Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are being investigated for diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicines con... more Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are being investigated for diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicines considering their low toxicity and stability against oxidation, among other features. The increasing production and use of AuNP can result in release of them into aquatic environment and the impacts on the aquatic organisms are not clear and the safety of AuNPs are still under investigation. This work aimed analyze the toxicity of resveratrol assisted AuNP synthesized in buffer phosphate pH 7.0 with approximately 47 nm in DLS and 15 nm in TEM analysis and gold ionic solution (Au). Cytotoxicity by neutral red uptake method and acute ecotoxicological assay on Daphnia similis were used. AuNP presented no cytotoxicity up to 246 mg L while Au showed IC50=7.95 mg L. AuNP CE50 was 113.15 mg L and for Au 0.05 mg L. More studies can be conducted for the determination of safety ionic Au and AuNP concentrations in aquatic environment. Key-words:Gold nanoparticles, Resveratrol, Cytotoxicity, Acute ecot...
H. Iván Meléndez-Ortiz, Gustavo H.C. Varca, Edgar Zavala-Lagunes and Emilio Bucio 1 CONACyT – Cen... more H. Iván Meléndez-Ortiz, Gustavo H.C. Varca, Edgar Zavala-Lagunes and Emilio Bucio 1 CONACyT – Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Blvd. Enrique Reyna Hermosillo # 140, 25294 Saltillo, Mexico 2 Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP) Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 – São Paulo – SP, Brazil 3 Departamento de Química de Radiaciones y Radioquímica, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico
The synthesis and engineering of nanomaterials offer more robust systems for the treatment of can... more The synthesis and engineering of nanomaterials offer more robust systems for the treatment of cancer, with technologies that combine therapy with imaging diagnostic tools in the so-called nanotheranostics. Among the most studied systems, there are quantum dots, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles. Most of the advantages of nanomaterials over the classic anticancer therapies come from their optimal size, which prevents the elimination by the kidneys and enhances their permeation in the tumor due to the abnormal blood vessels present in cancer tissues. Furthermore, the drug delivery and the contrast efficiency for imaging are enhanced, especially due to the increased surface area and the selective accumulation in the desired tissues. This property leads to the reduced drug dose necessary to exert the desired effect and for a longer action within the tumor. Finally, they are made so that there is no deg...
Hydrogels are materials with wide applications in several fields, including the biomedical and ph... more Hydrogels are materials with wide applications in several fields, including the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Their properties such as the capacity of absorbing great amounts of aqueous solutions without losing shape and mechanical properties, as well as loading drugs of different nature, including hydrophobic ones and biomolecules, give an idea of their versatility and promising demand. As they have been explored in a great number of studies for years, many routes of synthesis have been developed, especially for chemical/permanent hydrogels. In the same way, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, also known as intelligent materials, have been explored too, enhancing the regulation of properties such as targeting and drug release. By controlling the particle size, hydrogel on the micro- and nanoscale have been studied likewise and have increased, even more, the possibilities for applications of the so-called XXI century materials. In this paper, we aimed to produce an overview of...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Technological advances have promoted improvements in several science fields, especially related t... more Technological advances have promoted improvements in several science fields, especially related to environmental and analytical areas with the improvement of detection and development of environmentally friendly extraction techniques. This study applied Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe method (QuEChERS) for soil extraction and assessed its performance through a validation study using samples from the soil of a contaminated area in Caieiras, SP, Brazil. Nine organochlorine pesticides, including the isomers alpha, beta, gamma and delta- hexachlorocyclohexane; cis- and trans-heptachlor epoxide; cis- and trans-chlordane and heptachlor were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detector. The method was validated according to ISO 5725-4 (2020), EURACHEM (2014) and DOQ-CGCRE-008 (2016). The limits of detection and quantification of the method for the nine organochlorines were α-HCH (1.2 and 12.6 µg kg−1), β-HCH (1.7 and 12.0 µg kg−1), γ-HCH (1.5 and 11.6 ...
β-alanine is the rate-limiting point for the endogenous synthesis of carnosine in skeletal muscle... more β-alanine is the rate-limiting point for the endogenous synthesis of carnosine in skeletal muscle. Carnosine has a wide range of implications for health, normal function and exercise performance. Whilst the physiological relevance of carnosine to different tissues remains enigmatic, β-alanine administration is a useful strategy to investigate the physiological roles of carnosine in humans. Intravenous administration of β-alanine is an interesting approach to study carnosine metabolism. However, sterilisation is mandatory due to the nature of the administration route. We evaluated whether sterilising doses of gamma radiation damages the molecular structure and leads to the loss of functional characteristics of β-alanine. Pure β-alanine was sterilised by gamma radiation in sealed glass vials using a 60 Co multipurpose irradiator at a dose rate of 8.5 kGy.hour-1 totalising 10, 20, 25 30 and 40 kGy. The molecular integrity was assessed by X-ray Diffraction and changes in content were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UV-HPLC) and Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (HPLC/MS-MS). Sterility assurance was evaluated by inoculation assay. To examine whether functional properties were preserved, β-alanine was infused in one participant, who rated the level of paraesthesia on the skin using a 0-3 scale. Urinary β-alanine was quantified before and 24-h following β-alanine infusion using HPLC-ESI+-MS/MS. Irradiation resulted in no change in the crystal structure of β-alanine, no degradation, and no new peaks were identified in the dose range assayed. The inoculation assay showed the absence of viable microorganisms in all β-alanine samples, including those that did not undergo irradiation. Intravenous infusion of β-alanine resulted in paraesthesia and it detected in the urine as per normal. We conclude that gamma radiation is a suitable technique for the sterilisation of β-alanine. It does not lead to degradation, damage to the β-alanine structure, content or loss of function within the evaluated irradiation conditions.
At a nano-level, optical properties of gold are unique and gave birth to an emerging platform of ... more At a nano-level, optical properties of gold are unique and gave birth to an emerging platform of nanogold-based systems for diverse applications, because gold nanoparticle properties are tunable as a function of size and shape. Within the available techniques for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, the radiolytic synthesis allows proper control of the nucleation process without the need for reducing agents, in a single step, combined or not with simultaneous sterilization. This review details and summarizes the use of radiation technologies for the synthesis and preparation of gold nanoparticles concerning fundamental aspects, mechanism, current pathways for synthesis and radiation sources, as well as briefly outlines final applications and some toxicity aspects related to nanogold-based systems.
Current topics in medicinal chemistry, Jan 10, 2018
Safety and biocompatibility assessment of biomaterials are themes of constant concern as advanced... more Safety and biocompatibility assessment of biomaterials are themes of constant concern as advanced materials enter the market as well as products manufactured by new techniques emerge. Within this context, this review provides an up-to-date approach on current methods for the characterization and safety assessment of biomaterials and biomedical devices from a physicalchemical to a biological perspective, including a description of the alternative methods in accordance with current and established international standards.
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme with restricted applications due to its limited stability. Cyclode... more Papain is a proteolytic enzyme with restricted applications due to its limited stability. Cyclodextrins are widely used in pharmaceutical formulations once they are able to form complexes with other molecules, improving their stability and bioavailability. The purpose of the present paper was to analyze complexes formed by papain/hydroxypropyl-βcyclodextrin and papain/β-cyclodextrin by thermal analysis and cytotoxicity tests to verify their possible interactions and toxicological behavior. Complex solutions were prepared at different molar ratios and collected as a function of time to be lyophilized and analyzed. Results showed changes in endothermic events and cytotoxicity profiles. A complex formation for both complexes is observed; nevertheless, β-cyclodextrin was able to change the enzyme characteristics more efficiently.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are being investigated for diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicines con... more Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are being investigated for diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicines considering their low toxicity and stability against oxidation, among other features. The increasing production and use of AuNP can result in release of them into aquatic environment and the impacts on the aquatic organisms are not clear and the safety of AuNPs are still under investigation. This work aimed analyze the toxicity of resveratrol assisted AuNP synthesized in buffer phosphate pH 7.0 with approximately 47 nm in DLS and 15 nm in TEM analysis and gold ionic solution (Au). Cytotoxicity by neutral red uptake method and acute ecotoxicological assay on Daphnia similis were used. AuNP presented no cytotoxicity up to 246 mg L while Au showed IC50=7.95 mg L. AuNP CE50 was 113.15 mg L and for Au 0.05 mg L. More studies can be conducted for the determination of safety ionic Au and AuNP concentrations in aquatic environment. Key-words:Gold nanoparticles, Resveratrol, Cytotoxicity, Acute ecot...
H. Iván Meléndez-Ortiz, Gustavo H.C. Varca, Edgar Zavala-Lagunes and Emilio Bucio 1 CONACyT – Cen... more H. Iván Meléndez-Ortiz, Gustavo H.C. Varca, Edgar Zavala-Lagunes and Emilio Bucio 1 CONACyT – Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Blvd. Enrique Reyna Hermosillo # 140, 25294 Saltillo, Mexico 2 Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP) Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 – São Paulo – SP, Brazil 3 Departamento de Química de Radiaciones y Radioquímica, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico
The synthesis and engineering of nanomaterials offer more robust systems for the treatment of can... more The synthesis and engineering of nanomaterials offer more robust systems for the treatment of cancer, with technologies that combine therapy with imaging diagnostic tools in the so-called nanotheranostics. Among the most studied systems, there are quantum dots, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles. Most of the advantages of nanomaterials over the classic anticancer therapies come from their optimal size, which prevents the elimination by the kidneys and enhances their permeation in the tumor due to the abnormal blood vessels present in cancer tissues. Furthermore, the drug delivery and the contrast efficiency for imaging are enhanced, especially due to the increased surface area and the selective accumulation in the desired tissues. This property leads to the reduced drug dose necessary to exert the desired effect and for a longer action within the tumor. Finally, they are made so that there is no deg...
Hydrogels are materials with wide applications in several fields, including the biomedical and ph... more Hydrogels are materials with wide applications in several fields, including the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Their properties such as the capacity of absorbing great amounts of aqueous solutions without losing shape and mechanical properties, as well as loading drugs of different nature, including hydrophobic ones and biomolecules, give an idea of their versatility and promising demand. As they have been explored in a great number of studies for years, many routes of synthesis have been developed, especially for chemical/permanent hydrogels. In the same way, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, also known as intelligent materials, have been explored too, enhancing the regulation of properties such as targeting and drug release. By controlling the particle size, hydrogel on the micro- and nanoscale have been studied likewise and have increased, even more, the possibilities for applications of the so-called XXI century materials. In this paper, we aimed to produce an overview of...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Technological advances have promoted improvements in several science fields, especially related t... more Technological advances have promoted improvements in several science fields, especially related to environmental and analytical areas with the improvement of detection and development of environmentally friendly extraction techniques. This study applied Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe method (QuEChERS) for soil extraction and assessed its performance through a validation study using samples from the soil of a contaminated area in Caieiras, SP, Brazil. Nine organochlorine pesticides, including the isomers alpha, beta, gamma and delta- hexachlorocyclohexane; cis- and trans-heptachlor epoxide; cis- and trans-chlordane and heptachlor were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detector. The method was validated according to ISO 5725-4 (2020), EURACHEM (2014) and DOQ-CGCRE-008 (2016). The limits of detection and quantification of the method for the nine organochlorines were α-HCH (1.2 and 12.6 µg kg−1), β-HCH (1.7 and 12.0 µg kg−1), γ-HCH (1.5 and 11.6 ...
β-alanine is the rate-limiting point for the endogenous synthesis of carnosine in skeletal muscle... more β-alanine is the rate-limiting point for the endogenous synthesis of carnosine in skeletal muscle. Carnosine has a wide range of implications for health, normal function and exercise performance. Whilst the physiological relevance of carnosine to different tissues remains enigmatic, β-alanine administration is a useful strategy to investigate the physiological roles of carnosine in humans. Intravenous administration of β-alanine is an interesting approach to study carnosine metabolism. However, sterilisation is mandatory due to the nature of the administration route. We evaluated whether sterilising doses of gamma radiation damages the molecular structure and leads to the loss of functional characteristics of β-alanine. Pure β-alanine was sterilised by gamma radiation in sealed glass vials using a 60 Co multipurpose irradiator at a dose rate of 8.5 kGy.hour-1 totalising 10, 20, 25 30 and 40 kGy. The molecular integrity was assessed by X-ray Diffraction and changes in content were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UV-HPLC) and Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (HPLC/MS-MS). Sterility assurance was evaluated by inoculation assay. To examine whether functional properties were preserved, β-alanine was infused in one participant, who rated the level of paraesthesia on the skin using a 0-3 scale. Urinary β-alanine was quantified before and 24-h following β-alanine infusion using HPLC-ESI+-MS/MS. Irradiation resulted in no change in the crystal structure of β-alanine, no degradation, and no new peaks were identified in the dose range assayed. The inoculation assay showed the absence of viable microorganisms in all β-alanine samples, including those that did not undergo irradiation. Intravenous infusion of β-alanine resulted in paraesthesia and it detected in the urine as per normal. We conclude that gamma radiation is a suitable technique for the sterilisation of β-alanine. It does not lead to degradation, damage to the β-alanine structure, content or loss of function within the evaluated irradiation conditions.
At a nano-level, optical properties of gold are unique and gave birth to an emerging platform of ... more At a nano-level, optical properties of gold are unique and gave birth to an emerging platform of nanogold-based systems for diverse applications, because gold nanoparticle properties are tunable as a function of size and shape. Within the available techniques for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, the radiolytic synthesis allows proper control of the nucleation process without the need for reducing agents, in a single step, combined or not with simultaneous sterilization. This review details and summarizes the use of radiation technologies for the synthesis and preparation of gold nanoparticles concerning fundamental aspects, mechanism, current pathways for synthesis and radiation sources, as well as briefly outlines final applications and some toxicity aspects related to nanogold-based systems.
Current topics in medicinal chemistry, Jan 10, 2018
Safety and biocompatibility assessment of biomaterials are themes of constant concern as advanced... more Safety and biocompatibility assessment of biomaterials are themes of constant concern as advanced materials enter the market as well as products manufactured by new techniques emerge. Within this context, this review provides an up-to-date approach on current methods for the characterization and safety assessment of biomaterials and biomedical devices from a physicalchemical to a biological perspective, including a description of the alternative methods in accordance with current and established international standards.
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme with restricted applications due to its limited stability. Cyclode... more Papain is a proteolytic enzyme with restricted applications due to its limited stability. Cyclodextrins are widely used in pharmaceutical formulations once they are able to form complexes with other molecules, improving their stability and bioavailability. The purpose of the present paper was to analyze complexes formed by papain/hydroxypropyl-βcyclodextrin and papain/β-cyclodextrin by thermal analysis and cytotoxicity tests to verify their possible interactions and toxicological behavior. Complex solutions were prepared at different molar ratios and collected as a function of time to be lyophilized and analyzed. Results showed changes in endothermic events and cytotoxicity profiles. A complex formation for both complexes is observed; nevertheless, β-cyclodextrin was able to change the enzyme characteristics more efficiently.
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Papers by Gustavo Varca