Nicholas A. Peppas

Bio: Nicholas A. Peppas is an academic researcher from University of Texas at Austin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Self-healing hydrogels & Drug delivery. The author has an hindex of 141, co-authored 825 publications receiving 90533 citations. Previous affiliations of Nicholas A. Peppas include National Technical University & University of Texas System.

Transport of ionizable drugs and proteins in crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) and poly(acrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels. I. Polymer characterization

Abstract: SYNOPSIS The purpose of this investigation was to define the polymer structure and elucidate the swelling behavior of ionizable hydrophilic polymers (hydrogels) in water and buffered media. Poly(acry1ic acid) (PAA) and poly(acry1ic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [P(AA-coHEMA)] hydrogels were synthesized with varying degrees of hydrophilicity and crosslinking and were designed as potential bioadhesive controlled-release dosage forms. The thermal initiation procedure employed during polymerization was optimized to eliminate unreacted residuals. Equilibrium and dynamic swelling studies were undertaken to determine the polymer mesh size and molecular weight between crosslinks of the hydrogels in the ionized and nonionized states. The PAA hydrogel mesh sizes ranged from 100 to 400 8, over pH values of 3-7, whereas the P(AA-co-HEMA) hydrogel mesh sizes were between 13 and 140 A. These results demonstrated the significance of the swelling medium pH on the hydrated state of the polymers relative to crosslinking or copolymerization composition. 0 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Use of ATR-FTIR to study interdiffusion in polystyrene and poly(vinyl methyl ether)

Abstract: ATR-FTIR was used to measure interdiffusion in a polystyrene (PS) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) compatible pair below and above the glass transition of PS. At 105°C, corresponding to 5°C above the glass transition of PS, the interdiffusion coefficient was of the order of 1.1x10 -12 cm 2 /s. Interdiffusion was not dominated by either component and it was controlled by the rate of swelling of PS by PVME. At 85°C, the interdiffusion was not-Fickian and time-dependent. A combination of the Fickian and case II models was used to fit the data at 85°C as well as the data at 105°C

Release behavior of bioactive agents from pH-sensitive hydrogels.

Abstract: Controlled release systems of theophylline, proxyphylline and oxprenolol.HCl exhibiting modulated drug delivery were prepared by using pH-sensitive anionic copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Drug release studies were carried out in simulated biological fluids. The initial drug release rates and the drug release mechanisms were dependent upon the pH and ionic strength of the buffer solution as well as its salt composition. Initial drug diffusion coefficients in these swelling-controlled release systems were calculated from the release curves; they were of the order of 10(-7) cm2/s and were dependent upon the degree of swelling. The drug release mechanism was non-Fickian in all the dissolution media studied. Lowest release rates were observed for drug release from nonionized polymer networks in agreement with the relationship between ionization, swelling and drug release.

Tuning the biomimetic behavior of scaffolds for regenerative medicine through surface modifications

Abstract: Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine rely extensively on biomaterial scaffolds to support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation physically and chemically in vitro and in vivo. Changes to the surface characteristics of the scaffolds have the greatest impact on cell response. Here, we discuss five dominant surface modification approaches used to biomimetically improve the most common scaffolds for tissue engineering, those based on aliphatic polyesters. Scaffolds of aliphatic polyesters such as poly(l-lactic acid), poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid), and poly(e-caprolactone) are often used in tissue engineering because they provide desirable, tunable properties such as ease of manufacturing, good mechanical properties, and nontoxic degradation products. However, cell-surface interactions necessary for tissue engineering are limited on these materials by their smooth postfabrication surfaces, hydrophobicity, and lack of recognizable biochemical binding sites. The surface modification techniques that have been developed for synthetic polymer scaffolds reduce initial barriers to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Topographical modification, protein adsorption, mineral coating, functional group incorporation, and biomacromolecule immobilization each contribute through varying mechanisms to improving cell interactions with aliphatic polyester scaffolds. Furthermore, rational combination of methods from these categories can provide nuanced, specific environments for targeted tissue development.

疟原虫var基因转换速率变化导致抗原变异[英]／Paul H, Robert P, Christodoulou Z, et al//Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Abstract: 抗原变异可使得多种致病微生物易于逃避宿主免疫应答。表达在感染红细胞表面的恶性疟原虫红细胞表面蛋白1（PfPMP1）与感染红细胞、内皮细胞、树突状细胞以及胎盘的单个或多个受体作用，在黏附及免疫逃避中起关键的作用。每个单倍体基因组var基因家族编码约60种成员，通过启动转录不同的var基因变异体为抗原变异提供了分子基础。

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Abstract: THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Abstract: The 11th edition of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine welcomes Anthony Fauci to its editorial staff, in addition to more than 85 new contributors. While the organization of the book is similar to previous editions, major emphasis has been placed on disorders that affect multiple organ systems. Important advances in genetics, immunology, and oncology are emphasized. Many chapters of the book have been rewritten and describe major advances in internal medicine. Subjects that received only a paragraph or two of attention in previous editions are now covered in entire chapters. Among the chapters that have been extensively revised are the chapters on infections in the compromised host, on skin rashes in infections, on many of the viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, on sexually transmitted diseases, on diabetes mellitus, on disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, and on lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. The major revisions in these chapters and many

Understanding biophysicochemical interactions at the nano–bio interface

Abstract: Rapid growth in nanotechnology is increasing the likelihood of engineered nanomaterials coming into contact with humans and the environment. Nanoparticles interacting with proteins, membranes, cells, DNA and organelles establish a series of nanoparticle/biological interfaces that depend on colloidal forces as well as dynamic biophysicochemical interactions. These interactions lead to the formation of protein coronas, particle wrapping, intracellular uptake and biocatalytic processes that could have biocompatible or bioadverse outcomes. For their part, the biomolecules may induce phase transformations, free energy releases, restructuring and dissolution at the nanomaterial surface. Probing these various interfaces allows the development of predictive relationships between structure and activity that are determined by nanomaterial properties such as size, shape, surface chemistry, roughness and surface coatings. This knowledge is important from the perspective of safe use of nanomaterials.