Thermal and mechanical properties of a dendritic hydroxyl-functional hyperbranched polymer and tetrafunctional epoxy resin blends

Blends of a tetrafunctional epoxy resin, tetraglycidyl- 4,40'-diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM), and a hydroxylfunctionalized hyperbranched polymer (HBP), aliphatic hyperbranched polyester Boltorn H40, were prepared using 3,3'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) as curing agent. The phase behavior and morphology of the DDS-cured epoxy/HBP blends with HBP content up to 30 phr were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phase behavior and morphology of the DDS-cured epoxy/HBP blends were observed to be dependent on the blend composition. Blends with HBP content from 10 to 30 phr, show a particulate morphology where discrete HBP-rich particles are dispersed in the continuous cured epoxy-rich matrix. The cured blends with 15 and 20 phr exhibit a bimodal particle size distribution whereas the cured blend with 30 phr HBP demonstrates a monomodal particle size distribution. Mechanical measurements show that at a concentration range of 0–30 phr addition, the HBP is able to almost double the fracture toughness of the unmodified TGDDM epoxy resin. FTIR displays the formation of hydrogen bonding between the epoxy network and the HBP modifier.

Template-free synthesis of functional 3D BN architecture for removal of dyes from water.

Three-dimensional (3D) architectures are of interest in applications in electronics, catalysis devices, sensors and adsorption materials. However, it is still a challenge to fabricate 3D BN architectures by a simple method. Here, we report the direct synthesis of 3D BN architectures by a simple thermal treatment process. A 3D BN architecture consists of an interconnected flexible network of nanosheets. The typical nitrogen adsorption/desorption results demonstrate that the specific surface area for the as-prepared samples is up to 1156 m(2) g(-1), and the total pore volume is about 1.17 cm(3) g(-1). The 3D BN architecture displays very high adsorption rates and large capacities for organic dyes in water without any other additives due to its low densities, high resistance to oxidation, good chemical inertness and high surface area. Importantly, 88% of the starting adsorption capacity is maintained after 15 cycles. These results indicate that the 3D BN architecture is potential environmental materials for water purification and treatment.

Doxorubicin conjugated to immunomodulatory anticancer lactoferrin displays improved cytotoxicity overcoming prostate cancer chemo resistance and Inhibits tumour development in TRAMP mice

Advanced, metastatic, castration resistant and chemo-resistant prostate cancer has triggered change in the drug development landscape against prostate cancer. Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is currently attracting attention in clinics for its anti-cancer properties and proven safety profile. bLf internalises into cancer cells via receptor mediated endocytosis, boosts immunity and complements chemotherapy. We employed bLf as an excellent functional carrier protein for delivering doxorubicin (Dox) into DU145 cells, CD44+/EpCAM+ double positive enriched DU145 3D prostaspheres and drug resistant ADR1000-DU145 cells, thus circumventing Dox efflux, to overcome chemo-resistance. Successful bLf-Dox conjugation with iron free or iron saturated bLf forms did not affect the integrity and functionality of bLf and Dox. bLf-Dox internalised into DU145 cells within 6 h, enhanced nuclear Dox retention up to 24 h, and proved significantly effective (p < 0.001) in reducing LC50 value of Dox from 5.3 μM to 1.3 μM (4 fold). Orally fed iron saturated bLf-Dox inhibited tumour development, prolonged survival, reduced Dox induced general toxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity in TRAMP mice and upregulated serum levels of anti-cancer molecules TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL4 and CCL17. The study identifies promising potential of a novel and safer bLf-Dox conjugate containing a conventional cytotoxic drug along with bLf protein to target drug resistance.