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Author Biscop,; Lin,; Boxem,; Loenhout,; Backer,; Deben,; Dewilde,; Smits,; Bogaerts,
Title Influence of Cell Type and Culture Medium on Determining Cancer Selectivity of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 11 Issue (down) 9 Pages 1287
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Increasing the selectivity of cancer treatments is attractive, as it has the potential to reduce side-effects of therapy. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel cancer treatment that disrupts the intracellular oxidative balance. Several reports claim CAP treatment to be selective, but retrospective analysis of these studies revealed discrepancies in several biological factors and culturing methods. Before CAP can be conclusively stated as a selective cancer treatment, the importance of these factors must be investigated. In this study, we evaluated the influence of the cell type, cancer type, and cell culture medium on direct and indirect CAP treatment. Comparison of cancerous cells with their non-cancerous counterparts was performed under standardized conditions to determine selectivity of treatment. Analysis of seven human cell lines (cancerous: A549, U87, A375, and Malme-3M; non-cancerous: BEAS-2B, HA, and HEMa) and five different cell culture media (DMEM, RPMI1640, AM, BEGM, and DCBM) revealed that the tested parameters strongly influence indirect CAP treatment, while direct treatment was less affected. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrate that cell type, cancer type, and culturing medium must be taken into account before selectivity of CAP treatment can be claimed and overlooking these parameters can easily result in inaccurate conclusions of selectivity.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000489719000072 Publication Date 2019-09-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 9 Open Access
Notes the Research Foundation Flanders, 12S9218N – ; Universiteit Antwerpen, – ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:162097 Serial 5360
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Author Smits, J.A.; Van Grieken, R.E.
Title Characterization of a 2,2'-diaminodiethylamine-cellulose filter toward metal cation extraction Type A1 Journal article
Year 1980 Publication Analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 52 Issue (down) 9 Pages 1479-1489
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1980KB79500027 Publication Date 2005-03-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-2700; 5206-882x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:116515 Serial 7610
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Author Shaw, P.; Kumar, N.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Cold Atmospheric Plasma Increases Temozolomide Sensitivity of Three-Dimensional Glioblastoma Spheroids via Oxidative Stress-Mediated DNA Damage Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 13 Issue (down) 8 Pages 1780
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Current standard radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) yield poor clinical outcome. This is due to the stem-like properties of tumor cells and genetic abnormalities in GBM, which contribute to resistance to TMZ and progression. In this study, we used cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to enhance the sensitivity to TMZ through inhibition of antioxidant signaling (linked to TMZ resistance). We demonstrate that CAP indeed enhances the cytotoxicity of TMZ by targeting the antioxidant specific glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling. We optimized the threshold concentration of TMZ on five different GBM cell lines (U251, LN18, LN229, U87-MG and T98G). We combined TMZ with CAP and tested it on both TMZ-sensitive (U251, LN18 and LN229) and TMZ-resistant (U87-MG and T98G) cell lines using two-dimensional cell cultures. Subsequently, we used a three-dimensional spheroid model for the U251 (TMZ-sensitive) and U87-MG and T98G (TMZ-resistant) cells. The sensitivity of TMZ was enhanced, i.e., higher cytotoxicity and spheroid shrinkage was obtained when TMZ and CAP were administered together. We attribute the anticancer properties to the release of intracellular reactive oxygen species, through inhibiting the GSH/GPX4 antioxidant machinery, which can lead to DNA damage. Overall, our findings suggest that the combination of CAP with TMZ is a promising combination therapy to enhance the efficacy of TMZ towards the treatment of GBM spheroids.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000644001200001 Publication Date 2021-04-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and the Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signalling, at the University of Antwerp, for providing the facilities for the cell experiments. We are also grateful to Peter Ponsaerts from the Laboratory of Experimental Haematology, at the University of Antwerp, for providing the fluorescence microscope. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:177779 Serial 6746
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Author Zaryouh, H.; Verswyvel, H.; Bauwens, M.; Van Haesendonck, G.; Deben, C.; Lin, A.; De Waele, J.; Vermorken, J.B.; Koljenovic, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Lardon, F.; Smits, E.; Wouters, A.
Title De belofte van hoofdhalskankerorganoïden in kankeronderzoek : een blik op de toekomst Type A2 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Onco-hemato : multidisciplinair tijdschrift voor oncologie Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue (down) 7 Pages 54-58
Keywords A2 Journal article; Center for Oncological Research (CORE); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Hoofd-halskanker vormt een aanzienlijke uitdaging met bijna 900.000 nieuwe diagnoses per jaar, waarbij de jaarlijkse incidentie blijft stijgen. Vaak wordt de diagnose pas in een laat stadium gesteld, wat complexe behandelingen noodzakelijk maakt. Terugval van patiënten is helaas een veelvoorkomend probleem. De gemiddelde overlevingsduur is beperkt tot enkele maanden. Daarom is er een dringende behoefte om nieuwe, veelbelovende behandelingen te ontwikkelen voor patiënten met hoofd-halskanker. Voor het bereiken van deze vooruitgang spelen innovatieve studiemodellen een cruciale rol. Het ontwikkelen van deze nieuwe behandelingen start met laboratoriumonderzoek, waarbij traditionele tweedimensionale celculturen hun beperkingen hebben. Daarom verschuiven onderzoekers hun aandacht meer en meer naar geavanceerdere driedimensionale modellen, met hoofd-halskankerorganoïden als beloftevol nieuw model. Dit model behoudt immers zowel het genetische profiel als de morfologische kenmerken van de originele tumor van de hoofd-halskankerpatiënt. Hoofdhalskankerorganoïden bieden daarom de mogelijkheid om innovatieve behandelingen te testen en kunnen mogelijk zelfs de respons van een patiënt op bepaalde therapieën voorspellen. Hoewel tumororganoïden als ‘patiënt-in-het-lab’ veelbelovend zijn, zijn er uitdagingen te overwinnen, zoals de ontwikkelingstijd en de toepasbaarheid bij alle tumortypes, evenals het ontbreken van immuuncellen en andere micro-omgevingscomponenten. Er is daarom een grote behoefte aan gestandaardiseerde protocollen voor de ontwikkeling van organoïden en verkorting van de ontwikkelingstijd. Concluderend bieden driedimensionale hoofd-halskankerorganoïden een veelbelovend perspectief voor de toekomst van kankerbehandelingen. Ze hebben het potentieel om bij te dragen aan de ontwikkeling van gepersonaliseerde behandelingen en zo de overlevingskansen van kankerpatiënten te verbeteren. Het is echter belangrijk om hun voorspellend vermogen en toepassingsmogelijkheden verder te onderzoeken, voordat ze op grote schaal worden geïmplementeerd.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2030-2738 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202271 Serial 9004
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Author Lin, A.; Gorbanev, Y.; De Backer, J.; Van Loenhout, J.; Van Boxem, W.; Lemière, F.; Cos, P.; Dewilde, S.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Non‐Thermal Plasma as a Unique Delivery System of Short‐Lived Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species for Immunogenic Cell Death in Melanoma Cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Advanced Science Abbreviated Journal Adv Sci
Volume 6 Issue (down) 6 Pages 1802062
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000462613100001 Publication Date 2019-01-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2198-3844 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.034 Times cited 39 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This study was funded in part by the Flanders Research Foundation (grant no. 12S9218N) and the European Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship within Horizon2020 (LTPAM) grant no. 743151). The microsecond-pulsed power supply was purchased following discussions with the C. & J. Nyheim Plasma Institute at Drexel University. The authors would like to thank Dr. Erik Fransen for his expertise and guidance with the statistical models and analysis used here. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Sander Bekeschus of the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology for the discussions at conferences and workshops. A.L. contributed to the design and carrying out of all experiments. A.L. also wrote the manuscript. Y.G. contributed to the design and carrying out of experiments involving chemical measurements. Y.G. also contributed to writing the chemical portions of the manuscript. J.D.B. contributed to the design and carrying out of in vivo experiments. J.D.B. also contributed to writing the portions of the manuscript involving animal experiments and care. J.V.L. contributed to the optimization of the calreticulin protocol used in the experiments. W.V.B. contributed to optimization of colorimetric assays used in the experiments. F.L. contributed to mass spectrometry measurements. P.C., S.D., E.S., and A.B. provided workspace, equipment, and valuable discussions for the project. All authors participated in the review of the manuscript.; Flanders Research Foundation, 12S9218N ; European Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship within Horizon2020, 743151 ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.034
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @UA @ admin @ c:irua:156548 Serial 5165
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Author Lin, A.; Gromov, M.; Nikiforov, A.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Characterization of Non-Thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharges for Plasma Medicine: From Plastic Well Plates to Skin Surfaces Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing Abbreviated Journal Plasma Chem Plasma Process
Volume 43 Issue (down) 6 Pages 1587-1612
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Non-thermal plasma · Plasma medicine · Dielectric barrier discharge · Plasma diagnostics · Plasma surface interaction · In situ plasma monitoring; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract technologies have been expanding, and one of the most exciting and rapidly growing

applications is in biology and medicine. Most biomedical studies with DBD plasma systems are performed in vitro, which include cells grown on the surface of plastic well plates, or in vivo, which include animal research models (e.g. mice, pigs). Since many DBD systems use the biological target as the secondary electrode for direct plasma generation and treatment, they are sensitive to the surface properties of the target, and thus can be altered based on the in vitro or in vivo system used. This could consequently affect biological response from plasma treatment. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the DBD plasma behavior both in vitro (i.e. 96-well flat bottom plates, 96-well U-bottom plates, and 24-well flat bottom plates), and in vivo (i.e. mouse skin). Intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) imaging was performed and the plasma discharges were visually distinguishable between the different systems. The geometry of the wells did not affect DBD plasma generation for low application distances (≤ 2 mm), but differentially affected plasma uniformity on the bottom of the well at greater distances. Since DBD plasma treatment in vitro is rarely performed in dry wells for plasma medicine experiments, the effect of well wetness was also investigated. In all in vitro cases, the uniformity of the DBD plasma was affected when comparing wet versus dry wells, with the plasma in the wide-bottom wells appearing the most similar to plasma generated on mouse skin. Interestingly, based on quantification of ICCD images, the DBD plasma intensity per surface area demonstrated an exponential one-phase decay with increasing application distance, regardless of the in vitro or in vivo system. This trend is similar to that of the energy per pulse of plasma, which is used to determine the total plasma treatment energy for biological systems. Optical emission spectroscopy performed on the plasma revealed similar trends in radical species generation between the plastic well plates and mouse skin. Therefore, taken together, DBD plasma intensity per surface area may be a valuable parameter to be used as a simple method for in situ monitoring during biological treatment and active plasma treatment control, which can be applied for in vitro and in vivo systems.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001072607700001 Publication Date 2023-09-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0272-4324 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was partially funded by the Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO) and supported by the following Grants: 12S9221N (A. L.), G044420N (A. L. and A. B.), and G033020N (A.B.). We would also like to thank several patrons, as part of this research was funded by donations from different donors, including Dedert Schilde vzw, Mr Willy Floren, and the Vereycken family. We would also like to acknowledge the support from the European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) Action on “Therapeutical applications of Cold Plasmas” (CA20114; PlasTHER). Approved Most recent IF: 3.6; 2023 IF: 2.355
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:200285 Serial 8970
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Author Van Eynde, E.; Tytgat, T.; Smits, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Hauchecorne, B.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Biotemplated diatom silica-titania materials for air purification Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Photochemical & photobiological sciences Abbreviated Journal Photoch Photobio Sci
Volume 12 Issue (down) 4 Pages 690-695
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract We present a novel manufacture route for silicatitania photocatalysts using the diatom microalga Pinnularia sp. Diatoms self-assemble into porous silica cell walls, called frustules, with periodic micro-, meso- and macroscale features. This unique hierarchical porous structure of the diatom frustule is used as a biotemplate to incorporate titania by a solgel methodology. Important material characteristics of the modified diatom frustules under study are morphology, crystallinity, surface area, pore size and optical properties. The produced biosilicatitania material is evaluated towards photocatalytic activity for NOx abatement under UV radiation. This research is the first step to obtain sustainable, well-immobilised silicatitania photocatalysts using diatoms.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000316572500016 Publication Date 2012-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1474-905x; 1474-9092 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.344 Times cited 18 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.344; 2013 IF: 2.939
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:106625 Serial 5930
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Author Tytgat, T.; Smits, M.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Immobilization of TiO2 into self-supporting photocatalytic foam : influence of calcination temperature Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication International journal of applied ceramic technology Abbreviated Journal Int J Appl Ceram Tec
Volume 11 Issue (down) 4 Pages 714-722
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Immobilization of photocatalytic powder is crucial to obtain industrially relevant purification processes. To achieve this goal, self-supporting TiO2 foams were manufactured by a polyacrylamide gel process. These gels were calcined at different temperatures to study the effect of the calcination temperature on foam characteristics (rigidity, crystallinity, and porosity) and its influence on photocatalytic activity. The results show that an optimal degradation is achieved for those foams calcined between 700 and 800°C. Calcination at higher temperatures results in a steep decrease in activity, explained by stability issues of the material due to formation of Na2SO4 phases and a larger rutile fraction.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000339051500012 Publication Date 2013-04-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1546-542x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.048 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by a PhD grant from the Institute of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.048; 2014 IF: 1.320
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:117295 Serial 5960
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Author Privat-Maldonado, A.; Verloy, R.; Cardenas Delahoz, E.; Lin, A.; Vanlanduit, S.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Cold Atmospheric Plasma Does Not Affect Stellate Cells Phenotype in Pancreatic Cancer Tissue in Ovo Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication International Journal Of Molecular Sciences Abbreviated Journal Int J Mol Sci
Volume 23 Issue (down) 4 Pages 1954
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenging neoplastic disease, mainly due to the development of resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an alternative technology that can eliminate cancer cells through oxidative damage, as shown in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo. However, how CAP affects the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), key players in the invasion and metastasis of PDAC, is poorly understood. This study aims to determine the effect of an anti-PDAC CAP treatment on PSCs tissue developed in ovo using mono- and co-cultures of RLT-PSC (PSCs) and Mia PaCa-2 cells (PDAC). We measured tissue reduction upon CAP treatment and mRNA expression of PSC activation markers and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling factors via qRT-PCR. Protein expression of selected markers was confirmed via immunohistochemistry. CAP inhibited growth in Mia PaCa-2 and co-cultured tissue, but its effectiveness was reduced in the latter, which correlates with reduced ki67 levels. CAP did not alter the mRNA expression of PSC activation and ECM remodelling markers. No changes in MMP2 and MMP9 expression were observed in RLT-PSCs, but small changes were observed in Mia PaCa-2 cells. Our findings support the ability of CAP to eliminate PDAC cells, without altering the PSCs.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000763630900001 Publication Date 2022-02-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1422-0067 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to thank Hanne Verswyvel for her support with sample collection from the in ovo model and Peter Ponsaerts for providing the facilities for the microscopy studies. Approved Most recent IF: 5.6
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:187155 Serial 7049
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Author Shaw, P.; Kumar, N.; Sahun, M.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.; Privat-Maldonado, A.
Title Modulating the Antioxidant Response for Better Oxidative Stress-Inducing Therapies: How to Take Advantage of Two Sides of the Same Medal? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Biomedicines Abbreviated Journal Biomedicines
Volume 10 Issue (down) 4 Pages 823
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Oxidative stress-inducing therapies are characterized as a specific treatment that involves the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) by external or internal sources. To protect cells against oxidative stress, cells have evolved a strong antioxidant defense system to either prevent RONS formation or scavenge them. The maintenance of the redox balance ensures signal transduction, development, cell proliferation, regulation of the mechanisms of cell death, among others. Oxidative stress can beneficially be used to treat several diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease, cancer, and other diseases by regulating the antioxidant system. Understanding the mechanisms of various endogenous antioxidant systems can increase the therapeutic efficacy of oxidative stress-based therapies, leading to clinical success in medical treatment. This review deals with the recent novel findings of various cellular endogenous antioxidant responses behind oxidative stress, highlighting their implication in various human diseases, such as ulcers, skin pathologies, oncology, and viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000785420400001 Publication Date 2022-03-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2227-9059 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Core Research Grant, Department of Science and Technology, India., (CRG/2021/001935) ; Department of Biotechnology, BT/RLF/Re-entry/27/2019 ; We are grateful to Charlotta Bengtson for her valuable input. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:187931 Serial 7051
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Author Smits, M.; Vanpachtenbeke, F.; Horemans, B.; De Wael, K.; Hauchecorne, B.; Van Langenhove, H.; Demeestere, K.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Effect of operating and sampling conditions on the exhaust gas composition of small-scale power generators Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication PLoS ONE Abbreviated Journal Plos One
Volume 7 Issue (down) 3 Pages e32825-e32825,10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Small stationary diesel engines, like in generator sets, have limited emission control measures and are therefore responsible for 44% of the particulate matter (PM) emissions in the United States. The diesel exhaust composition depends on operating conditions of the combustion engine. Furthermore, the measurements are influenced by the used sampling method. This study examines the effect of engine loading and exhaust gas dilution on the composition of small-scale power generators. These generators are used in different operating conditions than road-transport vehicles, resulting in different emission characteristics. Experimental data were obtained for gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOC) and PM mass concentration, elemental composition and nitrate content. The exhaust composition depends on load condition because of its effect on fuel consumption, engine wear and combustion temperature. Higher load conditions result in lower PM concentration and sharper edged particles with larger aerodynamic diameters. A positive correlation with load condition was found for K, Ca, Sr, Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb adsorbed on PM, elements that originate from lubricating oil or engine corrosion. The nitrate concentration decreases at higher load conditions, due to enhanced nitrate dissociation to gaseous NO at higher engine temperatures. Dilution on the other hand decreases PM and nitrate concentration and increases gaseous VOC and adsorbed metal content. In conclusion, these data show that operating and sampling conditions have a major effect on the exhaust gas composition of small-scale diesel generators. Therefore, care must be taken when designing new experiments or comparing literature results.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000303836500012 Publication Date 2012-03-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-6203 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.806 Times cited 5 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.806; 2012 IF: 3.730
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:96545 Serial 5581
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Author Lin, A.; Razzokov, J.; Verswyvel, H.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; De Backer, J.; Yusupov, M.; Cardenas De La Hoz, E.; Ponsaerts, P.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Oxidation of Innate Immune Checkpoint CD47 on Cancer Cells with Non-Thermal Plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 13 Issue (down) 3 Pages 579
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Laboratory for Experimental Hematology (LEH); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy has been emerging as a promising cancer treatment strategy, and recently, its ability to locally induce immunogenic cancer cell death is being unraveled. We hypothesized that the chemical species produced by NTP reduce immunosuppressive surface proteins and checkpoints that are overexpressed on cancerous cells. Here, 3D in vitro tumor models, an in vivo mouse model, and molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the effect of NTP on CD47, a key innate immune checkpoint. CD47 is immediately modulated after NTP treatment and simulations reveal the potential oxidized salt-bridges responsible for conformational changes. Umbrella sampling simulations of CD47 with its receptor, signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), demonstrate that the induced-conformational changes reduce its binding affinity. Taken together, this work provides new insight into fundamental, chemical NTP-cancer cell interaction mechanisms and a previously overlooked advantage of present NTP cancer therapy: reducing immunosuppressive signals on the surface of cancer cells.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000614960600001 Publication Date 2021-02-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank Erik Fransen (University of Antwerp; Antwerp, Belgium) for his help and guidance on the statistical analysis. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:176455 Serial 6709
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Author Lin, A.; Biscop, E.; Gorbanev, Y.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Toward defining plasma treatment dose : the role of plasma treatment energy of pulsed‐dielectric barrier discharge in dictating in vitro biological responses Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Plasma Processes And Polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
Volume 19 Issue (down) 3 Pages e2100151
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The energy dependence of a pulsed-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on chemical species production and biological responses was investigated. We hypothesized that the total plasma energy delivered during treatment encompasses the influence of major application parameters. A microsecond-pulsed DBD system was used to treat three different cancer cell lines and cell viability was analyzed. The energy per pulse was measured and the total plasma treatment energy was controlled by adjusting the pulse frequency, treatment time, and application distance. Our data suggest that the delivered plasma energy plays a predominant role in stimulating a biological response in vitro. This study aids in developing steps toward defining a plasma treatment unit and treatment dose for biomedical and clinical research.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000711907800001 Publication Date 2021-10-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.5
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182916 Serial 7219
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Author Debie, Y.; van Audenaerde, J.R.M.; Vandamme, T.; Croes, L.; Teuwen, L.-A.; Verbruggen, L.; Vanhoutte, G.; Marcq, E.; Verheggen, L.; Le Blon, D.; Peeters, B.; Goossens, M.; Pannus, P.; Ariën, K.K.; Anguille, S.; Janssens, A.; Prenen, H.; Smits, E.L.J.; Vulsteke, C.; Lion, E.; Peeters, M.; Van Dam, P.A.
Title Humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 after third dose BNT162b2 following double-dose vaccination with BNT162b2 versus ChAdOx1 in patients with cancer Type University Hospital Antwerp
Year 2023 Publication Clinical cancer research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 29 Issue (down) 3 Pages 635-646
Keywords University Hospital Antwerp; A1 Journal article; Laboratory for Experimental Hematology (LEH); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Purpose: Patients with cancer display reduced humoral responses after double-dose COVID-19 vaccination, whereas their cellular response is more comparable with that in healthy individuals. Recent studies demonstrated that a third vaccination dose boosts these immune responses, both in healthy people and patients with cancer. Because of the availability of many different COVID-19 vaccines, many people have been boosted with a different vaccine fromthe one used for double-dose vaccination. Data on such alternative vaccination schedules are scarce. This prospective study compares a third dose of BNT162b2 after double-dose BNT162b2 (homologous) versus ChAdOx1 (heterologous) vaccination in patients with cancer. Experimental Design: A total of 442 subjects (315 patients and 127 healthy) received a third dose of BNT162b2 (230 homologous vs. 212 heterologous). Vaccine-induced adverse events (AE) were captured up to 7 days after vaccination. Humoral immunity was assessed by SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 IgG antibody levels and SARSCoV- 2 50% neutralization titers (NT50) against Wuhan and BA.1 Omicron strains. Cellular immunity was examined by analyzing CD4þ and CD8þ T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2–specific S1 and S2 peptides. Results: Local AEs were more common after heterologous boosting. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 IgG antibody levels did not differ significantly between homologous and heterologous boosted subjects [GMT 1,755.90 BAU/mL (95% CI, 1,276.95–2,414.48) vs. 1,495.82 BAU/mL (95% CI, 1,131.48–1,977.46)]. However, homologous- boosted subjects show significantly higher NT50 values against BA.1 Omicron. Subjects receiving heterologous boosting demonstrated increased spike-specific CD8þ T cells, including higher IFNg and TNFa levels. Conclusions: In patients with cancer who received double-dose ChAdOx1, a third heterologous dose of BNT162b2 was able to close the gap in antibody response.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000928414200001 Publication Date 2022-11-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1078-0432; 1557-3265 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.5; 2023 IF: 9.619
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192500 Serial 9207
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Author Verswyvel, H.; Deben, C.; Wouters, A.; Lardon, F.; Bogaerts, A.; Smits, E.; Lin, A.
Title Phototoxicity and cell passage affect intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and sensitivity towards non-thermal plasma treatment in fluorescently-labeled cancer cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 56 Issue (down) 29 Pages 294001
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Live-cell imaging with fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool, especially in cancer research, widely-used for capturing dynamic cellular processes over time. However, light-induced toxicity (phototoxicity) can be incurred from this method, via disruption of intracellular redox balance and an overload of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This can introduce confounding effects in an experiment, especially in the context of evaluating and screening novel therapies. Here, we aimed to unravel whether phototoxicity can impact cellular homeostasis and response to non-thermal plasma (NTP), a therapeutic strategy which specifically targets the intracellular redox balance. We demonstrate that cells incorporated with a fluorescent reporter for live-cell imaging have increased sensitivity to NTP, when exposed to ambient light or fluorescence excitation, likely through altered proliferation rates and baseline intracellular ROS levels. These changes became even more pronounced the longer the cells stayed in culture. Therefore, our results have important implications for research implementing this analysis technique and are particularly important for designing experiments and evaluating redox-based therapies like NTP.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000978180500001 Publication Date 2023-07-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was partially funded by the Research Foundation— Flanders (FWO) and supported by the following Grants: 1S67621N (H V), 12S9221N (A L), and G044420N (A B and A L). We would also like to thank several patrons, as part of this research was funded by donations from different donors, including Dedert Schilde vzw, Mr Willy Floren, and the Vereycken family. Approved Most recent IF: 3.4; 2023 IF: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:196441 Serial 7381
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Author Tytgat, T.; Hauchecorne, B.; Smits, M.; Verbruggen, S.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Concept and validation of a fully automated photocatalytic test setup Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Journal of laboratory automation Abbreviated Journal Jala-J Lab Autom
Volume 17 Issue (down) 2 Pages 134-143
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Photocatalytic activity can be studied by several methods, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. To study photocatalytic activity in an easy, user-friendly, and realistic way, a completely new setup has been built. The setup is modularly constructed around Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy at the heart of it, resulting in great versatility. Complementary software has been written for automatic control of the setup and for processing the generated data. Two pollutants, oil and n-octane, are tested to validate the performance of the setup. These validation experiments confirm the usefulness and added value of the setup in general and of the FTIR detection methodology as well. It becomes clear that a system of online measurements with good repeatability, accuracy, and user-friendliness has been created.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000304775300006 Publication Date 2014-07-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2211-0682 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.85 Times cited 15 Open Access
Notes ; The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article: This work was supported by a Ph.D. grant (T. Tytgat) funded by the Institute of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT) and by a Ph.D. grant (S. Verbruggen) from the Research Foundation of Flanders (FWO). Other funding was made possible by the University of Antwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.85; 2012 IF: 1.457
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:96649 Serial 5935
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Author Smits, J.; Van Grieken, R.
Title Chelating 2,2′-diaminodiethylamine cellulose filters and X-ray fluorescence for preconcentration and trace analysis of natural waters Type A1 Journal article
Year 1981 Publication International journal of environmental analytical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue (down) 2 Pages 81-92
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract The 2,2′-diaminodiethylamine (DEN) functional group can be expected to have ideal properties for the chelation of transition metals and their collection from aqueous solutions, independent of the alkali and alkaline earth ions concentration. Introducing DEN into cellulose filters allows straightforward preconcentration of trace cations by a simple filtration step, and the DEN-filter constitutes a suitable target for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The linearity between the XRF-response on the loaded DEN-filter and the trace cation concentration in the solution appears excellent, up to a total filter capacity of ca. 3 μeq.cm−2. The detection limits are around 0.5 μg. l−1 in most practical cases. Accuracy and precision are around 10%. The applicability of the proposed procedure is illustrated on a comparative basis by XRF-analysis of drinking water and surface water, after preconcentration by DEN-filtration and by alternative procedures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1981LF48000001 Publication Date 2007-07-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0306-7319 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:116571 Serial 7638
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Author Carballa, M.; Smits, M.; Etchebehere, C.; Boon, N.; Verstraete, W.
Title Correlations between molecular and operational parameters in continuous lab-scale anaerobic reactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Applied microbiology and biotechnology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 89 Issue (down) 2 Pages 303-314
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this study, the microbial community characteristics in continuous lab-scale anaerobic reactors were correlated to reactor functionality using the microbial resource management (MRM) approach. Two molecular techniques, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), were applied to analyze the bacterial and archaeal communities, and the results obtained have been compared. Clustering analyses showed a similar discrimination of samples with DGGE and T-RFLP data, with a clear separation between the meso- and thermophilic communities. Both techniques indicate that bacterial and mesophilic communities were richer and more even than archaeal and thermophilic communities, respectively. Remarkably, the community composition was highly dynamic for both Bacteria and Archaea, with a rate of change between 30% and 75% per 18 days, also in stable performing periods. A hypothesis to explain the latter in the context of the converging metabolism in anaerobic processes is proposed. Finally, a more even and diverse bacterial community was found to be statistically representative for a well-functioning reactor as evidenced by a low Ripley index and high biogas production.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000285872500008 Publication Date 2010-09-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0175-7598; 1432-0614 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:85202 Serial 7736
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Author Ma, J.; Duong, T.H.; Smits, M.; Verstraete, W.; Carballa, M.
Title Enhanced biomethanation of kitchen waste by different pre-treatments Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 102 Issue (down) 2 Pages 592-599
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Five different pre-treatments were investigated to enhance the solubilisation and anaerobic biodegradability of kitchen waste (

KW) in thermophilic batch and continuous tests. In the batch solubilisation tests, the highest and the lowest solubilisation efficiency were achieved with the thermo-acid and the pressuredepressure pre-treatments, respectively. However, in the batch biodegradability tests, the highest cumulative biogas production was obtained with the pressuredepressure method. In the continuous tests, the best performance in terms of an acceptable biogas production efficiency of 60% and stable in-reactor CODs and VFA concentrations corresponded to the pressuredepressure reactor, followed by freezethaw, acid, thermo-acid, thermo and control. The maximum OLR (5 g COD L−1 d−1) applied in the pressuredepressure and freezethaw reactors almost doubled the control reactor. From the overall analysis, the freezethaw pre-treatment was the most profitable process with a net potential profit of around 11.5 ton−1 KW.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000286782700022 Publication Date 2010-08-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:85249 Serial 7910
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Author Le Compte, M.; Cardenas De La Hoz, E.; Peeters, S.; Smits, E.; Lardon, F.; Roeyen, G.; Vanlanduit, S.; Prenen, H.; Peeters, M.; Lin, A.; Deben, C.
Title Multiparametric tumor organoid drug screening using widefield live-cell imaging for bulk and single-organoid analysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Jove-Journal Of Visualized Experiments Abbreviated Journal Jove-J Vis Exp
Volume Issue (down) 190 Pages 1-18
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) hold great promise for preclinical and translational research and predicting the patient therapy response from ex vivo drug screenings. However, current adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-based drug screening assays do not capture the complexity of a drug response (cytostatic or cytotoxic) and intratumor heterogeneity that has been shown to be retained in PDTOs due to a bulk readout. Live-cell imaging is a powerful tool to overcome this issue and visualize drug responses more in-depth. However, image analysis software is often not adapted to the three-dimensionality of PDTOs, requires fluorescent viability dyes, or is not compatible with a 384-well microplate format. This paper describes a semi-automated methodology to seed, treat, and image PDTOs in a high-throughput, 384-well format using conventional, widefield, live-cell imaging systems. In addition, we developed viability marker-free image analysis software to quantify growth rate-based drug response metrics that improve reproducibility and correct growth rate variations between different PDTO lines. Using the normalized drug response metric, which scores drug response based on the growth rate normalized to a positive and negative control condition, and a fluorescent cell death dye, cytotoxic and cytostatic drug responses can be easily distinguished, profoundly improving the classification of responders and non-responders. In addition, drug-response heterogeneity can by quantified from single-organoid drug response analysis to identify potential, resistant clones. Ultimately, this method aims to improve the prediction of clinical therapy response by capturing a multiparametric drug response signature, which includes kinetic growth arrest and cell death quantification. ,
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000928020400010 Publication Date 2022-12-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1940-087x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.2
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193168 Serial 7271
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Author Smits, M.; Ling, Y.; Lenaerts, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.
Title Photocatalytic removal of soot : unravelling of the reaction mechanism by EPR and in situ FTIR spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Chemphyschem
Volume 13 Issue (down) 18 Pages 4251-4257
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Photocatalytic soot oxidation is studied on P25 TiO2 as an important model reaction for self-cleaning processes by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Contacting of carbon black with P25 leads on the one hand to a reduction of the local dioxygen concentration in the powder. On the other hand, the weakly adsorbed radicals on the carbon particles are likely to act as alternative traps for the photogenerated conduction-band electrons. We find furthermore that the presence of dioxygen and oxygen-related radicals is vital for the photocatalytic soot degradation. The complete oxidation of soot to CO2 is evidenced by in situ FTIR spectroscopy, no intermediate CO is detected during the photocatalytic process.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000313692600026 Publication Date 2012-11-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1439-4235 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.075 Times cited 9 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the University of Antwerp (PhD grants of M. S. and Y.L.). We would like to thank Birger Hauchecorne for the scientific discussion. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.075; 2012 IF: 3.349
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:104568 Serial 5980
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Author Vermeylen, S.; De Waele, J.; Vanuytsel, S.; De Backer, J.; Van der Paal, J.; Ramakers, M.; Leyssens, K.; Marcq, E.; Van Audenaerde, J.; L. J. Smits, E.; Dewilde, S.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Cold atmospheric plasma treatment of melanoma and glioblastoma cancer cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
Volume 13 Issue (down) 13 Pages 1195-1205
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this paper, two types of melanoma and glioblastoma cancer cell lines are treated with cold atmospheric plasma to assess the effect of several parameters on the cell viability. The cell viability decreases with treatment duration and time until analysis in all cell lines with varying sensitivity. The majority of dead cells stains both AnnexinV (AnnV) and propidium iodide, indicating that the plasma-treated non-viable cells are mostly late apoptotic or necrotic. Genetic mutations might be involved in the response to plasma. Comparing the effects of two gas mixtures, as well as indirect plasma-activated medium versus direct treatment, gives different results per cell line. In conclusion, this study confirms the potential of plasma for cancer therapy and emphasizes the influence of experimental parameters on therapeutic outcome.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000393131600007 Publication Date 2016-10-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited 26 Open Access
Notes The authors acknowledge the University of Antwerp for providing research funds. The authors are very grateful to V. Schulz-von der Gathen and J. Benedikt (Bochum University) for providing the COST RF plasma jet. The authors would also like to thank Eva Santermans (University of Hasselt) for statistical advice. J. De Waele, J. Van Audenaerde and J. Van der Paal are research fellows of the Research Foundation Flanders (fellowship numbers: 1121016N, 1S32316N and 11U5416N), E. Marcq of Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (fellowship number: 141433). Approved Most recent IF: 2.846
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:138722 Serial 4328
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Author Privat-Maldonado, A.; Bengtson, C.; Razzokov, J.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Modifying the Tumour Microenvironment: Challenges and Future Perspectives for Anticancer Plasma Treatments Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 11 Issue (down) 12 Pages 1920
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Tumours are complex systems formed by cellular (malignant, immune, and endothelial cells, fibroblasts) and acellular components (extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents and secreted factors). A close interplay between these factors, collectively called the tumour microenvironment, is required to respond appropriately to external cues and to determine the treatment outcome. Cold plasma (here referred as ‘plasma’) is an emerging anticancer technology that generates a unique cocktail of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to eliminate cancerous cells via multiple mechanisms of action. While plasma is currently regarded as a local therapy, it can also modulate the mechanisms of cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication, which could facilitate the propagation of its effect in tissue and distant sites. However, it is still largely unknown how the physical interactions occurring between cells and/or the ECM in the tumour microenvironment affect the plasma therapy outcome. In this review, we discuss the effect of plasma on cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication in the context of the tumour microenvironment and suggest new avenues of research to advance our knowledge in the field. Furthermore, we revise the relevant state-of-the-art in three-dimensional in vitro models that could be used to analyse cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication and further strengthen our understanding of the effect of plasma in solid tumours.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000507382100097 Publication Date 2019-12-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Figure 4 was created using resources from the ‘Mind the Graph’ platform, free trial version. Spheroid image obtained in collaboration with Sander Bekeschus (INP Greifswald, Germany); organoid image kindly provided by Christophe Deben (Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Belgium). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:164892 Serial 5437
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Author Van Loenhout, J.; Peeters, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Smits, E.; Deben, C.
Title Oxidative Stress-Inducing Anticancer Therapies: Taking a Closer Look at Their Immunomodulating Effects Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Antioxidants Abbreviated Journal Antioxidants
Volume 9 Issue (down) 12 Pages 1188
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Cancer cells are characterized by higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to normal cells as a result of an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. However, cancer cells maintain their redox balance due to their high antioxidant capacity. Recently, a high level of oxidative stress is considered a novel target for anticancer therapy. This can be induced by increasing exogenous ROS and/or inhibiting the endogenous protective antioxidant system. Additionally, the immune system has been shown to be a significant ally in the fight against cancer. Since ROS levels are important to modulate the antitumor immune response, it is essential to consider the effects of oxidative stress-inducing treatments on this response. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanistic cellular responses of cancer cells towards exogenous and endogenous ROS-inducing treatments, as well as the indirect and direct antitumoral immune effects, which can be both immunostimulatory and/or immunosuppressive. For future perspectives, there is a clear need for comprehensive investigations of different oxidative stress-inducing treatment strategies and their specific immunomodulating effects, since the effects cannot be generalized over different treatment modalities. It is essential to elucidate all these underlying immune effects to make oxidative stress-inducing treatments effective anticancer therapy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000602288600001 Publication Date 2020-11-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2076-3921 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access
Notes This research was funded by the Olivia Hendrickx Research Fund (21OCL06) and the University of Antwerp (FFB160231). Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:173865 Serial 6441
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Author Privat-Maldonado, A.; Gorbanev, Y.; Dewilde, S.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Reduction of Human Glioblastoma Spheroids Using Cold Atmospheric Plasma: The Combined Effect of Short- and Long-Lived Reactive Species Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 10 Issue (down) 11 Pages 394
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising technology against multiple types of cancer. However, the current findings on the effect of CAP on two-dimensional glioblastoma cultures do not consider the role of the tumour microenvironment. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of CAP to reduce and control glioblastoma spheroid tumours in vitro . Three-dimensional glioblastoma spheroid tumours (U87-Red, U251-Red) were consecutively treated directly and indirectly with a CAP using dry He, He + 5% H 2 O or He + 20% H 2 O. The cytotoxicity and spheroid shrinkage were monitored using live imaging. The reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and colourimetry. Cell migration was also assessed. Our results demonstrate that consecutive CAP treatments (He + 20% H 2 O) substantially shrank U87-Red spheroids and to a lesser degree, U251-Red spheroids. The cytotoxic effect was due to the short- and long-lived species delivered by CAP: they inhibited spheroid growth, reduced cell migration and decreased proliferation in CAP-treated spheroids. Direct treatments were more effective than indirect treatments, suggesting the importance of CAP-generated, short-lived species for the growth inhibition and cell cytotoxicity of solid glioblastoma tumours. We concluded that CAP treatment can effectively reduce glioblastoma tumour size and restrict cell migration, thus demonstrating the potential of CAP therapies for glioblastoma.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000451307700001 Publication Date 2018-10-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors thank Paul Cos (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp) for providing EPR equipment and Christophe Hermans for his help with the immunohistochemical experiments. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:154871 Serial 5065
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Author Heirman, P.; Verloy, R.; Baroen, J.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Liquid treatment with a plasma jet surrounded by a gas shield: effect of the treated substrate and gas shield geometry on the plasma effluent conditions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.
Volume 57 Issue (down) 11 Pages 115204
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract The treatment of a well plate by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet is common for<italic>in vitro</italic>plasma medicine research. Here, reactive species are largely produced through the mixing of the jet effluent with the surrounding atmosphere. This mixing can be influenced not only by the ambient conditions, but also by the geometry of the treated well. To limit this influence and control the atmosphere, a shielding gas is sometimes applied. However, the interplay between the gas shield and the well geometry has not been investigated. In this work, we developed a 2D-axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics model of the kINPen plasma jet, to study the mixing of the jet effluent with the surrounding atmosphere, with and without gas shield. Our computational and experimental results show that the choice of well type can have a significant influence on the effluent conditions, as well as on the effectiveness of the gas shield. Furthermore, the geometry of the shielding gas device can substantially influence the mixing as well. Our results provide a deeper understanding of how the choice of setup geometry can influence the plasma treatment, even when all other operating parameters are unchanged.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001127372200001 Publication Date 2024-03-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-3727 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Fund for Scientific Research Flanders, 1100421N ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.4; 2024 IF: 2.588
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:201999 Serial 8977
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Author Van Loenhout, J.; Freire Boullosa, L.; Quatannens, D.; De Waele, J.; Merlin, C.; Lambrechts, H.; Lau, H.W.; Hermans, C.; Lin, A.; Lardon, F.; Peeters, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Smits, E.; Deben, C.
Title Auranofin and Cold Atmospheric Plasma Synergize to Trigger Distinct Cell Death Mechanisms and Immunogenic Responses in Glioblastoma Type A1 Journal Article;oxidative stress
Year 2021 Publication Cells Abbreviated Journal Cells
Volume 10 Issue (down) 11 Pages 2936
Keywords A1 Journal Article;oxidative stress; auranofin; cold atmospheric plasma; glioblastoma; cancer cell death; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Targeting the redox balance of malignant cells via the delivery of high oxidative stress unlocks a potential therapeutic strategy against glioblastoma (GBM). We investigated a novel reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing combination treatment strategy, by increasing exogenous ROS via cold atmospheric plasma and inhibiting the endogenous protective antioxidant system via auranofin (AF), a thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR) inhibitor. The sequential combination treatment of AF and cold atmospheric plasma-treated PBS (pPBS), or AF and direct plasma application, resulted in a synergistic response in 2D and 3D GBM cell cultures, respectively. Differences in the baseline protein levels related to the antioxidant systems explained the cell-line-dependent sensitivity towards the combination treatment. The highest decrease of TrxR activity and GSH levels was observed after combination treatment of AF and pPBS when compared to AF and pPBS monotherapies. This combination also led to the highest accumulation of intracellular ROS. We confirmed a ROS-mediated response to the combination of AF and pPBS, which was able to induce distinct cell death mechanisms. On the one hand, an increase in caspase-3/7 activity, with an increase in the proportion of annexin V positive cells, indicates the induction of apoptosis in the GBM cells. On the other hand, lipid peroxidation and inhibition of cell death through an iron chelator suggest the involvement of ferroptosis in the GBM cell lines. Both cell death mechanisms induced by the combination of AF and pPBS resulted in a significant increase in danger signals (ecto-calreticulin, ATP and HMGB1) and dendritic cell maturation, indicating a potential increase in immunogenicity, although the phagocytotic capacity of dendritic cells was inhibited by AF. In vivo, sequential combination treatment of AF and cold atmospheric plasma both reduced tumor growth kinetics and prolonged survival in GBM-bearing mice. Thus, our study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress-inducing therapy through a combination of AF and cold atmospheric plasma.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000807134000001 Publication Date 2021-10-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-4409 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Olivia Hendrickx Research Fund, 21OCL06 ; University of Antwerp, FFB160231 ; The authors would express their gratitude to Hans de Reu for technical assistance with flow cytometry. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:182915 Serial 6826
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Author Van Loenhout, J.; Flieswasser, T.; Freire Boullosa, L.; De Waele, J.; Van Audenaerde, J.; Marcq, E.; Jacobs, J.; Lin, A.; Lion, E.; Dewitte, H.; Peeters, M.; Dewilde, S.; Lardon, F.; Bogaerts, A.; Deben, C.; Smits, E.
Title Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Treated PBS Eliminates Immunosuppressive Pancreatic Stellate Cells and Induces Immunogenic Cell Death of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 11 Issue (down) 10 Pages 1597
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Laboratory for Experimental Hematology (LEH); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers with a low response to treatment and a five-year survival rate below 5%. The ineffectiveness of treatment is partly because of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which comprises tumor-supportive pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to tackle both the immunosuppressive PSC and pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). Recently, physical cold atmospheric plasma consisting of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species has emerged as a novel treatment option for cancer. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of plasma-treated phosphate-buffered saline (pPBS) using three PSC lines and four PCC lines and examined the immunogenicity of the induced cell death. We observed a decrease in the viability of PSC and PCC after pPBS treatment, with a higher efficacy in the latter. Two PCC lines expressed and released damage-associated molecular patterns characteristic of the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD). In addition, pPBS-treated PCC were highly phagocytosed by dendritic cells (DCs), resulting in the maturation of DC. This indicates the high potential of pPBS to trigger ICD. In contrast, pPBS induced no ICD in PSC. In general, pPBS treatment of PCCs and PSCs created a more immunostimulatory secretion profile (higher TNF-α and IFN-γ, lower TGF-β) in coculture with DC. Altogether, these data show that plasma treatment via pPBS has the potential to induce ICD in PCCs and to reduce the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment created by PSCs. Therefore, these data provide a strong experimental basis for further in vivo validation, which might potentially open the way for more successful combination strategies with immunotherapy for PDAC.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000498826000194 Publication Date 2019-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen, NA ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 11E7719N 1121016N 1S32316N 12S9218N 12E3916N ; Agentschap Innoveren en Ondernemen, 141433 ; Kom op tegen Kanker, NA ; Stichting Tegen Kanker, STK2014-155 ; The authors express their gratitude to Christophe Hermans, Céline Merlin, Hilde Lambrechts, and Hans de Reu for technical assistance; and to VITO for the use of the MSD reader (Mol, Belgium). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:163328 Serial 5436
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Author Verloy, R.; Privat-Maldonado, A.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer–The Importance of Pancreatic Stellate Cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Cancers Abbreviated Journal Cancers
Volume 12 Issue (down) 10 Pages 2782
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with low five-year survival rates of 8% by conventional treatment methods, e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. PDAC shows high resistance towards chemo- and radiotherapy and only 15–20% of all patients can have surgery. This disease is predicted to become the third global leading cause of cancer death due to its significant rise in incidence. Therefore, the development of an alternative or combinational method is necessary to improve current approaches. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatments could offer multiple advantages to this emerging situation. The plasma-derived reactive species can induce oxidative damage and a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways, which could lead to cell death. Previous reports have shown that CAP treatment also influences cells in the tumor microenvironment, such as the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). These PSCs, when activated, play a crucial role in the propagation, growth and survival of PDAC tumors. However, the effect of CAP on PSCs is not yet fully understood. This review focuses on the application of CAP for PDAC treatment and the importance of PSCs in the response to treatment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000584150700001 Publication Date 2020-09-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2072-6694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Server Medical Art templates were used for creating figures. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:172454 Serial 6418
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Author Hauchecorne, B.; Tytgat, T.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Hauchecorne, D.; Terrens, D.; Smits, M.; Vinken, K.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Photocatalytic degradation of ethylene : an FTIR in situ study under atmospheric conditions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
Volume 105 Issue (down) 1/2 Pages 111-116
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Molecular Spectroscopy (MolSpec); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this paper, the reaction mechanism of the photocatalytic oxidation of ethylene is elucidated by means of an in-house developed FTIR in situ reactor. This reactor allowed us to look at the catalytic surface at the moment the reactions actually occur. This new approach gave some exciting new insights in how ethylene is photocatalytically oxidised. It was found that there is a change in dipole moment of the ethylene molecule when it is brought in the neighbourhood of the catalyst. From this finding, a hypothesis was formulated on how the CC-bond from ethylene will break. It was found that the aforementioned interaction between the catalyst and the molecule, allows the excited electrons from the UV irradiated catalyst to occupy the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the ethylene molecule through a process known as backdonation. Following this hypothesis, it was found that the degradation occurs through the formation of two intermediates: formaldehyde and formic acid, for which formaldehyde is bound in two different ways (coordinatively and as bidentate). Finally CO2 and H2O are found as end products, resulting in the complete mineralisation of the pollutant.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000291907400013 Publication Date 2011-04-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 29 Open Access
Notes ; The authors wish to thank the University of Antwerp for the funding of this research; Evonik, who delivered the photocatalyst and the 3rd grade bachelor students of the bio-science engineering department, who accompanied us in this work: Britt Berghmans, Margot Goossens, Ozlem Kocak and Laurent Van Linden. ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2011 IF: 5.625
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:89256 Serial 5978
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