Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre

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Publications

Multimodal ionic liquid-based chromatographic supports for an effective RNA purification

Publication . Carapito, Ana Rita Mugeiro; Bernardo, Sandra C.; Pereira, Matheus M.; Neves, Márcia C.; Freire, Mara G.; Sousa, Fani

Nucleic acids have been considered interesting molecules to be used as biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of various diseases, in gene therapy strategies. In particular, RNA arises as the most promising approach because it does not require access to the nucleus of cells to exert its function; however, it is quite challenging due to its labile nature. To increase the possibility of translating RNA-based technology to clinical protocols, the bio- manufacturing of RNAs has been intensively exploited in the last few years. However, the standard RNA puri- fication processes remain time-consuming and present limitations regarding recovery yield and purity. This work describes the functionalization of chromatographic silica-based supports with four ionic liquids (ILs) composed of functional moieties that can promote distinct interactions with nucleic acids. After an initial screening to evaluate the binding and elution behavior of nucleic acids in the IL-based supports, SSi[C3C3NH2Im]Cl has shown to be the most promising for further purification assays. This support was studied for the RNA purification from different samples (clarified or more complex) and has shown to be highly effective, for all the conditions studied. Generally, it is here presented a new method for RNA isolation in a single step, using an IL-based chromato- graphic support, able to eliminate the usage of hazardous compounds often included in standard RNA extraction protocols.

2023Journal article

Open access

Preparation of Gel Forming Polymer-Based Sprays for First Aid Care of Skin Injuries

Publication . Alves, Patrícia; Luzio, Diana; Sá, Kevin; Correia, I.J.; Ferreira, Paula

Currently, there are several types of materials for the treatment of wounds, burns, and other topical injuries available on the market. The most used are gauzes and compresses due to their fluid absorption capacity; however, these materials adhere to the surface of the lesions, which can lead to further bleeding and tissue damage upon removal. In the present study, the development of a polymer-based gel that can be applied as a spray provides a new vision in injury protection, respecting the requirements of safety, ease, and quickness of both applicability and removal. The following polymeric sprays were developed to further obtain gels based on different polymers: hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer. The developed sprays revealed suitable properties for use in topical injuries. A protective film was obtained when sprayed on a surface through a casting mechanism. The obtained films adhered to the surface of biological tissue (pig muscle), turning into a gel when the exudate was absorbed, and proved to be washable with saline solution and contribute to the clotting process. Moreover, biocompatibility results showed that all materials were biocompatible, as cell viability was over 90% for all the materials.

2024-04-25Journal article

Open access

UV-crosslinked biomaterials: Functionalized polyethylene glycol for tissue adhesive applications

Publication . Cernadas, Maria Teresa; Ferreira, Mariana; Melo, Bruna Daniela Lopes ; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Correia, Ilídio Joaquim Sobreira ; Calvinho, Paula Cristina Nunes Ferreira ; Alves, Patrícia

Surgeons around the world face the challenge of effectively and securely treat acute wounds. The most used techniques used to reestablish proper tissue continuity and promote healing comprise surgical tape strips and wound suturing or stapling. However, these have different limitations associated, like additional tissue trauma and patient discomfort. Tissue adhesives have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional wound dressings and have been widely explored for their potential to minimize these drawbacks while improving overall outcomes. This study focused on the preparation of photocrosslinkable biomaterials, synthesized from polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized with 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate (AOI), for potential use as tissue adhesives. The synthesized polymers were then crosslinked using two different UV irradiation times (30 and 120 s) to assess how the crosslinking period impacts the final properties of the films. The materials’ chemical composition and thermal and mechanical behavior were further characterized. Rheologic profile, gel content, hydrolytic degradation, and contact angles were assessed. In addition, cytocompatibility evaluation was also conducted. Overall, the obtained data suggest that the newly synthesized tissue adhesives form flexible, homogeneous, and transparent matrices, exhibiting promising properties for potential tissue adhesive applications.

2025-11-21Article

Open access