The Department of Natural Sciences is located on Thornton Science Park, a modern expressly-designed site that profits from a recently-completed multi-million pound renovation that has created a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility. The site was home to Shell UK’s exploration and research centre since the 1940s, and its takeover by the University heralded the opportunity to apply its legacy to the continuation of world-class innovation and research in the North West.

Recent Submissions

  • QSAR-driven screening uncovers and designs novel pyrimidine-4,6-diamine derivatives as potent JAK3 inhibitors

    Faris, Abdelmoujoud; Ibrahim, Ibrahim M.; Alnajjar, Radwan; Hadni, Hanine; Bhat, Mashooq Ahmad; Yaseen, Muhammad; Chakraborty, Souvik; Alsakhen, Nada; Shamkh, Israa M.; Mabood, Fazal; et al. (Taylor & Francis, 2023-12-07)
    This study presents a robust and integrated methodology that harnesses a range of computational techniques to facilitate the design and prediction of new inhibitors targeting the JAK3/STAT pathway. This methodology encompasses several strategies, including QSAR analysis, pharmacophore modeling, ADMET prediction, covalent docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and the calculation of binding free energies (MM/GBSA). An efficacious QSAR model was meticulously crafted through the employment of multiple linear regression (MLR). The initial MLR model underwent further refinement employing an artificial neural network (ANN) methodology aimed at minimizing predictive errors. Notably, both MLR and ANN exhibited commendable performance, showcasing R2 values of 0.89 and 0.95, respectively. The model's precision was assessed via leave-one-out cross-validation (CV) yielding a Q2 value of 0.65, supplemented by rigorous Y-randomization. , The pharmacophore model effectively differentiated between active and inactive drugs, identifying potential JAK3 inhibitors, and demonstrated validity with an ROC value of 0.86. The newly discovered and designed inhibitors exhibited high inhibitory potency, ranging from 6 to 8, as accurately predicted by the QSAR models. Comparative analysis with FDA-approved Tofacitinib revealed that the new compounds exhibited promising ADMET properties and strong covalent docking (CovDock) interactions. The stability of the new discovered and designed inhibitors within the JAK3 binding site was confirmed through 500 ns MD simulations, while MM/GBSA calculations supported their binding affinity. Additionally, a retrosynthetic study was conducted to facilitate the synthesis of these potential JAK3/STAT inhibitors. The overall integrated approach demonstrates the feasibility of designing novel JAK3/STAT inhibitors with robust efficacy and excellent ADMET characteristics that surpass Tofacitinib by a significant margin.
  • Three methods to measure the dissolution activation energy of cellulosic fibres using time-temperature superposition

    Liang, Yunhao; Ries, Michael; Hine, Peter; University of Leeds (Elsevier, 2022-04-28)
    Three methods are established to explore the dissolution kinetics of cellulosic fibres in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]), based on optical microscopic images of processed dried cellulose and cellulose hydrogels. The dissolution process for different times at various temperatures was analysed using time-temperature superposition, and from this the dissolution was found to follow an Arrhenius behaviour. Three values for the activation energy of dissolution were obtained from three different quantifying methods; these were found to agree, giving an average value of 73 ± 2 kJ/mol. A new method is developed to determine the swelling ratio of different regions of the processed cellulose samples, along with the different water volume fractions contained therein. The findings will be of interest to researchers making all cellulose composites and those studying the dissolution of cellulose by ionic liquids.
  • Pyrolysis activation energy of cellulosic fibres investigated by a method derived from the first order global model

    Liang, Yunhao; Hine, Peter; Ries, Michael; University of Leeds (Elsevier, 2022-12-30)
    The pyrolysis kinetics of cellulosic fibres, a natural cotton yarn (NCY) and a mercerized cotton yarn (MCY), has been explored with a modified first order global analysis method (FOG), via a series of non-isothermal experiments, using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The modified FOG analysis routine was developed to overcome discrepancy in heating rate and the difference between exact results and approximations in integrals. The intrinsic pyrolysis activation energy, with temperature range tending to zero, was found to be independent of heating rate and approximation used, giving average values of 153 ± 2 kJ/mol for NCY and 192 ± 7 kJ/mol for MCY. This proves the applicability of the reported analysis routine under the conducted TGA measurements. The reasons for different values were hypothesized to be the difference in chemical composition and crystalline structure. The findings provide a new approach in the investigation on pyrolysis kinetics of biomass and factors impacting their pyrolytic behaviour.
  • Identification of Disalicyloyl Curcumin as a Potential DNA Polymerase Inhibitor for Marek’s Disease Herpesvirus: A Computational Study Using Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

    Cherif, Aziza; Basharat, Zarrin; Yaseen, Muhammad; Bhat, Mashooq Ahmad; Uddin, Imad; Ziedan, Noha; Mabood, Fazal; Sadfi-Zouaoui, Najla; Messaoudi, Abdelmonaem; Université de Tunis-El Manar; Alpha Genomics, Islamabad; University of Swat; King Saud University; University of Chester; Jendouba University (MDPI, 2023-09-12)
    Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is a highly contagious and persistent virus that causes T-lymphoma in chickens, posing a significant threat to the poultry industry despite the availability of vaccines. The emergence of new virulent strains has further intensified the challenge of designing effective antiviral drugs for MDV. In this study, our main objective was to identify novel antiviral phytochemicals through in silico analysis. We employed Alphafold to construct a three-dimensional (3D) structure of the MDV DNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme involved in viral replication. To ensure the accuracy of the structural model, we validated it using tools available at the SAVES server. Subsequently, a diverse dataset containing thousands of compounds, primarily derived from plant sources, was subjected to molecular docking with the MDV DNA polymerase model, utilizing AutoDock software V 4.2. Through comprehensive analysis of the docking results, we identified Disalicyloyl curcumin as a promising drug candidate that exhibited remarkable binding affinity, with a minimum energy of −12.66 Kcal/mol, specifically targeting the DNA polymerase enzyme. To further assess its potential, we performed molecular dynamics simulations, which confirmed the stability of Disalicyloyl curcumin within the MDV system. Experimental validation of its inhibitory activity in vitro can provide substantial support for its effectiveness. The outcomes of our study hold significant implications for the poultry industry, as the discovery of efficient antiviral phytochemicals against MDV could substantially mitigate the economic losses associated with this devastating disease.
  • A measurement and modelling investigation of the indoor air chemistry following cooking activities

    Davies, Helen L.; O'Leary, Catherine; Dillon, Terry; Shaw, David R.; Shaw, Marvin; Mehra, Archit; Phillips, Gavin J.; Carslaw, Nicola (The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2023-08-14)
    Domestic cooking is a source of indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can impact on indoor air quality. However, the real-time VOC emissions from cooking are not well characterised, and similarly, the resulting secondary chemistry is poorly understood. Here, selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) was used to monitor the real-time VOC emissions during the cooking of a scripted chicken and vegetable stir-fry meal, in a room scale, semi-realistic environment. The VOC emissions were dominated by alcohols (70% of total emission), but also contained a range of aldehydes (14%) and terpenes (5%), largely attributable to the heating of oil and the preparation and heating of spices, respectively. The direct cooking-related VOC emissions were then simulated using the Indoor Chemical Model in Python (INCHEM-Py), to investigate the resulting secondary chemistry. Modelling revealed that VOC concentrations were dominated by direct emissions, with only a small contribution from secondary products, though the secondary species were longer lived than the directly emitted species. Following cooking, hydroxyl radical concentrations reduced by 86%, while organic peroxy radical levels increased by over 700%, later forming secondary organic nitrates, peroxyacylnitrates (PANs) and formaldehyde. Monoterpene emissions were shown to drive the formation of secondary formaldehyde, albeit to produce relatively modest concentrations (average of 60 ppt). Sensitivity analysis of the simulation conditions revealed that increasing the outdoor concentrations of ozone and NOx species (2.9× and 9×, respectively) resulted in the greatest increase in secondary product formation indoors (≈400%, 200% and 600% increase in organic nitrates, PANs and formaldehyde production, respectively). Given the fact that climate change is likely to result in increased ozone concentrations in the future, and that increased window-opening in response to rising temperatures is also likely, higher concentrations of indoor oxidants are likely in homes in the future. This work, therefore, suggests that cooking could be a more important source of secondary pollutants indoors in the future.
  • ERRATUM: Versailles project on advanced materials and standards interlaboratory study on intensity calibration for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy instruments using low-density polyethylene

    Reed, Benjamen; Cant, David; Spencer, Steve; Carmona-Carmona, Abraham; Bushell, Adam; Herrera-Gómez, Alberto; Kurokawa, Akira; Thissen, Andreas; Thomas, Andrew; Britton, Andrew; et al. (American Vacuum Society, 2021-01-25)
  • Ultrasound-guided day-case wide-bore percutaneous mucin aspiration in advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei

    Borg, Philip; Ng, Helen Hoi-Lam; Mullan, Damian; Aziz, Omer; Laasch, Hans-Ulrich; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; University of Leeds; University of Manchester; University of Chester (Elsevier, 2023-02-16)
    To evaluate percutaneous ultrasound-guided day-case mucin aspiration in advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) using a wide-bore drain with regards to its safety and efficacy. All patients who underwent percutaneous mucin aspiration for PMP between 2019-2021 at a single national peritoneal tumour service were included in this study. Under local anaesthesia, a suction-enabled 28-32 F catheter was used for drainage following wire-guided track dilatation. The volume drained and difference in abdominal girth pre- and post-procedure were measured. Patients graded difficulty in breathing and abdominal discomfort pre- and post-procedure. Histology reports were reviewed. Sixteen patients received 56 percutaneous mucin aspirations between 2019-2021. The aetiology was a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) in 50% of patients. The mean amount of mucin drained was 7,320 ± 3,000ml (range 300-13,500 ml). The mean reduction in abdominal girth post-procedure was 12.2 ± 5 cm (range 0-27 cm). Only grade 1 complications were observed. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided day-case aspiration of mucin for advanced and recurrent PMP using a wide-bore drain is a safe and effective procedure. It may be used in the palliative setting or as a bridge to surgery in the very symptomatic patient or if there is a reversible contraindication to surgery. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.]
  • A stable platinum porphyrin-based photocatalyst for hydrogen production under visible light in water

    Orfanos, Emmanouil; Ladomenou, Kalliopi; Angaridis, Panagiots; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Charalambidis, Georgios; Vasilopoulou, Maria; Coutsolelos, Athanassios G.; University of Crete; University of Chester (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2022-10-07)
    A stable system containing a Pt metallated porphyrin as a molecular solid photocatalyst in acidic aqueous solution is able to produce hydrogen efficiently, under visible light irradiation. The system shows an average H2 evolution of 467.3 μmol g-1 h-1.
  • A unique ternary Ce(III)-quercetin-phenanthroline assembly with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

    Halevas, Eleftherios; Matsia, S.; Hatzidimitriou, Antonios; Geromichalou, E.; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Katsipis, George; Pantazaki, Anastasia; Litsardakis, George; Salifoglou, Athanasios; Aristotle Univeristy of Thessaloniki; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; University of Chester
    Quercetin is one of the most bioactive and common dietary flavonoids, with a significant repertoire of biological and pharmacological properties. The biological activity of quercetin, however, is influenced by its limited solubility and bioavailability. Driven by the need to enhance quercetin bioavailability and bioactivity through metal ion complexation, synthetic efforts led to a unique ternary Ce(III)-quercetin-(1,10-phenanthroline) (1) compound. Physicochemical characterization (elemental analysis, FT-IR, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–Visible, NMR, Electron Spray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), Fluorescence, X-rays) revealed its solid-state and solution properties, with significant information emanating from the coordination sphere composition of Ce(III). The experimental data justified further entry of 1 in biological studies involving toxicity, (Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS)-suppressing potential, cell metabolism inhibition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) cultures, and plasmid DNA degradation. DFT calculations revealed its electronic structure profile, with in silico studies showing binding to DNA, DNA gyrase, and glutathione S-transferase, thus providing useful complementary insight into the elucidation of the mechanism of action of 1 at the molecular level and interpretation of its bio-activity. The collective work projects the importance of physicochemically supported bio-activity profile of well-defined Ce(III)-flavonoid compounds, thereby justifying focused pursuit of new hybrid metal-organic materials, effectively enhancing the role of naturally-occurring flavonoids in physiology and disease.
  • 2D‐Hexagonal Boron Nitride Screen‐Printed Bulk‐Modified Electrochemical Platforms Explored towards Oxygen Reduction Reactions

    Khan, Aamar F.; Ferrari, Alejandro Garcia-Miranda; Hughes, Jack; Smith, Graham C.; Banks, Craig E.; Rowley-Neale, Samuel J.; Manchester Metropolitan University; University of Chester (MDPI, 2022-04-26)
    A low‐cost, scalable and reproducible approach for the mass production of screen‐printed electrode (SPE) platforms that have varying percentage mass incorporations of 2D hexagonal boron nitride (2D‐hBN) (2D‐hBN/SPEs) is demonstrated herein. These novel 2D‐hBN/SPEs are explored as a potential metal‐free electrocatalysts towards oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) within acidic media where their performance is evaluated. A 5% mass incorporation of 2D‐hBN into the SPEs resulted in the most beneficial ORR catalysis, reducing the ORR onset potential by ca. 200 mV in comparison to bare/unmodified SPEs. Furthermore, an increase in the achievable current of 83% is also exhibited upon the utilisation of a 2D‐hBN/SPE in comparison to its unmodified equivalent. The screen‐printed fabrication approach replaces the less‐reproducible and time‐consuming dropcasting technique of 2D‐hBN and provides an alternative approach for the large‐scale manufacture of novel electrode platforms that can be utilised in a variety of applications
  • Structural speciation in chemical reactivity profiling of binary-ternary systems of Ni(II) with iminodialcohol and aromatic chelators

    Salifoglou, Athanasios; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Reimann, M. K.; Pöttgen, R.; Matsia, S.; Kaoulla, A.; Menelaou, M.; Hatzidimitriou, Antonios; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; University of Chester; Universität Münster; Cyprus University of Technology (Elsevier, 2021-11-10)
    The importance of structural speciation in the control of chemical reactivity in Ni(II) binary-ternary systems, involving (O,O,N)-containing substrates (1,1’-iminodi-2-propanol), and aromatic chelators (2,2’-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline), prompted the systematic synthesis of new crystalline materials characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Visible, Luminescence, TGA, magnetic susceptibility, and X-ray crystallography. The structures contain mononuclear octahedral assemblies, the lattice architecture of which exemplifies reaction conditions under which conformational variants and solvent-associated lattice-imposed complexes are assembled. Transformations between complex species denote their association with reactivity pathways, suggesting alternate synthetic methodologies for their isolation. Theoretical work (Hirshfeld, Electrostatic Potential, DFT) signifies the impact of crystal structure on energy profiles of the generated species. The arisen physicochemical profiles of all compounds portray a well-configured interwoven network of pathways, projecting strong connection between structural speciation and Ni(II) reactivity patterns in organic-solvent media. The collective results provide well-defined parameterized profiles, poised to influence the synthesis of new Ni(II)-iminodialcohol materials with specified structural-magneto-optical properties.
  • Optomechanical switching of adsorption configurations of polar organic molecules by UV radiation pressure

    Arumugam, Kowsalya; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Tang, Shu-Jung; National Tsing Hua University; Tokyo University of Science; National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC); University of Chester
    Using photoemission spectroscopy (PES), we have systematically investigated the behavior of polar organic molecule, chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc), adsorbed in the Cl-down configuration on the Ag(111) substrate at low temperature − 195 °C under UV irradiation with a range of different photon fluxes. Judging from the evolution of photoemission spectral line shapes of molecular energy states, we discovered that the Cl atoms are so robustly anchored at Ag(111) that the impinging photons cannot flip the ClAlPc molecules, but instead they crouch them down due to radiation pressure; we observe that the phthalocyanine (Pc) lobes bend down to interact with Ag atoms on the substrate and induce charge transfer from them. As photon flux is increased, radiation pressure on the Pc plane initiates tunneling of the Cl atom through the molecular plane to turn the adsorption configuration of ClAlPc from Cl-down to an upheld Cl-up configuration, elucidating an optomechanical way of manipulating the dipole direction of polar molecules. Finally, work function measurements provide a distinct signature of the resulting upheld Cl-up configuration as it leads to a large increase in vacuum level (VL), ~ 0.4 eV higher than that of a typical flat-on Cl-up configuration driven by thermal annealing.
  • The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence and the European Union's electrical and electronic equipment directives

    Powell-Turner, Julieanna; Antill, Peter; Fisher, Richard; Cranfield University (Elsevier, 2016-08-06)
    The growth of the generation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), and the use of hazardous substances in the production of these items, has required legislation to minimise the harm to the environment that their existing use, ultimate disposal and continued growth of the sector may pose. The European Union (EU) started to tackle this problem with the passing of two Directives in 2002, which focused on restricting the use of hazardous substances (RoHS - 2002/95/EC) and organising the recycling or disposal of discarded electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE - 2002/96/EC). These Directives have been recently recast and their scope widened; however, one exception to them remains items specifically designed for defence and military purposes. This paper looks at how and why these European Directives were passed, the impact they have had on defence in the United Kingdom (UK) up to the present moment, what impact the further extension of those directives might have on UK defence policy and how the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has begun to prepare for any extension, including the use of alternative products from the commercial market, and substituting less harmful materials. The paper reviews the information available to carry out future decision making and what level of decision making it can support. Where the data is insufficient, it makes recommendations on actions to take for improvement.
  • Will Future Resource Demand Cause Significant and Unpredictable Dislocations for the UK Ministry of Defence?

    Antill, Peter; Powell-Turner, Julieanna; Cranfield University (Elsevier, 2015-06-24)
    This paper focuses on the drivers which may affect future trends in material availability for defence, in particular, the availability of rare earth elements (REE). These drivers include resource concentration, tighter regulatory policy and its enforcement, export policies, their use in economic statecraft, increases in domestic demand, promoting greater efficiency in resource use, efforts to mitigate resource depletion and more efficient resource extraction while reducing its associated environmental impact. It looks at the effect these factors might have on global systems and supply chains, the impact on material insecurity and how this may exacerbate the issue of their use in UK military equipment. It finds that these drivers are likely to have an increasing impact on material availability (if measures are not taken to mitigate them), which will have consequences for the provision of military capability by the UK.
  • A promising laser nitriding method for the design of next generation orthopaedic implants: Cytotoxicity and antibacterial performance of titanium nitride (TiN) wear nano-particles, and enhanced wear properties of laser-nitrided Ti6Al4V surfaces

    Chan, Chi-Wai; Quinn, James; Hussain, Issam; Carson, Louise; Smith, Graham; Lee, Seunghwan; Queen's University Belfast; University of Lincoln; University of Chester; Technical University of Denmark
    In this study, fibre laser nitriding in open air was applied to the Ti6Al4V alloy in order to improve the wear resistance, thus minimising the generation of wear debris from the surfaces for load-bearing applications. The recent technological advancement to perform the laser nitriding process in open air allows the opportunity to surface-harden any curved and/or specific areas in the hip implants. The laser nitriding process was modulated between the pulsed mode and continuous wave (CW) mode by varying the duty cycle between 60% (pulsed) and 100% (CW). Our experimental investigations were divided into two stages in sequential order: Firstly, to create crack-free, homogenous and golden laser-nitrided surfaces by the proper selection of duty cycle. Secondly, it was to analyse the properties (both physical and chemical) of the wear debris as well as to evaluate their cytotoxicity and antibacterial performance. The laser-nitrided surfaces were characterised and tested using a variety of techniques, incl. optical microscopy, SEM-EDX, XRD, surface roughness and Vickers hardness measurements, as well as tribological tests (i.e. ball-on-disk wear tests and DLS). The wear debris from the laser-nitrided surfaces (collected in the wear tests) were analysed using TEM, XPS and SEM-EDX. Their toxicity was evaluated using in-vitro cell culture with macrophages at two time points (24 h and 48 h). The antibacterial performance was tested in vitro against two of the most commonly implicated pathogens in orthopaedic infection, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for 24 h. Our findings indicated that the wear resistance of the surfaces after laser nitriding was significantly improved and the amount of wear debris generated was also significantly reduced. The wear particles from the laser-nitrided surfaces were in the nano-sized scale range (0.01 µm to 0.04 µm or 10 nm to 40 nm). They were found to be less toxic towards RAW264.7 macrophages, yet display antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, when compared with the larger particles (1.5 µm in size) from the untreated surfaces. It is envisioned that successful fabrication of the non-toxic and highly wear-resistant TiN layer in Ti6Al4V using the open-air laser nitriding technique can enable progress towards the development of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants fully made of Ti-based alloys
  • Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards interlaboratory study on intensity calibration for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy instruments using low-density polyethylene

    Reed, Benjamen; Cant, David; Spencer, Steve; Carmona-Carmona, Abraham; Bushell, Adam; Herrera-Gomez, Alberto; Kurokawa, Akira; Thissen, Andreas; Thomas, Andrew; Britton, Andrew; et al. (American Vacuum Society, 2020-11-23)
    We report the results of a Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards interlaboratory study on the intensity scale calibration of x-ray photoelectron spectrometers using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as an alternative material to gold, silver, and copper. An improved set of LDPE reference spectra, corrected for different instrument geometries using a quartz-monochromated Al Kα x-ray source, was developed using data provided by participants in this study. Using these new reference spectra, a transmission function was calculated for each dataset that participants provided. When compared to a similar calibration procedure using the NPL reference spectra for gold, the LDPE intensity calibration method achieves an absolute offset of ∼3.0% and a systematic deviation of ±6.5% on average across all participants. For spectra recorded at high pass energies (≥90 eV), values of absolute offset and systematic deviation are ∼5.8% and ±5.7%, respectively, whereas for spectra collected at lower pass energies (<90 eV), values of absolute offset and systematic deviation are ∼4.9% and ±8.8%, respectively; low pass energy spectra perform worse than the global average, in terms of systematic deviations, due to diminished count rates and signal-to-noise ratio. Differences in absolute offset are attributed to the surface roughness of the LDPE induced by sample preparation. We further assess the usability of LDPE as a secondary reference material and comment on its performance in the presence of issues such as variable dark noise, x-ray warm up times, inaccuracy at low count rates, and underlying spectrometer problems. In response to participant feedback and the results of the study, we provide an updated LDPE intensity calibration protocol to address the issues highlighted in the interlaboratory study. We also comment on the lack of implementation of a consistent and traceable intensity calibration method across the community of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) users and, therefore, propose a route to achieving this with the assistance of instrument manufacturers, metrology laboratories, and experts leading to an international standard for XPS intensity scale calibration.
  • Modified magnetic core-shell mesoporous silica nano-formulations with encapsulated quercetin exhibit anti-amyloid and antioxidant activity

    Halevas, Eleftherios; Mavroidi, Barbara; Nday, Christiane; Tang, Jianhua; Smith, Graham; Boukos, Nikos; Litsardakis, George; Pelecanou, Maria; Salifoglou, Athanasios; NCSR "Demokritos" Athens (Halevas, Mavroidi, Pelecanou), University of Chester (Tang, Smith), Aristotle University of Thessalonika (Litsardakis, Nday) (Elsevier, 2020-10-06)
    Targeted tissue drug delivery is a challenge in contemporary nanotechnologically driven therapeutic approaches, with the interplay interactions between nanohost and encapsulated drug shaping the ultimate properties of transport, release and efficacy of the drug at its destination. Prompted by the need to pursue the synthesis of such hybrid systems, a family of modified magnetic core-shell mesoporous silica nano-formulations was synthesized with encapsulated quercetin, a natural flavonoid with proven bioactivity. The new nanocarriers were produced via the sol-gel process, using tetraethoxysilane as a precursor and bearing a magnetic core of surface-modified monodispersed magnetite colloidal superparamagnetic nanoparticles, subsequently surface-modified with polyethylene glycol 3000 (PEG3k). The arising nano-formulations were evaluated for their textural and structural properties, exhibiting enhanced solubility and stability in physiological media, as evidenced by the loading capacity, entrapment efficiency results and in vitro release studies of their load. Guided by the increased bioavailability of quercetin in its encapsulated form, further evaluation of the biological activity of the magnetic as well as non-magnetic core-shell nanoparticles, pertaining to their anti-amyloid and antioxidant potential, revealed interference with the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s disease, reduction of Aβ cellular toxicity and minimization of Aβ-induced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation. The data indicate that the biological properties of released quercetin are maintained in the presence of the host nanocarriers. Collectively, the findings suggest that the emerging hybrid nano-formulations can function as efficient nanocarriers of hydrophobic natural flavonoids in the development of multifunctional nanomaterials toward therapeutic applications.
  • ‘Radial force’ of colonic stents: A parameter without consistency, definition or standard

    Laasch, Hans-Ulrich; Milward, Graham D.; Edwards, Derek W. (Society of Gastrointestinal Intervention, 2020-07-31)
  • Optimization of anti-wear and anti-bacterial properties of beta TiNb alloy via controlling duty cycle in open-air laser nitriding

    Chang, Xianwen; Smith, Graham; Quinn, James; Carson, Louise; Chan, Chi-Wai; Lee, Seunghwan; Technical University of Denmark; University of Chester; Queens University Belfast (Elsevier, 2020-07-09)
    A multifunctional beta TiNb surface, featuring wear-resistant and antibacterial properties, was successfully created by means of open-air fibre laser nitriding. Beta TiNb alloy was selected in this study as it has low Young’s modulus, is highly biocompatible, and thus can be a promising prosthetic joint material. It is, however, necessary to overcome intrinsically weak mechanical properties and poor wear resistance of beta TiNb in order to cover the range of applications to loadbearing and/or shearing parts. To this end, open-air laser nitriding technique was employed. A control of single processing parameter, namely duty cycle (between 5% and 100%), led to substantially different structural and functional properties of the processed beta TiNb surfaces as analyzed by an array of analytical tools. The TiNb samples nitrided at the DC condition of 60% showed a most enhanced performance in terms of improving surface hardness, anti-friction, antiwear and anti-bacterial properties in comparison with other conditions. These findings are expected to be highly important and useful when TiNb alloys are considered as materials for hip/knee articular joint implants
  • UV phototransistors based upon spray coated and sputter deposited ZnO TFTs

    Kumar, Dinesh; Gomes, Tiago; Santos, Lucas; Smith, Graham; Kettle, Jeff; Bangor University (Kumar, Kettle), Sao Paulo State University (Gomes, Alves, Santos), University of Chester (Smith)
    A comparison of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) phototransistors prepared by spray and sputter coating process is presented. The work shows that spray coated layers provide significant advantages in sensor response over ZnO phototransistors made by physical vapour deposition and we show that spray deposited ZnO phototransistors can exhibit state-of-the-art performances for UV photodetectors. Topographic images of the samples surface shows that there is increase in surface roughness in spray coated samples indicating increasing grain sizes, which is considered the source of the greater sensor responsivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is also used to understand the root cause of the greater UV responsivity. It was observed that sprayed ZnO TFTs are more sensitive to UV radiation due to higher adsorption of oxygen level. Responsivity and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the sprayed and sputtered ZnO TFTs are also evaluated.

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