Nanopolysaccharides in Environmental Treatments

In recent years, sustainable nanopolysaccharides, such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and chitin nanocrystals (ChNC) have been explored for improving the efficiency of environment prevention and purification. The potential application is attributed to their biodegradability, sustainability, renewability, biocompatibility, high aspect ratio and high capacity retention. Besides the outstanding advantages, the tailorability of the surface chemistry may enhance the binding efficiency. This review provides a detailed overview of pristine, surface-functionalized nanopolysaccharides and nanocomposites for applications in removal heavy metal ions, organic molecules, dyes and toxic gas in various wastewater treatment and gas adsorptions processes, such as adsorption, flocculation, and membrane filtration. It appears that abundant nanopolysaccharide materials have attracted increasing attention in promising environmental applications

Targeting Mitochondrial Defects to Increase Longevity in Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases

International audienceBioenergetic homeostasis is a vital process maintaining cellular health and has primary importance in neuronal cells due to their high energy demand markedly at synapses. Mitochondria, the metabolic hubs of the cells, are the organelles responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP by using nutrients and oxygen. Defects in mitochondrial homeostasis result in energy deprivation and can lead to disrupted neuronal functions. Mitochondrial defects adversely contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial defects not only include reduced ATP levels but also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cellular damage. Here, we detail the mechanisms that lead to neuronal pathologies involving mitochondrial defects. Furthermore, we discuss how to target these mitochondrial defects in order to have beneficial effects as novel and complementary therapeutic avenues in neurodegenerative diseases. The critical evaluation of these strategies and their potential outcome can pave the way for finding novel therapies for neurodegenerative pathologies