RUTGERS

Videos 2015
 
 
  • 2/9/2015 Polymers from Bioactives: Kathryn E. Uhrich Ph.D,  Rutgers University 

     Abstract: Our research centers on centers on polymeric bioactives; specifically, the design of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers that will improve human health. Given that our starting materials are naturally occuring and our polymeric bioactives safe, we incorporate green chemistry approaches to the polymer life-cycle. We use two different approaches in designing polymers - polymers that deliver bioactives and polymers derived from bioactives, which will be the focus of this seminar. As polymers derived from bioactives, PolymerDrugs are designed to biodegrade into therapeutically useful molecules. The first example was a poly(anhydride-esters) that yielded salicylic acid, the active component of aspirin, and currently in clinical trials as a biodegradable cardiac stent. This concept has been expanded to include PolyAntibiotics, PolyAntiseptics and PolyOpiates useful for localized, controlled drug delivery. 
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  • 4/27/2015 Terahertz sub-surface imaging and spectroscopy for cellular level identification of skin abnormalitiesAnis Rahman  Ph.D,  Applied Research and Photonics Inc. 

     Abstract: Terahertz scanning reflectometry offers an opportunity to investigate both the surface and the sub-surface of biological tissues (e.g., skin) in a non-invasive fashion. The non-ionizing nature of T-ray eliminates radiation damage or perturbation of sensitive tissues while able to probe disease conditions in the deeper layers leading to an effective early diagnostic tool. For example, thickness profiling of benign and cancerous skins would show vast difference in their profile.In this study, a terahertz technique comprised of terahertz scanning Reflectometry, terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and terahertz imaging (all instruments from Applied Research & Photonics, Harrisburg, PA 17111) have been utilized for detection of cancerous skin with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in comparison to benign skin sample. Two groups of samples were studied; the first group samples are benign skin and the second group samples are biopsy from cancerous area. Thickness profile exhibits significant differences in profiles of the respective skin samples both in their layer structure and also in their reflected intensities; thus indicating presence and lack of cellular order for respective specimen. Similarly terahertz spectra acquired in transmission exhibit quantifiable differences for both group. More interestingly, terahertz image of the benign skin shows regular cell patterns while the image of a sample with BCC exhibit no clear cell demarcations. The lack of clear cell order in the skin, thus, may be used as an indication of cancerous area and this finding may be used as an early diagnosis tool. It is notable that this is the first of such a concerted observation of benign versus BCC skins from three different experiments. The results are consistent from individual experiments and collectively provide an accurate means of early detection of BCC. 
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  • 8/24/2015 Bicosome: new lipid technology for skin treatment : Olga Lopez  Ph.D, Spanish Nacional Research Council and co-founder of the company Bicosome.  

     Abstract: Effective skin treatments require products able to penetrate gently the skin, remaining there, and delivering its benefits in target layers. This is the challenge that bicosome pursues.Bicosome technology is an innovative lipid platform formed by smart biocompatible nanostructures enclosed in vesicles that are able to penetrate through the narrow intercellular spaces of the skin and to reach specific target layers. Once inside the skin, bicosome systems self-aggregate and grow being retained in between skin cells. This effect allows for the active ingredients carried by bicosomes to be anchored in target skin layers being slowly delivered, which results in higher efficacy and long lasting benefits. 
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  • 9/28/2015 Sensory mapping methodology detects the unexpected effect of emulsifiers in emulsions : Jennifer Donahue Ph.D Croda International PLC. 

     Abstract: Consumer demand for a pleasurable sensory experience extends to everything we touch, including our cosmetic emulsions. In personal care, the feel of a product provides important clues to consumers about the product’s function and purpose. If feel is everything, how can you quickly and easily achieve your desired aesthetics?Sensi cationTM, the science behind sensory innovationTM, is an easy-to-use system that allows formulators and marketers to navigate the complex landscape of sensory descriptions in a clear, de ned way. Utilizing the quantitative and objective Spectrum Descriptive Analysis (Sensory Spectrum Inc, New Providence, NJ) method as well as Principle Component Analysis, Croda’s scientists have found that the fundamental sensory signature of an emulsion is de ned, and to a previously unexpected level, by the choice of the emulsi er (or emulsion stabilizer system).
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