University of Patras

About: University of Patras is a education organization based out in Pátrai, Greece. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 13372 authors who have published 31263 publications receiving 677159 citations. The organization is also known as: Panepistímio Patrón.

Sol–gel preparation of mesoporous photocatalytic TiO2 films and TiO2/Al2O3 composite membranes for environmental applications

Abstract: This study describes the application of novel chemistry methods for the fabrication of robust nanostructured titanium oxide (TiO2) photocatalysts. Such materials can be applied in the development of efficient photocatalytic systems for the treatment of water. Mesoporous photocatalytic TiO2 films and membranes were synthesized via a simple synthesis method that involves dip-coating of appropriate substrates into an organic/inorganic sol composed of isopropanol, acetic acid, titanium tetraisopropoxide, and polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate surfactant (Tween 80) followed by calcination of the coating at 500 8C. Controlled hydrolysis and condensation reactions were achieved through in-taking of water molecules released from the esterification reaction of acetic acid with isopropanol. The subsequent stable incorporation of Ti–O–Ti network onto self-assembled surfactants resulted in TiO2 photocatalysts with enhanced structural and catalytic properties. The properties included high surface area (147 m 2 /g) and porosity (46%), narrow pore size distribution ranging from 2 to 8 nm, homogeneity without cracks and pinholes, active anatase crystal phase, and small crystallite size (9 nm). These TiO2 photocatalysts were highly efficient for the destruction of methylene blue and creatinine in water. High water permeability and sharp polyethylene glycol retention of the prepared photocatalytic TiO2/Al2O3 composite membranes evidenced the good structural properties of TiO2 films. In addition, the multi-coating procedure made it possible to effectively control the physical properties of TiO2 layer such as the coating thickness, amount of TiO2, photocatalytic activity, water permeability and organic retention. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Glycosaminoglycans: key players in cancer cell biology and treatment

Abstract: Glycosaminoglycans are natural heteropolysaccharides that are present in every mammalian tissue. They are composed of repeating disaccharide units that consist of either sulfated or non-sulfated monosaccharides. Their molecular size and the sulfation type vary depending on the tissue, and their state either as part of proteoglycan or as free chains. In this regard, glycosaminoglycans play important roles in physiological and pathological conditions. During recent years, cell biology studies have revealed that glycosaminoglycans are among the key macromolecules that affect cell properties and functions, acting directly on cell receptors or via interactions with growth factors. The accumulated knowledge regarding the altered structure of glycosaminoglycans in several diseases indicates their importance as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and progression, as well as pharmacological targets. This review summarizes how the fine structural characteristics of glycosaminoglycans, and enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, are involved in cell signaling, cell function and cancer progression. Prospects for glycosaminoglycan-based therapeutic targeting in cancer are also discussed.