@article{GuRisseLuetal.2019, author = {Gu, Sasa and Risse, Sebastian and Lu, Yan and Ballauff, Matthias}, title = {Mechanism of the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine catalyzed by peroxidase-like Pt nanoparticles immobilized in spherical polyelectrolyte brushes}, series = {ChemPhysChem}, volume = {21}, journal = {ChemPhysChem}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1439-4235}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201901087}, pages = {450 -- 458}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Experimental and kinetic modelling studies are presented to investigate the mechanism of 3,3 ',5,5 '-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalyzed by peroxidase-like Pt nanoparticles immobilized in spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPB-Pt). Due to the high stability of SPB-Pt colloidal, this reaction can be monitored precisely in situ by UV/VIS spectroscopy. The time-dependent concentration of the blue-colored oxidation product of TMB expressed by different kinetic models was used to simulate the experimental data by a genetic fitting algorithm. After falsifying the models with abundant experimental data, it is found that both H2O2 and TMB adsorb on the surface of Pt nanoparticles to react, indicating that the reaction follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. A true rate constant k, characterizing the rate-determining step of the reaction and which is independent on the amount of catalysts used, is obtained for the first time. Furthermore, it is found that the product adsorbes strongly on the surface of nanoparticles, thus inhibiting the reaction. The entire analysis provides a new perspective to study the catalytic mechanism and evaluate the catalytic activity of the peroxidase-like nanoparticles.}, language = {en} } @article{MachatschekLendlein2019, author = {Machatschek, Rainhard Gabriel and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Fundamental insights in PLGA degradation from thin film studies}, series = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society and of the Japanese Society of Drug Delivery Systems}, volume = {319}, journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society and of the Japanese Society of Drug Delivery Systems}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {0168-3659}, doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.12.044}, pages = {276 -- 284}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)s are commercially available degradable implant materials, which are typically selected based on specifications given by the manufacturer, one of which is their molecular weight. Here, we address the question whether variations in the chain length and their distribution affect the degradation behavior of Poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide]s (PDLLGA). The hydrolysis was studied in ultrathin films at the air-water interface in order to rule out any morphological effects. We found that both for purely hydrolytic degradation as well as under enzymatic catalysis, the molecular weight has very little effect on the overall degradation kinetics of PDLLGAs. The quantitative analysis suggested a random scission mechanism. The monolayer experiments showed that an acidic micro-pH does not accelerate the degradation of PDLLGAs, in contrast to alkaline conditions. The degradation experiments were combined with interfacial rheology measurements, which showed a drastic decrease of the viscosity at little mass loss. The extrapolated molecular weight behaved similar to the viscosity, dropping to a value near to the solubility limit of PDLLGA oligomers before mass loss set in. This observation suggests a solubility controlled degradation of PDLLGA. Conclusively, the molecular weight affects the degradation of PDLLGA devices mostly in indirect ways, e.g. by determining their morphology and porosity during fabrication. Our study demonstrates the relevance of the presented Langmuir degradation method for the design of controlled release systems.}, language = {en} } @article{MinkMcHardyBresseletal.2019, author = {Mink, Albert and McHardy, Christopher and Bressel, Lena and Rauh, Cornelia and Krause, Mathias J.}, title = {Radiative transfer lattice Boltzmann methods}, series = {Journal of quantitative spectroscopy \& radiative transfer}, volume = {243}, journal = {Journal of quantitative spectroscopy \& radiative transfer}, publisher = {Pergamon Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0022-4073}, doi = {10.1016/j.jqsrt.2019.106810}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The numerical prediction of radiative transport is a challenging task due to the complexity of the radiative transport equation. We apply the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), originally developed for fluid flow problems, to solve the radiative transport in volume. One model (meso RTLBM) is derived directly from a discretization of the radiative transport equation, yielding in a precise but numerical costly scheme. The second model (macro RTLBM) solves the Helmholtz equation, which is a proper approximation for highly scattering volumes. Both numerical algorithms are validated against Monte-Carlo data for a set of 35 optical parameters, which correspond to radiative transport ranging from ballistic to diffuse regimes. Together with a set of four benchmark simulations, the comprehensive validation concludes the overall quality and detects asymptotic trends for radiative transport LBM. Furthermore, an accuracy map is presented, which summarizes the error for all parameters. This graph allows to determine the validity range for both radiative transport LBM at a glance. Finally, comprehensive guidelines are formulated to facilitate the choice of the radiative transport LBM model.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinpeterKoch2019, author = {Kleinpeter, Erich and Koch, Andreas}, title = {The 13 C chemical shift and the anisotropy effect of the carbene electron-deficient centre}, series = {Magnetic resonance in chemistry}, volume = {58}, journal = {Magnetic resonance in chemistry}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0749-1581}, doi = {10.1002/mrc.4979}, pages = {280 -- 292}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Both the C-13 chemical shift and the calculated anisotropy effect (spatial magnetic properties) of the electron-deficient centre of stable, crystalline, and structurally characterized carbenes have been employed to unequivocally characterize potential resonance contributors to the present mesomerism (carbene, ylide, betaine, and zwitter ion) and to determine quantitatively the electron deficiency of the corresponding carbene carbon atom. Prior to that, both structures and C-13 chemical shifts were calculated and compared with the experimental delta(C-13)/ppm values and geometry parameters (as a quality criterion for obtained structures).}, language = {en} } @article{NieWangXuetal.2019, author = {Nie, Yan and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Zou, Jie and Bhuvanesh, Thanga and Schulz, Burkhard and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Enhancement of human induced pluripotent stem cells adhesion through multilayer laminin coating}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {70}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189318}, pages = {531 -- 542}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Bioengineered cell substrates are a highly promising tool to govern the differentiation of stem cells in vitro and to modulate the cellular behavior in vivo. While this technology works fine for adult stem cells, the cultivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is challenging as these cells typically show poor attachment on the bioengineered substrates, which among other effects causes substantial cell death. Thus, very limited types of surfaces have been demonstrated suitable for hiPSC cultures. The multilayer coating approach that renders the surface with diverse chemical compositions, architectures, and functions can be used to improve the adhesion of hiPSCs on the bioengineered substrates. We hypothesized that a multilayer formation based on the attraction of molecules with opposite charges could functionalize the polystyrene (PS) substrates to improve the adhesion of hiPSCs. Polymeric substrates were stepwise coated, first with dopamine to form a polydopamine (PDA) layer, second with polylysine and last with Laminin-521. The multilayer formation resulted in the variation of hydrophilicity and chemical functionality of the surfaces. Hydrophilicity was detected using captive bubble method and the amount of primary and secondary amines on the surface was quantified by fluorescent staining. The PDA layer effectively immobilized the upper layers and thereby improved the attachment of hiPSCs. Cell adhesion was enhanced on the surfaces coated with multilayers, as compared to those without PDA and/or polylysine. Moreover, hiPSCs spread well over this multilayer laminin substrate. These cells maintained their proliferation capacity and differentiation potential. The multilayer coating strategy is a promising attempt for engineering polymer-based substrates for the cultivation of hiPSCs and of interest for expanding the application scope of hiPSCs.}, language = {en} } @article{BreternitzLehmannBarnettetal.2019, author = {Breternitz, Joachim and Lehmann, Frederike and Barnett, Sarah A. and Nowell, Harriott and Schorr, Susan}, title = {Role of the Iodide-methylammonium interaction in the ferroelectricity of CH3NH3PbI3}, series = {Angewandte Chemie - international edition}, volume = {59}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie - international edition}, number = {1}, publisher = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.}, address = {New Jersey}, pages = {5}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Excellent conversion efficiencies of over 20\% and facile cell production have placed hybrid perovskites at the forefront of novel solar cell materials, with CH3NH3PbI3 being an archetypal compound. The question why CH3NH3PbI3 has such extraordinary characteristics, particularly a very efficient power conversion from absorbed light to electrical power, is hotly debated, with ferroelectricity being a promising candidate. This does, however, require the crystal structure to be non-centrosymmetric and we herein present crystallographic evidence as to how the symmetry breaking occurs on a crystallographic and, therefore, long-range level. Although the molecular cation CH3NH3+ is intrinsically polar, it is heavily disordered and this cannot be the sole reason for the ferroelectricity. We show that it, nonetheless, plays an important role, as it distorts the neighboring iodide positions from their centrosymmetric positions.}, language = {en} } @article{UnuabonahNoeskeWeberetal.2019, author = {Unuabonah, Emmanuel Iyayi and N{\"o}ske, Robert and Weber, Jens and G{\"u}nter, Christina and Taubert, Andreas}, title = {New micro/mesoporous nanocomposite material from low-cost sources for the efficient removal of aromatic and pathogenic pollutants from water}, series = {Beilstein journal of nanotechnology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Beilstein journal of nanotechnology}, publisher = {Beilstein-Institut zur F{\"o}rderung der Chemischen Wissenschaften}, address = {Frankfurt, Main}, issn = {2190-4286}, doi = {10.3762/bjnano.10.11}, pages = {119 -- 131}, year = {2019}, abstract = {A new micro/mesoporous hybrid clay nanocomposite prepared from kaolinite clay, Carica papaya seeds, and ZnCl2 via calcination in an inert atmosphere is presented. Regardless of the synthesis temperature, the specific surface area of the nanocomposite material is between approximate to 150 and 300 m(2)/g. The material contains both micro- and mesopores in roughly equal amounts. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest the formation of several new bonds in the materials upon reaction of the precursors, thus confirming the formation of a new hybrid material. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis and elemental analysis confirm the presence of carbonaceous matter. The new composite is stable up to 900 degrees C and is an efficient adsorbent for the removal of a water micropollutant, 4-nitrophenol, and a pathogen, E. coli, from an aqueous medium, suggesting applications in water remediation are feasible.}, language = {en} } @article{SaretiaMachatschekSchulzetal.2019, author = {Saretia, Shivam and Machatschek, Rainhard Gabriel and Schulz, Burkhard and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Reversible 2D networks of oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) at the air-water interface}, series = {Biomedical Materials}, volume = {14}, journal = {Biomedical Materials}, number = {3}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {1748-6041}, doi = {10.1088/1748-605X/ab0cef}, pages = {10}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Hydroxyl terminated oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) (OCL) monolayers were reversibly cross-linked forming two dimensional networks (2D) at the air-water interface. The equilibrium reaction with glyoxal as the cross-linker is pH-sensitive. Pronounced contraction in the area of the prepared 2DOCL films in dependence of surface pressure and time revealed the process of the reaction. Cross-linking inhibited crystallization and retarded enzymatic degradation of the OCLfilm. Altering the subphase pH led to a cleavage of the covalent acetal cross-links. The reversibility of the covalent acetal cross-links was proved by observing an identical isotherm as non-cross-linked sample. Besides as model systems, these customizable reversible OCL2D networks are intended for use as pHresponsive drug delivery systems or functionalized cell culture substrates.}, language = {en} } @article{KhodeirErnouldBrassinneetal.2019, author = {Khodeir, Miriam and Ernould, Bruno and Brassinne, Jeremy and Ghiassinejad, Sina and Jia, He and Antoun, Sayed and Friebe, Christian and Schubert, Ulrich S. and Kochovski, Zdravko and Lu, Yan and Van Ruymbeke, Evelyne and Gohy, Jean-Francois}, title = {Synthesis and characterisation of redox hydrogels based on stable nitroxide radicals}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {15}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {31}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c9sm00905a}, pages = {6418 -- 6426}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The principle of encapsulation/release of a guest molecule from stimuli responsive hydrogels (SRHs) is mainly realised with pH, temperature or light stimuli. However, only a limited number of redox responsive hydrogels have been investigated so far. We report here the development of a SRH that can release its guest molecule upon a redox stimulus. To obtain this redox hydrogel, we have introduced into the hydrogel the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) stable nitroxide radical, which can be reversibly oxidized into an oxoammonium cation (TEMPO+). Water solubility is provided by the presence of the (oligoethyleneglycol)methacrylate (OEGMA) comonomer. Electrochemical and mechanical characterization showed that those gels exhibit interesting physicochemical properties, making them very promising candidates for practical use in a wide range of applications.}, language = {en} } @article{HauserWodtkeTonderaetal.2019, author = {Hauser, Sandra and Wodtke, Robert and Tondera, Christoph and Wodtke, Johanna and Neffe, Axel T. and Hampe, Jochen and Lendlein, Andreas and L{\"o}ser, Reik and Pietzsch, Jens}, title = {Characterization of Tissue Transglutaminase as a Potential Biomarker for Tissue Response toward Biomaterials}, series = {ACS biomaterials science \& engineering}, volume = {5}, journal = {ACS biomaterials science \& engineering}, number = {11}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {2373-9878}, doi = {10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01299}, pages = {5979 -- 5989}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Tissue transglutaminase (TGase 2) is proposed to be important for biomaterial-tissue interactions due to its presence and versatile functions in the extracellular environment. TGase 2 catalyzes the cross-linking of proteins through its Ca2+-dependent acyltransferase activity. Moreover, it enhances the interactions between fibronectin and integrins, which in turn mediates the adhesion, migration, and motility of the cells. TGase 2 is also a key player in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In this study, we investigated whether TGase 2 is present at the biomaterial tissue interface and might serve as an informative biomarker for the visualization of tissue response toward gelatin-based biomaterials. Two differently cross-linked hydrogels were used, which were obtained by the reaction of gelatin with lysine diisocyanate ethyl ester. The overall expression of TGase 2 by endothelial cells, macrophages, and granulocytes was partly influenced by contact to the hydrogels or their degradation products, although no clear correlation was evidenced. In contrast, the secretion of TGase 2 differed remarkably between the different cells, indicating that it might be involved in the cellular reaction toward gelatin-based hydrogels. The hydrogels were implanted subcutaneously in immunocompetent, hairless SKH1-Elite mice. Ex vivo immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections over 112 days revealed enhanced expression of TGase 2 around the hydrogels, in particular at days 14 and 21 post-implantation. The incorporation of fluorescently labeled cadaverine derivatives for the detection of active TGase 2 was in accordance with the results of the expression analysis. The presence of an irreversible inhibitor of TGase 2 led to attenuated incorporation of the cadaverines, which verified the catalytic action of TGase 2. Our in vitro and ex vivo results verified TGase 2 as a potential biomarker for tissue response toward gelatin-based hydrogels. In vivo, no TGase 2 activity was detectable, which is mainly attributed to the unfavorable physicochemical properties of the cadaverine probe used.}, language = {en} } @article{LuedeckeWeidnerSchlaad2019, author = {L{\"u}decke, Nils and Weidner, Steffen M. and Schlaad, Helmut}, title = {Poly(2-oxazoline)s Based on Phenolic Acids}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {41}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201900404}, pages = {5}, year = {2019}, abstract = {A series of phenolic-acid-based 2-oxazoline monomers with methoxy-substituted phenyl and cinnamyl side chains is synthesized and polymerized in a microwave reactor at 140 °C using methyl tosylate as the initiator. The obtained poly(2-oxazoline)s are characterized by NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Kinetic studies reveal that the microwave-assisted polymerization is fast and completed within less than ≈10 min for low monomer-to-initiator ratios of ≤25. Polymers with number-average molar masses of up to 6500 g mol-1 and low dispersity (1.2-1.3) are produced. The aryl methyl ethers are successfully cleaved with aluminum triiodide/N,N′-diisopropylcarbodiimide to give a poly(2-oxazoline) with pendent catechol groups.}, language = {en} } @article{WalkowiakLuGradzielskietal.2019, author = {Walkowiak, Jacek and Lu, Yan and Gradzielski, Michael and Zauscher, Stefan and Ballauff, Matthias}, title = {Thermodynamic analysis of the uptake of a protein in a spherical polyelectrolyte brush}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {41}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201900421}, pages = {8}, year = {2019}, abstract = {A thermodynamic study of the adsorption of Human Serum Albumin (HSA) onto spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is presented. The SPBs are composed of a solid polystyrene core bearing long chains of poly(acrylic acid). ITC measurements done at different temperatures and ionic strengths lead to a full set of thermodynamicbinding constants together with the enthalpies and entropies of binding. The adsorption of HSA onto SPBs is described with a two-step model. The free energy of binding Delta Gb depends only weakly on temperature because of a marked compensation of enthalpy by entropy. Studies of the adsorbed HSA by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) demonstrate no significant disturbance in the secondary structure of the protein. The quantitative analysis demonstrates that counterion release is the major driving force for adsorption in a process where proteins become multivalent counterions of the polyelectrolyte chains upon adsorption. A comparison with the analysis of other sets of data related to the binding of HSA to polyelectrolytes demonstrates that the cancellation of enthalpy and entropy is a general phenomenon that always accompanies the binding of proteins to polyelectrolytes dominated by counterion release.}, language = {en} } @article{JiaFriebeSchubertetal.2019, author = {Jia, He and Friebe, Christian and Schubert, Ulrich S. and Zhang, Xiaozhe and Quan, Ting and Lu, Yan and Gohy, Jean-Francois}, title = {Core-Shell Nanoparticles with a Redox Polymer Core and a Silica Porous Shell as High-Performance Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries}, series = {Energy technology : generation, conversion, storage, distribution}, volume = {8}, journal = {Energy technology : generation, conversion, storage, distribution}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {2194-4288}, doi = {10.1002/ente.201901040}, pages = {8}, year = {2019}, abstract = {A facile and novel method for the fabrication of core-shell nanoparticles (PTMA@SiO2) based on a poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA) core and a porous SiO2 shell is reported. The core-shell nanoparticles are further self-assembled with negatively charged multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which results in the formation of a free-standing cathode electrode. The porous SiO2 shell not only effectively improves the stability of the linear PTMA redox polymer with low molar mass in organic electrolytes but also leads to the uniform dispersion of PTMA active units in the MWCNTs conductive network. The PTMA@SiO2@MWCNT composite electrode exhibits a specific capacity as high as 73.8 mAh g at 1 C and only 0.11\% capacity loss per cycle at a rate of 2 C.}, language = {en} } @article{RazzaqBehlHeucheletal.2019, author = {Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Behl, Marc and Heuchel, Matthias and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Matching magnetic heating and thermal actuation for sequential coupling in hybrid composites by design}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {41}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201900440}, pages = {7}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Sequentially coupling two material functions requires matching the output from the first with the input of the second function. Here, magnetic heating controls thermal actuation of a hybrid composite in a challenging system environment causing an elevated level of heat loss. The concept is a hierarchical design consisting of an inner actuator of nanocomposite material, which can be remotely heated by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) and outer layers of a porous composite system with a closed pore morphology. These porous layers act as heat insulators and as barriers to the surrounding water. By exposure to the AMF, a local bulk temperature of 71 degrees C enables the magnetic actuation of the device, while the temperature of the surrounding water is kept below 50 degrees C. Interestingly, the heat loss during magnetic heating leads to an increase of the water phase (small volume) temperature. The temperature increase is able to sequentially trigger an adjacent thermal actuator attached to the actuator composite. In this way it could be demonstrated how the AMF is able to initiate two kinds of independent actuations, which might be interesting for robotics operating in aqueous environments.}, language = {en} } @article{SchoenemannKocAldredetal.2019, author = {Sch{\"o}nemann, Eric and Koc, Julian and Aldred, Nick and Clare, Anthony S. and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Rosenhahn, Axel and Wischerhoff, Erik}, title = {Synthesis of Novel Sulfobetaine Polymers with Differing Dipole Orientations in Their Side Chains, and Their Effects on the Antifouling Properties}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {41}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201900447}, pages = {7}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The impact of the orientation of zwitterionic groups, with respect to the polymer backbone, on the antifouling performance of thin hydrogel films made of polyzwitterions is explored. In an extension of the recent discussion about differences in the behavior of polymeric phosphatidylcholines and choline phosphates, a quasi-isomeric set of three poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate)s is designed for this purpose. The design is based on the established monomer 3-[N-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-N,N-dimethyl]ammonio-propane-1-sulfonate and two novel sulfobetaine methacrylates, in which the positions of the cationic and the ionic groups relative to the polymerizable group, and thus also to the polymer backbone, are altered. The effect of the varied segmental dipole orientation on their water solubility, wetting behavior by water, and fouling resistance is compared. As model systems, the adsorption of the model proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrinogen, and lysozyme onto films of the various polyzwitterion surfaces is studied, as well as the settlement of a diatom (Navicula perminuta) and barnacle cyprids (Balanus improvisus) as representatives of typical marine fouling communities. The results demonstrate the important role of the zwitterionic group's orientation on the polymer behavior and fouling resistance.}, language = {en} } @article{KroepflFrancesconiSchwerdtleetal.2019, author = {Kroepfl, Nina and Francesconi, Kevin A. and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Kuehnelt, Doris}, title = {Selenoneine and ergothioneine in human blood cells determined simultaneously by HPLC/ICP-QQQ-MS}, series = {Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry}, volume = {34}, journal = {Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry}, number = {1}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {0267-9477}, doi = {10.1039/c8ja00276b}, pages = {127 -- 134}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The possible relevance to human health of selenoneine and its sulfur-analogue ergothioneine has generated interest in their quantitative determination in biological samples. To gain more insight into the similarities and differences of these two species, a method for their simultaneous quantitative determination in human blood cells using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ-MS) is presented. Spectral interferences hampering the determination of sulfur and selenium by ICPMS are overcome by introducing oxygen to the reaction cell. To access selenoneine and ergothioneine in the complex blood matrix, lysis of the cells with cold water followed by cut-off filtration (3000 Da) is performed. Recoveries based on blood cells spiked with selenoneine and ergothioneine were between 80\% and 85\%. The standard deviation of the method was around 0.10 mg S per L for ergothioneine (corresponding to relative standard deviations (RSD) between 10-1\% for ergothioneine concentrations of 1-10 mg S per L) and 0.25 g Se per L for selenoneine (RSDs of 25-2\% for concentrations of 1-10 g Se per L). The method was applied to blood cell samples from three volunteers which showed selenoneine and ergothioneine concentrations in the range of 3.25 to 7.35 g Se per L and 0.86 to 6.44 mg S per L, respectively. The method is expected to be of wide use in future studies investigating the dietary uptake of selenoneine and ergothioneine and their relevance in human health.}, language = {en} } @article{RuszkiewiczdeMacedoMirandaVizueteetal.2019, author = {Ruszkiewicz, Joanna A. and de Macedo, Gabriel Teixeira and Miranda-Vizuete, Antonio and Bowman, Aaron B. and Bornhorst, Julia and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Antunes Soares, Felix A. and Aschner, Michael}, title = {Sex-Specific response of caenorhabditis elegans to Methylmercury Toxicity}, series = {Neurotoxicity Research}, volume = {35}, journal = {Neurotoxicity Research}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1029-8428}, doi = {10.1007/s12640-018-9949-4}, pages = {208 -- 216}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Methylmercury (MeHg), an abundant environmental pollutant, has long been known to adversely affect neurodevelopment in both animals and humans. Several reports from epidemiological studies, as well as experimental data indicate sex-specific susceptibility to this neurotoxicant; however, the molecular bases of this process are still not clear. In the present study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), to investigate sex differences in response to MeHg toxicity during development. Worms at different developmental stage (L1, L4, and adult) were treated with MeHg for 1h. Lethality assays revealed that male worms exhibited significantly higher resistance to MeHg than hermaphrodites, when at L4 stage or adults. However, the number of worms with degenerated neurons was unaffected by MeHg, both in males and hermaphrodites. Lower susceptibility of males was not related to changes in mercury (Hg) accumulation, which was analogous for both wild-type (wt) and male-rich him-8 strain. Total glutathione (GSH) levels decreased upon MeHg in him-8, but not in wt. Moreover, the sex-dependent response of the cytoplasmic thioredoxin system was observedmales exhibited significantly higher expression of thioredoxin TRX-1, and thioredoxin reductase TRXR-1 expression was downregulated upon MeHg treatment only in hermaphrodites. These outcomes indicate that the redox status is an important contributor to sex-specific sensitivity to MeHg in C. elegans.}, language = {en} } @article{ReinthalerJohanssonBrauneetal.2019, author = {Reinthaler, Markus and Johansson, Johan Backemo and Braune, Steffen and Al-Hindwan, Haitham Saleh Ali and Lendlein, Andreas and Jung, Friedrich}, title = {Shear-induced platelet adherence and activation in an in-vitro dynamic multiwell-plate system}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {71}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189410}, pages = {183 -- 191}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Circulating blood cells are prone to varying flow conditions when contacting cardiovascular devices. For a profound understanding of the complex interplay between the blood components/cells and cardiovascular implant surfaces, testing under varying shear conditions is required. Here, we study the influence of arterial and venous shear conditions on the in vitro evaluation of the thrombogenicity of polymer-based implant materials. Medical grade poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films were included as reference materials. The polymers were exposed to whole blood from healthy humans. Blood was agitated orbitally at low (venous shear stress: 2.8 dyne. cm(-2)) and high (arterial shear stress: 22.2 dyne .cm(-2)) agitation speeds in a well-plate based test system. Numbers of non-adherent platelets, platelet activation (P-Selectin positive platelets), platelet function (PFA100 closure times) and platelet adhesion (laser scanning microscopy (LSM)) were determined. Microscopic data and counting of the circulating cells revealed increasing numbers of material-surface adherent platelets with increasing agitation speed. Also, activation of the platelets was substantially increased when tested under the high shear conditions (P-Selectin levels, PFA-100 closure times). At low agitation speed, the platelet densities did not differ between the three materials. Tested at the high agitation speed, lowest platelet densities were observed on PDMS, intermediate levels on PET and highest on PTFE. While activation of the circulating platelets was affected by the implant surfaces in a similar manner, PFA closure times did not reflect this trend. Differences in the thrombogenicity of the studied polymers were more pronounced when tested at high agitation speed due to the induced shear stresses. Testing under varying shear stresses, thus, led to a different evaluation of the implant thrombogenicity, which emphasizes the need for testing under various flow conditions. Our data further confirmed earlier findings where the same reference implants were tested under static (and not dynamic) conditions and with fresh human platelet rich plasma instead of whole blood. This supports that the application of common reference materials may improve inter-study comparisons, even under varying test conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{WangXuLietal.2019, author = {Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Li, Zhengdong and Kratz, Karl and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Modulating human mesenchymal stem cells using poly(n-butyl acrylate) networks in vitro with elasticity matching human arteries}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {71}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189418}, pages = {277 -- 289}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Non-swelling hydrophobic poly(n-butyl acrylate) network (cPnBA) is a candidate material for synthetic vascular grafts owing to its low toxicity and tailorable mechanical properties. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell type for accelerating endothelialization because of their superior anti-thrombosis and immune modulatory function. Further, they can differentiate into smooth muscle cells or endothelial-like cells and secret pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). MSCs are sensitive to the substrate mechanical properties, with the alteration of their major cellular behavior and functions as a response to substrate elasticity. Here, we cultured human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) on cPnBAs with different mechanical properties (cPnBA250, Young's modulus (E) = 250 kPa; cPnBA1100, E = 1100 kPa) matching the elasticity of native arteries, and investigated their cellular response to the materials including cell attachment, proliferation, viability, apoptosis, senescence and secretion. The cPnBA allowed high cell attachment and showed negligible cytotoxicity. F-actin assembly of hADSCs decreased on cPnBA films compared to classical tissue culture plate. The difference of cPnBA elasticity did not show dramatic effects on cell attachment, morphology, cytoskeleton assembly, apoptosis and senescence. Cells on cPnBA250, with lower proliferation rate, had significantly higher VEGF secretion activity. These results demonstrated that tuning polymer elasticity to regulate human stem cells might be a potential strategy for constructing stem cell-based artificial blood vessels.}, language = {en} } @article{RazzaqBehlLendlein2019, author = {Razzaq, Muhammad Yasar and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Magneto-Mechanical Actuators with Reversible Stretching and Torsional Actuation Capabilities}, series = {MRS Advances}, volume = {4}, journal = {MRS Advances}, number = {19}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2019.123}, pages = {1057 -- 1065}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Composite actuators consisting of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a crystallizable multiphase polymer system can be remotely controlled by alternating magnetic fields (AMF). These actuators contain spatially segregated crystalline domains with chemically different compositions. Here, the crystalline domain associated to low melting transition range is responsible for actuation while the crystalline domain associated to the higher melting transition range determines the geometry of the shape change. This paper reports magnetomechanical actuators which are based on a single crystalline domain of oligo(omega-pentadecalactone) (OPDL) along with covalently integrated iron(III) oxide nanoparticles (ioNPs). Different geometrical modes of actuation such as a reversible change in length or twisting were implemented by a magneto-mechanical programming procedure. For an individual actuation mode, the degree of actuation could be tailored by variation of the magnetic field strengths. This material design can be easily extended to other composites containing other magnetic nanoparticles, e.g. with a high magnetic susceptibility.}, language = {en} }