28 research outputs found
Adsorption and Desorption of Bile Salts at Air–Water and Oil–Water Interfaces
Bile Salts (BS) adsorb onto emulsified oil droplets to promote lipolysis and then desorb,
solubilizing lipolytic products, a process which plays a crucial role in lipid digestion. Hence, investigating
the mechanism of adsorption and desorption of BS onto the oil–water interface is of major
importance to understand and control BS functionality. This can have implications in the rational
design of products with tailored digestibility. This study shows the adsorption and desorption
curves of BS at air–water and oil–water interfaces obtained by pendant drop tensiometry. Three BS
have been chosen with different conjugation and hydroxyl groups: Sodium Taurocholate (NaTC),
Glycodeoxycholate (NaGDC) and Sodium Glycochenodeoxycholate (NaGCDC). Experimental results
show important differences between the type of BS and the nature of the interface (air/oil–water). At
the air–water interface, Glycine conjugates (NaGDC and NaGCDC) are more surface active than Taurine
(NaTC), and they also display lower surface tension of saturated films. The position of hydroxyl
groups in Glycine conjugates, possibly favors a more vertical orientation of BS at the surface and an
improved lateral packing. These differences diminish at the oil–water interface owing to hydrophobic
interactions of BS with the oil, preventing intermolecular associations. Desorption studies reveal the
presence of irreversibly adsorbed layers at the oil–water interface in all cases, while at the air–water
interface, the reversibility of adsorption depends strongly on the type of BS. Finally, dilatational
rheology shows that the dilatational response of BS is again influenced by hydrophobic interactions
of BS with the oil; thus, adsorbed films of different BS at the oil–water interface are very similar,
while larger differences arise between BS adsorbed at the air–water interface. Results presented here
highlight new features of the characteristics of adsorption layers of BS on the oil–water interface,
which are more relevant to lipid digestion than characteristics of BS adsorbed at air–water interfaces.MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033Project PID2020-116615RAI00Biocolloid and Fluid Physics Group (ref. PAIFQM115)
of the University of Granada (Spain)MDPI and University
of Granada
Autotitrator based on an Arduino Open Source Pump
Acid–base titration is a quantitative analysis that enables knowing the quantity of acidic or
basic groups present in a solution sample. It consists in the addition of base or acid to the
solution sample while monitoring the pH to reach a neutral pH. The titration can be automated
and here we present a low cost Arduino based Open Source Pump (OSPump) modified to act as
an automated titrator with an obsolete but reliable Metrohm 713 pH meter. Our device is 50
times less expensive than second hand units from the pH meter manufacturer and inherently
open to customization. We present two validation cases of study, including the lipolysis of a
vegetable olive oil in water emulsion, characterized by the OSPump Titrator.Project PID2020-116615RA-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033EMERGIA
grant with reference EMC21_00008 funded by Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación de la Junta de AndalucíaFEDER ‘‘ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) A way of making Europ
Condensation of Model Lipid Films by Cholesterol: Specific Ion Effects
The condensing effect and the ability of cholesterol (CHOL) to induce ordering in lipid films
is a question of relevance in biological membranes such as the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in
which the amount of CHOL influences the phase separation and mechanical resistance to rupture of
coexisting phases relevant to emulsified food systems. Here, we study the effect of different salts
(NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, LaCl3) on monolayers made of a model mixture of lipids (DPPC:DPPS 4:1)
and CHOL. To this end, we apply Langmuir Film Balance to report a combined analysis of surface
pressure-area (pi-A) and surface potential-area (DV–A) isotherms along with Micro-Brewster Angle
Microscopy (Micro-BAM) images of the monolayers in the presence of the different electrolytes.
We show that the condensation of lipid by CHOL depends strongly on the nature of the ions by
altering the shape and features of the pi-A isotherms. DV–A isotherms provide further detail on the
ion specific interactions with CHOL. Our results show that the condensation of lipids in the presence
of CHOL depends on the combined action of ions and CHOL, which can alter the physical state of
the monolayer.This research was funded by “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Plan
Nacional de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica (I + D + i)”: Grant RYC-2012-10556, Projects
MAT2015-63644-C2-1-R, RTI2018-101309-B-C21 and FIS2016-80087-C2-1-P, and European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF). “Universidad de Granada” CEI-BIOTIC-BS14.2015. This study was also partially supported by
“Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidad, Junta de Andalucía”, ref. SOMM17/6105/UGR and
SOMM17/6109/UGR
Complexation of DNA with Thermoresponsive Charged Microgels: Role of Swelling State and Electrostatics
This research was funded by projects RTI2018-101309-B-C21 and PID2020-631-116615RA-I00, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by "ERDF A way of making Europe" and by project PY20_00138, funded by Consejeria de Transformacion Economica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades (PAIDI2020).Micro- and nanogels are being increasingly used to encapsulate bioactive compounds. Their soft structure allows large loading capacity while their stimuli responsiveness makes them extremely versatile. In this work, the complexation of DNA with thermoresponsive microgels is presented. To this end, PEGylated charged microgels based on poly-N-isopropylacrylamide have been synthesized, allowing one to explore the electrostatics of the complexation. Cationic microgels complexate spontaneously by electrostatic attraction to oppositely charged DNA as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility of the complexes. Then, Langmuir monolayers reveal an increased interaction of DNA with swollen microgels (20 degrees C). Anionic microgels require the presence of multivalent cations (Ca2+) to promote the complexation, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion with negatively charged DNA. Then again, Langmuir monolayers evidence their complexation at the surface. However, the presence of Ca2+ seems to induce profound changes in the interaction and surface conformation of anionic microgels. These alterations are further explored by measuring adsorbed films with the pendant drop technique. Conformational changes induced by Ca2+ on the structure of the microgel can ultimately affect the complexation with DNA and should be considered in the design. The combination of microstructural and surface properties for microgels offers a new perspective into complexation of DNA with soft particles with biomedical applications.MCIN/AEI RTI2018-101309-B-C21
PID2020-631-116615RA-I00Consejeria de Transformacion Economica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades PY20_0013
Foamy oysters: vesicular microstructure production in the Gryphaeidae via emulsification
The vesicular microstructure is a very distinctive arrangement of calcite, consisting of hollow
cavities (vesicles) of diverse sizes and shapes, usually elongated in the direction of shell thickening.
It is uniquely found among living bivalves in a single oyster family, Gryphaeidae. The vesicles are
distributed in lenses interleaved with compact foliated layers. We have studied the morphology
and distribution of vesicles within the lenses using optical and electron microscopy, and microcomputed
tomography. At a small scale, vesicles do not follow a classical von Neumann-Mullins
route typical of ideal foams. At a larger scale, the initiation and evolution of a vesicular layer
statistically proceed like a foam, with vesicles becoming more numerous, larger, and more even in
size. In summary, the vesicular material follows a foam-like coarsening to reduce the number of
energetically costly interfaces. However, a steady state is never reached because the animal
permanently introduces energy in the system by creating new vesicles. The fabrication of the
vesicular material is mediated by the production of an emulsion between the extrapallial fluid and
the precursor PILP of the calcitic walls within the thin extrapallial space. For this mechanism to
proceed, the mantle cells must perform highly sophisticated behaviours of contact recognition and
secretion. Accordingly, the vesicular material is under mixed physical-biological control
Specific Ion Effects in Cholesterol Monolayers
The interaction of ions with interfaces and, in particular, the high specificity of these interactions to the particular ions considered, are central questions in the field of surface forces. Here we study the effect of different salts (NaI, NaCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2) on monolayers made of cholesterol molecules, both experimentally (surface area vs. lateral pressure isotherms measured by a Langmuir Film Balance) and theoretically (molecular dynamics (MD) all-atomic simulations). We found that surface isotherms depend, both quantitatively and qualitatively, on the nature of the ions by altering the shape and features of the isotherm. In line with the experiments, MD simulations show clear evidences of specific ionic effects and also provide molecular level details on ion specific interactions with cholesterol. More importantly, MD simulations show that the interaction of a particular ion with the surface depends strongly on its counterion, a feature ignored so far in most theories of specific ionic effects in surface forces
pH influences the interfacial properties of blue whiting (M. poutassou) and whey protein hydrolysates determining the physical stability of fish oil-in-water emulsions
This work was funded by the project CTQ2017-87076-R from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. Julia Maldonado-Valderrama and Teresa del Castillo-Santaella acknowledge financialsupport from project RTI2018-101309-B-C21. The authors are also very grateful to F. Javier Espejo-Carpio and Marta Padial-Dominguez for providing the whey and blue whiting protein hydrolysates. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada/CBUA.This work investigates the influence of the interfacial properties of whey protein (WPH) and blue whiting protein (BPH) hydrolysates on the physical stability of fish oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with these hydrolysates at pH 2 or 8. Measurements of interfacial tension and dilatational rheology confirmed that pH is a key factor affecting these interfacial properties of WPH and BPH. WPH, when tested at 1 and 10 mg/mL, showed a higher interfacial activity at pH 8 when compared to pH 2 or to BPH at pH 8 or 2, despite having a lower protein content. Moreover, when tested at 0.1 and 1 mg/mL, the dilatational modulus of WPH was significantly higher at pH 8 than at pH 2. These findings correlate with the formation of smaller oil droplets and a more resistant interfacial peptide layer for WPH at pH 8, hence explaining the improved physical stability of the 5% fish oil-in water emulsion stabilized with WPH at pH 8. BPH did not show significant differences in interfacial activity with pH but exhibited significantly higher dilatational elasticity and viscosity at pH 2 compared to pH 8 (when measured at 0.1 mg/mL and 0.01 or 0.1 Hz). This correlates with the formation of stable 5% fish oil-in-water emulsions with BPH at pH 2 but not at pH 8.Spanish Government CTQ2017-87076-
Effect of Hyaluronic Acid and Pluronic-F68 on the Surface Properties of Foam as a Delivery System for Polidocanol in Sclerotherapy
The use of foams to deliver bioactive agents and drugs is increasing in pharmaceutics.
One example is the use of foam as a delivery system for polidocanol (POL) in sclerotherapy, with the
addition of bioactive compounds to improve the delivery system being a current subject of study.
This work shows the influence of two bioactive additives on the structure and stability of POL
foam: hyaluronic acid (HA) and Pluronic-F68 (F68). HA is a natural non-surface-active biopolymer
present in the extracellular matrix while F68 is a surface-active poloxamer that is biocompatible with
plasma-derived fluids. Both additives increase the bulk viscosity of the sample, improving foam
stability. However, HA doubled and F68 quadruplicated the foam half lifetime of POL. HA reduced
the size and polydispersity of the bubble size distribution and increased the surface elasticity with
respect to POL. Both facts have a positive impact in terms of foam stability. F68 also altered bubble
structure and increased surface elasticity, again contributing to the enhancement of foam stability.
The surface characterization of these systems is important, as in foam sclerotherapy it is crucial to
assure the presence of POL at the surface of the bubbles in order to deliver the sclerosant agent in the
target vein.Junta de Andalucia
NANOFOAM-PI12.2956Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Spanish Government
MAT2017-82182-R
RTI2018-101309-B-C21Consejeria de Economia, Conocimiento, Empresas y UniversidadEuropean Union (EU)
SOMM17/6109/UG
Applications of serum albumins in delivery systems: Differences in interfacial behaviour and interacting abilities with polysaccharides
One of the major applications of SerumAlbumins is their use as delivery systems for lipophilic compounds in biomedicine.
Their biomedical application is based on the similarity with Human Serum Albumin (HSA), as a fully
biocompatible protein. In general, Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) is treated as comparable to its human homologue
and used as a model protein for fundamental studies since it is available in high amounts and well understood.
This protein can act as a carrier for lipophilic compounds or as protective shell in an emulsion-based
vehicle. Polysaccharides are generally included in these formulations in order to increase the stability and/or applicability
of the carrier. In this review, themain biomedical applications of Albumins as drug delivery systems are
first presented. Secondly, the differences between BSA andHSA are highlighted, exploring the similarities and differences
between these proteins and their interaction with polysaccharides, both in solution and adsorbed at interfaces.
Finally, the use of Albumins as emulsifiers for emulsion-based delivery systems, concretely as Liquid
Lipid Nanocapsules (LLNs), is revised and discussed in terms of the differences encountered in the molecular
structure and in the interfacial properties. The specific case of Hyaluronic Acid is considered as a promising additivewith
important applications in biomedicine. The literatureworks are thoroughly discussed highlighting similarities
and differences between BSA and HSA and their interaction with polysaccharides encountered at
different structural levels, hence providing routes to control the optimal design of delivery systems.This work has been funded by the following projects, which are
gratefully acknowledged: MAT2017-82182-R and RTI2018-101309-BC21
(Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación). The authors also acknowledge
“Mancomunidad de los Pueblos de la Alpujarra Granadina” for the funds
raised and supplied for this research
Cloud condensation nuclei activation properties of Mediterranean pollen types considering organic chemical composition and surface tension effects
Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2023.119961This work was supported by BioCloud project (RTI2018.101154.A.
I00) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, FEDER “Una
manera de hacer Europa” and NUCLEUS project (PID2021-128757OB-
I00) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and NextGener-
ationEU/PRTR. This work received support from the European Union’s
Horizon 2020 research and innovation program through projects ACT-
RIS.IMP (grant agreement No 871115) and ATMO_ACCESS (grant
agreement No 101008004), by the Spanish Ministry of Science and
Innovation through projects ELPIS (PID2020-120015RB-I00) and ACT-
RIS-Espa˜na (CGL2017-90884REDT)). By the Junta de Andalucía Excel-
lence, project ADPANE (P20-00136), AEROPRE (P-18-RT-3820) and by
University of Granada Plan Propio through Visiting Scholars
(PPVS2018-04), Singular Laboratory (LS2022-1) programs and Pre-
Competitive Research Projects Pre-Greenmitigation3 (PP2022.PP34).
Funding for open access charge, University of Granada/CBUA. Andrea
Casans is funded by Spanish ministry of research and innovation under
the predoctoral program FPI (PRE2019-090827) funded by MCIN/AEI/
10.13039/501100011033, FSE “El FSE invierte en tu futuro”. Fernando
Rejano is funded by Spanish ministry of universities through predoctoral
grant FPU19/05340. Juan Andr´es Casquero-Vera is funded by FJC2021-
047873-I, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and NextGener-
ationEU/PRTR. Elisabeth Andrews is funded in part by NOAA cooper-
ative agreements NA17OAR4320101. Thanks to the NOAA Global
Monitoring Laboratory for the use of the CCN counterWind-dispersed pollen grains emitted from vegetation are directly injected into the atmosphere being an
important source of natural aerosols globally. These coarse particles of pollen can rupture into smaller particles,
known as subpollen particles (SPPs), that may act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and affect the climate. In
this study, we characterize and investigate the ability of SPPs of 10 Mediterranean-climate pollen types to
activate as CCN. A continuous flow CCN counter (CCNC) was used to measure the activation of size-selected (80,
100 and 200 nm dry mobility diameter) particles at different supersaturations (SS). Hygroscopicity parameter (κ)
for each SPP type and size has been calculated using κ-K¨ohler theory. Organic chemical speciation and protein
content has been determined to further characterize pollen solutions. Furthermore, the surface activity of SPPs
has also been investigated by using pendant drop tensiometry. All studied SPP samples show critical supersat-
uration (SSCrit) values that are atmospherically relevant SS conditions. Hygroscopicity κ values are in the range
characteristic of organic compounds (0.1–0.3). We found that organic speciation and protein content vary
substantially among pollen types, with saccharides and fatty acids being the only organic compounds found in all
pollen types. A clear relationship between SPP activation and its organic composition was not observed. This
study also reveals that all SPPs investigated reduce the surface tension of water at high concentrations but at
diluted concentrations (such as those of activation in the CCNC), the water surface tension value is a good
approximation in K¨ohler theory. Overall, this analysis points out that pollen particles might be an important
source of CCN in the atmosphere and should be considered in aerosol-cloud interactions processes.BioCloud project (RTI2018.101154.A. I00) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, FEDER “Una manera de hacer Europa” and NUCLEUS project (PID2021-128757OB- I00) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033NextGenerationEU/PRTREuropean Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program through projects ACT- RIS.IMP (grant agreement No 871115)European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program through project ATMO_ACCESS (grant agreement No 101008004Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through projects ELPIS (PID2020-120015RB-I00) and ACT-RIS-España (CGL2017-90884REDT)Junta de Andalucía Excel- lence, project ADPANE (P20-00136), AEROPRE (P-18-RT-3820)University of Granada Plan Propio through Visiting Scholars (PPVS2018-04), Singular Laboratory (LS2022-1) programs and Pre- Competitive Research Projects Pre-Greenmitigation3 (PP2022.PP34)Funding for open access charge, University of Granada/CBUASpanish ministry of research and innovation under the predoctoral program FPI (PRE2019-090827) funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033Spanish ministry of universities through predoctoral grant FPU19/05340FJC2021- 047873-I, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and NextGenerationEU/PRTRNOAA cooperative agreements NA17OAR432010