Microscopic analysis of shape-shiftable oligo(ε-caprolactone) - based particles

MRS Advances ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (59-60) ◽  
pp. 3199-3206
Author(s):  
Fabian Friess ◽  
Christian Wischke ◽  
Andreas Lendlein
Keyword(s):  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Contour Detection ◽  
The Body ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Alternative Techniques ◽  
Particle Shapes ◽  
Prolate Ellipsoidal

ABSTRACTSpherical particles are routinely monitored and described by hydrodynamic diameters determined, e.g., by light scattering techniques. Non-spherical particles such as prolate ellipsoids require alternative techniques to characterize particle size as well as particle shape. In this study, oligo(ε-caprolactone) (oCL) based micronetwork (MN) particles with a shape-shifting function based on their shape-memory capability were programmed from spherical to prolate ellipsoidal shape aided by incorporation and stretching in a water-soluble phantom matrix. By applying light microscopy with automated contour detection and aspect ratio analysis, differences in characteristic aspect ratio distributions of non-crosslinked microparticles (MPs) and crosslinked MNs were detected when the degrees of phantom elongation (30-290%) are increased. The thermally induced shape recovery of programmed MNs starts in the body rather than from the tips of ellipsoids, which may be explained based on local differences in micronetwork deformation. By this approach, fascinating intermediate particle shapes with round bodies and two opposite sharp tips can be obtained, which could be of interest, e.g., in valves or other technical devices, in which the tips allow to temporarily encage the switchable particle in the desired position.

Tail shapes lead to different propulsive mechanisms in the body/caudal fin undulation of fish

2020 ◽  
pp. 095440622096768
Author(s):  
Jialei Song ◽  
Yong Zhong ◽  
Ruxu Du ◽  
Ling Yin ◽  
Yang Ding
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
The Body ◽  
Caudal Fin ◽  
Fish Model ◽  
Swimming Efficiency ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Propulsive Mechanism ◽  
High Depth

In this paper, we investigate the hydrodynamics of swimmers with three caudal fins: a round one corresponding to snakehead fish ( Channidae), an indented one corresponding to saithe ( Pollachius virens), and a lunate one corresponding to tuna ( Thunnus thynnus). A direct numerical simulation (DNS) approach with a self-propelled fish model was adopted. The simulation results show that the caudal fin transitions from a pushing/suction combined propulsive mechanism to a suction-dominated propulsive mechanism with increasing aspect ratio ( AR). Interestingly, different from a previous finding that suction-based propulsion leads to high efficiency in animal swimming, this study shows that the utilization of suction-based propulsion by a high- AR caudal fin reduces swimming efficiency. Therefore, the suction-based propulsive mechanism does not necessarily lead to high efficiency, while other factors might play a role. Further analysis shows that the large lateral momentum transferred to the flow due to the high depth of the high- AR caudal fin leads to the lowest efficiency despite the most significant suction.

scholarly journals Fibrillar pharmacology of functionalized nanocellulose

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Wong ◽  
Simone Alidori ◽  
Barbara P. Mello ◽  
Bryan Aristega Almeida ◽  
David Ulmert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Profile ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Target Tissue ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Specific Accumulation

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are linear organic nanomaterials derived from an abundant naturally occurring biopolymer resource. Strategic modification of the primary and secondary hydroxyl groups on the CNC introduces amine and iodine group substitution, respectively. The amine groups (0.285 mmol of amine per gram of functionalized CNC (fCNC)) are further reacted with radiometal loaded-chelates or fluorescent dyes as tracers to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of the fCNC in vivo. In this way, these nanoscale macromolecules can be covalently functionalized and yield water-soluble and biocompatible fibrillar nanoplatforms for gene, drug and radionuclide delivery in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy of fCNC reveals a length of 162.4 ± 16.3 nm, diameter of 11.2 ± 1.52 nm and aspect ratio of 16.4 ± 1.94 per particle (mean ± SEM) and is confirmed using atomic force microscopy. Size exclusion chromatography of macromolecular fCNC describes a fibrillar molecular behavior as evidenced by retention times typical of late eluting small molecules and functionalized carbon nanotubes. In vivo, greater than 50% of intravenously injected radiolabeled fCNC is excreted in the urine within 1 h post administration and is consistent with the pharmacological profile observed for other rigid, high aspect ratio macromolecules. Tissue distribution of fCNC shows accumulation in kidneys, liver, and spleen (14.6 ± 6.0; 6.1 ± 2.6; and 7.7 ± 1.4% of the injected activity per gram of tissue, respectively) at 72 h post-administration. Confocal fluorescence microscopy reveals cell-specific accumulation in these target tissue sinks. In summary, our findings suggest that functionalized nanocellulose can be used as a potential drug delivery platform for the kidneys.

scholarly journals Thermally-Induced Shape-Memory Behavior of Degradable Gelatin-Based Networks

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5892
Author(s):  
Axel T. Neffe ◽  
Candy Löwenberg ◽  
Konstanze K. Julich-Gruner ◽  
Marc Behl ◽  
Andreas Lendlein
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Shape Memory Effect ◽  
Memory Effect ◽  
Shape Recovery ◽  
Polymer Networks ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Compression Tests ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Thermomechanical Process ◽  
Triple Helices

Shape-memory hydrogels (SMH) are multifunctional, actively-moving polymers of interest in biomedicine. In loosely crosslinked polymer networks, gelatin chains may form triple helices, which can act as temporary net points in SMH, depending on the presence of salts. Here, we show programming and initiation of the shape-memory effect of such networks based on a thermomechanical process compatible with the physiological environment. The SMH were synthesized by reaction of glycidylmethacrylated gelatin with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) α,ω-dithiols of varying crosslinker length and amount. Triple helicalization of gelatin chains is shown directly by wide-angle X-ray scattering and indirectly via the mechanical behavior at different temperatures. The ability to form triple helices increased with the molar mass of the crosslinker. Hydrogels had storage moduli of 0.27–23 kPa and Young’s moduli of 215–360 kPa at 4 °C. The hydrogels were hydrolytically degradable, with full degradation to water-soluble products within one week at 37 °C and pH = 7.4. A thermally-induced shape-memory effect is demonstrated in bending as well as in compression tests, in which shape recovery with excellent shape-recovery rates Rr close to 100% were observed. In the future, the material presented here could be applied, e.g., as self-anchoring devices mechanically resembling the extracellular matrix.

Structure and Properties of Poly(α-hydroxyl acids)/Nano Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds

2002 ◽  
Vol 735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guobao Wei ◽  
Peter X. Ma
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Pore Structure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Polymer Scaffolds ◽  
Composite Scaffolds ◽  
Average Pore ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Tissue Engineering Approach ◽  
Biodegradable Poly ◽  
Organ Failures

ABSTRACTTissue losses and organ failures resulting from injuries or diseases remain frequent and serious health problems despite great advances in medical technologies. Transplantation and reconstructive surgeries are seriously challenged by donor tissue shortage. We take a tissue engineering approach to design 3D scaffolds for cells to grow and synthesize new tissues. The scaffolds are biodegradable and will be absorbed after fulfilling the purpose as 3D templates, leaving nothing foreign in the body. To better mimic natural bone structurally, mechanically and biologically, nano-sized hydroxyapatite particles (N-HAP) were formulated with biodegradable poly(α-hydroxyl acids) to form composite scaffolds with well-controlled pore structures using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) in this work. The pore structure and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were optimized by the use of multiple solvent systems, different quenching rates and quenching depths. The fabricated scaffolds possessed porosities higher than 90% and average pore sizes ranging from 50 to 500 μm. The scaffolds containing N-HAP maintained open and regular 3D pore structure similar to those of plain polymer scaffolds, implying that N-HAP particles were dispersed within the polymer pore walls of the scaffolds. The addition of N-HAP increased the compressive modulus by 20∼80% over that of plain polymer scaffolds. These results indicate that poly(α-hydroxyl acids)/N-HAP scaffolds may provide excellent 3D substrates for bone tissue engineering.

Human Skin Binding and Absorption of Contaminants from Ground and Surface Water During Swimming and Bathing

1989 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 853-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald C. Wester ◽  
Howard I. Maibach
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Stratum Corneum ◽  
Human Skin ◽  
The Body ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Exposure Effect ◽  
Human Stratum Corneum ◽  
Water Dilution

Contaminants exist in ground and surface water. Human skin has the capacity to bind and then absorb these contaminants into the body during swimming and bathing. Powdered human stratum corneum will bind both lipid-soluble (alachlor, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], benzene) and water-soluble (nitroaniline) chemicals. In vitro (human skin) and in vivo (Rhesus monkey) studies show that these chemicals readily distribute into skin, and then some of the chemical is absorbed into the body. Linearity in binding and absorption exists for nitroaniline over a 10-fold concentration range. Multiple exposure to benzene is at least cumulative. Binding and absorption can be significant for exposures as short as 30 min, and will increase with time. Absorption with water dilution increased for alachlor, but not for dinoseb. Soap reversed the partitioning of alachlor between human stratum corneum and water. The PCBs could be removed from skin by soap and water (70% efficiency) for up to 3 h and then decontamination potential decreased, due to continuing skin absorption. The model in vitro and in vivo systems used should permit easy estimation of this area of extensive human exposure effect on risk assessment.

scholarly journals Iodometric Quantitative Analysis Method of Ascorbic Acid in Tablets

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 3555-3560
Author(s):  
Costinela Valerica Georgescu ◽  
Cristian Catalin Gavat ◽  
Doina Carina Voinescu
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Titration Method ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Relative Standard

Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin provided with strong antioxidant action, that fulfills an important immune protective role of the body against infections and prevents various cancers appearance. The main goal of this study was to exactly quantify pure ascorbic acid in tablets of two pharmaceuticals. Proposed objective consisted in improvement and application of a iodometric titration method in ascorbic acid quantitative analysis. Ascorbic acid content per tablet in both studied pharmaceuticals was 173.84 mg, very close to official stated amount of active substance (180 mg). Allowed percentage deviation from declared content of pure ascorbic acid was only 3.42 %, below maximum value of � 5 % imposed by Romanian Pharmacopoeia 10-th Edition, according to European and International standards. Statistical analysis confirmed experimental obtained results and revealed low Standard Error value SE = 0.214476, which has fallen within normal limits. Confidence Level value (95.0 %) = 0.551328 and Standard Deviation SD = 0.525357. were within normal range of values. Relative Standard Deviation (Coefficient of variation or homogeneity) RSD = 26.268% was found below maximum range of accepted values (30-35%). P value = 7.44. 10-6 was located within normal limits, P [ 0.001, so the experimental obtained results has shown highest statistical significance. Thus, studied titration method can be successfully used in quantitative analysis of ascorbic acid from different samples.

scholarly journals Vitamin B12 deficiency: metabolic effects, clinical evaluation, and treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Synara Cavalcante Lopes ◽  
Daniel Duarte Gadelha ◽  
Manuela Dias de Carvalho ◽  
Virgínia Oliveira Fernandes ◽  
Renan Magalhães Montenegro Junior
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Body ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Composition Changes

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble essential micronutrient, required by all the body cells. Its deficiency has been implicated not only in hematological and neurological disorders, but also in many metabolic processes, such as insulin resistance and body composition changes, which have aroused particular interest in recent years. This study reviews the physiology of vitamin B12 from its digestion and absorption to its distribution in tissues, metabolic effects and controversies regarding the diagnosis of deficiency, and to dietary and pharmacological treatments.

scholarly journals A Large-Deformation Theory for Thermally-Actuated Shape-Memory Polymers and its Application

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn A. Chester ◽  
Vikas Srivastava ◽  
Claudio V. Di Leo ◽  
Lallit Anand
Keyword(s):  
Glass Transition ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Deformation Theory ◽  
Shape Recovery ◽  
Large Deformations ◽  
Shape Memory Polymers ◽  
The Body ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Thermally Actuated ◽  
Common Shape

The most common shape-memory polymers are those in which the shape-recovery is thermally-induced. A body made from such a material may be subjected to large deformations at an elevated temperature above its glass transition temperature &Vthgr;g. Cooling the deformed body to a temperature below &Vthgr;g under active kinematical constraints fixes the deformed shape of the body. The original shape of the body may be recovered if the material is heated back to a temperature above &Vthgr;g without the kinematical constraints. This phenomenon is known as the shape-memory effect. If the shape recovery is partially constrained, the material exerts a recovery force and the phenomenon is known as constrained-recovery.

Positioning Effect on Free Convection with an Elliptical Plate Placed in a Circular Enclosure

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1054-1062
Author(s):  
Parth Patpatiya ◽  
Soumya ◽  
Bhavya Shaan ◽  
Bhavana Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
The Body ◽  
Elliptical Plate ◽  
Numerical Studies ◽  
First Case ◽  
Varied Temperature ◽  
Laminar Natural Convection ◽  
The Given ◽  
Plate System

In this analysis we have examined the process of the steady state laminar natural convection around heated elliptical plate with Rayleigh number 10^6 positioned inside a circular enclosure. The purpose of the numerical analysis is to analyze the behavior of isotherms, streamlines and heat transfer rate in enclosure plate system due to the variation in the position of elliptical plate (r/D =0.00, 0.05, and 0.2) and aspect ratio, where the given diameter of the enclosure is D and r is the distance between the centre of elliptical plate and centre of circle. Elliptical plate is inclined at different angles and results are summed up in relative manner. There are two cases, in first case aspect ratio a/D and b/D is varied and D is kept constant, whereas in second case aspect ratio a/D and b/D is kept constant and D is varied. Temperature difference between the enclosure and the inner body (i.e., temperature of inner body is kept high as compared to the enclosure) is maintained. Two dimensional study is followed by considering air as a fluid in enclosure. The effects of the Heat Transfer and Flow of Fluid are analyzed by the streamlines and isotherms plotted for the body placed inside enclosure. Value of local Nusselt number (Nu) is also plotted along the wall of elliptical plate and along the surface of the circular enclosure. For every aspect ratio isotherms and streamlines had been plotted. This work has been validated with various other numerical studies and was in good conciliation.

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