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
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16
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Vitiello G, Venezia V, Verrillo M, Nuzzo A, Houston J, Cimino S, D'Errico G, Aronne A, Paduano L, Piccolo A, Luciani G. Hybrid humic acid/titanium dioxide nanomaterials as highly effective antimicrobial agents against gram(-) pathogens and antibiotic contaminants in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110562. [PMID: 33271143 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Humic acids (HAs) provide an important bio-source for redox-active materials. Their functional chemical groups are responsible for several properties, such as metal ion chelating activity, adsorption ability towards small molecules and antibacterial activity, through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. However, the poor selectivity and instability of HAs in solution hinder their application. A promising strategy for overcoming these disadvantages is conjugation with an inorganic phase, which leads to more stable hybrid nanomaterials with tuneable functionalities. In this study, we demonstrate that hybrid humic acid/titanium dioxide nanostructured materials that are prepared via a versatile in situ hydrothermal strategy display promising antibacterial activity against various pathogens and behave as selective sequestering agents of amoxicillin and tetracycline antibiotics from wastewater. A physicochemical investigation in which a combination of techniques were utilized, which included TEM, BET, 13C-CPMAS-NMR, EPR, DLS and SANS, shed light on the structure-property-function relationships of the nanohybrids. The proposed approach traces a technological path for the exploitation of organic biowaste in the design at the molecular scale of multifunctional nanomaterials, which is useful for addressing environmental and health problems that are related to water contamination by antibiotics and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Via Della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Virginia Venezia
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariavittoria Verrillo
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy; Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca Sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per L'Ambiente, L'Agro-Alimentare Ed I Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Assunta Nuzzo
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy; Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca Sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per L'Ambiente, L'Agro-Alimentare Ed I Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Judith Houston
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Lichtenbergstraße 1, Garching, 85747, Germany; European Spallation Source (ESS), Odarslovsvagen 113, 22592, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefano Cimino
- IRC-Istituto di Ricerche Sulla Combustione, CNR - Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Via Della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Aronne
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Paduano
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Via Della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piccolo
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy; Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca Sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per L'Ambiente, L'Agro-Alimentare Ed I Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
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17
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Napoli MD, Luccia BD, Vitiello G, D'Errico G, Carpentieri A, Pezzella A, Pizzo E, Notomista E, Varcamonti M, Zanfardino A. Characterisation of EFV12 a bio-active small peptide produced by the human intestinal isolate Lactobacillus gasseri SF1109. Benef Microbes 2020; 11:815-824. [PMID: 33245013 DOI: 10.3920/bm2020.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
EFV12 is a small bioactive peptide produced by Lactobacillus gasseri SF1109, a human intestinal isolate with probiotic features. In this study, EFV12 antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are characterised. In particular, we propose a possible mechanism of action for EFV12 involving bacterial membranes targeting. Moreover, we show that this small peptide is able to bind lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and to counteract its inflammatory insult preventing LPS action on Toll-like receptor 4, thus interfering with extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinases signalling pathways. Altogether these observations suggest that the bioactive peptide EFV12 is a good candidate to promote L. gasseri induced gut homeostasis and counteracting intestinal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - B Di Luccia
- Department of Pathology and immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, 425 Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - G Vitiello
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Napels, Italy
| | - G D'Errico
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - A Carpentieri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - A Pezzella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - E Pizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - E Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - M Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - A Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
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18
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Paulin JV, Batagin-Neto A, Meredith P, Graeff CFO, Mostert AB. Shedding Light on the Free Radical Nature of Sulfonated Melanins. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:10365-10373. [PMID: 33153262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c08097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanin, an important class of natural pigment found in the human body, has stood out as a promising bioelectronic material due to its rather unique collection of electrical properties and biocompatibility. Among the available melanin derivatives, the sulfonated form has proven to not only be able to produce homogeneous device quality thin films with excellent adhesion, even on hydrophobic surfaces, but also to act as an ion to electron transducing element. It has recently been shown that the transport physics (and dominant carrier generation) may be related to a semiquinone free radical species in these materials. Hence, a better understanding of the paramagnetic properties of sulfonated derivatives could shed light on their charge transport behavior and thus enable improvement in regard to use in bioelectronics. Motivated by this question, in this work, different sulfonated melanin derivatives were investigated by hydration-controlled, continuous-wave X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and electronic structure calculations. Our results show that sulfonated melanin behaves similarly to non-functionalized melanin, but demonstrates a less pronounced response to humidity vis-à-vis standard melanin. We thus speculate on the structural and charge transport behavior in light of these differences with a view to further engineering structure-property relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Paulin
- School of Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Science and Technology of Materials (POSMAT), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, Brazil.,Department of Physics, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - A Batagin-Neto
- School of Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Science and Technology of Materials (POSMAT), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, Brazil.,São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus of Itapeva, Itapeva, Brazil
| | - P Meredith
- Department of Physics, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom.,School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, St. Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - C F O Graeff
- School of Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Science and Technology of Materials (POSMAT), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, Brazil.,School of Sciences, Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, Brazil
| | - A B Mostert
- Department of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
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19
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(+)-(E)-Chrysanthenyl Acetate: A Molecule with Interesting Biological Properties Contained in the Anthemis secundiramea (Asteraceae) Flowers. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10196808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Anthemis secundiramea is a perennial herb native widespread throughout the Mediterranean basin. The oil obtained from the flowers of this plant has antimicrobial properties against gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and inhibits the biofilm formation. The extract of A. secundiramea also has antioxidant activity—increasing the activity of different enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx). Surprisingly, in the oil extracted from the flowers, there is a single molecule, called (+)-(E)-chrysanthenyl acetate: This makes the A. secundiramea flowers extract extremely interesting for future topical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications.
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20
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Cavallini C, Vitiello G, Adinolfi B, Silvestri B, Armanetti P, Manini P, Pezzella A, d’Ischia M, Luciani G, Menichetti L. Melanin and Melanin-Like Hybrid Materials in Regenerative Medicine. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1518. [PMID: 32756369 PMCID: PMC7466405 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are a group of dark insoluble pigments found widespread in nature. In mammals, the brown-black eumelanins and the reddish-yellow pheomelanins are the main determinants of skin, hair, and eye pigmentation and play a significant role in photoprotection as well as in many biological functions ensuring homeostasis. Due to their broad-spectrum light absorption, radical scavenging, electric conductivity, and paramagnetic behavior, eumelanins are widely studied in the biomedical field. The continuing advancements in the development of biomimetic design strategies offer novel opportunities toward specifically engineered multifunctional biomaterials for regenerative medicine. Melanin and melanin-like coatings have been shown to increase cell attachment and proliferation on different substrates and to promote and ameliorate skin, bone, and nerve defect healing in several in vivo models. Herein, the state of the art and future perspectives of melanins as promising bioinspired platforms for natural regeneration processes are highlighted and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cavallini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy; (G.V.); (B.S.)
| | - Barbara Adinolfi
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”, National Research Council, via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy;
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy; (G.V.); (B.S.)
| | - Paolo Armanetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Paola Manini
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (P.M.); (A.P.); (M.d.)
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (P.M.); (A.P.); (M.d.)
| | - Marco d’Ischia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (P.M.); (A.P.); (M.d.)
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy; (G.V.); (B.S.)
| | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.A.); (L.M.)
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21
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Pota G, Venezia V, Vitiello G, Di Donato P, Mollo V, Costantini A, Avossa J, Nuzzo A, Piccolo A, Silvestri B, Luciani G. Tuning Functional Behavior of Humic Acids through Interactions with Stöber Silica Nanoparticles. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E982. [PMID: 32340165 PMCID: PMC7240412 DOI: 10.3390/polym12040982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Humic acids (HA) exhibit fascinating multifunctional features, yet degradation phenomena as well as poor stability in aqueous environments strongly limit their use. Inorganic nanoparticles are emerging as a powerful interface for the development of robust HA bio-hybrid materials with enhanced chemical stability and tunable properties. Hybrid organic-inorganic SiO2/HA nanostructures were synthesized via an in-situ sol-gel route, exploiting both physical entrapment and chemical coupling. The latter was achieved through amide bond formation between carboxyl groups of HA and the amino group of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS), as confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Monodisperse hybrid nanoparticles about 90 nm in diameter were obtained in both cases, yet Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy highlighted the different supramolecular organization of HA. The altered HA conformation was reflected in different antioxidant properties of the conjugated nanoparticles that, however, resulted in being higher than for pure HA. Our findings proved the key role of both components in defining the morphology of the final system, as well as the efficacy of the ceramic component in templating the HA supramolecular organization and consequently tuning their functional features, thus defining a green strategy for bio-waste valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Pota
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (V.V.); (G.V.); (A.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Virginia Venezia
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (V.V.); (G.V.); (A.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (V.V.); (G.V.); (A.C.); (G.L.)
- CSGI, Center for Colloids and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Di Donato
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Centro Direzionale Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy;
| | - Valentina Mollo
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia@CABHC, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Aniello Costantini
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (V.V.); (G.V.); (A.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Joshua Avossa
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Assunta Nuzzo
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l’Ambiente, l’Agroalimentare ed i Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Piccolo
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l’Ambiente, l’Agroalimentare ed i Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (V.V.); (G.V.); (A.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (V.V.); (G.V.); (A.C.); (G.L.)
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22
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Pirozzi D, Imparato C, D'Errico G, Vitiello G, Aronne A, Sannino F. Three-year lifetime and regeneration of superoxide radicals on the surface of hybrid TiO 2 materials exposed to air. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 387:121716. [PMID: 31786026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The generation and stabilization of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the superoxide radical anion (O2-), have a huge potential in environmental remediation and industrial chemical processes, but they still remain a challenge. Here, we elucidate the formation, stability and reactivity of superoxide radicals spontaneously produced on the surface of a hybrid TiO2-acetylacetonate material exposed to air. EPR spectra reveal an exceptional lifetime (up to three years, in air at room temperature) of the adsorbed O2-, which can also be easily regenerated after its decay. The performances of this material in the degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solution without any light irradiation indicate a heterogeneous catalytic mechanism, mediated by superoxide radicals, with a synergistic homogeneous action of hydroxyl radicals (OH), which are released in solution, as detected by the EPR spin trapping method. The regeneration ability of the adsorbed superoxide radicals by simple exposure to air counteracts the partial instability in aqueous environment of the organic component of the hybrid structure allowing the catalyst reuse. These structural and functional features joined to the simple preparation route open a new perspective in the field of advanced oxidation processes for hybrid TiO2 materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Pirozzi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudio Imparato
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Napoli, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloids and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125, Napoli, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloids and Surface Science, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Aronne
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - Filomena Sannino
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Napoli, Italy.
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23
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Lam PL, Wong RSM, Lam KH, Hung LK, Wong MM, Yung LH, Ho YW, Wong WY, Hau DKP, Gambari R, Chui CH. The role of reactive oxygen species in the biological activity of antimicrobial agents: An updated mini review. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 320:109023. [PMID: 32097615 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance remains a serious problem that results in high mortality and increased healthcare costs globally. One of the major issues is that resistant pathogens decrease the efficacy of conventional antimicrobials. Accordingly, development of novel antimicrobial agents and therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to overcome the challenge of antimicrobial resistance. A potential strategy is to kill pathogenic microorganisms via the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are defined as a number of highly reactive molecules that comprise molecular oxygen (O2), superoxide anion (O2•-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). ROS exhibit antimicrobial actions against a broad range of pathogens through the induction of oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between ROS and the ability of the antioxidant defence system to detoxify ROS. ROS-dependent oxidative stress can damage cellular macromolecules, including DNA, lipids and proteins. This article reviews the antimicrobial action of ROS, challenges to ROS hypothesis, work to solidify ROS-mediated antimicrobial lethality hypothesis, recent developments in antimicrobial agents using ROS as an antimicrobial strategy, safety concerns related to ROS, and future directions in ROS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-L Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - R S-M Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - K-H Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - L-K Hung
- Research and Development Division, Kamford Genetics Company Limited, Hong Kong, China
| | - M-M Wong
- Research and Development Division, Kamford Genetics Company Limited, Hong Kong, China
| | - L-H Yung
- Research and Development Division, Kamford Genetics Company Limited, Hong Kong, China
| | - Y-W Ho
- Allways Health Care Medical Centre, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China
| | - W-Y Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - D K-P Hau
- One Health International Limited, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
| | - R Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - C-H Chui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Division, Kamford Genetics Company Limited, Hong Kong, China.
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24
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Abstract
Solar radiation is becoming increasingly appreciated because of its influence on living matter and the feasibility of its application for a variety of purposes. It is an available and everlasting natural source of energy, rapidly gaining ground as a supplement and alternative to the nonrenewable energy feedstock. Actually, an increasing interest is involved in the development of efficient materials as the core of photocatalytic and photothermal processes, allowing solar energy harvesting and conversion for many technological applications, including hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, pollutants degradation, as well as organic syntheses. Particularly, photosensitive nanostructured hybrid materials synthesized coupling inorganic semiconductors with organic compounds, and polymers or carbon-based materials are attracting ever-growing research attention since their peculiar properties overcome several limitations of photocatalytic semiconductors through different approaches, including dye or charge transfer complex sensitization and heterostructures formation. The aim of this review was to describe the most promising recent advances in the field of hybrid nanostructured materials for sunlight capture and solar energy exploitation by photocatalytic processes. Beside diverse materials based on metal oxide semiconductors, emerging photoactive systems, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and hybrid perovskites, were discussed. Finally, future research opportunities and challenges associated with the design and development of highly efficient and cost-effective photosensitive nanomaterials for technological claims were outlined.
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25
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Miao Z, Liu P, Wang Y, Li K, Huang D, Yang H, Zhao Q, Zha Z, Zhen L, Xu CY. PEGylated Tantalum Nanoparticles: A Metallic Photoacoustic Contrast Agent for Multiwavelength Imaging of Tumors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1903596. [PMID: 31441213 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Elemental tantalum is a well-known biomedical metal in clinics due to its extremely high biocompatibility, which is superior to that of other biomedical metallic materials. Hence, it is of significance to expand the scope of biomedical applications of tantalum. Herein, it is reported that tantalum nanoparticles (Ta NPs), upon surface modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules via a silane-coupling approach, are employed as a metallic photoacoustic (PA) contrast agent for multiwavelength imaging of tumors. By virtue of the broad optical absorbance from the visible to near-infrared region and high photothermal conversion efficiency (27.9%), PEGylated Ta NPs depict high multiwavelength contrast capability for enhancing PA imaging to satisfy the various demands (penetration depth, background noise, etc.) of clinical diagnosis as needed. Particularly, the PA intensity of the tumor region postinjection is greatly increased by 4.87, 7.47, and 6.87-fold than that of preinjection under 680, 808, and 970 nm laser irradiation, respectively. In addition, Ta NPs with negligible cytotoxicity are capable of eliminating undesirable reactive oxygen species, ensuring the safety for biomedical applications. This work introduces a silane-coupling strategy for the surface engineering of Ta NPs, and highlights the potential of Ta NPs as a biocompatible metallic contrast agent for multiwavelength photoacoustic image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohua Miao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Peiying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yichuan Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Doudou Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Huanjie Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Qingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhengbao Zha
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Liang Zhen
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Cheng-Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518052, China
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26
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Vitiello G, Melone P, Silvestri B, Pezzella A, Di Donato P, D’Errico G, Di Napoli M, Zanfardino A, Varcamonti M, Luciani G. Titanium based complexes with melanin precursors as a tool for directing melanogenic pathways. PURE APPL CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2018-1210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Bioinspired melanin based hybrid materials hold huge promise for developing multifunctional systems for a considerable set of applications. Yet, control of melanogenic pathway is a big challenge to allow rational design of nanostructured systems with tuned structures and improved properties. This study proves the ability of titanium ions interactions with melanin precursors in directing melanogenic pathway. To this purpose complementary spectroscopic evidences were collected to reveal that in the presence of a TiO2-sol, amino-acid complex of Ti(IV) ions and DOPA actually inhibits its cyclization, during oxidative process, thus leading to DOPA-based polyphenols, stable even in oxidative environment, rather than eumelanin. This hugely impacts on the biological properties of the final hybrid systems which, discloses relevant and durable antioxidant behavior but poor antimicrobial activity differently from DHICA-based hybrid nanostructures. Overall this study, discloses the high potential of ceramic templated approach in combination with the selection of melanin precursor in achieving a fine tuning of physico-chemical as well as bioactivity of melanin-TiO2 nanostructures, opening new scenarios towards the design of cutting-edge biomaterials with tailored biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering , University of Naples “Federico II” , p.le V. Tecchio 80 , 80125 Naples , Italy
- CSGI, Consorzio interuniversitario per lo sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Sesto Fiorentino , via della Lastruccia 3 , Firenze , Italy
| | - Pietro Melone
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering , University of Naples “Federico II” , p.le V. Tecchio 80 , 80125 Naples , Italy
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering , University of Naples “Federico II” , p.le V. Tecchio 80 , 80125 Naples , Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) , Florence , Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), CNR , Via Campi Flegrei 34 , I-80078 Pozzuoli (NA) , Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples “Federico II” Via Cintia 4 , I-80126 Naples , Italy
| | - Paola Di Donato
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), CNR , Via Campi Flegrei 34 , I-80078 Pozzuoli (NA) , Italy
- Department of Science and Technology , University of Naples “Parthenope” , Centro Direzionale, Isola C4 , 80143 Naples , Italy
| | - Gerardino D’Errico
- Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples “Federico II” Via Cintia 4 , I-80126 Naples , Italy
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology , University of Naples “Federico II” Via Cintia 4 , I-80126 Naples , Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology , University of Naples “Federico II” Via Cintia 4 , I-80126 Naples , Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology , University of Naples “Federico II” Via Cintia 4 , I-80126 Naples , Italy
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering , University of Naples “Federico II” , p.le V. Tecchio 80 , 80125 Naples , Italy , Tel.: +390817682433, Fax: +390817682595
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27
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Melone P, Vitiello G, Di Napoli M, Zanfardino A, Caso MF, Silvestri B, Varcamonti M, D'Errico G, Luciani G. Citric Acid Tunes the Formation of Antimicrobial Melanin-Like Nanostructures. Biomimetics (Basel) 2019; 4:E40. [PMID: 31151301 PMCID: PMC6630385 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics4020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature has provided a valuable source of inspiration for developing high performance multifunctional materials. Particularly, catechol-containing amino acid l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) has aroused the interest to design hybrid multifunctional materials with superior adhesive ability. DOPA oxidative polymerization mediated by either melanogenic enzymes or an alkaline environment involving catechol intermolecular cross-linking, ultimately leads to melanin oligomers. Recently, relevant studies disclosed the ability of Ti-based nanostructures to tune melanin's supramolecular structure during its formation, starting from melanogenic precursors, thus improving both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In this work, we propose a novel biomimetic approach to design hybrid DOPA melanin-like nanostructures through a hydrothermal synthesis opportunely modified by using citric acid to control hydrolysis and condensation reactions of titanium alkoxide precursors. UV-Vis and Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic evidences highlighted the key role of citrate-Ti(IV) and DOPA-Ti(IV) complexes in controlling DOPA polymerization, which specifically occurred during the hydrothermal step, mediating and tuning its conversion to melanin-like oligomers. Trasmission electron microscopy (TEM) images proved the efficacy of the proposed synthesis approach in tuning the formation of nanosized globular nanostructures, with high biocide performances. The obtained findings could provide strategic guidelines to set up biomimetic processes, exploiting the catechol-metal complex to obtain hybrid melanin-like nanosystems with optimized multifunctional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Melone
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Federica Caso
- Nanofaber Spin-Off at Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Casaccia Research Centre, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy.
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II" Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples "Federico II", p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
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