Search

[EN] In this paper the results achieved regarding long-term knowledge and concept remembrance collected by online interview one year after the finishing of the course “Auxiliary and warehouse operations in chemical industries and laboratories” are shown. The work is focused on role-play learning methodologies versus other so-called traditional strategies, with the aim at gaining evidences on those methods of information handling as more efficient and reliable for the learned concepts to be understood more deeply and interiorized for a longer time. In this sense, one year after completing the course, the students were interviewed with questions related to some of the matters performed under both types of confronted approaches. The results seem well aligned with the main thesis that lays at the foundation of role-play as a useful learning method: when students take a starring role in their own learning process, the concepts are absorbed and integrated in a more durable fashion (in contrast to the traditional passive learning). The data here displayed are more relevant when taken into account that most of the participants did not possess any previous ideas on the subjects dealt within this course., [ES] En este trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos respecto a retención de conocimiento a largo plazo que fueron recopilados por el método de encuesta on-line un año después de la finalización del curso “Operaciones auxiliares y de almacén en industrias y laboratorios químicos”. El trabajo está orientado a la experimentación con metodologías role-play frente a otras estrategias tradicionales de aprendizaje, con la intención de obtener evidencias sobre aquellos métodos de manejo de información como más eficientes y fiables a la hora de asimilar y comprender los conceptos de manera más profunda y duradera. En este sentido, los estudiantes fueron entrevistados un año después de terminar el curso con preguntas sobre conceptos trabajados con ambos tipos de métodos. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan en la línea de la tesis fundamental de la técnica role-play como método útil de aprendizaje: cuando los estudiantes asumen un papel protagonista en su propio proceso de aprendizaje, las ideas resultan absorbidas e integradas de manera más duradera (frente al aprendizaje pasivo tradicional). Los resultados aquí presentados poseen mayor relevancia, si cabe, al considerar que gran parte de los estudiantes no tenían un conocimiento previo en las materias impartidas.

[EN] In this paper the results achieved regarding long-term knowledge and concept remembrance collected by online interview one year after the finishing of the course “Auxiliary and warehouse operations in chemical industries and laboratories” are shown. The work is focused on role-play learning methodologies versus other so-called traditional strategies, with the aim at gaining evidences on those methods of information handling as more efficient and reliable for the learned concepts to be understood more deeply and interiorized for a longer time. In this sense, one year after completing the course, the students were interviewed with questions related to some of the matters performed under both types of confronted approaches. The results seem well aligned with the main thesis that lays at the foundation of role-play as a useful learning method: when students take a starring role in their own learning process, the concepts are absorbed and integrated in a more durable fashion (in contrast to the traditional passive learning). The data here displayed are more relevant when taken into account that most of the participants did not possess any previous ideas on the subjects dealt within this course., [ES] En este trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos respecto a retención de conocimiento a largo plazo que fueron recopilados por el método de encuesta on-line un año después de la finalización del curso “Operaciones auxiliares y de almacén en industrias y laboratorios químicos”. El trabajo está orientado a la experimentación con metodologías role-play frente a otras estrategias tradicionales de aprendizaje, con la intención de obtener evidencias sobre aquellos métodos de manejo de información como más eficientes y fiables a la hora de asimilar y comprender los conceptos de manera más profunda y duradera. En este sentido, los estudiantes fueron entrevistados un año después de terminar el curso con preguntas sobre conceptos trabajados con ambos tipos de métodos. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan en la línea de la tesis fundamental de la técnica role-play como método útil de aprendizaje: cuando los estudiantes asumen un papel protagonista en su propio proceso de aprendizaje, las ideas resultan absorbidas e integradas de manera más duradera (frente al aprendizaje pasivo tradicional). Los resultados aquí presentados poseen mayor relevancia, si cabe, al considerar que gran parte de los estudiantes no tenían un conocimiento previo en las materias impartidas.

[EN] Celiac disease is a complex and autoimmune disorder caused by the ingestion of gluten affecting almost 1% of global population. Nowadays an effective treatment does not exist, and the only way to manage the disease is the removal of gluten from the diet. Owing the key role played by gluten, clear and regulated labelling of foodstuff and smart methods for gluten detection are needed to fight frauds on food industry and to avoid the involuntary ingestion of this protein by celiac patients. On that scope, the development of a novel detection system of gluten is here presented. The sensor consists of nanoporous anodic alumina films loaded with a fluorescent dye and capped with an aptamer that recognizes gliadin (gluten's soluble proteins). In the presence of gliadin, aptamer sequences displace from the surface of anodic alumina resulting in pore opening and dye delivery. The dispositive shows a limit of detection (LOD) of 100 mu g kg(-1) of gliadin, good selectivity and a detection time of approximately 60 min. Moreover, the sensor is validated in real food samples. This novel probe allows fast gluten detection through a simple signalling process with potential use for food control. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[EN] Chemical communication, based on the exchange of molecules as messengers, allows different entities to share information, cooperate and orchestrate collective behaviors. In recent years, the development of strategies of chemical communication between micro/nanosystems is becoming a key emergent topic in micro/nanotechnology, biomimicry and related areas. In this tutorial review, we provide a general perspective of the concepts used on the topic of chemical communication, and the advances made using different approaches that include nanomaterials, synthetic biology and information-processing tools. Although studies in this direction are very recent, they can be divided in two main categories: (i) communication between abiotic systems and (ii) communication between living and abiotic systems. Using illustrative examples, we give an overview of the ongoing progress, potential applications in different areas and current challenges. The engineering of chemical communication between micro/nanosystems represents a paradigm shift and may open a myriad of new concepts, applications and new technological possibilities in the near future in a number of research fields.

[EN] beta-Galactosidase (beta-Gal) is a widely used enzyme as a reporter gene in the field of molecular biology which hydrolyzes the beta-galactosides into monosaccharides. beta-Gal is an essential enzyme in humans and its deficiency or its overexpression results in several rare diseases. Cellular senescence is probably one of the most relevant physiological disorders that involve beta-Gal enzyme. In this review, we assess the progress made to date in the design of molecular-based probes for the detection of beta-Gal both in vitro and in vivo. Most of the reported molecular probes for the detection of beta-Gal consist of a galactopyranoside residue attached to a signalling unit through glycosidic bonds. The beta-Gal-induced hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds released the signalling unit with remarkable changes in color and/or emission. Additional examples based on other approaches are also described. The wide applicability of these probes for the rapid and in situ detection of de-regulation beta-Gal-related diseases has boosted the research in this fertile field

[EN] In this paper the results achieved regarding long-term knowledge and concept remembrance collected by online interview one year after the finishing of the course “Auxiliary and warehouse operations in chemical industries and laboratories” are shown. The work is focused on role-play learning methodologies versus other so-called traditional strategies, with the aim at gaining evidences on those methods of information handling as more efficient and reliable for the learned concepts to be understood more deeply and interiorized for a longer time. In this sense, one year after completing the course, the students were interviewed with questions related to some of the matters performed under both types of confronted approaches. The results seem well aligned with the main thesis that lays at the foundation of role-play as a useful learning method: when students take a starring role in their own learning process, the concepts are absorbed and integrated in a more durable fashion (in contrast to the traditional passive learning). The data here displayed are more relevant when taken into account that most of the participants did not possess any previous ideas on the subjects dealt within this course., [ES] En este trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos respecto a retención de conocimiento a largo plazo que fueron recopilados por el método de encuesta on-line un año después de la finalización del curso “Operaciones auxiliares y de almacén en industrias y laboratorios químicos”. El trabajo está orientado a la experimentación con metodologías role-play frente a otras estrategias tradicionales de aprendizaje, con la intención de obtener evidencias sobre aquellos métodos de manejo de información como más eficientes y fiables a la hora de asimilar y comprender los conceptos de manera más profunda y duradera. En este sentido, los estudiantes fueron entrevistados un año después de terminar el curso con preguntas sobre conceptos trabajados con ambos tipos de métodos. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan en la línea de la tesis fundamental de la técnica role-play como método útil de aprendizaje: cuando los estudiantes asumen un papel protagonista en su propio proceso de aprendizaje, las ideas resultan absorbidas e integradas de manera más duradera (frente al aprendizaje pasivo tradicional). Los resultados aquí presentados poseen mayor relevancia, si cabe, al considerar que gran parte de los estudiantes no tenían un conocimiento previo en las materias impartidas.

[EN] Celiac disease is a complex and autoimmune disorder caused by the ingestion of gluten affecting almost 1% of global population. Nowadays an effective treatment does not exist, and the only way to manage the disease is the removal of gluten from the diet. Owing the key role played by gluten, clear and regulated labelling of foodstuff and smart methods for gluten detection are needed to fight frauds on food industry and to avoid the involuntary ingestion of this protein by celiac patients. On that scope, the development of a novel detection system of gluten is here presented. The sensor consists of nanoporous anodic alumina films loaded with a fluorescent dye and capped with an aptamer that recognizes gliadin (gluten's soluble proteins). In the presence of gliadin, aptamer sequences displace from the surface of anodic alumina resulting in pore opening and dye delivery. The dispositive shows a limit of detection (LOD) of 100 mu g kg(-1) of gliadin, good selectivity and a detection time of approximately 60 min. Moreover, the sensor is validated in real food samples. This novel probe allows fast gluten detection through a simple signalling process with potential use for food control. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[EN] Chemical communication, based on the exchange of molecules as messengers, allows different entities to share information, cooperate and orchestrate collective behaviors. In recent years, the development of strategies of chemical communication between micro/nanosystems is becoming a key emergent topic in micro/nanotechnology, biomimicry and related areas. In this tutorial review, we provide a general perspective of the concepts used on the topic of chemical communication, and the advances made using different approaches that include nanomaterials, synthetic biology and information-processing tools. Although studies in this direction are very recent, they can be divided in two main categories: (i) communication between abiotic systems and (ii) communication between living and abiotic systems. Using illustrative examples, we give an overview of the ongoing progress, potential applications in different areas and current challenges. The engineering of chemical communication between micro/nanosystems represents a paradigm shift and may open a myriad of new concepts, applications and new technological possibilities in the near future in a number of research fields.

[EN] beta-Galactosidase (beta-Gal) is a widely used enzyme as a reporter gene in the field of molecular biology which hydrolyzes the beta-galactosides into monosaccharides. beta-Gal is an essential enzyme in humans and its deficiency or its overexpression results in several rare diseases. Cellular senescence is probably one of the most relevant physiological disorders that involve beta-Gal enzyme. In this review, we assess the progress made to date in the design of molecular-based probes for the detection of beta-Gal both in vitro and in vivo. Most of the reported molecular probes for the detection of beta-Gal consist of a galactopyranoside residue attached to a signalling unit through glycosidic bonds. The beta-Gal-induced hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds released the signalling unit with remarkable changes in color and/or emission. Additional examples based on other approaches are also described. The wide applicability of these probes for the rapid and in situ detection of de-regulation beta-Gal-related diseases has boosted the research in this fertile field

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: B. Díaz de Greñu, J. Torres, J. García-González, S. Muñoz-Pina, R. de los Reyes, A. M. Costero, P. Amorós, J. V. Ros-Lis, ChemSusChem 2021, 14, 208, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202001865. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving., [EN] Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are relatively recent materials. They have received great attention due to their interesting properties. However, the application of microwaves in their synthesis, despite its advantages such as faster and more reproducible processes, is a minority. Herein, a comprehensive compilation of the research results published in the microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) of COFs is presented. This review includes articles of 2D and 3D COFs prepared using microwaves as source of energy. The articles have been classified depending on the functional groups including boronate ester, imines, enamines, azines, and triazines, among others. It compiles the main parameters of synthesis and characteristics of the materials together with some general issues related with COFs and microwaves. Additionally, current and future perspectives of the topic have been discussed.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: B. Díaz de Greñu, J. Torres, J. García-González, S. Muñoz-Pina, R. de los Reyes, A. M. Costero, P. Amorós, J. V. Ros-Lis, ChemSusChem 2021, 14, 208, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202001865. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving., [EN] Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are relatively recent materials. They have received great attention due to their interesting properties. However, the application of microwaves in their synthesis, despite its advantages such as faster and more reproducible processes, is a minority. Herein, a comprehensive compilation of the research results published in the microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) of COFs is presented. This review includes articles of 2D and 3D COFs prepared using microwaves as source of energy. The articles have been classified depending on the functional groups including boronate ester, imines, enamines, azines, and triazines, among others. It compiles the main parameters of synthesis and characteristics of the materials together with some general issues related with COFs and microwaves. Additionally, current and future perspectives of the topic have been discussed.

[EN] Chemical communication, based on the exchange of molecules as messengers, allows different entities to share information, cooperate and orchestrate collective behaviors. In recent years, the development of strategies of chemical communication between micro/nanosystems is becoming a key emergent topic in micro/nanotechnology, biomimicry and related areas. In this tutorial review, we provide a general perspective of the concepts used on the topic of chemical communication, and the advances made using different approaches that include nanomaterials, synthetic biology and information-processing tools. Although studies in this direction are very recent, they can be divided in two main categories: (i) communication between abiotic systems and (ii) communication between living and abiotic systems. Using illustrative examples, we give an overview of the ongoing progress, potential applications in different areas and current challenges. The engineering of chemical communication between micro/nanosystems represents a paradigm shift and may open a myriad of new concepts, applications and new technological possibilities in the near future in a number of research fields.

[EN] beta-Galactosidase (beta-Gal) is a widely used enzyme as a reporter gene in the field of molecular biology which hydrolyzes the beta-galactosides into monosaccharides. beta-Gal is an essential enzyme in humans and its deficiency or its overexpression results in several rare diseases. Cellular senescence is probably one of the most relevant physiological disorders that involve beta-Gal enzyme. In this review, we assess the progress made to date in the design of molecular-based probes for the detection of beta-Gal both in vitro and in vivo. Most of the reported molecular probes for the detection of beta-Gal consist of a galactopyranoside residue attached to a signalling unit through glycosidic bonds. The beta-Gal-induced hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds released the signalling unit with remarkable changes in color and/or emission. Additional examples based on other approaches are also described. The wide applicability of these probes for the rapid and in situ detection of de-regulation beta-Gal-related diseases has boosted the research in this fertile field

[EN] DNA cytosine methylation is one of the main epigenetic mechanisms in higher eukaryotes and is considered to play a key role in transcriptional gene silencing. In plants, cytosine methylation can occur in all sequence contexts (CG, CHG, and CHH), and its levels are controlled by multiple pathways, including de novo methylation, maintenance methylation, and demethylation. Modulation of DNA methylation represents a potentially robust mechanism to adjust gene expression following exposure to different stresses. However, the potential involvement of epigenetics in plant-virus interactions has been scarcely explored, especially with regard to RNA viruses. Here, we studied the impact of a symptomless viral infection on the epigenetic status of the host genome. We focused our attention on the interaction between Nicotiana benthamiana and Pelargonium line pattern virus (PLPV, family Tombusviridae), and analyzed cytosine methylation in the repetitive genomic element corresponding to ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Through a combination of bisulfite sequencing and RT-qPCR, we obtained data showing that PLPV infection gives rise to a reduction in methylation at CG sites of the rDNA promoter. Such a reduction correlated with an increase and decrease, respectively, in the expression levels of some key demethylases and of MET1, the DNA methyltransferase responsible for the maintenance of CG methylation. Hypomethylation of rDNA promoter was associated with a five-fold augmentation of rRNA precursor levels. The PLPV protein p37, reported as a suppressor of post-transcriptional gene silencing, did not lead to the same effects when expressed alone and, thus, it is unlikely to act as suppressor of transcriptional gene silencing. Collectively, the results suggest that PLPV infection as a whole is able to modulate host transcriptional activity through changes in the cytosine methylation pattern arising from misregulation of methyltransferases/demethylases balance.

[EN] In this work the effect of partial or total replacement of fishmeal by plant protein sources and krill and squid meal on growth performance and shelf-life of gilthead sea bream was evaluated. Plant protein dietswith 50 g kg(-1) of krill and 100 g kg(-1) of squid were supplemented with synthetic amino acidsand at the end of the growing period weight showed no significant differences. The spoilage process of the fish was followed by physicochemical and microbiological measurements together with a colorimetric sensor array (CSA) specially designed for that purpose. The changes in the physicochemical parameters and microbial growth showed that shelf-life of samples were in all cases lower than ninedays. The CSA was not able to show significant differences between both diets, confirming the physicochemical and microbiological results. The fact that the type of feed had no effect on the freshness parameters studied demonstrates that total fishmeal replacement with plant protein blends in the proportions used in this work could be an excellent alternative for feed formulation in aquaculture.

[EN] A bio-inspired nanodevice for the selective and sensitive fluorogenic detection of 3,4- methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), usually known as Cannibal drug, is reported. The sensing nanodevice is based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), loaded with a fluorescent reporter (rhodamine B) and functionalized on their external surface with a dopamine derivative (3), which specifically interacts with the recombinant human dopamine transporter (DAT), capping the pores. In the presence of MDPV, DAT detaches from the MSNs consequently causing rhodamine B release and allowing drug detection. The nanosensor shows a detection limit of 5.2 µM and it is able to detect the MDPV drug both in saliva and blood plasma samples.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: E. Añón, A. M. Costero, P. Amorós, J. El Haskouri, R. Martínez-Mánez, M. Parra, S. Gil, P. Gaviña, M. C. Terencio, M. Alfonso, ChemistrySelect 2020, 5, 3618., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202000417. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving., [EN] Osteoporosis is an illness which appears when the osteoblast/osteoclast activities are unbalanced taking place bone resorption (caused by osteoclasts) in higher extension than bone formation (induced by osteoblasts). Alendronate is one of the most used drugs for osteoporosis treatment despite its scarce bioavailability. Here we present the synthesis and characterization of mesoporous gated nanoparticles (two sets) for the controlled release of alendronate. The first set of nanoparticles (S1) were loaded with sulforhodamine B and capped with a peptide that could be selectively hydrolyzed by cathepsin K enzyme (overexpressed in osteoclasts). The second set (S2) was functionalized with aminopropyl moieties, loaded with nitrobenzofurazan labelled alendronate and capped with the same peptide. Both nanoparticles were internalized by RAW 264.7 macrophages (which could differentiate in osteoclasts) and were able to release its entrapped cargo in the presence of cathepsin K added in the macrophage lysates. Using S2 nanoparticles 4.2% of the total alendronate amount in contact with the cells is liberated inside them and could produce its therapeutic effect.

[EN] DNA cytosine methylation is one of the main epigenetic mechanisms in higher eukaryotes and is considered to play a key role in transcriptional gene silencing. In plants, cytosine methylation can occur in all sequence contexts (CG, CHG, and CHH), and its levels are controlled by multiple pathways, including de novo methylation, maintenance methylation, and demethylation. Modulation of DNA methylation represents a potentially robust mechanism to adjust gene expression following exposure to different stresses. However, the potential involvement of epigenetics in plant-virus interactions has been scarcely explored, especially with regard to RNA viruses. Here, we studied the impact of a symptomless viral infection on the epigenetic status of the host genome. We focused our attention on the interaction between Nicotiana benthamiana and Pelargonium line pattern virus (PLPV, family Tombusviridae), and analyzed cytosine methylation in the repetitive genomic element corresponding to ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Through a combination of bisulfite sequencing and RT-qPCR, we obtained data showing that PLPV infection gives rise to a reduction in methylation at CG sites of the rDNA promoter. Such a reduction correlated with an increase and decrease, respectively, in the expression levels of some key demethylases and of MET1, the DNA methyltransferase responsible for the maintenance of CG methylation. Hypomethylation of rDNA promoter was associated with a five-fold augmentation of rRNA precursor levels. The PLPV protein p37, reported as a suppressor of post-transcriptional gene silencing, did not lead to the same effects when expressed alone and, thus, it is unlikely to act as suppressor of transcriptional gene silencing. Collectively, the results suggest that PLPV infection as a whole is able to modulate host transcriptional activity through changes in the cytosine methylation pattern arising from misregulation of methyltransferases/demethylases balance.

[EN] In this work the effect of partial or total replacement of fishmeal by plant protein sources and krill and squid meal on growth performance and shelf-life of gilthead sea bream was evaluated. Plant protein dietswith 50 g kg(-1) of krill and 100 g kg(-1) of squid were supplemented with synthetic amino acidsand at the end of the growing period weight showed no significant differences. The spoilage process of the fish was followed by physicochemical and microbiological measurements together with a colorimetric sensor array (CSA) specially designed for that purpose. The changes in the physicochemical parameters and microbial growth showed that shelf-life of samples were in all cases lower than ninedays. The CSA was not able to show significant differences between both diets, confirming the physicochemical and microbiological results. The fact that the type of feed had no effect on the freshness parameters studied demonstrates that total fishmeal replacement with plant protein blends in the proportions used in this work could be an excellent alternative for feed formulation in aquaculture.

[EN] Oncolytic adenoviruses are a therapeutic alternative to treat cancer based on their ability to replicate selectively in tumor cells. However, their use is limited mainly by the neutralizing antibody (Nab) immune response that prevents repeated dosing. An alternative to facilitate the DNA access to the tumor even in the presence of anti-viral Nabs could be gold nanoparticles able to transfer DNA molecules. However, the ability of these nanoparticles to carry large DNA molecules, such as an oncolytic adenovirus genome, has not been studied. In this work, gold nanoparticles were functionalized with different amounts of polyethylenimine to transfer in a safe and efficient manner a large oncolytic virus genome. Their transfer efficacy and final effect of the oncolytic virus in cancer cells are studied. For each synthesized nanoparticle, (a) DNA loading capacity, (b) complex size, (c) DNA protection ability, (d) transfection efficacy and (e) cytotoxic effect were studied. We observed that small gold nanoparticles (70-80 nm in diameter) protected DNA against nucleases and were able to transfect the ICOVIR-15 oncolytic virus genome encoded in pLR1 plasmid. In the present work, efficient transgene RNA expression, luciferase activity and viral cytopathic effect on cancer cells are reported. These results suggest gold nanoparticles to be an efficient and safe vector for oncolytic adenovirus genome transfer.

[EN] A bio-inspired nanodevice for the selective and sensitive fluorogenic detection of 3,4- methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), usually known as Cannibal drug, is reported. The sensing nanodevice is based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), loaded with a fluorescent reporter (rhodamine B) and functionalized on their external surface with a dopamine derivative (3), which specifically interacts with the recombinant human dopamine transporter (DAT), capping the pores. In the presence of MDPV, DAT detaches from the MSNs consequently causing rhodamine B release and allowing drug detection. The nanosensor shows a detection limit of 5.2 µM and it is able to detect the MDPV drug both in saliva and blood plasma samples.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: E. Añón, A. M. Costero, P. Amorós, J. El Haskouri, R. Martínez-Mánez, M. Parra, S. Gil, P. Gaviña, M. C. Terencio, M. Alfonso, ChemistrySelect 2020, 5, 3618., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202000417. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving., [EN] Osteoporosis is an illness which appears when the osteoblast/osteoclast activities are unbalanced taking place bone resorption (caused by osteoclasts) in higher extension than bone formation (induced by osteoblasts). Alendronate is one of the most used drugs for osteoporosis treatment despite its scarce bioavailability. Here we present the synthesis and characterization of mesoporous gated nanoparticles (two sets) for the controlled release of alendronate. The first set of nanoparticles (S1) were loaded with sulforhodamine B and capped with a peptide that could be selectively hydrolyzed by cathepsin K enzyme (overexpressed in osteoclasts). The second set (S2) was functionalized with aminopropyl moieties, loaded with nitrobenzofurazan labelled alendronate and capped with the same peptide. Both nanoparticles were internalized by RAW 264.7 macrophages (which could differentiate in osteoclasts) and were able to release its entrapped cargo in the presence of cathepsin K added in the macrophage lysates. Using S2 nanoparticles 4.2% of the total alendronate amount in contact with the cells is liberated inside them and could produce its therapeutic effect.

[EN] Gold nanoparticles functionalized with resorcinol moieties have been prepared and used for detecting formaldehyde both in solution and gas phases. The detection mechanism is based on the color change of the probe upon the aggregation of the nanoparticles induced by the polymerization of the resorcinol moieties in the presence of formaldehyde. A limit of detection of 0.5 ppm in solution has been determined. The probe can be deployed for the detection of formaldehyde emissions from composite wood boards.

[EN] A simple and effective colorimetric method for the detection of normetanephrine (NMN), an O-methylated metabolite of norepinephrine, using functionalised gold nanoparticles is described. This metabolite is an important biomarker in the diagnosis of adrenal tumours such as pheocromocytoma or paraganglioma. The colorimetric probe consists of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalised with two different ligands, which specifically recognize different functional groups in normetanephrine. Thus, a benzaldehyde-terminated ligand was used for the recognition of the amino alcohol moiety in NMN, by forming the corresponding oxazolidine. On the other hand, N-acetyl-cysteine was chosen for the recognition of the phenolic hydroxyl group through the formation of hydrogen bonds. The selective double molecular recognition between the probe and the hydroxyl and the amino-alcohol moieties of normetanephrine led to interparticle-crosslinking aggregation resulting in a change in the color of the solution, from red to blue, which could be observed by naked eye. The probe was highly selective towards normetanephrine and no color changes were observed in the presence of other neurotransmitter metabolites such as homovanillic acid (HVA) (dopamine metabolite), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) (serotonin metabolite), or other biomolecules present in urine such as glucose (Glc), uric acid (U.A), and urea. Finally, the probe was evaluated in synthetic urine with constituents that mimic human urine, where a limit of detection of 0.5 mu M was achieved.

[EN] Mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with acetylcholinesterase, through boronic ester linkages, selectively release an entrapped cargo in the presence of acetylcholine.

The final publication is available at link.springer.com., [EN] The mechanism of self-recognition of the autoantigen TROVE2, a common biomarker in autoimmune diseases, has been studied with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and dual polarization interferometry (DPI). The complementarity and remarkable analytical features of both techniques has allowed new insights into the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to be achieved at the molecular level. The in vitro study for SLE patients and healthy subjects suggests that anti-TROVE2 autoantibodies may undergo an antibody bipolar bridging. An epitope-paratope-specific binding initially occurs to activate a hidden Fc receptor in the TROVE2 tertiary structure. This bipolar mechanism may contribute to the pathogenic accumulation of anti-TROVE2 autoantibody immune complex in autoimmune disease. Furthermore, the specific calcium-dependent protein-protein bridges point out at how the TRIM21/TROVE2 association might occur, suggesting that the TROVE2 protein could stimulate the intracellular immune signaling via the TRIM21 PRY-SPRY domain. These findings may help to better understand the origins of the specificity and affinity of TROVE2 interactions, which might play a key role in the SLE pathogenesis. This manuscript gives one of the first practical applications of two novel functions (-df/dD and Delta h/molec) for the analysis of the data provided by QCM-D and DPI. In addition, it is the first time that QCM-D has been used for mapping hidden Fc receptors as well as linear epitopes in a protein tertiary structure.

[EN] An enzyme inhibition-based assay for drug discovery developed by microarraing on Blu-ray disks is presented. As a proof-of-concept, the system screens a selected molecule library of potential chemical inhibitors against the glycoenzyme peroxidase, identifying the promising lead compounds with high selectivity using standard Blu-ray disks and drives. In order to face the first drug discovery stages, we establish the bases for a high-throughput screening assay and a methodology based on hypersurfaces suitable to manage a high number of data as well.

[EN] Covalent B-functionalization of B-doped graphene has been performed for the first time. The electronic properties and Hall effect of functionalized N- and B-doped graphene can be tuned by tailoring the electron-donating/-withdrawing properties of the organic addend.

[EN] Silica mesoporous microparticles loaded with both rhodamine B fluorophore (S1) or hydrocortisone (S2), and capped with an olsalazine derivative, are prepared and fully characterized. Suspensions of Si and S2 in water at an acidic and a neutral pH show negligible dye/drug release, yet a notable delivery took place when the reducing agent sodium dithionite is added because of hydrolysis of an azo bond in the capping ensemble. Additionally, olsalazine fragmentation induced 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) release. In vitro digestion models show that S1 and S2 solids are suitable systems to specifically release a pharmaceutical agent in the colon. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats show a preferential rhodamine B release from Si in the colon. Moreover, a model of ulcerative colitis is induced in rats by oral administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) solutions, which was also used to prove the efficacy of S2 for colitis treatment. The specific delivery of hydrocortisone and 5-ASA from S2 material to the colon tissue in injured rats markedly lowers the colon/body weight ratio and the clinical activity score. Histological studies showed a remarkable reduction in inflammation, as well as an intensive regeneration of the affected tissues.

[EN] Gold nanoparticles functionalized with resorcinol moieties have been prepared and used for detecting formaldehyde both in solution and gas phases. The detection mechanism is based on the color change of the probe upon the aggregation of the nanoparticles induced by the polymerization of the resorcinol moieties in the presence of formaldehyde. A limit of detection of 0.5 ppm in solution has been determined. The probe can be deployed for the detection of formaldehyde emissions from composite wood boards.

[EN] A simple and effective colorimetric method for the detection of normetanephrine (NMN), an O-methylated metabolite of norepinephrine, using functionalised gold nanoparticles is described. This metabolite is an important biomarker in the diagnosis of adrenal tumours such as pheocromocytoma or paraganglioma. The colorimetric probe consists of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalised with two different ligands, which specifically recognize different functional groups in normetanephrine. Thus, a benzaldehyde-terminated ligand was used for the recognition of the amino alcohol moiety in NMN, by forming the corresponding oxazolidine. On the other hand, N-acetyl-cysteine was chosen for the recognition of the phenolic hydroxyl group through the formation of hydrogen bonds. The selective double molecular recognition between the probe and the hydroxyl and the amino-alcohol moieties of normetanephrine led to interparticle-crosslinking aggregation resulting in a change in the color of the solution, from red to blue, which could be observed by naked eye. The probe was highly selective towards normetanephrine and no color changes were observed in the presence of other neurotransmitter metabolites such as homovanillic acid (HVA) (dopamine metabolite), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) (serotonin metabolite), or other biomolecules present in urine such as glucose (Glc), uric acid (U.A), and urea. Finally, the probe was evaluated in synthetic urine with constituents that mimic human urine, where a limit of detection of 0.5 mu M was achieved.

[EN] Mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with acetylcholinesterase, through boronic ester linkages, selectively release an entrapped cargo in the presence of acetylcholine.

The final publication is available at link.springer.com., [EN] The mechanism of self-recognition of the autoantigen TROVE2, a common biomarker in autoimmune diseases, has been studied with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and dual polarization interferometry (DPI). The complementarity and remarkable analytical features of both techniques has allowed new insights into the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to be achieved at the molecular level. The in vitro study for SLE patients and healthy subjects suggests that anti-TROVE2 autoantibodies may undergo an antibody bipolar bridging. An epitope-paratope-specific binding initially occurs to activate a hidden Fc receptor in the TROVE2 tertiary structure. This bipolar mechanism may contribute to the pathogenic accumulation of anti-TROVE2 autoantibody immune complex in autoimmune disease. Furthermore, the specific calcium-dependent protein-protein bridges point out at how the TRIM21/TROVE2 association might occur, suggesting that the TROVE2 protein could stimulate the intracellular immune signaling via the TRIM21 PRY-SPRY domain. These findings may help to better understand the origins of the specificity and affinity of TROVE2 interactions, which might play a key role in the SLE pathogenesis. This manuscript gives one of the first practical applications of two novel functions (-df/dD and Delta h/molec) for the analysis of the data provided by QCM-D and DPI. In addition, it is the first time that QCM-D has been used for mapping hidden Fc receptors as well as linear epitopes in a protein tertiary structure.

[EN] Covalent B-functionalization of B-doped graphene has been performed for the first time. The electronic properties and Hall effect of functionalized N- and B-doped graphene can be tuned by tailoring the electron-donating/-withdrawing properties of the organic addend.

[EN] An enzyme inhibition-based assay for drug discovery developed by microarraing on Blu-ray disks is presented. As a proof-of-concept, the system screens a selected molecule library of potential chemical inhibitors against the glycoenzyme peroxidase, identifying the promising lead compounds with high selectivity using standard Blu-ray disks and drives. In order to face the first drug discovery stages, we establish the bases for a high-throughput screening assay and a methodology based on hypersurfaces suitable to manage a high number of data as well.

[EN] In the Master's Degree in Sensors for Industrial Applications of the Universitat Politècnica de València, the subject "Modeling techniques" is taught. "Application of multivariate techniques to real experiences" is one of the 3 didactic units that make up this subject. This unit focuses on the one hand on the explanation of the philosophy of electronic tongues as an example of sensors in the industrial field, and on the other hand, on the use of multivariate statistics for interpretation of the information of these sensors. The teaching of this didactic unit is carried out with an intuitive and simple software such as the SOLO program (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) and its application to a set of data derived from experiments carried out previously by the teacher's research team. As proof of mastery of the subject the students are required to reproduce the process in a new set of data provided by the teacher and obtained also in the laboratory by the teacher's research team. For both sets of data there are the respective research articles in which the student can consult a greater detail of the approach of the work and the discussion of the results., [ES] En el Máster Universitario de Sensores para Aplicaciones Industriales de la Universitat Politècnica de València se imparte la asignatura “Técnicas de modelización”. “Aplicación de técnicas multivariantes a experiencias reales” es una de las 3 unidades didácticas que integran esta asignatura. Esta unidad se centra en por una parte en la explicación de la filosofía de las lenguas electrónicas como ejemplo de sensores en el ámbito industrial y por otra, en el uso de la estadística multivariante para interpretación de la información de estos sensores. La docencia de esta unidad didáctica se realiza con un software intuitivo y sencillo como es el programa SOLO (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) y su aplicación a un conjunto de datos derivados de experimentos llevados a cabo previamente por el equipo de investigación del docente. Como comprobación del dominio de la materia a los alumnos se les requiere la reproducción del proceso en un nuevo conjunto de datos proporcionado por el profesor y obtenido también en el laboratorio por el equipo de investigación del docente. Para ambos conjuntos de datos existen los respectivos artículos de investigación en los que el alumno puede consultar un mayor detalle del planteamiento del trabajo y la discusión de los resultados.

[EN] In the Master's Degree in Sensors for Industrial Applications of the Universitat Politècnica de València, the subject "Modeling techniques" is taught. "Application of multivariate techniques to real experiences" is one of the 3 didactic units that make up this subject. This unit focuses on the one hand on the explanation of the philosophy of electronic tongues as an example of sensors in the industrial field, and on the other hand, on the use of multivariate statistics for interpretation of the information of these sensors. The teaching of this didactic unit is carried out with an intuitive and simple software such as the SOLO program (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) and its application to a set of data derived from experiments carried out previously by the teacher's research team. As proof of mastery of the subject the students are required to reproduce the process in a new set of data provided by the teacher and obtained also in the laboratory by the teacher's research team. For both sets of data there are the respective research articles in which the student can consult a greater detail of the approach of the work and the discussion of the results., [ES] En el Máster Universitario de Sensores para Aplicaciones Industriales de la Universitat Politècnica de València se imparte la asignatura “Técnicas de modelización”. “Aplicación de técnicas multivariantes a experiencias reales” es una de las 3 unidades didácticas que integran esta asignatura. Esta unidad se centra en por una parte en la explicación de la filosofía de las lenguas electrónicas como ejemplo de sensores en el ámbito industrial y por otra, en el uso de la estadística multivariante para interpretación de la información de estos sensores. La docencia de esta unidad didáctica se realiza con un software intuitivo y sencillo como es el programa SOLO (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) y su aplicación a un conjunto de datos derivados de experimentos llevados a cabo previamente por el equipo de investigación del docente. Como comprobación del dominio de la materia a los alumnos se les requiere la reproducción del proceso en un nuevo conjunto de datos proporcionado por el profesor y obtenido también en el laboratorio por el equipo de investigación del docente. Para ambos conjuntos de datos existen los respectivos artículos de investigación en los que el alumno puede consultar un mayor detalle del planteamiento del trabajo y la discusión de los resultados.

[EN] In the Master's Degree in Sensors for Industrial Applications of the Universitat Politècnica de València, the subject "Modeling techniques" is taught. "Application of multivariate techniques to real experiences" is one of the 3 didactic units that make up this subject. This unit focuses on the one hand on the explanation of the philosophy of electronic tongues as an example of sensors in the industrial field, and on the other hand, on the use of multivariate statistics for interpretation of the information of these sensors. The teaching of this didactic unit is carried out with an intuitive and simple software such as the SOLO program (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) and its application to a set of data derived from experiments carried out previously by the teacher's research team. As proof of mastery of the subject the students are required to reproduce the process in a new set of data provided by the teacher and obtained also in the laboratory by the teacher's research team. For both sets of data there are the respective research articles in which the student can consult a greater detail of the approach of the work and the discussion of the results., [ES] En el Máster Universitario de Sensores para Aplicaciones Industriales de la Universitat Politècnica de València se imparte la asignatura “Técnicas de modelización”. “Aplicación de técnicas multivariantes a experiencias reales” es una de las 3 unidades didácticas que integran esta asignatura. Esta unidad se centra en por una parte en la explicación de la filosofía de las lenguas electrónicas como ejemplo de sensores en el ámbito industrial y por otra, en el uso de la estadística multivariante para interpretación de la información de estos sensores. La docencia de esta unidad didáctica se realiza con un software intuitivo y sencillo como es el programa SOLO (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) y su aplicación a un conjunto de datos derivados de experimentos llevados a cabo previamente por el equipo de investigación del docente. Como comprobación del dominio de la materia a los alumnos se les requiere la reproducción del proceso en un nuevo conjunto de datos proporcionado por el profesor y obtenido también en el laboratorio por el equipo de investigación del docente. Para ambos conjuntos de datos existen los respectivos artículos de investigación en los que el alumno puede consultar un mayor detalle del planteamiento del trabajo y la discusión de los resultados.

[EN] In the Master's Degree in Sensors for Industrial Applications of the Universitat Politècnica de València, the subject "Modeling techniques" is taught. "Application of multivariate techniques to real experiences" is one of the 3 didactic units that make up this subject. This unit focuses on the one hand on the explanation of the philosophy of electronic tongues as an example of sensors in the industrial field, and on the other hand, on the use of multivariate statistics for interpretation of the information of these sensors. The teaching of this didactic unit is carried out with an intuitive and simple software such as the SOLO program (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) and its application to a set of data derived from experiments carried out previously by the teacher's research team. As proof of mastery of the subject the students are required to reproduce the process in a new set of data provided by the teacher and obtained also in the laboratory by the teacher's research team. For both sets of data there are the respective research articles in which the student can consult a greater detail of the approach of the work and the discussion of the results., [ES] En el Máster Universitario de Sensores para Aplicaciones Industriales de la Universitat Politècnica de València se imparte la asignatura “Técnicas de modelización”. “Aplicación de técnicas multivariantes a experiencias reales” es una de las 3 unidades didácticas que integran esta asignatura. Esta unidad se centra en por una parte en la explicación de la filosofía de las lenguas electrónicas como ejemplo de sensores en el ámbito industrial y por otra, en el uso de la estadística multivariante para interpretación de la información de estos sensores. La docencia de esta unidad didáctica se realiza con un software intuitivo y sencillo como es el programa SOLO (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) y su aplicación a un conjunto de datos derivados de experimentos llevados a cabo previamente por el equipo de investigación del docente. Como comprobación del dominio de la materia a los alumnos se les requiere la reproducción del proceso en un nuevo conjunto de datos proporcionado por el profesor y obtenido también en el laboratorio por el equipo de investigación del docente. Para ambos conjuntos de datos existen los respectivos artículos de investigación en los que el alumno puede consultar un mayor detalle del planteamiento del trabajo y la discusión de los resultados.

[EN] In the Master's Degree in Sensors for Industrial Applications of the Universitat Politècnica de València, the subject "Modeling techniques" is taught. "Application of multivariate techniques to real experiences" is one of the 3 didactic units that make up this subject. This unit focuses on the one hand on the explanation of the philosophy of electronic tongues as an example of sensors in the industrial field, and on the other hand, on the use of multivariate statistics for interpretation of the information of these sensors. The teaching of this didactic unit is carried out with an intuitive and simple software such as the SOLO program (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) and its application to a set of data derived from experiments carried out previously by the teacher's research team. As proof of mastery of the subject the students are required to reproduce the process in a new set of data provided by the teacher and obtained also in the laboratory by the teacher's research team. For both sets of data there are the respective research articles in which the student can consult a greater detail of the approach of the work and the discussion of the results., [ES] En el Máster Universitario de Sensores para Aplicaciones Industriales de la Universitat Politècnica de València se imparte la asignatura “Técnicas de modelización”. “Aplicación de técnicas multivariantes a experiencias reales” es una de las 3 unidades didácticas que integran esta asignatura. Esta unidad se centra en por una parte en la explicación de la filosofía de las lenguas electrónicas como ejemplo de sensores en el ámbito industrial y por otra, en el uso de la estadística multivariante para interpretación de la información de estos sensores. La docencia de esta unidad didáctica se realiza con un software intuitivo y sencillo como es el programa SOLO (Eigenvector Research, Inc.) y su aplicación a un conjunto de datos derivados de experimentos llevados a cabo previamente por el equipo de investigación del docente. Como comprobación del dominio de la materia a los alumnos se les requiere la reproducción del proceso en un nuevo conjunto de datos proporcionado por el profesor y obtenido también en el laboratorio por el equipo de investigación del docente. Para ambos conjuntos de datos existen los respectivos artículos de investigación en los que el alumno puede consultar un mayor detalle del planteamiento del trabajo y la discusión de los resultados.

[EN] The development of a high-performance assay readout using integrated detectors is a current challenge in the implementation of DNA tests in diagnostic laboratories, particularly for supporting pharmacogenetic tests. A method for allelic discrimination, associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), is presented. Genomic DNA is extracted from blood and buccal swab samples. The procedure comprises fast multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, PCR amplification using universal primers and subsequent barcode hybridization. In this last step, each product is recognized by the specific probes immobilized on the surface of an optical disc. Assay results can be obtained with a disc reader. The optical sensing method in a DNA microarray format was optimized and evaluated for the simultaneous identification of 28 polymorphisms associated with psychiatric pharmacogenomics. The target biomarkers were located in the genes related to drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters. The multiplexing capability and assay selectivity strongly depended on correct design (ligation probes, tails and barcodes). The discriminant analysis of reader outputs (spot intensities) led to patients being classified into different allelic populations. The obtained assignations correlated properly with the results provided by the reference technique (bead arrays), and the assay ended in an 8-fold shorter time using affordable equipment. The combination of a highly selective genotyping reaction as array-MLPA and the compact disc technology provides a reliable point-of-care approach. This genotyping tool is useful for the selection of personalized drug therapies in decentralized clinical laboratories.

[EN] The development of a high-performance assay readout using integrated detectors is a current challenge in the implementation of DNA tests in diagnostic laboratories, particularly for supporting pharmacogenetic tests. A method for allelic discrimination, associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), is presented. Genomic DNA is extracted from blood and buccal swab samples. The procedure comprises fast multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, PCR amplification using universal primers and subsequent barcode hybridization. In this last step, each product is recognized by the specific probes immobilized on the surface of an optical disc. Assay results can be obtained with a disc reader. The optical sensing method in a DNA microarray format was optimized and evaluated for the simultaneous identification of 28 polymorphisms associated with psychiatric pharmacogenomics. The target biomarkers were located in the genes related to drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters. The multiplexing capability and assay selectivity strongly depended on correct design (ligation probes, tails and barcodes). The discriminant analysis of reader outputs (spot intensities) led to patients being classified into different allelic populations. The obtained assignations correlated properly with the results provided by the reference technique (bead arrays), and the assay ended in an 8-fold shorter time using affordable equipment. The combination of a highly selective genotyping reaction as array-MLPA and the compact disc technology provides a reliable point-of-care approach. This genotyping tool is useful for the selection of personalized drug therapies in decentralized clinical laboratories.

[EN] The objective of this work was on the one hand to assess the antibacterial activity of amines anchored to the external surface of mesoporous silica particles against Listeria monocytogenes in comparison with the same dose of free amines as well. It was also our aim to elucidate the mechanism of action of the new antimicrobial device. The suitability of silica nanoparticles to anchor, concentrate and improve the antimicrobial power of polyamines against L. monocytogenes has been demonstrated in a saline solution and in a food matrix. Moreover, through microscope observations it has been possible to determine that the attractive binding forces between the positive amine corona on the surface of nanoparticles and the negatively charged bacteria membrane provoke a disruption of the cell membrane. The surface concentration of amines on the surface of the nanoparticles is so effective that immobilized-amines were 100 times more effective in killing L. monocytogenes bacteria than the same amount of free polyamines. This novel approach for the creation of antimicrobial nanodevices opens the possibility to put in value the antimicrobial power of natural molecules that have been discarded because of its low antimicrobial power. Practical ApplicationConsumers demand for high-quality products, free from chemical preservatives, with an extended shelf-life. In this study, a really powerful antimicrobial agent based on a nanomaterial functionalized with a non-antimicrobial organic molecule was developed as a proof of concept. Following this approach it could be possible to develop a new generation of natural and removable antimicrobials based on their anchoring to functional surfaces for food, agricultural or medical purposes.

[EN] Mesoporous silica microparticles were prepared, loaded with the dye safranin O (M-Saf) or with the drug budesonide (M-Bud) and capped by the grafting of a bulky azo derivative. Cargo release from M-Saf at different pH values (mimicking those found in the gastrointestinal tract) in the absence or presence of sodium dithionite (a reducing agent mimicking azoreductase enzyme present in the colon) was tested. Negligible safranin O release was observed at pH 6.8 and 4.5, whereas a moderate delivery at pH 1.2 was noted and attributed to the hydrolysis of the urea bond that linked the azo derivative onto the external surface of the inorganic scaffold. Moreover, a marked release was observed when sodium dithionite was present and was ascribed to the rupture of the azo bond in the molecular gate. Budesonide release from M-Bud in the presence of sodium dithionite was also assessed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography measurements. In addition, preliminary in vivo experiments with M-Saf carried out in mice indicated that the chemical integrity of the microparticles remained unaltered in the stomach and the small intestine, and safranin O seemed to be released in the colon.

[EN] A new environmentally-friendly, simple, selective and sensitive probe for detecting formaldehyde, based on naturally-occurring compounds, through either colorimetric or fluorescence changes, is described. The probe is able to detect formaldehyde in both solution and the gas phase with limits of detection of 0.24 mM and 0.7 ppm, respectively. The probe has been tested to study formaldehyde emission in contaminated real atmospheres. The supported probe is easy to use and to dispose, and is safe and suitable as an individual chemodosimeter.

[EN] A new fluorogenic and chromogenic probe (L) for the selective, sensitive and naked-eye detection of Cu2+ is reported. Complexation constant, complex stoichiometry and quantum chemical (DFT) calculation for Cu2+ complex has been determined. Also, detection limits and the selectivity in front of other divalent and trivalent cations have been evaluated.

[EN] Two dansyl-modified beta-cyclodextrin derivatives (1 and 2) have been synthesized as host-guest sensory systems for the direct fluorescent detection of the peroxide explosives diacetone diperoxide (DADP) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP) in aqueous media. The sensing is based on the displacement of the dansyl moiety from the cavity of the cyclodextrin by the peroxide guest resulting in a decrease of the intensity of the fluorescence of the dye. Both systems showed similar fluorescent responses and were more sensitive towards TATP than DADP.

[EN] This study aimed at investigating the effect of electrical current profile upon the iontophoretic transport of (i) ascorbic acid (AA) and (ii) ellagic acid (EA), into porcine skin in vitro, and the impact of the physicochemical properties of both actives on their mechanism of transport when formulated in cosmetic compositions. The experiments were performed using a proprietary iontophoretic device containing a roller to apply the formulation. Three current profiles were tested: (i) galvanic direct current (DC), (ii) square unipolar pulse current (SPC), and (iii) galvanic direct current (DC) + pulse current (PC). The skin samples were collected at different sampling points, extracted and analyzed by HPLC. Results suggested that the DC + PC mode for only 5 min was able to significantly increase the delivery of AA from o/w cosmetic compositions. The use of this current profile might improve the skin penetration of AA due to electromigration and passive diffusion, the latter being facilitated by the physical enhancement method. The SPC mode significantly improved the passage of EA in its neutral form from cosmetic o/w formulations by electroosmosis. Tailoring specific electrical current modes considering the ionization state of active ingredients would allow the design of short and personalized cosmetic treatments that significantly improve the penetration efficiency of the active ingredients and possibly reduce the doses applied.

[EN] Two dansyl-modified beta-cyclodextrin derivatives (1 and 2) have been synthesized as host-guest sensory systems for the direct fluorescent detection of the peroxide explosives diacetone diperoxide (DADP) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP) in aqueous media. The sensing is based on the displacement of the dansyl moiety from the cavity of the cyclodextrin by the peroxide guest resulting in a decrease of the intensity of the fluorescence of the dye. Both systems showed similar fluorescent responses and were more sensitive towards TATP than DADP.

[EN] A new fluorogenic and chromogenic probe (L) for the selective, sensitive and naked-eye detection of Cu2+ is reported. Complexation constant, complex stoichiometry and quantum chemical (DFT) calculation for Cu2+ complex has been determined. Also, detection limits and the selectivity in front of other divalent and trivalent cations have been evaluated.