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Browsing Book Chapters by browse.metadata.impactarea "Advanced Functional Materials"
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Item Active nanocomposite films based on low density polyethylene/organically modified layered bouble hydroxides/thyme oil to retain retail shelf life and quality of hass avocados(2020-11) Kesavan Pillai, Sreejarani; Sivakumar, D; Ray, SS; Obianom, P; Eggers, SK; Mhlabeni, TIn this study, the ability of an active film containing volatile bioactives in post-harvest disease control and preservation of quality in avocados is explored as a non-traditional treatment method. Antimicrobial transparent flexible trilayer low density polyethylene (LDPE) films containing organically modified layered double hydroxides (OLDH) and plant bioactive-thyme oil (TO) were made using single step blown film extrusion. Antifungal effects of the packaging in comparison to commercial treatment and untreated control showed considerable reduction in anthracnose disease events in ‘Hass’ cultivar of avocados while improving the fruit quality. 2wt% OLDH loading improved the oxygen and moisture barrier properties while not affecting the transparency of the film. The results suggest that the synergistic effect of barrier and antimicrobial properties of the controlled volatile bioactive release of the nanocomposite film can be utilised as a prospective strategy to modify the headspace gas composition to combat anthracnose disease in avocados.Item Metal oxide nanocomposites for adsorption and photoelectrochemical degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in aqueous solution(Springer, 2020-04) Mdlalose, Lindani M; Chauke, Vongani P; Nomadolo, Elizabeth N; Msomi, P; Setshedi, Katlego Z; Chimuka, L; Chetty, Ashlen; Ama, OM; Ray, Suprakas SThe global deterioration of water quality which is associated with industrialisation, urbanisation, and a growing population is reaching critical levels and thus needs to be addressed urgently. Common pollutants that are discharged from industries and sewage plants include unknown toxic chemicals, heavy-metals and micro-organisms; these are well known and thoroughly studied. Of growing and great concern to both human and animal health is the new emerging class of pollutants known as endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) or emerging organic compounds (EOCs); these are frequently associated with residues from pharmaceutical industries, i.e. they comprise of common drugs such as antibiotics, medication for chronic illnesses, pain killers. Regrettably, the traditional water purification systems cannot fully remove these pollutants, thus they are found in various water systems in minute concentrations. The danger is in the long run accumulative exposure to humans, animals and the environment. There are several methods that have been developed, reported and used for the removal of these pollutants. Several removal or remediation technologies have been studied and reported for the mineralisation of these emerging organic pollutants and of interest to this work is photocatalysis using light harvesting materials such TiO2 (i.e. semiconductors) and electrochemistry. The drawbacks associated with semiconductors are low quantum yields that emanate from rapid recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes with very low lifetimes. To overcome these drawbacks and to enhance degradation, an electrical external field can be applied across the catalyst or semiconductor to induce special separation of photo-generated electron hole pair to allow a sink for the electrons in a process called photoelectrochemistry. This chapter highlights the reported mineralisation of organic pollutants photoelectrochemistry using semiconductors; it also highlights the efficiency of photoelectrocatalysis when compared with photocatalysis alone.Item Nanomedicines for the treatment of infectious diseases: Formulation, delivery and commercialization aspects(Routledge (Taylor & Francis), 2021-03) Dube, A; Semete-Makokotlela, Boitumelo; Ramalapa, Bathabile E; Reynolds, J; Boury, F; Glover, RL; Nyanganyura, D; Mufamadi, MS; Mulaudzi, RBThe increasing prevalence of drug resistant pathogenic strains, including multi drug resistant TB along with the growing HIV and malaria resistance demand new routes of innovation for pharmaceutical drug discovery. Nanomedicine provides the opportunity to develop therapies for infectious diseases with reduced drug dosage and dose frequencies and shortened treatment duration. These combined strategies may lead to an increase in patient compliance with the goal of improving treatment outcomes and reducing occurrences of drug resistance. With these exciting opportunities, due attention has been given to the clinical translation of nanomedicines for infectious diseases applications. Examples are presented that demonstrate how nanomedicine strategies can enable the development of a wide range of therapeutic solutions to curb the rise of the infectious disease epidemic. The chapter also discusses the models for development and commercialization of medicines for infectious diseases, and presents considerations for commercialization of nanomedicines for infectious diseases.Item Polymer-based protein delivery systems for loco-regional administration(Taylor & Francis, 2021-03) Garcion, E; Ramalapa, Bathabile; Buchtova, N; Toullec, C; Aucamp, M; Le Bideau, J; Hindré, F; Dube, A; Alvarez-Lorenzo, C; Mansor, MH; Glover, RLK; Nyanganyura, D; Mufamadi, MS; Mulaudzi, RBWith the advent of recombinant technology, a wide variety of biocompatible therapeutic proteins can be produced with relative ease. These proteins are formulated and subsequently administered in patients to treat various of diseases in a more effective and targeted manner. At the level of formulation development, protein molecules can be physically and/or chemically-conjugated to a wide array of naturally-occurring, semi-synthetic and synthetic biomaterials to form different types of protein delivery systems. Depending on their architecture and the extent of protein-scaffold interactions, these delivery systems can modify the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the proteins. The versatility of polymer-based protein delivery systems such as micro/nanoparticles, hydrogels, porous scaffolds and fibrous scaffolds means it is possible to alter the spatial distribution of the protein load within the system as well as the protein release kinetics. These can then influence the ability of the protein molecules to exert their effects in their immediate microenvironments, be it to kill cancer cells or to recruit stem/progenitor cells. In this Chapter we discuss the production of protein therapeutics and the application of polymer-based biodegradable delivery systems for these proteins which include nanoparticles and scaffolds. We also include discussion of 'green synthesis' methods for production of these delivery systems.