Nadka Tz. Dintcheva

Hybrid supramolecular gels of Fmoc-F/halloysite nanotubes: systems for sustained release of camptothecin

Supramolecular gel hybrids obtained by self-assembly of Fmoc-l-phenylalanine (Fmoc-F) in the presence of functionalized halloysite nanotubes (f-HNT) were obtained in biocompatible solvents and employed as carriers for the delivery of camptothecin (CPT) molecules. The synthesis of the new f-HNT material as well as its characterization are described. The properties of the hybrid hydrogels and organogels were analyzed by several techniques. The presence of small amounts of f-HNT allows good dispersion of the tubes and the subsequent formation of homogeneous gels. The experimental results show that f-HNT functions only as an additive in the hybrid gels and does not demonstrate gelator behavior. The in vitro kinetic release from both f-HNT/CPT and Fmoc-F/f-HNT/CPT was studied in media that imitates physiological conditions, and the factors controlling the release process were determined and discussed. Furthermore, the antiproliferative in vitro activities of the gels were evaluated towards human cervical cancer HeLa cells. A comparison of data collected in both systems shows the synergistic action of f-HNT and the gel matrix in controlling the release of CPT in the media and maintaining the drug in its active form. Finally, a comparison with pristine HNT is also reported. This study suggests a suitable strategy to obtain two-component gel hybrids based on nanocarriers with controlled drug carrier capacity for biomedical applications.

Functionalization of aliphatic polyesters by nitroxide radical coupling

Functionalized poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) samples were prepared by a post-polymerization method based on the coupling reaction between TEMPO derivatives bearing different functionalities and PBS macroradicals generated by H-abstraction using a peroxide. 4-Benzoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (BzO-TEMPO) and 4-(1-naphthoate)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (NfO-TEMPO), a pro-fluorescent nitroxide, were successfully grafted on PBS, as revealed by MALDI TOF MS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The functionalization degrees were accurately determined by UV-Vis analysis and confirmed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The grafting site was identified by combining theoretical calculations with experimental evidence. This evidence was collected by both EPR analysis of a functionalized sample subjected to controlled heating in the EPR cavity, and by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Our functionalization method, which was also tested for poly(lactic acid) (PLA), preserves the original polymer structure. This avoids the crosslinking-branching side reaction, which generally affects the free radical treatment of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters. In addition, using a pro-fluorescent nitroxide to form functionalized samples is a significant step towards unambiguously demonstrating the radical grafting on these types of polymer. It also proves that well-defined fluorescently labeled biodegradable polyesters can be tailored.

On the role of multi-functional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane in polystyrene-zinc oxide nanocomposites

Abstract Multi-functional trisilanol phenyl (TSPH) and trisilanol isobutyl (TSIB) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) have been used in the formulation of advanced polystyrene (PS)-zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites. The neat matrix and PS/ZnO-based nanocomposites have been characterized through rheological, morphological, mechanical, and dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis. Both TSPH and TSIB are able to improve the dispersion of ZnO into the polystyrene matrix; furthermore, adding TSIB leads to better results because it facilitates better solubility into the PS matrix and interaction/reaction with the ZnO nanopowder. Finally, the optical properties and photo-oxidative resistance of the nanocomposite films have been evaluated. The POSS molecules synergistically interact with ZnO nanopowder in the protection of PS matrix against photo-oxidative process. The nanocomposite films containing both ZnO and POSS molecules, particularly TSIB, exhibit better UV-shielding properties than the PS/ZnO one, without loss of optical transparency.

Supramolecular Hydro- and Ionogels: A Study of Their Properties and Antibacterial Activity

Diimidazolium-based organic salts, bearing peptides or amino acids as anions have been synthesised and tested for their gelling ability in biocompatible solvents. These low molecular weight salts were successfully used as gelators in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution and ionic liquids. Then, the properties of the obtained soft materials were analysed in terms of melting temperature and gel strength as accounted for by rheological investigations. The gel-phase formation was studied by using UV/Vis and resonance light scattering measurements, whereas the morphology of the soft materials was analysed by using polarised optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To get information about the organisation of the gelator in the gelatinous matrix, X-ray diffraction measurements were performed both on the neat gelators and their gels. The results collected show that the properties of the gel phases, like the thermal stability, the self-repairing ability, the resistance to flow as well as the morphology, are dependent on the nature of the anion. Furthermore, bioassays revealed that the obtained diimidazolium organic salts possessed antimicrobial activity, against gram-negative and gram-positive tester strains. In particular and noteworthy, the diimidazolium organic salts exert a bactericidal capability, which was retained even if they are included in the gel phase. Thus, a novel kind of bioactive soft material was obtained that could be fruitfully employed as a non-covalent coating exerting antibacterial capability.