Lipid-Head-Polymer-Tail Chimeric Nanovesicles

Lipid nanovesicles (LNVs) and polymer nanovesicles (PNVs), also known as liposomes and polymersomes, are becoming increasingly vital in global health. One recent example is the widely distributed mRNA Covid-19 vaccines. However, the two major classes of nanovesicles both exhibit their own issues that significantly limit potential applications. Here, by covalently attaching a naturally occurring phosphate “lipid head” and a synthetic polylactide “polymer tail” via facile ring-opening polymerization on a 500-gram scale, a type of “chimeric” nanovesicles (CNVs) can be easily produced. Compared to LNVs, the reported CNVs exhibit reduced permeability for small and large molecules; on the other hand, the CNVs are less hydrophobic and exhibit enhanced tolerance toward proteins in buffer solutions without the need for hydrophilic polymeric corona such as poly(ethylene glycol), in contrast to conventional PNVs. The proof-of-concept in vitro delivery experiments using hydrophilic solutions of fluorescein-PEG, rhodamine-PEG, and anti-cancer drug doxorubicin demonstrate that these CNVs, as a structurally diverse class of nano-materials, are highly promising as alternative carriers for therapeutic molecules in translational nanomedicine.

The Influence of Synthesis Method on Characteristics of Buffer and Organic Solutions of Thermo- and pH-Responsive Poly(N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide)s

Thermo- and pH-responsive poly(N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide)s were synthesized by free radical polymerization and RAFT polymerization. The molar masses of the samples were 33,000–35,000 g∙mol−1. Investigations of the dilute solutions showed that the prepared samples were flexible chain polymers. The behavior of the synthesized polymers in the buffer solutions was analyzed by turbidity and light scattering at a pH range of 7–13 and a concentration range of 0.0002–0.008 g·cm−3. When the concentrated solutions were at a low temperature, there were macromolecules and aggregates, which were formed due to the interaction of hydrophobic units. For the investigated samples, the lower critical solution temperatures were equal. The phase separation temperatures decreased as pH increased. The influence of polydispersity index on the characteristics of the samples in the solutions was analyzed. The radii of molecules of poly(N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide) obtained by RAFT polymerization at this temperature at the onset and end of the phase separation interval were lower than ones for samples synthesized by conventional free radical polymerization.

A Versatile Terahertz Chemical Microscope and Its Application for the Detection of Histamine

Terahertz waves have gained increasingly more attention because of their unique characteristics and great potential in a variety of fields. In this study, we introduced the recent progress of our versatile terahertz chemical microscope (TCM) in the detection of small biomolecules, ions, cancer cells, and antibody–antigen immunoassaying. We highlight the advantages of our TCM for chemical sensing and biosensing, such as label-free, high-sensitivity, rapid response, non-pretreatment, and minute amount sample consumption, compared with conventional methods. Furthermore, we demonstrated its new application in detection of allergic-related histamine at low concentration in buffer solutions.

Implementation of Problem-based Learning Model to Enhance Students Learning Outcomes in Buffer Solutions Topic

This research aims to determine the improvement of the process and learning outcomes of the buffer solutions topic by applying the Problem-based Learning (PBL) model. This research is based on Classroom Action Research (CAR) takes place in two cycles, with several stages including planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. Our present study used 17 students of natural science 11th grade SMA Advent Manokwari. The data was obtained from teachers and students. The data collection method used cognitive learning outcomes and observation. The data analysis uses descriptive analytic techniques. Our findings showed that the application of the PBL model can improve the quality of the learning process on the buffer solutions topic; the application of the Problem-based Learning (PBL) learning model has increased from cycle I with an average grade of 65.36 and a percentage of passing grades of 41% and cycle II with an average grade of 83.66 and a percentage of passing grades of 88%.

PENGEMBANGAN E-LEARNING BERBASIS SCHOOLOGY PADA MATERI KESETIMBANGAN ION DAN pH LARUTAN PENYANGGA KELAS XI SMA/MA

This study aims to develop a Schoology-based e-learning media and to find out the validity and response of users (teachers and students). The method used in this research was Research and Development (R&D) with the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model. The implementation stage was not carried out due to the limitations of the research. Validation tests carried out by material and media experts as well as limited trials on students and teachers were obtained using a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used was descriptive analysis. The validation results from material and media expert showed the percentage of 93.23% and 90.69% in the valid category. The results of trial by student and teacher responses showed the percentage of 94.40% and 93.12% in good category. The Schoology-based e-learning media on ion equilibrium and buffer solutions is valid and suitable for use in online learning.

Development of Pictorial-based Two-Tier Multiple Choice Misconception Diagnostic Test on Buffer Solutions

This research aims to develop a Pictorial-based Two-Tier Multiple Choice Misconception Diagnostic Test on Buffer Solutions. This research uses the Development and Validation method. The development steps in this method consist of test development (design); validity and reliability test; development of determination key; use of tests, and analysis of results. Based on the content validity test using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) method, there are 24 items meet the content validity criteria. Based on the reliability test obtained Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.827 which indicates that the developed test is included in the acceptable category. It can identify high school students' misconceptions about the buffer solutions because the presence of pictures can help students understand the problems about the buffer solutions, and can provide an overview of their mental representations so that misconceptions are revealed more deeply.

Glucose Sensor Based on Ellipsometry and Circular Dichroism in Achiral Plasmonic Structure

Various efforts have been made to detect minimum value of glucose in any medium like water or body buffer solutions with high-sensitivity, accurate, and low-cost sensors in order to enhance life style. Therefore, the present study was done to investigate reliability of two-dimensional plasmonic structure by circular dichroism (CD) and ellipsometry tools in different concentrations of glucose. Our results confirmed a dependency of the CD signal on glucose concentrations and also a very good sensitivity based on the phase difference between each polarization in ellipsometry parameters with the help of an achiral plasmonic structure.