Microstructural Characterization of Polyanhydride Blends for Controlled Drug Delivery

2000 ◽  
Vol 662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth E. Shen ◽  
Hsin-Lung Chen ◽  
Balaji Narasimhan
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Microstructural Characterization ◽  
Peak Shift ◽  
Crystalline Morphology ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Drug Delivery Devices

AbstractThis research examines the microstructure of polyanhydride blends for use in drug delivery devices. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies were performed on the homopolymers and blends of the polyanhydrides poly(1,6-carboxyphenoxy hexane) (CPH) and poly(sebacic anhydride) (SA). AFM of the CPH/SA blends 20:80, 50:50, and 80:20 showed distinct patterns indicating spinodal decomposition and phase separation on the micron-scale. Because it has been shown that incorporated drugs will thermodynamically partition into phase-separated domains depending on their hydrophobicity, polyanhydride blends will be able to encapsulate larger bioactive compounds including nucleotides, proteins, and vaccines. Preliminary SAXS studies of the CPH/SA blend systems provide information on the crystalline morphology of the polymer. A peak shift to a lower q from poly(SA) to the blends indicates that the poly(CPH) is incorporated into and causes swelling of the interlamellar amorphous regions of poly(SA).

scholarly journals Structural characterization of gephyrin by AFM and SAXS reveals a mixture of compact and extended states

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 2050-2060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bodo Sander ◽  
Giancarlo Tria ◽  
Alexander V. Shkumatov ◽  
Eun-Young Kim ◽  
J. Günter Grossmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Cd Spectroscopy ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Extended States ◽  
High Degree

Gephyrin is a trimeric protein involved in the final steps of molybdenum-cofactor (Moco) biosynthesis and in the clustering of inhibitory glycine and GABAAreceptors at postsynaptic specializations. Each protomer consists of stably folded domains (referred to as the G and E domains) located at either terminus and connected by a proteolytically sensitive linker of ∼150 residues. Both terminal domains can oligomerize in their isolated forms; however, in the context of the full-length protein only the G-domain trimer is permanently present, whereas E-domain dimerization is prevented. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reveal a high degree of flexibility in the structure of gephyrin. The results imply an equilibrium between compact and extended conformational states in solution, with a preference for compact states. CD spectroscopy suggests that a partial compaction is achieved by interactions of the linker with the G and E domains. Taken together, the data provide a rationale for the role of the linker in the overall structure and the conformational dynamics of gephyrin.

scholarly journals The disease associated Tau35 fragment has an increased propensity to aggregate compared to full-length tau

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Lyu ◽  
Stefano Da Vela ◽  
Youssra K Al-Hilaly ◽  
Karen Marshall ◽  
Richard Thorogate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Truncated Form ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron

Tau35 is a truncated form of tau found in human brain in a subset of tauopathies. Tau35 expression in mice recapitulates key features of human disease, including progressive increase in tau phosphorylation, along with cognitive and motor dysfunction. The appearance of aggregated tau suggests that Tau35 may have structural properties distinct from those of other tau species that could account for its pathological role in disease. To address this hypothesis, we performed a structural characterization of monomeric and aggregated Tau35 and compared the results to those of two longer isoforms, 2N3R and 2N4R tau. We used small angle X-ray scattering to show that Tau35, 2N3R and 2N4R tau all behave as disordered monomeric species but Tau35 exhibits higher rigidity. In the presence of the poly-anion heparin, Tau35 increases thioflavin T fluorescence significantly faster and to a greater extent than full-length tau, demonstrating a higher propensity to aggregate. We used atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray fiber diffraction to demonstrate that Tau35 aggregates are morphologically similar to previously reported tau fibrils but they are more densely packed. These data increase our understanding of the aggregation inducing properties of clinically relevant tau fragments and their potentially damaging role in the pathogenesis of human tauopathies.

scholarly journals The Disease Associated Tau35 Fragment has an Increased Propensity to Aggregate Compared to Full-Length Tau

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Lyu ◽  
Stefano Da Vela ◽  
Youssra Al-Hilaly ◽  
Karen E. Marshall ◽  
Richard Thorogate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Truncated Form ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Transmission Electron

Tau35 is a truncated form of tau found in human brain in a subset of tauopathies. Tau35 expression in mice recapitulates key features of human disease, including progressive increase in tau phosphorylation, along with cognitive and motor dysfunction. The appearance of aggregated tau suggests that Tau35 may have structural properties distinct from those of other tau species that could account for its pathological role in disease. To address this hypothesis, we performed a structural characterization of monomeric and aggregated Tau35 and compared the results to those of two longer isoforms, 2N3R and 2N4R tau. We used small angle X-ray scattering to show that Tau35, 2N3R and 2N4R tau all behave as disordered monomeric species but Tau35 exhibits higher rigidity. In the presence of the poly-anion heparin, Tau35 increases thioflavin T fluorescence significantly faster and to a greater extent than full-length tau, demonstrating a higher propensity to aggregate. By using atomic force microscopy, circular dichroism, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray fiber diffraction, we provide evidence that Tau35 aggregation is mechanistically and morphologically similar to previously reported tau fibrils but they are more densely packed. These data increase our understanding of the aggregation inducing properties of clinically relevant tau fragments and their potentially damaging role in the pathogenesis of human tauopathies.

In situ X-ray Scattering Study of the Formation of Au Nano Crystals During Thermal Annealing

2007 ◽  
Vol 1027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Do Young Noh ◽  
Ki-Hyun Ryu ◽  
Hyon Chol Kang
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Annealing ◽  
Bragg Reflection ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Au Thin Films ◽  
Ray Scattering

AbstractThe transformation of Au thin films grown on sapphire (0001) substrates into nano crystals during thermal annealing was investigated by in situ synchrotron x-ray scattering and ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). By monitoring the Au(111) Bragg reflection and the low Q reflectivity and comparing them with ex situ AFM images, we found that polygonal-shape holes were nucleated and grow initially. As the holes grow larger and contact each other, their boundary turns into Au nano crystals. The Au nano crystals have a well-defined (111) flat top surface and facets in the in-plane direction.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Metarhizium anisopliae–Chitosan Nanoparticles and Their Pathogenicity against Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Jianhui Wu ◽  
Cailian Du ◽  
Jieming Zhang ◽  
Bo Yang ◽  
Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plutella Xylostella ◽  
Metarhizium Anisopliae ◽  
Chitosan Nanoparticles ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Synthesis Of Nanoparticles ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Afm Analysis

Nanotechnology is increasingly being used in areas of pesticide production and pest management. This study reports the isolation and virulence of a new Metarhizium anisopliae isolate SM036, along with the synthesis and characterization of M. anisopliae–chitosan nanoparticles followed by studies on the efficacy of nanoparticles against Plutella xylostella. The newly identified strain proved pathogenic to P. xylostella under laboratory conditions. The characterization of M. anisopliae–chitosan nanoparticles through different analytical techniques showed the successful synthesis of nanoparticles. SEM and HRTEM images confirmed the synthesis of spherical-shaped nanoparticles; X-ray diffractogram showed strong peaks between 2θ values of 16–30°; and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed a particle size of 75.83 nm for M. anisopliae–chitosan nanoparticles, respectively. The bioassay studies demonstrated that different concentrations of M. anisopliae–chitosan nanoparticles were highly effective against second instar P. xylostella under laboratory and semi-field conditions. These findings suggest that M. anisopliae–chitosan nanoparticles can potentially be used in biorational P. xylostella management programs.

Growth and Characterization of bulk GaN by Ga Vapor Transport

2004 ◽  
Vol 831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phanikumar Konkapaka ◽  
Huaqiang Wu ◽  
Yuri Makarov ◽  
Michael G. Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Vapor Transport ◽  
Spiral Growth ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Bulk Gan ◽  
Diffraction Patterns

ABSTRACTBulk GaN crystals of dimensions 8.5 mm × 8.5 mm were grown at growth rates greater than 200μm/hr using Gallium Vapor Transport technique. GaN powder and Ammonia were used as the precursors for growing bulk GaN. Nitrogen is used as the carrier gas to transport the Ga vapor that was obtained from the decomposition of GaN powder. During the process, the source GaN powder was kept at 1155°C and the seed at 1180°C. Using this process, it was possible to achieve growth rates of above 200 microns/hr. The GaN layers thus obtained were characterized using X-Ray diffraction [XRD], scanning electron microscopy [SEM], and atomic force microscopy [AFM]. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the grown GaN layers are single crystals oriented along c direction. AFM studies indicated that the dominant growth mode was dislocation mediated spiral growth. Electrical and Optical characterization were also performed on these samples. Hall mobility measurements indicated a mobility of 550 cm2/V.s and a carrier concentration of 6.67 × 1018/cm3

Intrinsic roughness and interfaces of Cr/Be multilayers

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Pleshkov ◽  
Nikolay Chkhalo ◽  
Vladimir Polkovnikov ◽  
Mikhail Svechnikov ◽  
Maria Zorina
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Force Microscopy ◽  
Optical Contrast ◽  
Multilayer Mirrors ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Layer Material ◽  
Multilayer Mirror ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Sharp Structure

The structures of Cr/Be multilayer mirror interfaces are investigated using X-ray reflectometry, diffuse X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. The combination of these methods makes it possible to separate the contributions of roughness and interlayer diffusion/intermixing for each sample. In the range of period thicknesses of 2.26–0.8 nm, it is found that the growth roughness of the Cr/Be multilayer mirrors does not depend on the period thickness and is ∼0.2 nm. The separation of roughness and diffuseness allows estimation of layer material intermixing and the resulting drop in the optical contrast, which is from 0.85 to 0.17 in comparison with an ideally sharp structure.

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