Green Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-based carbon dots for ameliorating imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice

Abstract Background Carbon dots (CDs) with multifaceted advantages have provided hope for development brand-new nanodrug for treating thorny diseases. This study developed a green and simple calcination method to prepare novel CDs as promising drug for psoriasis treatment. The as-prepared CDs using Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) as sole precursor were characterized by a series of methods, mainly including electron microscopy, optical technology and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results Results displayed that fluorescence (Quantum yield = 5.63%) and nontoxic PCC-based CDs (PCC-CDs) with abundant chemical groups exhibited solubility and tiny sizes at average of (1.93 ± 0.53) nm, which may be beneficial for its inherent biological activity. Moreover, by using the typical imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin mouse model, we firstly demonstrated the pronounced anti-psoriasis activity of as-prepared PCC-CDs on ameliorating the appearance, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores as well as histopathological morphology of both back skin tissues and right ears in IMQ-induced mouse. Further potential mechanisms behind the anti-psoriasis activities may be related to suppress M1 polarization and relatively promote M2 polarization of macrophage both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion These results suggested that PCC-CDs have potential to be an anti-psoriasis candidate for clinical applications to treat psoriasis, which not only provided an evidence for further broadening the biological application of CDs, but also provided a potential hope for application nanodrugs to treat thorny diseases. Graphic Abstract

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Green Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-based Carbon Dots for Ameliorating Imiquimod-induced Psoriasis-like Inflammation in Mice

10.21203/rs.3.rs-118225/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Meiling Zhang ◽

Jinjun Cheng ◽

Jie Hu ◽

Juan Luo ◽

Yue Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Carbon Dots ◽

Severity Index ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Optical Technology ◽

X Ray ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Calcination Method ◽

Chemical Groups ◽

Anti Inflammation

Abstract Background: Carbon dots with multifaceted advantages have been provided hope for development brand-new nanodrug for treating thorny diseases.This study developed a green and simple calcination method to prepare novel cardon dots (CDs) as promising drug for psoriasis treatment. The as-prepared CDs using Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) as sole precursor were characterized by a series of methods, mainly including electron microscopy, optical technology and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).Results: Results displayed that fluorescence (Quantum yield =5.63%) and nontoxic PCC-based CDs (PCC-CDs) with abundant chemical groups exhibited solubility and tiny sizes at average of (1.93 ± 0.53) nm, which may be beneficial for its inherent biological activity. Moreover, by using the typical imiquimod (IMQ) – induced psoriasis-like skin mouse model, we firstly demonstrated the pronounced anti-psoriasis activity of as-prepared PCC-CDs on ameliorating the appearance, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores as well as histopathological morphology of both back tissues and right ears in IMQ-induced mouse. Further potential mechanisms behind the anti-psoriasis activities may be related to the anti-inflammation effects of PCC-CDs by descending the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17A). Conclusion: These results suggested that PCC-CDs have potential to be an anti-psoriasis candidate for clinical applications to treat psoriasis, which not only provided an evidence for further broadening the biological application of CDs, but also provided a potential hope for application nanodrugs to treat thorny diseases.

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The Surface Characterisation of Fused Filament Fabricated (FFF) 3D Printed PEEK/Hydroxyapatite Composites

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13183117 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (18) ◽

pp. 3117

Author(s):

Krzysztof Rodzeń ◽

Mary Josephine McIvor ◽

Preetam K. Sharma ◽

Jonathan G. Acheson ◽

Alistair McIlhagger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

High Performance ◽

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry ◽

Fused Filament Fabrication ◽

Surface Characterisation ◽

X Ray ◽

3D Printed

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer which has found increasing application in orthopaedics and has shown a lot of promise for ‘made-to-measure’ implants via additive manufacturing approaches. However, PEEK is bioinert and needs to undergo surface modification to make it at least osteoconductive to ensure a more rapid, improved, and stable fixation that will last longer in vivo. One approach to solving this issue is to modify PEEK with bioactive agents such as hydroxyapatite (HA). The work reported in this study demonstrates the direct 3D printing of PEEK/HA composites of up to 30 weight percent (wt%) HA using a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) approach. The surface characteristics and in vitro properties of the composite materials were investigated. X-ray diffraction revealed the samples to be semi-crystalline in nature, with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry revealing HA materials were available in the uppermost surface of all the 3D printed samples. In vitro testing of the samples at 7 days demonstrated that the PEEK/HA composite surfaces supported the adherence and growth of viable U-2 OS osteoblast like cells. These results demonstrate that FFF can deliver bioactive HA on the surface of PEEK bio-composites in a one-step 3D printing process.

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Improved Promotion of M2 Microglial Polarization by Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formulation in Diabetes-Related Depression

10.21203/rs.3.rs-335174/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

xiuli zhang ◽

Dahua Wu ◽

Dandan Li ◽

Jian Liu ◽

Chang Lei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

High Glucose ◽

Neuroprotective Effect ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Mild Stress ◽

Microglial Polarization ◽

M2 Polarization ◽

M1 Polarization

Abstract Background Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu formulation (ZGJTJY) is a Chinese polyherbal prescription for diabetes-related depression (DD). The mechanism underlying hippocampal M1/M2 polarization in DD and the ZGJTJY treatment effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate M1/M2 microglial polarization in the hippocampus of DD rats and HAPI (highly aggressively proliferating immortalized) cells simulating the DD state, as well as to examine the ZGJTJY intervention effects, both in vivo and in vitro. Methods We subjected Sprague Dawley rats to a high-fat diet, streptozotocin, and unpredictable chronic mild stress; subsequently, we orally administered ZGJTJY. HAPI cells were induced using high glucose and corticosterone; subsequently, ZGJTJY-containing serum was added to examine changes in M1/M2 microglial polarization. Moreover, metformin combined with fluoxetine (DMGB/F) was used as a positive drug for evaluating the ZGJTJY intervention. Laser confocal scanning was used to examine the microglial morphology. Further, real-time PCR was used to determine M1 markers (MHCII, iNOS, MCP-1, CD11b), M2 markers (Arg1, Mrc1, Ym1), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). Additionally, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to examine inflammatory cytokines. Results There was significant activation of M1 polarization in the hippocampus of DD rats and HAPI cells induced using high glucose and corticosterone. Compared with DMGB/F, ZGJTJY inhibited and promoted M1 and M2 polarization, respectively; moreover, it decreased the M1-to-M2 polarization ratio both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions The study indicated that hippocampal M1 polarization is crucially involved in DD pathogenesis; moreover, there is a need for further research on the neuroprotective effect of Chinese medicine associated with M2-polarized microglia.

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Bimodal Ultrasound and X-Ray Bioimaging Properties of Particulate Calcium Fluoride Biomaterial

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26185447 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (18) ◽

pp. 5447

Author(s):

Cristhian Marcelo Chingo Aimacaña ◽

Kevin O. Pila ◽

Dilan A. Quinchiguango Perez ◽

Alexis Debut ◽

Mohamed F. Attia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Calcium Fluoride ◽

In Vitro Cytotoxicity ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Face Centered Cubic ◽

X Ray ◽

Peak Broadening ◽

X Ray Imaging

Ultrasound (US) and X-ray imaging are diagnostic methods that are commonly used to image internal body structures. Several organic and inorganic imaging contrast agents are commercially available. However, their synthesis and purification remain challenging, in addition to posing safety issues. Here, we report on the promise of widespread, safe, and easy-to-produce particulate calcium fluoride (part-CaF2) as a bimodal US and X-ray contrast agent. Pure and highly crystalline part-CaF2 is obtained using a cheap commercial product. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicts the morphology of these particles, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirms their chemical composition. Diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy highlights their insulating behavior. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals that part-CaF2 crystallizes in the face-centered cubic cell lattice. Further analyses regarding peak broadening are performed using the Scherrer and Williamson–Hall (W-H) methods, which pinpoint the small crystallite size and the presence of lattice strain. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) solely exhibits specific peaks related to CaF2, confirming the absence of any contamination. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo maximum tolerated dose (MTD) tests prove the biocompatibility of part-CaF2. Finally, the results of the US and X-ray imaging tests strongly signal that part-CaF2 could be exploited in bimodal bioimaging applications. These findings may shed a new light on calcium fluoride and the opportunities it offers in biomedical engineering.

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Antihyperuricemic and anti-gouty arthritis activities of Aurantii fructus immaturus carbonisata-derived carbon dots

Nanomedicine ◽

10.2217/nnm-2019-0255 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (22) ◽

pp. 2925-2939 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Suna Wang ◽

Yue Zhang ◽

Hui Kong ◽

Meiling Zhang ◽

Jinjun Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽

Xanthine Oxidase ◽

Carbon Dots ◽

Oxidase Activity ◽

Gouty Arthritis ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron

Aim: To explore the antihyperuricemia and anti-gouty arthritis activities of Aurantii fructus immaturus carbonisata-derived carbon dots (AFIC-CDs). Materials & methods: The AFIC-CDs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy; high-resolution transmission electron microscopy; ultraviolet, fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; high-performance liquid chromatography; and x-ray diffraction. Antihyperuricemia and anti-gouty arthritis activities of AFIC-CDs were explored in vivo and in vitro. Results: The AFIC-CDs diameter ranged from 1.1 to 4.4 nm, with a yield of 7.2%. AFIC-CDs reduced serum uric acid by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity in hyperuricemia rats and inhibited xanthine oxidase activity in vitro. AFIC-CDs improved gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate crystals in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: AFIC-CDs may be a potential treatment for gout.

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Graphene Reinforced Polyether Ether Ketone Nanocomposites for Bone Repair Applications

10.26434/chemrxiv.13289525 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nan Jiang ◽

Peijie Tan ◽

Miaomiao He ◽

dan Sun ◽

Li Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Testing ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Bone Repair ◽

Early Stage ◽

Angle Measurement ◽

X Ray ◽

Polyether Ether Ketone ◽

Ether Ketone

To improve the performance of polyether ether ketone matrix (PEEK) in hard tissue repair and replacement applications, we fabricated graphene (G) reinforced PEEK with graded G concentrations (0.1%-5%) through injection molding. The mechanical properties, surface morphology, chemical composition and thermal stability of the composites have been characterized through universal mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy, contact-angle measurement, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis system. The biocompatibility has been assessed in vitro and the bone repair function of the composite implant have been assessed in vivo using a rabbit mandibular bone defect model. Mechanical testing results suggest that the composite samples have compressive moduli similar to that of the natural bone. Although addition of G into PEEK does not significantly influence the composite tensile, flexural or compressive moduli, it can significantly enhance the ductility and toughness of the material. On the other hand, all G-reinforced PEEK implants demonstrated enhanced adhesion and differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), with 5% G-PEEK showing the highest bioactivity among all samples. The in vivo osseointegration data further revealed that 5% G-PEEK has the best effect in promoting osseointegration and bone regeneration, in both early stage and late stage bone re-growth. Study shows that our G-reinforced PEEK-based implants provides a promising strategy for enhancing the performance of future regenerative bone implants.<br>

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Surface Modified β-Tricalcium Phosphate Enhanced Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation in Vitro and Bone Regeneration in Vivo

10.21203/rs.3.rs-130300/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Cheuk Sing Choy ◽

Wei Fang Lee ◽

Pei Ying Lin ◽

Yi-Fan Wu ◽

Haw-Ming Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Regeneration ◽

Tricalcium Phosphate ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Glow Discharge Plasma ◽

X Ray ◽

Micro Particles

Abstract In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies had demonstrated Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity in bone regeneration. The present research aimed to enhance β-TCP's biocompatibility and physical and chemical properties by argon plasma surface treatment without surface modification. Treated β-TCP characterization was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization. The viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and osteoblastic differentiation were determined by water-soluble tetrazolium salts-1 (WST-1), immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated a slight enhancement of the β-TCP by argon glow discharge plasma (GDP) sputtering, which resulted in a higher Ca/P ratio (2.05) than the control. Furthermore, when compared withcontrol β-TCP, we observed an improvement of WST-1 on all days (p < 0.05) as well as of ALP activity (day 7, p < 0.05), with up-regulation of ALP, osteocalcin, and Osteoprotegerin osteogenic genes in cells cultured with the β-TCP test. XPS and SEM analyses indicated treated β-TCP’s surface was not modified when impurities were removed. In vivo, micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis indicated that the β-TCP test managed to regenerate more new bone than the β-TCP control and was able to control defects at 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Argon GDP treatment is a viable method for removing macro and micro particles of <7 μm in size from β-TCP bigger particles surfaces while improving its biocompatibility with slight surface roughness modification, enhancing hMSCs proliferation, osteoblastic differentiation, and stimulating more new bone formation.

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Platinum(IV) Complexes of trans-1,2-diamino-4-cyclohexene: Prodrugs Affording an Oxaliplatin Analogue that Overcomes Cancer Resistance

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21072325 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (7) ◽

pp. 2325

Author(s):

Paride Papadia ◽

Katia Micoli ◽

Alessandra Barbanente ◽

Nicoletta Ditaranto ◽

James D. Hoeschele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cyclic Voltammetry ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Human Cancer ◽

Cancer Resistance ◽

X Ray ◽

Human Cancer Cell Lines ◽

Reduction Potentials

Six platinum(IV) compounds derived from an oxaliplatin analogue containing the unsaturated cyclic diamine trans-1,2-diamino-4-cyclohexene (DACHEX), in place of the 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, and a range of axial ligands, were synthesized and characterized. The derivatives with at least one axial chlorido ligand demonstrated solvent-assisted photoreduction. The electrochemical redox behavior was investigated by cyclic voltammetry; all compounds showed reduction potentials suitable for activation in vivo. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data indicated an X-ray-induced surface reduction of the Pt(IV) substrates, which correlates with the reduction potentials measured by cyclic voltammetry. The cytotoxic activity was assessed in vitro on a panel of human cancer cell lines, also including oxaliplatin-resistant cancer cells, and compared with that of the reference compounds cisplatin and oxaliplatin; all IC50 values were remarkably lower than those elicited by cisplatin and somewhat lower than those of oxaliplatin. Compared to the other Pt(IV) compounds of the series, the bis-benzoate derivative was by far (5–8 times) the most cytotoxic showing that low reduction potential and high lipophilicity are essential for good cytotoxicity. Interestingly, all the complexes proved to be more active than cisplatin and oxaliplatin even in three-dimensional spheroids of A431 human cervical cancer cells.

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Synthesis and characterization of fluorescein-grafted polyurethane for potential application in biomedical tracing

Journal of Biomaterials Applications ◽

10.1177/0885328216681893 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (6) ◽

pp. 901-910 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Boyuan Yang ◽

Qin Zou ◽

Lili Lin ◽

Limei Li ◽

Yi Zuo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

X Ray ◽

Composition And Structure ◽

Fluorescence Efficiency ◽

Fluorescence Characteristics ◽

Fluorescent Response ◽

Magnetic Resonance Scanning

Redesigned multifunctional biopolymers represent a novel building bridge for interdisciplinary collaborations in biomaterials development. We prepared fluorescein-grafted polyurethane scaffolds (PU-C1, PU-C5, and PU-B1) to meet both clinical needs and biological safety evaluations, using different contents of calcein and different synthesis procedures for potential biomedical tracing. X-ray diffraction, infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy were used to analyze the composition and structure of polyurethanes, as well as to observe their morphology with and without biomarkers. Fluorescence spectrophotometer and fluorescence microscopy were used to detect the fluorescence characteristics. The results showed that the grafting of calcein significantly affected the chemical structure and fluorescence sensitivities of copolymers. When compared to calcein, which was added before synthesis (PU-C1), the marker that was added during the extender process (PU-B1) presented higher fluorescence efficiency. Both PU-C5 and PU-B1 exhibited strong fluorescent response and good cytocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, with no interference from the autofluorescence of tissues after 4 weeks of implantation. The fluorescence-marked material can be used to continuously and noninvasively monitor the dynamic changes in polymers, which provides a way to clearly trace the material or to distinguish between the material and tissue in vivo.

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