Search Results (29)
Investigating the early molecular events following exposure of lung cells to nanoparticles using advanced optical microscopies
The potential toxicity of nanoparticles in our environment and consumer products is currently determined by costly and timely animal-based testing, which limits the rate of nanoparticle testing, causing a desperate need for alternative testing strategies. A promising alternative – mechanism-based prediction – employs a set of high-throughput cell-based tests that …
The role of cystatin C in inflammatory response
Innate immune system acts as the first line of defence to protect the host against pathogens. The regulation of immune system and inflammatory response is crucial since dysregulated or sustained inflammation leads to pathological conditions, septic shock and tissue damage. Macrophages are innate immune cells that sense pathogens with pattern …
Time-efficient method for monitoring electrochemical energy conversion systems
According to the EU’s Green Deal plan, one of the main objectives for the EU is to become a net-zero greenhouse emission society by 2050. Achieving this goal requires advancements across many areas ranging from energy production, conversion, distribution and energy storage where the key role is taken by the …
Development of methods for electrostatic immobilization and coupling different microbial cells
Naturally formed microbial communities are present in the form of cellular aggregates that create a set of diverse biochemical pathways through cross-feeding between the members of the microbial community. One of the most important factors so that some biochemical reactions can occur is the appropriate spatial placement of a particular …
In silico approaches to understand and predict the ligand-binding interactions of the human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) membrane transporter
The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is responsible for the elimination of a wide variety of substances from the cell, thus it is thought to play an important role in detoxification functions. The P-gp also affects the ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity in pharmacokinetics) properties of drugs. It is involved in …
Low-temperature sintering of piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics
The KNN solid solution was prepared from pre-synthesized binary compounds of, sodium and potassium niobate in a 1/1 molar ratio. The KNG sintering aid was prepared by homogenizing the pre-reacted binary mixtures of alkaline reagents and germanium oxide with the Na/Ge = 1/1 and K/Ge = 1/1 molar ratios. The …
Role and significance of cysteine cathepsins in TRAIL induced apoptosis
Apoptosis is an innate mechanism by which a multicellular organisms eliminates unwanted, damaged and potentially harmful cells. During apoptosis inflammation of the surrounding tissues is prevented. Defects in an apoptotic signaling can lead to numerous pathological conditions. Apoptosis is mediated through two main pathways, the extrinsic or the death receptor …
Effect of N-glycosylation on plasma glutamate carboxypeptidase function
Plasma glutamate carboxypeptidase (PGCP) is a metalloproteinase. It is able to hydrolyze dipeptides into free amino acids. The enzyme is involved in the release of hormone thyroxin (T4) from Thyroglobulin (Tg), as suggested by thyroid gland studies. Prediction from the primary structure of human PGCP suggests the presence of five …
Controlled synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles and their application in photovoltaics
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in nanoparticle form has recently gained a lot of attention, in both the scientific and industrial communities. This is due to the fact that it exhibits various interesting chemical and physical characteristics, for example, a high photocatalytic activity and the absorption of incident UV light. Many applications …
Sonochemical synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite/metal-based composite materials for biomedical applications
A new approach for the synthesis of silver (Ag), platinum (Pt) and gold (Au) nanoparticles and their composites with hydroxyapatite (HAp) is developed via a sonochemical process. The major goal was to design physicochemical properties of material in order to achieve: (i) intensive antibacterial activity and (ii) maximal reduction of …