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  1. Article: Glass Microdroplet Generator for Lipid-Based Double Emulsion Production.

    Zizzari, Alessandra / Arima, Valentina

    Micromachines

    2024  Volume 15, Issue 4

    Abstract: Microfluidics offers a highly controlled and reproducible route to synthesize lipid vesicles. In recent years, several microfluidic approaches have been introduced for this purpose, but double emulsions, such as Water-in-Oil-in-Water (W/O/W) droplets, ... ...

    Abstract Microfluidics offers a highly controlled and reproducible route to synthesize lipid vesicles. In recent years, several microfluidic approaches have been introduced for this purpose, but double emulsions, such as Water-in-Oil-in-Water (W/O/W) droplets, are preferable to produce giant vesicles that are able to maximize material encapsulation. Flow focusing (FF) is a technique used to generate double emulsion droplets with high monodispersity, a controllable size, and good robustness. Many researchers use polydimethylsiloxane as a substrate material to fabricate microdroplet generators, but it has some limitations due to its hydrophobicity, incompatibility with organic solvents, and the molecular adsorption on the microchannel walls. Thus, specific surface modification and functionalization steps, which are uncomfortable to perform in closed microchannels, are required to overcome these shortcomings. Here, we propose glass as a material to produce a chip with a six-inlet junction geometry. The peculiar geometry and the glass physicochemical properties allow for W/O/W droplet formation without introducing microchannel wall functionalization and using a variety of reagents and organic solvents. The robust glass chip can be easily cleaned and used repeatedly, bringing advantages in terms of cost and reproducibility in emulsion preparation.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-05
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2620864-7
    ISSN 2072-666X
    ISSN 2072-666X
    DOI 10.3390/mi15040500
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Catalase Detection via Membrane-Based Pressure Sensors.

    Bianco, Monica / Zizzari, Alessandra / Perrone, Elisabetta / Mangiullo, Diego / Mazzeo, Marco / Viola, Ilenia / Arima, Valentina

    Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

    2024  Volume 29, Issue 7

    Abstract: Membrane-based sensors (MePSs) exhibit remarkable precision and sensitivity in detecting pressure changes. MePSs are commonly used to monitor catalytic reactions in solution, generating gas products crucial for signal amplification in bioassays. They ... ...

    Abstract Membrane-based sensors (MePSs) exhibit remarkable precision and sensitivity in detecting pressure changes. MePSs are commonly used to monitor catalytic reactions in solution, generating gas products crucial for signal amplification in bioassays. They also allow for catalyst quantification by indirectly measuring the pressure generated by the gaseous products. This is particularly interesting for detecting enzymes in biofluids associated with disease onset. To enhance the performance of a MePS, various structural factors influence membrane flexibility and response time, ultimately dictating the device's pressure sensitivity. In this study, we fabricated MePSs using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and investigated how structural modifications affect the Young's modulus (
    MeSH term(s) Catalase ; Membranes ; Biological Assay ; Catalysis ; Elastic Modulus ; Gases
    Chemical Substances Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) ; Gases
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-03-28
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1413402-0
    ISSN 1420-3049 ; 1431-5165 ; 1420-3049
    ISSN (online) 1420-3049
    ISSN 1431-5165 ; 1420-3049
    DOI 10.3390/molecules29071506
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article ; Online: Advancements in modelling human blood brain-barrier on a chip.

    Guarino, Vita / Zizzari, Alessandra / Bianco, Monica / Gigli, Giuseppe / Moroni, Lorenzo / Arima, Valentina

    Biofabrication

    2023  Volume 15, Issue 2

    Abstract: The human Blood Brain Barrier (hBBB) is a complex cellular architecture separating the blood from the brain parenchyma. Its integrity and perfect functionality are essential for preventing neurotoxic plasma components and pathogens enter the brain. ... ...

    Abstract The human Blood Brain Barrier (hBBB) is a complex cellular architecture separating the blood from the brain parenchyma. Its integrity and perfect functionality are essential for preventing neurotoxic plasma components and pathogens enter the brain. Although vital for preserving the correct brain activity, the low permeability of hBBB represents a huge impediment to treat mental and neurological disorders or to address brain tumors. Indeed, the vast majority of potential drug treatments are unable to reach the brain crossing the hBBB. On the other hand, hBBB integrity can be damaged or its permeability increase as a result of infections or in presence of neurodegenerative diseases. Current
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Brain ; Microfluidics ; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-02-14
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Review ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2500944-8
    ISSN 1758-5090 ; 1758-5082
    ISSN (online) 1758-5090
    ISSN 1758-5082
    DOI 10.1088/1758-5090/acb571
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: A microfluidic method for passive trapping of sperms in microstructures.

    Nath, Binita / Caprini, Lorenzo / Maggi, Claudio / Zizzari, Alessandra / Arima, Valentina / Viola, Ilenia / Di Leonardo, Roberto / Puglisi, Andrea

    Lab on a chip

    2023  Volume 23, Issue 4, Page(s) 773–784

    Abstract: Sperm motility is a prerequisite for male fertility. Enhancing the concentration of motile sperms in assisted reproductive technologies - for human and animal reproduction - is typically achieved through aggressive methods such as centrifugation. Here, ... ...

    Abstract Sperm motility is a prerequisite for male fertility. Enhancing the concentration of motile sperms in assisted reproductive technologies - for human and animal reproduction - is typically achieved through aggressive methods such as centrifugation. Here, we propose a passive technique for the amplification of motile sperm concentration, with no externally imposed forces or flows. The technique is based on the disparity between probability rates, for motile cells, of entering and escaping from complex structures. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated in microfluidic experiments with microstructured devices, comparing the trapping power in different geometries. In these micro-traps, we observe an enhancement of cells' concentration close to 10, with a contrast between motile and non-motile cells increased by a similar factor. Simulations of suitable interacting model sperms in realistic geometries reproduce quantitatively the experimental results, extend the range of observations and highlight the components that are key to the optimal trap design.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Male ; Humans ; Sperm Motility ; Microfluidics ; Semen ; Spermatozoa ; Centrifugation, Density Gradient
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-02-14
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2056646-3
    ISSN 1473-0189 ; 1473-0197
    ISSN (online) 1473-0189
    ISSN 1473-0197
    DOI 10.1039/d2lc00997h
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article: Polymeric Membranes Doped with Halloysite Nanotubes Imaged using Proton Microbeam Microscopy.

    Vasco, Giovanna / Arima, Valentina / Boudjelida, Soufiane / Carraro, Mauro / Bianco, Monica / Zizzari, Alessandra / Perrone, Elisabetta / Galiano, Francesco / Figoli, Alberto / Cesaria, Maura

    Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)

    2023  Volume 13, Issue 22

    Abstract: Polymeric membranes are useful tools for water filtration processes, with their performance strongly dependent on the presence of hydrophilic dopants. In this study, polyaniline (PANI)-capped aluminosilicate (halloysite) nanotubes (HNTs) are dispersed ... ...

    Abstract Polymeric membranes are useful tools for water filtration processes, with their performance strongly dependent on the presence of hydrophilic dopants. In this study, polyaniline (PANI)-capped aluminosilicate (halloysite) nanotubes (HNTs) are dispersed into polyether sulfone (PES), with concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 wt%, to modify the properties of the PES membrane. Both undoped and HNT-doped PES membranes are investigated in terms of wettability (static and time-dependent contact angle), permeance, mechanical resistance, and morphology (using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)). The higher water permeance observed for the PES membranes incorporating PANI-capped HNTs is, finally, assessed and discussed vis-à-vis the real distribution of HNTs. Indeed, the imaging and characterization in terms of composition, spatial arrangement, and counting of HNTs embedded within the polymeric matrix are demonstrated using non-destructive Micro Particle Induced X-ray Emission (µ-PIXE) and Scanning Transmission Ion Microscopy (STIM) techniques. This approach not only exhibits the unique ability to detect/highlight the distribution of HNTs incorporated throughout the whole thickness of polymer membranes and provide volumetric morphological information consistent with SEM imaging, but also overcomes the limits of the most common analytical techniques exploiting electron probes. These aspects are comprehensively discussed in terms of practical analysis advantages.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-11-18
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2662255-5
    ISSN 2079-4991
    ISSN 2079-4991
    DOI 10.3390/nano13222970
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: Sunset Yellow Confined in Curved Geometry: A Microfluidic Approach.

    Tone, Caterina Maria / Zizzari, Alessandra / Spina, Lorenza / Bianco, Monica / De Santo, Maria Penelope / Arima, Valentina / Barberi, Riccardo Cristoforo / Ciuchi, Federica

    Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids

    2023  Volume 39, Issue 17, Page(s) 6134–6141

    Abstract: The behavior of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) in confined environments is an interesting research field that still awaits exploration, with multiple key variables to be uncovered and understood. Microfluidics is a highly versatile technique ...

    Abstract The behavior of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) in confined environments is an interesting research field that still awaits exploration, with multiple key variables to be uncovered and understood. Microfluidics is a highly versatile technique that allows us to confine LCLCs in micrometric spheres. As microscale networks offer distinct interplays between the surface effects, geometric confinement, and viscosity parameters, rich and unique interactions emerging at the LCLC-microfluidic channel interfaces are expected. Here, we report on the behavior of pure and chiral doped nematic Sunset Yellow (SSY) chromonic microdroplets produced through a microfluidic flow-focusing device. The continuous production of SSY microdroplets with controllable size gives the possibility to systematically study their topological textures as the function of their diameters. Indeed, doped SSY microdroplets produced via microfluidics, show topologies that are typical of common chiral thermotropic liquid crystals. Furthermore, few droplets exhibit a peculiar texture never observed for chiral chromonic liquid crystals. Finally, the achieved precise control of the produced LCLC microdroplets is a crucial step for technological applications in biosensing and anticounterfeiting.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-04-18
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2005937-1
    ISSN 1520-5827 ; 0743-7463
    ISSN (online) 1520-5827
    ISSN 0743-7463
    DOI 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00275
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  7. Article: Environmentally Friendly Method of Assembly of Cardanol and Cholesterol into Nanostructures Using a Continuous Flow Microfluidic Device

    Zizzari, Alessandra / Bloise, Ermelinda / Perrone, Elisabetta / Perinelli, Diego Romano / Schmutz, Marc / Arima, Valentina / Mele, Giuseppe / Carbone, Luigi

    ACS sustainable chemistry & engineering. 2022 June 01, v. 10, no. 26

    2022  

    Abstract: This study shows a viable and straightforward microfluidic method of assembly of cardanol (CA) and cholesterol (CH) into amphiphile nanostructures obtained through a hydrodynamic focusing approach according to which an alcoholic solution of CA and CH is ... ...

    Abstract This study shows a viable and straightforward microfluidic method of assembly of cardanol (CA) and cholesterol (CH) into amphiphile nanostructures obtained through a hydrodynamic focusing approach according to which an alcoholic solution of CA and CH is constrained within a two-dimensional lamina shape by two lateral streams of borate buffer solution. The process is performed within glass-made cross-shaped micro-sized fluidic chips specially designed to achieve a laminar regime. CA, distilled from the cashew nut shell liquid, is demonstrated as a surface-active molecule in borate buffer basic medium and when mixed with CH it produces versatile nanovesicles through an in-batch solvent-free process. Compared to this conventional method, the microfluidic route allows operating under continuous flows, with a reduced amount of reagents and at lower experimental temperatures, ensuring no waste formation and the achievement of size-monodisperse amphiphile nanostructures that do not need further steps of purification. Electron microscopy analyses demonstrate that upon increasing CH in the lipid mixture, a switchover from spherical CA micelles to CA/CH mixed closed vesicles occurs. Differential scanning microcalorimetry confirms the formation of vesicular structures and evidences the primary role of CH, which increasingly lowers the temperature of transition depending on its concentration.
    Keywords borates ; calorimetry ; cashew nuts ; cholesterol ; electron microscopy ; green chemistry ; hulls ; hydrodynamics ; liquids ; micelles ; surfactants ; sustainable technology ; temperature
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2022-0601
    Size p. 8484-8494.
    Publishing place American Chemical Society
    Document type Article
    ISSN 2168-0485
    DOI 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c01554
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  8. Article ; Online: New perspectives in oral peptide delivery.

    Zizzari, Alessandra T / Pliatsika, Dimanthi / Gall, Flavio M / Fischer, Thomas / Riedl, Rainer

    Drug discovery today

    2021  Volume 26, Issue 4, Page(s) 1097–1105

    Abstract: Owing to their structural diversity, peptides are a unique source of innovative active ingredients. However, their development has been challenging because of their disadvantageous pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Over the past decade, many attempts have ...

    Abstract Owing to their structural diversity, peptides are a unique source of innovative active ingredients. However, their development has been challenging because of their disadvantageous pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Over the past decade, many attempts have been made to improve the oral bioavailability of peptide drugs. In this review, we highlight the most recent and promising techniques aimed at the improvement of the oral bioavailability of peptides. The most recent findings will influence future approaches of pharmaceutical companies in the development of new, more efficient, and safer orally delivered peptides.
    MeSH term(s) Administration, Oral ; Biological Availability ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods ; Drug Discovery/trends ; Humans ; Peptides/pharmacokinetics ; Peptides/therapeutic use
    Chemical Substances Peptides
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-01-23
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Review
    ZDB-ID 1324988-5
    ISSN 1878-5832 ; 1359-6446
    ISSN (online) 1878-5832
    ISSN 1359-6446
    DOI 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.020
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  9. Article ; Online: Analogy between periodic patterns in thin smectic liquid crystal films and the intermediate state of superconductors.

    Zappone, Bruno / Mamuk, Atilla Eren / Gryn, Iryna / Arima, Valentina / Zizzari, Alessandra / Bartolino, Roberto / Lacaze, Emmanuelle / Petschek, Rolfe

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

    2020  Volume 117, Issue 30, Page(s) 17643–17649

    Abstract: Spontaneous breaking of symmetry in liquid crystal (LC) films often reveals itself as a microscopic pattern of molecular alignment. In a smectic- ...

    Abstract Spontaneous breaking of symmetry in liquid crystal (LC) films often reveals itself as a microscopic pattern of molecular alignment. In a smectic-
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-07-13
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 209104-5
    ISSN 1091-6490 ; 0027-8424
    ISSN (online) 1091-6490
    ISSN 0027-8424
    DOI 10.1073/pnas.2000849117
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article ; Online: Potential of CO

    Perrone, Elisabetta / Cesaria, Maura / Zizzari, Alessandra / Bianco, Monica / Ferrara, Francesco / Raia, Lillo / Guarino, Vita / Cuscunà, Massimo / Mazzeo, Marco / Gigli, Giuseppe / Moroni, Lorenzo / Arima, Valentina

    Materials today. Bio

    2021  Volume 12, Page(s) 100163

    Abstract: Carbon dioxide ( ... ...

    Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-11-22
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 2590-0064
    ISSN (online) 2590-0064
    DOI 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100163
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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