Growth of out-of-plane standing MoTe2(1-x)Se2x/MoSe2 composite flake films by sol–gel nucleation of MoOy and isothermal closed space telluro-selenization

This study describes the sol–gel processing of MoOy on Si (1 0 0) to subsequently achieve out-of-plane MoTe2/MoSe2 flake composite films by an isothermal closed space vapor transformation. The oxide precursor films have been prepared from a Mo isopropoxide solution in isopropanol and acid catalysis induced by HCl. Thermal annealing at 200, 400 and 600 °C enhanced the condensation after xerogel formation. An x-ray absorption analysis demonstrates that films condensed at 200 °C are at an intermediate chemical state between MoO3 and MoO2. To achieve MoTe2/MoSe2 composite films, the precursor oxide films were reduced in H2 and exposed to the chalcogenides by isothermal closed space vapor transport at 600 °C. The multilayered nanocomposite films grow with an out-of-plane flake-like structure and an evident integration of Se in the MoTe2 phase according to a MoTe2(1-x)Se2x alloy, with an estimation of x of 0.25. The alloy and the orientation of the flakes are consistent with the bands present in the Raman spectrum. These films are attractive for applications requiring high surface area interfaces favoring gas or ion exchange reactions with transition metal dichalcogenidesThe current research was funded by grant CTQ2017-84309-C2-2-R from Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain). The authors acknowledge the ESRF and the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Spain), for provision of synchrotron radiation facilities and the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spain) financial support for the operation of the beamline under Grant No. PIE 2010 6 OE 01

Silver-enriched ZnO:Ag thin films deposited by magnetron co-sputtering: Post annealing effects on structural and physical properties

The ZnO semiconductor is probably among the most mentioned compounds in the scientific literature during the last decade, which is mainly due to its wide spectrum of applications. Compounds based on ZnO (in doped or composite form) are of great relevance for the development of high-tech devices. In this work, we present the growth and characterization of samples deposited by DC Magnetron co-sputtering from two pure Zn and Ag targets in an O2 / Ar atmosphere. The samples were characterized as deposited and after an annealing treatment in a reducing atmosphere. We have used XRD, RBS, ellipsometry, UV visible photoluminescence, and electrical measurements for sample characterization. The results revealed the amorphization of ZnO when the Ag content increases and, after annealing, a mixture of crystalline phases was detected for the samples with higher Ag content. It is also demonstrated the strong effect of the presence of Ag atoms in the stimulated optical and electrical responses from ZnO:Ag compounds obtained in this wor

Pediatr Nephrol

BACKGROUND: Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), due to impaired acid secretion in the urine, can lead to severe long-term consequences. Standard of care (SoC) oral alkalizers, requiring several daily intakes, are currently used to restore normal plasma bicarbonate levels. A new prolonged-release formulation, ADV7103, has been developed to achieve a sustained effect with an improved dosing scheme. METHODS: In a multicenter, open-label, non-inferiority trial (n = 37), patients with dRTA were switched from SoC to ADV7103. Mean plasma bicarbonate values and proportion of responders during steady state therapy with both treatments were compared, as were other blood and urine parameters, as well as acceptability, tolerability, and safety. RESULTS: When switching from SoC to ADV7103, the number of daily intakes was reduced from a median of three to twice daily. Mean plasma bicarbonate was increased and non-inferiority of ADV7103 was demonstrated (p < 0.0001, per protocol), as was statistical superiority (p = 0.0008, intention to treat [ITT]), and the response rate increased from 43 to 90% with ADV7103 (p < 0.001, ITT). Urine calcium/citrate ratio was reduced below the threshold for risk of lithogenesis with ADV7103 in 56% of previously non-responders with SoC (p = 0.021, ITT). Palatability was improved (difference [95% CI] of 25 [10.7, 39.2] mm) and gastrointestinal discomfort was reduced (difference [95% CI] of - 14.2 [- 25.9, - 2.6] mm) with ADV7103. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma bicarbonate levels and response rate were significantly higher with ADV7103 than with SoC. Urine calcium/citrate ratio, palatability, and gastrointestinal safety were significantly improved, supporting the use of ADV7103 as first-line treatment for dRTA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered as EudraCT 2013-002988-25 on the 1st July 2013 Graphical abstract

Free exopolysaccharide from Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides possesses anti-inflammatory properties

In this study we explored the immunomodulatory properties of highly purified free galactan, the soluble exopolysaccharide secreted by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm). Galactan was shown to bind to TLR2 but not TLR4 using HEK293 reporter cells and to induce the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in bovine macrophages, whereas low IL-12p40 and no TNF-α, both pro-inflammatory cytokines, were induced in these cells. In addition, pre-treatment of macrophages with galactan substantially reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF- and IL-12p40 while increasing LPS-induced secretion of immunosuppressive IL-10. Also, galactan did not activate naïve lymphocytes and induced only low production of the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ in Mmm-experienced lymphocytes. Finally, galactan triggered weak recall proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes from contagious bovine pleuropneumonia-infected animals despite having a positive effect on the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on macrophages. All together, these results suggest that galactan possesses anti-inflammatory properties and potentially provides Mmm with a mechanism to evade host innate and adaptive cell-mediated immune responses. (Résumé d'auteur

Nanostructured porous silicon-mediated drug delivery

Sem informaçãoIntroduction: The particular properties of nanostructured porous silicon (nanoPS) make it an attractive material for controlled and localized release of therapeutics within the body, aiming at increased efficacy and reduced risks of potential side effects. Since this is a rapidly evolving field as a consequence of the number of research groups involved, a critical review of the state of the art is necessary. Areas covered: In this work, the most promising and successful applications of nanoPS in the field of drug delivery are reviewed and discussed. Two key issues such as drug loading and release are also analyzed in detail. The development of multifunctional (hybrid) systems, aiming at imparting additional functionalities to the nanoPS particles such as luminescence, magnetic response and/or plasmonic effects (allowing simultaneous tracking and guiding), is also examined. Expert opinion: Nanostructured materials based on silicon are promising platforms for pharmaceutical applications given their ability to degrade and low toxicity. However, a very limited number of clinical applications have been demonstrated so far. © 2014 Informa UK, Ltd.The particular properties of nanostructured porous silicon (nanoPS) make it an attractive material for controlled and localized release of therapeutics within the body, aiming at increased efficacy and reduced risks of potential side effects. Since this is a rapidly evolving field as a consequence of the number of research groups involved, a critical review of the state of the art is necessary. Areas covered: In this work, the most promising and successful applications of nanoPS in the field of drug delivery are reviewed and discussed. Two key issues such as drug loading and release are also analyzed in detail. The development of multifunctional (hybrid) systems, aiming at imparting additional functionalities to the nanoPS particles such as luminescence, magnetic response and/or plasmonic effects (allowing simultaneous tracking and guiding), is also examined. Expert opinion: Nanostructured materials based on silicon are promising platforms for pharmaceutical applications given their ability to degrade and low toxicity. However, a very limited number of clinical applications have been demonstrated so far.11812731283Sem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçãoWest, J.L., Halas, N.J., Applications of nanotechnology to biotechnology (2000) Curr Opin Biotechnol, 11, pp. 215-217LaVan, D.A., McGuire, T., Langer, R., Small-scale systems for in vivo drug delivery (2003) Nat Biotechnol, 21, pp. 1184-1191Ozkan, M., Quantum dots and other nanoparticles: What can they offer to drug discovery? 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Inclusion of ibuprofen in mesoporous templated silica: Drug loading and release property (2004) Eur J Pharm Biopharm, 57, pp. 533-540Tzur-Balter, A., Young, J.M., Bonanno-Young, L.M., Mathematical modeling of drug release from nanostructured porous Si: Combining carrier erosion and hindered drug diffusion for predicting release kinetics (2013) Acta Biomater, 9, pp. 8346-8353Vaccari, L., Canton, D., Zaffaroni, N., Porous silicon as drug carrier for controlled delivery of doxorubicin anticancer agent (2006) Microelectron Eng, 83, pp. 1598-1601Bimbo, L.M., Mäkilä, E., Laaksonen, T., Drug permeation across intestinal epithelial cells using porous silicon nanoparticles (2011) Biomaterials, 32, pp. 2625-2633Sarparanta, M., Mäkilä, E., Heikkilä, T., 18F-labeled modified porous silicon particles for investigation of drug delivery carrier distribution in vivo with positron emission tomography (2011) Mol Pharm, 8, pp. 1799-1806Canham, L.T., Barnett, C.P., Bowditch, A.P., Implants for administering substances and methods of producing implant (1999) International, , patent WO9953898http://www.psivida.com/products-bracysil.html, Available fromKinnari, P.J., Hyvonen, M.L.K., Mäkilä, E.M., Tumour homing peptidefunctionalized porous silicon nanovectors for cancer therapy (2013) Biomaterials, 34, pp. 9134-9141Godin, B., Chiappini, C., Srinivasan, S., Discoidal porous silicon particles: Fabrication and biodistribution in breast cancer bearing mice (2012) Adv Funct Mater, 22, pp. 4225-4235Mann, A.P., Tanaka, T., Somasunderam, A., E-selectin-Targeted porous silicon particle for nanoparticle delivery to the bone marrow (2011) Adv Mater, 23 (36), pp. H278-H282Hernández, M., Recio, G., Martín-Palma, R.J., Surface enhanced fluorescence of anti-Tumoral drug emodin adsorbed on silver nanoparticles and loaded on porous silicon (2012) Nanoscale Res Lett, 7, p. 364Cheng, L., Anglin, E., Cunin, F., Intravitreal properties of porous silicon photonic crystals: A potential selfreporting intraocular drug-delivery vehicle (2008) Br J Ophthalmol, 92, pp. 705-711Hou, H., Nieto, A., Ma, F., Tunable sustained intravitreal drug delivery system for daunorubicin using oxidized porous silicon (2014) J Control Release, 178, pp. 46-54Muñoz-Noval, A., García, R., Ruiz-Casas, D., Design and characterization of biofunctional magnetic porous silicon flakes (2013) Acta Biomater, 9 (4), pp. 6169-6176Partial funding has been provided by the Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) under project Microseres

Surface Modification, Characterization and Biofunctionality of Pegylated Titanate Films Obtained by the Sol-Gel Method

Pegylated titanates have been prepared as biomedical supports in the form of thin films. The independent preparation of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a ¿tetraisopropyl-orthotitanate (TIPT) precursorwas followed by mixing at different molar ratios and spin casting onto Si (100) substrates to form the films. Activation of the hybrid structure was induced by annealing at temperatures right below the PEG melting point. Structural and compositional changes during these steps were followed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, XPS) and water contact angle (CA) measurements. Biofunctionality of the pegylated titanates as antifouling ophthalmic films was tested on the one hand by determination of optical constants using genetic algorithms. On the other hand, indication of surface biocompatibility was provided by seeding mesenchymal stemcells. The results show that PEG-rich surfaces are less biocompatible than mild inorganic surfaces as derived from the inhibition of cytoskeleton polarization.JRC.I.4-Nanotechnology and Molecular Imagin