Sharif Digital Repository

This study aims to design photo-triggered micelles by using a natural base polymer. Chitosan was functionalized with thiourea, and in the next step, it was modified by grafting poly(L-lactide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(acrylamide) in determined ratio to form thermo-sensitive micelles. The sulfur content of chitosan@thiourea was measured about 2%. Grafting of polymers on chitosan was characterized by FT-IR and NMR techniques. The critical micellar concentration was measured by using photo luminescence spectroscopy. The size and surface morphology experiments revealed that average size of micelles is about 14 nm, and the length and width of GNRs are about 65 and 19 nm,... 

We have synthesized CdS nanocrystals (NCs) by a microwave activated method. CdSO4 and Na2S2O3 were used as the precursors and thioglycolic acid (TGA) was used as capping agent molecule. The aqueous synthesis was based on the heat sensitivity of Na2S 2O3. In this method, microwave irradiation creates the activation energy for dissociation of Na2S2O3 and leads to the CdS NCs formation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses demonstrated hexagonal phase CdS NCs with an average size around 3 nm for sample prepared at 5 min irradiation time. A band gap range of 3.38-2.89 eV was possible only by increasing the microwave irradiation time, corresponding to a... 

In this work we report a fast two-step microwave activated synthesis of the ZnS:Mn nanocrystals. Zn(NO3)2 and Na2S 2O3 were used as the precursors and Mn(NO 3)2 was employed as the source of the impurity. The aqueous synthesis was based on the heat sensitivity of Na2S 2O3, which releases some S species on heating. Consequently, the reaction was well activated under microwave irradiation resulting in formation of ZnS:Mn nanocrystals. Thioglycerol (TG) was also used as the capping agent and the catalyst of the reaction. The synthesis process was done in two steps, i.e. 1 min irradiation without TG and then injection of TG and continuation of irradiation. ZnS:Mn nanocrystals were quickly formed... 

To enhance physicomechanical properties and bioactivity of fibrous membranes for wound dressing and tissue engineering applications, novel composite scaffolds consisting of fibrous mats and thermosensitive hydrogel particles were prepared by concurrent electrospinning and electrospraying technique. The composite scaffolds were composed of keratin/bacterial cellulose fibers (150 ± 43 nm) which are hybridized with hydrogel particles (500 nm to 2 μm) based on nonionic triblock copolymers conjugated with Tragacanth gum (TG). FTIR and H-NMR studies indicated ester reactions between carboxylated copolymers and TG through carbodiimide crosslinker chemistry. The hydrogel particles were uniformly... 

In this work we report a new thermochemical method for the synthesis of ZnS:Mn nanocrystals. Zn(NO3)2 and Na2S 2O3 were used as the precursors and Mn(NO 3)2 was the source of impurity. Thioglycerol (TG,C 3H8O2S) was also used as the capping agent and the catalyst of the reaction. Na2S2O3 is a heat sensitive material which releases S species upon heating. Consequently, the reaction proceeds in temperatures higher than room temperature. The reaction was done in two steps. In the first step, the precursors were heated at 96 °C for an hour without TG. In the second step, TG was injected to the solution and the heating process was continued for longer heating durations. A fast growth occurred in... 

There are limitations in current medications of articular cartilage injuries. Although injectable bioactive hydrogels are promising options, they have decreased biomechanical performance. Researchers should consider many factors when providing solutions to overcome these challenges. In this study, we created an injectable composite hydrogel from chitosan and human acellular cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) particles. In order to enhance its mechanical properties, we reinforced this hydrogel with microporous microspheres composed of the same materials as the structural building blocks of the scaffold. Articular cartilage from human donors was decellularized by a combination of physical,... 

Fully supramolecular dendrosomes (FSD) as bi-phase drug delivery systems are reported in this work. For preparation of FSD, amphiphilic linear-dendritic supramolecular systems (ALDSS) have been synthesized by host-guest interactions between hyperbranched polyglycerol having β-cyclodextrin core and bi-chain polycaprolactone (BPCL) with a fluorescine focal point. Self-assembly of ALDSS in aqueous solutions led to FSD. They were able to encapsulate paclitaxel with a high loading capacity. The dendrosome-based drug delivery systems were highly sensitive to pH and temperature. They were stable at 20-37. °C and pH7-8, but dissociated and released drug at temperatures lower than 20. °C or higher... 

Limited regeneration capacity of cartilage can be addressed by tissue engineering approaches including localized delivery of bioactive agents using biomaterials. Although chitosan hydrogels have been considered as appropriate candidates for these purposes, however, their poor mechanical properties limit their real applications. Here, we develop in situ forming chitosan hydrogels with enhanced shear modulus by chemical modification of chitosan using N-(β-maleimidopropyloxy) succinimide ester (BMPS). Moreover, we utilize β-Glycerophosphate (β-GP) in the hydrogels for achieving thermosensitivity. We investigate the effects of BMPS, β-GP and chitosan concentration on rheological and swelling...