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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, or γ-aminobutyric acid /ˈɡæmə əˈmiːnoʊbjuːˈtɪrɪk ˈæsɪd/, or GABA /ˈɡæbə/, is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the developmentally mature mammalian central nervous system. Its principal role is reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. GABA is sold as a dietary supplement in many countries. It has been traditionally thought that exogenous GABA (i.e. taken as a supplement) doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier, however data obtained from more current research indicates that it may be possible.
1.3K
01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Approaches for Water Pollution Monitoring
Researchers are continuously rallying to enhance the detection of causal source for water pollution through either conventional or mostly advanced approaches focusing on spectrometry, high-throughput sequencing, and flow cytometry technology among others. From this review’s perspective, each pollution evaluation technology has its own advantages and it would be beneficial for several aspects of pollutants assessments to be combined and established as a complementary package for a better aquatic environmental management in the long run.
1.3K
15 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Antimicrobial Activity of Calixarenes/Related Macrocycles
Calixarenes have been shown to have antimicrobial effects since the 1950s. These properties are exemplified through their applications as prodrugs, drug delivery agents and biofilm inhibitors. A particularly important development in recent years has been their ability to engage in multivalent interactions with proteins, thus inhibiting cellular aggregation.
1.3K
12 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers
Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) is a bottom-up approach to nanofabrication based on the ability of BCPs to phase separate spontaneously. It is an attractive technique for the fabrication of nanoscale structures thanks to its high resolution, low cost, ease of integration and scalability.
1.3K
16 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Electrophoretic Deposition for Biomedical Applications
Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a powerful technique to assemble metals, polymer, ceramics, and composite materials into 2D, 3D, and intricately shaped implants. Polymers, proteins, and peptides can be deposited via EPD at room temperature without affecting their chemical structures. Furthermore, EPD is being used to deposit multifunctional coatings (i.e., bioactive, antibacterial, and biocompatible coatings).
1.3K
20 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Hydrogen Production through Heterojunction Semiconductors for Environmental Remediation
Today, as a result of the advancement of technology and increasing environmental problems, the need for clean energy has considerably increased. In this regard, hydrogen, which is a clean and sustainable energy carrier with high energy density, is among the well-regarded and effective means to deliver and store energy, and can also be used for environmental remediation purposes. Renewable hydrogen energy carriers can successfully substitute fossil fuels and decrease carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and reduce the rate of global warming. Hydrogen generation from sustainable solar energy and water sources is an environmentally friendly resolution for growing global energy demands. Among various solar hydrogen production routes, semiconductor-based photocatalysis seems a promising scheme that is mainly performed using two kinds of homogeneous and heterogeneous methods, of which the latter is more advantageous. During semiconductor-based heterogeneous photocatalysis, a solid material is stimulated by exposure to light and generates an electron–hole pair that subsequently takes part in redox reactions leading to hydrogen production.
1.3K
07 May 2022
Topic Review
Optimal Properties of the Scaffold
Osteoarthritis leads to the progressive decay of articular cartilage. Due to its intrinsic avascular character, cartilage shows an inadequate capacity for regeneration. Cartilage loss may result in chronic pain, movement disorder and morbidity, which lack effective treatments except for joint replacement for late-stage osteoarthritis. To overcome this challenge, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising method. Scaffolds provide mechanical and biochemical support to stem cells that undergo differentiation and secrete a cartilage-specific matrix, and this strategy has been proven to have positive results. The ideal 3D scaffolds need to have versatile properties to mediate cell–cell signalling and cell–matrix interactions for controlling the cellular behaviour of MSCs, specifically: (1) sufficient mechanical strength; (2) biocompatibility; (3) suitable surface morphology for cell attachment; (4) appropriate porosity and pore size to allow the cells to infiltrate as well as nutrients and waste to diffuse; (5) promoting cell proliferation, differentiation and maintenance of a chondrogenic phenotype of seeded cells; (6) capability of integrating with native tissues; and (7) controlled degradation without toxic byproducts.
1.3K
09 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Electrospun Nanofibers
Electrospun nanofibers have become the most promising building blocks for future high-performance electronic devices because of the advantages of larger specific surface area, higher porosity, more flexibility, and stronger mechanical strength over conventional film-based materials.
1.3K
09 May 2022
Topic Review
Nanotechnology for Eye Topical Drug Delivery
Topical drug delivery is one of the most challenging aspects of eye therapy. Eye drops are the most prevalent drug form because they are convenient and easy to apply by patients. However, conventional drug formulations are usually characterized by short retention time in the tear film, insufficient contact with epithelium, fast elimination, and difficulties in overcoming ocular tissue barriers. Not more than 5% of the total drug dose administered in eye drops reaches the interior ocular tissues. Drug-loaded nanoparticles/hydrogels do not enter cells via diffusion. The endocytosis pathway is related to the penetration of drug-loaded nanoparticles/hydrogels into the cell. The interactions between the nanoparticles and the cell membrane generate forces of different origins and lead to the membrane wrapping of the nanoparticles followed by cellular uptake.
1.3K
24 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Electrostatic Nanoassembly of Novel Composites
Electrostatic assembly is one of the bottom–up approaches used for multiscale composite fabrication. Since its discovery, this method has been actively used in molecular bioscience as well as materials design and fabrication for various applications. Despite the recent advances and controlled assembly reported using electrostatic interaction, the method still possesses vast potentials for various materials design and fabrication. This review article is a timely revisit of the electrostatic assembly method with a brief introduction of the method followed by surveys of recent advances and applications of the composites fabricated. Emphasis is also given to the significant potential of this method for advanced materials and composite fabrication in line with sustainable development goals. Prospective outlook and future developments for micro-/nanocomposite materials fabrication for emerging applications such as energy-related fields and additive manufacturing are also mentioned.
1.3K
11 Nov 2020
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