Scalable manufacturing of an amide-based nucleating agent for transparency and high heat resistance of polylactic acid.

The prevalent use of disposable plastic tableware presents notable environmental and health risks. An alternative, polylactic acid (PLA), often does not meet usage requirements due to its low crystallization rate. This research introduces an amide-based nucleating agent, BRE-T-100, developed through a straightforward method to enhance the heat resistance and crystallization rate of PLA. This study systematically investigates the impact of BRE-T-100 and other nucleating agents on the properties of PLA composites. The incorporation of 0.8 % BRE-T-100 increases the crystallization temperature of PLA from 109.6 °C to 131.9 °C. Further, the total crystallization time of PLA composites at 120 °C is reduced to <60 s, while maintaining good transparency. BRE-T-100 exhibits superior comprehensive properties compared to talcum, TMC-200, and TMC-300 and is nearly on par with LAK-301. Its application as a nucleating agent in PLA-based disposable tableware shows promise.

FOXO3a-interacting proteins' involvement in cancer: a review.

Due to its role in apoptosis, differentiation, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage repair in stress responses (oxidative stress, hypoxia, chemotherapeutic drugs, and UV irradiation or radiotherapy), FOXO3a is considered a key tumor suppressor that determines radiotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic responses in cancer cells. Mutations in the FOXO3a gene are rare, even in cancer cells. Post-translational regulations are the main mechanisms for inactivating FOXO3a. The subcellular localization, stability, transcriptional activity, and DNA binding affinity for FOXO3a can be modulated via various post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, and interactions with other transcriptional factors or regulators. This review summarizes how proteins that interact with FOXO3a engage in cancer progression.

The regulatory effects of L. plantarum peptidoglycan microspheres on innate and humoral immunity in mouse.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum cell wall peptidoglycan (LPG) microspheres on mouse intestinal flora changes, peptidoglycan recognitions protein (PGRP) and cytokines expression levels. METHOD: Plate counting was used for enumeration of the intestinal flora. Real-time PCR was used for quantification PGRP in different tissues. Cytokines content were determined by ELISA kits. RESULT: The mouse administered orally with LPG microspheres showed significantly higher number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in caecum contents (p < 0.01). The amount of PGRP expression in different organs was highest in LPG microspheres-treated group. IL-4, 12, IFN-γ, TNF-α contents in serum from LPG microspheres-treated mouse were significantly higher than those in normal saline-treated group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the LPG microspheres can regulate intestinal flora imbalance and improve systemic immunity, improve both Th1 and Th2 immune response, which provide some basis for the use of LPG as potential adjuvants.

Study on the effects of microencapsulated Lactobacillus delbrueckii on the mouse intestinal flora.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of microencapsulation on Lactobacillus delbrueckii by random, parallel experimental design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lincomycin hydrochloride-induced intestinal malfunction mouse model was successfully established; then the L. delbrueckii microcapsule was given to the mouse. The clinical behaviour, number of intestinal flora, mucous IgA content in small intestine, IgG and IL-2 level in peripheral blood were monitored. The histological sections were also prepared. RESULTS: The L. delbrueckii microcapsule could have more probiotic effects as indicated by higher bifidobacterium number in cecal contents. The sIgA content in microcapsule treated group was significantly higher than that in non-encapsulated L. delbrueckii treated group (p < 0.05). Intestine pathological damage of the L. delbrueckii microcapsule-treated group showed obvious restoration. CONCLUSION: The L. delbrueckii microcapsules could relieve the intestinal tissue pathological damage and play an important role in curing antibiotic-induced intestinal flora dysfunction.

Evaluation of toxicity and adjuvant effects of peptidoglycan microspheres orally administered to mice.

In this study, peptidoglycan microspheres were evaluated for their toxicity and adjuvant effects after oral administration to mice. The liver and spleen indexes, CD cell content in peripheral blood and spleen, and immunoglobulin content in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry and indirect ELISA, respectively. Peptidoglycan microspheres with a loading capacity of 46.41 ± 0.83 g/100 g were prepared. In vivo tests showed that peptidoglycan microspheres revealed an immuno-enhancing profile as indicated by the slow increase of IgG content in peripheral blood compared with that of the untreated peptidoglycan group. In conclusion, peptidoglycan microspheres may be used as a new oral adjuvant in the host.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan microsphere loading bovine serum albumin.

To optimize the preparation process of chitosan microspheres and study its loading capacity, chitosan microsphere was prepared by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was absorbed onto chitosan microsphere. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR), TA instruments and zeta potentiometer analyzer were used to characterize the parameters with respect to size, thermal characters, morphology, and zeta potential of the microspheres. The loading capability and in vitro release tests were carried out. The results showed that chitosan microsphere with particle size less than 10 µm and positively charged (+25.97±0.56 mV) can be obtained under the aldehyde group to amino group ratio at 1:1. A loading capacity of BSA at 28.63±0.15 g/100 g with corresponding loading efficiency at 72.01±1.44% was obtained for chitosan microsphere. In vitro test revealed a burst release followed by sustained-release profile.

Characterization and evaluation of the Ag+-loaded soy protein isolate-based bactericidal film-forming dispersion and films.

UNLABELLED: This study aims to prepare bactericidal films developed from soy protein isolate (SPI) based film-forming dispersions (FFDs) for use in the food and medical fields. The FFD and films were prepared after the incorporation of different concentrations of AgNO3 as a bactericidal agent. The transparency, tensile strength, and antimicrobial features were evaluated. Structural characterizations were also performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy analysis. Results showed that the opacity of these FFD was greatly decreased after the incorporation of AgNO3. The SPI-5 film has the largest tensile strength (P < 0.05) compared with that of the other ones. Micro structural imaging analysis showed an increase in the surface irregularities with the addition of AgNO3. The minimum inhibitory concentration of AgNO3 was 336 µg/mL FFD for both Escherichia coli ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25922. The SPI-AgNO3 films developed from the FFD with the minimal AgNO3 concentration at 336 µg/mL FFD also showed bactericidal effects for both the strains. These results may prove promising for the use of SPI-AgNO3 films in the food or medical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The films prepared in this study are biodegradable and will be used in medical and food fields.