Sheddable Coatings for Long-Circulating Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles, such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, lipoplexes and polyplexes are frequently studied as targeted drug carrier systems. The ability of these particles to circulate in the bloodstream for a prolonged period of time is often a prerequisite for successful targeted delivery. To achieve this, hydrophilic ‘stealth’ polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), are used as coating materials. Such polymers shield the particle surface and thereby reduce opsonization by blood proteins and uptake by macrophages of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Yet, after localizing in the pathological site, nanoparticles should deliver their contents in an efficient manner to achieve a sufficient therapeutic response. The polymer coating, however, may hinder drug release and target cell interaction and can therefore be an obstacle in the realization of the therapeutic response. Attempts have been made to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of sterically stabilized nanoparticles by means of shedding, i.e. a loss of the coating after arrival at the target site. Such an ‘unmasking’ process may facilitate drug release and/or target cell interaction processes. This review presents an overview of the literature regarding different shedding strategies that have been investigated for the preparation of sterically stabilized nanoparticulates. Detach mechanisms and stimuli that have been used are described

It's a pleasure to stay sustainably: Leveraging hedonic appeals in tourism and hospitality

International audienceThe tourism sector is actively exploring methods to reduce its adverse environmental impact. Our study introduces hedonic appeals as a novel approach to encourage guests to reduce their room cleaning requests. We contend that combining this approach with sustainable appeals is at least as effective as the previously identified most effective strategy, namely providing guests with financial incentives. The effectiveness of hedonic appeals is channeled through guest value creation. Our empirical evidence – involving a field experiment at a European hotel and a lab experiment – supports the proposed effects and explanation mechanisms. We also demonstrate that our new strategy is the most profitable by introducing a profitability index that considers room cleaning requests, monetary investments, and side effects. We therefore recommend hotels to adopt this cost-effective strategy to reduce room cleaning requests without affecting overall guest satisfaction