Antimicrobial effects of nanofiber poly(caprolactone) tissue scaffolds releasing rifampicin

This study quantified the antibiotic release kinetics and subsequent bactericidal efficacy of rifampicin (RIF) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under in vitro static conditions. Antibiotic-loaded scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning poly(caprolactone) (PCL) with 10% or 20% (w/w) RIF. Scaffold fiber diameter and RIF loading were characterized, and RIF release kinetics were measured. RIF-releasing and RIF-free scaffolds were inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the suspended concentration live and dead bacteria were determined by fluorescent microscopy. Adherent bacteria and biofilm formation were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Mean fiber diameters were 557 ± 399 nm for RIF-free, 402 ± 225 nm for 10% RIF, and 665 ± 402 nm for 20% RIF scaffolds. RIF release kinetics exhibited a short-burst release during the first hour, followed by a 7 h, zero-order release during which both RIF scaffolds released ~50% of their initial RIF mass loading. P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis suspended cell populations proliferated in accordance with logarithmic growth models when exposed to control scaffolds; however both RIF-containing scaffolds completely inhibited bacterial growth in suspension and, subsequently, prevented biofilm formation within the scaffolds through the first 6 h.     

Modelling emergence of oscillations in communicating bacteria: a structured approach from one to many cells

Population-level measurements of phenotypic behaviour in biological systems may not necessarily reflect individual cell behaviour. To assess qualitative changes in the behaviour of a single cell, when alone and when part of a community, we developed an agent-based model describing the metabolic states of a population of quorum-coupled cells. The modelling is motivated by published experimental work of a synthetic genetic regulatory network (GRN) used in Escherichia coli cells that exhibit oscillatory behaviour across the population. To decipher the mechanisms underlying oscillations in the system, we investigate the behaviour of the model via numerical simulation and bifurcation analysis. In particular, we study the effect of an increase in population size as well as the spatio-temporal behaviour of the model. Our results demonstrate that oscillations are possible only in the presence of a high concentration of the coupling chemical and are due to a time scale separation in key regulatory components of the system. The model suggests that the population establishes oscillatory behaviour as the system''s preferred stable state. This is achieved via an effective increase in coupling across the population. We conclude that population effects in GRN design need to be taken into consideration and be part of the design process. This is important in planning intervention strategies or designing specific cell behaviours.     

Characterization of gallium-nitrogen co-doped zinc oxide thin films prepared by RF diode sputtering

We investigated the possibility of achieving p-type zinc oxide (ZnO) by RF diode sputtering and gallium-nitrogen co-doping. ZnO:Ga:N thin films were prepared with a different N₂ content in Ar/N₂ working gas, ranging from 0 to 100%, and at a varying substrate temperature, from room temperature (RT) to 300 °C. A hole conduction with maximum carrier concentration of 2.6 × 10¹⁸ cm⁻³, mobility of 2 cm²/Vs and resistivity of 1.5 Ω cm resulted from deposition at RT with 100% N₂. It arose from N incorporation and formation of N_O acceptors. In the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) depth profiles of the co-doped films were observed NO/NO₂ negative ions. Average transmittance (including Corning glass substrate) across the visible spectrum varied (60 ÷ 66%) with increasing nitrogen content (50 ÷ 100% N₂). As the substrate temperature increased (RT - 300 °C), highly transparent (T ∼72-83%) and conductive (electron concentrations of 10¹⁷-10¹⁹ cm⁻³) n-type ZnO:Ga:N films were attained. Reduction of optical band gap (E_g) (∼3.13-3.08 eV) was observed for co-doped ZnO films. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images revealed that the films grown at RT have roughness of approximately 5.3 nm while roughness of those grown at 300 °C is approximately 3.9 nm.     

Reinforcing of expanded polymer morphology using peroxy radical initiator

There was investigated the possibility of increasing the apparent specific surface area of polystyrene sorbents by radical-induced post-polymerization reaction using di-tert-butyl peroxide as free radical initiator. It is known that in addition to the activation of vinyl groups, tert-butyl peroxide is also able of abstraction of hydrogen atoms from aliphatic carbons and this way produces active centers for creation of post-polymerization crosslinking. Radical-induced post-polymerization morphology changes were confirmed by detailed morphological examinations of both dry and swollen materials showing distinct reinforcing of the expanded polymer morphology. However, due to the specific character of the post-polymerization reaction, the achieved additional crosslinking was not extensive and only moderate increase to the apparent BET surface area was achieved.     

Effects of post-crosslinking of macroreticular styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers on their morphology

We performed a detailed comparison of properties of two different styrenic polymers containing divinylbenzene as the crosslinker before and after the introduction of the additional crosslinks by Friedel-Craft's reaction of the residual double bonds. For the polymer characterization was used a wide selection of methods, including nitrogen adsorption/desorption, inverse steric exclusion chromatography, MAS NMR and AFM. The residual double bonds are quite probably located in the dense cores of the microgel domains where steric hindrances prevented them to react during the polymerization. Reinforcement of the cores of polymer microgel domains by transformation of the residual double bonds into additional crosslinks by the Friedel-Craft's reaction results then in greater stability of the already existing pores rather than in creation of new pores by incomplete collapse of swollen polymer gel.     

The price of security in wireless sensor networks

With the increased application of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to military, commercial, and home environments, securing the data in the network has become a critical issue. Several security mechanisms, such as TinySec, have been introduced to address the need for security in WSNs. The cost of security, however, still mostly remains an unknown variable. To provide a better understanding of this cost we have studied three aspects of WSNs security: encryption algorithms, modes of operation for block ciphers, and message authentication algorithms. We have measured and compared their memory and energy consumption on both MicaZ and TelosB sensor motes. The results of our experiments provide insight into the suitability of different security algorithms for use in WSN environments and could be used by WSN designers to construct the security architecture of their systems in a way that both satisfies the requirements of the application and reasonably uses the constrained sensor resources.     

Design and study of the potential of crosslinked cationic polymers as drug delivery systems for dermal application

Crosslinked carriers based on cationic monomer [2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride or 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate were developed and investigated as new platform for ibuprofen transdermal delivery. Series of networks of varied composition and structure were synthesized and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and following swelling kinetics in different solvents. Dermal safety tests to examine the skin irritation and sensitization potential of the network films were performed in vivo. Chosen network compositions were loaded with ibuprofen by swelling in its ethanol solution. The structures of the drug carriers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Ibuprofen release from the developed drug delivery systems was followed in phosphate buffer solution at 37 °C. The investigation proved the feasibility of the developed cationic copolymer networks as effective platforms with modified ibuprofen release for potential dermal application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46420.     

Modifications in the morphology of poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzenes) induced by gamma-ray irradiation

The possibility of increasing the apparent specific surface area of macroreticular styrenic polymers crosslinked to different extent by gamma-ray irradiation was investigated. In order to overcome the protective action of benzene rings and simultaneously minimize the negative effect of chain scission competing with the desired additional crosslinking, it was necessary to optimize both the irradiation dose and the content of divinylbenzene. The best conditions for the radiation-induced post-crosslinking of polymers were assessed on the basis of the resultant apparent BET surface area. Useful morphological changes both in the dry and swollen state were possible to be generated.