A novel targeted multifunctional nanoplatform for visual chemo-hyperthermia synergy therapy on metastatic lymph nodes via lymphatic delivery.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastasis to vital organs is the major contributor to breast cancer mortality, and regional lymph node metastasis is an important facilitator of distant metastasis and recurrence in this cancer. The early diagnosis and precise treatment of lymph node metastasis are crucial for staging and prognosis in breast cancer. Herein, we report a visualized precision medicine nanoplatform of metastatic lymph nodes for ultrasonic/photoacoustic (US/PA) dual modal imaging-guided in situ targeted hyperthermia-combined chemotherapy. RESULTS: Carbon nanoparticles (CNs), approved by the China Food and Drug Administration, were loaded with docetaxel and rationally combined with anti-hypoxia-inducible factor 1α antibody-modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to achieve the combination of passive targeting at the lymph nodes and intracellular targeting at HIF 1α factor. The accumulation and retention of nanoparticles in metastatic lymph nodes via lymphatic delivery were enhanced. Docetaxel could be effectively offloaded by CNs that have active carbon nanoparticles, and the PLGA membrane prevented drug leakage. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent photothermal performance with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 28.9%, killing tumor cells in metastatic lymph nodes through hyperthermia. In vitro and in vivo systematic evaluations revealed that hyperpyrexia triggered the rupture of nanoparticles caused by the phase transition of perfluorohexane, resulting in docetaxel release for achieving in situ hyperthermia-combined chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The laser-triggered highly efficient in situ chemotherapy nanosystem achieves targeted synergistic chemo-hyperthermia treatment of metastatic lymph nodes, and lymphatic delivery represents a strategy to avoid additional injury caused by drugs entering the blood circulation.

Application of biopolymers for improving the glass transition temperature of hairtail fish meat.

BACKGROUND: Glass transition temperature (Tg ) and food moisture content are closely related, especially in foods with a high moisture content, such as surimi products. In order to improve storage condition and maintain food quality, the influence of six biopolymers on the Tg of hairtail fish meat paste was investigated by differential scanning colorimetry. RESULTS: Samples were stored at -8 °C (>Tg ), -14 °C (Tg ) and -18 °C (

Preparation and characterization of nanoliposomes entrapping medium-chain fatty acids and vitamin C by lyophilization.

The complex nanoliposomes encapsulating both a hydrophilic drug vitamin C (vit C) and hydrophobic drug medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) was prepared by combining double emulsion method with dynamic high pressure microfluidization. The complex nanoliposomes was further freeze-dried under -86 °C for 48 h with sucrose at the sucrose/lipids ratio of 2:1(w/w) in order to enhance its stability. The freeze-dried complex nanoliposomes under the suitable conditions exhibited high entrapment efficiency of MCFAs (44.26 ± 3.34)%, relatively high entrapment efficiency of vit C (62.25 ± 3.43)%, low average size diameter (110.4 ± 7.28) nm and good storage stability at 4 °C for 60 days with slight changes in mean particle diameter and drug entrapment efficiencies. The results of transmission electron microscopy of freeze-dried complex nanoliposomes also showed that the freeze-dried samples with sucrose were stable without great increase in their particle sizes and without destroying their spherical shape. The results indicated that sucrose presented well protection effects in MCFAs-vit C complex nanoliposomes, suggesting the possibility of further usage in commercial liposomes.

Ellagic acid solid dispersion: Characterization and bioactivity in the hydroxyl radical oxidation system.

Ellagic acid solid dispersion (EASD) was prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a carrier to improve its solubility. The solubility of EASD enhanced to 0.593 mg/mL, more than 20 times of the solubility on pure EA. The structure of EASD was analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and results indicated the successful preparation of EASD, with a decrease in crystallinity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) spectrums showed a lower endothermic peak of EASD than EA. By antioxidant analysis, the EASD with the concentration of 3 mg/mL was used in the protein oxidation analysis in hydroxyl radical oxidation simulation system, which was established by the myofibrillar of hairtail. EASD exhibited an excellent inhibit effect on protein oxidation. By increasing the solubility, EASD broadens the application range of EA, providing a theoretical basis for its application in the preservation of aquatic products.

Immobilization of roselle anthocyanins into polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose film matrix: Study on the interaction behavior and mechanism for better shrimp freshness monitoring.

The roselle anthocyanin extracts (RAE) were immobilized into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) film matrix, their interaction behavior and mechanism was fully understood for better shrimp freshness monitoring. Structural characterizations revealed RAE was firmly immobilized PVA/HPMC matrix by hydrogen bonds. With increasing RAE contents, dramatic increases of film thickness (from 15.90 ± 0.14 to 23.20 ± 3.35 µm), tensile strength (from 45.66 ± 1.07 to 56.98 ± 0.24 MPa), light barrier and active properties (increased by 83.18% for antioxidant and 146.91%, 59.18% for antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus) were observed, while hydrophobic properties decreased significantly. Owing to great ammonia-sensitive ability, the PVA/HPMC/RAE (PHR) films were applied on shrimp freshness qualitative monitoring and greater visible color variations were identified with increasing RAE contents. Furthermore, mathematical models were established for quantitative monitoring. In conclusion, with the increasing RAE contents, the tighter interaction between RAE and PVA/HPMC matrix contributed to the better functional properties and freshness monitoring effects of PHR films.

pH-sensitive and antibacterial films developed by incorporating anthocyanins extracted from purple potato or roselle into chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/nano-ZnO matrix: Comparative study.

pH-sensitive and antibacterial films based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/nano-ZnO (CPZ) containing anthocyanins extracted from purple potato (PPE) or roselle (RE) were developed. When incorporated with PPE or RE, the moisture contents and flexibility of film significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while mechanical resistance of film was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). Water vapor permeability (WVP) of film was slightly influenced by the addition of PPE or RE (P > 0.05). CPZ-RE film exhibited darker color and lower light transmittance than CPZ-PPE film at the same incorporation level. CPZ-PPE and CPZ-RE films exhibited distinguishable color changes in different pH buffer solutions. CPZ-PPE films exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus than CPZ-RE films. Moreover, film could effectively monitor spoilage degree of shrimp when film changed from purple to light-green. Our results suggested CPZ-PPE and CPZ-RE films have promising potential as active and smart packaging materials for applications in food industry.

Fabrication of halochromic smart films by immobilizing red cabbage anthocyanins into chitosan/oxidized-chitin nanocrystals composites for real-time hairtail and shrimp freshness monitoring.

In this study, halochromic smart films were produced, characterized, and applied to monitor the freshness of hairtail and shrimp in real-time. Red cabbage anthocyanins (RCAs) solution illustrated significant color variations (red-pink-blue-green) in different pH environments. RCAs were successfully immobilized into chitosan (CS)/oxidized-chitin nanocrystals (OCN) composites through hydrogen bonding, and cohesive film structures were formed. When the proper concentration of RCAs was incorporated into the composites, improved water vapor permeability (WVP), oxygen permeability (OP), mechanical, UV-blocking, and antioxidant properties were observed. Moreover, the smart films exhibited distinguishable changes of color to ammonia vapor and acidic/alkaline environment within short time intervals, which were easy to discern by naked eyes. Finally, the smart films were applied to monitor the freshness of hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) and shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). The film color changed significantly during storage time, and three stages of product freshness (fresh, medium fresh, and spoiled) were successfully differentiated. Strong correlations among three freshness indicators and two colorimetric parameters were also identified and analyzed. Overall, the smart system assembled from non-toxic and biodegradable components could contribute to monitoring the freshness of seafood, like hairtail and shrimp, in real-time.

Synthesis of water-soluble europium-containing nanoprobes via polymerization-induced self-assembly and their cellular imaging applications.

Lanthanide nanoprobes have attracted extensive attention for applications in cellular imaging and biological sensing. Herein, water-dispersible europium (III)-based (Eu(III)-based) nanoprobes were prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) of hydrophobic monomers (Eu(III)-containing monomer and methyl methacrylate (MMA)) using hydrophilic macro-chain transfer agent poly(PEGMA)-CTA. The resulted poly(PMEu) nanoprobes showed spherical in shape in good monodispersity with average diameters of around 210 nm. The poly(PMEu) nanoprobles excellent aqueous dispersity, high aqueous stability and good luminescence properties with quantum yields of 37.21% and fluorescence lifetime of 312.4 µs. Moreover, the poly(PMEu) nanoprobes exhibited good cellular biocompatibility with cell viabilities of 88.2% and high fluorescence intensity for in vitro cellular imaging. The present approach provides a facile strategy for fabrication of luminescent Eu(III)-based nanoprobes with great potential applications for biological imaging.

Development and characterization of electrospun nanofibers based on pullulan/chitin nanofibers containing curcumin and anthocyanins for active-intelligent food packaging.

An electrospun nanofiber based on pullulan/chitin nanofibers (PCN) containing curcumin (CR) and anthocyanins (ATH) was developed using an electrospinning technique for active-intelligent food packaging. The results of scanning electron microscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that CR and ATH were successfully immobilized on the film-forming substrate based on PCN. The physical and chemical properties of nanofibers with no colorant, a single colorant, and double colorants were compared. The nanofiber containing ATH and CR (PCN/CR/ATH) had stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than those of nanofibers containing CR (PCN/CR) or ATH (PCN/ATH). With respect to pH sensitivity, the color of the PCN/CR nanofibers did not change obviously, but the color of the PCN/ATH and PCN/CR/ATH nanofibers changed significantly with the change in pH. Furthermore, the PCN/CR/ATH nanofibers clearly changed color with the progressive spoilage of Plectorhynchus cinctus at room temperature. Therefore, the electrospun PCN/CR/ATH nanofiber have great application potential in active-intelligent food packaging.

Functional characteristics improvement by structural modification of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose modified polyvinyl alcohol films incorporating roselle anthocyanins for shrimp freshness monitoring.

A novel indicator film incorporating roselle anthocyanin extracts (RAE) was prepared to monitor shrimp freshness. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was applied as film-forming substrates to obtain better functions. Structural characterization results suggested compositions were well dispersed and confirmed the structural modification. The addition of HPMC would improve film functions through generation of new interactions. The films with a ratio (HPMC-to-PVA) of 3:1 exhibited stronger tensile strength (91.88 ± 0.13 MPa), hydrophobic (moisture content of 10.44 ± 0.65%, water contact angle of 56.40 ± 3.11°), barrier properties and larger color variations in response to pH changes, demonstrating positive influences of physical functions on indication properties. Thus, a relationship among structural, physical and indication functions was proposed. Furthermore, the films were applied for shrimp freshness real-time monitoring. The film color changed from rose-red to light green at 4 d, corresponding to the onset of spoilage, and then turned into yellow at 8 d, when the shrimp was severely spoilage. The strong correlation between total color difference and chemical spoilage indexes (P < .05) was observed. Therefore, the incorporation of HPMC could improve film functional characteristics by structural modification of new interaction formation, and the PVA/HPMC/RAE films could be applied as intelligent packaging for real-time shrimp freshness monitoring.

[Influence of mandibulotomy approaches on oral function following radical resection of tongue carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the influences of postoperative oral function in patients with median or paramedian mandibulotomy during the radical resection of tongue carcinoma and to provide evidence for the choice of osteotomy location for mandibulotomy. METHODS: The clinical data of 126 patients who underwent combined radical neck dissection with mandibulectomy and glossectomy followed by simultaneous reconstruction were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the position of mandibulotomy: median mandibulotomy group (median group, n=60) and paramedian mandibulotomy group (paramedian group, n=66). The fourth edition of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) was used to compare the differences in oral functions, such as swallowing, mastication, and speech, between the two groups during regular follow-up. SPSS 24.0 software package was used for statistical analysis, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Six months after the operation, no significant differences in swallowing, mastication, and speech functions were found between the median and paramedian groups. However, the swallowing and speech functions in the paramedian group were better than those in the median group 1 year after the operation (P<0.05), whereas no statistical difference in mastication function was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the postoperative oral function results showed that paramedian mandibulotomy was a better surgical approach than median mandibulotomy. Paramedian mandibulotomy is worth prioritizing in the radical resection of tongue carcinoma.

Preparation of an intelligent film based on chitosan/oxidized chitin nanocrystals incorporating black rice bran anthocyanins for seafood spoilage monitoring.

A novel intelligent film was developed by immobilizing 1%, 3% and 5% black rice bran anthocyanins (BACNs) into oxidized-chitin nanocrystals (O-ChNCs)/ chitosan (CS) matrix. The ultraviolet-visible spectrum of BACNs solutions showed color variations from red to greyish green in a range of pH 2.0-12.0. Fourier transform infrared spectrum and atomic force microscope of the films showed that O-ChNC and BACNs were well dispersed into the CS matrix. Although the incorporation of BACNs decreased the mechanical and barrier properties of the CS/O-ChNCs/BACNs (COB) films, it endowed the COB films with excellent UV-barrier, antioxidant and pH sensitivity character. The results of the application trial showed that the COB films containing 3% of BACNs (COB-3) were able to monitor the spoiling of fish and shrimp by visible color changes. Therefore, the developed COB-3 films could be used as an intelligent food packaging for monitoring animal-based protein food spoilage.

Enhanced functional properties of biopolymer film incorporated with curcurmin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for food packaging.

Curcumin loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle (SBA-15) was incorporated into chitosan (CS) film to improve the functional properties of pure CS film. Curcumin was loaded into SBA-15 (SBA-15-Cur) through a rotavapor method. The structural properties of SBA-15-Cur were characterised in detail by small-angle X-ray scattering, fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption analyses. The CS/SBA-15-Cur bionanocomposite film was prepared by solvent casting. The mechanical properties of the bionanocomposite film were improved by the addition of the SBA-15-Cur nanofiller, as revealed by the FT-IR analysis of the biocomposite film. However, the water vapour permeability of the films was not significantly influenced by the filler. Release studies suggested that the CS/SBA-15-Cur bionanocomposite film exhibited pH-responsive and sustained release behaviour of curcumin. The CS/SBA-15-Cur film demonstrated efficient antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These data indicated that the CS/SBA-15-Cur bionanocomposite film could be a promising active food packaging material.