| 1. |
- Mazzola, F., et al.
(author)
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Graphene coatings for chemotherapy: avoiding silver-mediated degradation
- 2015
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In: 2d Materials. - : IOP Publishing. - 2053-1583. ; 2:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chemotherapy treatment usually involves the delivery of fluorouracil (5-Fu) together with other drugs through central venous catheters. Catheters and their connectors are increasingly treated with silver or argentic alloys/compounds. Complications arising from broken catheters are common, leading to additional suffering for patients and increased medical costs. Here, we uncover a likely cause of such failure through a study of the surface chemistry relevant to chemotherapy drug delivery, i.e. between 5-Fu and silver. We show that silver catalytically decomposes 5-Fu, compromising the efficacy of the chemotherapy treatment. Furthermore, HF is released as a product, which will be damaging to both patient and catheter. We demonstrate that graphene surfaces inhibit this undesirable reaction and would offer superior performance as nanoscale coatings in cancer treatment applications.
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| 2. |
- Kjelstrup, S., et al.
(author)
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A thermodynamic metric for assessing sustainable use of natural resources
- 2015
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In: International Journal of Applied Thermodynamics. - : International Centre for Applied Thermodynamics (ICAT). - 1301-9724 .- 2146-1511. ; 18:1, s. 66-72
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A thermodynamic metric is proposed to supplement existing scales in the assessment of the way we use our natural resources. This metric has the advantage of being absolute and independent of economy, suitable for comparison of technologies, and can be used at molecular level as well as process-units and systems levels. It measures loss of useful work (exergy) in cradle-to-grave or complete recycling systems in terms of generalized friction or entropy production and may deliver realistic targets for process operations. This absolute scale can be useful also for international legislation and to foster a development in direction of more sustainable technologies. In an extended perspective, the presented approach may form a universal basis for analysis and development of national economies and policies regarding industry, engineering and environment. This may give new opportunities to put political resource discussions on a solid objective footing.
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