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The interest in wound dressings increased ten years ago. Wound care practitioners can now use interactive/bioactive dressings and tissue-engineered skin substitutes. Several bandages can heal burns, but none can treat all chronic wounds. This study formulates a composite material from 70% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 30% polyethylene glycol (PEG) with 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt% magnesium oxide nanoparticles. This study aims to create a biodegradable wound dressing. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) study shows that PVA, PEG, and MgO create hydrogen bonding interactions. Hydrophilic characteristics are shown by the polymeric blend's 56.289° contact angle. MgO also lowers the contact angle, making the film more hydrophilic. Hydrophilicity improves film biocompatibility, live cell adhesion, wound healing, and wound dressing degradability. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) findings suggest the PVA/PEG combination melted at 53.16 °C. However, adding different weight fractions of MgO nanoparticles increased the nanocomposite's melting temperature (Tm). These nanoparticles improve the film's thermal stability, increasing Tm. In addition, MgO nanoparticles in the polymer blend increased tensile strength and elastic modulus. This is due to the blend's strong adherence to the reinforcing phase and MgO nanoparticles' ceramic material which has a great mechanical strength. The combination of 70% PVA + 30% PEG exhibited good antibacterial spatially at 0.2% MgO, according to antibacterial test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating phase change materials (PCMs), which store thermal energy as latent heat, into renewable energy production is an efficient way to harness solar energy. Thereby, the aim of this work is to develop convenient and efficient method to prepare a bio‐composite phase change materials (BCPCMs) that are eco‐friendly and cheap. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) with large latent heat was used as PCM, eggshell powder (ES) as an energy storage material (bio‐energy resources/bio‐waste is converted into useful energy storage material), the low‐density polyethylene (PE) performed as the supporting material and powder graphite (G) was the additives for improving the thermal conductivity. According to thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), the use of ES and G improved the thermal stability of BCPCM. On the other hand, the results of the differential calorimetric analysis (DSC) showed that BCPCM6 with the addition of 5 wt% of graphite filler in the mixture PEG/PE/ES (70/20/5 wt%) provides excellent thermal stability and high energy storage density per unit mass. In light of its high latent heat storage capacity of 120.1 J/g as well as its ability to prevent PEG exudation, BCPCM ensures higher thermal conductivity and shape stability during phase transition than ordinary PCM. Significant enhancement in melting‐solidification time shows an improvement in Thermal Energy Storage (TES) response time to the demand by adding ES and G respectively to the PCM. Based on the obtained results, the BCPCM as a potential candidate for an application in buildings of hot and dry climates. Highlights: Shape‐stabilized BCPCMs were prepared by blending and impregnating method.The BCPCM combines a high storage capacity and high heat propagation rate.BCPCM6 provides excellent thermal stability and high energy storage density.Enhancement in melting‐solidification time by adding ES and G to the PCM.BCPCM as a candidate for an application in buildings of hot and dry climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) has short survival rates. This study aimed to prepare a novel formula of sorafenib, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and folic acid to be tested as a drug delivery system targeting versus TNBC compared with free sorafenib and to evaluate the formula stability, in vitro pharmacodynamic, and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties. The formula preparation was done by the synthesis of polyethylene glycol bis amine linker, CNT PEGylation, folic acid attachment, and sorafenib loading. The prepared formula has been characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Flourier‐transform infrared, 1HNMR, UV, high resolution–transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Zeta potential. In vitro studies included drug release determination, MTT assay, flow cytometry to determine the apoptotic stage with percent, cell cycle analysis, and apoptotic marker assays for caspase‐3, 8, 9, cytochrome c, and BCL‐2. The in vivo study was performed to determine bioavailability and half‐life in rats. The in vitro MTT antiproliferative assay revealed that the formula was threefold more cytotoxic toward TNBC cells than free sorafenib, and the flow cytometry showed a significant increase in apoptosis and necrosis. The formula has a greater inhibitory effect on BCL‐2 and a lessening effect on cytochrome c and caspases 3, 8, and 9 than free sorafenib. In vivo experiments proved that our novel formula was superior to free sorafenib by increasing bioavailability by eight times and prolonging the half‐life by three times. These results confirmed the successful preparation of the desired formula with better pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. These promising results may show a novel therapeutic strategy for TNBC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of construction materials with the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) has been a topic of wide interest in the scientific community, especially in recent years, due to its positive impact on temperature regulation inside buildings. However, little is known about the behavior of materials doped with PCMs when exposed to accidental or severe environments. Currently, a large area of the planet experiences seasonal freeze–thaw effects, which impact the durability and performance of construction materials. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the damage caused by cyclic freeze–thaw actions on the behavior of a cement mortar, including a PEG-based form-stable PCM. An experimental methodology was developed based on the physical and mechanical characterization of mortars under normal operating conditions and after being subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. The results indicated that, under normal exposure conditions, the incorporation of aggregate functionalized with PCM led to a decrease in the mortar's water absorption capacity, compressive strength, and adhesion. However, its applicability has not been compromised. Exposure to freeze–thaw cycles caused a loss of mass in the specimens and a decrease in the compressive strength and adhesion capability of the mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shankhaprakshalana (SP) is a yogic method aiming to cleanse the bowel. It involves the use of warm saline water and a combination of five asanas. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of bowel preparation by SP. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data. Patients planned for colonoscopy were screened and enrolled to undergo bowel preparation by SP on the day of the colonoscopy. Patients having comorbid conditions, poor performance status, suspected or previously diagnosed intestinal stricture and past history of major abdominal surgery and those unable to perform asanas of SP were excluded. A low-fiber diet was advised for one day before the colonoscopy. Patients were advised to drink 400 mL of lukewarm saline water followed by five asanas (exercises) of SP, each done eight times dynamically and sequentially. After completing six such cycles, patients underwent colonoscopy. Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score was used to assess the quality of bowel preparation. Results: Total 238 patients were included. The major indications for colonoscopy were abdominal pain (35.3%), hematochezia (23.9%), diarrhea (20.2%), constipation (10.9%) and anemia (9.7%). The mean age was 37.7 (± 12) years. The mean BBPS was 8 (± 1.2). Bowel preparation was inadequate (BBPS < 6) in only two patients. Mean segmental BBPS for the three segments of the colon (right, transverse and left) was 2.6 (± 0.5), 2.7 (± 0.4) and 2.6 (± 0.7), respectively. Minor adverse events (nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, giddiness and bloating) were noted in 10 participants (4.2%), which did not require hospitalization. Bowel preparation was completed in 133 (± 35) minutes. Conclusion: Shankhaprakshalana is an effective and safe method to achieve adequate bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Since this is a single-center and retrospective study, future multi-centric, prospective studies comparing it with the standard bowel preparation regimens are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The YK 1 shipwreck, found at Yenikapı, Istanbul, is one of 37 shipwrecks dating to the medieval era. This paper describes the studies and the processes which were conducted to conserve the YK 1. Firstly, the level of physical and chemical degradation of the wood from the YK 1 was examined, which revealed that the wood was highly degraded. Therefore, PEG 2000 was chosen for the impregnation process before vacuum freeze-drying. In addition, the ASE values confirmed that the PEG 2000 impregnation and vacuum freeze-drying method together were successful in conserving the YK 1, with values higher than PEG 2000 impregnation and vacuum freeze-drying methods alone. The concentration of the PEG solution in the tank was monitored throughout the impregnation process. Following this, samples taken from the wood cores were analysed using FTIR to evaluate the effectiveness of the impregnation process. Finally, SEM was used to examine the effectiveness of the PEG 2000 impregnation and vacuum freeze-drying method. The SEM images showed that the PEG 2000 was uniformly distributed, and the wood had no deformation after freeze-drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we investigated the influence of molecular weight (Mw) on particle deposition efficiency after PEG-functionalized (polyethylene glycol-PEG) magnetoresponsive magnetic cluster targeting. In this work, the clusters were obtained by the solvothermal polyol method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a coating agent. So, we investigated three kinds of magnetoresponsive clusters: MNC-2000, MNC-6000, and MNC-10,000. These clusters were coated with PEG, and had molecular weights (Mw) of 2000 Da, 6000 Da, and 10,000 Da, respectively. The authors propose that the key to achieving maximum efficiency in targeted drug delivery is to deposit a thin, uniform layer of medication that covers the vascular wall in the area of interest. We defined a set of efficiency criteria to focus on the most essential characteristics of the targeting results. These are the obstruction degree, which measures the level of vessel obstruction; the magnet coverage degree, which evaluates the quality of particle deposition along the vessel wall; and the proximal deposition degree, which assesses the effect of pulsatile flow on deposition length. We performed several tests to determine how molecular weight affected these efficiency parameters. These tests examined (a) the effect of the injected cluster quantities, (b) the effect of the magnet distance, and (c) the effect of the injection period. Our findings indicate that an increase in PEG's molar weight significantly impacts magnetic particle targeting efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the approval of the lipid nanoparticles (LNP)-mRNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there has been an increased interest in the delivery of mRNA through LNPs. However, current LNP formulations contain PEG lipids, which can stimulate the generation of anti-PEG antibodies. The presence of these antibodies can potentially cause adverse reactions and reduce therapeutic efficacy after administration. Given the widespread deployment of the COVID-19 vaccines, the increased exposure to PEG may necessitate the evaluation of alternative LNP formulations without PEG components. In this study, we investigated a series of polysarcosine (pSar) lipids as alternatives to the PEG lipids to determine whether pSar lipids could still provide the functionality of the PEG lipids in the ALC-0315 and SM-102 LNP systems. We found that complete replacement of the PEG lipid with a pSar lipid can increase or maintain mRNA delivery efficiency and exhibit similar safety profiles in vivo.

Drought stress is considered one of the main factors that reduce plant growth, development and production. Therefore, studying plants during drought stress is highly useful to discover the newly gained characteristics of plants. The potato is considered one of the most important crop with economic value in Egypt and over the whole world. The main target is the proline-rich protein extracted from potato plants under drought stress. A stress experiment was applied to two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Desiree and Diamante. The stress experiment was conducted by poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) 4000; the used water potentials were: zero (control), (PEG 2%), (PEG 4%) and (PEG 8%), after drought stress, the solutes accumulation in the two potato cultivars were determined. Increasing drought stress through elevating PEG decreased leaf area as well as shoot and root lengths. Incontorary, the chlorophyll and proline contents increased with increasing PEG treatments. The proline-rich protein gene was cloned to the pGEM-T Easy vector and was submitted to the gene bank to be used later for enhancing drought resistance in other cultivars.

Drought stress is considered one of the main factors that reduce plant growth, development and production. Therefore, studying plants during drought stress is highly useful to discover the newly gained characteristics of plants. The potato is considered one of the most important crop with economic value in Egypt and over the whole world. The main target is the proline-rich protein extracted from potato plants under drought stress. A stress experiment was applied to two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Desiree and Diamante. The stress experiment was conducted by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000; the used water potentials were: zero (control), (PEG 2%), (PEG 4%) and (PEG 8%), after drought stress, the solutes accumulation in the two potato cultivars were determined. Increasing drought stress through elevating PEG decreased leaf area as well as shoot and root lengths. Incontorary, the chlorophyll and proline contents increased with increasing PEG treatments. The proline-rich protein gene was cloned to the pGEM-T Easy vector and was submitted to the gene bank to be used later for enhancing drought resistence in other cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates polyethylene glycol (PEG) homopolymer thin film adsorption on gold surfaces of controlled surface chemistry. The conformational states of physisorbed PEG are analyzed through polarization modulation infrared reflection–absorption spectrometry (PM-IRRAS). The PM-IRRAS principle is based on specific optical selection rules allowing the detection of surface-specific FTIR response of thin polymer films on the basis of differential reflectivity at the polymer/substrate interface for p- and s-polarized light. The intensification of the electric field generated at the PEG/substrate interface for p-polarized IR light in comparison with s-polarized light permits the analysis of PEG chain anisotropy and conformational changes induced by the adsorption. Results showed that PEG adsorbs on model substrates having a rather hydrophilic character in a way that the PEG chains spread parallel to the surface. In the case of a very hydrophilic substrate, the adsorbed PEG chains are in a stable thermodynamic state which allows them to arrange and crystallize as stacked crystalline lamellae after adsorption. The surface topography and morphology of the PEG thin films were also investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). While in the bulk state, PEG crystallizes in the form of large spherulites; on substrates whose adsorption is favored by surface chemistry, PEG crystallizes in the form of stacked lamellae with a thickness equal to 20 nm. Conversely, on a hydrophobic substrate, the PEG chains do not crystallize and adsorption occurs in the statistical coil state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cork composites have shown excellent potential in impact mitigating systems. Their sustainability greatly surpasses the currently used solutions. In addition, recent advances in developing cork composites with shear thickening fluids (STFs) have demonstrated exciting results for impact mitigation. This study explores different STF formulations based on polyethylene glycol (PEG), with a molecular weight of 400 g/mol, and SiO2 particles, investigating their application in layered cork composites for impact mitigation. Different STF formulations are investigated by processing suspensions with different fumed silica concentrations ranging from 10 to 60 wt.%. Using a cone–plate configuration, rheological measurements were conducted on these suspensions, which were then employed as an interfacial layer in agglomerated cork composite layered structures. These hybrid composites were then subjected to 20 J impact tests. PEG 400 exhibited fluid final states for silica concentrations up to 30 wt.% and crystallised at higher concentrations. Based on the results, STF within cork layers was positive regarding impact force reduction, drawing insights for future application of STF suspensions in cork composites for impact mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed with colonoscopy, gastric and duodenal erythema, erosions, and ulcerations are often observed. This investigation was designed to review the prevalence of gastroduodenal lesions in patients who have undergone wireless capsule endoscopy using standard bowel cleansing preparations, but no endoscopy or sedation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients referred for capsule endoscopy. Records and capsule reports were reviewed for the patient demographics, preparation prescribed, procedural indications, and gastroduodenal findings. The preparations studied included polyethylene glycol lavage (PEG), PEG plus bisacodyl (PEG + bis), bisacodyl (bis), oral sulfate solution (OSS), and no prep. Results: Among the 1236 records, 498 (40.3%) were men and 738 (59.7%) were women. The mean age was 56 years +/− 18 years SD. The percentage of patients with lesions after any bowel preparation was 52.7% for gastric lesions and 23.6% for duodenal lesions. The percentage of patients with gastroduodenal lesions was 58.3% with prep, compared to 38.2% without prep. These findings were statistically significant, with an RR of 1.53 [1.19–1.94] (p-value = 0.00004). This difference was more pronounced in the OSS group RR of 1.65 [1.29–2.1] and bisacodyl group RR of 1.64 [1.25–2.15] compared to the PEG group RR of 0.95 [0.7–1.3]. Conclusions: This study showed that patients undergoing wireless capsule endoscopy who received bowel preparations had a significant increase in gastric and duodenal lesions. Of the preparations studied, OSS was associated with a greater number of gastroduodenal lesions, while PEG was the least associated with lesions, with an occurrence similar to the non-prep group. The clinical significance of these lesions remains undetermined. Endoscopists should be aware that preparations are associated with gastroduodenal lesions to avoid the misinterpretation and misdiagnosis of these lesions.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a target has gained increasing attention. This research aims to investigate and understand how altering size of PEG impacts the in vitro and in vivo behavior and performance of PSMA inhibitors, with a specific focus on their pharmacokinetic characteristics and targeting properties. Results Two 68Ga-labeled PSMA-targeted radiotracers were developed, namely [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD, with varying sizes of polyethylene glycol (PEG). [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD had excellent affinity for PSMA with IC50 being 8.06 ± 0.91, 6.13 ± 0.79 nM, respectively. Both tracers enabled clear visualization of LNCaP tumors in PET images with excellent tumor-to-background contrast. They also revealed highly efficient uptake and internalization into LNCaP cells, increasing over time. The biodistribution studies demonstrated that both radioligands exhibited significant and specific uptake into LNCaP tumors. Furthermore, they were rapidly cleared through the renal pathway, as evidenced by [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD showing a tenfold and a fivefold less in renal uptake, respectively, compared to [68Ga]Ga-Flu-1 in 30 min. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that PEG size significantly impacted tumor-targeting and pharmacokinetic properties. Conclusions These radiotracers have demonstrated their effectiveness in significantly reducing kidney uptake while maintaining the absorbed dose in tumors. Both radiotracers exhibited strong binding and internalization characteristics in vitro, displayed high specificity and affinity for PSMA in vivo.

In this study, zirconia-based ceramics doped with different yttria contents (3, 4 or 5 mol.%) were processed by a material extrusion additive manufacturing technique, Direct Ink Writing (DIW). A gel-based approach, using polyethylene glycol (PEG), Laponite® nano-clay and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), was used for the development of ceramic inks with solid load ≈31 vol% and suitable rheological properties to be processed by DIW. Prismatic and cylindric samples were printed (crossed layers at 90°; print speed = 10 mm/s; nozzle Ø = 0.63 mm), dried, debinded and pre-sintered (up to 1100 °C for 2 h), being finally sintered at 1550 °C for 2 h. The sintered samples were evaluated by their microstructure, phase composition and relative density. The hardness and Young's modulus of the sintered samples, were evaluated locally, by dynamic nanoindentation varying the indentation loads: 250 mN → 1960 mN. The three sintered sample’ groups showed similar relative density (≈90 %), but different proportions of the three ZrO2 polytypes (monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic) as crystalline phases in their composition. The microstructure of the sintered groups was characterized by bimodal grain size distributions, with larger grain sizes as yttria concentration increased and, consequently, higher presence of cubic phase and translucency. Vickers hardness of 1023 HV, 921.4 HV and 896.9 HV and fracture toughness of 5.45 MPa m1/2, 4.30 MPa m1/2 and 4.15 MPa m1/2 were obtained for 3Y-TZP, 4Y-PSZ and 5Y-PSZ, respectively, both influenced by relative density.

• PEGylation of peptide 3 improved its stability in human serum and antiviral activities against all four DENV serotypes. • The PEGylated peptide 3 (PEG-P3) demonstrated all three modes of action against all four DENV serotypes: cell protection, direct virus inactivation, and inhibition during post-infection. • PEG-P3 was able to retain its antiviral activities up to 72 h incubation in human serum. Dengue presents a major public health concern in over 100 countries due to the absence of an effective vaccine and antiviral therapy against all four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. Several antiviral peptides were previously reported to inhibit at least three or all four DENV serotypes. Chemical modifications such as d -amino acid substitutions, polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylation, and cyclization could be applied to peptides to improve their biological activities and stability in serum. The PEGylated peptide 3 (PEG-P3) was identified to be the most promising antiviral candidate as it demonstrated good inhibitory effects against all four DENV serotypes during the pre- and post-infection stages, Based on the RP-HPLC and LC/MS analysis, peptide 4 was identified to be more stable in human serum than peptide 3, with 78.9 % and 41.6 % of the peptides remaining after 72 h of incubation in human serum, respectively. Both peptides were also able to retain their antiviral activities against specific DENV serotypes after 72 h incubation in human serum. PEG-P3 was found to be more stable than the unmodified peptide 3 with 89.4 % of PEG-P3 remaining in the human serum after 72 h of incubation. PEG-P3 was able to retain its inhibitory effects against DENV-1 to 4 after 72 h of incubation in human serum. This study provided insights into the antiviral activities and stabilities of the unmodified and chemically modified peptides in human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a versatile polymer that is used in numerous pharmaceutical applications like the food industry, a wide range of disinfectants, cosmetics, and many commonly used household products. PEGylation is the term used to describe the covalent attachment of PEG molecules to nanocarriers, proteins and peptides, and it is used to prolong the circulation half-life of the PEGylated products. Consequently, PEGylation improves the efficacy of PEGylated therapeutics. However, after four decades of research and more than two decades of clinical applications, an unappealing side of PEGylation has emerged. PEG immunogenicity and antigenicity are remarkable challenges that confound the widespread clinical application of PEGylated therapeutics — even those under clinical trials — as anti-PEG antibodies (Abs) are commonly reported following the systemic administration of PEGylated therapeutics. Furthermore, pre-existing anti-PEG Abs have also been reported in healthy individuals who have never been treated with PEGylated therapeutics. The circulating anti-PEG Abs, both treatment-induced and pre-existing, selectively bind to PEG molecules of the administered PEGylated therapeutics inducing activation of the complement system, which results in remarkable clinical implications with varying severity. These include increased blood clearance of the administered PEGylated therapeutics through what is known as the accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon and initiation of serious adverse effects through complement activation-related pseudoallergic reactions (CARPA). Therefore, the US FDA industry guidelines have recommended the screening of anti-PEG Abs, in addition to Abs against PEGylated proteins, in the clinical trials of PEGylated protein therapeutics. In addition, strategies revoking the immunogenic response against PEGylated therapeutics without compromising their therapeutic efficacy are important for the further development of advanced PEGylated therapeutics and drug-delivery systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed with colonoscopy, gastric and duodenal erythema, erosions, and ulcerations are often observed. This investigation was designed to review the prevalence of gastroduodenal lesions in patients who have undergone wireless capsule endoscopy using standard bowel cleansing preparations, but no endoscopy or sedation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients referred for capsule endoscopy. Records and capsule reports were reviewed for the patient demographics, preparation prescribed, procedural indications, and gastroduodenal findings. The preparations studied included polyethylene glycol lavage (PEG), PEG plus bisacodyl (PEG + bis), bisacodyl (bis), oral sulfate solution (OSS), and no prep. Results: Among the 1236 records, 498 (40.3%) were men and 738 (59.7%) were women. The mean age was 56 years +/− 18 years SD. The percentage of patients with lesions after any bowel preparation was 52.7% for gastric lesions and 23.6% for duodenal lesions. The percentage of patients with gastroduodenal lesions was 58.3% with prep, compared to 38.2% without prep. These findings were statistically significant, with an RR of 1.53 [1.19–1.94] (p-value = 0.00004). This difference was more pronounced in the OSS group RR of 1.65 [1.29–2.1] and bisacodyl group RR of 1.64 [1.25–2.15] compared to the PEG group RR of 0.95 [0.7–1.3]. Conclusions: This study showed that patients undergoing wireless capsule endoscopy who received bowel preparations had a significant increase in gastric and duodenal lesions. Of the preparations studied, OSS was associated with a greater number of gastroduodenal lesions, while PEG was the least associated with lesions, with an occurrence similar to the non-prep group. The clinical significance of these lesions remains undetermined. Endoscopists should be aware that preparations are associated with gastroduodenal lesions to avoid the misinterpretation and misdiagnosis of these lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed priming has become a practical pre-sowing strategy to deal with abiotic stresses. This study aims to explore the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) priming on seed germination and seedling growth of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi under salt stress. Regardless of seed priming, salt stress significantly inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of S. baicalensis. PEG priming significantly alleviates the inhibitory effects of salt stress on seed germination and seedling growth when compared to non-priming and water priming. Among all treatments, PEG priming exhibited the highest germination rate, germination potential, seed vigor index, fresh weight, dry weight, and plant length; the highest contents of proline, soluble sugar, and soluble protein; the highest K+/Na+ ratio and relative water content; the highest antioxidant activities and contents; but the lowest H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and relative electrical conductivity in response to salt stress. In addition, PEG priming had the highest transcript levels of antioxidant-related genes among all treatments under NaCl stress. Taken together, the results demonstrated that seed priming with PEG could be recommended as an effective practice to enhance the germination and early seedling growth of S. baicalensis under saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction sector's pursuit of sustainability, driven by growing concerns about climate change and resource depletion, requires innovative solutions to reduce the energy consumption necessary to ensure thermal comfort in buildings. The introduction of phase change materials (PCMs) in construction elements represents an effective solution to these problems. PCMs are, in fact, able to regulate internal temperature by storing and releasing thermal energy during their phase transitions. In particular, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based organic PCMs offer high heat storage capacity, compatibility with building materials, and minimal environmental impact. They are often used in building applications incorporated in an inert matrix, using the "form-stable method". This article critically examines various matrices proposed in the existing literature to realize PEG-based PCMs, with the aim of analyzing their influence on the final characteristics of any PCM. In addition, an attempt to correlate the quantity of PEG with the heat stored and released by the PCM is presented, using a linear regression model applied to groups of matrices of the same chemical nature. The results of these analyses would, in fact, provide useful indications for an optimal choice of the PEG/matrix system capable of responding to specific application needs, particularly in the building sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a target has gained increasing attention. This research aims to investigate and understand how altering size of PEG impacts the in vitro and in vivo behavior and performance of PSMA inhibitors, with a specific focus on their pharmacokinetic characteristics and targeting properties. Results: Two 68Ga-labeled PSMA-targeted radiotracers were developed, namely [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD, with varying sizes of polyethylene glycol (PEG). [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD had excellent affinity for PSMA with IC50 being 8.06 ± 0.91, 6.13 ± 0.79 nM, respectively. Both tracers enabled clear visualization of LNCaP tumors in PET images with excellent tumor-to-background contrast. They also revealed highly efficient uptake and internalization into LNCaP cells, increasing over time. The biodistribution studies demonstrated that both radioligands exhibited significant and specific uptake into LNCaP tumors. Furthermore, they were rapidly cleared through the renal pathway, as evidenced by [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD showing a tenfold and a fivefold less in renal uptake, respectively, compared to [68Ga]Ga-Flu-1 in 30 min. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that PEG size significantly impacted tumor-targeting and pharmacokinetic properties. Conclusions: These radiotracers have demonstrated their effectiveness in significantly reducing kidney uptake while maintaining the absorbed dose in tumors. Both radiotracers exhibited strong binding and internalization characteristics in vitro, displayed high specificity and affinity for PSMA in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is frequently used in various protein and nanomedicine therapeutics. However, various studies have shown that select PEGylated therapeutics can induce production of anti-PEG antibodies (APA), potentially culminating in rapid clearance from the systemic circulation, loss of efficacy and possibly increased risks of allergic reactions. Although IgE is a frequent cause of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHR), the role of IgE APA in PEG-related IHR is not well understood, due in part to a lack of standardized assays for measuring IgE APA. Here, we developed a rigorous competitive ELISA method to measure the concentrations of various APA isotypes, including IgE, with picomolar sensitivities. In a small number of serum samples from patients with known PEG allergy, the assay allowed us to detect a strong correlation between IgG and IgE APA in individuals with history of allergic reactions to PEG or PEGylated drugs, but not between IgM and IgE APA. We detected appreciable levels of IgG and IgM APA in individuals with history of alpha-gal allergy, however, they were not elevated relative to those detected in other healthy controls, and we found no pre-existing IgE APA. While preliminary and should be further investigated, these results suggest that differences in the route and mechanism of PEG exposure may drive variability in APA response. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which consisting of alternant hardand soft segment is a kind of segmented block copolymer. Amazing elasticity, transparency, and strength at break have expanded the application of TPU in automotive, buildings, coatings, sealants, medicine, and rubber industries. Further, TPUs lack active group, they have high crystallinity, low surface energy, and chemical inertness. Therefore, its properties needed to restore. Recently, plasma or alkali treatment have been suggested to modify the surface properties of nanostructures. Especially, alkali treatment is also versatile one, and creates changes in dimensions, and fine structure without change the surface functional groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of surface treatment method on newly identified TPU membranes containing of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Raw TPU surface was modified by alkali treatment with different percentages of NaOH: 1M and 3 M without heating for a constant soaking time of 30 min. Surface morphology, roughness and wettability properties of treated TPU membranes were investigated. The experimental results showed that the all treated TPU membranes showed surface feature morphology with increasing roughness, i.e. Sa (areal average roughness) values of the TPU-PEG or TPU-PC after the submersion in 1 M solution of NaOH became about 2.51x102±15.6 and 2.79x102±17.3 nm while that of TPU was 6.24x101±6.9 nm. Furthermore, while the contact angle values of TPUPEG after alkalization reduced from 40.6±0.5° to 21±0.2° and patterned TPU-PC showed significantly superior cell attachment to the MC3T3-E1 cells than the pristine TPU. The study's findings indicate NaOH-treated composite TPU membranes could be a possible guided agent, which supported the bone induction, and differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is usually synthesized by pancreatic and bile duct cells and is present in small amounts in serum. During the period of tumor disease, its serum level significantly increases, and it is the most widely used serum tumor marker for diagnosis and monitoring therapy of pancreatic cancer. Methods: We reported a case of abnormal elevation of serum CA19-9. Considering the possibility of detection interference, we used heterophilic antibody blocking analysis, detection by different analysis systems, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation to evaluate the reliability of abnormally elevated CA19-9 concentration. Results: Repeated measurements on the Roche Cobas 8000 system of another hospital significantly reduced the CA19-9 concentration, as did PEG precipitation. Therefore, the abnormally elevated level of CA19-9 in this patient is considered to be pseudoelevation caused by interferences. Conclusions: We suggest considering the presence of detection interference in cases with elevated CA19-9 levels but no related clinical manifestations to prevent false positives. PEG precipitation may be a simple and feasible solution to eliminate interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focused on developing medical-grade polypropylene (PP)/silver (Ag) nanocomposites for the production of components through material extrusion (MEX) three-dimensional printing (3DP). The objective was to improve the performance of PP by enhancing its mechanical properties and imparting antibacterial characteristics. An industrially scalable process was utilized to fabricate PP/Ag nanocomposites through the reactive melt mixing technique. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) served as the reduction agent, and silver nitrate (AgNO3) was incorporated as the additive. During the extrusion of the three-dimensional printing (3DP) filaments, reactive melt mixing occurred, resulting in the production of specimens for various standard tests. The addition of 5.0 wt% AgNO3 and 2.5 wt% PEG in the PP thermoplastic led to a slight improvement in mechanical performance, with a 9.9 % increase in tensile strength observed. The antibacterial properties of the composites were assessed through agar well diffusion tests against Escherichia coli (E-coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). A more significant biocidal effect was observed for S. aureus compared to E-coli. These composites have the potential to be utilized in industrial applications that require enhanced mechanical properties and durability, as well as important biocidal properties, such as in the medical equipment industry or the defense sector.

This work reports two different strategies for the formation of hybrid microbeads using chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as based biodegradable materials for radiation shielding. An organic–inorganic hydrogel was prepared by ionotropic gelation. During the in-situ loading, incorporating magnetic nanoparticles Fe2O3 into the polymer matrix, magnetic nanostructures, were entrapped in the polymer matrix during the physical cross-linking of the polymer with the physical cross-linker (sodium triphosphate). However, in case of post-loading mechanism the loaded nanoparticles favor the precipitation on the surface of the formed beads. We use different characterization techniques for our systems such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray, infrared spectroscopy (XRD), and X-ray radiation shielding application. The results demonstrate that by incorporating nanostructured magnetic particles into the polymer matrix, the surface morphology based on the two processes allow the magnetic nanoparticles to be embedded or form an outer shell and precipitated on the surface of polymer microbeads. The values of μ for the hydrogels loaded with Fe2O3 by in-situ process have the larger values of the linear coefficient however, in case of post-loading process the values dramatically decrease in compare with the in-situ ones at the same tube voltage. The presented work recommended as a good mentor for radiation shielding.

In this study the physicochemical interactions of acefylline piperazine drug (APD) were examined in aqueous and aqueous polymer systems viz., aqueous polyethylene glycol (1.0 %w/v) and aqueous polyvinyl pyrrolidone (1.0% w/v). The study was carried within the concentration ranges from 2.0×10-2 to 10.0 ×10-2 mol/dm3 at different temperatures (293.15 to 318.15 K with the difference of 5 K). Various analytical methods such as conductometric, refractometry, and liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) were applied. In order to observe the interaction of APD, was calculated to evaluate the structural influence of polymers on the mobility of solute (APD) at different temperatures. α, Kd and Walden product of APD were also assessed in aqueous polyethylene glycol and aqueous polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Solvation was observed by Walden's product showing strong solvation of APD in water-soluble polymer systems. Thermodynamic parameters for APD such as , ΔG*, ΔH*and ΔS* have also been evaluated as a function of temperature to determine the exo/endothermic nature of the drug dissociation process. Specific refraction, molar refraction and polarizability of APD in aqueous and aqueous polymer systems were calculated using the Lorentz-Lorentz equation and various interactions were interpreted. Drug's compatibility studies were also performed by HPLC in aqueous and aqueous polymer systems.

AbstractIntroduction Red blood cell (RBC) storage solution is used for suspending and preserving RBCs for later use in in vitro immunohematology testing. Proper RBC preservation is crucial for obtaining accurate results in RBC phenotyping and pretransfusion antibody screening tests. Haemolysis or RBC antigen degradation during storage can result in inaccurate RBC phenotyping, thereby decreasing the sensitivity of pretransfusion antibody screening and identification assays. The conventional RBC storage solutions usually contain adenosine, adenine, and antibiotics. We designed an RBC storage solution and determined whether it could preserve RBC integrity for 70 days.Materials and Methods The new storage solution has a different formula from that of the conventional solution—in particular, it is strengthened with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The extent of haemolysis and hemagglutination reactivity of the RBC antigen systems, Rh, Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, MNS, P1, and the rare antigen Mia (which has a low prevalence antigen in most parts of the world but a higher prevalence in Taiwan), in the new RBC storage solution was compared with that of the conventionally preserved RBC storage solution.Results The RBCs preserved in the new solution for 70 days retained a similar haemolysis grade as those preserved in the control solution for 28 days. Although both solutions largely preserved RBC antigenicity, the decline in RBC hemagglutination scores in new solution often occurred later than that in the control solution in most antigen phenotyping assays, especially labile antigens such as D, P1, and M.Conclusion The new solution reduces haemolysis more effectively and preserves antigenicity throughout the 70-day storage period. Moreover, Mia antigen is more stable in the experimental group.

The development of construction materials with the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) has been a topic of wide interest in the scientific community, especially in recent years, due to its positive impact on temperature regulation inside buildings. However, little is known about the behavior of materials doped with PCMs when exposed to accidental or severe environments. Currently, a large area of the planet experiences seasonal freeze–thaw effects, which impact the durability and performance of construction materials. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the damage caused by cyclic freeze–thaw actions on the behavior of a cement mortar, including a PEG-based form-stable PCM. An experimental methodology was developed based on the physical and mechanical characterization of mortars under normal operating conditions and after being subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. The results indicated that, under normal exposure conditions, the incorporation of aggregate functionalized with PCM led to a decrease in the mortar’s water absorption capacity, compressive strength, and adhesion. However, its applicability has not been compromised. Exposure to freeze–thaw cycles caused a loss of mass in the specimens and a decrease in the compressive strength and adhesion capability of the mortar.

In this article, we investigated the influence of molecular weight (Mw) on particle deposition efficiency after PEG-functionalized (polyethylene glycol-PEG) magnetoresponsive magnetic cluster targeting. In this work, the clusters were obtained by the solvothermal polyol method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a coating agent. So, we investigated three kinds of magnetoresponsive clusters: MNC-2000, MNC-6000, and MNC-10,000. These clusters were coated with PEG, and had molecular weights (Mw) of 2000 Da, 6000 Da, and 10,000 Da, respectively. The authors propose that the key to achieving maximum efficiency in targeted drug delivery is to deposit a thin, uniform layer of medication that covers the vascular wall in the area of interest. We defined a set of efficiency criteria to focus on the most essential characteristics of the targeting results. These are the obstruction degree, which measures the level of vessel obstruction; the magnet coverage degree, which evaluates the quality of particle deposition along the vessel wall; and the proximal deposition degree, which assesses the effect of pulsatile flow on deposition length. We performed several tests to determine how molecular weight affected these efficiency parameters. These tests examined (a) the effect of the injected cluster quantities, (b) the effect of the magnet distance, and (c) the effect of the injection period. Our findings indicate that an increase in PEG’s molar weight significantly impacts magnetic particle targeting efficiency.

The cellular environment is highly crowded, with up to 40% of the volume fraction of the cell occupied by various macromolecules. Most laboratory experiments take place in dilute buffer solutions; by adding various synthetic or organic macromolecules, researchers have begun to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo measurements. This is a review of the reported effects of macromolecular crowding on the compaction and extension of DNA, the effect of macromolecular crowding on DNA kinetics, and protein-DNA interactions. Theoretical models related to macromolecular crowding and DNA are briefly reviewed. Gaps in the literature, including the use of biologically relevant crowders, simultaneous use of multi-sized crowders, empirical connections between macromolecular crowding and liquid–liquid phase separation of nucleic materials are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red blood cell (RBC) storage solution is used for suspending and preserving RBCs for later use in in vitro immunohematology testing. Proper RBC preservation is crucial for obtaining accurate results in RBC phenotyping and pretransfusion antibody screening tests. Haemolysis or RBC antigen degradation during storage can result in inaccurate RBC phenotyping, thereby decreasing the sensitivity of pretransfusion antibody screening and identification assays. The conventional RBC storage solutions usually contain adenosine, adenine, and antibiotics. We designed an RBC storage solution and determined whether it could preserve RBC integrity for 70 days. The new storage solution has a different formula from that of the conventional solution—in particular, it is strengthened with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The extent of haemolysis and hemagglutination reactivity of the RBC antigen systems, Rh, Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, MNS, P1, and the rare antigen Mia (which has a low prevalence antigen in most parts of the world but a higher prevalence in Taiwan), in the new RBC storage solution was compared with that of the conventionally preserved RBC storage solution. The RBCs preserved in the new solution for 70 days retained a similar haemolysis grade as those preserved in the control solution for 28 days. Although both solutions largely preserved RBC antigenicity, the decline in RBC hemagglutination scores in new solution often occurred later than that in the control solution in most antigen phenotyping assays, especially labile antigens such as D, P1, and M. The new solution reduces haemolysis more effectively and preserves antigenicity throughout the 70-day storage period. Moreover, Mia antigen is more stable in the experimental group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hierarchical chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol/nonwoven fabric (CS/PVA/PEG/NWF) micro/nanofiber composite membrane (CM) was prepared via electrospinning as a potential wound dressing. The polyester/viscose NWF acting as a substrate to receive the nanofiber layer was modified by alkali deweighting. Meanwhile, PEG with various additive amount was used to afford morphological regulation and control. As a result, the NWF modified with 7.5% NaOH solution exhibited a good hydrophilia and a superior dimensional stability based on smaller elongation at break and higher peel strength. In addition, the morphology of the nanofiber layer was closely related to PEG content. CS/PVA/PEG nanofiber with smaller diameter was spun when PEG content reached to 3.0%. Accordingly, the micro/nanofiber CM showed an opportune water absorption and good air permeability. Furthermore, neither hemolysis nor cytotoxicity phenomena appeared for the resultant CM, since the hemolysis rate and the cell viability were less than 5% and more than 70%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scalable application of bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4) in photoelectrochemical water splitting is restricted by its low charge separation efficiency and slow water oxidation kinetics. Here, modified BiVO 4 photoanodes were fabricated at ambient conditions with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) for improving the electron-hole generation rate and lowering the charge carrier recombination rate. Modification by PEG produced 3D flower-like BiVO 4 microspheres, along with Bi5+, Bi(3−x)+, and V4+ species onto the PEG-BiVO 4 surface, which were accompanied by oxygen vacancies (OVs) working in tandem with these species and acting as surface-active intermediates, thereby facilitating hole transfer to the electrolyte. Under visible light irradiation (100 mW/cm2), 3D flower-like PEG-BiVO 4 microspheres produce the maximum photocurrent density of 5.75 mA/cm2 in water splitting at 1.23 V against a reverse hydrogen electrode (RHE). The superior photoelectrochemical performance of PEG-BiVO 4 over its counterparts is attributed to the incorporation of 3D flower-like microspheres and band structure modulation by the O vacancies, Bi(3−x)+, Bi5+, and V4+ species. The synthesized PEG-BiVO 4 is expected to attract attention as a scalable photocatalyst for oxidation of water because it is easy to synthesize at room temperature and it exhibits superb photocatalytic performance. [Display omitted] • Fabrication of modified BiVO 4 photoanodes for lowering the charge carrier recombination rate. • The material showed high photoactivity. • A maximum photocurrent density of 6.7 mA/cm2 in water splitting at 1.23 V was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FeOOH-150 nanorod with Lewis acid-base pairs (LPs) on the surface could effectively drive the nitrogen reduction reaction. PEG was introduced to serve as a local non-aqueous electrolyte system to inhibit HER, and DFT calculations revealed that the interaction of PEG with LPs can optimize nitrogen adsorption configuration and promoted eNRR process. [Display omitted] Ammonia (NH 3) synthesis at mild conditions by electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction (eNRR) has received more attention and has been regarded as a promising alternative to the traditional Haber–Bosch process. Lewis acid-base pairs (LPs) can chemisorb and react with nitrogen by electronic interaction, while the tuning of the microenvironment near electrode can hinder hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) thus improving the selectivity of the eNRR. Herein, the FeOOH nanorod coupled with LPs on the surface (i.e., Fe, Fe–O) was synthesized, which could effectively drive eNRR. Meanwhile, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was introduced to serve as a local non-aqueous electrolyte system to inhibit HER. The prepared FeOOH-150 catalyst achieved outstanding eNRR performance with an NH 3 yield rate of 118.07 μg h−1mg cat −1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 51.4 % at −0.6 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M LiClO 4 + 20 % PEG. Both the experiment and DFT calculations revealed that the interaction of PEG with Lewis base sites could optimize nitrogen adsorption configuration and activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PEGylated nanomedicines have been extensively developed and applied to cancer therapy. However, the antitumor efficacy of these nanoparticles is hampered by the accelerated blood clearance (ABC) effect caused by anti-PEG antibodies in vivo. There is still limited understanding about the cause of pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies in the human body. Herein, we discovered that PEG-based pharmaceutical excipients, commonly used in clinical and daily settings, could induce anti-PEG antibodies in vivo and lead to considerable potential clinical impacts on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of PEGylated nanoparticles. Specifically, we investigated the ability of poloxamer 188 (F68) and poloxamer 407 (F127), the two most frequently used PEG-based pharmaceutical excipients, to elicit the production of anti-PEG antibodies and influence the pharmacokinetics of PEGylated nanoparticles, with PEGylated liposome nanoparticles (L-NPs) as a model. Anti-PEG IgG and IgM levels were significantly boosted 3.8- and 32.2-fold, respectively, after pre-injection with F68, leading to rapid clearance of subsequently injected L-NPs from circulation due to the capture by neutrophils and monocytes. However, pre-injection of F127 did not induce the production of anti-PEG IgG, although there was a 7.7-fold increase in IgM level, which resulted in minimal effect on circulation time of L-NPs. Furthermore, the potential clinical impacts of F68 and F127 were further inspected for PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). It was found that administering F68 prior to treatment led to over a one-third decrease in the antitumor effectiveness of PLD, while F127 had a negligible impact. Our study elucidates the mechanism by which PEG-based pharmaceutical excipients influence the effectiveness of PEGylated nanomedicines. It also highlights the significance of considering the potential for an ABC effect induced by PEG-based pharmaceutical excipients in patients. [Display omitted] • The regular utilization of PEG-based pharmaceutical excipients may be a potential source of anti-PEG antibodies in healthy individuals. • PEG-based excipients can induce the production of anti-PEG Igs, leading to rapid clearance of subsequently injected PEGylated nanoparticles. • PEG-based pharmaceutical excipients differed in their potential to trigger the ABC effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An environmentally benign aqueous two phase system has been developed for the separation of 108mAg from 152Eu and 60Co using polyethylene glycol/salt system. Twelve salts (nine inorganic, three organic) and PEG 4000 were chosen to form the ATPS out of which, the best separation was observed for 3 mL 2 mol·dm−3 K3PO4: 3 mL PEG 4000 followed by 3 mL 2 mol·dm−3 Na2SO4: 3 mL PEG 4000. In both cases, silver was preferentially extracted in the PEG rich phase. The separation factors achieved were SAg/Co = 2.11 × 103 and SAg/Eu = 2.79 × 102 in the case of 2 mol·dm−3 K3PO4: PEG 4000 combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we established an efficient and rapid transient expression system in the protoplasts of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (P. ternata). Results: The protoplasts of P. ternata were prepared from plant leaves as the source material by digesting them with the combination of 20 g·l−1 cellulase and 15 g·l−1 macerozyme for 6 h. Based on the screening of PEG concentration, the conditions for PEG-mediated protoplast transformation were improved, and the highest transformation efficiency was found for 40% PEG 4000. Furthermore, we used the subcellular protein localization technique in P. ternata protoplasts to allow further validation of transient expression system. Conclusions: We present the method that can be applicable for studying both gene verification and expression in P. ternata protoplasts, thus allowing for engineering the improved varieties of P. ternata through molecular plant breeding techniques. This method can also be widely applicable for analyzing protein interactions, detecting promoter activity, for somatic cell fusion in plant breeding, as well as for other related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress brought about by climate change is among the major global concerns threatening food security. Rice is an important staple food which requires high water resources. Being a semi-aquatic plant, rice is particularly susceptible to drought. The aim of this work was to develop techniques directed to promote rice resilience to water deprivation stress during germination by implementing specific seed priming treatments. Five popular Italian rice varieties were subjected to priming treatments using novel, sustainable solutions, like poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), denatured γ-PGA (dPGA), and iron (Fe) pulsing, alone or in combination. The effect of the developed priming methods was tested under optimal conditions as well as under water deprivation stress imposed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatments. The priming efficacy was phenotypically determined in terms of germination behavior by measuring a series of parameters (germinability, germination index, mean germination time, seed vigor index, root and shoot length, germination stress tolerance index). Biochemical analyses were carried out to measure the levels of iron uptake and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Integrative data analyses revealed that the rice varieties exhibited a strong genotype- and treatment-specific germination behavior. PEG strongly inhibited germination while most of the priming treatments were able to rescue it in all varieties tested except for Unico, which can be defined as highly stress sensitive. Molecular events (DNA repair, antioxidant response, iron homeostasis) associated with the transition from seed to seedling were monitored in terms of changes in gene expression profiles in two varieties sensitive to water deprivation stress with different responses to priming. The investigated genes appeared to be differentially expressed in a genotype-, priming treatment-, stress- and stage-dependent manner. The proposed seed priming treatments can be envisioned as sustainable and versatile agricultural practices that could help in addressing the impact of climate challenges on the agri-food system.

This study addresses the critical issue of removing copper(II) ions from water using an eco-friendly approach with natural biomaterials. Alginate, a natural polysaccharide, is employed as the primary adsorption material. The study involves the conversion of alginate into nanoparticles, and a ternary blend is prepared by mixing alginate nanoparticles with carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol (AL-NPs/CMC/PEG). The blend's morphological and structural transformations have been comprehensively investigated using techniques such as DLS, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, and SEM. Batch experiments were conducted systematically to investigate crucial parameters, such as contact time (60–300 min), initial copper concentration (62.5 ppm–1000 ppm), solution pH (2–8), and adsorbent dosage (1–5 g). The results obtained are highly encouraging, revealing an impressive 80.9 % efficiency in the removal of copper ions. The acquired experimental data were then subjected to analysis with Langmuir and Freundlich, isotherm, as well as pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetics studies. The outcomes from these isotherm and kinetics models indicated a favorable fit with the Freundlich isotherm, suggesting a strong affinity between the adsorbent and the metal ions. Furthermore, the kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process closely adheres to pseudo-second-order kinetics, underlining the efficiency and reliability of the adsorption process. From desorption studies, 0.1 M HCl was an extremely effective eluant when compared to HNO3 and EDTA. It could be reused three time with appreciate efficiency. The research underscores the potential for an environmentally sustainable solution to address the persistent environmental challenge posed by copper ion contamination.

This study investigates polyethylene glycol (PEG) homopolymer thin film adsorption on gold surfaces of controlled surface chemistry. The conformational states of physisorbed PEG are analyzed through polarization modulation infrared reflection–absorption spectrometry (PM-IRRAS). The PM-IRRAS principle is based on specific optical selection rules allowing the detection of surface-specific FTIR response of thin polymer films on the basis of differential reflectivity at the polymer/substrate interface for p- and s-polarized light. The intensification of the electric field generated at the PEG/substrate interface for p-polarized IR light in comparison with s-polarized light permits the analysis of PEG chain anisotropy and conformational changes induced by the adsorption. Results showed that PEG adsorbs on model substrates having a rather hydrophilic character in a way that the PEG chains spread parallel to the surface. In the case of a very hydrophilic substrate, the adsorbed PEG chains are in a stable thermodynamic state which allows them to arrange and crystallize as stacked crystalline lamellae after adsorption. The surface topography and morphology of the PEG thin films were also investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). While in the bulk state, PEG crystallizes in the form of large spherulites; on substrates whose adsorption is favored by surface chemistry, PEG crystallizes in the form of stacked lamellae with a thickness equal to 20 nm. Conversely, on a hydrophobic substrate, the PEG chains do not crystallize and adsorption occurs in the statistical coil state.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG), as a hydrophilic molecule, exerts a significant influence on the morphology and performance of membranes. However, the mechanism by which PEG influences polyethersulfone (PES) membranes remains unclear. In this work, the addition of varying concentrations (4, 12, 24 wt%) and molecular weights (200, 400, and 600 Da) of PEG on the PES membrane was investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and experimental study. Compared to the concentration of PEG (4, 12, and 24 wt%), the molecular weight of PEG (PEG200, PEG400, and PEG600) had little effect on the membrane pore size. The radial distribution function and fractional free volume results of MD simulation both proved that. Additionally, both the experimental adsorption capacity (QHA) and the calculated adsorption energy (Eads) revealed that the adsorption of humic acid (HA) on the PES membrane with 4 wt% PEG was higher than that on the pure PES membrane, which meant that PEG was not beneficial to the anti‐fouling property but improved the water flux of PES membranes. The results of this study not only provide theoretical predictions and a scientific basis for the formulation of PES membranes but also promotes an approach for exploring the mechanism by which additives affect polymer membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of biomolecules on nanoparticles' surface ultimately depends on the intermolecular forces, which dictate the mutual interaction transforming their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Therefore, a better understanding of the adsorption of serum proteins and their impact on nanoparticle physicochemical properties is of utmost importance for developing nanoparticle-based therapies. We investigated the interactions between potentially therapeutic proteins, neurotrophin 3 (NT3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), in a cell-free system and a retinal pigmented epithelium cell line (ARPE-19). The variance in the physicochemical properties of PEGylated NT3–BDNF nanoparticles (NPs) in serum-abundant and serum-free systems was studied using transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, multi-angle dynamic, and electrophoretic light scattering. Next, we compared the cellular response of ARPE-19 cells after exposure to PEGylated NT3–BDNF NPs in either a serum-free or complex serum environment by investigating protein release and cell cytotoxicity using ultracentrifuge, fluorescence spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy. After serum exposure, the decrease in the aggregation of PEGylated NT3–BDNF NPs was accompanied by increased cell viability and BDNF/NT3 in vitro release. In contrast, in a serum-free environment, the appearance of positively charged NPs with hydrodynamic diameters up to 900 nm correlated with higher cytotoxicity and limited BDNF/NT3 release into the cell culture media. This work provides new insights into the role of protein corona when considering the PEGylated nano–bio interface with implications for cytotoxicity, NPs' distribution, and BDNF and NT3 release profiles in the in vitro setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inter‐particle secondary crosslinks allow microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels to be formed. Methods to introduce secondary crosslinking networks in MAP hydrogels include particle jamming, annealing with covalent bonds, and reversible noncovalent interactions. Here, we investigate the effect of two different approaches to secondary crosslinking of polyethylene glycol (PEG) microgels via reversible guest‐host interactions. We generated a dual‐particle MAP‐PEG hydrogel using two species of PEG microgels, one functionalized with the guest molecule, adamantane, and the other with the host molecule, β‐cyclodextrin (Inter‐MAP‐PEG). In a different approach, a mono‐particle MAP‐PEG hydrogel was generated using one species of microgel functionalized with both guest and host molecules (Intra‐MAP‐PEG). The Intra‐MAP‐PEG formed a homogenous distribution due to the single type of microgels used. We then compared the mechanical properties of these two types of MAP‐PEG hydrogels and found that Intra‐MAP‐PEG resulted in significantly softer gels with lower yield stress. We investigated the effect of intra‐particle guest‐host interactions through titrated weight percentage and the concentration of functional groups added to the hydrogel. We found that there was an ideal concentration of guest‐host molecules that enables intra‐ and inter‐particle guest‐host interactions with sufficient covalent crosslinking. Based on these studies, Intra‐MAP‐PEG provides a homogeneous guest‐host hydrogel that is shear‐thinning with reversible secondary crosslinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated a new colloidal ink, containing Laponite® nanoclay as additive, to develop ZrO 2 -based ceramic prototypes by Direct Ink Writing (DIW). The ink developed contained 31 vol% 3Y-TZP as solid load and 69% v/v of gel containing 7.5% (w/w) Laponite®, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and dibutyl phthalate. The rheologyical behavior of this ceramic ink was analyzed and its extrudability was optimized. The samples were DIW 3D-printed at a speed of 10 mm/s with nozzle diameter of 0.41 mm. After drying for 24 h, the zirconia samples underwent debinding and were pre-sintered at 1100 °C under a heating rate of 1 °C/min. After pre-sintering, the samples were sintered at 1550 °C for 2 h. Subsequently, the sintered samples were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Fracture toughness was measured by Vickers indentation, whereas nano-hardness and Young's modulus were assessed by dynamic Vickers nanoindentation (250–1960 mN loads). A relative density of 89.3 ± 0.5% was found. The following crystalline phases were observed: monoclinic-ZrO 2 (34%), tetragonal-ZrO 2 (31%), and cubic-ZrO 2 (35%). This behavior is probably due to the segregation of Y+3 between the zirconia grains, favored by the presence of Laponite® nanoclay during the sintering process. The microstructure of the prototypes showed two distinct populations of ZrO 2 grains with average particle sizes of 1 μm (monoclinic and tetragonal phases) and >5 μm (cubic phase). Vickers hardness (HV 1000gF) was 952 ± 40 HV and fracture toughness was 4.6 ± 1.1 MPa m1/2. A Young's modulus of ∼200 GPa and hardness values of 1837.9 and 1943.3 HV were found for loads of 250 and 1960 mN, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]