Zwitterionic‐Coated “Stealth” Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances in Countering Biomolecular Corona Formation and Uptake by the Mononuclear Phagocyte System

Nanoparticles represent highly promising platforms for the development of imaging and therapeutic agents, including those that can either be detected via more than one imaging technique (multi‐modal imaging agents) or used for both diagnosis and therapy (theranostics). A major obstacle to their medical application and translation to the clinic, however, is the fact that many accumulate in the liver and spleen as a result of opsonization and scavenging by the mononuclear phagocyte system. This focused review summarizes recent efforts to develop zwitterionic‐coatings to counter this issue and render nanoparticles more biocompatible. Such coatings have been found to greatly reduce the rate and/or extent of non‐specific adsorption of proteins and lipids to the nanoparticle surface, thereby inhibiting production of the “biomolecular corona” that is proposed to be a universal feature of nanoparticles within a biological environment. Additionally, in vivo studies have demonstrated that larger‐sized nanoparticles with a zwitterionic coating have extended circulatory lifetimes, while those with hydrodynamic diameters of ≤5 nm exhibit small‐molecule‐like pharmacokinetics, remaining sufficiently small to pass through the fenestrae and slit pores during glomerular filtration within the kidneys, and enabling efficient excretion via the urine. The larger particles represent ideal candidates for use as blood pool imaging agents, whilst the small ones provide a highly promising platform for the future development of theranostics with reduced side effect profiles and superior dose delivery and image contrast capabilities.     

Application of polysaccharide hydrogels in adsorption and controlled‐extended release of fertilizers processes

This article studied the applicability of poly(acrylamide) and methylcellulose (PAAm‐MC) hydrogels as potential delivery vehicle for the controlled‐extended release of ammonium sulfate (NH₄)₂SO₄ and potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄) fertilizers. PAAm‐MC hydrogels with different acrylamide (AAm) and MC concentrations were prepared by a free radical polymerization method. The adsorption and desorption kinetics of fertilizers were determined using conductivity measurements based on previously built analytical curve. The addition of MC in the PAAm chains increased the quantities of (NH₄)₂SO₄ and KH₂PO₄ loaded and extended the time and quantities of fertilizers released. Coherently, both loading and releasing processes were strongly influenced by hydrophilic properties of hydrogels (AAm/MC mass proportion). The best sorption (124.0 mg KH₂PO₄/g hydrogel and 58.0 mg (NH₄)₂SO₄/g hydrogel) and desorption (54.9 mg KH₂PO₄/g hydrogel and 49.5 mg (NH₄)₂SO₄/g hydrogel) properties were observed for 6.0% AAm–1.0% MC hydrogels (AAm/MC mass proportion equal 6), indicating that these hydrogels are potentially viable to be used in controlled‐extended release of fertilizers systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Scenario evaluation for the management of household solid waste in small Brazilian municipalities

As achieving Brazil’s National Policy on Solid Waste-based goals effectively is not simple, there are alternatives such as intermunicipal cooperation by consortium or privatization. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the Greenhouse Gas emissions and energy use of six scenarios in two landfills contexts (private and consortium) for small municipalities (less than 100,000 inhabitants as per Brazilian standards) located in São Paulo, Brazil. Through the technique of scenario building and method of Waste Reduction Model was possible to obtain the total energy, the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂E) and carbon equivalent (CE) emissions. The best scenario integrates composting and recycling, reducing 72 % for CO₂E and CE emissions, and saving about 410 % in energy. The landfill consortium will only take advantage, if the location is the most ideal as far as possible. Small municipalities that do not dispose their waste in landfills compatible with regulatory standards may seek for intermunicipal cooperation and adopt integrated waste-management programmes to reduce their environmental impacts.     

Hydroxyapatite deposition study through polymeric process on commercially pure Ti surfaces modified by laser beam irradiation

Many techniques have been used to coat metallic substrate with bioceramics. The aim of this study was to study the physical-chemical characteristics of polyvinylidene fluoride (α-PVDF)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite coating, obtained by casting method, on commercially pure titanium (α-CP Ti) substrate surface modified by laser beam irradiation. The preparation of coating was done for mixing α-PVDF pellets shape dissolved in dimethylacetamide (DMA) with HA/DMA emulsion. The mixture was poured onto the α-CP Ti sample and left to dry in an oven. CP Ti plates were coated with α-PVDF/HA composite film, in proportions of 100/00 and 60/40 in weight, and characterized by particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometry, thickness measurement and contact angle. Uniform coating with a small thickness variation along the coated surface was successfully obtained.     

Biocompatibility and cutaneous reactivity of cellulosic polysaccharide film in induced skin wounds in rats

The development of a skin substitute suitable for immediately performing the function of the lost dermis and epidermis could result in a positive impact on the treatment of patients with extensive skin lesions. A biopolymer film was applied to skin wounds to investigate the biocompatibility and cutaneous reaction and to test its activity as a mechanical barrier and conductor in the healing process. Forty Wistar rats of both sexes were used in the present study. Two excisions were performed in the dorsal part of the skin flaps. The polysaccharide film was applied over one of the incisions and other incision was washed with saline. The time spent for complete healing of both lesions was virtually the same in both groups, during 21 days of observation. The film remained attached to the bed of the exposed wound for an average period of 6 days. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to lesion measurement area at assessment times of 2nd, 7th and 14th postoperative days. At day 21, the scar area showed a significant difference (0.0229). After 40 days, all wounds were completely healed. No statistically significant differences were found between the histological parameters assessed in the experimental and control groups. The cellulosic polysaccharide film integrated well with the tissue showing high biocompatibility and low skin reactivity.     

Changes in Coupled Vibration Frequencies and Modes of Wall-Cavity Systems Induced by Stiffness Variation in the Structure

Problems of fluid structure interactions are governed by a set of fundamental parameters. This work aims at showing through simple examples the changes in natural vibration frequencies and mode shapes for wall-cavity systems when the structural rigidity is modified. Numerical results are constructed using ANSYS software with triangular finite elements for both the fluid （2D acoustic elements） and the solid （plane stress） domains. These former results are compared to proposed analytical expressions, showing an alternative benchmark tool for the analyst. Very rigid wall structures imply in frequencies and mode shapes almost identical to those achieved for an acoustic cavity with Neumann boundary condition at the interface. In this case, the wall behaves as rigid and fluid-structure system mode shapes are similar to those achieved for the uncoupled reservoir case.     

Trading properties after the earthquake: the rebuilding of eighteenth‐century Lisbon

This paper introduces the innovative system used in the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. Its findings are based on original documents that offer a detailed picture of the principles and methods established to convert the land and properties of the old city into the new and standardized gridded Plan. Implemented in the mid‐eighteenth century, the methodical system outlined was, undoubtedly, an important point of reference for the large‐scale urban improvement and redevelopment operations that would follow in nineteenth‐century Europe.