| 1. |
- Hober, Sophia, Professor, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Systematic evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 antigens enables a highly specific and sensitive multiplex serological COVID-19 assay
- 2021
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In: Clinical & Translational Immunology. - : Wiley. - 2050-0068. ; 10:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. The COVID-19 pandemic poses an immense need for accurate, sensitive and high-throughput clinical tests, and serological assays are needed for both overarching epidemiological studies and evaluating vaccines. Here, we present the development and validation of a high-throughput multiplex bead-based serological assay. Methods. More than 100 representations of SARS-CoV-2 proteins were included for initial evaluation, including antigens produced in bacterial and mammalian hosts as well as synthetic peptides. The five best-performing antigens, three representing the spike glycoprotein and two representing the nucleocapsid protein, were further evaluated for detection of IgG antibodies in samples from 331 COVID-19 patients and convalescents, and in 2090 negative controls sampled before 2020. Results. Three antigens were finally selected, represented by a soluble trimeric form and the S1-domain of the spike glycoprotein as well as by the C-terminal domain of the nucleocapsid. The sensitivity for these three antigens individually was found to be 99.7%, 99.1% and 99.7%, and the specificity was found to be 98.1%, 98.7% and 95.7%. The best assay performance was although achieved when utilising two antigens in combination, enabling a sensitivity of up to 99.7% combined with a specificity of 100%. Requiring any two of the three antigens resulted in a sensitivity of 99.7% and a specificity of 99.4%. Conclusion. These observations demonstrate that a serological test based on a combination of several SARS-CoV-2 antigens enables a highly specific and sensitive multiplex serological COVID-19 assay.
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| 2. |
- Ferraris, Sara, et al.
(author)
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Chemical, mechanical and antibacterial properties of silver nanocluster/silica composite coated textiles for safety systems and aerospace applications
- 2014
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In: Applied Surface Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-4332 .- 1873-5584. ; 317, s. 131-139
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This work describes the chemical, mechanical and antibacterial properties of a novel silver nanocluster/silica composite coating, obtained by sputtering, on textiles for use in nuclear bacteriological and chemical (NBC) protection suites and for aerospace applications.The properties of the coated textiles were analyzed in terms of surface morphology, silver concentration and silver release in artificial sweat and synthetic tap water, respectively. No release of silver nanoparticles was observed at given conditions.The water repellency, permeability, flammability and mechanical resistance of the textiles before and after sputtering demonstrated that the textile properties were not negatively affected by the coating.The antibacterial effect was evaluated at different experimental conditions using a standard bacterial strain of Staphylococcus aureus and compared with the behavior of uncoated textiles.The coating process conferred all textiles a good antibacterial activity. Optimal deposition conditions were elaborated to obtain sufficient antibacterial action without altering the aesthetical appearance of the textiles.The antibacterial coating retained its antibacterial activity after one cycle in a washing machine only for the Nylon based textile.
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| 3. |
- Bergström, L. Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Self-assembly in mixtures of an anionic and a cationic surfactant : A comparison between small-angle neutron scattering and cryo-transmission electron microscopy
- 2013
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In: Langmuir. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0743-7463 .- 1520-5827. ; 29:38, s. 11834-11848
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The self-assembly in SOS-rich mixtures of the anionic surfactant sodium octyl sulfate (SOS) and the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) has been investigated with the complementary techniques small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Both techniques confirm the simultaneous presence of open and closed bilayer structures in highly diluted samples as well as the existence of small globular and large elongated micelles at higher concentrations. However, the two techniques sometimes differ with respect to which type of aggregates is present in a particular sample. In particular, globular or wormlike micelles are sometimes observed with cryo-TEM in the vicinity of the micelle-to-bilayer transition, although only bilayers are present according to SANS and the samples appear bluish to the eye. A similar discrepancy has previously been reported but could not be satisfactorily rationalized. On the basis of our comparison between in situ (SANS) and ex situ (cryo-TEM) experimental techniques, we suggest that this discrepancy appears mainly as a result of the non-negligible amount of surfactant adsorbed at interfaces of the thin sample film created during the cryo-TEM specimen preparation. Moreover, from our detailed SANS data analysis, we are able to observe the unusually high amount of free surfactant monomers present in SOS-rich mixtures of SOS and CTAB, and the experimental results give excellent agreement with model calculations based on the Poisson-Boltzmann mean field theory. Our careful comparison between model calculations and experiments has enabled us to rationalize the dramatic microstructural transformations frequently observed upon simply diluting mixtures of an anionic and a cationic surfactant.
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| 4. |
- Bergström, L. Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Spontaneous Transformations between Surfactant Bilayers of Different Topologies Observed in Mixtures of Sodium Octyl Sulfate and Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
- 2014
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In: Langmuir. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0743-7463 .- 1520-5827. ; 30:14, s. 3928-3938
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The influence of adding salt on the self-assembly in sodium octyl sulfate (SOS)-rich mixtures of the anionic surfactant SOS and the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) have been investigated with the two complementary techniques, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. We are able to conclude that addition of a substantial amount of inert salt, NaBr, mainly has three effects on the structural behaviors: (i) the micelles become much larger at the transition from micelles to bilayers, (ii) the fraction of bilayer disks increases at the expense of vesicles, and (iii) bilayer aggregates perforated with holes are formed in the most diluted samples. A novel form factor valid for perforated bilayer vesicles and disks is introduced for the first time and, as a result, we are able to directly observe the presence of perforated bilayers by means of fitting SANS data with an appropriate model. Moreover, we are able to conclude that the morphology of bilayer aggregates changes according to the following sequence of different bilayer topologies, vesicles --> disks --> perforated bilayers, as the electrolyte concentration is increased and surfactant mole fraction in the bilayer aggregates approaches equimolarity. We are able to rationalize this sequence of transitions as a result of a monotonous increase of the bilayer saddle-splay constant ((k) over bar (bi)(c)) with decreasing influence from electrostatics, in agreement with theoretical predictions as deduced from the Poisson-Boltzmann theory.
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| 5. |
- Bergström, L. Magnus, et al.
(author)
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The growth of micelles, and the transition to bilayers, in mixtures of a single-chain and a double-chain cationic surfactant investigated with small-angle neutron scattering
- 2011
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In: Soft Matter. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1744-683X .- 1744-6848. ; 7:22, s. 10935-10944
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Self-assembly in aqueous mixtures of a single-chain (DTAB) and a double-chain cationic surfactant (DDAB) has been investigated with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Small oblate spheroidal micelles formed by DTAB grow with respect to width and length to form mixed ellipsoidal tablet-shaped micelles as an increasing fraction of DDAB is admixed into the micelles. The growth behaviour of the micelles is rationalized from the general micelle model in terms of three bending elasticity constants spontaneous curvature (H-0), bending rigidity (k(c)) and saddle-splay constant ((k(c)) over bar kc). It is found that micelles grow with respect to width, mainly as a result of decreasing k(c)H(0), and in the length direction as a result of decreasing k(c). The micelles are still rather small, i.e. about 140 angstrom in length, as an abrupt transition to large bilayer aggregates is observed. The micelle-to-bilayer transition is induced by changes in aggregate composition and is observed to occur at a mole fraction of DDAB equal to about x = 0.48 in D2O, which is a significantly higher value than previously observed for the same system in H2O (x = 0.41). An abrupt micelle-to-bilayer transition is in agreement with predictions from the general micelle model, according to which an abrupt transition from micelles to bilayers is expected to occur at xi H-0 = 1/4, where x is the thickness of the self-assembled interface, and we may conclude that H-0(D2O) > H-0(H2O) for the system DDAB/DTAB in absence of added salt. Samples with bilayers are found to be composed of bilayer disks coexisting with vesicles. Disks are found to always predominate over vesicles with mass fractions about 70-90% disks and 10-30% vesicles. Micelles, disks and vesicles are observed to coexist in a few samples close to the micelle-to-bilayer transition.
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| 6. |
- Di Bucchianico, Sebastiano, et al.
(author)
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Calcium-dependent cyto- and genotoxicity of nickel metal and nickel oxide nanoparticles in human lung cells
- 2018
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In: Particle and Fibre Toxicology. - : BMC. - 1743-8977. ; 15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Genotoxicity is an important toxicological endpoint due to the link to diseases such as cancer. Therefore, an increased understanding regarding genotoxicity and underlying mechanisms is needed for assessing the risk with exposure to nanoparticles (NPs). The aim of this study was to perform an in-depth investigation regarding the genotoxicity of well-characterized Ni and NiO NPs in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells and to discern possible mechanisms. Comparisons were made with NiCl2 in order to elucidate effects of ionic Ni. Methods: BEAS-2B cells were exposed to Ni and NiO NPs, as well as NiCl2, and uptake and cellular dose were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The NPs were characterized in terms of surface composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), agglomeration (photon cross correlation spectroscopy) and nickel release in cell medium (ICP-MS). Cell death (necrosis/apoptosis) was investigated by Annexin VFITC/PI staining and genotoxicity by cytokinesis-block micronucleus (cytome) assay (OECD 487), chromosomal aberration (OECD 473) and comet assay. The involvement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium was explored using the fluorescent probes, DCFH-DA and Fluo-4. Results: NPs were efficiently taken up by the BEAS-2B cells. In contrast, no or minor uptake was observed for ionic Ni from NiCl2. Despite differences in uptake, all exposures (NiO, Ni NPs and NiCl2) caused chromosomal damage. Furthermore, NiO NPs were most potent in causing DNA strand breaks and generating intracellular ROS. An increase in intracellular calcium was observed and modulation of intracellular calcium by using inhibitors and chelators clearly prevented the chromosomal damage. Chelation of iron also protected against induced damage, particularly for NiO and NiCl2. Conclusions: This study has revealed chromosomal damage by Ni and NiO NPs as well as Ni ionic species and provides novel evidence for a calcium-dependent mechanism of cyto- and genotoxicity.
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| 7. |
- Ferraris, M., et al.
(author)
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Antibacterial silver nanocluster/silica composite coatings on stainless steel
- 2017
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In: Applied Surface Science. - : Elsevier. - 0169-4332 .- 1873-5584. ; 396, s. 1546-1555
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A coating made of silver nanocluster/silica composites has been deposited, via a radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering technique, for the first time onto stainless steel (AISI 304L) with the aim to improve its antibacterial properties. Different thermal treatments after coating deposition have been applied in order to optimize the coating adhesion, cohesion and its antibacterial properties. Its applicability has been investigated at realistic conditions in a cheese production plant. The physico-chemical characteristics of the coatings have been analyzed by means of different bulk and surface analytical techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to assess coating morphology, composition, surface roughness, wetting properties, size and local distribution of the nanoparticles within the coating. Tape tests were used to determine the adhesion/cohesion properties of the coating. The amount and time-dependence of released silver in solutions of acetic acid, artificial water, artificial tap water and artificial milk were determined by means of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The antibacterial effect of the coating was evaluated at different experimental conditions using a standard bacterial strain of Staphylococcus aureus in compliance with National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) and AATCC 147 standards. The Ahearn test was performed to measure the adhesion of bacteria to the coated stainless steel surface compared with a control surface. The antibacterial coating retained its antibacterial activity after thermal treatment up to 450 °C and after soaking in common cleaning products for stainless steel surfaces used for e.g. food applications. The antibacterial capacity of the coating remained at high levels for 1-5 days, and showed a good capacity to reduce the adhesion of bacteria up to 30 days. Only a few percent of silver in the coating was released into acetic acid, even after 10 days of exposure at 40 °C. Most silver (> 90%) remained also in the coating even after 240 h of continuous exposure. Similar observations were made after repeated exposure at 100 °C. Very low levels of released silver in solution were observed in artificial milk. No release of silver nanoparticles was observed either in synthetic tap water or in artificial milk at given conditions. The coating further displayed good antibacterial properties also when tested during working conditions in a cheese production plant.
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| 8. |
- Gliga, Anda R., et al.
(author)
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Silver nanoparticles modulate lipopolysaccharide-triggered Toll-like receptor signaling in immune-competent human cell lines
- 2020
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In: Nanoscale Advances. - : ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY. - 2516-0230. ; 2:2, s. 648-658
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Silver (Ag) nanoparticles are commonly used in consumer products due to their antimicrobial properties. Here we studied the impact of Ag nanoparticles on immune responses by using cell lines of monocyte/macrophage and lung epithelial cell origin, respectively. Short-term experiments (24 h) showed that Ag nanoparticles reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in THP-1 cells under serum-free conditions. ICP-MS analysis revealed that cellular uptake of Ag was higher under these conditions. Long-term exposure (up to 6 weeks) of BEAS-2B cells to Ag nanoparticles also suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production following a brief challenge with LPS. Experiments using reporter cells revealed that Ag nanoparticles as well as AgNO3 inhibited LPS-triggered Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing of BEAS-2B cells indicated that Ag nanoparticles affected TLR signaling pathways. In conclusion, Ag nanoparticles reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS, likely as a result of the release of silver ions leading to an interference with TLR signaling. This could have implications for the use of Ag nanoparticles as antibacterial agents. Further in vivo studies are warranted to study this.
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| 9. |
- Gliga, Anda R., et al.
(author)
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Size-dependent cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in human lung cells : the role of cellular uptake, agglomeration and Ag release
- 2014
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In: Particle and Fibre Toxicology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1743-8977. ; 11:1, s. 11-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently one of the most manufactured nanomaterials. A wide range of toxicity studies have been performed on various AgNPs, but these studies report a high variation in toxicity and often lack proper particle characterization. The aim of this study was to investigate size-and coating-dependent toxicity of thoroughly characterized AgNPs following exposure of human lung cells and to explore the mechanisms of toxicity. Methods: BEAS-2B cells were exposed to citrate coated AgNPs of different primary particle sizes (10, 40 and 75 nm) as well as to 10 nm PVP coated and 50 nm uncoated AgNPs. The particle agglomeration in cell medium was investigated by photon cross correlation spectroscopy (PCCS); cell viability by LDH and Alamar Blue assay; ROS induction by DCFH-DA assay; genotoxicity by alkaline comet assay and gamma H(2)AX foci formation; uptake and intracellular localization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); and cellular dose as well as Ag release by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: The results showed cytotoxicity only of the 10 nm particles independent of surface coating. In contrast, all AgNPs tested caused an increase in overall DNA damage after 24 h assessed by the comet assay, suggesting independent mechanisms for cytotoxicity and DNA damage. However, there was no gamma H(2)AX foci formation and no increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reasons for the higher toxicity of the 10 nm particles were explored by investigating particle agglomeration in cell medium, cellular uptake, intracellular localization and Ag release. Despite different agglomeration patterns, there was no evident difference in the uptake or intracellular localization of the citrate and PVP coated AgNPs. However, the 10 nm particles released significantly more Ag compared with all other AgNPs (approx. 24 wt% vs. 4-7 wt%) following 24 h in cell medium. The released fraction in cell medium did not induce any cytotoxicity, thus implying that intracellular Ag release was responsible for the toxicity. Conclusions: This study shows that small AgNPs (10 nm) are cytotoxic for human lung cells and that the toxicity observed is associated with the rate of intracellular Ag release, a 'Trojan horse' effect.
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| 10. |
- Haller, Henrik, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Towards a Resilient and Resource-Efficient Local Food System Based on Industrial Symbiosis in Härnösand : A Swedish Case Study
- 2022
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 14:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The endeavour to align the goals of the Swedish food strategy with the national environmental quality objectives and the 17 global SDGs, presents an extraordinary challenge that calls forsystemic innovation. Industrial symbiosis can potentially provide the means for increasing sustainable food production, using locally subexploited resources that can reduce the need for land, agro-chemicals, transport and energy. This case study of the municipality of Härnösand, aims to assess opportunities and challenges for using waste flows and by-products for local food production, facilitated by industrial symbiosis. A potential symbiotic network was developed during three workshops with the main stakeholders in Härnösand. The potential of the COVID-19 pandemic to instigate policy changes, behavioural changes and formation of new alliances that may catalyse the transition towards food systems based on industrial symbiosis is discussed. The material flow inventory revealed that many under exploited resource flows were present in quantities that rendered them commercially interesting. Resources that can be used for innovative food production include, e.g., lignocellulosic residues, rock dust, and food processing waste. The internalised drive among local companies interested in industrial symbiosis and the emerging symbiotic relations, provide a fertile ground for the establishment of a local network that can process the subexploited material flows. Although there are multiple challenges for an industrial symbiosis network to form in Härnösand, this study shows that there is a significant potential to create added value from the region’s many resources while at the same time making the food system more sustainable and resilient, by expanding industrial symbiosis practices.
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