The high reactivity of cholinesterases (ChEs) toward organophosphorus (OP) compounds has led to propose recombinant ChEs as bioscavengers of nerve agents. The bioscavenging potential of recombinant ChEs can be enhanced by conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) moieties, to extend their circulatory residence. However, the ability of exogenously administered ChEs to confer long-term protection ...

Since elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 is commonly observed in several malignant tumors, MMPs have been widely reported as key factors in the design of drug delivery systems. Several strategies have been proposed to develop MMPs-responsive nanoparticles to deliver chemotherapeutics to malignant solid tumors. A stimuli-responsive drug delivery system, which could...

Mitochondria in cancer cells maintain a more negative membrane potential than normal cells. Mitochondria are the primary source of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are necessary for photodynamic therapy. Thus, the strategy of targeting mitochondria can maximize the photodynamic therapeutic efficiency for cancer. Here we report, for the first time, synthesis of a new mitochondria-ta...

Essential oils (EOs) are technological options that may be employed in natural foods due to their antimicrobial activities. However, restrictions exist when high EOs concentrations are required which, in their turn, affect sensory qualities. Technological alternatives, such as combination of EOs with chelating and dispersing agents, have been proposed in the literature. Current research determi...

Stevia rebaudiana is a sweet herb of the Astraceae family, which is cultivated for the natural sweeteners it contains. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of drought, simulated by the application of polyethylene glycol (5%, 10%, and 15% w/v), on the content of steviol glycosides (SVglys) and transcription levels of six genes involved in the biosynthesis of these natural sweeteners. T...

Experimental solubilities of acetaminophen and ibuprofen in polyethylene glycol 600-water, ethanol-polyethylene glycol 600, and polyethylene glycol 600-water-ethanol mixtures at 25 degrees Celsius are reported. The solubilities of drugs in the presence of ethanol and polyethylene glycol 600 were increased. The Jouyban-Acree model was used to fit the solubility data of each drug in the binary mi...

One of the major obstacles to successful paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy is toxic side effects, which are often due to the conventional surfactants used, such as Cremophor EL. PTX is characterized by its hydrophobicity and insolubility, which limit its application in ovarian cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to develop Cremophor EL-free PTX-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-(lact...

OBJECTIVE The long-term efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in constipated children are unknown, and a head-to-head comparison of the different PEG formulations is lacking. We aimed to investigate noninferiority of PEG3350 with electrolytes (PEG3350 + E) compared to PEG4000 without electrolytes (PEG4000). METHODS In this double-blind trial, children aged 0.5 to 16 years with cons...