Multilamellar mesoporous silica nanoparticles using a cationic co-surfactant dual-templating method.

The utility of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) has been repeatedly proven in a wide range of biomedical applications. The general morphology of these particles is easily modifiable by various post-grafting possibilities and adjustments within the surfactant-based template. The synthesis of multilamellar vesicular silica nanoparticles has led to the discovery of beneficial attributes regarding said particles. Depending on the synthesis process, various parameters are affected including packaging capacity, stability, drug adsorption and release. This research focused on synthesis and characterization of multilamellar MSNs using a cationic-cationic co-surfactant templating route testing various ratios of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB). TEM imaging showed clear differences in size and morphology between the different samples, and was further characterized by BET and BJH analysis. All multilamellar nanoparticles did exhibit a similar pore size distribution and overall gradual release of drug contents. However, the degree of drug adsorption and overtime drug release was clearly influenced by the number of layers of the MSNs, proving the utility of adjusting the template. Further experiments could be conducted to validate the utility of beta- cyclodextrin as a template regulator and to investigate both biocompatibility and biodegradability of the multilamellar MSNs.

On the Development of All-Cellulose Capsules by Vesicle-Templated Layer-by-Layer Assembly

Polymeric multilayer capsules formed by the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique are interesting candidates for the purposes of storage, encapsulation, and release of drugs and biomolecules for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. In the current study, cellulose-based core-shell particles were developed via the LbL technique alternating two cellulose derivatives, anionic carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and cationic quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose ethoxylate (QHECE), onto a cationic vesicular template made of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB). The obtained capsules were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ potential measurements, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). DLS measurements reveal that the size of the particles can be tuned from a hundred nanometers with a low polydispersity index (deposition of 2 layers) up to micrometer scale (deposition of 6 layers). Upon the deposition of each cellulose derivative, the particle charge is reversed, and pH is observed to considerably affect the process thus demonstrating the electrostatic driving force for LbL deposition. The HR-SEM characterization suggests that the shape of the core-shell particles formed is reminiscent of the spherical vesicle template. The development of biobased nano- and micro-containers by the alternating deposition of oppositely charged cellulose derivatives onto a vesicle template offers several advantages, such as simplicity, reproducibility, biocompatibility, low-cost, mild reaction conditions, and high controllability over particle size and composition of the shell.

Preparation of Electrochemical Biosensor Systems for the Analysis of Biological Objects: a Reasonable Choice of Modifications of the Working Surface of Electrodes for Performing Research in the "Smart Electrode" Mode

The electrochemical method of analysis of biological objects based on the reaction of electro-oxidation/electro-reduction of molecules is considered. Materials and complex systems for modifying electrodes as well as methods for producing modified electrodes to increase the sensitivity of recording the flow of electrochemical reactions on the surface of the electrodes are described. Methods of electrode modifications based on synthetic lipid-like didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, gold and silver nanoparticles, one-dimensional nanoparticles based on lead compounds, titan oxide nanoparticles, dispersions of carbon nanotubes in organic solvents, in polymers with different chemical structure are considered. It is shown that the appropriate functionalization of the working electrode surface makes it possible to increase the sensitivity of the electrochemical biosensor system and decrease the limit of detection. The results are presented in the form of an algorithm applicable for selection the beneficial type of modified electrode for the corresponding electrochemical reaction and biosample analysis.

Synthesis, Generic Dyeing of Nindigo Derivatives on Unmodified Polypropylene; First Time Application in Dyeing Technology

Hydrophobic nindigo dyes were designed and successfully synthesized from indigo by reacting with substituted anilines in a simple route. Four nindigo dyes were fruitfully analyzed by 1H NMR 13C NMR, electronic and mass spectrometry. Here, we have firstly introduced these nindigo dyes into dyeing area for the dyeing of unmodified polypropylene fiber in aqueous medium. Dyeing experiments has been performed by using didodecyldimethylammonium bromide dispersing agent to make dye-dispersant complex for enhancing the dispersion of dyes. All the dyes were displayed profound blue color hue on polypropylene. The dyeing efficiency and dye fixation order of the nindigo dyes are 3d > 3c ≥ 3b > 3a. Compound 3d having higher the hydrophobic character (logP ═ 7.04), so greater the dye ability on the polypropylene fiber and exhibiting deep coloration.