Design and characterisation of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) small particulate systems for the delivery of immunostimulant CpG oligonucleotide

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize biodegradable small particles of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as oral vehicle for immunostimulatory oligonucleotide (ODN-CpG). Three different polymers were used as surface stabilizing agents (SSA): polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), or polyethylenimine (PEI). Particle surface was characterized as well as ODN-CpG release kinetics. All particles were found to be around 1 microm. Particles of PLGA-PVA and PLGA-HMHEC were spherical in shape with a smooth surface whereas PLGA-PEI particles were porous. The presence of ODN-CpG within the particle matrix was confirmed in all particle type using scanning laser confocal microscopy. Particle surface assayed by XPS, zeta potential analysis, and evaluation of particle surface hydrophobicity suggested that a significant amount of SSA remains associated onto particle surface. Release profiles evidenced that ODN-CpG release was strongly dependent on particle surface properties. 100% of encapsulated ODN-CpG was released from PLGA-PVA and PLGA-HMHEC particles 37 days after incubation in a buffer solution, whereas only 25% were released from PLGA-PEI particles. ODN-CpG can therefore be nicely entrapped in several types of small particles displaying a prolonged and controlled release upon time. In addition, particle surface is not modified by the presence of ODN-CpG.     

Atomic oxygen in remote plasma of radio-frequency hollow cathode discharge source: Characterization and efficiency

Low-pressure, low-temperature remote oxygen plasma ignited by a radio-frequency (RF) hollow cathode discharge (HCD-L300) system is shown to be a powerful and effective source of neutral atomic oxygen (AO), useful in processing of polymeric materials. The density of AO was determined by a catalytic nickel probe as a function of pressure, RF power, oxygen flow rate and axial distance in the processing chamber. It was found to vary between ∼1×10¹⁹ to ∼1×10²⁰ atom m⁻³. The AO rich remote plasma-induced modification of wetting properties of polyimide (PI) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) surfaces has also been investigated. The wetting properties of the PI and FEP surfaces before and after exposure to the plasma were characterized by contact angle measurements and analysis. It was found that the influence of plasma surface treatment on wetting properties of FEP has an opposite effect to that of PI. On increasing the time of treatment, the surface of PI becomes more hydrophilic, whereas the hydrophobicity of FEP surface enhances. Moreover, a superhydrophobic FEP surface is produced at prolonged time of treatment. Changes in the surface morphology due to the plasma treatment were viewed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM).     

Ordered overgrowth of zeolite X onto crystals of zeolite A

The overgrowth between the zeolites X and A is described. The observations include A cubes with one or more X demi-octahedra grown onto the cube faces as well as cubes of zeolite A totally encapsulated by octahedral crystals of zeolite X. A molecular intergrowth model is suggested in which sodalite cages are strain-free bound to the A framework (through a double four-ring) as well as to the faujasite framework (through two double six-rings) with a T-atom binding efficiency of 67%. Also, the location of the overgrowth on the A surface is discussed.     

Dispersion of micelle-encapsulated fluorophores in a polymer matrix for control of color of light emitted by light-emitting diodes

In the present study, we demonstrated that fluorescent dyes could be nanoscopically dispersed in a polymer matrix that was immiscible with the dyes; the dyes were encapsulated in micelles. Using a model polymer composite, we also showed that the color of light emitted by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could be controlled by coating fluorescent polymer composites onto the LEDs. For this purpose, fluorophores that were insoluble in toluene were solubilized into a solution of block copolymer micelles in toluene by the selective incorporation of fluorescent dyes into micellar cores. Because the micelles could be dispersed well in the polymer matrix without the formation of aggregates, fluorescent dyes encapsulated in the micelles were also effectively dispersed in the polymer matrix without macroscopic separation. The polymer composite can be evenly coated onto most substrates, regardless of their surface characteristics. Thus, light-emitting devices with well-controlled emission wavelengths and emission intensities can be fabricated by coating the polymer composite onto the surface of the device.     

基于基因功能表达谱的疾病分类:抗基因缺失的稳健性

利用基因表达谱数据,按Gene Ontology基因功能分类体系,将基因模块化地组织到具有显著生物学意义的低维差异表达功能模块单元中,构造新的指标用于分类疾病样本,从而提出了基于功能表达谱的分析新途径。新算法可稳健地抗基因检测缺失,抗基因表达变异,抗检测误差,并可以显著地降低分类特征维数(参与疾病分类的基因数目)。采用淋巴瘤数据集,比较了基于功能表达谱和常规的基因表达谱的决策树分类器。结果显示,基于功能表达谱可以得到高准确度的疾病样本分类结果,能够直接从功能水平上给出相应的生物学解释。通过仿真分析,进一步显示了基于功能表达谱的分类方法具有抗基因检测缺失的稳健性。     

紫外光引发低密度聚乙烯接枝聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺的温敏改性

以二苯甲酮(BP)为光敏剂,采用两步表面光接枝法将N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAAm)单体接枝到低密度聚乙烯(LDPE)表面,赋予LDPE表面温敏性。通过红外光谱和扫描电子显微镜等对LDPE-g-PNIPAAm的结构进行了表征;采用调制差示扫描量热分析技术和表面水接触角测定法研究了LDPE-g-PNIPAAm的温敏性;讨论了引发剂浓度、光还原时间、单体浓度和光照时间对接枝率的影响。结果表明,LDPE-g-PNIPAAm具有温敏亲/疏水性,其低临界溶解温度(LCST)在33℃左右。增加引发剂浓度、单体浓度、延长光还原时间和光照时间都能使接枝率增加;且可以通过调节这4种因素来控制接枝率。     

Optical discrepancy in the mosaic texture of NOA65 photopolymer transfer printed using phase-separated PS/PMMA surface structures treated with cyclohexane

In this paper, we studied the physical and optical properties of the mosaic-textured surface of NOA65 photopolymer transfer printed indirectly using thin layers of phase-separated PS/PMMA blend. The immiscible, phase-separated PS/PMMA blend was spin-coated onto a glass surface and treated with cyclohexane to form the mosaic texture, then the texture was used to transfer print onto UV-curable NOA65 photopolymer with PDMS used as an indirect transfer bridge. The PS/PMMA membrane had three phase-separated sub-thin layer structures: the top PS-rich layer, the interlayer PS/PMMA blend, and the underlying PMMA-rich layer. Using a selective solvent (cyclohexane), the PS phase of the membrane surface was dissolved to form the mosaic structure. By transfer printing the mosaic structures of different textures indirectly onto NOA65, three varieties of surface structure were formed: Non-continuous mosaic textures, smooth surfaces with many interior indentations, and more obvious mosaic structures. The NOA65 photopolymer not only has favorable elasticity, rendering it rollable and malleable, but our experimental observations also revealed that as there are samples with 60% PS and samples with 40% PMMA, transfer printing onto the more evenly distributed mosaic texture on the NOA65 surface enabled it to have self-cleaning effects, such as hydrophobicity and not easily attracting dust (the so-called lotus effect) as well as possessing high optical transmittance, and low reflectance with minimal HAZE value (HAZE value often is expressed as clarity). These features can be applied to many common optical components such as screens or glass display cabinets.     

Microfiber-directed boundary flow in press-fit microdevices fabricated from self-adhesive hydrophobic surfaces

We report a rapid microfluidic device construction technique which does not employ lithography or stamping methods. Device assembly physically combines a silicon wafer, an elastomer (poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)), and microfibers to form patterns of hydrophobic channels, wells, elbows, or orifices that direct fluid flow into controlled boundary layers. Tweezers are used to place glass microfibers in a defined pattern onto an elastomeric (PDMS) hydrophobic film. The film is then manually pressed onto a hydrophobic silicon wafer, causing it to adhere to the silicon wafer and form a liquid-tight seal around the fibers. Completed in 15 min, the technique results in an operable microdevice with micrometer-scale features of nanoliter volume. Microfiber-directed boundary flow is achieved by use of the surface wetting properties of the hydrophilic glass fiber and the hydrophobicity of surrounding surfaces. The simplicity of this technique allows quick prototyping of microfluidic components, as well as complete biosensor systems, such as we describe for the detection of pathogenic bacteria.     

Creating water-repellent and super-hydrophobic cellulose substrates by deposition of organic nanoparticles

A series of organic nanoparticles is synthesized by imidization of poly(styrene-maleic anhydride) copolymers under pure conditions or in presence of palm oil. The nanoparticles are applied as a coating onto paper substrates, offering enhanced water-repellence and hydrophobicity. The latter properties can be further tuned by thermal curing of the coatings. After depositing the nanoparticles onto tissue papers, super-hydrophobic surfaces with self-cleaning properties can be prepared. The presented materials offer an attractive alternative for surface treatments of textiles, avoiding the use of environmental unfriendly fluorderivates.     

Quantification of the adhesion free energy between bacteria and hydrophobic and hydrophilic substrata

In this paper, the bacterial adhesion to hydrophilic glass and hydrophobic indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass surfaces was investigated. The aim of this work was to examine the effect of the hydrophobicity of two bacterial strains (Pseudomonas stutzeri PS, and Staphylococcus epidermidis SE) and substrata surfaces on the adhesion mechanism. The hydrophobicity of the surfaces of the bacterial strains as well as of the surfaces of the tested materials was characterized using the contact angle measurement via sessile drop technique. The water contact angle measurements of the intrinsic cell hydrophobicity showed that the PS strain is more hydrophobic (θ = 40°) than SE strain (θ = 21°). For both tested materials, this angle was 12° for glass surface and 84° for ITO-coated glass surface. Based on the thermodynamic approach, the Lifshitz van der Waals interaction free energy, the hydrophobic interaction free energy and the total interaction free energy between the bacteria and the substratum through the suspending medium were quantified. In order to verify the thermodynamic approach predictions of the bacterial adhesion on each substratum, adhesion tests were carried out for each bacteria/substratum combination. The results revealed that for both materials surfaces, the adhesion energy of the hydrophobic PS strain (26.1 mJ/m² for glass and − 3.8 mJ/m² for ITO-coated glass) is higher than that of SE strain (31.8 mJ/m² for glass and 14.3 mJ/m² for ITO-coated glass). For both bacterial strains, the effect of the hydrophobicity property of the substratum seems more important in the initial adhesion step. However, the second step of adhesion involves the biological approach, since a discrepancy was found between physicochemical theoretical approach and adhesion tests for SE strain.     

Molecular mobility of polymeric implants and acute inflammatory response: An experimental study in mice

An overlooked factor in biomaterial research is the surface molecular flexibility for polymer based implants. The mobility of the polymer chains provides a way for the surface to adapt itself to the environment. This is relevant when the implant comes in contact with a biological fluid and its constituents. By changing the length of the alkyl side chain of poly(alkyl methacrylates) (PAMAs) an interesting opportunity is provided where it is possible to study the surface molecular mobility without changing the surface hydrophobicity, nor does it introduce any additives or any changes in the degree of polymer cross-linking. Four variants of PAMAs were implanted in the peritoneum of Balb/c mice using a well described setup. End points were taken after 18 h and estimations of inflammatory cell recruitment and implant-associated cells were studied. Relationship between surface molecular mobility and inflammatory cell recruitment as well as surface-associated cells was noted.     

Evaluating the adsorption mechanism of a novel thiocarbamate on chalcopyrite and pyrite particles

The selective adsorption of surfactants on minerals can strengthen the differences of physical and chemical properties of mineral surfaces, thereby improving the separation efficiency of the refractory minerals. Herein, a novel surfactant S-carboxyethyl-N-benzoyl thiocarbamate (CEBTB) was prepared and utilized as a collector to selective separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite. The adsorption performances and mechanism of CEBTB on chalcopyrite and pyrite surface were studied. It showed that the functional groups (CO, CS and –COOH) of CEBTB could selectively anchor on the chalcopyrite surface and increase its surface hydrophobicity, whereas the adsorption of CEBTB on pyrite surface was weak with the surface hydrophobicity improved insignificantly. Flotation experimental indicated that CEBTB exhibited superior flotation selectivity for chalcopyrite against pyrite than the common collector of SIBX. Batch adsorption experimental results demonstrated that the adsorption of CEBTB onto chalcopyrite surface was performed by a monolayer chemisorption, as well as the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous.     

Fabrication of microchannel structures in fluorinated ethylene propylene

A new technique for fabrication of channel structures with diameters down to 13 microm in fluorinated ethylene propylene (also known as poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene), FEP) is described. The technique is based on the unique property of a dual-layer fluoropolymer tubing consisting of an outer layer of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and an inner layer of FEP. When heated (>350 degrees C), the outer PTFE layer shrinks while the inner FEP layer melts, resulting in filling of all empty space inside the tubing with FEP. The channel structures are formed using tungsten wires as templates that are pulled out after completion of the shrinking and melting process. While several analytical devices have been reproducibly prepared and shown to function, this report describes a single example. A microreactor coupled to an electrochemical flow cell detects the biuret complex of the natively electroinactive peptide des-Tyr-Leu-enkephalin.     

Hardening of the nanoparticle-protein corona in metal (Au, Ag) and oxide (Fe3O4, CoO, and CeO2) nanoparticles

The surface modifications of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 7 to 20 nm dispersed in commonly used cell culture medium supplemented with serum are investigated. All the tested nanoparticles adsorb proteins onto their surface, thereby forming a protein corona through a dynamic process evolving towards an irreversible coating (hard protein corona). Despite the fact that the studied nanomaterials have similar characteristics of hydrophobicity and surface charge, different temporal patterns of the protein corona formation are observed that can be considered a fingerprint for nanoparticle identification. Some of the biological and toxicological implications of the formation of the nanoparticle-protein corona are studied using the human monocytic cell line THP-1 exposed to cobalt oxide nanoparticles. Results show that production of reactive oxygen species is decreased if the nanoparticles are preincubated for 48 h with serum.     

聚全氟乙丙烯改性超高分子量聚乙烯的性能研究

以纯超高聚乙烯(UHMWPE)为基础原料,添加高密度聚乙烯、乙烯-丙烯酸酯共聚物、纳米SiO₂等改性剂,制备了UHMWPE改性混合物。研究了聚全氟乙丙烯(FEP)的加入和用量,对UHMWPE改性混合物力学性能及磨耗性能、熔融性能及热性能的影响。结果表明:添加FEP前后,改性混合物体系中纳米粒子都有较好的分散,拉伸强度和冲击强度以及热性能变化不大,但添加FEP后聚合物体系的磨耗几乎下降了50%,熔融性有一定的改善。当FEP用量较少时,随着FEP用量的增加,改性混合物的拉伸强度和冲击强度都上升;当FEP用量超过2%时,随着随着FEP用量的增加,改性混合物的拉伸强度和冲击强度都下降;在FEP用量达到2%时,改性混合物的磨耗是最低的。     

微滴乳液聚合制备纳米SiO2/聚丙烯酸酯复合材料

在硅溶胶中加入八甲基环四硅氧烷(D4)和偶联剂γ-(2,3-环氧丙氧) 丙基三甲氧基硅烷(KH560),以十二烷基苯磺酸(DBSA)催化D4的开环聚合,借助超声强化聚二甲基硅氧烷(PDMS)和偶联剂对硅溶胶的表面改性。将改性硅溶胶及其混合物分散在甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)和丙烯酸丁酯(BA)的混合单体中,实施微滴乳液聚合,制备SiO₂/聚丙烯酸酯纳米复合材料。硅溶胶改性阶段的催化剂中和后成为后续微滴乳液聚合的乳化剂,而伴生的PDMS成为有效抑制单体珠滴Ostwald 熟化的超疏水剂。采用FTIR、TGA、TEM、马尔文纳米粒度仪、水接触角等测试方法对改性纳米粒、复合胶乳和胶乳薄膜进行表征。结果表明,PDMS和偶联剂在SiO₂表面形成了共价键合和包覆,且伴生的PDMS改善了复合胶乳薄膜的表面疏水性,复合粒子是聚合物基体为壳、SiO₂纳米颗粒呈海岛分散的 (多)核-壳结构形态,SiO₂占单体质量分数为3%时,平均粒径约98 nm。     

Polyvinyl alcohol/silver nanoparticles (PVA/AgNps) as a model for testing the biological activity of hybrid materials with included silver nanoparticles

Comparing the influence of two different stabilizers as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), as well as organosilanes as tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), allows determining the main role of the silver nanoparticles included in hybrid materials for the realization of their antimicrobial activity. The proposed two-step testing scheme first onto control strains and then onto clinical bacterial and fungal strains resistant to antibiotics allows full investigation of these properties.     

Adsorption performance of VOCs in ordered mesoporous silicas with different pore structures and surface chemistry

Ordered mesoporous silicas with different pore structures, including SBA-15, MCM-41, MCM-48 and KIT-6, were functionalized with phenyltriethoxysilane by a post-synthesis grafting approach. It was found that phenyl groups were covalently anchored onto the surface of mesoporous silicas, and the long-range ordering of the mesoporous channels was well retained after the surface functionalization. The static adsorption of benzene and the dynamic adsorption of single component (benzene) and bicomponent (benzene and cyclohexane) on the original and functionalized materials were investigated. As indicated by the adsorption study, the functionalized silicas exhibit improvement in the surface hydrophobicity and affinity for aromatic compounds as compared with the original silicas. Furthermore, the pore structure and the surface chemistry of materials can significantly influence adsorption performance. A larger pore diameter and cubic pore structure are favorable to surface functionalization and adsorption performance. In particular, the best adsorption performance observed with phenyl-grafted KIT-6 is probably related to the highest degree of surface functionalization, arising from the relatively large mesopores and bi-continuous cubic pore structure which allow great accessibility for the functional groups. In contrast, functionalized MCM-41 exhibits the lowest adsorption efficiency, probably owing to the small size of mesopores and 1D mesoporous channels.     

Proving the existence of nanobubbles produced by hydrodynamic cavitation and their significant effects in powder flotation

Selective attachment of nanobubles (NBs) generated in different conditions on the surface of valuable minerals during flotation separation was a challenge that needs to be addressed. This investigation filled this gap and proved the existence of NBs on the target mineral's surface and their selective effectiveness through the process. The bubble size analysis results showed that the mean diameter of bubbles was between 60 and 70 nm; thus, they could be correctly called “nanobubbles”. Flotation test results showed a significant increase in the flotation recovery (by 37%) and grade (more than 1%) of fine phosphate ore sample (d₈₀: 37 µm) using NBs that generated in the presence of collector. Interestingly, surface analyses of flotation products showed that the amounts of flotation collector adsorbed onto the surface of floated particles was decreased in the presence of NBs compared with their absence. The change in the particle surface (zeta) potential in the presence of NBs also provides additional evidence of NBs “adsorbed” (i.e., the surface NBs) onto the particle surface. These results indicated that NBs produced by hydrodynamic cavitation could adsorb onto the target mineral particles. This adsorption could change their surface properties, improve their hydrophobicity and surface potentials, and enhanced the bubble-particle attachment in flotation.     

硫化镉和硫化银与多壁碳纳米管复合材料合成的研究

本文以硝酸镉和硫脲为镉源和硫源,用溶剂热技术在乙二胺和水的混合溶剂中合成CdS/MWNTs复合材料;再以硝酸银和硫化钠为银源和硫源,十二烷基磺酸钠(SDS)为表面活性剂,以水为溶剂在室温下合成Ag2S/MWNTs复合材料并采用TEM、XRD对复合材料进行表征,结果表明:CdS纳米晶和Ag2S纳米粒子成功长到了多壁碳纳米...