Abstract POXylated polyurea dendrimer nanoparticles (PUREG4OOx48) are loaded with sildenafil (SDF) by a supercritical carbon dioxide–assisted (scCO2) impregnation. Further supercritical CO2-assisted spray drying (SASD) leads to hybrid nano-in-micro dry powder formulations that are investigated aiming at efficient pulmonary delivery of SDF in pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment. This is the first report of the production of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-cholesterol (PLGA-Chol) microparticles processed by SASD. The optimized formulation of nano-in-microparticles is composed of PLGA, Chol, and PUREG4OOx48, loaded with SDF solutions in a 77:23 ratio (PLGA-Chol:dendrimer, w/w). The dry powders are fully characterized and found to be highly biodegradable and biocompatible, and the SDF release profile evaluates under different pH values. The median mass average diameter (MMAD) of the nano-in-micro systems varies between 2.57 and 5 µm and the fine particle fraction (FPF) between 36% and 29% for PUREG4OMeOx48[PLGA-Chol] and PUREG4OEtOx48[PLGA-Chol], respectively. The data validate the potential use of these new formulations in inhalation therapy. In vitro studies are also carried out in order to evaluate the effect of the free drug in cell viability and formulations cytotoxicity.

A new family of eighteen Cu(i) complexes of the general formula [Cu(PP)(LL)][BF4], where PP is a phosphane ligand and LL represents an N,O-heteroaromatic bidentate ligand, has been synthesized and fully characterized by classical analytical and spectroscopic methods. Five complexes of this series were also characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The cytotoxicity of all compounds was evaluated in breast (MCF7) and prostate (LNCap) human cancer cells and in a normal prostate cell line (RWPE). In general, all compounds showed higher cytotoxicity for the prostate cancer cells than for the breast cells, with IC50 values in the range 0.2-2 muM after 24 h of treatment. The most cytotoxic compound, [Cu(dppe)(2-ap)][BF4] (16), where dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphano) ethane and 2-ap = 2-acetylpyridine, showed a high level of cellular internalization, generation of intracellular ROS and activation of the cell death mechanism via apoptosis/necrosis. Owing to its high cytotoxic activity for LNCap cells, being 70-fold higher than that for normal prostate cells (RWPE), complex (16) was found to be the most promising for further research in prostate cancer models.

Cellulose nano crystals (CNCs) are promising materials for energy efficient buildings related to the control of reflectivity and heat absorption/reflection of light. In this sense it is important to improve CNCs films fire retardant properties, which can be achieved by adding clays. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and nanolayers obtained from Sodium Fluorohectorite (NaFh) synthetic clay are both known to form liquid crystalline phases in aqueous suspensions. CNCs form cholesteric phases, which structure is preserved after water evaporation, while dry NaFh nanolayers aligned films collapse. In this initial work, it is shown that CNCs are compatible with NaFh clay. We demonstrate that the liquid crystalline phase of CNCs in water is not destroyed by the presence of NaFh nanolayers. The NaFh nanolayers act as planar anchoring surfaces to the cellulose nanorods and, after evaporation of the water coloured films are obtained. The precursor solutions and the photonic films were investigated by Describe several techniques.

Biofilms are generally defined as communities of cells involved in a self-produced extracellular matrix adhered to a surface. In biofilms, the bacteria are less sensitive to host defense mechanisms and antimicrobial agents, due to multiple strategies, that involve modulation of gene expression, controlled metabolic rate, intercellular communication, composition, and 3D architecture of the extracellular matrix. These factors play a key role in streptococci pathogenesis, contributing to therapy failure and promoting persistent infections. The species of the pyogenic group together with Streptococcus pneumoniae are the major pathogens belonging the genus Streptococcus, and its biofilm growth has been investigated, but insights in the genetic origin of biofilm formation are limited. This review summarizes pyogenic streptococci biofilms with details on constitution, formation, and virulence factors associated with formation.

Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is a strategy to tune their biocompatibility. Herein we report on the synthesis of a series of fluorescent ZnO NPs modified with 2-10% (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to investigate the fluorescence properties and to explore their applications in microbiology and biomedicine. The obtained ZnO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Size reduction occurred from ca. 13 nm in unmodified ZnO to 3-4 nm in silane-modified samples and fluorescence spectra showed size-dependent variation of the photoemission bands' intensity. The antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were investigated on Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, and in ovarian (A2780) and prostate (PC3) cancer cells by tetrazolium/formazan-based methods. The antibacterial effect was higher for E. coli than S. aureus, while the cytotoxic activity was similar for both cancer cells and varied with the particle size. Cell death by apoptosis, and/or necrosis versus autophagy, were explored by flow cytometry using an Annexin V based-method and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The main mechanism of ZnO NPs toxicity may involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of apoptosis or autophagy. This work revealed the potential utility of GPTMS-modified ZnO NPs in the treatment of bacterial infection and cancer.

BackgroundHalf of human cancers harbour TP53 mutations that render p53 inactive as a tumor suppressor. As such, reactivation of mutant (mut)p53 through restoration of wild-type (wt)-like function represents one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment. Recently, we have reported the (S)-tryptophanol-derived oxazoloisoindolinone SLMP53-1 as a new reactivator of wt and mutp53 R280K with in vitro and in vivo p53-dependent antitumor activity. The present work aimed a mechanistic elucidation of mutp53 reactivation by SLMP53-1.
Methods and results
By cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), it is shown that SLMP53-1 induces wt and mutp53 R280K thermal stabilization, which is indicative of intermolecular interactions with these proteins. Accordingly, in silico studies of wt and mutp53 R280K DNA-binding domain with SLMP53-1 unveiled that the compound binds at the interface of the p53 homodimer with the DNA minor groove. Additionally, using yeast and p53-null tumor cells ectopically expressing distinct highly prevalent mutp53, the ability of SLMP53-1 to reactivate multiple mutp53 is evidenced.
Conclusions
SLMP53-1 is a p53-activating agent with the ability to directly target wt and a set of hotspot mutp53.
General Significance
This work reinforces the encouraging application of SLMP53-1 in the personalized treatment of cancer patients harboring distinct p53 status.

New hetero-arylidene-9(10H)-anthrone derivatives (1) were synthesized from reaction of 1,2-dimethyl-3-alkyl imidazolium salts (2) and 9-anthracenecarboxaldehyde. Ion exchange of the anion with dioctyl sulfosuccinate and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide led to the preparation of other derivatives. The antiproliferative effect of the compounds was evaluated in human ovarian (A2780) and colorectal (HCT116) carcinoma cell lines and in normal primary human fibroblasts. Compound 1 presented an antiproliferative effect related to the imidazolium pattern of substitution with compounds having a decyl group at the R-position (1c and 3c) showing the highest cytotoxic activities in all cell lines independently of the counter ion. Compounds 1b and 1c internalize A2780 cancer cells via a passive or an active transport, respectively, inducing A2780 cell death via an extrinsic apoptosis (1b) or intrinsic apoptosis and oncosis (1c). The localization of both compounds in the cytoplasm coupled to the absence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction suggest that the mechanisms of toxicity might be different than those of other anthracyclines currently used in chemotherapy.

Reducing CO2 is a challenging chemical transformation that biology solves easily, with high efficiency and specificity. In particular, formate dehydrogenases are of great interest since they reduce CO2 to formate, a valuable chemical fuel and hydrogen storage compound. The metal-dependent formate dehydrogenases of prokaryotes can show high activity for CO2 reduction. Here, we report an expression system to produce recombinant W/Sec-FdhAB from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough fully loaded with cofactors, its cata-lytic characterization and crystal structures in oxidised and reduced states. The enzyme has very high activi-ty for CO2 reduction and displays remarkable oxygen stability. The crystal structure of the formate-reduced enzyme shows Sec still coordinating the tungsten, supporting a mechanism of stable metal coordination during catalysis. Comparison of the oxidised and reduced structures shows significant changes close to the active site. The DvFdhAB is an excellent model for studying catalytic CO2 reduction and probing the mecha-nism of this conversion.Reducing CO2 is a challenging chemical transformation that biology solves easily, with high efficiency and specificity. In particular, formate dehydrogenases are of great interest since they reduce CO2 to formate, a valuable chemical fuel and hydrogen storage compound. The metal-dependent formate dehydrogenases of prokaryotes can show high activity for CO2 reduction. Here, we report an expression system to produce recombinant W/Sec-FdhAB from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough fully loaded with cofactors, its cata-lytic characterization and crystal structures in oxidised and reduced states. The enzyme has very high activi-ty for CO2 reduction and displays remarkable oxygen stability. The crystal structure of the formate-reduced enzyme shows Sec still coordinating the tungsten, supporting a mechanism of stable metal coordination during catalysis. Comparison of the oxidised and reduced structures shows significant changes close to the active site. The DvFdhAB is an excellent model for studying catalytic CO2 reduction and probing the mecha-nism of this conversion.

Advanced functionalities textiles embedding electronic fibers, yarns and fabrics are a demand for innovative smart cloths. Conductive electrospun membranes and yarns based on polyaniline/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PANI/PVP) were investigated using the chemical modification of PANI instead of using conventional coating processes as in-situ polymerization. PANI was synthesized from the aniline monomer and the influence of the oxidant-to-monomer ratio on electrical conductivity was studied. The optimized conductivity of pellets made with pressed PANI powders was 21 S·cm−1. Yarns were then prepared from the t-Boc-PANI/PVP electrospun membranes followed by PANI protonation to enhance their electrical properties. Using this methodology, electrospun membranes and yarns were produced with electrical conductivities of 1.7 × 10−2 and 4.1 × 10−4 S·cm−1.

We demonstrate a simple and accessible method for enhancing textiles with custom piezo-resistive properties. Based on in-situ polymerization, our method offers seamless integration at the material level, preserving a textile's haptic and mechanical properties. We demonstrate how to enhance a wide set of fabrics and yarns using only readily available tools. During each demo session, conference attendees may bring textile samples which will be polymerized in a shared batch. Attendees may keep these samples. While the polymerization is happening, attendees can inspect pre-made samples and explore how these might be integrated in functional circuits. Examples objects created using polymerization include rapid manufacturing of on-body interfaces, tie-dyed motion-capture clothing, and zippers that act as potentiometers.

CO2 separation from natural gas is considered to be a crucial strategy to mitigate global warming problems, meet product specification, pipeline specs and other application specific requirements. Silica xerogels (SX) are considered to be potential materials for CO2 capture due to their high specific surface area. Thus, a series of silica xerogels functionalized with imidazolium, phosphonium, ammonium and pyridinium-based room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) were synthesized. The synthesized silica xerogels were characterized by NMR, helium pycnometry, DTA-TG, BET, SEM and TEM. CO2 sorption, reusability and CO2/CH4 selectivity were assessed by the pressure-decay technique. Silica xerogels containing IL demonstrated advantages compared to RTILs used as separation solvents in CO2 capture processes including higher CO2 sorption capacity and faster sorption/desorption. Using fluorinated anion for functionalization of silica xerogels leads to a higher affinity for CO2 over CH4. The best performance was obtained by SX- [bmim] [TF2N] (223.4 mg CO2/g mg/g at 298.15 K and 20 bar). Moreover, SX- [bmim] [TF2N] showed higher CO2 sorption capacity as compared to other reported sorbents. CO2 sorption and CO2/CH4 selectivity results were submitted to an analysis of variance and the means compared using Tukey's test (5%).

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) with different cation alkyl chain ([i-C5mim] or [C4mim]) and inorganic anions ([Cl−], [Tf2N−], [PF6−] and [DCA−]) were synthesized and immobilized in commercial mesoporous silica. The synthesized supported ILs (SILs) were characterized using NMR, FTIR, TGA, BET, SEM and TEM. CO2 sorption capacity, reusability and CO2/N2 selectivity were assessed by the pressure-decay technique. The effects of IL concentration, cation and anion chemical structure in CO2 sorption capacity and CO2/N2 separation performance were evaluated. Tests evidenced that the presence of branching on the cation alkyl side chain increases CO2/N2 selectivity. The immobilization of the IL [i-C5TPIm][Cl] on mesoporous silica in different concentrations (50, 20, 10 and 5 %) revealed that lower IL concentration results in higher CO2 sorption capacity. Immobilization of ILs containing fluorinated anions at low concentrations in the mesoporous silica support may promote the improvement of the CO2/N2 selectivity without interfering on CO2 sorption capacity of the original support. CO2 sorption capacity value shown by sample SIL-5 % - [i-C5TPIm][Tf2N] (79.50 ± 0.70 mg CO2  g-1) was close to the value obtained for the pristine mesoporous silica (81.70 ± 2.20 mg CO2 g-1) and the selectivity (4.30 ± 0.70) was more than twice of the one obtained for the support alone (2.32 ± 0.4). Recycle tests demonstrated that the ILs immobilized in mesoporous silica samples are stable, providing a new option to be used in CO2 capture processes.

Rapid, real-time, and non-invasive identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
and gases is an increasingly relevant field, with applications in areas such as healthcare, agriculture,
or industry. Ideal characteristics of VOC and gas sensing devices used for artificial olfaction include
portability and affordability, low power consumption, fast response, high selectivity, and sensitivity.
Microfluidics meets all these requirements and allows for in situ operation and small sample amounts,
providing many advantages compared to conventional methods using sophisticated apparatus such
as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. This review covers the work accomplished so far
regarding microfluidic devices for gas sensing and artificial olfaction. Systems utilizing electrical
and optical transduction, as well as several system designs engineered throughout the years are
summarized, and future perspectives in the field are discussed.

Fast, real-time detection of gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is
an emerging research field relevant to most aspects of modern society, from
households to health facilities, industrial units, and military environments.
Sensor features such as high sensitivity, selectivity, fast response, and low
energy consumption are essential. Liquid crystal (LC)-based sensors fulfill
these requirements due to their chemical diversity, inherent self-assembly
potential, and reversible molecular order, resulting in tunable stimuliresponsive soft materials. Sensing platforms utilizing thermotropic uniaxial
systems—nematic and smectic—that exploit not only interfacial phenomena,
but also changes in the LC bulk, are demonstrated. Special focus is given to
the different interaction mechanisms and tuned selectivity toward gas and
VOC analytes. Furthermore, the different experimental methods used to
transduce the presence of chemical analytes into macroscopic signals are discussed and detailed examples are provided. Future perspectives and trends
in the field, in particular the opportunities for LC-based advanced materials in
artificial olfaction, are also discussed.