News From The American Chemical Society, April 16, 2008

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Diabetes;  Public Health
Article Date: 22 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Gel-like material shows promise as oral insulin pill for diabetes

Researchers in Texas report development of a gel-like material that could help speed the long-awaited arrival of insulin that can be taken in a pill by mouth, rather than with injections. The study is scheduled for the April 14 issue of ACS' Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal.

In the report, Nicholas A. Peppas and colleagues point out acid in the stomach destroys insulin, preventing its administration by mouth. Many different research groups worldwide are searching for ways to overcome that obstacle. However, an ideal material for safe, effective oral delivery remains elusive.

The new study describes a promising candidate in the form of a polymer hydrogel that responds to changes in pH levels. This hydrogel has been modified by the addition of wheat germ agglutinin tethers, or anchors, that allow it to interact with the lining of the upper small intestine. In laboratory tests, the gel-like substance containing insulin expands in the acidic environment of the stomach and protects the drug from destruction by stomach acids. Upon exposure to the alkaline environment of the small intestine, the site of insulin absorption, the polymer shrinks and releases insulin. The addition of wheat germ agglutinin, a type of sticky plant sugar, allows the polymer to stick to the small intestine for prolonged periods. This improves the duration of insulin absorption, the researchers say. - MTS

ARTICLE: "Wheat Germ Agglutinin Functionalized Complexation Hydrogels for Oral Insulin Delivery"

CONTACT:
Nicholas A. Peppas, Ph.D.
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas 78712

Questioning nuclear power's ability to forestall global warming

Rising energy and environmental costs may prevent nuclear power from being a sustainable alternative energy source in the fight against global warming, according to a study in the April 1 issue of ACS' Environmental Science & Technology, a semi-monthly journal.

In the article, Gavin M. Mudd and Mark Diesendorf investigate the "eco-efficiency" of mining and milling uranium for use as fuel in nuclear power plants. Advocates of nuclear power claim it has the potential to mitigate global warming. Detractors, however, link it to dangers such as proliferation of nuclear weapons and problems such as permanent disposal of nuclear waste.

The study points out that supplies of high-grade uranium ore are declining, which may boost nuclear fuel's environmental and economic costs, including increases in energy use, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, newly discovered uranium deposits may be more difficult to extract in the future - a further drain on economic and environmental resources.

"The extent of economically recoverable uranium, although somewhat uncertain, is clearly linked to exploration effort, technology and economics but is inextricably linked to environmental costs, such as energy, water, and chemicals consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and broader social issues," the authors say. "These issues are critical to understand in the current debate over nuclear power, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change, especially with respect to ascribing sustainability to such activities as uranium milling and mining." - JS

ARTICLE: "Sustainability of Uranium Mining and Milling: Quantifying Resources and Eco-Efficiency"

CONTACT:
Gavin M. Mudd, Ph.D.
Monash University
Clayton, Australia 3800

Chemists reproduce the rose's "petal effect"

The lotus flower is nature's "slip n' slide," where water beads skate along each petal's surface like liquid metal. Now, chemists reveal the ying to the lotus' frictionless yang: rose petals. Chemists have found the physical basis for the rose's ability to grip water droplets in place, even when the flower is upside down. In a study scheduled for the April 15 issue of ACS' Langmuir, a bi-weekly journal, this newly described "petal effect" could lead to unique new adhesive materials, coatings and fabrics.

The study of biological microstructures has been an lively area of research, particularly in the design of biomimetic materials. But before the petal effect could be replicated in synthetic materials, an in-depth understanding of the rose's surface was needed.

Lin Feng and colleagues in China provide the first description of the microscale surface of roses, composed of arrays of tiny, fleshy projections called micropapillae. The micropapillae form a seal with water droplets, allowing them to cling to the surface of the rose petal. Using these new insights, Feng was able to create a synthetic rose petal surface with same properties.

"The simple duplication of petal surface provides us not only a theoretical explanation of the phenomenon but also an inspiration for the preparation of biomimetic polymer films, which should be of great biological and technological importance," says Feng. - AD

ARTICLE: "Petal Effect: A Superhydrophobic State with High Adhesive Force"

CONTACT:
Lin Feng, Ph.D.
Tsinghua University
Beijing, China

Demand for improved consumer products drives growth of key family of chemical ingredients

From running shoes to automobiles with improved fuel efficiency, the demand for consumer products with better quality and performance is boosting demand for dyes, adhesives, rust inhibitors, and other so-called "specialty chemicals," according to an article [http://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/86/8616cover.html] scheduled for the April 21 issue of Chemical & Engineering News, ACS' weekly newsmagazine. The article presents a snapshot of this important yet often little-publicized sector of the chemical industry.

Written by Senior Editor Rick Mullin, C&EN's cover story notes that specialty chemical-based "additives" enhance paint, soap, electronics, sneakers and hundreds of other consumer products to make them perform better and last longer. The development of innovative new specialty chemicals has evolved into a robust independent industry, whereas in the past it was a hidden component in the overall manufacture of other products.

Mullin presents the perspective of various industry leaders who comment on this diverse, profitable, and ever-expanding market for chemicals produced in smaller volume than bulk chemicals, such as petrochemicals made from petroleum. Green chemistry is one major force behind the growth of the specialty chemical industry, fostering production of environmentally-friendly materials that increasingly are used in consumer products.

ARTICLE: "Post-Chemistry Formulas"

Michael Bernstein
ACS News Service

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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The American Chemical Society - the world's largest scientific society - is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Source: Michael Woods

American Chemical Society