Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Nanostructured and Ultrafine Grained FeMoB Alloys Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering of Mechanically Alloyed Powders

Boron alloyed Fe-1.5%Mo alloys (B from 0.42 to 1.66%) were produced starting from a prealloyed ferrous powder and an elemental boron powder, by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. Near full density samples were obtained (density >99%) with a nano- and ultrafine grained structure, consisting in a ferritic matrix with a fine dispersion of Fe and Mo borides. High boron content and a low sintering temperature are favorable to minimize grain growth on sintering. On increasing the boron content from 0.42% up to 1.66%, yield strength increases and ductility decreases; this effect is enhanced by the sintering temperature because of the structural coarsening. Both ultrafine grained and nanostructured materials have a dimpled ductile fracture. On increasing the crystallite size, a mixed dimpled-cleavage fracture is observed.     

P450scc mutant nanostructuring for optimal assembly

Molecular modeling and protein engineering were synergically employed to improve the fabrication of cytochrome P450scc mutant nanostructures for biodevice assembly. The optimization of protein three-dimensional structure by molecular modeling was performed using two models: in vacuum and simulating the presence of a polar solvent. Calculations were performed on a model to predict a P450scc mutant which could improve the process of molecules' immobilization onto solid supports. Engineerized cytochrome P450scc thin films were prepared and characterized by various biophysical techniques such as /spl pi/-A isotherms, surface potential measurements, Brewster angle microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism, nanogravimetry, and electrochemical analysis. This paper takes into consideration biomolecules modified by protein engineering that represent a new and powerful approach for obtaining synthetic simpler artificial structures with new or improved properties (i.e., specificity, stability, sensitivity, etc.) useful for biosensors development.