Nanoengineered biocomposite tricomponent polymer based matrices for bone tissue engineering

Nanoengineered biodegradable constructs based on synthetic and natural polymers enriched with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles have been found to mimic the extracellular matrix of bone tissue. The main objective of this study was to create biocomposite nanostructured scaffolds by incorporating collagen and HA nanoparticles into poly(L-lactic acid)-co-poly(?-caprolactone) by electrospinning. The fiber diameter of the composite PLCL/Col and PLCL/Col/HA fibers was smaller compared to PLCL. In vitro biocompatibility of the scaffolds studied using human fetal osteoblasts and EDX analysis showed high deposition of calcium on PLCL/Col/HA. The results shows that PLCL/Col/HA nanofibrous constructs have huge potential as substrates for bone regeneration.     

Photoluminescence and energy transfer in transparent glass-ceramics based on GdF3:RE3+ (RE = Tb,Eu) nanocrystals

In the present work,the transparent oxyfluoride glass-ceramic samples containing GdF_3:RE~(3+)(RE=Tb,Eu) nanocrystals(nGCs) were fabricated via controlled heat-treatment of precursor xerogels prepared using a sol-gel method.The formation of GdF_3 nanocrystalline phase from gadolinium(III) trifluoroacetate was verified based on XRD measurements.The average crystal sizes calculated from Scherrer formula were estimated to～10 nm as well as～6 nm for Tb~(3+)-and Eu~(3+)-doped samples,respectively.The optical behavior of prepared sol-gel samples was evaluated based on photoluminescence excitation(PLE) and emission spectra(PL) as well as luminescence decay analysis.Obtained samples exhibit the ~5D_4→~7F_J(J=6-3,Tb~(3+))and the ~5D_0→~7F_J(J=0-4,Eu~(3+)) emission bands recorded within the visible spectral area under excitation at near-UV(393 nm(Eu~(3+)),351,369,378 nm(Tb~(3+))) as well as middle-UV illumination(273 nm(Gd~(3+))).Additionally,based on recorded decay curves,the luminescence lifetimes(τ_m) for the ~5D_4(Tb3+) and the ~5D_0(Eu~(3+))excited states were also evaluated.In general,recorded luminescence spectra and double-exponential character of decay curves for nGCs indicate a successful migration of Tb~(3+) and Eu~(3+) dopant ions from amorphous silicate framework to lowphonon energy GdF_3 nanocrystal phase.     

Catalyst-free synthesis, morphology evaluation and photocatalytic properties of pristine and calcinated titanate nanorods

Titanate nanorods with high photocatalytic activity was successfully synthesized through a simple catalyst-free hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic degradation of a model organic dye (Reactive Red 198) was accelerated by the calcination of the nanorods prior the reaction. The calcination of nanorods did not modify their morphology, however the crystallinity of the samples was significantly improved. Therefore, the quality of the samples is a key parameter determining their activity in the investigated photocatalytic process. The as-produced and annealed catalysts were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Diffuse Reflectance (DR) UV-Vis and resonance Raman spectroscopy.     

The effect of cooking on the glucosinolates content in white cabbage

The effect of different cooking times on the GLS content in white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. alba) was determined. Cooking of cabbage for 5-30 min caused a gradual decrease in the GLS content. The most efficient reduction of the GLS content (by about 35%) occurred during the first minutes of cooking. As the cooking time was extended by another 5 min, each time the GLS content decreased by 10-15%. Higher losses in indole GLS, as compared to those of aliphatic ones, resulted from more efficient diffusion of those compounds to cooking water. The GLS content in cooking water, irrespective of the cooking time of white cabbage, remained rather stable, whereas the content of indole GLS was between 3.5- and 4-fold higher in comparison to that of aliphatic GLS. Taking into consideration the rate of changes in the content of particular GLS in cabbage and the GLS content in cooking water, it can be stated that glucoiberin was more thermolabile than other GLS.     

Moisture sorption characteristics and glass transition temperature of apple puree powder

The aim of this study was to characterise the influence of different foam‐mat‐drying methods on the moisture sorption characteristics and glass transition temperatures of apple puree powder. Apple puree was foamed with the addition of 2.5% egg albumin and 0.5% methylcellulose. Convective air‐drying and microwave‐drying techniques were used. Also foamed puree with and without maltodextrin (6% or 15% w/w) was freeze‐dried. Moisture equilibrium data of powders were determined by using a static desiccator method in a water activity range of 0.0–0.903. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) was used to obtain the glass transition temperature. No effect of drying method on sorption properties and glass transition temperatures of apple puree powders was observed. The addition of maltodextrin to the apple puree caused an increase in T_g by 10–30 °C depending on the amount of incorporated additive. Addition of maltodextrin significantly reduced the hygroscopicity of apple puree powders.     

Influence of the degree of fusariosis on technological traits of wheat grain

The paper aims to enlarge the current knowledge about the dependence of technological traits of wheat grain on its degree of infestation (DI) with fusariosis. Samples of grain of four wheat cultivars were obtained from naturally grown crops (control) and from crops inoculated with Fusarium culmorum from which three degrees of kernel infestation were selected. Samples were determined for thousand kernels weight (TKW), total protein, starch and wet gluten (WG) contents, Hagberg falling number (HFN) and sedimentation value (SV). Content of protein and wet gluten showed higher values for moderately infested kernels (up to 15 and 25%, respectively, when compared to control grain) than for kernels lightly or heavily infested. All the remaining traits had values lower than that for control grain and showed a decrease with increasing DI. Decrease for the heaviest infestation was on average: 8, 29, 31 and 34% for starch, TKW, HFN and SV, respectively.     

The Potential of Asiatic Acid in the Reversion of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Rats

The purpose of this study was to determine if asiatic acid may act efficiently in the model of cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis in rats. We performed experiments after administration of CYP (single dose 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), asiatic acid (30 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days, by oral gavage), or CYP plus asiatic acid, during which conscious cystometry, measurements of urothelium thickness and bladder edema, as well as selected biomarkers analyses were conducted. In rats that received asiatic acid together with CYP, a drop in bladder basal pressure, detrusor overactivity index, non-voiding contraction amplitude, non-voiding contraction frequency, and the area under the pressure curve were observed, when compared to the CYP group. Furthermore, a significant increase in threshold pressure, voided volume, intercontraction interval, bladder compliance, and volume threshold to elicit NVC were found in that group accordingly. Administration of the asiatic acid successfully restored concentrations of biomarkers both in bladder urothelium (BDNF, CGRP, OCT-3, IL-1β, IL-6, NGF, nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, SV2A, SNAP23, SNAP25, PAC-1, ORM1, occludin, IGFBP-3, HB-EGF, T–H protein, Z01, and HPX) and detrusor muscle (Rho kinase and VAChT) in CYP-treated rats. Finally, asiatic acid significantly decreased urothelium thickness and bladder oedema. Asiatic acid proved to be a potent and effective drug in the rat model of CYP-induced cystitis.     

Effect of processing on the content of glucobrassicin and its degradation products in broccoli and cauliflower

The influence of thermal treatment, pickling and fermentation on the content of glucobrassicin and its selected breakdown products in broccoli and cauliflower was investigated. The highest content of glucobrassicin and the lowest content of its breakdown products were found in vegetables which underwent thermal treatment such as boiling and steam cooking. The lowest content of glucobrassicin and the highest content of its breakdown products were present in raw, pickled and fermented vegetables in which the myrosinase remained active. Ascrobigen was the major glucobrassicin breakdown product and its content was negatively correlated with glucobrassicin content in broccoli and cauliflower. After heating of vegetables in 60 °C for 20 min (causing thermal deactivation of epithiospecific protein) no presence of indole-3-acetonitrile was found.     

Study of self-stratifying compositions

Paint applied as a single layer, and its spontaneous separation to form a primer and a top coat, is one of the newest concepts of the effective and economical application of two layers in one step. The influence of the molecular weight of epoxy oligomer and acrylic polymer and their ratio on self-stratification was investigated. The degree of stratification depending on molecular weight and their mutual ratio was determined using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, microscopy techniques, adhesion tests, and surface tension measurements. Phase separation and self-stratification of two-component homogenous mixtures were followed using FTIR technique and surface tension measurements. As a result of these investigations, optimal oligomeric/polymeric composition was selected. The obtained coating system showed good mechanical properties, gloss, and interlayer adhesion.     

Zinkacrylat und andere feste Monomere als Vernetzungsmittel für ungesättigte Polyester

The peroxide-initiated copolymerisation of an unsaturated polyester with zinc acrylate, diallyl phthalate prepolymer and a solid vinyl ester resin was investigated. The curing was followed by means of gelation curves and differential scanning calorimetry. The studies showed that zinc acrylate has the highest reactivity.