The microscopy cell (MicCell), a versatile modular flowthrough system for cell biology, biomaterial research, and nanotechnology

We describe a novel microfluidic perfusion system for high-resolution microscopes. Its modular design allows pre-coating of the coverslip surface with reagents, biomolecules, or cells. A poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) layer is cast in a special molding station, using masters made by photolithography and dry etching of silicon or by photoresist patterning on glass or silicon. This channel system can be reused while the coverslip is exchanged between experiments. As normal fluidic connectors are used, the link to external, computer-programmable syringe pumps is standardized and various fluidic channel networks can be used in the same setup. The system can house hydrogel microvalves and microelectrodes close to the imaging area to control the influx of reaction partners. We present a range of applications, including single-molecule analysis by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), manipulation of single molecules for nanostructuring by hydrodynamic flow fields or the action of motor proteins, generation of concentration gradients, trapping and stretching of live cells using optical fibers precisely mounted in the PDMS layer, and the integration of microelectrodes for actuation and sensing.     

Analyse flüchtiger Inhaltsstoffe des Holunders

European Food Research and Technology - Die Analyse und Identifizierung von Aromastoffen mittels GC/MS-Technik aus Holunderbeeren und -blüten wird beschrieben. Durch Extraktion mit...     

Action of chelators on solid iron in phosphate-containing aqueous solutions

To study the effect of strong iron-ligands on steel corrosion, mild steel electrodes were immersed in solutions containing 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH=7.2) and between 0.01 mM and 1 M of either the iron(II)-chelators 2,2^′-bipyridine or FerroZine, or the iron(III)-chelators citrate or acetylacetonate. Resulting surface reactions were investigated by quantifying the electrochemical potential (E), the electrochemical polarization resistance (R_p), the corrosion current (I_corr) and the release of iron into solution. The surface was further analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/SEM-EDAX) and atomic force microscopy. Concentrations of 0.1 mM of any of the chelators led to slight, temporary changes in E, I_corr and R_p. Concentrations of 10 mM resulted in characteristic changes of E, which were the same for all chelators and in the precipitation of FePO₄ in the case of citrate and acetylacetonate, or vivianite [Fe₃(PO₄)₂ · 8H₂O] in the case of bipyridine and FerroZine. Concentrations of 1 mM of both iron(III)-chelators led to a temporary drop of E similar to that found with 0.1 mM chelator. With iron(II)-chelators, E dropped to about −500 mV before oscillating for several days. The amplitudes of the oscillations were up to 200 mV with periods of 30 and 20-25 min for bipyridine and FerroZine, respectively.     

Zur Modellierung von Sauterdurchmesser und Hold-up beim Einsatz eines konischen Turbinenrührers zum Dispergieren gas-flüssig

By comparing the experimental data of the Sauter-mean-diameter d ₃₂ and the hold up ? with models from literature, there are presented equations for d ₃₂ and ? for the used conical turbine in gas-liquid systems. The necessary adjustment of the proportionality constants of the literature equations will be explained on the basis of fluiddynamical phenomena. It can be established by fluid-dynamical results of a former study carried out with laser-doppler-anemometry. Coalescence phenomena are taken into account in the model using an analogy to bubble columns. The analogy to bubble columns turns out to be suitable. Arguments for the necessity of considering the local fluiddynamics in the modelling of dispersions are presented.     

On-line coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography (LC-GC) and LC-LC-GC for detecting irradiation of fat-containing foods

Summary On-line coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection (LC-GC-FID) enables efficient and unambiguous determination of irradiation for some fat-containing foods (e.g. meat). Other products, however, contain interfering components or are contaminated, e.g., with mineral oil. Since more selective detection by mass spectrometry has limited success, the determination was improved by a more selective isolation of some key components among the fat degradation products, e.g. the dienes or trienes, by LC-LC-GC-FID. Applications are shown for soup mixes, some spices, fish, and shrimps.

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Nachweis der Bestrahlung fetthaltiger Lebensmittel durch direkt gekoppelte LC-GC und LC-LC-GC

Zusammenfassung Die Bestrahlung einiger fetthaltiger Lebensmittel, z. B. Fleisch, kann mit direkt gekoppelter LC-GC-FID rationell und eindeutig nachgewiesen werden. In anderen Proben wird die Analyse aber durch Inhaltsstoffe des Produktes oder durch Verunreinigungen (z. B. mit Mineralöl) gestört. Da selektivere Detektion durch Massenspektrqmetrie wenig verspricht, wurde der Nachweis durch selektivere Isolierung von Schlüsselkomponenten unter den Bestrahlungsprodukten, z. B. der Diene oder Triene, mittels LC-LC-GC yerbessert. Anwendungen werden gezeigt für Suppenpulver, einige Gewürze, Fisch und Garnelen.

     

On the theory of critical fields of superconducting films

In this paper nucleation of superconductivity in films in investigated numerically for all temperatures. Recent predictions of magnetically enhanced superconductivity, even above the critical temperature, are not confirmed. In a limiting case also the surface critical fieldH _c3 was obtained for all temperatures.Dedicated to Professor L. Tewordt on the occasion of his 65th birthday.