Effect of strain and grain boundaries on dielectric properties in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films

High dielectric constant and its dependence on structural strain and grain boundaries (GB) in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) thin films are reported. X-ray diffraction, magnetization, and magneto-transport measurements of the LSMO films, made by pulsed laser deposition on two different substrates—MgO and SrTiO3 (STO), were compared to co-relate magnetic properties with dielectric properties. At room temperature, in the ferromagnetic phase of LSMO, a high dielectric constant (6 × 104) was observed up to 100 kHz frequency for the films on MgO, with polycrystalline properties and more high-angle GB related defects, while for the films on STO, with single-crystalline properties but strained unit cells, high dielectric constant (≈104) was observed until 1 MHz frequency. Also, a large dielectric relaxation time with significant broadening from the Debye single-dielectric relaxation model has been observed in samples with higher GB defects. Impedance spectroscopy further shows that large dielectric constant of the single-crystalline, strained LSMO film is intrinsic in nature while that in the polycrystalline films are mainly extrinsic due to higher amount of GBs. The presence of high dielectric constant value until high frequency range rules out the possibility of “apparent giant dielectric constant” arising from the sample-electrode interface. Coexistence of ferromagnetism and high dielectric constant can be very useful for different microelectronic applications

Peptides, Proteins and Antibodies

Peptide and protein therapeutics are increasingly able to address a growing range of clinical pathologies and their high specificity and potency combined with low toxicity of metabolic products and minimal potential for drug–drug interactions makes them attractive candidates for clinical development. The pharmaceutical industry is today more in need of delivery technologies that are able to stabilise and effectively deliver therapeutic peptides and proteins across physiological barriers and particularly via non-parenteral routes. Nanoparticulate delivery has the potential to stabilise peptide and protein therapeutics from physical and enzymatic degradation, reduce clearance via the kidneys, prolong plasma half-lives and even target these molecules to the tissue of interest. Nanoparticulate technologies have enabled the delivery of peptide therapeutics via the oral, nasal and pulmonary route and numerous preclinical nano-delivery systems such as polymeric nanoparticles, lipidic nanoparticles and drug–polymer conjugates have been investigated for the delivery of protein therapeutics. In this chapter, a description of these delivery systems and their applications will be discussedNon peer reviewe

Hypertrophic Scarring and Keloids: Pathomechanisms and Current and Emerging Treatment Strategies

Excessive scars form as a result of aberrations of physiologic wound healing and may arise following any insult to the deep dermis. By causing pain, pruritus and contractures, excessive scarring significantly affects the patient’s quality of life, both physically and psychologically. Multiple studies on hypertrophic scar and keloid formation have been conducted for decades and have led to a plethora of therapeutic strategies to prevent or attenuate excessive scar formation. However, most therapeutic approaches remain clinically unsatisfactory, most likely owing to poor understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the processes of scarring and wound contraction. In this review we summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology underlying keloid and hypertrophic scar formation and discuss established treatments and novel therapeutic strategies