scholarly journals Molecular basis of egg coat cross-linking sheds light on ZP1-associated female infertility

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaoru Nishimura ◽  
Elisa Dioguardi ◽  
Shunsuke Nishio ◽  
Alessandra Villa ◽  
Ling Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hormonal Contraception ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Promising Target ◽  
Domain Of Unknown Function ◽  
Function Characterization ◽  
Cross Links ◽  
Mammalian Fertilization ◽  
Infertile Patients ◽  
Egg Coat

AbstractInteraction between sperm and the egg zona pellucida (ZP) is the first step of mammalian fertilization, and ZP component ZP1 is important for fertility by covalently cross-linking ZP filaments into a matrix. Like ZP4, a structurally-related subunit absent in the mouse, ZP1 is predicted to contain an N-terminal ZP-N domain of unknown function. Characterization of ZP1 proteins carrying mutations from infertile patients suggests that, unlike in the mouse, filament cross-linking by ZP1 is crucial for human ZP assembly. We map the function of ZP1 to its ZP-N1 domain and determine crystal structures of ZP-N1 homodimers from a chicken homolog of ZP1. These reveal that ZP filament cross-linking is highly plastic and can be modulated by ZP1 fucosylation and, potentially, zinc sparks. Moreover, we show that ZP4 ZP-N1 forms non-covalent homodimers in chicken but not human. Together, these data identify human ZP1 cross-links as a promising target for non-hormonal contraception.

scholarly journals A new glycation product ‘norpronyl-lysine,’ and direct characterization of cross linking and other glycation adducts: NMR of model compounds and collagen

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter T. B. Bullock ◽  
David G. Reid ◽  
W. Ying Chow ◽  
Wendy P. W. Lau ◽  
Melinda J. Duer
Keyword(s):  
Model Systems ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Advanced Glycation ◽  
Model Compounds ◽  
Product Characterization ◽  
Glycation Product ◽  
Cross Links

NMR reveals numerous early and advanced glycation products, including a newly recognized ‘norpronyl-lysine,’ and cross links in solution, intact collagen and model systems. Solid state methods are directly applicable to in vitro and in vivo glycation pathway and product characterization.

VULCANIZATION OF RUBBER COMPOUNDS WITH PEROXIDE CURING SYSTEMS

2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ján Kruželák ◽  
Richard Sýkora ◽  
Ivan Hudec
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Rubber Matrix ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Rubber Compounds ◽  
Dimensional Network ◽  
Fundamental Goal ◽  
Cross Links ◽  
Curing Agents ◽  
Curing Systems

ABSTRACT Vulcanization or curing is one of the most important processes in rubber technologies. During this process, plastic rubber compounds by parallel and subsequent physical and mainly chemical reactions change into highly elastic products—vulcanizates. The fundamental goal of curing is forming chemical cross-links between rubber macromolecules, which leads to the formation of a three-dimensional network or rubber matrix. A number of curing systems have been introduced in cross-linking of elastomers; each system has its own characteristics and composition; therefore, vulcanizates with different properties also can be prepared. We characterize organic peroxides as curing agents and their decomposition mechanisms and characteristics and bring a detailed view to understanding mechanisms between peroxides and different types of rubber matrices. Then, we focus on the classification and characterization of co-agents used in peroxide cross-linking and explain the mutual interactions and reaction mechanisms between peroxide, co-agents, and rubber matrices in relation to the properties of prepared materials. Finally, the drawbacks and the main features of final cross-linked materials are outlined.

Biopolymers with Medical Applications Optimized method for obtaining chitosan-based delivery systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1756-1759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luminita Confederat ◽  
Iuliana Motrescu ◽  
Sandra Constantin ◽  
Florentina Lupascu ◽  
Lenuta Profire
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Drug Delivery Systems ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Polymeric Systems ◽  
Chitosan Microparticles ◽  
Degree Of Swelling

The aim of this study was to optimize the method used for obtaining microparticles based on chitosan � a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nontoxic polymer, and to characterize the developed systems. Chitosan microparticles, as drug delivery systems were obtained by inotropic gelation method using pentasodiumtripolyphosphate (TPP) as cross-linking agent. Chitosan with low molecular weight (CSLMW) in concentration which ranged between 0.5 and 5 %, was used while the concentration of cross-linking agent ranged between 1 and 5%. The characterization of the microparticles in terms of shape, uniformity and adhesion was performed in solution and dried state. The size of the microparticles and the degree of swelling were also determined. The structure and the morphology of the developed polymeric systems were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The average diameter of the chitosan microparticles was around 522 �m. The most stable microparticles were obtained using CSLMW 1% and TPP 2% or CSLMW 0.75%and TPP 1%. The micropaticles were spherical, uniform and without flattening. Using CSLMW in concentration of 0.5 % poorly cross-linked and crushed microparticles have been obtained at all TPP concentrations. By optimization of the method, stable chitosan-based micropaticles were obtained which will be used to develop controlled release systems for drug delivery.

scholarly journals Toward Physicochemical and Rheological Characterization of Different Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers Cross-Linked with Polyethylene Glycol Diglycidyl Ether

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 948
Author(s):  
Nicola Zerbinati ◽  
Sabrina Sommatis ◽  
Cristina Maccario ◽  
Maria Chiara Capillo ◽  
Giulia Grimaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Polyethylene Glycol ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Diglycidyl Ether ◽  
Dermal Filler ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Matrix Structure ◽  
Dermal Fillers ◽  
Rheological Characterization

(1) Background: Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are used to restore volume, hydration and skin tone in aesthetic medicine. HA fillers differ from each other due to their cross-linking technologies, with the aim to increase mechanical and biological activities. One of the most recent and promising cross-linkers is polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE), used by the company Matex Lab S.p.A., (Brindisi, Italy) to create the HA dermal filler PEGDE family. Over the last few years, several studies have been performed to investigate the biocompatibility and biodegradability of these formulations, but little information is available regarding their matrix structure, rheological and physicochemical properties related to their cross-linking technologies, the HA content or the degree of cross-linking. (2) Methods: Seven different injectable HA hydrogels were subjected to optical microscopic examination, cohesivity evaluation and rheological characterization in order to investigate their behavior. (3) Results: The analyzed cross-linked dermal fillers showed a fibrous “spiderweb-like” matrix structure, with each medical device presenting different and peculiar rheological features. Except for HA non cross-linked hydrogel 18 mg/mL, all showed an elastic and cohesive profile. (4) Conclusions: The comparative analysis with other literature works makes a preliminary characterization of these injectable medical devices possible.

scholarly journals Characterization of swelling behavior of carbon nano-filler modified polydimethylsiloxane composites

2021 ◽  
pp. 009524432110061
Author(s):  
Bo Yang ◽  
Balakrishnan Nagarajan ◽  
Pierre Mertiny
Keyword(s):  
Digital Image Analysis ◽  
Swelling Behavior ◽  
Optical Measurements ◽  
Natural Phenomenon ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Dimensional Changes ◽  
Experimental Findings ◽  
Carbon Based

Polymers may absorb fluids from their surroundings via the natural phenomenon of swelling. Dimensional changes due to swelling can affect the function of polymer components, such as in the case of seals, microfluidic components and electromechanical sensors. An understanding of the swelling behavior of polymers and means for controlling it can improve the design of polymer components, for example, for the previously mentioned applications. Carbon-based fillers have risen in popularity to be used for the property enhancement of resulting polymer composites. The present investigation focuses on the effects of three carbon-based nano-fillers (graphene nano-platelets, carbon black, and graphene nano-scrolls) on the dimensional changes of polydimethylsiloxane composites due to swelling when immersed in certain organic solvents. For this study, a facile and expedient methodology comprised of optical measurements in conjunction with digital image analysis was developed as the primary experimental technique to quantify swelling dimensional changes of the prepared composites. Other experimental techniques assessed polymer cross-linking densities and elastic mechanical properties of the various materials. The study revealed that the addition of certain carbon-based nano-fillers increased the overall swelling of the composites. The extent of swelling further depended on the organic solvent in which the composites were immersed in. Experimental findings are contrasted with published models for swelling prediction, and the role of filler morphology on swelling behavior is discussed.

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