Extraction and Isolation of Two Polysaccharides from Chloranthus japonicus Sieb. and Evaluation of Their Anti-Gastric Cancer Activities.

Two unreported heteropolysaccharides, denoted as YCJP-1 and YCJP-2, were isolated from the herbs of Chloranthus japonicus. YCJP-1 was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, rhamnose, and a minor proportion of uronic acids, with the molecular weight mainly distributed in the 74,475-228,443 Da range. YCJP-2 was mainly composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose, with the molecular weights ranging from 848 to 5810 Da. To further evaluate the anti-gastric cancer effects of C. japonicus, the inhibitory effects of the crude polysaccharide (YCJP) and the purified polysaccharides (YCJP-1 and YCJP-2) were determined using a CCK-8 assay and colon-forming assay on MGC-803 and AGS gastric cancer cell lines. Our results showed that YCJP, YCJP-1, and YCJP-2 possess prominent inhibitory effects on the proliferation of MGC-803 and AGS cells, and the AGS cell was more sensitive to YCJP, YCJP-1, and YCJP-2. Moreover, YCJP-2 demonstrated superior anti-gastric cancer effects compared to YCJP-1. This could potentially be attributed to YCJP-2's higher glucose content and narrower molecular weight distribution.

Structural Characterization of Polygonatum Cyrtonema Polysaccharide and Its Immunomodulatory Effects on Macrophages.

A neutral Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (NPCP) was isolated and purified from Polygonatum cyrtonema by various chromatographic techniques, including DEAE-52 and Sephadex-G100 chromatography. The structure of NPCP was characterized by HPLC, HPGPC, GC-MS, FT-IR, NMR, and SEM. Results showed that NPCP is composed of glucose (55.4%) and galactose (44.6%) with a molecular weight of 3.2 kDa, and the sugar chain of NPCP was →1)-α-D-Glc-(4→1)-ß-D-Gal-(3→. In vitro bioactivity experiments demonstrated that NPCP significantly enhanced macrophages proliferation and phagocytosis while inhibiting the M1 polarization induced by LPS as well as the M2 polarization induced by IL-4 and IL-13 in macrophages. Additionally, NPCP suppressed the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in both M1 and M2 cells but promoted the secretion of IL-10. These results suggest that NPCP could serve as an immunomodulatory agent with potential applications in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Glucan polysaccharides isolated from Lactarius hatsudake Tanaka mushroom: Structural characterization and in vitro bioactivities.

Commercially available mushroom polysaccharides have found widespread use as adjuvant tumor treatments. However, the bioactivity of polysaccharides in Lactarius hatsudake Tanaka (L. hatsudake), a mushroom with both edible and medicinal uses, remains relatively unexplored. To address this gap, five L. hatsudake polysaccharides with varying molecular weights were isolated, named LHP-1 (898 kDa), LHP-2 (677 kDa), LHP-3 (385 kDa), LHP-4 (20 kDa), and LHP-5 (4.9 kDa). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and atomic force microscopy, etc., were employed to determine their structural characteristics. The results confirmed that spherical aggregates with amorphous flexible fiber chains dominated the conformation of the LHP. LHP-1 and LHP-2 were identified as glucans with α-(1,4)-Glcp as the main chain; LHP-3 and LHP-4 were classified as galactans with varying molecular weights but with α-(1,6)-Galp as the main chain; LHP-5 was a glucan with ß-(1,3)-Glcp as the main chain and ß-(1,6)-Glcp connecting to the side chains. Significant differences were observed in inhibiting tumor cell cytotoxicity and the antioxidant activity of the LHPs, with LHP-5 and LHP-4 identified as the principal bioactive components. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the valuable use of L. hatsudake and emphasize the potential application of LHPs in therapeutic tumor treatments.

Insights into modifiers effects in differential mobility spectrometry: A data science approach for metabolomics and peptidomics.

Utilizing a data-driven approach, this study investigates modifier effects on compensation voltage in differential mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) for metabolites and peptides. Our analysis uncovers specific factors causing signal suppression in small molecules and pinpoints both signal suppression mechanisms and the analytes involved. In peptides, machine learning models discern a relationship between molecular weight, topological polar surface area, peptide charge, and proton transfer-induced signal suppression. The models exhibit robust performance, offering valuable insights for the application of DMS to metabolites and tryptic peptides analysis by DMS-MS.

Molecular-Weight-Dependent Degradation of Plastics: Deciphering Host-Microbiome Synergy Biodegradation of High-Purity Polypropylene Microplastics by Mealworms.

The biodegradation of polypropylene (PP), a highly persistent nonhydrolyzable polymer, by Tenebrio molitor has been confirmed using commercial PP microplastics (MPs) (Mn 26.59 and Mw 187.12 kDa). This confirmation was based on the reduction of the PP mass, change in molecular weight (MW), and a positive Δδ13C in the residual PP. A MW-dependent biodegradation mechanism was investigated using five high-purity PP MPs, classified into low (0.83 and 6.20 kDa), medium (50.40 and 108.0 kDa), and high (575.0 kDa) MW categories to access the impact of MW on the depolymerization pattern and associated gene expression of gut bacteria and the larval host. The larvae can depolymerize/biodegrade PP polymers with high MW although the consumption rate and weight losses increased, and survival rates declined with increasing PP MW. This pattern is similar to observations with polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), i.e., both Mn and Mw decreased after being fed low MW PP, while Mn and/or Mw increased after high MW PP was fed. The gut microbiota exhibited specific bacteria associations, such as Kluyvera sp. and Pediococcus sp. for high MW PP degradation, Acinetobacter sp. for medium MW PP, and Bacillus sp. alongside three other bacteria for low MW PP metabolism. In the host transcriptome, digestive enzymes and plastic degradation-related bacterial enzymes were up-regulated after feeding on PP depending on different MWs. The T. molitor host exhibited both defensive function and degradation capability during the biodegradation of plastics, with high MW PP showing a relatively negative impact on the larvae.

Improved antioxidant and anti-tubercular potential of liquiritigenin grafted on low molecular weight chitosan from gladius of Sepioteuthis lessoniana.

Chitosan (CH) is natural abundant biopolymer present on earth after cellulose. CH can be functionalized by numerous functional groups such as amino and carboxyl groups, potential biologically active compounds. The functionalization of CH with polyphenols had a greater biological than non-grafted CH. In the present study, the polyphenolic compound liquiritigenin (LTG) is chemically functionalized on the low molecular weight chitosan (LMW-CH) (693.09 Da). This was extracted and irradiated with gamma radiation from the gladius of Sepioteuthis lessoniana. The grafted compound was to in vitro anti-oxidant employing physicochemical methods and characterization was made by spectroscopic methods. The degree of deacetylation (DDA) of the LMW-CH was detected in 74 % of the samples, and at higher concentrations (100 g/mL). LMW-CH grafted with LTG had improved water solubility (5 mg/mL), and was thermally stable upto 143.58 °C. Its molecular weight was 855.1 Da. In conclusion the in vitro antioxidant and the anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) properties of the grafted samples were significantly (P < 0.001) increased compared to the unconjugated LMW-CH and LTG. Overall, functionalization of LTG with LMW-CH improved the anti-tuberculosis activity. Further studies are needed to explore the possibilities of its use in vivo models.

Olive Pomace Extract Contains Low Molecular Weight Peptides and Possesses ACE Inhibitory Activity.

The aim of the present study was to determine the ACE inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of olive pomace and to understand whether they represent a good source of bioactive LMW peptides for nutritional and pharmacological applications. We produced a water extract from olive pomace (var. Picual) and obtained its low molecular weight (LMW) fraction (<3 kDa). The calculated yield of extraction was 100.2 ± 7.9 mg of LMW peptides per 100 g of olive pomace. The olive pomace LMW fraction possessed strong ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 3.57 ± 0.22 µg prot/mL). The LMW fraction (<3 kDa) was analysed by nanoscale liquid chromatography-Orbitrap coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and de novo sequencing. Thirty new peptides, containing between 7-17 amino acids and molecular masses ranging 778-1354 Da, were identified by the Peaks database algorithm using the available Olea europaea (cv. Farga) genome database. Ten new peptides were also identified by Peaks de novo sequencing. The protein sources of twelve peptides detected in the database by Peaks DB were identified by BLAST search. The ACE inhibitory activity of the identified peptides was predicted by BIOPEP software. We conclude that olive pomace possesses ACE inhibitory activity and contains low molecular weight peptides with (predicted) biological activity. Olive pomace may represent a good source of peptides for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. In our study, it has been shown that olive pomace possesses ACE inhibitory activity and contains low molecular weight peptides with (predicted) biological activity. Olive pomace may represent a good source of peptides for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. More research is needed in order to identify the in vivo effects of olive pomace bioactive peptides.

Analysis of Self-Assembled Low- and High-Molecular-Weight Poly-L-Lysine-Ce6 Conjugate-Based Nanoparticles.

In cancer therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted significant attention due to its high potential for tumor-selective treatment. However, PDT agents often exhibit poor physicochemical properties, including solubility, necessitating the development of nanoformulations. In this study, we developed two cationic peptide-based self-assembled nanomaterials by using a PDT agent, chlorin e6 (Ce6). To manufacture biocompatible nanoparticles based on peptides, we used the cationic poly-L-lysine peptide, which is rich in primary amines. We prepared low- and high-molecular-weight poly-L-lysine, and then evaluated the formation and performance of nanoparticles after chemical conjugation with Ce6. The results showed that both molecules formed self-assembled nanoparticles by themselves in saline. Interestingly, the high-molecular-weight poly-L-lysine and Ce6 conjugates (HPLCe6) exhibited better self-assembly and PDT performance than low-molecular-weight poly-L-lysine and Ce6 conjugates (LPLCe6). Moreover, the HPLCe6 conjugates showed superior cellular uptake and exhibited stronger cytotoxicity in cell toxicity experiments. Therefore, it is functionally beneficial to use high-molecular-weight poly-L-lysine in the manufacturing of poly-L-lysine-based self-assembling biocompatible PDT nanoconjugates.

pH-Sensitive Amphiphilic Diblock Polyphosphoesters with Lactate Units: Synthesis and Application as Drug Carriers.

pH-sensitive amphiphilic diblock polyphosphoesters containing lactic acid units were synthesized by multistep one-pot polycondensation reactions. They comprise acid-labile P(O)-O-C and C(O)-O-C bonds, the cleavage of which depends on the pH of the medium. The structure of these copolymers was characterized by 1H, 13C {H}, 31P NMR, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The newly synthesized polymers self-assembled into the micellar structure in an aqueous solution. The effects of the molecular weight of the copolymer and the length of the hydrophobic chain on micelle formation and stabilityand micelle size were studied via dynamic light scattering (DLS). Drug loading and encapsulation efficiency tests using doxorubicin revealed that hydrophobic drugs can be delivered by copolymers. It was established that the molecular weight of the copolymer, length of the hydrophobic chain and content of lactate units affects the size of the micelles, drug loading, and efficiency of encapsulation. A copolymer with 10.7% lactate content has drug loading (3.2 ± 0.3) and efficiency of encapsulation (57.4 ± 3.2), compared to the same copolymer with 41.8% lactate content (1.63%) and (45.8%), respectively. It was demonstrated that the poly[alkylpoly(ethylene glycol) phosphate-b-alkylpoly(ethylene glycol)lactate phosphate] DOX system has a pH-sensitive response capability in the result in which DOX was selectively accumulated into the tumor, where pH is acidic. The results obtained indicate that amphiphilic diblock polyphosphoesters have potential as drug carriers.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity Evaluation of an Acidic Polysaccharide from Alpinia officinarum Hance.

AHP-3a, a triple-helix acidic polysaccharide isolated from Alpinia officinarum Hance, was evaluated for its anticancer and antioxidant activities. The physicochemical properties and structure of AHP-3a were investigated through gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The weight-average molecular weight of AHP-3a was 484 kDa, with the molar percentages of GalA, Gal, Ara, Xyl, Rha, Glc, GlcA, and Fuc being 35.4%, 21.4%, 16.9%, 11.8%, 8.9%, 3.1%, 2.0%, and 0.5%, respectively. Based on the results of the monosaccharide composition analysis, methylation analysis, and NMR spectroscopy, the main chain of AHP-3a was presumed to consist of (1→4)-α-D-GalpA and (1→2)-α-L-Rhap residues, which is a pectic polysaccharide with homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) structural domains containing side chains. In addition, the results of the antioxidant activity assay revealed that the ability of AHP-3a to scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and OH free radicals increased with an increase in its concentration. Moreover, according to the results from the EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays, AHP-3a can control the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 and Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells without causing any damage to healthy cells. Thus, AHP-3a may be a natural antioxidant and anticancer component.

Molecular-weight dependent promotion and competition effects of natural organic matter on dissolved black carbon removal by coagulation.

Dissolved black carbon (DBC) is the ubiquitous component of dissolved organic matter pools with the high reactivity for disinfection byproducts formation. However, it is unknown that the influence of molecular weight (MW) of natural organic matter (NOM) on the DBC removal from potable water sources. Therefore, it was studied that the DBC removal by coagulation in the presence of the NOM with various molecular weights. The DBC removal was promoted due to the presence of NOM and the promotion degree decreased with decreasing MW of NOM. Furthermore, the removal ratio of humic-like component increased as the MW of NOM decreased, suggesting that the competition between DBC and NOM increased with decreasing MW. The functional groups after coagulation were the same with that before coagulation as the MW of NOM varied, suggesting that the molecular structure was not the key factor of influencing the DBC removal. This study will give the deep insight into the prediction of the DBC removal ratio by coagulation based on the MW of NOM in water sources.

Seasonal variation and concentration of PAHs in Lake Balaton sediment: A study on molecular weight distribution and sources of pollution.

The temporal and spatial variations of 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined at multiple sites around Lake Balaton from February 2023 to January 2024. The results indicated that the concentrations of PAHs in sediment were high during the winter months, 448.35 to 619.77 ng/g dry weight, and low during the summer months, 257.21 to 465.49 ng/g dry weight. The concentration of high molecular weight PAHs (HMWPAHs), consisting of 5-6 rings, was greater than that of low molecular weight PAHs (LMWPAHs), which had 2-3 rings. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for both dermal and ingestion pathways was high for both adults and children during the four seasons, with the highest records as the following: winter > spring > summer > autumn. The ecological effects of the 16 PAHs were negligible except for acenaphthylene (Acy) and fluorene (Fl), which displayed slightly higher concentrations during the autumn and spring, respectively.

Dimethyl sulfoxide as a gas phase charge-reducing agent for the determination of PEGylated proteins' intact mass.

Determination of PEGylated proteins' intact mass by mass spectrometry is challenging due to the molecules' large size, excessive charges, and instrument limitations. Previous efforts have been reported. However, signal variability, ion coalescence, and a generally low degree of robustness have been observed. In this work, we have explored the capabilities of post-column infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) following reversed-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (RP-LCMS) to determine PEG-filgrastim' intact mass, and to characterize its PEG moiety. The method was optimized around reproducibility (six preparations, and three injection replicates) with an in-house prepared PEG-filgrastim standard. The method showed a mass accuracy of ≤1.2 Da. The average molecular weight (MWEO=483) was 40 147.9 Da. The number average molecular weight (Mn) and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) were observed to be 40 101.1 and 40 113.9 Da, respectively, both with an RSD of 0.03%. The molecular weight distribution of ethylene oxide (EO), the polydispersity index (PDI), was 1.0003 for all preparations with a minimum and maximum number of EO units of 448 ± 2 and 516 ± 2, respectively. The method was finally applied to commercially available Neulasta® lots where the Mn and Mw were 39 995.8 and 40 008.8 Da, respectively, both with an RSD of 0.1%. The minimum and maximum EO units across the lots were observed to be 444.5 ± 1.5 and 514 ± 3, respectively. The PDI for all Neulasta® lots was 1.0003. This study provides an insightful characterization of Neulasta® and describes a robust LC-MS methodology for the characterization of the PEGylated proteins.

Structural identification and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of a pectin-arabinoglucuronogalactan complex, AOPB-1-1, isolated from Asparagus officinalis.

Asparagus officinalis L. is a horticultural crop that contains a variety of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. Aqueous extracts of A. officinalis can noticeably improve the learning and memory function of model mice. Herein, a pectin-arabinoglucuronogalactan complex (AOPB-1-1) with a relative molecular weight of 90.8 kDa was isolated from A. officinalis. The repeating structural unit of AOPB-1-1 was identified through monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis, uronic acid reduction, partial acid hydrolysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. AOPB-1-1 contains the rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) domain of pectin polysaccharides (PPs) and arabinoglucuronogalactan (AGG) regions. The backbone of the AGG region is composed of →3,6)-ß-D-Galp-(1→ and →4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→ residues substituted at the 4-position to the →4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→ residues of the RG-I main chain. The anti-neuroinflammatory activity of AOPB-1-1 suggests that it can significantly reduce the content of inflammatory cytokines, including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inhibit the expression of inflammatory genes including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, IL-6, and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Furthermore, its inhibitory effects on TNF-α and IL-6 levels were even better than those of minocycline. The significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity of AOPB-1-1 suggests its applicability as a therapeutic option for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Effect of dynamic high-pressure treatments on the multi-level structure of starch macromolecule and their techno-functional properties: A review.

Over the past decades, dynamic high-pressure treatment (DHPT) executed by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) or microfluidization (DHPM) technology has received humongous research attention for starch macromolecule modification. However, the studies on starch multi-level structure alterations by DHPT have received inadequate attention. Furthermore, no review comprehensively covers all aspects of DHPT, explicitly addressing the combined effects of both technologies (HPH or DHPM) on starch's structural and functional characteristics. Hence, this review focused on recent advancements concerning the influences of DHPT on the starch multi-level structure and techno-functional properties. Intense mechanical actions induced by DHPT, such as high shear and impact forces, hydrodynamic cavitation, instantaneous pressure drops, and turbulence, altered the multi-level structure of starch for a short duration. The DHPT reduces the starch molecular weight and degree of branching, destroys short-range ordered and long-range crystalline structure, and degrades lamellar structure, resulting in partial gelatinization of starch granules. These structural changes influenced their techno-functional properties like swelling power and solubility, freeze-thaw stability, emulsifying properties, retrogradation rate, thermal properties, rheological and pasting, and digestibility. Processing conditions such as pressure level, the number of passes, inlet temperature, chamber geometry used, starch types, and their concentration may influence the above changes. Moreover, dynamic high-pressure treatment could form starch-fatty acids/polyphenol complexes. Finally, we discuss the food system applications of DHPT-treated starches and flours, and some limitations.

Ultrasound assisted hot water extraction of polysaccharides from Taraxacum mongolicum: Optimization, purification, structure characterization, and antioxidant activity.

Ultrasound assisted hot water extraction (UAHWE) was applied to extraction of polysaccharides from Taraxacum mongolicum with hot water as extract solvent. Experimental factors in UAHWE process were optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal extraction parameters to achieve the highest Taraxacum mongolicum polysaccharides (TMPs) yield (12.08 ± 0.14)% by UAHWE were obtained under the ultrasound power of 200 W, extraction temperature of 62°C, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 g/mL, and extraction time of 40 min, and then the crude TMPs were further purified by DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 chromatography to obtain a homogenous polysaccharide fraction (TMPs-1-SG). Subsequently, the structure of TMPs-1-SG was characterized by UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Congo red test. The results display that TMPs-1-SG with an average molecular weight of 5.49 × 104 Da was comprised of mannose (Man), galactose (Gal), xylose (Xyl), and arabinose (Ara) with a molar ratio of 39.85:52.61:27.14:6.30. Moreover, TMPs-1-SG did not contain a triple helix structure. Furthermore, TMPs-1-SG and TEM presented a sheet-like, rod-shaped, and irregular structure. Finally, the antioxidant activity of TMPs-1-SG was evaluated by in vitro experiment. The IC50 values of scavenging DPPH and OH radicals for TMPs-1-SG achieved 0.71 mg/mL and 0.75 mg/mL, respectively. The findings can provide an effective method for extracting polysaccharides from natural resources.

Low-molecular-weight fucoidan increases telomere length and immunostimulatory effects on NK-92 cells following inhaled anesthetic injury.

Inhaled anesthetics, such as isoflurane, may cause side effects, including short-term immunosuppression and DNA damage. In contrast, low molecular weight fucoidan (LMF), derived from brown seaweed, exhibits promising immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we determined the effect of isoflurane on telomeres and examined the potential of LMF to ameliorate the harmful effects of isoflurane. Male Lewis rats, the mouse lymphoma cell line YAC-1, and the human nature killer cell line NK-92 MI were exposed to isoflurane. The relative telomere length (T/S) ratio and mRNA expression were determined by quantitative PCR. The viability assay was used to assess cell viability. In vivo, 2% isoflurane exposure, which is a clinically relevant concentration, reduced telomere length, and correlated with exposure frequency and duration. Isoflurane concentrations above 2% shortened YAC-1 telomeres, with minimal impact on cell viability. LMF pre-treatment enhanced NK-92 MI cell survival resulting from isoflurane exposure and exerted superior telomere protection compared with LMF post-treatment. Furthermore, adding LMF during isoflurane exposure resulted in a significant increase in IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 mRNA compared with the untreated group. LMF protected against isoflurane-induced telomere shortening, enhanced NK cell viability, and modulated cytokine expression, thus mitigating postoperative immune suppression and risk of tumor metastasis.

Effect of PVP Molecular Weights on the Synthesis of Ultrasmall Cus Nanoflakes: Synthesis, Properties, and Potential Application for Phototheranostics.

Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS) hold tremendous potential for applications in photothermal therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). However, the conventional chemical coprecipitation method often leads to particle agglomeration issues. To overcome this challenge, we utilized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent, resulting in the synthesis of small PVP-CuS nanoparticles named PC10, PCK30, and PC40. Our study aimed to investigate how different molecular weights of PVP influence the nanoparticles' crystalline characteristics and essential properties, especially their photoacoustic and photothermal responses. While prior research on PVP-assisted CuS nanoparticles has been conducted, our study delves deeper into this area, providing insights into optical properties. Remarkably, all synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a crystalline structure, were smaller than 10 nm, and featured an absorbance peak at 1020 nm, indicating their robust photoacoustic and photothermal capabilities. Among these nanoparticles, PC10 emerged as the standout performer, displaying superior photoacoustic properties. Our photothermal experiments demonstrated significant temperature increases in all cases, with PC10 achieving an impressive efficiency of 51%. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays revealed the nanoparticles' compatibility with cells, coupled with an enhanced incidence of apoptosis compared to necrosis. These findings underscore the promising potential of PVP-stabilized CuS nanoparticles for advanced cancer theranostics.

Dermal absorption of high molecular weight parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from manufactured gas plant soils using in vitro assessment.

An enhanced in vitro human dermal bioavailability method was developed to measure the release of twenty parent and seven alkylated high molecular weight (HMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated soils collected from five former manufactured Gas Plants (MGP) in England. GC-MS/MS was used to quantify HMW PAHs in soil, Strat-M artificial membrane representing skin, and synthetic receptor solution (RS) representing systemic circulation at 1-h, 10-h, and 24-h timesteps. Fluoranthene and pyrene exhibited the highest fluxes from soils to membrane (ranging from 9.5 - 281 ng/cm2/h) and soil to RS (