Cannabis sativa L. is a plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family known primarily for its recreational use due to the psychoactive properties of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Despite this, several compounds belonging to the category of phytocannabinoids have shown in recent years a number of potentially promising therapeutic effects that have increased the interest in the pharmaceutical field towards this plant. However, the content of these compounds is very variable and influenced by different factors, such as growing conditions and time of the year. An indication of the status and age of Cannabis samples is provided by the content of CBN, a minor phytocannabinoid and degradation product of other phytocannabinoids, including THC. In this research work an innovative, solid state analytical approach has been developed to observe and evaluate the variations in the content of two phytocannabinoids (CBN and CBD) in Cannabis-derived products over time. In order to simulate the ageing of the Cannabis samples, an artificially accelerated ageing procedure has been developed and optimised by using high temperatures. The analyses were carried out using an innovative ATR-FTIR method for solid state analysis, enabling direct analysis of a solid sample without any pretreatment phase. This study has allowed the development of an innovative analytical approach for the evaluation of the age and state of conservation of Cannabis samples and may be a useful tool both in the industrial, pharmaceutical and forensic fields.
- MeSH
- Cannabis * chemistry MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Cannabidiol analysis chemistry MeSH
- Cannabinoids * analysis chemistry MeSH
- Plant Extracts chemistry analysis MeSH
- Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared methods MeSH
- Drug Stability MeSH
- Dronabinol analysis chemistry MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The aim of the study is to investigate the differences in the interaction of three structurally diverse anthocyanidins, namely peonidin, petunidin, and delphinidin, as well as their glucosides with model biological membranes, human albumin, and plasmid DNA in order to look into their structure-activity relationships. Fluorimetric studies, as well as ATR-FTIR analyses, were jointly used in order to determine the changes observed in both the hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers of cell-mimic membranes (MM) which reflected the membrane lipid composition of tumour cells and red blood cell membranes (RBCM). Our results showed that anthocyanins and anthocyanidins can cause an increase in the packing order of the polar heads of lipids, as well as interact with their deeper layers by reducing the fluidity of lipid chains. The results presented here indicate that all compounds tested here possessed the ability to bind to human serum albumin (HSA) and the presence of a glucose molecule within the structures formed by anthocyanidin reduces their ability to bind to proteins. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, it was demonstrated that the compounds tested here were capable of forming stable complexes with plasmid DNA and, particularly, strong DNA conformational changes were observed in the presence of petunidin and corresponding glucoside, as well as delphinidin. The results we obtained can be useful in comprehending the anthocyanins therapeutic action as molecular antioxidants and provide a valuable insight into their mechanism of action.
One of the major goals of vascular tissue engineering is to develop much-needed materials that are suitable for use in small-diameter vascular grafts. Poly(1,8-octamethylene citrate) can be considered for manufacturing small blood vessel substitutes, as recent studies have demonstrated that this material is cytocompatible with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) and favors their adhesion and viability. The work presented here is focused on modifying this polymer with glutathione (GSH) in order to provide it with antioxidant properties, which are believed to reduce oxidative stress in blood vessels. Cross-linked poly(1,8-octamethylene citrate) (cPOC) was therefore prepared by polycondensation of citric acid and 1,8-octanediol at a 2:3 molar ratio of the reagents, followed by in-bulk modification with 0.4, 0.8, 4 or 8 wt.% of GSH and curing at 80 °C for 10 days. The chemical structure of the obtained samples was examined by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, which confirmed the presence of GSH in the modified cPOC. The addition of GSH increased the water drop contact angle of the material surface and lowered the surface free energy values. The cytocompatibility of the modified cPOC was evaluated in direct contact with vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMCs) and ASCs. The cell number, the cell spreading area and the cell aspect ratio were measured. The antioxidant potential of GSH-modified cPOC was measured by a free radical scavenging assay. The results of our investigation indicate the potential of cPOC modified with 0.4 and 0.8 wt.% of GSH to produce small-diameter blood vessels, as the material was found to: (i) have antioxidant properties, (ii) support VSMC and ASC viability and growth and (iii) provide an environment suitable for the initiation of cell differentiation.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
A novel approach had been carried out to develop fungal consortium, namely, RH-2, containing two marine procured fungal isolates in order to evaluate biodegradation of recalcitrant diazo dye Congo red. The fungi were isolated from the seacoast of Diu, India. According to the ITS sequencing, the strains were identified as Penicillium oxalicum (DS-2) and Aspergillus tubingensis (DS-4). Discs of 12 mm were cut out from the edge of both the fungal isolates (DS-2 and DS-4) and inoculated in flasks consisting of potato dextrose broth with 100 mg/L Congo red for the development of fungal consortium RH-2. The degradation by the fungal consortium RH-2 was more effective than the fungal monocultures DS-2 and DS-4 with the respective degradation reaching 97.15 ± 0.15%, 68.96 ± 0.09%, and 29.96 ± 0.21% in addition of yeast extract (1% w/v) within 12 h. The influence of dextrose (1% w/v), yeast extract (1% w/v), pH 5, and salt concentration (1% w/v) enhanced the degradation potential of fungal consortium RH-2. The maximal degradation was correlated with the production of laccase (12.498 ± 0.21 U/mL) and manganese peroxidase (10.314 ± 0.25 U/mL). The catabolism of Congo red was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopic analysis (Congo red λ-max = 499 nm) and ATR-FTIR spectroscopic analysis. The filtrates obtained after Congo red degradation were also evaluated for microbial toxicity against bacteria (Bacillus haynesii) and phytotoxicity analysis on plant seed (Trigonella foenum) which revealed that the filtrate acquired after the treatment of Congo red by fungal consortium RH-2 was less toxic than the original dye in nature. A novel aspect is determined by the evidence of mutualistic interaction between two different fungi for the rapid decolorization and degradation of dye providing a prospective of utilizing the developed consortium RH-2 as a cost-effective approach in textile wastewater treatment for cleaner environment.
Uniformly sized magnetite nanoparticles (Dn = 16 nm) were prepared by a thermal decomposition of Fe(III) oleate in octadec-1-ene and stabilized by oleic acid. The particles were coated with Sipomer PAM-200 containing both phosphate and methacrylic groups available for the attachment to the iron oxide and at the same time enabling (co)polymerization of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and/or 2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate at two molar ratios. The poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) and poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate] [P(DMAEMA-TBAEMA)] polymers and the particles were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetometry, and ATR FTIR and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antimicrobial effect of cationic polymer-coated magnetite nanoparticles tested on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was found to be time- and dose-responsive. The P(DMAEMA-TBAEMA)-coated magnetite particles possessed superior biocidal properties compared to those of P(DMAEMA)-coated one.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The assembly of bio-based macromolecules of gum kondagogu/sodium alginate (KO/SA) was fabricated using glycerol as a plasticiser and their optimum blending ratio was identified based on their physical and chemical, structural, mechanical, barrier, and morphological properties. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis show that both biomacromolecules are well organised due to the hydrogen bond interaction between molecular chains involving the hydroxyl, carbonyl, and acetyl groups. Structural identification was performed by recording X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to identify the distinction between the surface of the films of biopolymers, and their conjugates, where the addition of SA increased the surface homogeneity and smoothness. The water contact angle of the blend films reached up to 81°, although the value for pure biomacromolecule films was very low. The blend films also exhibited high tensile strength (up to 24 MPa) compared to the pure biopolymer films. Investigation of film-forming ability, mechanical strength, permeability, transparency, and biodegradability of the developed KO/SA bio-macromolecular association may be established as green and sustainable food packaging films.
- MeSH
- Alginates chemistry MeSH
- Bixaceae chemistry MeSH
- Membranes, Artificial * MeSH
- Food Packaging * MeSH
- Plant Gums chemistry MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The effectiveness of cell transplantation can be improved by optimization of the transplantation site. For some types of cells that form highly oxygen-demanding tissue, e.g., pancreatic islets, a successful engraftment depends on immediate and sufficient blood supply. This critical point can be avoided when cells are transplanted into a bioengineered pre-vascularized cavity which can be formed using a polymer scaffold. In our study, we tested surface-modified poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) capsular scaffolds containing the pro-angiogenic factor VEGF. After each modification step (i.e., amination and heparinization), the surface properties and morphology of scaffolds were characterized by ATR-FTIR and XPS spectroscopy, and by SEM and AFM. All modifications preserved the gross capsule morphology and maintained the open pore structure. Optimized aminolysis conditions decreased the Mw of PLCL only up to 10% while generating a sufficient number of NH2 groups required for the covalent immobilization of heparin. The heparin layer served as a VEGF reservoir with an in vitro VEGF release for at least four weeks. In vivo studies revealed that to obtain highly vascularized PLCL capsules (a) the optimal VEGF dose for the capsule was 50 μg and (b) the implantation time was four weeks when implanted into the greater omentum of Lewis rats; dense fibrous tissue accompanied by vessels completely infiltrated the scaffold and created sparse granulation tissue within the internal cavity of the capsule. The prepared pre-vascularized pouch enabled the islet graft survival and functioning for at least 50 days after islet transplantation. The proposed construct can be used to create a reliable pre-vascularized pouch for cell transplantation.
- MeSH
- Bioengineering * MeSH
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental chemically induced metabolism pathology MeSH
- Neovascularization, Physiologic * MeSH
- Injections, Intraperitoneal MeSH
- Blood Glucose analysis MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Molecular Structure MeSH
- Polyesters chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Rats, Inbred Lew MeSH
- Streptozocin administration & dosage MeSH
- Capsules chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Islets of Langerhans Transplantation * MeSH
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Particle Size MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are microbial polyesters which are considered being biological alternatives to petrochemical polymers. Extremophiles, such as thermophilic PHA producers, hold promise to improve competitiveness of PHA production process. Therefore, this work aimed at isolation of new strains, which could produce PHA under elevated temperature. Since traditional Nile red staining of colonies provided false positive results in thermophiles, we developed a novel strategy of enriching microbial consortia by PHA producers. This so called "osmoselective strategy" is based on application of osmotic challenge by sudden exposition of the mixed microbial culture to hypertonic and subsequently to hypotonic conditions; moreover, this strategy relies on the fact that PHA protect bacteria from negative effects of rapid fluctuations in osmotic pressure. In combination with fast and reliable ATR-FTIR inspection of selected colonies for presence of PHA, we were able to isolate several promising thermophilic or thermotolerant PHA producing strains belonging to the genera Bacillus, Aneurinibacillus and Chelatococcus, which indeed deserves further investigation to evaluate their potential for industrial production of PHA.
- MeSH
- Alphaproteobacteria isolation & purification MeSH
- Bacillales isolation & purification MeSH
- Bacillus isolation & purification MeSH
- Bacteria isolation & purification MeSH
- Bioreactors MeSH
- DNA, Bacterial MeSH
- Fermentation MeSH
- Microbial Consortia * MeSH
- Osmosis MeSH
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates chemistry MeSH
- Base Sequence MeSH
- Thermotolerance MeSH
- Hot Temperature MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Japanese knotweed (JK) is considered one of the most problematic invasive plants. Great attention was paid to research any possibilities of reducing its occurrence. This work deals with possibilities of easy transformation of JK into carbon adsorbent (AC), which is usable for sorption of diclofenac and paracetamol. Activated carbons were prepared by microwave heating using H3PO4, NaOH and sodium methanolate as the chemical agents. Characterization of AC's was carried out using BET, ATR-FTIR, SEM, adsorption equilibrium and kinetics experiments. The pseudo-second-order model showed the best similarity criteria for all studied systems adsorbent/adsorbate. The sorption efficiency was influenced by the choice of activating agent, where the π-π interactions between the planes of the obtained adsorbent and the aromatic rings of adsorbate and the interactions between the adsorbate and AC functional groups of the surface played an important role. AC-H3PO4 exhibited highest adsorption capacity for both diclofenac (87.09 mg.g-1) and paracetamol (136.61 mg.g-1).
- MeSH
- Adsorption MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
- Charcoal * MeSH
- Kinetics MeSH
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration MeSH
- Water MeSH
- Xenobiotics MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sealing performance of self-etch adhesives (SEA) after smear layer deproteinization with chemo-mechanical caries removal agents (CRA) to enamel and dentin cavity walls in comparison with 6% NaOCl smear layer deproteinizing. METHODS: Eighty extracted bovine incisors with tapered cylindrical cavities (2.5 mm upper diameter, 1.5 mm lower diameter, 2 mm depth) at the cemento-enamel junction were randomly divided into four pre-treatment groups; no treatment (control), Papacarie (papain enzyme-based CRA), Carisolv (NaOCl-based CRA), and 6% NaOCl. After pretreatment, G-Bond Plus (GBP, one-step SEA) or Clearfil SE Bond 2 (CSE, two-step SEA) was applied to the pre-treated cavity, and then filled with a flowable resin composite (Clearfil Majesty ES Flow). Gap formations at the enamel and dentin lateral walls, and on the dentin cavity floor were investigated using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) after 24-h water storage at 37 °C. Deproteinizing effects of the tested agents on smear layer-covered enamel and dentin were quantified by changes in the amide:phosphate ratio using ATR-FTIR analysis. RESULTS: Papacarie significantly reduced gap formation with both self-etch adhesives at all locations, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, increased gap formation was observed with Carisolv and NaOCl. In most groups, CSE exhibited significantly lower gap formation than GBP (p < 0.05). ATR-FTIR revealed a significant decrease in the amide:phosphate ratio for all the deproteinizing agents (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chemo-mechanical CRAs could effectively remove the organic phase of enamel and dentin smear layer. The papain enzyme-based gel Papacarie could improve the sealing performance of the self-etch adhesives to both enamel and dentin.
- MeSH
- Adhesives MeSH
- Dentin MeSH
- Dentin-Bonding Agents MeSH
- Resin Cements MeSH
- Cattle MeSH
- Composite Resins MeSH
- Smear Layer * MeSH
- Materials Testing MeSH
- Dental Bonding * MeSH
- Dental Cements MeSH
- Dental Enamel MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Cattle MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
