Neil R. Cameron

Bio: Neil R. Cameron is an academic researcher from Monash University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Polymerization & Polymer. The author has an hindex of 55, co-authored 171 publications receiving 10146 citations. Previous affiliations of Neil R. Cameron include Technische Universität München & University of Warwick.

Recent advances in 2D and 3D in vitro systems using primary hepatocytes, alternative hepatocyte sources and non-parenchymal liver cells and their use in investigating mechanisms of hepatotoxicity, cell signaling and ADME.

Abstract: This review encompasses the most important advances in liver functions and hepatotoxicity and analyzes which mechanisms can be studied in vitro. In a complex architecture of nested, zonated lobules, the liver consists of approximately 80 % hepatocytes and 20 % non-parenchymal cells, the latter being involved in a secondary phase that may dramatically aggravate the initial damage. Hepatotoxicity, as well as hepatic metabolism, is controlled by a set of nuclear receptors (including PXR, CAR, HNF-4α, FXR, LXR, SHP, VDR and PPAR) and signaling pathways. When isolating liver cells, some pathways are activated, e.g., the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway, whereas others are silenced (e.g. HNF-4α), resulting in up- and downregulation of hundreds of genes. An understanding of these changes is crucial for a correct interpretation of in vitro data. The possibilities and limitations of the most useful liver in vitro systems are summarized, including three-dimensional culture techniques, co-cultures with non-parenchymal cells, hepatospheres, precision cut liver slices and the isolated perfused liver. Also discussed is how closely hepatoma, stem cell and iPS cell-derived hepatocyte-like-cells resemble real hepatocytes. Finally, a summary is given of the state of the art of liver in vitro and mathematical modeling systems that are currently used in the pharmaceutical industry with an emphasis on drug metabolism, prediction of clearance, drug interaction, transporter studies and hepatotoxicity. One key message is that despite our enthusiasm for in vitro systems, we must never lose sight of the in vivo situation. Although hepatocytes have been isolated for decades, the hunt for relevant alternative systems has only just begun.

Lectins: tools for the molecular understanding of the glycocode

Abstract: Recent progress in glycobiology has revealed that cell surface oligosaccharides play an essential role in recognition events. More precisely, these saccharides may be complexed by lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins other than enzymes and antibodies, able to recognise sugars in a highly specific manner. The ubiquity of lectin–carbohydrate interactions opens enormous potential for their exploitation in medicine. Therefore, extraordinary effort is made into the identification of new lectins as well as into the achievement of a deep understanding of their functions and of the precise mechanism of their association with specific ligands. In this review, a summary of the main features of lectins, particularly those found in legumes, will be presented with a focus on the mechanism of carbohydrate-binding. An overview of lectin–carbohydrate interactions will also be given, together with an insight into their energetics. In addition, therapeutic applications of lectins will be discussed.

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) — Structure, properties and use in polymer preparation

Abstract: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are concentrated systems possessing a large volume of internal, or dispersed phase. The volume fraction is above 0.74, resulting in deformation of the dispersed phase droplets into polyhedra, which are separated by thin films of continuous phase. Their structure, which is analogous to a conventional gas-liquid foam of low liquid content, gives rise to a number of peculiar and fascinating properties including high viscosities and viscoelastic rheological behaviour. Like dilute emulsions, HIPEs are both kinetically and thermodynamically unstable; nevertheless, it is possible to prepare metastable systems which show no change in properties or appearance over long periods of time.

Functional Porous Polymers by Emulsion Templating: Recent Advances

Abstract: Porous materials are currently of great scientific as well as technological interest. A strategy that is increasingly employed to prepare highly porous and well defined macroporous polymers is emulsion templating, whereby the droplets of a high internal phase emulsion are used to create pores in a solid material by curing or polymerization of the emulsion continuous phase. This Feature Article covers recent work in this area, focusing on: the preparation of such materials from new precursors and via novel approaches; the chemical modification of existing materials; and the application of the resulting porous structures in diverse areas of science and technology.

I and i

Abstract: There is, I think, something ethereal about i —the square root of minus one. I remember first hearing about it at school. It seemed an odd beast at that time—an intruder hovering on the edge of reality. Usually familiarity dulls this sense of the bizarre, but in the case of i it was the reverse: over the years the sense of its surreal nature intensified. It seemed that it was impossible to write mathematics that described the real world in …

Biomedical Applications of Biodegradable Polymers

Abstract: Utilization of polymers as biomaterials has greatly impacted the advancement of modern medicine. Specifically, polymeric biomaterials that are biodegradable provide the significant advantage of being able to be broken down and removed after they have served their function. Applications are wide ranging with degradable polymers being used clinically as surgical sutures and implants. In order to fit functional demand, materials with desired physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties must be selected. Fortunately, a wide range of natural and synthetic degradable polymers has been investigated for biomedical applications with novel materials constantly being developed to meet new challenges. This review summarizes the most recent advances in the field over the past 4 years, specifically highlighting new and interesting discoveries in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.