• 공업화학전망
• /
• 제24권6호
• /
• pp.3-18
• /
• 2021

가역적인 표면 젖음성의 제어가 가능한 스마트 표면은 첨단 센서, 기능성 멤브레인 등 여러 산업분야에 적용될 수 있는 계면제어 기술로써 많은 관심을 받을 것으로 기대된다. 표면의 젖음성은 표면의 화학적 구조와 기하학적 입체 구조에 의해 영향을 받는 데, 특히 외부자극에 의해 소재 물성을 가변시킬 수 있는 스마트 고분자 소재를 나노구조가 제어된 표면에 도입함으로써 표면의 젖음성을 초발수에서 초친수로 가역적으로 전환시킬 수 있는 스마트 표면을 효과적으로 구현할 수 있다. 자극 응답성 스마트 소재는 인가하는 외부자극에 따라 물리적 자극(빛, 온도, 전기, 자기)과 화학적 자극(pH, 용매, 이온)으로 구분할 수 있으며, 이를 복합적으로 적용한 이중/다중 유발 자극에 반응하는 소재가 있다. 본 기고문에서는 외부자극에 응답하는 자극응답성 고분자를 나노 구조 표면에 도입하여 초발수에서 초친수로의 가역적인 젖음성 변화가 가능한 고기능성 스마트 표면의 최근 연구 동향과 미래 전망에 대해 소개하고자 한다. 이런 다양한 외부자극을 이용한 표면 특성의 가역적 제어 기술을 통해 물-오일의 분리, 바이오센서, 약물 전달, 소프트로보틱스와 같은 스마트 소재의 잠재적 발전 가능성 또한 엿볼 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제20권2호
• /
• pp.183-188
• /
• 2012

In this study, we examined the estrogenic activity of bavachin, a component of Psoralea corylifolia that has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia. Bavachin was purified from ethanolic extract of Psoralea corylifolia and characterized its estrogenic activity by ligand binding, reporter gene activation, and endogenous estrogen receptor (ER) target gene regulation. Bavachin showed ER ligand binding activity in competitive displacement of [$^3H$] $E_2$ from recombinant ER. The estrogenic activity of bavachin was characterized in a transient transfection system using $ER{\alpha}$ or $ER{\beta}$ and estrogen-responsive luciferase plasmids in CV-1 cells with an $EC_{50}$ of 320 nM and 680 nM, respectively. Bavachin increased the mRNA levels of estrogen-responsive genes such as pS2 and PR, and decreased the protein level of $ER{\alpha}$ by proteasomal pathway. However, bavachin failed to activate the androgen receptor in CV-1 cells transiently transfected with the corresponding receptor and hormone responsive reporter plasmid. These data indicate that bavachin acts as a weak phytoestrogen by binding and activating the ER.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• 제27권4호
• /
• pp.747-758
• /
• 2017

Chronic wounds, pressure sores, lesions, and infections of microbial origin in bedridden, paralyzed, or malnutrition patients remain the object of study of many researchers. A variety of factors behind the development of these disorders are related to the patient's immune system, making it unable to respond effectively to the treatment of the wound. These factors can be properly controlled, giving particular importance to the ethiology and stage of the wound, as well as the time periods corresponding to the replacement of the dressings. The present research reports a novel foam/soft material, ${{\small}L}$-Cys-g-PCL, with an application for decubitus/pressure ulcers, especially for wounds with a difficult healing process due to infections and constant oxidation of the soft tissues. During this work, the interactions between S. aureus and ${{\small}L}$-Cys-g-PCL foam were studied under conditions that simulate decubitus ulcers; namely, pH and exudate. The effects of duration of grafting (1 or 8 h) and pH (7.0 and 8.9) on wettability, surface energy, swelling, and porosity were also evaluated. Results showed an effective microbicidal activity exhibiting an inhibition ratio of 99.73% against S. aureus. This new ${{\small}L}$-Cys-g-PCL soft material showed saftey to contact skin, ability to be shaped to fill in sunken holes (craters) - pressure ulcers stage III - and to act as a smart material responsive to pH, which can be tailored to develop better swelling properties at alkaline pH where exudates are normally higher, so as to address exudate self-cleaning and prevention of desiccation.

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• 제11권4호
• /
• pp.245-253
• /
• 2013

A radioresistant cell line was established by fractionated ionizing radiation (IR) and assessed by a clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis, as well as zymography and a wound healing assay. Microarray was performed to profile global expression and to search for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to IR. H460R cells demonstrated increased cell scattering and acidic vesicular organelles compared with parental cells. Concomitantly, H460R cells showed characteristics of increased migration and matrix metalloproteinase activity. In addition, H460R cells were resistant to IR, exhibiting reduced expression levels of ionizing responsive proteins (p-p53 and ${\gamma}$-H2AX); apoptosis-related molecules, such as cleaved poly(ADP ribose) polymerase; and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules, such as glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and C/EBP-homologous protein compared with parental cells, whereas the expression of anti-apoptotic X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein was increased. Among DEGs, syntrophin beta 2 (SNTB2) significantly increased in H460R cells in response to IR. Knockdown of SNTB2 by siRNA was more sensitive than the control after IR exposure in H460, H460R, and H1299 cells. Our study suggests that H460R cells have differential properties, including cell morphology, potential for metastasis, and resistance to IR, compared with parental cells. In addition, SNTB2 may play an important role in radioresistance. H460R cells could be helpful in in vitro systems for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of and discovering drugs to overcome radioresistance in lung cancer therapy.

• Macromolecular Research
• /
• 제15권7호
• /
• pp.688-692
• /
• 2007

The hydrogen-bonding induced alternating multilayer thin films of dendrimers and block copolymer micelles were demonstrated. The block copolymer micelles derived from amphiphilic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)block-$poly({\varepsilon}-carprolactone)$ (PEtOz-PCL) in aqueous phase have a core-shell structure with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 26 nm. The hydrogen bonding between the PEtOz outer shell of micelle and the carboxyl unit of poly(amidoamine) dendrimer of generation 4.5 (PAMAM-4.5G) at pH 3 was utilized as a driving force for the layerby-layer alternating deposition. The multilayer thin film was fabricated on the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin film spin-coated on silicon wafer or glass substrate by the alternate dipping of PEtOz-PCL micelles and PAMAM dendrimers in aqueous solution at pH 3. The formation of multilayer thin film was characterized by using ellipsometry, UV-vis spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The PEtOz outer shell of PEtOz-PCL micelle provided the pH-responsive hydrogen bonding sites with peripheral carboxylic acids of PAM AM dendrimer. The multilayer thin film was reversibly removed after dipping in aqueous solution at $pH{\geq}5.6$ due to dissociation of the hydrogen bonding between PEtOz shell of PEtOz-PCL micelle and peripheral carboxyl units of PAMAM dendrimer.

• Journal of Photoscience
• /
• 제11권2호
• /
• pp.71-74
• /
• 2004

The macrocycle L exhibited a switch on-off behavior through the fluorescent responses by aromatic imine molecule 1 (X=H) / trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). In the 'switch on' state, it was supposed that the aromatic imine molecule 1 is in the cavity of macrocycle L and a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the nitrogen of azacrown part to the anthryl group is inhibited by the interaction between the aromatic imine molecule 1 and the azacrown part of macrocycle L. In the 'switch off' state, it was supposed that the protonated imine molecule 1 is induced by the continuous addition of TFA and a repulsion between the protonated azacrown part and the protonated imine molecule 1 is occurred. It was considered that this process induces the intermolecular PET from the protonated imine molecule 1 to the anthryl group of macrocycle L because of a proximity effect between the anthryl group and the protonated imine molecule 1. From the investigation of the transient emission decay curve, the macrocycle L showed three components (3.45 ns (79.72%), 0.61 ns (14.53%), and 0.10 ns (5.75%). When the imine molecule 1 was added in the macrocycle L as molar ratio=1:1, the first main component showed a little longer lifetime as 3.68 ns (82.75%) although the other two components were similar as 0.64 ns (14.28%) and 0.08 ns (2.96%). On the contrary, when the imine molecule 3 (X=C1) was added in the macrocycle L as molar ratio=l:1, all the three components were decreased such as 3.27 ns (69.83%), 0.44 ns (13.24%), and 0.06 ns (16.93%). The fluorescent pH titration of macrocycle L was carried out from pH=3 to pH=9. The macrocycle L and C $U^{2+}$- macrocycle L complex were intersected at about pH=5, while the E $u^{3+}$ -macrocycle L complex was intersected at about pH=5.5. In addtion, we investigated the fluorescence change of macrocycle L as a function of the substituent constant ($\sigma$$_{p}$$^{o}$) showing in the para-substituent with electron withdrawing groups (X=F, Cl) and electron donating groups (X=C $H_3$, OC $H_3$, N(C $H_3$)$_2$), respectively, as well as non-substituent (X=H).).ctively, as well as non-substituent (X=H).

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• 제44권2호
• /
• pp.142-148
• /
• 2017

Drought stress is one of the important factors that restrict the expansion of Hevea brasiliensis cultivation to non-traditional regions experiencing extreme weather conditions. Plants respond to drought stress by triggering expression of several drought responsive genes including transcription factors which in turn trigger expression of various downstream signalling pathways and adaptive networks. Expression of such drought responsive genes may revert back to their original level upon re-watering. However, no reports are available on such phenomenon in Hevea and hence, this study was initiated. For this purpose, NAC transcription factor (NAC tf) was chosen as candidate gene. Its expression levels were monitored under intermittent drought as well as irrigated conditions in two clones (RRII 105 and RRIM 600) of H. brasiliensis with contrasting tolerance level. Copy number of NAC tf was found similar in both the clones. Expression of NAC tf was found highly up-regulated in RRIM 600 (a relatively drought tolerant clone) than in RRII 105 (a relatively drought susceptible clone) throughout the drought incidences which upon re-watering, reached back to its original levels in both the clones. The study indicated the existence of an association between expression of NAC tf and drought tolerance trait exhibited by the tolerant clone RRIM 600. The study also proves the influence of drought and re-watering on the leaf photosynthesis and expression of NAC tf in H. brasiliensis.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• 제26권3호
• /
• pp.177-183
• /
• 2010

This study was performed to examine whether elevated activity of cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) attenuates the detrimental effects of acute gamma ($\gamma$)-irradiation on hippocampal neurogenesis and related functions. C57BL/6 male mice were treated with rolipram (1.25 mg/kg, i.p., twice a day for 5 consecutive days) to activate the cAMP/CREB pathway against cranial irradiation (2 Gy), and were euthanized at 24 h post-irradiation. Exposure to $\gamma$-rays decreased both CREB phosphorylation and immunohistochemical markers for neurogenesis, including Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX), in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). However, the rolipram treatment protected from $\gamma$-irradiation-induced decreases of CREB phosphorylation, and Ki-67 and DCX immunoreactivity in the hippocampal DG. In an object recognition memory test, mice trained 24 h after acute $\gamma$-irradiation (2 Gy) showed significant memory impairment, which was attenuated by rolipram treatment. The results suggest that activation of CREB signaling ameliorates the detrimental effects of acute $\gamma$-irradiation on hippocampal neurogenesis and related functions in adult mice.

• 대한본초학회지
• /
• 제24권2호
• /
• pp.93-98
• /
• 2009

Objectives : Previously we reported that the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) increased sperm count and motility. also induced spermatogenesis via cAMP-responsive element modulator(CREM) activation in rat testes. In this study, for the first step of spermatogenesis in germ cell lines, the antioxidant activity of Panax ginseng were examined in mouse GC-1 spermatogonia cells. Methods : The extract was studied on diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, GC-1 cell viability by a modified MIT assay. H202-induced cytotoxicity by MIT assay and lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. respectively. Results: The results showed that the extract scavenged DPPH radical with the IC50 being 0.631 mg/mi. The extract at concentrations of 5, and 10, 50, 100, 250 ${\mu}$g/mi increased GC-1 cell viability significantly(p < 0.05, and p < O.O1). Hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity (73.8%, p < O.O1) was blocked by the extract at concentrations of 50, and 100, 250, 500 ${\mu}$g/ml significantly (p < 0.05, and p < O.O1). The extract at concentrations of 10. and 50 ${\mu}$g/ml decreased the MDA formation on hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusions : In conclusion, the extract of Panax ginseng has potent antioxidant activity and increases the survival rate of GC-1 spg cells against $H_20_2$-induced cytotoxicity.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
• /
• 제6권4호
• /
• pp.205-212
• /
• 2001

One of the important characteristics of biological systems os their ability to change im-portant properties in response to small environmental signals. The molecular mechanisms that biological molecules utilize to sense and respond provide interesting models for the development of "smart" polymeric biomaterials with biomimetic properties. An important example of this is the protein coat of viruses, which contains peptide units that facilitate the trafficking of the virus into the cell via endocytosis, then out of the endosome into the cytoplasm, and from there into the nucleus, We have designed a family of synthetic polymers whose compositions have been de-signed to mimic specific peptides on viral coats that facilitate endosomal escape. Our biomimetic polymers are responsive to the lowered pH whinin endosomes, leading to distruption of the en-dosomal membrane and release of important biomolecular druges such as DNA, RNA, peptides and proteins to the cytoplasm before they are trafficked to lysosomes and degraded by lysosomal en-zymes. In this article, we review our work on the design, synthesis and action of such smart, pH-sensitive polymers.