Lactoperoxidase-mediated degradation of single-walled carbon nanotubes in the presence of pulmonary surfactant

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may elicit inflammatory responses following pulmonary exposure. Conversely, enzymatic biodegradation of CNTs by inflammatory cells has also been reported. The aim of this study was to study the degradation of oxidized single-walled CNTs (ox-SWCNTs) by lactoperoxidase (LPO), a secreted peroxidase present in the airways, and whether pulmonary surfactant affects this biodegradation. To this end, ox-SWCNTs were incubated in vitro with recombinant bovine LPO + H₂O₂ + NaSCN in the presence and absence of porcine lung surfactant (Curosurf®) and biodegradation was monitored using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The interaction of recombinant LPO with bundles of ox-SWCNTs was confirmed by atomic force microscopy. Cell-free biodegradation of ox-SWCNTs was also observed ex vivo in murine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the presence of H₂O₂ + NaSCN. Our study provides evidence for biodegradation of ox-SWCNTs with a lung surfactant ‘bio-corona’ and expands the repertoire of mammalian peroxidases capable of biodegradation of ox-SWCNTs. These findings are relevant to inhalation exposure to these materials, as LPO serves as an important component of the airway defense system.     

Effect on crystalline structure of AISI M2 steel using tungsten–thorium electrode through MRR,EWR, and surface finish

To investigate on the crystalline structure of AISI M2 steel by using tungsten–thorium electrode in electrical discharge machining (EDM) process was studied. Furthermore, the investigation were carried out for finding the value of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (SR) of tool steel material depending upon three variable input process parameters. On the basis of weight loss, the value of MRR and EWR were calculated at optimized process parameter. Subsequently, surface topography of the processed material were examined through different characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Optical surface profiler (OSP) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. In XRD study, broadening of the peak was observed which confirmed the change in material properties due to the homogeneous dispersion of the particles inside the matrix. Lowest surface roughness and MRR of 0.001208 mg/min was obtained. Minimum surface roughness was obtained 1.12 μm and 2.18427 nm by OSP and AFM study, respectively. Also, minimum EWR was found as 0.013986 mg/min.     

Effect of Fe-doping on the structural,optical and magnetic properties of ZnO thin films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering

In this paper, we report the fabrication and systematic characterization of Fe Doped ZnO thin Films. Fe_xZn_1−x O (x=0<0.05) films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering on Si (400) substrate. Influence of Fe doping on structural, optical and magnetic properties has been studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that Fe doping has affected the crystalline structure, grain size and strain in the thin films. The best crystalline structure is obtained for 3% Fe Doping as observed from Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The magnetic properties studied using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer reveals the room temperature ferromagnetic nature of the thin films. However, changing the Fe concentration degrades the magnetic property in turn. The mechanism behind the above results has been discussed minutely in this paper.     

Comparative Study of Ultrasonication-Induced and Naturally Self-Assembled Silk Fibroin-Wool Keratin Hydrogel Biomaterials

This study reports the formation of biocompatible hydrogels using protein polymers from natural silk cocoon fibroins and sheep wool keratins. Silk fibroin protein contains β-sheet secondary structures, allowing for the formation of physical cross-linkers in the hydrogels. Comparative studies were performed on two groups of samples. In the first group, ultrasonication was used to induce a quick gelation of a protein aqueous solution, enhancing the ability of Bombyx mori silk fibroin chains to quickly entrap the wool keratin protein molecules homogenously. In the second group, silk/keratin mixtures were left at room temperature for days, resulting in naturally-assembled gelled solutions. It was found that silk/wool blended solutions can form hydrogels at different mixing ratios, with perfectly interconnected gel structure when the wool content was less than 30 weight percent (wt %) for the first group (ultrasonication), and 10 wt % for the second group (natural gel). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature modulated DSC (TMDSC) were used to confirm that the fibroin/keratin hydrogel system was well-blended without phase separation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the secondary structures of blended protein gels. It was found that intermolecular β-sheet contents significantly increase as the system contains more silk for both groups of samples, resulting in stable crystalline cross-linkers in the blended hydrogel structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to analyze the samples’ characteristic morphology on both micro- and nanoscales, which showed that ultrasonic waves can significantly enhance the cross-linker formation and avoid phase separation between silk and keratin molecules in the blended systems. With the ability to form cross-linkages non-chemically, these silk/wool hydrogels may be economically useful for various biomedical applications, thanks to the good biocompatibility of protein molecules and the various characteristics of hydrogel systems.     

Dendrimer as nanocarrier for drug delivery

Dendrimers are novel three dimensional, hyperbranched globular nanopolymeric architectures. Attractive features like nanoscopic size, narrow polydispersity index, excellent control over molecular structure, availability of multiple functional groups at the periphery and cavities in the interior distinguish them amongst the available polymers. Applications of dendrimers in a large variety of fields have been explored. Drug delivery scientists are especially enthusiastic about possible utility of dendrimers as drug delivery tool. Terminal functionalities provide a platform for conjugation of the drug and targeting moieties. In addition, these peripheral functional groups can be employed to tailor-make the properties of dendrimers, enhancing their versatility. The present review highlights the contribution of dendrimers in the field of nanotechnology with intent to aid the researchers in exploring dendrimers in the field of drug delivery.     

研究开发适应于国际标准的SPM针尖特性表征结构

标准化是当前扫描探针显微镜领域(SPM)的一项重要工作.国际标准化组织ISO自2004年起已经将SPM标准化列入其工作框架之内,并建立了相关的分委员会、技术委员会和工作小组.本文介绍了国际上当前有关SPM标准化方面努力和主要趋势:SPM术语的标准化被认为是SPM标准化工作范围内首先需要考虑的问题,其相关标准即将发表;SPM数据管理及处理的标准化则是另一项正在进行的有利于数据访问、处理和共享的重要工作.可溯源计量型原子力显微镜(AFM)的发展解决了纳米尺度的度量问题,能够通过对标准物质进行定量分析与定标实现量值的传递.当前发展能够被计量型AFM鉴定的参考物质以及标准化仪器校正过程是实现SPM标准化之前的当务之急.为了促进SPM领域ISO标准的实现,一种新的针尖特性表征结构(tip characterizer)已经被开发出来.这种tip characterizer由超晶格组装技术实现,能够描述针尖的形状并且同时进行侧向尺度的校正.本文探讨了这种新型tip characterizer的性能.这种tip characterizer不易损坏针尖,具有很好的重复性,并能帮助实验观察分析针尖形状和结构几何特性之间的关系.     

基于DSP的高速原子力显微镜系统

传统的以PC机为控制核心的AFM(atomic force microscope)越来越无法满足快速成像的要求,具有先进控制系统的高速AFM正成为国内外的一个研究热点.本文介绍了一种以DSP(digital signal processor)为控制核心的AFM系统.在该系统中,自动进针/退针、扫描电压的产生、A/D采样、D/A输出以及数字闭环反馈控制等任务均在DSP控制下完成;在分辨率为512×512时,可以获得行频55 Hz的扫描速度.实验表明,即便在这样高速扫描的情况下,该系统仍具有良好的成像性能.     

温度对PTCDA结构形貌影响的Raman和AFM分析

通过真空蒸发将PTCDA淀积在p-Si(100)面.采用Raman光谱,AFM分别研究了衬底温度对于PTCDA分子结构和表面形貌的影响,进而完善了p-Si基PTCDA薄膜的生长机制.