Protein Encapsulation Using Complex Coacervates: What Nature Has to Teach Us

Protein encapsulation is a growing area of interest, particularly in the fields of food science and medicine. The sequestration of protein cargoes is achieved using a variety of methods, each with benefits and drawbacks. One of the most significant challenges associated with protein encapsulation is achieving high loading while maintaining protein viability. This difficulty is exacerbated because many encapsulant systems require the use of organic solvents. By contrast, nature has optimized strategies to compartmentalize and protect proteins inside the cell—a purely aqueous environment. Although the mechanisms whereby aspects of the cytosol is able to stabilize proteins are unknown, the crowded nature of many newly discovered, liquid phase separated “membraneless organelles” that achieve protein compartmentalization suggests that the material environment surrounding the protein may be critical in determining stability. Here, encapsulation strategies based on liquid–liquid phase separation, and complex coacervation in particular, which has many of the key features of the cytoplasm as a material, are reviewed. The literature on protein encapsulation via coacervation is also reviewed and the parameters relevant to creating protein‐containing coacervate formulations are discussed. Additionally, potential opportunities associated with the creation of tailored materials to better facilitate protein encapsulation and stabilization are highlighted.     

A comparison of two approaches to enhancing career maturity in Puerto Rican college women.

Our study compares two career interventions designed to enhance the career maturity of a group of Puerto Rican women in a special admissions program in a large urban college. These treatments were compared with each other and with a control group in terms of outcomes on two measures of career maturity and on locus of control. No significant differences were found between the two experimental treatments in terms of the dependent variables. However, the results of the study indicate that positive changes in career maturity and locus of control of academically and economically disadvantaged groups can be facilitated by the use of carefully designed career interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prior Assumptions for Leak Localisation in Water Distribution Networks with Uncertainties

Water Resources Management - Hydraulic model-based leak (burst) localisation in water distribution networks is a challenging problem due to a limited number of hydraulic measurements, a wide range...     

Psychological Services Center at the State University of New York at Albany: A case study.

Discusses a model for the development and implementation of a psychology training center shared by clinical and counseling psychology programs. The history of the psychological services center and its administrative structure are reviewed, and professional issues such as training and service are discussed. Results of an attitudinal survey completed by students show that they considered their experience at the center to have played a positive role in their professional development. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)