Authors M. Kalbacova, M. Kalbac, L. Dunsch, H. Kataura, and U. Hempel   The influence of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films on two different human cell types was investigated: primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and the monocytes/macrophages cell line THP-1, the focus being on the metabolic activity of these cells. The SWCNT were free of impurity as was confirmed by Raman and VIS-NIR spectroscopy. No surfactant was used to minimize the effect of other agents on the behavior of the cells. The results obtained on SWCNT films were compared to those measured on carbon fibers (CF). The metabolic activity of the investigated cell types cultured on SWCNT film was only…

AuthorsJia-You Fang, Woan-Ruoh Lee, Shing-Chuan Shen, Yen-Ling Huang   Background()-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main active polyphenol in green tea, is associated with antioxidant and anticancer activities.   MethodsLiposomes containing egg phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, or anionic surfactant in the presence of 15% ethanol were prepared. The physicochemical characteristics including vesicle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment, and drug release of liposomal formulations were determined. The liposomes containing EGCG were injected into basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), melanomas, and colon tumors to examine the tumor uptake of the drug. Liposomes were also incubated with a given number of BCC cells, and the cell viability was estimated.   ResultsAlmost no drug molecules were observed when free…