Chemistry Commons^™

Comparison Of Emissions Across Tobacco Products: A Slippery Slope In Tobacco Control, Ahmad El-Hellani, Ayomipo Adeniji, Hanno C. Erythropel, Thomas Lamb, Qixin Wang, Vladimir Mikheev, Robert Strongin, Multiple Additional Authors

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this narrative review, we highlight the challenges of comparing emissions from different tobacco products under controlled laboratory settings (using smoking/ vaping machines). We focus on tobacco products that generate inhalable smoke or aerosol, such as cigarettes, cigars, hookah, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. We discuss challenges associated with sample generation including variability of smoking/vaping machines, lack of standardized adaptors that connect smoking/vaping machines to different tobacco products, puffing protocols that are not representative of actual use, and sample generation session length (minutes or number of puffs) that depends on product characteristics. We also discuss the challenges of physically …

Limonene Enantiomeric Ratios From Anthropogenic And Biogenic Emission Sources, Shan Gu, Wentai Luo, Avisa Charmchi, Kevin J. Mcwhirter, Todd Rosenstiel, James F. Pankow

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Emissions from volatile chemical products (VCPs) have been identified as contributors to air quality degradation in urban areas. Limonene can be a tracer compound for VCPs containing fragrances in densely populated regions, but limonene is also emitted from conifers that are planted in urban areas. This creates challenges for using limonene to estimate VCP emissions. In this study, the −/+ enantiomeric ratios of limonene from VCP and conifer emission sources were quantified to evaluate if this measurement could be used to aid in source apportionment and emission inventory development. Samples were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with a chiral …

Using Flipped Classroom Modules To Facilitate Higher Order Learning In Undergraduate Organic Chemistry, Lauren R. Holloway, Tabitha Miller, Bryce Da Camara, Paul M. Bogie, Briana L. Hickey, Jack Barbera, Angie L. Lopez, Multiple Additional Authors

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

In an ongoing effort to incorporate active learning and promote higher order learning outcomes in undergraduate organic chemistry, a hybrid (“flipped”) classroom structure has been used to facilitate a series of collaborative activities in the first two courses of the lower division organic chemistry sequence. An observational study of seven classes over a five-year period reveals there is a strong correlation between performance on the in-class activities and performance on the final exam across all classes; however, a significant number of students in these courses continue to struggle on both the in-class activities and final exam. The Activity Engagement Survey …

Dna-Based Assay For Calorimetric Determination Of Protein Concentrations In Pure Or Mixed Solutions, Matthew W. Eskew, Patrick Reardon, Albert S. Benight

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

It was recently reported that values of the transition heat capacities, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, for two globular proteins and a short DNA hairpin in NaCl buffer are essentially equivalent, at equal concentrations (mg/mL). To validate the broad applicability of this phenomenon, additional evidence for this equivalence is presented that reveals it does not depend on DNA sequence, buffer salt, or transition temperature (Tm). Based on the equivalence of transition heat capacities, a calorimetric method was devised to determine protein concentrations in pure and complex solutions. The scheme uses direct comparisons between the thermodynamic stability of a short …

The Α-Crystallin Chaperones Undergo A Quasi-Ordered Co-Aggregation Process In Response To Saturating Client Interaction, Kirsten Lampi, Adam P. Miller, Susan E. O'Neill, Steve L. Reichow

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ATP-independent chaperones vital to cellular proteostasis, preventing protein aggregation events linked to various human diseases including cataract. The α-crystallins, αA-crystallin (αAc) and αB-crystallin (αBc), represent archetypal sHSPs that exhibit complex polydispersed oligomeric assemblies and rapid subunit exchange dynamics. Yet, our understanding of how this plasticity contributes to chaperone function remains poorly understood. This study investigates structural changes in αAc and αBc during client sequestration under varying degree of chaperone saturation. Using biochemical and biophysical analyses combined with single-particle electron microscopy (EM), we examined αAc and αBc in their apo-states and at various stages of …

An Efficient And Chemoselective Method To Generate Arynes, Bryan Metze, Riley A. Roberts, Aleksandra Nilova, David R. Stuart

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Arynes hold immense potential as reactive intermediates in organic synthesis as they engage in a diverse range of mechanistically distinct chemical reactions. However, the poor functional group compatibility of generating arynes or their precursors has stymied their widespread use. Here, we show that generating arynes by deprotonation of an arene and elimination of an “onium” leaving group is mild, efficient and broad in scope. This is achieved by using aryl(TMP)iodonium salts (TMP = 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl) as the aryne precursor and potassium phosphate as the base, and a range of arynophiles are compatible. Additionally, we have performed the first quantitative analysis of …

Youth In Danger And Students At Risk Of Dropping Out, Mamoona Muzammil, Muzammil Arshad

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bullying is any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youth that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm. Bullying can lead to fear of school, absenteeism, and stunted academic progress, which in turn are precursors to dropping out of school.

• Effects of Bullying on Students Long lasting effects
• School Dropout.
• Lack of Concentration
• Reduced Motivation
• Less Class Participation
• Less Attendance Lower Academic Achievement

Student Dropouts

The increase in …

Cost Analysis Of Adsorption Based Air Capture Of Co2, Mona Muzammil, Muzammil Arshad, Muazzam Arshad

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and conversion to value added products, such as chemicals, polymers, and carbon-based fuels represents a promising approach to transform a potential threat to the environment into a value-added product for long term sustainability. Emerging Carbon Capture Technologies: Towards a Sustainable Future provides a multidisciplinary view of the research that is being carried out in this field, covering materials and processes for CO2 capture and utilization and including a broad discussion of the impact of novel technologies in carbon capture on the energy landscape, society and climate. Of interest to students, researchers and professionals in industries related …

Introductory Chemistry, Mona Muzammil

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introductory Chemistry, this edition is designed for a one-semester, introductory or preparatory chemistry course. Students taking this course need to develop problem-solving skills-but they also must see why these skills are important to them and to their world. Introductory Chemistry extends chemistry from the laboratory to the student's world. It motivates students to learn chemistry by demonstrating how it plays out in their daily lives.

This book draws students into the course through engagement and building their foundational knowledge – while introducing new content and resources to help students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. allowing students flexibility and ensuring …

Calorimetric Analysis Using Dna Thermal Stability To Determine Protein Concentration, Matthew W. Eskew, Patrick Reardon, Albert S. Benight

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

It was recently reported for two globular proteins and a short DNA hairpin in NaCl buffer that values of the transition heat capacities, Cp,DNA and Cp,PRO for equal concentrations (mg/mL) of DNA and proteins, are essentially equivalent (differ by less than 1%). Additional evidence for this equivalence is presented that reveals this phenomenon does not depend on DNA sequence, buffer salt, or Tm. Sequences of two DNA hairpins were designed to confer a near 20°C difference in their Tm’s. For the molecules, in NaCl and CsCl buffer the evaluated Cp,PRO and C …

Cfa-Treated Mice Induce Hyperalgesia In Healthy Mice Via An Olfactory Mechanism, Yangmiao Zhang, Wentai Luo, Maryt M. Heinricher, Andrey E. Ryabinin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Social interactions with subjects experiencing pain can increase nociceptive sensitivity in observers, even without direct physical contact. In previous experiments, extended indirect exposure to soiled bedding from mice with alcohol withdrawal-related hyperalgesia enhanced nociception in their conspecifics. This finding suggested that olfactory cues could be sufficient for nociceptive hypersensitivity in otherwise untreated animals (also known as “bystanders”).

Aim

The current study addressed this possibility using an inflammation-based hyperalgesia model and long- and short-term exposure paradigms in C57BL/6J mice.

Materials & Method

Adult male and female mice received intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and were used as stimulus …

Investigating Evidence In Support Of Validity And Reliability For Data Collected With The Meaningful Learning In The Laboratory Instrument (Mlli), Elizabeth Vaughan, A. Montoya-Cowan, Jack Barbera

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Meaningful Learning in the Laboratory Instrument (MLLI) was designed to measure students’ expectations before and after their laboratory courses and experiences. Although the MLLI has been used in various studies and laboratory environments to investigate students’ cognitive and affective laboratory expectations, the authors of the instrument reported a discrepancy between the intended factor structure of the MLLI and the factor structure suggested by the data collected in preliminary studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability evidence related to data collected with the MLLI, especially that related to structural validity. Evidence to support …

Investigation Of The Thermodynamics For The Removal Of As(Iii) And As(V) From Water Using Synthesized Zno Nanoparticles And The Effects Of Ph, Temperature, And Time, Helia Magali Morales, Grecia Torreblanca, Arnulfo Mar, Mataz Alcoutlabi, Thomas Eubanks, Erik Plata, Jason Parsons

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the present study, the removal of both As(III) and As(V) from aqueous solutions using synthesized ZnO nanomaterials was achieved. The ZnO nanomaterial was synthesized using a precipitation technique and characterized using XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy. XRD confirmed the ZnO nanoparticles were present in the hexagonal wurtzite structure. SEM of the particles showed they were aggregates of triangular and spherical particles. The average nanoparticle size was determined to be 62.03 ± 4.06 nm using Scherrer’s analysis of the three largest diffraction peaks. Raman spectroscopy of the ZnO nanoparticles showed only ZnO peaks, whereas the after-reaction samples indicated that As(V) …

Ortho-Fluoro Effect On The C–C Bond Activation Of Benzonitrile Using Zerovalent Nickel, Sébastien Lachaize, Dominique C. Gallegos, Juliana J. Antonio, Abdurrahman C. Atesin, Tülay A. Ateşin, William D. Jones

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The effect of fluoro substitution on the C–C bond activation of aromatic nitriles has been studied by reacting a variety of fluorinated benzonitriles with the nickel(0) fragment [Ni(dippe)] and by locating the reaction intermediates and transition-state structures on the potential energy surface by using density functional theory calculations with the [Ni(dmpe)] fragment (dippe = 1,2-bis(diisopropylphosphino)ethane, dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane). As in the previous reports, the reaction of fluorinated benzonitriles with the [Ni(dippe)] fragment initially formed an η2-nitrile complex, which then converted to the C–CN bond activation product. Thermodynamic parameters for the equilibrium between these complexes have been determined experimentally in both …

Cooperative Heterometallic Platforms Enabling Selective C–H Bond Activation And Functionalization Of Pyridines, Manar M. Shoshani

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The development of methodologies for regioselective C–H functionalization of N-heterocycles has seen sustained growth over the last two decades. Cooperative reactivity stemming from the addition of Lewis-acidic metals to late-transition-metal complexes has enabled regioselective catalytic transformations. Progress in the design of ligands and Lewis-acidic metal precursors has led to development of in situ cooperative catalysts able to facilitate C–H functionalization of pyridine at C-2, C-3, and C-4 positions. Very recently, focused efforts toward well-defined heterometallic complexes facilitating C-H bond catalysis have been targeted. Transformations showcasing regioselective C-2 transformations have been achieved. This perspective examines select examples delineating the evolution …

7-Deazaguanines In Dna: Functional And Structural Elucidation Of A Dna Modification System, Samanthi Herath Gedara, Andrew Gustafson, Dirk Iwata-Reuyl, Multiple Additional Authors

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The modified nucleosides 2′-deoxy-7-cyano- and 2′-deoxy-7-amido-7-deazaguanosine (dPreQ₀ and dADG, respectively) recently discovered in DNA are the products of the bacterial queuosine tRNA modification pathway and the dpd gene cluster, the latter of which encodes proteins that comprise the elaborate Dpd restriction–modification system present in diverse bacteria. Recent genetic studies implicated the dpdA, dpdB and dpdC genes as encoding proteins necessary for DNA modification, with dpdD–dpdK contributing to the restriction phenotype. Here we report the in vitro reconstitution of the Dpd modification machinery from Salmonella enterica serovar Montevideo, the elucidation of the roles of each protein and the X-ray …

Amplifying Reactivity Of Metal Hydrides: A Heterotrimetallic Nial2(Μ2-H)2 Catalyst For The Dearomatization Of N-Heterocycles, Edgardo De Leon, Fernando Gonzalez, Preetika Bauskar, Sergio Gonzalez-Eymard, David De Los Santos, Manar Shoshani

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Identifying methods to modulate the reactivity of metal hydrides is lacking yet highly desirable given the role they play in a plethora of catalytic applications. Herein we report novel methodology to amplify the reactivity of metal hydrides through the design of well-defined heterometallic bridged hydride species. Catalytic hydroboration of quinolines was dramatically altered by the addition of a secondary metal to bridge the Al–hydride species LAlH. Specifically, the addition of Ni(COD)2 led to the formation of novel heterotrimetallic species 1 which features Ni participating in 3-center bonding with sterically accessible Al–H species and exhibits catalytic hydroboration of sterically encumbered quinolines …

Molecular Research In Pancreatic Cancer: Small Molecule Inhibitors, Their Mechanistic Pathways And Beyond, Shaila A. Shetu, Nneoma James, Gildardo Rivera-Sanchez, Debasish Bandyopadhyay

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Pancreatic enzymes assist metabolic digestion, and hormones like insulin and glucagon play a critical role in maintaining our blood sugar levels. A malignant pancreas is incapable of doing its regular functions, which results in a health catastrophe. To date, there is no effective biomarker to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer, which makes pancreatic cancer the cancer with the highest mortality rate of all cancer types. Primarily, mutations of the KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4 genes are responsible for pancreatic cancer, of which mutations of the KRAS gene are present in more than 80% of pancreatic cancer cases. Accordingly, there is a …

The Application Of Transition Metal Sulfide Nanomaterials And Their Composite Nanomaterials In The Electrocatalytic Reduction Of Co2: A Review, Jason Parsons, Mataz Alcoutlabi

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Electrocatalysis has become an important topic in various areas of research, including chemical catalysis, environmental research, and chemical engineering. There have been a multitude of different catalysts used in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2, which include large classes of materials such as transition metal oxide nanoparticles (TMO), transition metal nanoparticles (TMNp), carbon-based nanomaterials, and transition metal sulfides (TMS), as well as porphyrins and phthalocyanine molecules. This review is focused on the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and the main products produced using TMS nanomaterials. The main reaction products of the CO2RR include carbon monoxide (CO), formate/formic acid (HCOO−/HCOOH), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol …

Small Molecule Egfr Inhibitors As Anti-Cancer Agents: Discovery, Mechanisms Of Action, And Opportunities, Tanzida Zubair, Debasish Bandyopadhyay

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are a class of receptor tyrosine kinase that are also called ErbB1 and HER1. EGFR tyrosine kinase activity inhibition is considered a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. Many small-molecule inhibitors of EGFR tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK), from medicinally privileged molecules to commercial drugs, have been overviewed. Particular attention has been paid to the structure of the molecule and its mechanism of action if reported. Subsequent classification of the molecules under discussion has been carried out. Both natural and synthetic and reversible and irreversible EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been discussed. Various types of cancers …

Nanoscale Hafnium Metal-Organic Frameworks Enhance Radiotherapeutic Effects By Upregulation Of Type I Interferon And Tlr7 Expression, Eunseo Choi, Madeleine R. Landry, Nathan Pennock, Katherine Weinfurter, Multiple Additional Authors

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Recent preclinical and clinical studies have highlighted the improved outcomes of combination radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Concurrently, the development of high-Z metallic nanoparticles as radiation dose enhancers has been explored to widen the therapeutic window of radiotherapy and potentially enhance immune activation. In this study, we evaluate folate-modified hafnium-based metal-organic frameworks (HfMOF-PEG-FA) in combination with imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist, as a well-defined interferon regulatory factor (IRF) stimulator for local antitumor immunotherapy. The enhancement of radiation dose deposition by HfMOF-PEG-FA and subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) deregulates cell proliferation and increases apoptosis. HfMOF-PEG-FA loaded with imiquimod (HfMOF-PEG-FA@IMQ) increases DNA double-strand …

Chemical Elements, Flavor Chemicals, And Nicotine In Unused And Used Electronic Cigarettes Aged 5–10 Years And Effects Of Ph, Monique Williams, Wentai Luo, Kevin J. Mcwhirter, Omeka Ikegbu, Prue Talbot

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The concentrations of elements/metals, nicotine, flavor chemicals and acids were compared in the e-liquids of unused and used first-generation electronic cigarettes (ECs) that were stored for 5–10 years. Metal analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy; nicotine and flavor chemical analyses were performed using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Of the 22 elements analyzed, 10 (aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, selenium, silicon, tin, zinc) were often found in the e-liquids. Five elements had the highest average concentrations: copper (1161.6 mg/L), zinc (295.8 mg/L), tin (287.6 mg/L), nickel (71.1 mg/L), and lead (50.3 mg/L). Nicotine concentrations were always lower …

A First-Tier Framework For Assessing Toxicological Risk From Vaporized Cannabis Concentrates, Shawna Vreeke, David M. Faulkner, Robert Strongin, Echoleah Rufer

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Vaporization is an increasingly prevalent means to consume cannabis, but there is little guidance for manufacturers or regulators to evaluate additive safety. This paper presents a first-tier framework for regulators and cannabis manufacturers without significant toxicological expertise to conduct risk assessments and prioritize additives in cannabis concentrates for acceptance, elimination, or further evaluation. Cannabinoids and contaminants (e.g., solvents, pesticides, etc.) are excluded from this framework because of the complexity involved in their assessment; theirs would not be a first-tier toxicological assessment. Further, several U.S. state regulators have provided guidance for major cannabinoids and contaminants. Toxicological risk assessment of cannabis concentrate …

Enlarging The Stokes Shift By Weakening The Π-Conjugation Of Cyanines For High Signal-To-Noise Ratiometric Imaging, Yongkang Yue, Tingting Zhao, Zhou Xu, Weijie Chi, Xiaojun Chai, Jiahong Ai, Jiawei Zhang, Fangjun Huo, Robert M. Strongin, Caixia Yin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is one of the key features of a fluorescent probe and one that often defines its potential utility for in vivo labeling and analyte detection applications. Here, it is reported that introducing a pyridine group into traditional cyanine-7 dyes in an asymmetric manner provides a series of tunable NIR fluorescent dyes (Cy-Mu-7) characterized by enhanced Stokes shifts (≈230 nm) compared to the parent cyanine 7 dye (nm). The observed Stokes shift increase is ascribed to symmetry breaking of the Cy-Mu-7 core and a reduction in the extent of conjugation. The fluorescence signals of the Cy-Mu-7 dyes …

Investigating Small-Group Cognitive Engagement In General Chemistry Learning Activities Using Qualitative Content Analysis And The Icap Framework, Safaa Y. El-Mansy, Jack Barbera, Alissa J. Hartig

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The level of students’ engagement during active learning activities conducted in small groups is important to understanding the effectiveness of these activities. The Interactive–Constructive–Active–Passive (ICAP) framework is a way to determine the cognitive engagement of these groups by analyzing the conversations that occur while student groups work on an activity. This study used qualitative content analysis and ICAP to investigate cognitive engagement during group activities in a General Chemistry course at the question level, a finer grain size than previously studied. The analysis determined the expected engagement based on question design and the observed engagement based on group conversations. Comparisons …

Recent Advances In Computational Study And Design Of Mof Catalysts For Co2 Conversion, Haoyuan Chen

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Catalytic conversion of the greenhouse gas CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels is highly beneficial to the environment, the economy, and the global energy supply. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising catalysts for this purpose due to their uniquely high structural and chemical tunability. In the catalyst discovery process, computational chemistry has emerged as an essential tool as it can not only aid in the interpretation of experimental observations but also provide atomistic-level insights into the catalytic mechanism. This Mini Review summarizes recent computational studies on MOF-catalyzed CO2 conversion through different types of reactions, discusses about the usage of various computational …

Computational Investigation Into Heteroleptic Photoredox Catalysts Based On Nickel(Ii) Tris-Pyridinethiolate For Water Splitting Reactions, Avik Bhattacharjee, Dayalis S.V. Brown, Trent E. Ethridge, Kristine M. Halvorsen, Alejandra C. Acevedo Montano, Theresa M. Mccormick

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

This work demonstrates a strategy to fine-tune the efficiency of a photoredox water splitting Ni(II) tris-pyridinethiolate catalyst through heteroleptic ligand design using computational investigation of the catalytic mechanism. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, supported by topology analyses using quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), show that the introduction of electron donating (ED) −CH3 and electron withdrawing (EW) −CF₃ groups on the thiopyridyl (PyS–) ligands of the same complex can tune the pK_a and E0, simultaneously. Computational modeling of two heteroleptic nickel(II) tris-pyridinethiolate complexes with 2:1 and 1:2 ED and EW −CH₃ and −CF_{3 …}

Chemical Interactions And Cytotoxicity Of Terpene And Diluent Vaping Ingredients, Yanira Baldovinos, Alexandra Archer, James C. Salamanca, Robert M. Strongin, Christie Sayes

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Vaping devices have risen in popularity since their inception in 2007. The practice involves using a variety of commercially available devices. Internal heating systems in devices aerosolize e-liquid formulations of complex mixtures including an active ingredient (e.g., THC, CBD, and nicotine), diluents (or cutting agents), solvents, and flavoring agents (e.g., terpenes and aldehydes). The vaping toxicology literature consists of cytotoxicity studies of individual chemicals and commercial formulas. Because of the variation of e-liquid composition, there is a limited understanding of the toxicity of ingredient combinations. This study analyzed the cytotoxic effects after exposure to individual and binary mixtures of a …

Saturable Absorption Of Free-Electron Laser Radiation By Graphite Near The Carbon K-Edge, Lars Hoffmann, Sasawat Jamnuch, Craig P. Schwartz, Tobias Helk, Sumana L. Raj, Hikaru Mizuno, Riccardo Mincigrucci, Laura Foglia, Emiliano Principi, Shervin Fatehi

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The interaction of intense light with matter gives rise to competing nonlinear responses that can dynamically change material properties. Prominent examples are saturable absorption (SA) and two-photon absorption (TPA), which dynamically increase and decrease the transmission of a sample depending on pulse intensity, respectively. The availability of intense soft X-ray pulses from free-electron lasers (FELs) has led to observations of SA and TPA in separate experiments, leaving open questions about the possible interplay between and relative strength of the two phenomena. Here, we systematically study both phenomena in one experiment by exposing graphite films to soft X-ray FEL pulses of …

Electrospun Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-3-Hydroxyvalerate)/Olive Leaf Extract Fiber Mesh As Prospective Bio-Based Scaffold For Wound Healing, Jose Gustavo De La Ossa, Serena Danti, Jasmine Esposito Salsano, Bahareh Azimi, Veronika Tempesti, Niccoletta Barbani, Maria Digiacomo, Marco Macchia, Mohammed Jasim Uddin, Caterina Cristallini

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biopolyesters synthesized by various microorganisms. Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradation, PHAs have been proposed for biomedical applications, including tissue engineering scaffolds. Olive leaf extract (OLE) can be obtained from agri-food biowaste and is a source of polyphenols with remarkable antioxidant properties. This study aimed at incorporating OLE inside poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) fibers via electrospinning to obtain bioactive bio-based blends that are useful in wound healing. PHBHV/OLE electrospun fibers with a size of 1.29 ± 0.34 µm were obtained. Fourier transform infrared chemical analysis showed a uniform surface distribution of hydrophilic -OH groups, confirming the …