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Asefifeyzabadi N, Nguyen T, Li H, Zhu K, Yang HY, Baniya P, Medina Lopez A, Gallegos A, Hsieh HC, Dechiraju H, Hernandez C, Schorger K, Recendez C, Tebyani M, Selberg J, Luo L, Muzzy E, Hsieh C, Barbee A, Orozco J, Alhamo MA, Levin M, Aslankoohi E, Gomez M, Zhao M, Teodorescu M, Isseroff RR, Rolandi M. A pro-reparative bioelectronic device for controlled delivery of ions and biomolecules. Wound Repair Regen 2024. [PMID: 38794912 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex physiological process that requires precise control and modulation of many parameters. Therapeutic ion and biomolecule delivery has the capability to regulate the wound healing process beneficially. However, achieving controlled delivery through a compact device with the ability to deliver multiple therapeutic species can be a challenge. Bioelectronic devices have emerged as a promising approach for therapeutic delivery. Here, we present a pro-reparative bioelectronic device designed to deliver ions and biomolecules for wound healing applications. The device incorporates ion pumps for the targeted delivery of H+ and zolmitriptan to the wound site. In vivo studies using a mouse model further validated the device's potential for modulating the wound environment via H+ delivery that decreased M1/M2 macrophage ratios. Overall, this bioelectronic ion pump demonstrates potential for accelerating wound healing via targeted and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents to wounds. Continued optimization and development of this device could not only lead to significant advancements in tissue repair and wound healing strategies but also reveal new physiological information about the dynamic wound environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Asefifeyzabadi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Tiffany Nguyen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Houpu Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Kan Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hsin-Ya Yang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Prabhat Baniya
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Andrea Medina Lopez
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Anthony Gallegos
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hao-Chieh Hsieh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Harika Dechiraju
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Cristian Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Kaelan Schorger
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Cynthia Recendez
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Maryam Tebyani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - John Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Le Luo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Elana Muzzy
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Cathleen Hsieh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, California, Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Alexie Barbee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Orozco
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Department of Economics, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Moyasar A Alhamo
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elham Aslankoohi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Marcella Gomez
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Roslyn Rivkah Isseroff
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Dermatology Section, VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, California, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
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2
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Voitiuk K, Seiler ST, Pessoa de Melo M, Geng J, Hernandez S, Schweiger HE, Sevetson JL, Parks DF, Robbins A, Torres-Montoya S, Ehrlich D, Elliott MAT, Sharf T, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA, Salama SR, Teodorescu M. A feedback-driven IoT microfluidic, electrophysiology, and imaging platform for brain organoid studies. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.15.585237. [PMID: 38559212 PMCID: PMC10979982 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The analysis of tissue cultures, particularly brain organoids, takes a high degree of coordination, measurement, and monitoring. We have developed an automated research platform enabling independent devices to achieve collaborative objectives for feedback-driven cell culture studies. Unified by an Internet of Things (IoT) architecture, our approach enables continuous, communicative interactions among various sensing and actuation devices, achieving precisely timed control of in vitro biological experiments. The framework integrates microfluidics, electrophysiology, and imaging devices to maintain cerebral cortex organoids and monitor their neuronal activity. The organoids are cultured in custom, 3D-printed chambers attached to commercial microelectrode arrays for electrophysiology monitoring. Periodic feeding is achieved using programmable microfluidic pumps. We developed computer vision fluid volume estimations of aspirated media, achieving high accuracy, and used feedback to rectify deviations in microfluidic perfusion during media feeding/aspiration cycles. We validated the system with a 7-day study of mouse cerebral cortex organoids, comparing manual and automated protocols. The automated experimental samples maintained robust neural activity throughout the experiment, comparable with the control samples. The automated system enabled hourly electrophysiology recordings that revealed dramatic temporal changes in neuron firing rates not observed in once-a-day recordings.
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3
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T. Ly V, Ehrlich D, Sevetson J, Hoffman RN, Salama SR, Kurniawan S, Teodorescu M. Gamifying cell culture training: The 'Seru-Otchi' experience for undergraduates. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30469. [PMID: 38737237 PMCID: PMC11088318 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Working in a stem cell laboratory necessitates a thorough understanding of complex cell culture protocols, the operation of sensitive scientific equipment, adherence to safety standards, and general laboratory etiquette. For novice student researchers, acquiring the necessary specialized knowledge before their initial laboratory experience can be a formidable task. Similarly, for experienced laboratory personnel, efficiently and uniformly training new trainees to a rigorous standard presents a significant challenge. In response to these issues, we have developed an educational and interactive virtual cell culture environment. This interactive virtual lab aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in maintaining cortical brain organoids and to instill an understanding of pertinent safety procedures and laboratory etiquette. The gamification of this training process seeks to provide laboratory supervisors in highly specialized fields with an effective tool to integrate students into their work environments more rapidly and safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria T. Ly
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Drew Ehrlich
- Computational Media Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Jess Sevetson
- Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Ryan N. Hoffman
- Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sofie R. Salama
- Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sri Kurniawan
- Computational Media Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
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4
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Marquez G, Dechiraju H, Baniya P, Li H, Tebyani M, Pansodtee P, Jafari M, Barbee A, Orozco J, Teodorescu M, Rolandi M, Gomez M. Delivering biochemicals with precision using bioelectronic devices enhanced with feedback control. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298286. [PMID: 38743674 PMCID: PMC11093312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine endeavors to personalize treatments, considering individual variations in patient responses based on factors like genetic mutations, age, and diet. Integrating this approach dynamically, bioelectronics equipped with real-time sensing and intelligent actuation present a promising avenue. Devices such as ion pumps hold potential for precise therapeutic drug delivery, a pivotal aspect of effective precision medicine. However, implementing bioelectronic devices in precision medicine encounters formidable challenges. Variability in device performance due to fabrication inconsistencies and operational limitations, including voltage saturation, presents significant hurdles. To address this, closed-loop control with adaptive capabilities and explicit handling of saturation becomes imperative. Our research introduces an enhanced sliding mode controller capable of managing saturation, adept at satisfactory control actions amidst model uncertainties. To evaluate the controller's effectiveness, we conducted in silico experiments using an extended mathematical model of the proton pump. Subsequently, we compared the performance of our developed controller with classical Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) and machine learning (ML)-based controllers. Furthermore, in vitro experiments assessed the controller's efficacy using various reference signals for controlled Fluoxetine delivery. These experiments showcased consistent performance across diverse input signals, maintaining the current value near the reference with a relative error of less than 7% in all trials. Our findings underscore the potential of the developed controller to address challenges in bioelectronic device implementation, offering reliable precision in drug delivery strategies within the realm of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanny Marquez
- Applied Mathematics, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Harika Dechiraju
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Prabhat Baniya
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Houpu Li
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Maryam Tebyani
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Pattawong Pansodtee
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Jafari
- Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA, United States of America
| | - Alexie Barbee
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Orozco
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Marcella Gomez
- Applied Mathematics, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
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5
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Uşurelu CD, Frone AN, Oprică GM, Raduly MF, Ghiurea M, Neblea EI, Nicolae CA, Filip X, Teodorescu M, Panaitescu DM. Preparation and functionalization of cellulose nanofibers using a naturally occurring acid and their application in stabilizing linseed oil/water Pickering emulsions. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:129884. [PMID: 38336328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Finding efficient and environmental-friendly methods to produce and chemically modify cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) remains a challenge. In this study, lactic acid (LA) treatment followed by microfluidization was employed for the isolation and functionalization of CNFs. Small amounts of HCl (0.01, 0.1, and 0.2 M) were used alongside LA to intensify cellulose hydrolysis. FTIR spectroscopy and solid-state 13C NMR confirmed the successful functionalization of CNFs with lactyl groups during isolation, while SEM, AFM, and rheological tests revealed that the addition of HCl governed the fibers' sizes and morphology. Notably, the treatment with LA and 0.2 M HCl resulted in a more efficient defibrillation, yielding smaller nanofibers sizes (62 nm) as compared to the treatment with LA or HCl alone (90 and 108 nm, respectively). The aqueous suspension of CNFs treated with LA and 0.2 M HCl showed the highest viscosity and storage modulus. LA-modified CNFs were tested as stabilizers for linseed oil/water (50/50 v/v) emulsions. Owing to the lactyl groups grafted on their surface and higher aspect ratio, CNFs produced with 0.1 and 0.2 M HCl led to emulsions with increased stability (a creaming index increase of only 3 % and 1 %, respectively, in 30 days) and smaller droplets sizes of 23.4 ± 1.2 and 35.5 ± 0.5 μm, respectively. The results showed that LA-modified CNFs are promising stabilizers for Pickering emulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cătălina-Diana Uşurelu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Nicoleta Frone
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Gabriela-Mădălina Oprică
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Florentina Raduly
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Ghiurea
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Iulia Neblea
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian-Andi Nicolae
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Xenia Filip
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.
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6
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Spaeth A, Haussler D, Teodorescu M. Model-Agnostic Neural Mean Field With The Refractory SoftPlus Transfer Function. bioRxiv 2024:2024.02.05.579047. [PMID: 38370695 PMCID: PMC10871173 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.579047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Due to the complexity of neuronal networks and the nonlinear dynamics of individual neurons, it is challenging to develop a systems-level model which is accurate enough to be useful yet tractable enough to apply. Mean-field models which extrapolate from single-neuron descriptions to large-scale models can be derived from the neuron's transfer function, which gives its firing rate as a function of its synaptic input. However, analytically derived transfer functions are applicable only to the neurons and noise models from which they were originally derived. In recent work, approximate transfer functions have been empirically derived by fitting a sigmoidal curve, which imposes a maximum firing rate and applies only in the diffusion limit, restricting applications. In this paper, we propose an approximate transfer function called Refractory SoftPlus, which is simple yet applicable to a broad variety of neuron types. Refractory SoftPlus activation functions allow the derivation of simple empirically approximated mean-field models using simulation results, which enables prediction of the response of a network of randomly connected neurons to a time-varying external stimulus with a high degree of accuracy. These models also support an accurate approximate bifurcation analysis as a function of the level of recurrent input. Finally, the model works without assuming large presynaptic rates or small postsynaptic potential size, allowing mean-field models to be developed even for populations with large interaction terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Spaeth
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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7
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Park Y, Hernandez S, Hernandez CO, Schweiger HE, Li H, Voitiuk K, Dechiraju H, Hawthorne N, Muzzy EM, Selberg JA, Sullivan FN, Urcuyo R, Salama SR, Aslankoohi E, Knight HJ, Teodorescu M, Mostajo-Radji MA, Rolandi M. Modulation of neuronal activity in cortical organoids with bioelectronic delivery of ions and neurotransmitters. Cell Rep Methods 2024; 4:100686. [PMID: 38218190 PMCID: PMC10831944 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Precise modulation of brain activity is fundamental for the proper establishment and maturation of the cerebral cortex. To this end, cortical organoids are promising tools to study circuit formation and the underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disease. However, the ability to manipulate neuronal activity with high temporal resolution in brain organoids remains limited. To overcome this challenge, we introduce a bioelectronic approach to control cortical organoid activity with the selective delivery of ions and neurotransmitters. Using this approach, we sequentially increased and decreased neuronal activity in brain organoids with the bioelectronic delivery of potassium ions (K+) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), respectively, while simultaneously monitoring network activity. This works highlights bioelectronic ion pumps as tools for high-resolution temporal control of brain organoid activity toward precise pharmacological studies that can improve our understanding of neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjeong Park
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Cristian O Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Hunter E Schweiger
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Houpu Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Harika Dechiraju
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Nico Hawthorne
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Elana M Muzzy
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - John A Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Frederika N Sullivan
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Roberto Urcuyo
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Sofie R Salama
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Elham Aslankoohi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Heather J Knight
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA.
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA.
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA.
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8
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van der Molen T, Spaeth A, Chini M, Bartram J, Dendukuri A, Zhang Z, Bhaskaran-Nair K, Blauvelt LJ, Petzold LR, Hansma PK, Teodorescu M, Hierlemann A, Hengen KB, Hanganu-Opatz IL, Kosik KS, Sharf T. Protosequences in human cortical organoids model intrinsic states in the developing cortex. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.29.573646. [PMID: 38234832 PMCID: PMC10793448 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.29.573646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal firing sequences are thought to be the basic building blocks of neural coding and information broadcasting within the brain. However, when sequences emerge during neurodevelopment remains unknown. We demonstrate that structured firing sequences are present in spontaneous activity of human brain organoids and ex vivo neonatal brain slices from the murine somatosensory cortex. We observed a balance between temporally rigid and flexible firing patterns that are emergent phenomena in human brain organoids and early postnatal murine somatosensory cortex, but not in primary dissociated cortical cultures. Our findings suggest that temporal sequences do not arise in an experience-dependent manner, but are rather constrained by an innate preconfigured architecture established during neurogenesis. These findings highlight the potential for brain organoids to further explore how exogenous inputs can be used to refine neuronal circuits and enable new studies into the genetic mechanisms that govern assembly of functional circuitry during early human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitse van der Molen
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Alex Spaeth
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Mattia Chini
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Bartram
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aditya Dendukuri
- Department of Computer Science, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Zongren Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
| | - Kiran Bhaskaran-Nair
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Lon J. Blauvelt
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Linda R. Petzold
- Department of Computer Science, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Paul K. Hansma
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Keith B. Hengen
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ileana L. Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kenneth S. Kosik
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Tal Sharf
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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9
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Elliott MAT, Schweiger HE, Robbins A, Vera-Choqqueccota S, Ehrlich D, Hernandez S, Voitiuk K, Geng J, Sevetson JL, Core C, Rosen YM, Teodorescu M, Wagner NO, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA. Internet-Connected Cortical Organoids for Project-Based Stem Cell and Neuroscience Education. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0308-23.2023. [PMID: 38016807 PMCID: PMC10755643 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0308-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of Internet-connected technologies to the classroom has the potential to revolutionize STEM education by allowing students to perform experiments in complex models that are unattainable in traditional teaching laboratories. By connecting laboratory equipment to the cloud, we introduce students to experimentation in pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cortical organoids in two different settings: using microscopy to monitor organoid growth in an introductory tissue culture course and using high-density (HD) multielectrode arrays (MEAs) to perform neuronal stimulation and recording in an advanced neuroscience mathematics course. We demonstrate that this approach develops interest in stem cell and neuroscience in the students of both courses. All together, we propose cloud technologies as an effective and scalable approach for complex project-based university training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A T Elliott
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Hunter E Schweiger
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Ash Robbins
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Drew Ehrlich
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Jinghui Geng
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Jess L Sevetson
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Cordero Core
- Scientific Software Engineering Center, eScience Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Yohei M Rosen
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Nico O Wagner
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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10
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Gonzalez-Ferrer J, Lehrer J, O'Farrell A, Paten B, Teodorescu M, Haussler D, Jonsson VD, Mostajo-Radji MA. Unraveling Neuronal Identities Using SIMS: A Deep Learning Label Transfer Tool for Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis. bioRxiv 2023:2023.02.28.529615. [PMID: 36909548 PMCID: PMC10002667 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.28.529615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Large single-cell RNA datasets have contributed to unprecedented biological insight. Often, these take the form of cell atlases and serve as a reference for automating cell labeling of newly sequenced samples. Yet, classification algorithms have lacked the capacity to accurately annotate cells, particularly in complex datasets. Here we present SIMS (Scalable, Interpretable Ma-chine Learning for Single-Cell), an end-to-end data-efficient machine learning pipeline for discrete classification of single-cell data that can be applied to new datasets with minimal coding. We benchmarked SIMS against common single-cell label transfer tools and demonstrated that it performs as well or better than state of the art algorithms. We then use SIMS to classify cells in one of the most complex tissues: the brain. We show that SIMS classifies cells of the adult cerebral cortex and hippocampus at a remarkably high accuracy. This accuracy is maintained in trans-sample label transfers of the adult hu-man cerebral cortex. We then apply SIMS to classify cells in the developing brain and demonstrate a high level of accuracy at predicting neuronal sub-types, even in periods of fate refinement, shedding light on genetic changes affecting specific cell types across development. Finally, we apply SIMS to single cell datasets of cortical organoids to predict cell identities and unveil genetic variations between cell lines. SIMS identifies cell-line differences and misannotated cell lineages in human cortical organoids derived from different pluripotent stem cell lines. When cell types are obscured by stress signals, label transfer from primary tissue improves the accuracy of cortical organoid annotations, serving as a reliable ground truth. Altogether, we show that SIMS is a versatile and robust tool for cell-type classification from single-cell datasets.
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11
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Baudin PV, Teodorescu M. A computer vision based optical method for measuring fluid level in cell culture plates. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290951. [PMID: 37682933 PMCID: PMC10490923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
For a transparent well with a known volume capacity, changes in fluid level result in predictable changes in magnification of an overhead light source. For a given well size and fluid, the relationship between volume and magnification can be calculated if the fluid's index of refraction is known or in a naive fashion with a calibration procedure. Light source magnification can be measured through a camera and processed using computer vision contour analysis with OpenCV. This principle was applied in the design of a 3D printable sensing device using a raspberry pi zero and a camera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre V. Baudin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
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12
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Baniya P, Tebyani M, Asefifeyzabadi N, Nguyen T, Hernandez C, Zhu K, Li H, Selberg J, Hsieh HC, Pansodtee P, Yang HY, Recendez C, Keller G, Hee WS, Aslankoohi E, Isseroff RR, Zhao M, Gomez M, Rolandi M, Teodorescu M. A system for bioelectronic delivery of treatment directed toward wound healing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14766. [PMID: 37679425 PMCID: PMC10485133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of wearable bioelectronic systems is a promising approach for optimal delivery of therapeutic treatments. These systems can provide continuous delivery of ions, charged biomolecules, and an electric field for various medical applications. However, rapid prototyping of wearable bioelectronic systems for controlled delivery of specific treatments with a scalable fabrication process is challenging. We present a wearable bioelectronic system comprised of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device cast in customizable 3D printed molds and a printed circuit board (PCB), which employs commercially available engineering components and tools throughout design and fabrication. The system, featuring solution-filled reservoirs, embedded electrodes, and hydrogel-filled capillary tubing, is assembled modularly. The PDMS and PCB both contain matching through-holes designed to hold metallic contact posts coated with silver epoxy, allowing for mechanical and electrical integration. This assembly scheme allows us to interchange subsystem components, such as various PCB designs and reservoir solutions. We present three PCB designs: a wired version and two battery-powered versions with and without onboard memory. The wired design uses an external voltage controller for device actuation. The battery-powered PCB design uses a microcontroller unit to enable pre-programmed applied voltages and deep sleep mode to prolong battery run time. Finally, the battery-powered PCB with onboard memory is developed to record delivered currents, which enables us to verify treatment dose delivered. To demonstrate the functionality of the platform, the devices are used to deliver H[Formula: see text] in vivo using mouse models and fluoxetine ex vivo using a simulated wound environment. Immunohistochemistry staining shows an improvement of 35.86% in the M1/M2 ratio of H[Formula: see text]-treated wounds compared with control wounds, indicating the potential of the platform to improve wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Baniya
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
| | - Maryam Tebyani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Narges Asefifeyzabadi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Tiffany Nguyen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Cristian Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Kan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Houpu Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - John Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Hao-Chieh Hsieh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Pattawong Pansodtee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Hsin-Ya Yang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
| | - Cynthia Recendez
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Gordon Keller
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Wan Shen Hee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Elham Aslankoohi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Roslyn Rivkah Isseroff
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Marcella Gomez
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
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13
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Pandele AM, Selaru A, Dinescu S, Costache M, Vasile E, Dascălu C, Raicopol MD, Teodorescu M. Synthesis and evaluation of poly(propylene fumarate)-grafted graphene oxide as nanofiller for porous scaffolds. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8241-8250. [PMID: 37565837 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01232h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to obtain porous scaffolds with improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility, the current study discusses nanocomposite materials based on poly(propylene fumarate)/N-vinyl pyrrolidone(PPF/NVP) networks reinforced with polymer-modified graphene oxide (GO@PPF). The GO@PPF nanofiller was synthesized through a facile and convenient surface esterification reaction, and the successful functionalization was demonstrated by complementary techniques such as FT-IR, XPS, TGA and TEM. The PPF/NVP/GO@PPF porous scaffolds obtained using NaCl as a porogen were further characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, sol fraction, and in vitro degradability. SEM and nanoCT examinations of NaCl-leached samples revealed networks of interconnected pores, fairly uniform in size and shape. We show that the incorporation of GO@PPF in the polymer matrix leads to a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties, which we attribute to the formation of denser and more homogenous networks, as suggested by a decreased sol fraction for the scaffolds containing a higher amount of GO@PPF. Moreover, the surface of mineralized PPF/NVP/GO@PPG scaffolds is uniformly covered in hydroxyapatite-like crystals having a morphology and Ca/P ratio similar to bone tissue. Furthermore, the preliminary biocompatibility assessment revealed a good interaction between PPF/PVP/GO@PPF scaffolds and murine pre-osteoblasts in terms of cell viability and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea M Pandele
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Selaru
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugeniu Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constanţa Dascălu
- Department of Physics, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independenţei, 060042, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Matei D Raicopol
- "Costin Nenitzescu" Department of Organic Chemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Zare S, Spaeth A, Suresh S, Teodorescu M. Three-Dimensionally Printed Self-Lock Origami: Design, Fabrication, and Simulation to Improve Performance of Rotational Joint. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:1649. [PMID: 37630185 PMCID: PMC10456827 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Origami structures have made significant contributions to the field of robotics, offering various advantages. One such advantage is their ability to conserve space by transforming the structure into a compact form. Additionally, many origami structures can be fabricated in a flat state to simplify manufacturing, giving them the potential for large-scale and cost-effective production. Rotational joints play a crucial role in the construction of robotic systems, yet origami rotational joints can suffer from a limited range of motion. We previously theoretically proposed the Self-Lock Joint to address this issue, but it is only partially flat-foldable. This paper presents a novel approach to the 3D printing of modular origami joints, such as the Self-Lock Joint, using 3D-printed plates joined with a fabric layer. The compliance of the fabric can improve the joint's semi flat-foldability or even enable it to achieve complete flat-foldability. Furthermore, the rotational motion of the joint is enhanced, allowing for close to 360 degrees of rotational movement. We assess the physical properties of the joint under both loaded and unloaded conditions in order to identify design trade-offs in the physical properties of the joints. Moreover, as a proof of concept, we construct and demonstrate manipulators utilizing these joints. The increase in rotational movement enabled by this fabrication method, coupled with the compliant joint's flat-foldability and modular nature, make it a promising candidate for use in a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Zare
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Alex Spaeth
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Sandya Suresh
- SIP Program, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
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15
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Elliott MA, Schweiger HE, Robbins A, Vera-Choqqueccota S, Ehrlich D, Hernandez S, Voitiuk K, Geng J, Sevetson JL, Rosen YM, Teodorescu M, Wagner NO, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA. Internet-connected cortical organoids for project-based stem cell and neuroscience education. bioRxiv 2023:2023.07.13.546418. [PMID: 37503236 PMCID: PMC10369936 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.546418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of internet-connected technologies to the classroom has the potential to revolutionize STEM education by allowing students to perform experiments in complex models that are unattainable in traditional teaching laboratories. By connecting laboratory equipment to the cloud, we introduce students to experimentation in pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical organoids in two different settings: Using microscopy to monitor organoid growth in an introductory tissue culture course, and using high density multielectrode arrays to perform neuronal stimulation and recording in an advanced neuroscience mathematics course. We demonstrate that this approach develops interest in stem cell and neuroscience in the students of both courses. All together, we propose cloud technologies as an effective and scalable approach for complex project-based university training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A.T. Elliott
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Hunter E. Schweiger
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Ash Robbins
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Drew Ehrlich
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Jinghui Geng
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Jess L. Sevetson
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Yohei M. Rosen
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Nico O. Wagner
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94117, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
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16
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Park Y, Hernandez S, Hernandez CO, Schweiger HE, Li H, Voitiuk K, Dechiraju H, Hawthorne N, Muzzy EM, Selberg JA, Sullivan FN, Urcuyo R, Salama SR, Aslankoohi E, Teodorescu M, Mostajo-Radji MA, Rolandi M. Modulation of neuronal activity in cortical organoids with bioelectronic delivery of ions and neurotransmitters. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.10.544416. [PMID: 37333351 PMCID: PMC10274913 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Precise modulation of brain activity is fundamental for the proper establishment and maturation of the cerebral cortex. To this end, cortical organoids are promising tools to study circuit formation and the underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disease. However, the ability to manipulate neuronal activity with high temporal resolution in brain organoids remains limited. To overcome this challenge, we introduce a bioelectronic approach to control cortical organoid activity with the selective delivery of ions and neurotransmitters. Using this approach, we sequentially increased and decreased neuronal activity in brain organoids with the bioelectronic delivery of potassium ions (K+) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), respectively, while simultaneously monitoring network activity. This works highlights bioelectronic ion pumps as tools for high-resolution temporal control of brain organoid activity toward precise pharmacological studies that can improve our understanding of neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjeong Park
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Cristian O. Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Hunter E. Schweiger
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Houpu Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Harika Dechiraju
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Nico Hawthorne
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Elana M. Muzzy
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - John A. Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | | | - Roberto Urcuyo
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Sofie R. Salama
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Elham Aslankoohi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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17
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Scomoroscenco C, Teodorescu M, Nistor CL, Gifu IC, Petcu C, Banciu DD, Banciu A, Cinteza LO. Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Alkyl Polyglucoside-Based Microemulsion for Topical Administration of Curcumin. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051420. [PMID: 37242662 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is a complex and selective system from the perspective of permeability to substances from the external environment. Microemulsion systems have demonstrated a high performance in encapsulating, protecting and transporting active substances through the skin. Due to the low viscosity of microemulsion systems and the importance of a texture that is easy to apply in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields, gel microemulsions are increasingly gaining more interest. The aim of this study was to develop new microemulsion systems for topical use; to identify a suitable water-soluble polymer in order to obtain gel microemulsions; and to study the efficacy of the developed microemulsion and gel microemulsion systems in the delivery of a model active ingredient, namely curcumin, into the skin. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was developed using AKYPO® SOFT 100 BVC, PLANTACARE® 2000 UP Solution and ethanol as a surfactant mix; caprylic/capric triglycerides, obtained from coconut oil, as the oily phase; and distilled water. To obtain gel microemulsions, sodium hyaluronate salt was used. All these ingredients are safe for the skin and are biodegradable. The selected microemulsions and gel microemulsions were physicochemically characterized by means of dynamic light scattering, electrical conductivity, polarized microscopy and rheometric measurements. To evaluate the efficiency of the selected microemulsion and gel microemulsion to deliver the encapsulated curcumin, an in vitro permeation study was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scomoroscenco
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Lavinia Nistor
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Catalina Gifu
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Petcu
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Dumitru Banciu
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adela Banciu
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ludmila Otilia Cinteza
- Physical Chemistry Department, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Blv. Regina Elisabeta, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Sano T, Sampad MJN, Gonzalez-Ferrer J, Hernandez S, Vera-Choqqueccota S, Vargas PA, Urcuyo R, Duran NM, Teodorescu M, Haussler D, Schmidt H, Mostajo-Radji MA. Open-loop lab-on-a-chip technology enables remote computer science training in Latinx life sciences students. bioRxiv 2023:2023.04.28.538776. [PMID: 37205466 PMCID: PMC10187215 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.538776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite many interventions, science education remains highly inequitable throughout the world. Among all life sciences fields, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology suffer from the strongest underrepresentation of racial and gender minorities. Internet-enabled project-based learning (PBL) has the potential to reach underserved communities and increase the diversity of the scientific workforce. Here, we demonstrate the use of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies to train Latinx life science undergraduate students in concepts of computer programming by taking advantage of open-loop cloud-integrated LoCs. We developed a context-aware curriculum to train students at over 8,000 km from the experimental site. We showed that this approach was sufficient to develop programming skills and increase the interest of students in continuing careers in Bioinformatics. Altogether, we conclude that LoC-based Internet-enabled PBL can become a powerful tool to train Latinx students and increase the diversity in STEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Sano
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
| | | | - Jesus Gonzalez-Ferrer
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - Paola A Vargas
- Biotechnology, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
| | - Roberto Urcuyo
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | | | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - Holger Schmidt
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
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19
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Neblea IE, Chiriac AL, Zaharia A, Sarbu A, Teodorescu M, Miron A, Paruch L, Paruch AM, Olaru AG, Iordache TV. Introducing Semi-Interpenetrating Networks of Chitosan and Ammonium-Quaternary Polymers for the Effective Removal of Waterborne Pathogens from Wastewaters. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051091. [PMID: 36904332 PMCID: PMC10007103 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The present work aims to study the influence of ammonium-quaternary monomers and chitosan, obtained from different sources, upon the effect of semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels upon the removal of waterborne pathogens and bacteria from wastewater. To this end, the study was focused on using vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride (VBTAC), a water-soluble monomer with known antibacterial properties, and mineral-enriched chitosan extracted from shrimp shells, to prepare the semi-IPNs. By using chitosan, which still contains the native minerals (mainly calcium carbonate), the study intends to justify that the stability and efficiency of the semi-IPN bactericidal devices can be modified and better improved. The new semi-IPNs were characterized for composition, thermal stability and morphology using well-known methods. Swelling degree (SD%) and the bactericidal effect assessed using molecular methods revealed that hydrogels made of chitosan derived from shrimp shell demonstrated the most competitive and promising potential for wastewater (WW) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia E. Neblea
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anita-L. Chiriac
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anamaria Zaharia
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Sarbu
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Miron
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lisa Paruch
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Aas, Norway
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (A.G.O.); (T.-V.I.)
| | - Adam M. Paruch
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Aas, Norway
| | - Andreea G. Olaru
- S.C. EDAS-EXIM S.R.L., Banat Street 23, 010933 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (A.G.O.); (T.-V.I.)
| | - Tanta-V. Iordache
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (A.G.O.); (T.-V.I.)
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20
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Seiler ST, Mantalas GL, Selberg J, Cordero S, Torres-Montoya S, Baudin PV, Ly VT, Amend F, Tran L, Hoffman RN, Rolandi M, Green RE, Haussler D, Salama SR, Teodorescu M. Modular automated microfluidic cell culture platform reduces glycolytic stress in cerebral cortex organoids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20173. [PMID: 36418910 PMCID: PMC9684529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip systems combine microfluidics, cell biology, and tissue engineering to culture 3D organ-specific in vitro models that recapitulate the biology and physiology of their in vivo counterparts. Here, we have developed a multiplex platform that automates the culture of individual organoids in isolated microenvironments at user-defined media flow rates. Programmable workflows allow the use of multiple reagent reservoirs that may be applied to direct differentiation, study temporal variables, and grow cultures long term. Novel techniques in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip fabrication are described here that enable features on the upper and lower planes of a single PDMS substrate. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of automated cerebral cortex organoid cultures shows benefits in reducing glycolytic and endoplasmic reticulum stress compared to conventional in vitro cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer T Seiler
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Gary L Mantalas
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - John Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Sergio Cordero
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Sebastian Torres-Montoya
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Pierre V Baudin
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Victoria T Ly
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Finn Amend
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Liam Tran
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Ryan N Hoffman
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Richard E Green
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - David Haussler
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Sofie R Salama
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
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21
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Tebyani M, Spaeth A, Cramer N, Teodorescu M. A Geometric Kinematic Model for Flexible Voxel-Based Robots. Soft Robot 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/soro.2021.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Tebyani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Alex Spaeth
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | | | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
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22
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Parks DF, Voitiuk K, Geng J, Elliott MAT, Keefe MG, Jung EA, Robbins A, Baudin PV, Ly VT, Hawthorne N, Yong D, Sanso SE, Rezaee N, Sevetson JL, Seiler ST, Currie R, Pollen AA, Hengen KB, Nowakowski TJ, Mostajo-Radji MA, Salama SR, Teodorescu M, Haussler D. IoT cloud laboratory: Internet of Things architecture for cellular biology. Internet Things (Amst) 2022; 20:100618. [PMID: 37383277 PMCID: PMC10305744 DOI: 10.1016/j.iot.2022.100618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) provides a simple framework to control online devices easily. IoT is now a commonplace tool used by technology companies but is rarely used in biology experiments. IoT can benefit cloud biology research through alarm notifications, automation, and the real-time monitoring of experiments. We developed an IoT architecture to control biological devices and implemented it in lab experiments. Lab devices for electrophysiology, microscopy, and microfluidics were created from the ground up to be part of a unified IoT architecture. The system allows each device to be monitored and controlled from an online web tool. We present our IoT architecture so other labs can replicate it for their own experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Parks
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Jinghui Geng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Matthew A T Elliott
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Matthew G Keefe
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Erik A Jung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Ash Robbins
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Pierre V Baudin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Victoria T Ly
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Nico Hawthorne
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Dylan Yong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Sebastian E Sanso
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nick Rezaee
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jess L Sevetson
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Spencer T Seiler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Rob Currie
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alex A Pollen
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Keith B Hengen
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Sofie R Salama
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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23
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Baudin PV, Sacksteder RE, Worthington AK, Voitiuk K, Ly VT, Hoffman RN, Elliott MA, Parks DF, Ward R, Torres-Montoya S, Amend F, Montellano Duran N, Vargas PA, Martinez G, Ramirez SM, Alvarado-Arnez LE, Ehrlich D, Rosen YM, Breevoort A, Schouten T, Kurniawan S, Haussler D, Teodorescu M, Mostajo-Radji MA. Cloud-controlled microscopy enables remote project-based biology education in underserved Latinx communities. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11596. [PMID: 36439758 PMCID: PMC9681640 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Project-based learning (PBL) has long been recognized as an effective way to teach complex biology concepts. However, not all institutions have the resources to facilitate effective project-based coursework for students. We have developed a framework for facilitating PBL using remote-controlled internet-connected microscopes. Through this approach, one lab facility can host an experiment for many students around the world simultaneously. Experiments on this platform can be run on long timescales and with materials that are typically unavailable to high school classrooms. This allows students to perform novel research projects rather than just repeating standard classroom experiments. To investigate the impact of this program, we designed and ran six user studies with students worldwide. All experiments were hosted in Santa Cruz and San Francisco, California, with observations and decisions made remotely by the students using their personal computers and cellphones. In surveys gathered after the experiments, students reported increased excitement for science and a greater desire to pursue a career in STEM. This framework represents a novel, scalable, and effective PBL approach that has the potential to democratize biology and STEM education around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre V. Baudin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Raina E. Sacksteder
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Atesh K. Worthington
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Victoria T. Ly
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Ryan N. Hoffman
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Matthew A.T. Elliott
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - David F. Parks
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Torres-Montoya
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Finn Amend
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | | | - Paola A. Vargas
- Biotechnology, Universidad Catolica Boliviana San Pablo, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
| | - Guadalupe Martinez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sandra M. Ramirez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | | | - Drew Ehrlich
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Yohei M. Rosen
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Arnar Breevoort
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Tallulah Schouten
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Sri Kurniawan
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Corresponding author at: Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
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Podaru IA, Stănescu PO, Ginghină R, Stoleriu Ş, Trică B, Şomoghi R, Teodorescu M. Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-Laponite XLG Nanocomposite Hydrogels: Characterization, Properties and Comparison with Divinyl Monomer-Crosslinked Hydrogels. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14194216. [PMID: 36236165 PMCID: PMC9571604 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work investigates, for the first time, the synthesis and properties of some nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels obtained by the aqueous solution free radical polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) in the presence of Laponite XLG (XLG) as a crosslinker, in comparison with the corresponding hydrogels prepared by using two conventional crosslinking divinyl monomers: N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and tri(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether (DVE). The structure and properties of the hydrogels were studied by FTIR, TEM, XRD, SEM, swelling and rheological and compressive mechanical measurements. The results showed that DVE and XLG are much better crosslinking agents for the synthesis of PNVP hydrogels than MBA, leading to larger gel fractions and more homogeneous network hydrogels. The hydrogels crosslinked by either DVE or XLG displayed comparable viscoelastic and compressive mechanical properties under the experimental conditions employed. The properties of the XLG-crosslinked hydrogels steadily improved as the clay content increased. The addition of XLG as a second crosslinker together with a divinyl monomer strongly enhanced the material properties in comparison with the hydrogels crosslinked by only one of the crosslinkers involved. The FTIR analyses suggested that the crosslinking of the NC hydrogels was the result of two different interactions occurring between the clay platelets and the PNVP chains. Laponite XLG displayed a uniform distribution within the NC hydrogels, the clay being mostly exfoliated. However, a small number of platelet agglomerations were still present. The PNVP hydrogels described here may find applications for water purification and in the biomedical field as drug delivery systems or wound dressings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionela Alice Podaru
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Armament Systems and Mechatronics Department, Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39–49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paul O. Stănescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Ginghină
- Chemical Technologies for CBRN Defense Department, Research and Innovation Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology, 225 Olteniţei Ave., 041327 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ştefania Stoleriu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Trică
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Şomoghi
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Petroleum Technology and Petrochemistry, Petroleum and Gas University of Ploiesti, 39 Bucuresti Blvd., 100680 Ploiesti, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-7-4590-7871
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25
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Petreanu I, Niculescu VC, Enache S, Iacob C, Teodorescu M. Structural Characterization of Silica and Amino-Silica Nanoparticles by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy. ANAL LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2022.2083144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Petreanu
- National Research and Development Institute for Cyogenic and Isotopic Technologies, ICSI Ramnicu Valcea, Ramnicu Valcea, Valcea, Romania
| | - Violeta-Carolina Niculescu
- National Research and Development Institute for Cyogenic and Isotopic Technologies, ICSI Ramnicu Valcea, Ramnicu Valcea, Valcea, Romania
| | - Stanica Enache
- National Research and Development Institute for Cyogenic and Isotopic Technologies, ICSI Ramnicu Valcea, Ramnicu Valcea, Valcea, Romania
| | - Ciprian Iacob
- National Research and Development Institute for Cyogenic and Isotopic Technologies, ICSI Ramnicu Valcea, Ramnicu Valcea, Valcea, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, The University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Voitiuk K, Geng J, Keefe MG, Parks DF, Sanso SE, Hawthorne N, Freeman DB, Currie R, Mostajo-Radji MA, Pollen AA, Nowakowski TJ, Salama SR, Teodorescu M, Haussler D. Light-weight electrophysiology hardware and software platform for cloud-based neural recording experiments. J Neural Eng 2021; 18:10.1088/1741-2552/ac310a. [PMID: 34666315 PMCID: PMC8667733 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac310a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Neural activity represents a functional readout of neurons that is increasingly important to monitor in a wide range of experiments. Extracellular recordings have emerged as a powerful technique for measuring neural activity because these methods do not lead to the destruction or degradation of the cells being measured. Current approaches to electrophysiology have a low throughput of experiments due to manual supervision and expensive equipment. This bottleneck limits broader inferences that can be achieved with numerous long-term recorded samples.Approach.We developed Piphys, an inexpensive open source neurophysiological recording platform that consists of both hardware and software. It is easily accessed and controlled via a standard web interface through Internet of Things (IoT) protocols.Main results.We used a Raspberry Pi as the primary processing device along with an Intan bioamplifier. We designed a hardware expansion circuit board and software to enable voltage sampling and user interaction. This standalone system was validated with primary human neurons, showing reliability in collecting neural activity in near real-time.Significance.The hardware modules and cloud software allow for remote control of neural recording experiments as well as horizontal scalability, enabling long-term observations of development, organization, and neural activity at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Voitiuk
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Jinghui Geng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Matthew G Keefe
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - David F Parks
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Sebastian E Sanso
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Nico Hawthorne
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Daniel B Freeman
- Universal Audio Inc., Scotts Valley, CA 95066, United States of America
| | - Rob Currie
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - Alex A Pollen
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States of America
| | - Sofie R Salama
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States of America
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States of America
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27
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Ly VT, Baudin PV, Pansodtee P, Jung EA, Voitiuk K, Rosen YM, Willsey HR, Mantalas GL, Seiler ST, Selberg JA, Cordero SA, Ross JM, Rolandi M, Pollen AA, Nowakowski TJ, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA, Salama SR, Teodorescu M. Picroscope: low-cost system for simultaneous longitudinal biological imaging. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1261. [PMID: 34737378 PMCID: PMC8569150 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02779-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous longitudinal imaging across multiple conditions and replicates has been crucial for scientific studies aiming to understand biological processes and disease. Yet, imaging systems capable of accomplishing these tasks are economically unattainable for most academic and teaching laboratories around the world. Here, we propose the Picroscope, which is the first low-cost system for simultaneous longitudinal biological imaging made primarily using off-the-shelf and 3D-printed materials. The Picroscope is compatible with standard 24-well cell culture plates and captures 3D z-stack image data. The Picroscope can be controlled remotely, allowing for automatic imaging with minimal intervention from the investigator. Here, we use this system in a range of applications. We gathered longitudinal whole organism image data for frogs, zebrafish, and planaria worms. We also gathered image data inside an incubator to observe 2D monolayers and 3D mammalian tissue culture models. Using this tool, we can measure the behavior of entire organisms or individual cells over long-time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria T Ly
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
| | - Pierre V Baudin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Pattawong Pansodtee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Erik A Jung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Yohei M Rosen
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gary L Mantalas
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Spencer T Seiler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - John A Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sergio A Cordero
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Jayden M Ross
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Alex A Pollen
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sofie R Salama
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
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28
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Panaitescu DM, Popa MS, Raditoiu V, Frone AN, Sacarescu L, Gabor AR, Nicolae CA, Teodorescu M. Effect of calcium stearate as a lubricant and catalyst on the thermal degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 190:780-791. [PMID: 34517031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a promising substitute to petroleum-based polymers in packaging and biomedical applications provided that its melt processability and degradability are improved. A new method to control the properties of PHB by using cheap calcium stearate (CS) as a lubricant and decomposition catalyst in melt-mixed PHB-CS compounds was first used. CS is composed of a metallic cation, which promotes PHB degradation, and a hydrophobic anion that improves the compatibility with PHB and processability. An environmentally friendly melt mixing technique was employed to obtain the PHB-CS compounds. Incorporation of 0.5 or 5 wt% CS reduced the melt viscosity and molecular weight of PHB, decreased the melting temperature with up to 5 °C, the crystallization temperature with more than 25 °C, and the degradation temperature with 15 and 40 °C, respectively. In small amounts (0.05 wt%), CS improved the processability and mechanical properties of PHB. In higher amount (0.5 wt%), CS slightly improved the Young's modulus, reduced the tensile strength and enhanced degradation. A better control of thermal and mechanical properties of PHB is, thus, possible by using different CS amount and processing conditions. These results are relevant for PHB application in the context of the global transition to biodegradable packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Marius Stelian Popa
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania; Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentin Raditoiu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Nicoleta Frone
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liviu Sacarescu
- Romanian Academy, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41 A Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487, Iasi, Romania
| | - Augusta Raluca Gabor
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Andi Nicolae
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
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29
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Toader G, Diacon A, Rusen E, Rizea F, Teodorescu M, Stanescu PO, Damian C, Rotariu A, Trana E, Bucur F, Ginghina R. A Facile Synthesis Route of Hybrid Polyurea-Polyurethane-MWCNTs Nanocomposite Coatings for Ballistic Protection and Experimental Testing in Dynamic Regime. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13101618. [PMID: 34067679 PMCID: PMC8156591 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes a simple, practical, inexpensive, improved, and efficient novel method for obtaining polyurea-polyurethane-multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties, and their experimental testing in a dynamic regime. SEM and micro-CT investigations validated the homogeneity of the nanocomposite films and uniform dispersion of the nanofiller inside the polymeric matrix. The experimental measurements (TGA, DSC, DMA, and tensile tests) revealed improved thermal and mechanical properties of these new materials. To demonstrate that these nanocomposites are suitable for ballistic protection, impact tests were performed on aluminum plates coated with the polyurea-polyurethane MWCNTs nanocomposites, using a Hopkinson bar set-up. The experimental testing in the dynamic regime of the polyurea- polyurethane-coated aluminum plates confirmed that the nanocomposite layers allow the metal plate to maintain its integrity at a maximum force value that is almost 200% higher than for the uncoated metallic specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toader
- Faculty of Weapon Systems Engineering and Mechatronics, Military Technical Academy, 39-49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (A.R.); (E.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Aurel Diacon
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (E.R.); (F.R.); (M.T.); (P.O.S.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Edina Rusen
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (E.R.); (F.R.); (M.T.); (P.O.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Florica Rizea
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (E.R.); (F.R.); (M.T.); (P.O.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (E.R.); (F.R.); (M.T.); (P.O.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Paul O. Stanescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (E.R.); (F.R.); (M.T.); (P.O.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Celina Damian
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (E.R.); (F.R.); (M.T.); (P.O.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Adrian Rotariu
- Faculty of Weapon Systems Engineering and Mechatronics, Military Technical Academy, 39-49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (A.R.); (E.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Eugen Trana
- Faculty of Weapon Systems Engineering and Mechatronics, Military Technical Academy, 39-49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (A.R.); (E.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Florina Bucur
- Faculty of Weapon Systems Engineering and Mechatronics, Military Technical Academy, 39-49 George Cosbuc Boulevard, 050141 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.); (A.R.); (E.T.); (F.B.)
| | - Raluca Ginghina
- Scientific Research Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology, 225 Soseaua Oltenitei, 041327 Bucharest, Romania;
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Ninciuleanu CM, Ianchiş R, Alexandrescu E, Mihăescu CI, Scomoroşcenco C, Nistor CL, Preda S, Petcu C, Teodorescu M. The Effects of Monomer, Crosslinking Agent, and Filler Concentrations on the Viscoelastic and Swelling Properties of Poly(methacrylic acid) Hydrogels: A Comparison. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:ma14092305. [PMID: 33946776 PMCID: PMC8124361 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present work aims at comparatively studying the effects of the concentrations of a monomer (10–30 wt% based on the whole hydrogel composition), crosslinking agent (1–3 mol% based on the monomer), and reinforcing agent (montmorillonite-MMT, 1–3 wt.% based on the whole hydrogel composition) on the swelling and viscoelastic properties of the crosslinked hydrogels prepared from methacrylic acid (MAA) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) in the presence of K2S2O8 in aqueous solution. The viscoelastic measurements, carried out on the as-prepared hydrogels, showed that the monomer concentration had the largest impact, its three-time enhancement causing a 30-fold increase in the storage modulus, as compared with only a fivefold increase in the case of the crosslinking agent and 1.5-fold increase for MMT in response to a similar threefold concentration increase. Swelling studies, performed at three pH values, revealed that the water absorption of the hydrogels decreased with increasing concentration of both the monomer and crosslinking agent, with the amplitude of the effect of concentration modification being similar at pH 5.4 and 7.4 in both cases, but very different at pH 1.2. Further, it was shown that the increased pH differently influenced the swelling degree in the case of the hydrogel series in which the concentrations of the monomer and crosslinking agent were varied. In contrast to the effect of the monomer and crosslinking agent concentrations, the increase in the MMT amount in the hydrogel resulted in an increased swelling degree at pH 5.4 and 7.4, while at pH 1.2, a slight decrease in the water absorption was noticed. The hydrogel crosslinking density determinations revealed that this parameter was most affected by the increase in the monomer concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mihaela Ninciuleanu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.N.); (R.I.); (E.A.); (C.I.M.); (C.S.); (C.L.N.)
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Ianchiş
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.N.); (R.I.); (E.A.); (C.I.M.); (C.S.); (C.L.N.)
| | - Elvira Alexandrescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.N.); (R.I.); (E.A.); (C.I.M.); (C.S.); (C.L.N.)
| | - Cătălin Ionuţ Mihăescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.N.); (R.I.); (E.A.); (C.I.M.); (C.S.); (C.L.N.)
| | - Cristina Scomoroşcenco
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.N.); (R.I.); (E.A.); (C.I.M.); (C.S.); (C.L.N.)
| | - Cristina Lavinia Nistor
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.N.); (R.I.); (E.A.); (C.I.M.); (C.S.); (C.L.N.)
| | - Silviu Preda
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, 6th District, P.O. Box 194, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Cristian Petcu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, Spl. Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.N.); (R.I.); (E.A.); (C.I.M.); (C.S.); (C.L.N.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (M.T.)
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Scomoroscenco C, Teodorescu M, Raducan A, Stan M, Voicu SN, Trica B, Ninciuleanu CM, Nistor CL, Mihaescu CI, Petcu C, Cinteza LO. Novel Gel Microemulsion as Topical Drug Delivery System for Curcumin in Dermatocosmetics. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040505. [PMID: 33916981 PMCID: PMC8067601 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gel microemulsion combines the advantages of the microemulsion, which can encapsulate, protect and deliver large quantities of active ingredients, and the gel, which is so appreciated in the cosmetic industry. This study aimed to develop and characterize new gel microemulsions suitable for topical cosmetic applications, using grape seed oil as the oily phase, which is often employed in pharmaceuticals, especially in cosmetics. The optimized microemulsion was formulated using Tween 80 and Plurol® Diisostearique CG as a surfactant mix and ethanol as a co-solvent. Three different water-soluble polymers were selected in order to increase the viscosity of the microemulsion: Carbopol® 980 NF, chitosan, and sodium hyaluronate salt. All used ingredients are safe, biocompatible and biodegradable. Curcumin was chosen as a model drug. The obtained systems were physico-chemically characterized by means of electrical conductivity, dynamic light scattering, polarized microscopy and rheometric measurements. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity was accomplished by MTT assay. In the final phase of the study, the release behavior of Curcumin from the optimized microemulsion and two gel microemulsions was evaluated. Additionally, mathematical models were applied to establish the kinetic release mechanism. The obtained gel microemulsions could be effective systems for incorporation and controlled release of the hydrophobic active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scomoroscenco
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (B.T.); (C.M.N.); (C.L.N.); (C.I.M.)
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 010737 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 010737 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adina Raducan
- Physical Chemistry Department, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Miruna Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, ICUB-Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, ICUB-Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Bodgan Trica
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (B.T.); (C.M.N.); (C.L.N.); (C.I.M.)
| | - Claudia Mihaela Ninciuleanu
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (B.T.); (C.M.N.); (C.L.N.); (C.I.M.)
| | - Cristina Lavinia Nistor
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (B.T.); (C.M.N.); (C.L.N.); (C.I.M.)
| | - Catalin Ionut Mihaescu
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (B.T.); (C.M.N.); (C.L.N.); (C.I.M.)
| | - Cristian Petcu
- Polymer Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (B.T.); (C.M.N.); (C.L.N.); (C.I.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (L.O.C.)
| | - Ludmila Otilia Cinteza
- Physical Chemistry Department, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (L.O.C.)
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Pulpea D, Rotariu T, Toader G, Pulpea GB, Neculae V, Teodorescu M. Decontamination of radioactive hazardous materials by using novel biodegradable strippable coatings and new generation complexing agents. Chemosphere 2020; 258:127227. [PMID: 32554003 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Eight different types of complexing agents were employed for the development of new biodegradable decontamination solutions that are able to form strippable coatings after they are dispersed and allowed to dry on a variety of surfaces contaminated with 60Co, 133Ba, 137Cs and 241Am radioactive isotopes. The new generation of eco-friendly chelators with superior biodegradability, utilized for the first time in such applications, can easily replace the non-biodegradable and carcinogenic complexing agents that are still in use today, due to their decontamination performances. Furthermore, besides the complexing action over the radionuclides, the solutions contain two types of clays, Bentonite (BT) and Saponite (SP), which have the capacity to adsorb specific ions, improving the decontamination efficiency of the solutions. Our research revealed that it is preferable to replace BT with SP, due to its better dispersibility, thermal stability, next to superior ability to gel and better thermal stability (Miles, 2011). The solutions showed a decontamination factor superior to 95% for 137Cs (on all surfaces), over 90% for 60Co and 133Ba, and more than 72% 241Am (on all surfaces), except for galvanized metal plates, where lower decontamination factors were obtained: over 70% for 133Ba, maximum 41.87% for 241Am and 43.19% for 60Co.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pulpea
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I" - MTA, Bucharest, 050141, Romania
| | - Traian Rotariu
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I" - MTA, Bucharest, 050141, Romania.
| | - Gabriela Toader
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I" - MTA, Bucharest, 050141, Romania
| | | | - Valentina Neculae
- Institute for Nuclear Research Pitesti - ICN, Mioveni, 115400, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- University Politehnica of Bucharest - UPB, Bucharest, 011061, Romania
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Spaeth A, Tebyani M, Haussler D, Teodorescu M. Spiking neural state machine for gait frequency entrainment in a flexible modular robot. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240267. [PMID: 33085673 PMCID: PMC7577446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose a modular architecture for neuromorphic closed-loop control based on bistable relaxation oscillator modules consisting of three spiking neurons each. Like its biological prototypes, this basic component is robust to parameter variation but can be modulated by external inputs. By combining these modules, we can construct a neural state machine capable of generating the cyclic or repetitive behaviors necessary for legged locomotion. A concrete case study for the approach is provided by a modular robot constructed from flexible plastic volumetric pixels, in which we produce a forward crawling gait entrained to the natural frequency of the robot by a minimal system of twelve neurons organized into four modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Spaeth
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Maryam Tebyani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
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Stănescu PO, Radu IC, Drăghici C, Teodorescu M. Controlling the thermal response of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-poly(ethylene glycol)- poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) triblock copolymers in aqueous solution by means of additives. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2020.104610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Wu C, Selberg J, Nguyen B, Pansodtee P, Jia M, Dechiraju H, Teodorescu M, Rolandi M. A Microfluidic Ion Sensor Array. Small 2020; 16:e1906436. [PMID: 31965738 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A balanced concentration of ions is essential for biological processes to occur. For example, [H+ ] gradients power adenosine triphosphate synthesis, dynamic changes in [K+ ] and [Na+ ] create action potentials in neuronal communication, and [Cl- ] contributes to maintaining appropriate cell membrane voltage. Sensing ionic concentration is thus important for monitoring and regulating many biological processes. This work demonstrates an ion-selective microelectrode array that simultaneously and independently senses [K+ ], [Na+ ], and [Cl- ] in electrolyte solutions. To obtain ion specificity, the required ion-selective membranes are patterned using microfluidics. As a proof of concept, the change in ionic concentration is monitored during cell proliferation in a cell culture medium. This microelectrode array can easily be integrated in lab-on-a-chip approaches to physiology and biological research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Wu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - John Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Brian Nguyen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Pattawong Pansodtee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Manping Jia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Harika Dechiraju
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
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Spatarelu CP, (Radu) Chiriac AL, Cursaru B, Iordache TV, Gavrila AM, Cojocaru CT, Botez RE, Trica B, Sarbu A, Teodorescu M, Tofan V, Perrin FX, Zaharia A. Composite Nanogels Based on Zeolite-Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate for Controlled Drug Delivery. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 10:E195. [PMID: 31979174 PMCID: PMC7075022 DOI: 10.3390/nano10020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study presents the design of novel composites nanogels, based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and natural zeolite particles, that are able to act as materials with controlled drug delivery properties. Natural zeolite‒nanogels composite, with varying zeolite contents, were obtained by an inverse mini-emulsion technique and loaded with 5-fluorouracil, a widely used chemotherapeutic drug. Herein, the possibility of adjusting final properties by means of modifying the preparation conditions was investigated. The prepared composite nanogels are characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In light of this tunable drug-loading capability, swelling behaviour, and cytotoxicity, these composite nanogels could be highly attractive as drug reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Paula Spatarelu
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Anita-Laura (Radu) Chiriac
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Bogdan Cursaru
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Tanta-Verona Iordache
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Ana-Mihaela Gavrila
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Crina-Thea Cojocaru
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Razvan-Edward Botez
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Bogdan Trica
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrei Sarbu
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 1st District, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Vlad Tofan
- Cantacuzino National Institute of Research-Development for Microbiology and Immunology (CNIR), 103 Spl. Independenţei, 5th District, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | | | - Anamaria Zaharia
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 6th District, P.O. Box 35/174, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.S.); (B.C.); (T.-V.I.); (A.-M.G.); (C.-T.C.); (R.-E.B.); (B.T.); (A.S.)
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Vasile E, Pandele AM, Andronescu C, Selaru A, Dinescu S, Costache M, Hanganu A, Raicopol MD, Teodorescu M. Hema-Functionalized Graphene Oxide: a Versatile Nanofiller for Poly(Propylene Fumarate)-Based Hybrid Materials. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18685. [PMID: 31822794 PMCID: PMC6904734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a linear unsaturated polyester which has been widely investigated for tissue engineering due to its good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In order to extend the range of possible applications and enhance its mechanical properties, current approaches consist in the incorporation of various fillers or obtaining blends with other polymers. In the current study we designed a reinforcing agent based on carboxylated graphene oxide (GO-COOH) grafted with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (GO@HEMA) for poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PPF/PEGDMA), in order to enhance the nanofiller adhesion and compatibility with the polymer matrix, and in the same time to increase the crosslinking density. The covalent modification of GO-COOH was proved by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical properties, water uptake capacity, morphology, biodegradability, mineralization and in vitro cytotoxicity of PPF/PEGDMA hybrid materials containing GO@HEMA were investigated. A 14-fold increase of the compressive modulus and a 2-fold improvement in compressive strength were observed after introduction of the nanofiller. Moreover, the decrease in sol fraction and solvent swelling in case of the hybrid materials containing GO@HEMA suggests an increase of the crosslinking density. SEM images illustrate an exfoliated structure at lower nanofiller content and a tendency for agglomeration at higher concentrations. Finally, the synthesized hybrid materials proved non-cytotoxic to murine pre-osteoblast cells and induced the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals under mineralization conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugeniu Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea M Pandele
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Andronescu
- Chemical Technology III, University of Duisburg-Essen, Carl-Benz-Straße 199, D-47057, Duisburg, Germany
- CENIDE Center for Nanointegration, University of Duisburg-Essen, Carl-Benz-Straße 199, D-47057, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Aida Selaru
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anamaria Hanganu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Catalysis, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Şos. Panduri, 050657, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Matei D Raicopol
- Costin Nenitzescu" Department of Organic Chemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061, Bucharest, Romania
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Toader G, Stănescu PO, Zecheru T, Rotariu T, El-Ghayoury A, Teodorescu M. Water-based strippable coatings containing bentonite clay for heavy metal surface decontamination. ARAB J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Cursaru B, Radu AL, Perrin FX, Sarbu A, Teodorescu M, Gavrilă AM, Damian CM, Sandu T, Iordache TV, Zaharia A. Poly(ethylene glycol) Composite Hydrogels with Natural Zeolite as Filler for Controlled Delivery Applications. Macromol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-020-8029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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40
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Strakosas X, Selberg J, Pansodtee P, Yonas N, Manapongpun P, Teodorescu M, Rolandi M. A non-enzymatic glucose sensor enabled by bioelectronic pH control. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10844. [PMID: 31350439 PMCID: PMC6659689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46302-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous glucose monitoring from sweat and tears can improve the quality of life of diabetic patients and provide data for more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Current continuous glucose sensors use enzymes with a one-to-two week lifespan, which forces periodic replacement. Metal oxide sensors are an alternative to enzymatic sensors with a longer lifetime. However, metal oxide sensors do not operate in sweat and tears because they function at high pH (pH > 10), and sweat and tears are neutral (pH = 7). Here, we introduce a non-enzymatic metal oxide glucose sensor that functions in neutral fluids by electronically inducing a reversible and localized pH change. We demonstrate glucose monitoring at physiologically relevant levels in neutral fluids mimicking sweat, and wireless communication with a personal computer via an integrated circuit board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenofon Strakosas
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - John Selberg
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Pattawong Pansodtee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Nebyu Yonas
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Pattawut Manapongpun
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
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Abstract
Modern immersive virtual reality experiences have the unique potential to motivate patients undergoing physical therapy for performing intensive repetitive task-based treatment and can be utilized to collect real-time user data to track adherence and compliance rates. This article reports the design and evaluation of an immersive virtual reality game using the HTC Vive for upper limb rehabilitation, titled “Project Star Catcher” (PSC), aimed at users with hemiparesis. The game mechanics were adapted from modified Constraint Induced Therapy (mCIT), an established therapy method where users are asked to use the weaker arm by physically binding the stronger arm. Our adaptation changes the physical to psychological binding by providing various types of immersive stimulation to influence the use of the weaker arm. PSC was evaluated by users with combined developmental and physical impairments as well as stroke survivors. The results suggest that we were successful in providing a motivating experience for performing mCIT as well as a cost-effective solution for real-time data capture during therapy. We conclude the article with a set of considerations for immersive virtual reality therapy game design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviv Elor
- University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
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Lessard S, Pansodtee P, Robbins A, Trombadore JM, Kurniawan S, Teodorescu M. A Soft Exosuit for Flexible Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2018; 26:1604-1617. [DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2018.2854219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Zaharia A, Radu AL, Iancu S, Florea AM, Sandu T, Minca I, Fruth-Oprisan V, Teodorescu M, Sarbu A, Iordache TV. Bacterial cellulose-poly(acrylic acid-co-N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide) interpenetrated networks for the controlled release of fertilizers. RSC Adv 2018; 8:17635-17644. [PMID: 35542079 PMCID: PMC9080491 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra01733f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, composite hydrogels with interpenetrated polymer networks (IPNs), based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and poly(acrylic acid-co-N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide) (PAA), were synthesized by radical polymerization and characterized herein for the first time. Liquid fertilizer (LF) formulations, containing potassium, phosphorus, ammonium oxides and micronutrients, were encapsulated directly into the IPNs of the composite hydrogels during synthesis. Thermal analyses and scanning electron microscopy of control and composite xerogels highlighted the formation of IPNs between BC and PAA. Swelling determinations confirmed the influence of the crosslinker and of the liquid fertilizer concentration upon the density of the IPNs. Further rheology studies and release profiles indicated how the presence of BC and the increase of the crosslinking density of IPNs improved the mechanical strength and the release profile of LF for the innovative composite BC-PAA hydrogels. Results regarding the fertilizer release indicated that the presence of the BC led to a more controlled liberation of the fertilizer proving that this new formulation is potentially viable for application in agricultural practices. In this study, composite hydrogels with interpenetrated polymer networks (IPNs), based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and poly(acrylic acid-co-N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide) (PAA) were synthesized by radical polymerization.![]()
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Firuleasa IL, Popovici DG, Moldovan VM, Mihaescu Pintia C, Teodorescu M, Galaon M, Scintee SG, Vladescu C, Florescu S. Community care in mental health patients - a systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx186.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- IL Firuleasa
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - DG Popovici
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - VM Moldovan
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Mihaescu Pintia
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Teodorescu
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Galaon
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - SG Scintee
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Vladescu
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Florescu
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
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Teodorescu M, Firuleasa IL, Popovici DG, Galaon M, Mihaescu-Pintia C, Moldovan MV, Florescu S. Predictors of return to work in spinal cord injury - a systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx186.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Teodorescu
- Elias University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - IL Firuleasa
- Elias University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - DG Popovici
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Galaon
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Mihaescu-Pintia
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - MV Moldovan
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Florescu
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
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Florescu S, Galaon M, Popovici DG, Pintia CM, Teodorescu M, Firuleasa IL, Moldovan VM, Scintee SG, Vladescu C. PTSD in adolescents – factors explaining resilience and risk - a systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx189.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Florescu
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Galaon
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - DG Popovici
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Mihaescu Pintia
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Teodorescu
- Elias Emergency University hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - IL Firuleasa
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - VM Moldovan
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - SG Scintee
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Vladescu
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
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Lessard S, Pansodtee P, Robbins A, Baltaxe-Admony LB, Trombadore JM, Teodorescu M, Agogino A, Kurniawan S. CRUX: A compliant robotic upper-extremity exosuit for lightweight, portable, multi-joint muscular augmentation. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2017; 2017:1633-1638. [PMID: 28814054 DOI: 10.1109/icorr.2017.8009482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Wearable robots can potentially offer their users enhanced stability and strength. These augmentations are ideally designed to actuate harmoniously with the user's movements and provide extra force as needed. The creation of such robots, however, is particularly challenging due to the underlying complexity of the human body. In this paper, we present a compliant, robotic exosuit for upper extremities called CRUX. This exosuit, inspired by tensegrity models of the human arm, features a lightweight (1.3 kg), flexible multi-joint design for portable augmentation. We also illustrate how CRUX maintains the full range of motion of the upper-extremities for its users while providing multi-DoF strength amplification to the major muscles of the arm, as evident by tracking the heart rate of an individual exercising said arm. Exosuits such as CRUX may be useful in physical therapy and in extreme environments where users are expected to exert their bodies to the fullest extent.
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Andrei M, Stǎnescu PO, Drǎghici C, Teodorescu M. Degradable thermosensitive injectable hydrogels with two-phase composite structure from aqueous solutions of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-5,6-benzo-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane)—poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymers and biopolymers. Colloid Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-017-4161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Toader G, Rusen E, Teodorescu M, Diacon A, Stanescu PO, Damian C, Rotariu T, Rotariu A. New polyurea MWCNTs nanocomposite films with enhanced mechanical properties. J Appl Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/app.45061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toader
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; University Politehnica of Bucharest; 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street Bucharest 011061 Romania
- Military Technical Academy; 39-49 George Cosbuc Boulevard Bucharest 050141 Romania
| | - Edina Rusen
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; University Politehnica of Bucharest; 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street Bucharest 011061 Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; University Politehnica of Bucharest; 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street Bucharest 011061 Romania
| | - Aurel Diacon
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; University Politehnica of Bucharest; 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street Bucharest 011061 Romania
| | - Paul O. Stanescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; University Politehnica of Bucharest; 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street Bucharest 011061 Romania
| | - Celina Damian
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; University Politehnica of Bucharest; 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street Bucharest 011061 Romania
| | - Traian Rotariu
- Military Technical Academy; 39-49 George Cosbuc Boulevard Bucharest 050141 Romania
| | - Adrian Rotariu
- Military Technical Academy; 39-49 George Cosbuc Boulevard Bucharest 050141 Romania
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Rubin RL, Teodorescu M, Beutner EH, Plunkett RW. Complement-fixing properties of antinuclear antibodies distinguish drug-induced lupus from systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2016; 13:249-56. [PMID: 15176661 DOI: 10.1191/0961203304lu1007oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The immunofluorescence antinuclear antibody (ANA) test has been widely used to monitor autoimmune disease, but its value for diagnostic purposes is compromised by low specificity and high prevalence in disease-free individuals. The capacity of autoantibodies to fix serum complement proteins when bound to antigen is an important effector function because this property is associated with acute and chronic inflammatory processes. The current study evaluates the complement-fixing properties of antinuclear antibodies (CANA) in three well-defined and clinically-related patient groups: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), drug-induced lupus (DIL) and drug-induced autoimmunity (DIA). Of 20 patients diagnosed with SLE, 90% displayed complement-fixing ANA while this feature was present in only two of 18 patients with DIL and no patients with DIA without associated disease even though the mean ANA titres were similar among these patient groups. CANA was significantly correlated with anti-Sm activity. Because SLE but not DIL or DIA can be a life-threatening disease associated with complement consumption in vivo, these results demonstrate that measurement of CANA is a diagnostically useful tool and may have immunopathologic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Rubin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Medical School, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
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