The potential of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses as biomaterials

Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are a new type of metallic materials with disordered atomic structure that exhibit high strength and high elastic strain, relatively low Young’s modulus, and excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The combination of these unique properties makes the Zr-based BMGs very promising for biomaterials applications. In this review article, the authors give an overview of the recent progress in the study of biocompatibility of Zr-based BMGs, especially the relevant work that has been done in the metallic glasses group in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), including the development of Ni-free Zr-based BMGs, the mechanical and wear properties, the bio-corrosion resistance, the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and the bioactive surface modification of these newly developed BMGs.     

The potential of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses as biomaterials

Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are a new type of metallic materials with disordered atomic structure that exhibit high strength and high elastic strain, relatively low Young’s modulus, and excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The combination of these unique properties makes the Zr-based BMGs very promising for biomaterials applications. In this review article, the authors give an overview of the recent progress in the study of biocompatibility of Zr-based BMGs, especially the relevant work that has been done in the metallic glasses group in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), including the development of Ni-free Zr-based BMGs, the mechanical and wear properties, the bio-corrosion resistance, the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and the bioactive surface modification of these newly developed BMGs.     

Ga NMR as a sensitive probe of perfection in gallium phosphide crystals

The ⁶⁹Ga NMR has been studied in an undoped gallium phosphide ingot grown by the liquid encapsulated Czochralski technique. The linewidths and peak intensities are found to vary from top to bottom of the ingot. It is concluded that the bottom contains less lattice defects and is probably more stoichiometric than the top. Heat treatment of the top is found to have an effect on the NMR linewidths and intensities.     

11C-radiolabeling study of nickel modified H-MCM-41 with methanol as a probe molecule

¹¹C-radiolabeling technique was applied to characterize nickel and aluminum modified MCM-41 mesoporous materials. On the basis of desorption and catalytic transformations of methanol molecule, which were studied under different exposure of the surface to ¹¹C-labeled and un-labeled methanol, the contributions of various catalytic active sites to methanol conversion was discussed.     

Preface for the special issue on light metals as biomaterials

Biomaterials research is one of the most active fields with many novel techniques and products emerging to alleviate pain and suffering. Metallic biomatedals have high strength and toughness in comparison to polymers and ceramics. These advantages make them suitable for load-bearing orthopedic implants and coronary stents. Nowadays, more and more biocompatible light metals, such as titanium alloys and magnesium alloys, are attracting researchers＇ attention for implant applications.     

The development of in vitro biocompatibility tests for the evaluation of intraocular biomaterials

Recent developments in ocular implant technology require the in vitro evaluation of ocular compatibility in early stage development programs. This requires an understanding and appreciation of the biological interactions which occur in the ocular environment and their relevance with respect to the clinical complications associated with surgical implantation of devices. This paper describes the development of a series of clinically reflective in vitro assays for assessing the potential ocular compatibility of novel intraocular lens materials. Staphylococcus epidermidis attachment, fibrinogen adsorption, mouse embryo fibroblast 3T3 adhesion and proliferation, primary rabbit lens cell adhesion, human peripheral blood macrophage adhesion and granulocyte activation tests were employed to evaluate two widely used intraocular biomaterials poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silicone, and a novel biomimetic phosphorylcholine-based coating (PC). The performance of these materials in the in vitro assays was compared to their ability to reduce postoperative inflammation in vivo in a rabbit model. The results demonstrated that the in vitro assays described here are predictive of in vivo ocular compatibility. These assays offer a more relevant means of assessing the ocular compatibility of biomaterials than those presently required by the authorities for regulatory approval of medical devices and implants. © 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Manganese-doped ZnSe quantum dots as a probe for time-resolved fluorescence detection of 5-fluorouracil

Quantum dots (QDs) are generally used for the conventional fluorescence detection. However, it is difficult for the QDs to be applied in time-resolved fluorometry due to their short-lived emission. In this paper, high-quality Mn-doped ZnSe QDs with long-lived emission were prepared using a green and rapid microwave-assisted synthetic approach in aqueous solution. Fluorescence lifetime of the Mn-doped ZnSe QDs was extended as long as 400 μs, which was 10,000 times higher than that of conventional QDs such as CdS, CdSe, and CdTe. The QDs exhibited an excellent photostability over 35 h under continuous irradiation at 260 nm. Capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), the Mn-doped ZnSe QDs were used for the time-resolved fluorescence detection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with the detection limit of 128 nM. The relative standard deviation for seven independent measurements of 1.5 μM 5-FU was 3.8%, and the recovery ranged from 93% to 106%. The results revealed that the Mn-doped ZnSe QDs could be a good candidate as a luminescence probe for highly sensitive time-resolved fluorometry.     

Gangliosides as receptors for biological toxins: development of sensitive fluoroimmunoassays using ganglioside-bearing liposomes

Gangliosides, glycosphingolipids present in the membranes of neuronal and other cells, are natural receptors for a number of bacterial toxins and viruses whose sensitive detection is of interest in clinical medicine as well as in biological warfare or terrorism incidents. Liposomes containing gangliosides mimic cells that are invaded by bacterial toxins and can be used as sensitive probes for detecting these toxins. We discuss detection of three bacterial toxins-tetanus, botulinum, and cholera toxins using ganglioside-bearing liposomes. Tetanus and botulinum toxins selectively bind gangliosides of the G1b series, namely, GT1b, GD1b, and GQ1b; and cholera toxin binds GM1 very specifically. Unilamellar liposomes containing GT1b or GM1 as one of the constituent lipids were prepared by extrusion through polycarbonate membranes. To impart signal generation capability to these liposomes, fluorophore-labeled lipids were incorporated in the bilayer of liposomes. The fluorescent liposomes, containing both a marker (rhodamine) and a receptor (GT1b or GM1) in the bilayer, were used in sandwich fluoroimmunoassays for tetanus, botulinum, and cholera toxins and as low as 1 nM of each toxin could be detected. The apparent dissociation constants of liposome-toxin complexes were in 10(-8) M range, indicating strong binding. This is the first report on detection of tetanus and botulinum toxins based on specific recognition by gangliosides. The fluorescent liposomes are attractive as immunoreagents for another reason as well--they provide enormous signal amplification for each binding event as each liposome contains up to 22,000 rhodamine molecules. The present approach using receptors incorporated in bilayers of liposomes offers a unique solution to employ water-insoluble receptors, such as glycolipids and membrane proteins, for sensitive detection of toxins and other clinically important biomolecules.     

XPS characterization of surface modified titanium alloys for use as biomaterials

Three different Ti alloys of biomedical interest have been studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine their surface chemical composition in both as-received condition and after oxidation at 750 °C in air for different times. Compositions of the investigated alloys were, in wt.%, Ti-7Nb-6Al, Ti-13Nb-13Zr and Ti-15Zr-4Nb. XPS analyses showed a behaviour of the Ti-7Nb-6Al alloy different from that of the two TiNbZr alloys, evidencing the role of the chemical composition of the alloys on the oxidation mechanisms. The oxidation process generates an aluminium-oxide rich surface on the Ti-7Nb-6Al, while in the case of the TiNbZr alloys a titanium-oxide rich layer is formed. The effect of the heat treatment on the contribution of the minority elements at the surface is also discussed.     

Novel guidelines for the development of pM-selective glass electrodes from oxide glasses

There have been no guidelines for developing pM-selective (M = alkali metal ions) glass membrane electrodes. One of the key points for developing pM-selective glasses is to make glasses not responsive to changes in pH, since pM-measurements can be disturbed by the pH of the solution. As hydrogen-bonded protons in glasses are mobile and their mobility is thought to be responsible for pH-sensitivity, glasses for pM-selective electrodes should contain no hydrogen-bonded protons and no non-bridging oxygen. In this paper, guidelines for developing pH-selective glasses are proposed by using pNa-selective glasses in the Na₂O–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ system as examples. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Blends of hyaluronic acid derivatives with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers as potential biomaterials

Films were prepared by solution casting from blends of hyaluronic acid derivatives and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers. A chemico-physical and biological characterization was carried out on these bioartificial materials made of synthetic and biological polymers. The morphological and chemical properties of the films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The transport properties of these films were tested in liquid systems to evaluate their possible use in dialysis and/or haemodialysis. The biocompatibility was investigated by a haemocompatibility test based on the contact activation of plasma prekallikrein. No particular interaction between the two components was observed. The results of the permeation tests were compared with those obtained using commercial products such as Cuprophane and poly(acrylonitrile) membranes. These tests indicate that the permeability of the blends decreases as the content of the synthetic polymer increases. The good haemocompatibility of these materials suggests their possible use as biomaterials.     

The development of a scanning strategy for the manufacture of porous biomaterials by selective laser melting

Porous structures are used in orthopaedics to promote biological fixation between metal implant and host bone. In order to achieve rapid and high volumes of bone ingrowth the structures must be manufactured from a biocompatible material and possess high interconnected porosities, pore sizes between 100 and 700 μm and mechanical strengths that withstand the anticipated biomechanical loads. The challenge is to develop a manufacturing process that can cost effectively produce structures that meet these requirements. The research presented in this paper describes the development of a ‘beam overlap’ technique for manufacturing porous structures in commercially pure titanium using the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) rapid manufacturing technique. A candidate bone ingrowth structure (71% porosity, 440 μm mean pore diameter and 70 MPa compression strength) was produced and used to manufacture a final shape orthopaedic component. These results suggest that SLM beam overlap is a promising technique for manufacturing final shape functional bone ingrowth materials.     

Development of pH sensitive polyacrylamide grafted pectin hydrogel for controlled drug delivery system

In the present study an attempt was made to graft polyacrylamide on pectin. The grafted polymer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Rheological property of pectin solution was compared with the product solution. The grafted polymer was cross-linked with varying amount of glutaraldehyde. The swelling properties of the cross-linked product were also studied. The salicylic acid, an antipyretic drug, was incorporated in the cross-linked gel as a model drug and the drug release studies were done in a modified Franz’s diffusion cell. The effect of cross-linking density on the release property of salicylic acid was studied through the cross-linked product. The product showed better film forming property and gelling property than pectin. The comparative rheological properties of pectin and grafted copolymer indicated change in the property of the product. FTIR studies indicated incorporation of amide group. Differential scanning calorimetry and XRD suggested formation of a new polymer. Swelling study indicated pH dependent swelling of the cross-linked hydrogel. Salicylic acid release indicated pH dependent release from the hydrogel.     

Fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy as a probe of pH gradients in electrode reactions and surface activity

The application of fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to quantify three-dimensional pH gradients near electrode surfaces is described. The methodology utilizes a trace quantity of a fluorescent dye, fluorescein, in solution, which fluoresces strongly above pH 6.5, to map the pH adjacent to various ultramicroelectrodes undergoing electrochemical processes that lead to pH changes. The experimental fluorescence profiles, determined by CLSM, have been compared to models by solving the underlying mass transport equations, including the effect of natural convection, using the finite element method. The methodology has been validated through studies of the galvanostatic reduction of water at both disk and ring ultramicroelectrodes. The fluorescence profiles were found to be highly sensitive to both the initial bulk solution pH and applied current in a predictable fashion. The potentiostatic reduction of oxygen has been investigated at 25- and 10-microm-diameter platinum electrodes to confirm the effective number of electrons transferred in the reaction. Finally, the application of this methodology to observe defects in microelectrode arrays, particularly those that cannot be seen by optical microscopy, is described.     

Preparation and characterization of pH sensitive comb-shaped chitosan material for the controlled release of coenzyme A

A novel kind of pH sensitive comb-shaped copolymer P(CS-Ma-PEGMA) was synthesized with chitosan (CS), maleic anhydride (Ma) and Poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) by grafting and co-polymerization. The structure of P(CS-Ma-PEGMA) was characterized by FT-IR and ¹H-NMR, and it was found that PEGMA was grafted onto CS and PEGMAylated chitosan was soluble. The copolymer was subjected to coenzyme A adsorption study in order to assess its application in biomedical area. The factors affecting release behavior, such as concentration and pH were discussed in this paper. The higher concentration of the copolymer showed higher absorbance peak than the lower one. The pH of the solution also had significant impact on the release of coenzyme A, and the mechanism of adsorption was suggested. The results suggested that the novel copolymer could be used as drug delivery carrier.     

Coupled microwave resonators as the basis for sensitive bolometric detection

We present further analysis here of a novel form of bolometric detector, based on coupled microwave resonators, which may have widespread application in fields requiring sensitive measurement of the energy absorbed by the impact of particles, whether they be massive particles, photons or even phonons. We show how a very sensitive thermometer based on coupled resonators may be transformed into a bolometer and calculate the limiting sensitivity of such a device.     

Mass amplifying probe for sensitive fluorescence anisotropy detection of small molecules in complex biological samples

Fluorescence anisotropy (FA) is a reliable and excellent choice for fluorescence sensing. One of the key factors influencing the FA value for any molecule is the molar mass of the molecule being measured. As a result, the FA method with functional nucleic acid aptamers has been limited to macromolecules such as proteins and is generally not applicable for the analysis of small molecules because their molecular masses are relatively too small to produce observable FA value changes. We report here a molecular mass amplifying strategy to construct anisotropy aptamer probes for small molecules. The probe is designed in such a way that only when a target molecule binds to the probe does it activate its binding ability to an anisotropy amplifier (a high molecular mass molecule such as protein), thus significantly increasing the molecular mass and FA value of the probe/target complex. Specifically, a mass amplifying probe (MAP) consists of a targeting aptamer domain against a target molecule and molecular mass amplifying aptamer domain for the amplifier protein. The probe is initially rendered inactive by a small blocking strand partially complementary to both target aptamer and amplifier protein aptamer so that the mass amplifying aptamer domain would not bind to the amplifier protein unless the probe has been activated by the target. In this way, we prepared two probes that constitute a target (ATP and cocaine respectively) aptamer, a thrombin (as the mass amplifier) aptamer, and a fluorophore. Both probes worked well against their corresponding small molecule targets, and the detection limits for ATP and cocaine were 0.5 μM and 0.8 μM, respectively. More importantly, because FA is less affected by environmental interferences, ATP in cell media and cocaine in urine were directly detected without any tedious sample pretreatment. Our results established that our molecular mass amplifying strategy can be used to design aptamer probes for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of small molecules by means of FA in complex biological samples.     

Using the intrinsic chirality of a molecule as a label-free probe to detect molecular adsorption to a surface by second harmonic generation

Chiral second harmonic generation (C-SHG) has been used for the label-free detection of (R)-(+)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (RBN) and (S)-(+)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (SBN) binding to planar-supported lipid bilayers of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphotidylcholine (POPC) based on the intrinsic chirality of the molecules. C-SHG adsorption isotherms of RBN and SBN reveal Langmuir adsorption behavior with binding constants of 2.7 +/- 0.2 x 10(5) M(-1) and 3.0 +/- 0.1 x 10(5) M(-1), respectively. The kinetics of RBN binding to a POPC bilayer was also measured. It was determined that the adsorption rate for RBN was 5.7 +/- 0.4 x 10(3) s(-1)M(-1) and the desorption rate was 2.1 +/- 0.8 x 10(-2) s(-1). From the kinetic data a binding constant of 2.7 +/- 1.0 x 10(5) M(-1) was calculated, which agrees well with the thermodynamic measurement. The C-SHG technique was correlated with surface tension measurements in order to determine the RBN surface excess within the POPC membrane. The maximum surface excess of RBN in a monolayer of POPC was 4.3 +/- 0.5 x 10(-11) mol cm2. Using the maximum surface excess in conjunction with the C-SHG binding data a lower limit of detection of 1.5 +/- 0.1 x 10(-13) mols cm(-2) was calculated. The results of these studies show that C-SHG is a powerful tool for the study of chiral molecular interactions at surfaces.     

Characterization of the dealumination effect into H faujasites by adsorption: Part 2. The hexane molecule as a pore volume probe

Thermogravimetric studies under controlled vapor pressure are made at 25°C to measure adsorption and desorption isotherms of n-hexane on a series of dealuminated HY zeolites. These had been characterized by water vapor adsorption in Part 1 of this paper. Contrary to what was observed for water adsorption, isotherms always show a very high adsorption capacity in the very low pressures and a H4 hysteresis loop. The micropore maximal volume accessible to the adsorbate, the mesopore volume, and the adsorption energy are discussed with regard to the dealumination degree of the HY zeolites.     

N-中氮茚甲酰脲衍生物的合成及其作为pH值探针的研究

设计、合成了N-中氮茚甲酰脲衍生物4;紫外和荧光光谱研究表明,其在乙醇中具有较明显的紫外吸收峰和较强的荧光,pH值=10.02～12.48时荧光较强,且荧光强度与pH值有较好的线性关系.因此,该化合物有望作为10.02～12.48范围内的pH值探针.