Biomedical subjects

Kalle Levon

Publications and source records attributed to Kalle Levon.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Ion concentration of external solution as a characteristic of micro- and nanogel ionic reservoirs.

Ion-sensitive hydrogel is regarded as an ionic reservoir, i.e., a system capable of changing the external pH or ionic strength by accumulating or releasing ions. The concept of a hydrogel ionic reservoir was demonstrated for hydrogel particles of three different size ranges: macrogel (1000-6000 microm), microgel (approximately 20-200 microm), and nanogel (approximately 0.2 microm). Ion sensitivity of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) (PNIPA-VI) microgels with imidazolyl (ionizable) groups was confirmed by the pH dependence of their volume, while nanogels were characterized by dynamic light scattering. On the contrary, the volume of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) microgels without ionizable groups was pH independent in the whole range of pH from 10 to 2. Four distinct regions of pH-behavior were observed for PNIPA-VI hydrogel micro- and nanoparticles using potentiometric titration of their suspensions. Time-resolved measurements of ion concentrations in the suspension of hydrogel particles revealed a substantial difference in kinetics of pH equilibration for (i) ion-sensitive hydrogels (PNIPA-VI) vs hydrogels without ionizable groups (PNIPA) and (ii) PNIPA-VI hydrogels of different sizes. On the basis of the experimental observations, a two-step mechanism affecting the kinetics of proton uptake into the hydrogel particles with ionizable groups was proposed: (1) fast binding of ions to the immediate surface of each particle and (2) a slower successive diffusion of bound sites into the next inner layer of polymer network. In accord with the mechanism proposed, a quasi-chemical kinetic model of pH relaxation to equilibrium was developed to fit the experimental data for the time course of proton uptake by macro-, micro-, and nanogels into two exponentials with the characteristic times of tau(1) and tau(2). We believe the same kinetic model will be pertinent to describe phenomenological and molecular mechanisms controlling proton transport in/out bacteria, cells, organelles, drug delivery vehicles, and other natural or artificial multifunctional ionic containers. The approach can be easily extended for the other ions (e.g., Na(+), K(+), and Ca(2+)).

Hydrogels↗

PubMed2006

Liposome-nanogel structures for future pharmaceutical applications.

Nanoparticles have been extensively studied as drug delivery systems. In this review, we focus on a relatively new type of nanoparticles--lipobeads--a liposome-hydrogel assembly as a novel drug delivery system. An appropriate assemblage of spherical hydrogel particles and liposomes combines the properties of both classes of materials and may find a variety of biomedical applications. The bi-compartmental structure of lipobeads is a natural configuration. Thus, the technology of their preparation can be a key step of designing more stable and effective vaccines. Biocompatibility and stability, ability to deliver a broad range of bioactive molecules, environmental responsiveness of both inner nanogel core and external lipid bilayer, and individual specificity of both compartments make the liposome-nanogel design a versatile drug delivery system relevant for all known drug administration routes and suitable for different diseases with possibility of efficient targeting to different organs. New findings on reversible and irreversible aggregation of lipobeads can lead to novel combined drug delivery systems regarding lipobeads as multipurpose containers. The research on hydrogel-liposome submicrometer structures has just begun and fundamental studies on interactions between hydrogels and liposomes are in demand.

Bacillus↗

PubMed2005

Potentiometric sensor for dipicolinic acid.

A potentiometric chemosensor for selective determination of dipicolinic acid (2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, DPA) was developed based on the surface imprinting technique coupled with a nanoscale transducer: an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass plate. The sensor fabrication conditions, optimal recognition condition, as well as selectivity, sensitivity, and stability of the DPA sensor have been investigated. The DPA sensor could recognize DPA from 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid. Potentiometric measurements demonstrated selective detection of DPA in a concentration range of 1.5 x 10(-6) to 0.0194 M. The response time of DPA sensor for 4 x 10(-4) M DPA was 25 s. The potentiometric response of the DPA sensor to DPA is at 90% of its initial magnitude after 550 times measurement. The viability of such a modified ITO electrode in the presence of other inorganic, organic, and biological materials was probed.

Bacillus anthracis↗

PubMed2004

Glycoconjugates for the recognition of Bacillus spores.

Carbohydrates act as ligands in many biological processes, including the folding and secretion of proteins, cell-cell recognition, adhesion, and sporulation in the Bacillus genus. Fluorescent-labeled disaccharide glycoconjugates have been applied to evaluate binding to bacterial spores assuming that the spore surface is covered with carbohydrates. This study has shown that specific recognition of bacterial spores is based on interactions between disaccharide glycoconjugates acting as ligands and monosaccharide units expressed on the exterior of bacterial spores. Using fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE), carbohydrates that are expressed on the exterior of the spores were enumerated. The findings have an impact on how to improve ligand selection, essential for sensor development. In addition, the findings provide new information for inhibition of bacterial spores, and in general, demonstrate how carbohydrates function as recognition signals in nature.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2004

Potentiometric sensing of chemical warfare agents: surface imprinted polymer integrated with an indium tin oxide electrode.

Rapid and specific recognition of methylphosphonic acid (MPA), the degradation product of nerve agents sarin, soman, VX, etc., was achieved with potentiometric measurements using a chemical sensor fabricated by a surface imprinting technique coupled with a nanoscale transducer, indium tin oxide (ITO). An octadecylsiloxane thin layer was covalently bound to the ITO-coated glass surface in the presence of MPA. After extraction of MPA, potentiometric measurements showed selective detection of MPA. The selectivity of the sensor has been tested on other alkylphosphonic acids, such as ethylphosphonic acid and propylphosphonic acid, as well as tert-butylphosphonic acid. The viability of the sensor in the presence of other chemical analogues, such as organophosphorus pesticides and herbicides, was investigated.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Interaction of modified liposomes with Bacillus spores.

The interaction between liposomes modified with a particular peptide sequence and Bacillus subtilis spores was experimentally observed as (1) an increase in the average diameter of spore-related particles, and (2) the formation of dense and structured shells around the spores at higher concentrations of liposomes.

Bacillus subtilis↗