Impact of Annealing Treatment on the Behaviour of Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Layers

In this work, we study the influence of the annealing treatment on the behaviour of titanium dioxide nanotube layers. The heat treatment protocol is actually the key parameter to induce stable oxide layers and needs to be better understood. Nanotube layers were prepared by electrochemical anodization of Ti foil in 0.4 wt% hydrofluoric acid solution during 20 minutes and then annealed in air atmosphere. In-situ X-ray diffraction analysis, coupled with thermogravimetry, gives us an inside on the oxidation behaviour of titanium dioxide nanotube layers compared to bulk reference samples. Structural studies were performed at 700°C for 12 h in order to follow the time consequences on the oxidation of the material, in sufficient stability conditions. In-situ XRD brought to light that the amorphous oxide layer induced by anodization is responsible for the simultaneous growths of anatase and rutile phase during the first 30 minutes of annealing while the bulk sample oxidation leads to the nucleation of a small amount of anatase TiO2. The initial amorphous oxide layer created by anodization is also responsible for the delay in crystallization compared to the bulk sample. Thermogravimetric analysis exhibits parabolic shape of the mass gain for both anodized and bulk sample;this kinetics is caused by the formation of a rutile external protective layer, as depicted by the associated in-situ XRD diffractograms. We recorded that titanium dioxide nanotube layers exhibit a lower mean mass gain than the bulk, because of the presence of an initial amorphous oxide layer on anodized samples. In-situ XRD results also provide accurate information concerning the sub-layers behavior during the annealing treatment for the bulk and nanostructured layer. Anatase crystallites are mainly localized at the interface oxide layer-metal and the rutile is at the external interface. Sample surface topography was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a probe of the photoactivity of the annealed TiO2 nanotube layers, degradation of an acid orange 7 (AO7) dye solution and 4-chlorophenol under UV irradiation (at 365 nm) were performed. Such titanium dioxide nanotube layers show an efficient photocatalytic activity and the analytical results confirm the degradation mechanism of the 4-chlorophenol reported elsewhere.

Formation of Calcium Carbonate Polymorphs Induced by Living Microalgae

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) occurs in the three polymorphs calcite, aragonite and vaterite. The formation of these crystals in inorganic solutions is influenced by parameters like pH, temperature or impurities. Living freshwater microalgae can also induce the formation of CaCO3 when they live in a suitable environment containing saturated amounts of Ca2+. Through this biologically induced biomineralization only the formation of the polymorph calcite has been reported yet. We investigated the precipitates which have been formed in solutions containing the freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus and different zinc amounts (0, 3.27 and 6.53 mg Zn2+/l) by XRD and SEM. As references precipitates from the same solutions but without algae were investigated. We could show that the presence of living microalgae has a great influence on the precipitation of calcium carbonate crystals. In algae-containing media without or with a low zinc amount always calcite and aragonite are formed. In the corresponding medium with 6.53 mg Zn2+/l pure aragonite crystals were built. In contrast, in the inorganic, algae-free solutions without zinc, pure calcite is precipitated. Both inorganic solutions with zinc show major calcite precipitation and weak aragonite precipitation. Thus the algae cells advance significantly the formation of aragonite, which is enhanced by the presence of zinc cations in the media. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

The Phenols of the Genus <i>Agave</i>(Agavaceae)

A review is presented about the studies that have been carried out on the phenolic composition of the species of the genus Agave in order to show which species of the genus has been analyzed, what is the potential of the species of Agave as source of phenolics with important biological activities, and what is the significance of the phenolic profiles as chemotaxonomic markers in the genus. The results of the analysis of a dozen of Agave species reveal an important richness of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, homoisoflavonoids, and phenolic acids, and a broad diversity of biological activities associated to those compounds, as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antinematod, and immunomodulatory capabilities. The phenols of Agave also have a major potential as specific chemotaxonomic markers.

Protective Effect of Phenolic-Rich Extracts from Different Parts of <i>Opuntia joconostle</i>Fruit against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice

Opuntia joconostle fruit is a rich source of biocompounds such as polyphenols including gallic, vanilic, 4-hidroxybenzoic, cafeic, and syringic acids, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and vanillin, besides betalains. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of supplementation polyphenols-rich extracts from different parts of Opuntia joconostle against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in a mouse model. The animals were treated orally with polyphenols-rich extracts at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW for 30 consecutive days. On day 30th the mice received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as hepatoxic agent. Biochemical evaluations were carried out 24 h after induction of the oxidative stress. Data showed that methanolic extracts from different parts of Opuntia joconostle exerting protective effect against the CCl4-induced oxidative stress in mice. Histology examination revealed that the damage decreased in groups treated with polyphenols-rich extracts compared to the group that did not receive any treatment. Opuntia joconostle fruit contains many phenolic compounds, flavonoids and betalains. The protective effect of extracts may be related to the phenolic composition and also by a counteraction with other compounds, such as betalains and flavonoids that increase their antioxidant effect.

Effect of Drying Processes on the Texture of Silica Gels

Peculiar xerogels and aerogels constituted by a silica network, made of spherical fully dense silica particles having the same size, are investigated by adsorption of nitrogen at 77.4 K. Comparison of sorption data between materials dried via different methods, gentle drying at room temperature, alcohol supercritical drying and CO2 supercritical drying, shows that the specific surface area is associated to the particle sizes and necks established between them during drying and not to the sample density. The dissolution-redeposition of silica, which occurs in the alcohol supercritical drying process, induces a decrease of specific surface area and consequently an increase in the mechanical properties comparatively to CO2 supercritical drying. Investigating pore volume measurements as a function of dwell time, which is the interval of time allowing a pressure change of 0.01%, we corroborate that for compliant materials the full volume can not be detected because of capillary stresses. So the time required to perform correct measurements of the pore volume decreases with sample bulk density increase and elastic properties increase. All these experiments qualitatively corroborate the theory proposed previously.

A Thermo-Mechanical Behavior Simulation of A NiTi Staple Used for the Correction of Idiopathic Scoliosis

In order to treat scoliosis, a thermo-mechanical behavior study of shape memory alloy bone staple has been proposed. A pre-stretched shape-memory-alloy bone staple, which has been heated above the transition temperature, provides greater compressive force upon insertion between two vertebrae and allows the control of idiopathic scoliosis development. Until now, the optimal design has not been reached due to the lack of appropriate design tools for shape memory alloy devices. In this paper, a shape memory alloy bone staple model is proposed by developing a user subroutine UMAT based on Boyd et al. unified thermodynamic shape memory alloy constitutive law using the finite element analysis software, ABAQUS. The numerical results for superelastic and shape memory effect under the tensile and three-point bending tests are presented. Simulations of the shape memory effects and force generation of the shape memory alloy staple are also shown.

Preparation of the Rutin-SBA-16 Drug Delivery System

This study sets out a scheme for a controlled release delivery system using SBA-16 as a carrier matrix and Rutin as a drug (Rutin-SBA-16). Physicochemical characterizations were performed to confirm the structure of the SBA-16 for post-synthesis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The presence of Rutin-SBA-16 was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms at 77 K. The dissolution kinetics was evaluated by the Zero Order, First Order and Higuchi models, and Rutin quantification was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The best impregnation time, which was 8 hours, adsorbing 284 μg Rutin per mg of silica, and the maximum degree of dissolution occurred in a period of 20 - 25 h. The release kinetics of the Rutin was called Higuchi, and showed high linearity, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.999 compared with 0.905 and 0.980 of the zero order and first order models respectively. The study shows the benefits of Rutin-SBA-16 as a drug delivery system.

Feasibility of a Chronic Foreign Body Infection Model Studying the Influence of TiO2 Nanotube Layers on Bacterial Contamination

Bacterial infections on the surface of medical devices are a significant problem in therapeutic approach, especially when implants are used in the living. In cardiology, pacemaker generator pocket surfaces, made in titanium alloy can be colonized by pathogen microorganism. This contamination represents a major risk of sepsis, endocarditis and localized infections for patients. A way to limit this bacterial contamination is to modify the surface topography using nano-structuration process of the titanium alloy surface of the implanted devices. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of TiO2 nanotube layers on bacterial infection in the living, considering the feasibility of an animal model of chronic foreign body infection. TiO2 nanotube layers prepared by electrochemical anodization of Ti foil in 0.4 wt% hydrofluoric acid solution were implanted subcutaneously in Wistar rats. Three weeks after implantation, TiO2 implants were contaminated by a Staphylococcus epidermilis strain using two different concentrations at 106 and 108 colony forming unit (CFU) in order to induce a sufficient infection level and to avoid unwanted over infection consequences on rats health during the experiments. After 28 days in the living, 75% of nanotube layers initially submitted to the 108 CFU inoculum were contaminated while only 25% nanotube layers initially submitted to the 106 CFU inoculum remained infected. This significant result underlines the influence of TiO2 nanotube layers in decreasing the infection level. Our in vitro experiments showed that the synthesized TiO2 nanotubes indeed decreased the Staphylococcus epidermilis adhesion compared to unanodized Ti foil.

Polyamine-Polymeric Micelle Hybrid Hydrogel: Microscopic Properties of Crosslinkers Affecting Macroscopic Rheological Properties of Hydrogel

We have developed a hybrid hydrogel that is formed from a crosslinkable polymeric micelle and a polyamine. Under optimal conditions, the hydrogel rapidly formed in one second after a crosslinkable polymeric micelle solution was mixed with a polyamine solution. We could change the hydrogel’s gelation properties, such as the storage modulus and gelation time by tuning the molecular weights of block copolymers and by tuning the pH of the dissolving-solvent of the hydrogel’s constituent components. Furthermore, we have clarified here that the structural difference among the micelles acting as crosslinkers can affect the gelation properties of the hydrogel. According to our findings, the hydrogel that was formed from the polymeric micelles possessing a highly packed (i.e., well-entangled or crosslinked) inner core exhibited a higher storage modulus than the hydrogel that was formed from the polymeric micelles possessing a lowly packed structure. Our results demonstrate that a microscopic structural difference among crosslinkers can induce a macroscopic change in the properties of the resulting hydrogels. For medical applications, the hydrogel proposed in the present paper can encapsulate the hydrophobic compounds in crosslinkers (polymeric micelles) so that the hydrogel can be available as the biomaterial for their sustained release.

Simple Modifications to Standard TRIzol®Protocol Allow High-Yield RNA Extraction from Cells on Resorbable Materials

Resorbable bioceramics are attractive for medical applications such as bone substitution. Biochemical analysis on cells cultured on these biomaterials is vital to predict the impact of the materials in vivo and RNA extraction is an essential step in gene expression study using RT-qPCR. In this study, we describe simple modifications to the TRIzol? RNA extraction protocol widely used in biology and these allow high-yield extraction of RNA from cells on resorbable calcium phosphates. Without the modifications, RNA is trapped in the co-precipitated calcium compounds, rendering TRIzol? extraction method infeasible. Among the modifications, the use of extra TRIzol? to dilute the lysate before the RNA precipitation step is critical for extraction of RNA from porous ?-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP) discs. We also investigate the rationale behind the undesirable precipitation so as to provide clues about the modifications required for other resorbable materials with high application potential in bone tissue engineering.

A New Nano-Platform for Drug Release via Nanotubular Aluminum Oxide

Nanotubular materials have many favorable properties for drug delivery. We present here a pioneering study of controlled release of a model drug, amoxicillin, from the internal nanopore structure of self-ordered, periodically spaced-apart aluminum oxide with an innovative, nanotubular geometry. This aluminum oxide nanotube geometry has not yet been revealed for biological applications, thus we have selected this oxide nanotube structure and demonstrated its ability as a drug carrier. Controlled, sustained release was achieved for over 5 weeks. The release kinetics from the nanotube layer was thoroughly characterized and it was determined that the amount of drug released was proportional to the square root of time. This type of controlled release and longevity from the nanotube layer has potential for therapeutic surface coatings on medical implants. Furthermore, this type of geometry has many features that are advantageous and biologically relevant for enhancing tissue biointegration.

Nanodiamond-Based Tests Systems for Biochemical Determination of Glucose and Cholesterol

Model test-systems for biochemical determination of glucose and cholesterol are designed by covalent coupling of enzymes to the surface of modified nanodiamonds (MND). In both cases after immobilization on MND the enzymes exhibit activity and catalyze the formation of a colored product in the chain of successive enzymatic reactions of oxidative azocoupling (Н2О2—4-aminoantipyrine—phenol). Produced MND-enzymes complexes: function in DI water and various buffers, over a wide range of temperature and pH, provide for the linear product yield over a broad concentration range of analyzed substances, make possible to test cholesterol and glucose in vitro many times, exhibit functional activity after long storage at + 4°C.

Grafting Carbon Nanotubes on Titanium Surface for Osteoblast Cell Adhesion and Growth

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were covalently grafted on the titanium surface with the aim to provide a new platform for human osteoblast cells (HOCs) attachment. Water contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results revealed that the PEG-functionalized SWCNTs were successfully grafted onto titanium surfaces. Cell viability and proliferation showed that the number of viable cells in culture medium increased with the incubation time for both titanium and SWCNT-modified titanium samples, although the SWCNT-modified titanium presented lower cell viability compared to titanium. Cell adhesion experiments suggested that there were no obvious differences in the number of cells adhered on the titanium and PEG-SWCNT-modified titanium, and the number of adhered cells increased with the culture time. To our best knowledge, for the first time the PEG functionalized SWCNTs were grafted on the titanium surface for human osteoblast cell adhesion and growth. The strategy introduced in the present study provides a new idea for the matrix preparation based on CNTs and titanium for the biological application and the new SWCNT-titanium platform has potential applications in implantable materials and bone tissue engineering.

Self-Assembled Dextrin Nanogel as Curcumin Delivery System

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Its therapeutic potential is substantially hindered by the rather low water solubility and bioavailability, hence the need for suitable carriers. In this study, we show that self-assembled nanogels obtained from hydrophobically modified dextrin are effective curcumin nanocarriers. The stability and loading efficiency of curcumin-loaded nanogel depends on the nanogel/curcumin ratio. Higher stability of the formulation is achieved in water than in PBS buffer, as evaluated by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence measurements. The in vitro release profile, using sink conditions, indicates that dextrin nanogel may perform as a suitable carrier for the controlled release of curcumin. Biological activity of curcumin-loaded nanogel in HeLa cell cultures was assessed using the MTS assay.

Nanostructures: Enhancing Potential Applications in Biomedicals

Nanotechnology is defined as the study and application of 1 - 100 nm sized structures. Nanomaterials have opened avenues for the industries and scientific endeavors. These recognized for unique size, dependant physical and chemical properties (optical, magnetic, catalytic, thermodynamic, electrochemical) [1]. Most significant properties of nanoparticles is their carbon strength. It is said to be so tough that recently with a nano-sized particles i.e. carbon nanotube—a bullet proof T-shirt/vests was manufactured. Nanotechnology were firstly proposed/initiated by Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman in 1959 [2]. This science is credited to have applications ranging from electronics, biomedicals, food, fuel cells to biosensors and even fabrics. Though every field of science progressing but still faces some lacunae and that result in development of a new technology. The thriving biomedical techniques for disorders like cancers etc. is still in developmental stage where researchers and doctors are working hard for concrete therapeutic results from such nano-techniques. On Cancers, the harmful side effects of its treatment like chemotherapy can’t be left aside which is result of one of its drug delivery methods that don’t pinpoint their intended target cells accurately rather affects whole area. Researchers in universities like Harvard and MIT have been able to attach special RNA strands, measuring about 10nm in diameter, to nanoparticles and fill the nanoparticles with a chemotherapy drug. The RNA strands get attracted to cancer cells. When the nanoparticle encounters a cancer cell it adheres to it and releases the drug into the cancer cell. This directed method of drug delivery has great potential for treating cancer patients while producing less side harmful effects than those produced by conventional chemotherapy [3]. This paper provides valuable information to the researchers, knowledge experts and policy makers regarding the application of nanotechnology and its values in science and technology. Biomedical is one of the major issues which were catered by nanotechnology.

Nanobiodiversity and Biomimetic Adhesives Development: From Nature to Production and Application

Advances in science and technology, especially in bioprospecting and biomimetics, have provided solutions to everyday problems over time. Through bioengineering, research and the discovery of the mechanisms present in nature for the production and functionality of adhesives, different materials and substances capable of imitating the role of their analogs in nature have been developed, which generates positive consequences in the area of the medical, textile, wood industry, among others. In this review, we present some researches and discoveries that have been made, which focus on the way in which adhesives produced by organisms found in nature are made, such as: marine organisms, plants, land organisms, insects, among others. In addition, different types of adhesives that exist and how they can be produced synthetically to be oriented to several industrial applications are mentioned, too.

The Role of Microstructure of Highly Purified Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate for Osteoinduction in Canine Dorsal Muscles

Porous β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) displays osteoinductivity in certain animals in the absence of osteoinductive agents. We evaluated whether the microstructure may be an important determinant of osteoinduction, and also investigated how bone formation was promoted using β-TCP combined with bone marrow aspirates. We prepared two types of β-TCP, namely, β-TCP A, which possessed interconnected macropores and micropores, and β-TCP B, which possessed macropores but had less detectable micropores. These were implanted with or without marrow in canine muscles. Bone formation and the resorption of each β-TCP implant were evaluated histologically. Newly formed bone began to appear at day 42 in the implants of β-TCP A alone, but the implants of β-TCP B alone did not show any bone formation by day 42. Meanwhile, bone formation was already evident on day 14 by loading with bone marrow aspirates with or without micropores. By immunohistochemistry, the number of cathepsin K-positive cells (osteoclasts) increased as time passed in the implants of β-TCP A alone, while the number of the osteoclasts did not change obviously in the implants of β-TCP B alone from day 14 to 56. Reticular fibrils were evident within the β-TCP A, and were barely observed in the β-TCP B in the silver impregnation. The present result would bring about the possible role to enhance the importance of the surface microstructure for the better osteoinductivity. Our findings suggest that the combination of porous β-TCP and bone marrow facilitates bone formation.

Biological Synthesis of Colloidal Gold Nanoprisms Using <i>Penicillium citrinum</i>MTCC9999

This report provides for the first time rapid novel environment friendly cell surface based synthesis of stable gold nanoprisms at room temperature using Penicillium citrinum MTCC9999 biomass. The UV-Visible spectral scan of dispersed gold nanoparticles (GNPs) solution showed absorption maxima at 540 nm due to surface plasma resonance (SPR) of gold nanoparticles. Typical Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) images showed that most of them were prism (55%) shaped with a diameter ranging from 20 - 40 nm. These results obtained from TEM correlated well with the data obtained from Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) experiment. Average zeta potential of GNPs was -20 mV suggesting some biomolecules capped the nanoparticles imparting a net negative charge over it. FTIR analysis also showed that protein molecules were involved in stabilization.

Effect of Silver-Loaded Zeolite on the Susceptibility of <i>Escherichia Coli</i>Against Antibiotics

We investigated the effect of silver-loaded zeolite (Ag-Z) on antibacterial activity of some antibiotics against Es-cherichia coli against antibiotics. We treated the bacterial suspension of E. coli by Ag-Z to be the level which the decrease of viable cell count was not observed. Susceptibility test of E. coli treated with Ag-Z was carried out against four antibiotics with different mode of action. Apparent increase in susceptibility was found in the case of rifampicin, not in others. The result suggests that application of Ag-Z to ward environment might give a good outcome at the treatment with rifampicin and at the treatment for pathogenic microbe spread through the air, such as tubercle bacilli.

Microleakage of Nanofilled Composite Resin Restorative Material

The role of nanofillers in reducing the microleakage of dental composite resins has not been previously investigated. So this study was designed to evaluate microleakage of nanofilled composite resin in comparison to the conventional hybrid composite. Twenty extracted sound molars were selected. Class II cavities were prepared. All cavities were etched (enamel and dentin) with 37% phosphoric acid. Dentin bonding agents were applied to etched tooth surfaces and restored with nanofilled and hybrid composite restorative materials. The restored teeth were thermocycled. Specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye, sectioned along the mesio-distal direction;dye penetration of occlusal and gingival margins of each section was evaluated using a stereo-microscope. No significant difference was found between the microleakage of nanofilled and hybrid composite restorations at occlusal / enamel and at gingival / dentin margins. Also, there were no significant differences for nanofilled composite restorations at occlusal / enamel margins and gingival / dentin margins. On the other hand, there were a significant differences for hybrid composite restorations at occlusal / enamel margins and gingival / dentin margins.