The effect of transient proanthocyanidins preconditioning on the cross-linking and mechanical properties of demineralized dentin

Proanthocyanidin-based preconditioners were prepared by adding powdered proanthocyanidins-rich grape seed extract to various solvents at different concentrations. Demineralized dentin specimens were preconditioned for 20, 30, 60 or 120 s, followed by the evaluation of their cross-linking degree, mechanical properties and micromorphology. The cross-linking degree of the demineralized dentin collagen exhibited concentration- and time- dependent increase after preconditioning treatment, irrespective of the preconditioner and the solvent. When treated for the same exposure time, specimens after 15% proanthocyanidins preconditioning resulted in the highest mean ultimate tensile strength compared with all the other groups tested. Five percent glutaraldehyde control group produced the highest cross-linking degree, but the ultimate tensile strength was lower than that of 15% proanthocyanidins group. The field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the demineralized dentin collagen was in a homogeneous and regular arrangement after preconditioning and maintained expanding, regardless of the surface moisture conditions.     

Surface characterization and biological evaluation of spark-eroded surfaces

Forty commercially pure titanium implants were prepared with a spark-eroding process in order to create highly increased surface roughnesses. Two degrees of roughness were achieved by altering the applied current. Surface topographical characterization was performed with SEM and an optical profilometer. The surface composition and oxide layer were investigated using Auger scanning microscopy. In the present study, there was a large difference between the stipulated and measured surface roughness, indicating the need for a careful surface characterization in each new study. After 12 wk in rabbit bone, no statistically significant difference was found with respect to peak removal torque and histomorphometric analyses. The results from the present study provide no support for further increase of the surface roughness than that possible to achieve with a blasting technique.     

PLGA携载紫杉醇涂层包被TiNi合金的表面特性与生物性能

系统研究了PLGA携载紫杉醇包被TiNi合金的表面特性与生物性能。采用原子力显微镜(AFM)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)研究了药物涂层的表面形貌及化学成分;采用高效液相色谱(HPLC)研究了在pH为7.4的PBS溶液中紫杉醇从TiNi合金表面涂层中释放特性,并通过血小板粘附试验研究了药物涂层的血液相容性。试验结果表明经涂覆后TiNi合金表面化学组成及结构随着载药量的增加而改变。紫杉醇在涂层降解初期释放较快,随着时间的延长,累积释放量增加缓慢。血小板粘附试验表明载药量为0%、10%、20%和30%时涂膜样品表面血小板粘附数量均小于未涂膜样品表面。而随着载药量的增加,涂膜样品表面粘附的血小板数量增加,血小板变形严重,当载药量为30%时,血小板出现明显的聚集现象。     

Surface characterization and biological response of carbon-coated oxygen-diffused titanium having different topographical surfaces

The materials (C-ODTi) with different topographical surfaces that possess interstitial oxygen atoms into the host titanium lattice and an upper nanometric surface layer of anatase-TiO₂ covered by a carbon thin layer were fabricated in this study. The carbon thin layer on the surface of C-ODTi was composed of amorphous carbon and nano-graphite crystals. In vitro tests, using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (hBMCs), were performed to check cytotoxicity, examining in particular cell morphology, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and mineralization capability. After 10 days of culture a higher degree of cell viability was observed on the surface of C-ODTi with an abraded surface. We also observed that hBMCs cultured in direct contact with C-ODTi maintained their capability to express alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and formed mineralized nodules similar to the control cultures. Our results demonstrate that the carbon layer coating on the surface of C-ODTi possess better biological response than commercially pure titanium (cp Ti), which was evidenced by the higher proliferation rates of osteoblasts, higher osteo-differentiation and a higher mineralization capability.     

低熔纯钛用体瓷的研制及其性能研究

采用硼硅酸盐玻璃体系制备低熔钛专用体瓷,研究了体瓷组成与热膨胀系数的关系,并采用XRD和细胞毒性实验分别研究了钛体瓷的晶相组成和生物相容性。结果表明,钛体瓷为不含晶体的均质玻璃体,其热膨胀系数随SiO2含量的增加而减小;通过对比两种配方的烧结温度与力学性能,最终确定体瓷配方和烧结工艺:自制钛体瓷的烧结温度为760℃,抗弯强度、断裂韧性和维氏硬度分别为(85±4.07)MPa、(1.44±0.04)MPa/m1/2和(3904±21.71)MPa/mm2,硬度稍高于天然牙釉质。XRD结果表明自制钛体瓷为不含晶体的均质玻璃体;细胞毒性为0级,对细胞无抑制作用,可望进一步应用于临床修复。     

EPR properties of intact and deproteinated dentin

The effect of sample preparation on dentin electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra was investigated. The analysis was performed on dentin samples prepared by pure mechanical treatment or by an alkaline deproteination method. It was observed that (1) mechanical treatment induces both stable and transient signals, depending on the specific mechanical operation applied; and (2) sodium hydroxide deproteination removes the native signal, but at the same time introduces new confounding signals in the EPR spectrum. Also, it increases the radiation sensitivity of dentin. These findings suggest that attention must be paid to dentin sample preparation.     

Castor oil-based polyurethane coatings containing benzyl triethanol ammonium chloride: synthesis,characterization, and biological properties

In the present work, benzyl triethanol ammonium chloride (BTEAC) was employed as a reactive bactericidal additive for preparing of polyurethane coatings. In this regard, castor oil as a renewable resource-based polyol, polyethylene glycol (PEG1000), and BTEAC were reacted with toluene diisocyanate. Physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics as well as biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of polyurethanes were evaluated. The prepared polyurethanes showed two-phase structure with soft and hard segments glass transition temperature transitions in the range of 18–70 and 85–153 °C, respectively. Initial modulus and tensile strength were improved for coatings with higher BTEAC content, while elongation at break and thermal stability were decreased. Hydrophilicity of coatings was increased for polyurethanes based on higher content of BTEAC and PEG1000. Polyurethanes with higher BTEAC content showed better cytocompatibility for mouse L929 fibroblast cells. Moreover, coatings with higher hydrophilicity and BTEAC content displayed superior antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.     

Nano-composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering containing silver nanoparticles: preparation, characterization and biological properties

In this study nano-composite scaffolds to be used as bone grafts have been endowed with antibacterial properties owing to the presence of silver nanoparticles. The alginate/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds were prepared by internal gelation followed by a freeze-drying procedure to obtain a porous structure. The nanoparticles were prepared in presence of a lactose modified-chitosan and this colloidal solution was adsorbed on the scaffolds by exploiting electrostatic interactions. The adsorption and release of the silver from the composite scaffold was measured by ICP-AES and spectrofluorimetry measurements. Micro-computed tomography analysis of the scaffolds showed a homogeneous porous structure with average pore sizes of 341.5 μm and porosity of 80 %. In vitro biological tests (MTS and killing kinetics assays) demonstrated that silver does not affect the ability of the scaffolds to promote osteoblasts proliferation and that at the same time it exerts a strong bactericidal effect against both Gram+ and Gram? bacterial strains. Overall, the combined results indicate that these biocompatible antimicrobial scaffolds possess ideal characteristics for tissue engineering applications.     

Surface characterization of carbon fibres and interfacial properties of carbon fibre composites

The surface characteristics of carbon fibres treated by electrochemical oxidation have been determined, and the effect of these properties on the interfacial adhesive strength (interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and transverse flexural strength) of epoxy-matrix composites investigated. The surface properties of the carbon fibres were dependent on the nature of the electrolyte used during the electrochemical oxidative treatment. Use of a basic electrolyte resulted in an improvement of composite ILSS and transverse flexural strength due to an increase in the number of surface functional groups. On the other hand, using an acid electrolyte resulted in the ILSS increasing with the number of surface functional groups, while the transverse flexural strength decreased for composites in which the carbon fibres had a high surface oxygen content. It is concluded that the weak boundary layer derived from fissures on the surface of carbon fibres treated in an acid electrolyte decreased the transverse flexural strength.     

Growth, characterization, and properties of nanographene

A systematic study on nanographene grown directly on silicon dioxide substrates is reported. The growth is carried out in a remote plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system at a low temperature of around 550 °C with methane gas as the carbon source. Atomic force microscopy is used to characterize the nanographene morphology, and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy are exploited to identify the in-plane sp(2) bonding structures of nanographene samples. Electrical transport properties are measured at various temperatures down to 4 K. Tunneling effects, minimal conductance at the charge-neutral point, sheet resistances, and Dirac point position at different channel lengths are investigated. In addition, nanographene film possesses high transmittance properties, as indicated by transmittance spectra. Nanographene devices are fabricated from rippled structures, and show great promise for strain-gauge sensor applications.     

Synthesis, characterization, and biological applications of multifluorescent silica nanoparticles

Multifluorescent silica nanoparticles were synthesized by the St?ber method using conjugates of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and fluorescent dye-N-hydroxysuccinimide esters. The nanoparticles containing the fluorescent dyes were well dispersed and showed high, stable, and tunable fluorescence intensities. In addition, we prepared multifluorescent silica nanoparticles containing two kinds of fluorescent dyes and used the nanoparticles in biological applications. Flow cytometry analysis showed high and tuned fluorescence and multiple fluorescences from single nanoparticles with diameters of approximately 400 nm. Fluorescence microscopy analysis also showed high and tuned fluorescence, as well as multiple fluorescences from single nanoparticles and from cells labeled with multifluorescent silica nanoparticles. The intracellular distribution of nanoparticles was evaluated by confocal microscopy and electron microscopy. We discuss the advantages and demonstrate the usefulness of our nanoparticles in relation to commercially available fluorescent nanoparticles including quantum dots.     

Thermodynamic properties of regular interstitial solutions

The thermodynamics of interstitial solutions are conceptually different from the thermodynamics of substitutional solutions because the state corresponding to pure solute is experimentally inaccessible for the interstitial solution. The thermodynamic functions for the ideal and regular interstitial solutions are given and expressions for the critical point, spinodal curve, solvus, two solid-phase equilibrium, and specific heat are derived for the regular interstitial solution.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of bismuth titanate regular tetrahedron crystallites

Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ (BTO) single crystals were synthesized by a hydrothermal process in KOH solution at 180 °C for 4 h from Ti(OC₄H₉)₄ and Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O compounds. The effects of processing parameters on the growth and morphology of BTO single crystals were investigated. The KOH concentration, reaction time and temperature had a great effect on the phase composition and morphology of the resultant crystals. BTO phase could not be obtained with KOH concentrations lower than 3 M or higher than 5 M. XRD, SEM and TEM were used to characterize the samples. BTO single crystals were regular tetrahedron in morphology and 10 μm or so in size.     

原位表面修饰纳米CdS粒子的表面结构和光学性能

采用微乳液法合成了纳米尺度硫化镉粒子,并用硫醇和咪唑对粒子进行了原位表面修饰.对纳米硫化镉粒子的形貌与表面结构进行了表征,证实了表面修饰剂与粒子间的键合.电镜观察和紫外-可见吸收光谱的测定发现,表面修饰明显地提高了纳米粒子在溶剂中的分散性,改变了纳米粒子的表面结构,消除了粒子表面导致无辐射弛豫的缺陷,因而提高了纳米粒子分散于溶剂体系的荧光性能.修饰剂与溶剂间的相互作用决定了表面修饰粒子在溶剂中的分散性,对纳米粒子的光学性能也有一定的影响.     

Surface characterization and catalytic properties of La1−x -Sr x CoO3

The surface chemical states of the perovskite-type compounds, strontium doped lanthanum cobalt oxides (La_1?x Sr _x CoO₃), have been investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Catalytic oxidations of both methane and CO have also been investigated using flow methods. The chemical composition of the surface of La_1?x Sr _x CoO₃ was very different from that in the bulk, which was measured by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRFS). The catalytic activity of La_1?x Sr _x CoO₃ increased with an increase in the quantity of cobalt atoms on the surface.     

二苄基二硫代氨基甲酸四甲基铵的合成、表征及性能研究

以二苄基胺、NaOH和CS2为原料,四氢呋喃作溶剂合成二苄基二硫代氨基甲酸钠,再与四甲基氯化铵反应,合成了新型的离子盐促进剂——二苄基二硫代氨基甲酸四甲基铵。通过红外(FT-IR)、核磁(1H NMR)、质谱(MS)及元素分析等分析方法确定了产物的结构。为了研究新型促进剂的性能,实验将合成的二苄基二硫代氨基酸四甲基铵、二硫化四甲基秋兰姆(TMTD)分别添加到天然橡胶中制成胶片,对其进行溶胀指数(SI)和力学性能测试,结果表明合成的二苄基二硫代氨基酸四甲基铵具有优异的促进性能,是一种性能优异绿色环保的天然橡胶促进剂。     

硅基正六边形氮化镓纳米颗粒薄膜的制备,结构和形貌特性

本文通过在ZnO/Si(111)衬底上,利用JCK-500A型射频磁控溅射系统溅射氧化镓靶得到氧化镓薄膜.然后将硅基Ga2O3置于管武石英炉中,在850℃的氨化温度下氨化15min后,成功制备出GaN薄膜,该薄膜由正六边形的晶粒组成.X射线衍射(XRD)表明GaN具有六方纤锌矿结构,晶格常数为a=0.318nm和c=0.518nm.X射线光电子能谱(XPS)的测试确定了样品中Ga-N键的形成,并且Ga和N的化学计量比为1:1.用扫描电镜(SEM)和原子力显微镜(AFM)观察发现,样品表面非常光滑和平整.透射电镜(TEM)表明薄膜由正六边形晶粒组成.选区电子衍射(SAED)进一步验证了GaN薄膜的六方纤锌矿结构.最后,简单地讨论了其生长机制.     

Synthesis, characterization, and optical properties of AuSe nanoalloys

A solution phase approach to synthesize a new metal-semiconductor nanocomposite, AuSe nanoalloy has been reported. The synthesis has been achieved through UV-photoactivation of preformed Au and Se nanoparticles in micelle. Non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 was exploited as a micellar medium for effective fusion of gold and selenium particles under UV. Both physical and chemical studies have been performed to characterize the composition and morphology of the particles. UV-visible, TEM, SEM, XPS and AFM analyses were done for characterization purpose. The optical properties of nanocomposites have been substantiated through their interaction with a fluorescent probe, eosin in aqueous solution. The spectroscopic investigation of dye-metal-semiconductor assembly has been examined critically. It has been found that the dye experiences J and H types of aggregation on the surfaces of gold and selenium nanoparticles respectively. Again, the composition dependent change of the emission profile of the probe on different nanocomposite surfaces has been rationalized in accordance with the molecular dimerization of the dye.     

Surface transverse waves: properties, devices, and analysis

Surface transverse waves represent a new generation of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) family that offers advantageous properties without further demand for new materials or improved design and technology. The most effective activity in the surface transverse wave (STW) area has been realized during the last decade with high-performance devices achieved and analytical methods developed. The present paper reviews the basic achievements in historical and factual order. A state-of-the-art introduction is combined with discussion on the development tendencies with specific emphasis on sensor technology.     

Local mechanical and optical properties of normal and transparent root dentin

The mechanical and optical properties of healthy and transparent root dentin are compared using atomic force microscopy (AFM), micro-Raman and emission spectroscopies and fluorescence microscopy. The elastic modulus and hardness of intertubular and peritubular transparent and healthy dentin did not differ appreciably. The tubule filling material in the transparent zone, however, exhibited values between peritubular and intertubular dentin. Raman spectroscopy revealed a shift in the 1066 cm^–1 band to 1072 cm^–1 from normal to transparent intertubular dentin. The material filling the tubule lumen in transparent dentin showed an increase in frequency of the band near 1070 cm^–1 as well. The emission spectral characteristics under 351 nm photoexcitation indicate differences between normal and transparent intertubular dentin. A transition region of about 300 m between normal and transparent dentin was identified. In this region the intertubular emission properties were the same as for normal dentin, but tubules were filled. The filling material had emission characteristics closer to the normal intertubular than to transparent intertubular dentin. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers