scholarly journals Significant improvement of sperm motility parameters through surface modification with Nano Diamond particles

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Lesani ◽  
Somaieh Kazemnejad ◽  
Hengameh Mousavi ◽  
Iman Ramazani Sarbandi ◽  
Mahdi Moghimi Zand

Abstract The employment of Nanotechnology as a valuable tool could be beneficial to patients and also offer new alternatives for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Surface modification by nanoparticles leads to the alteration of surface characteristics (e.g. roughness, elasticity, and surface charge). These alterations affect sperm behavior especially its motility since sperms exhibit wall following behavior and surface accumulation. Moreover, surface modification is an attempt towards mimicking the complex in vivo environment of the female tract (highly folded and ciliated) with continually changing surface topology and also its functions. In this paper, we present the results of investigating the interactions between sperm cells and surface modified substrates using Nano diamond particles. A combinational and low-cost method was used for modification. The results show that the sperm motility parameters are significantly improved from 5 to 85%. Also, the results indicate that in optimized surface modification condition, the sperms swim faster and straighter and the surface facilitates the swimming due to the inherent characteristics of ND particles. Taken together, the replacement of normal with modified surfaces in fertility-aid microfluidic devices can enhance their efficiency and further improve their outcomes.

Author(s):  
Vamsi Krishna Balla ◽  
Mitun Das ◽  
Someswar Datta ◽  
Biswanath Kundu

This chapter examines the importance of surface characteristics such as microstructure, composition, crystallographic texture, and surface free energy in achieving desired biocompatibility and tribological properties thereby improving in vivo life of artificial articulating implants. Current implants often fail prematurely due to inadequate mechanical, tribological, biocompatibility, and osseointegration properties, apart from issues related to design and surgical procedures. For long-term in vivo stability, artificial implants intended for articulating joint replacement must exhibit long-term stable articulation surface without stimulating undesirable in vivo effects. Since the implant's surface plays a vital and decisive role in their response to biological environment, and vice versa, surface modification of implants assumes a significant importance. Therefore, overview on important surface modification techniques, their capabilities, properties of modified surfaces/implants are presented in the chapter. The clinical performance of surface modified implants and new surfaces for potential next-generation articulating implant applications are discussed at the end.


2018 ◽  
pp. 859-910
Author(s):  
Vamsi Krishna Balla ◽  
Mitun Das ◽  
Someswar Datta ◽  
Biswanath Kundu

This chapter examines the importance of surface characteristics such as microstructure, composition, crystallographic texture, and surface free energy in achieving desired biocompatibility and tribological properties thereby improving in vivo life of artificial articulating implants. Current implants often fail prematurely due to inadequate mechanical, tribological, biocompatibility, and osseointegration properties, apart from issues related to design and surgical procedures. For long-term in vivo stability, artificial implants intended for articulating joint replacement must exhibit long-term stable articulation surface without stimulating undesirable in vivo effects. Since the implant's surface plays a vital and decisive role in their response to biological environment, and vice versa, surface modification of implants assumes a significant importance. Therefore, overview on important surface modification techniques, their capabilities, properties of modified surfaces/implants are presented in the chapter. The clinical performance of surface modified implants and new surfaces for potential next-generation articulating implant applications are discussed at the end.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandana Tavakolian ◽  
Seid Mahdi Jafari ◽  
Theo G. M. van de Ven

Abstract As the most abundant biopolymer on the earth, cellulose has recently gained significant attention in the development of antibacterial biomaterials. Biodegradability, renewability, strong mechanical properties, tunable aspect ratio, and low density offer tremendous possibilities for the use of cellulose in various fields. Owing to the high number of reactive groups (i.e., hydroxyl groups) on the cellulose surface, it can be readily functionalized with various functional groups, such as aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and amines, leading to diverse properties. In addition, the ease of surface modification of cellulose expands the range of compounds which can be grafted onto its structure, such as proteins, polymers, metal nanoparticles, and antibiotics. There are many studies in which cellulose nano-/microfibrils and nanocrystals are used as a support for antibacterial agents. However, little is known about the relationship between cellulose chemical surface modification and its antibacterial activity or biocompatibility. In this study, we have summarized various techniques for surface modifications of cellulose nanostructures and its derivatives along with their antibacterial and biocompatibility behavior to develop non-leaching and durable antibacterial materials. Despite the high effectiveness of surface-modified cellulosic antibacterial materials, more studies on their mechanism of action, the relationship between their properties and their effectivity, and more in vivo studies are required.


2009 ◽  
Vol 620-622 ◽  
pp. 145-148
Author(s):  
Gyu Tae Seo ◽  
Jin Tae Kim ◽  
Sung Su Kim ◽  
Jutamas Kaewsuk

The objective of this study is to develop a novel powder activated carbon (PAC) by surface modification with magnetite nano-particles for enhanced removal of NOM in water. The PAC used for experiment was two types, SAC (wood-based) and MAC (coal-based). First the PAC was treated by heat at 650 or 900 °C for 1hr under N2. And then the PAC surface was synthesized with magnetite nano-particles at the same condition. Adsorption tests of NOM were carried out to identify functional characteristics of the surface modified. Despite reduced surface area, adsorption capacity of the surface modified PAC was comparable to the virgin one. However much increased adsorption capacity was obtained by heat treatment of the PACs. SEC and SUVA254 results showed no specific selectivity in removal of NOM by the modification of PAC surface characteristics. Enhanced oxidation of the NOM was also observed by the magnetite nano-particle synthetic PACs in contact with ozone. Conclusively the surface modification of the PAC has high potential as a novel adsorption material for advanced water treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 8582
Author(s):  
Ping-Jen Hou ◽  
Syamsiah Syam ◽  
Wen-Chien Lan ◽  
Keng-Liang Ou ◽  
Bai-Hung Huang ◽  
...  

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of surface-modified biomedical titanium (Ti) dental implant on osseointegration. The surfaces were modified using an innovative dip-coating technique (IDCT; sandblasted, large-grit, and acid-etched, then followed by coating with the modified pluronic F127 biodegradable polymer). The surface morphology and hemocompatibility evaluations were investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, while the contact analysis was observed by goniometer. The IDCT-modified Ti implant was also implanted in patients with missing teeth by single-stage surgical procedure then observed immediately and again four months after placement by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) imaging. It was found that the IDCT-modified Ti implant was rougher than the dental implant without surface modification. Contact angle analysis showed the IDCT-modified Ti implant was lower than the dental implant without surface modification. The hemocompatibility evaluations showed greater red blood cell aggregation and fibrin filament formation on the IDCT-modified Ti implant. The radiographic and CBCT image displayed new bone formation at four months after the IDCT-modified Ti implant placement. Therefore, this study suggests that the IDCT-modified Ti dental implant has great potential to accelerate osseointegration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Kian Khoo ◽  
Sirichai Kiattavorncharoen ◽  
Verasak Pairuchvej ◽  
Nisanat Lakkhanachatpan ◽  
Natthamet Wongsirichat ◽  
...  

Introduction: Implant surface modification methods have recently involved laser treatment to achieve the desired implant surface characteristics. Meanwhile, surface modification could potentially introduce foreign elements to the implant surface during the manufacturing process. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the surface chemistry and topography of commercially available laser-modified titanium implants, together with evaluating the cell morphology and cell adhesion of human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) seeded onto the same implants. Method: Six (6) samples of commercially available laser-modified titanium implants were investigated. These implants were manufactured by two different companies. Three (3) implants were made from commercially pure grade 4 Titanium (Brand X); and three were made from grade 5 Ti6Al4V (Brand Y). The surface topography of these implants was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the surface chemistry was evaluated with electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy(EDS). Human fetal osteoblasts were seeded onto the implant fixtures to investigate the biocompatibility and adhesion. Results & Discussion: Brand X displayed dark areas under SEM while it was rarely found on brand Y. These dark areas were consistent with their organic matter. The hFOB cell experiments revealed cell adhesion with filopodia on Brand X samples which is consistent with cell maturation. The cells on Brand Y were morphologically round and lacked projections, one sample was devoid of any noticeable cells under SEM. Cell adhesion was observed early at 48 hrs in laser-irradiated titanium fixtures from both the brands. Conclusion: The presence of organic impurities in Brand X should not be overlooked because disruption of the osseointegration process may occur due to the rejection of the biomaterial in an in-vivo model. Nevertheless, there was insufficient evidence to link implant failure directly with carbon contaminated implant surfaces. Further studies to determine the toxicity of Vanadium from Ti6Al4V in an in-vivo environment should indicate the reason for different cell maturation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Zahra Lotfollahi ◽  
Ahmad Amirabadizadeh ◽  
Aleksander P. Safronov ◽  
Igor V. Beketov ◽  
Galina V. Kurlyandskaya

Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) has been proposed as a powerful technique for biosensing. In GMI biosensors based on the magnetic label detection the change of the impedance of sensitive element under the application of an external magnetic field was analyzed in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles in a test solution. Amorphous ribbon-based GMI biodetectors have an advantage of low operation frequency and low cost. In this work, magnetic and GMI properties of amorphous Co68.6Fe3.9Mo3.0Si12.0B12.5 ribbons were studied in as-quenched and surface modified states both without and in the presence of maghemite ferrofluid. After the surface modification the coercivity was slightly increased and saturation magnetization decreased in good agreement with increase of the surface roughness, a decrease of magnetic elements concentrations in the surface layer, and formation of a surface protective oxide layer. The GMI difference for as-quenched ribbons in absence and in the presence of ferrofluid was measurable for the frequency range of 2 to 10 MHz and the current intensities of 1 to 20 mA. Although the proposed surface modification by the ultrasound treatment did not improve the sensitivity limit for ferrofluid detection, it did not decrease it either.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giusy Rusco ◽  
Michele Di Iorio ◽  
Roberta Iampietro ◽  
Alessandra Roncarati ◽  
Stefano Esposito ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different cool storage time intervals between collection and semen freezing on both fresh and cryopreserved semen motility parameters and the post-thaw fertilizing ability of Mediterranean brown trout semen. The ejaculates were split into six aliquots and stored on ice for 1 to 6 hours, until freezing. Fresh and post-thawing sperm motility were evaluated by Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis system, whilst the fertilizing ability was assessed by in vivo trials. In fresh semen, at 3 h of storage, a significant decrease of total motility, linear movement (STR, LIN) and beat cross frequency was recorded, whilst the amplitude of lateral displacement of the spermatozoon head underwent a significant increase. Velocity parameters (VCL, VAP and VSL) were not affected by the cold storage time, whilst the duration of sperm movement was significantly higher at 1h compared to the other times tested. Freezing procedure overall decreased almost all post-thaw sperm motility parameters, however no significant differences was observed over time, both in term of fast and linear movement. Cool storage time did not significantly affect the percentage of post-thaw eyed embryos. Our results showed that Mediterranean brown trout semen can be stored on ice even up to 6 hours before freezing, without decreasing its post-thawing quality and fertilizing ability.


Author(s):  
R.J. Mount ◽  
R.V. Harrison

The sensory end organ of the ear, the organ of Corti, rests on a thin basilar membrane which lies between the bone of the central modiolus and the bony wall of the cochlea. In vivo, the organ of Corti is protected by the bony wall which totally surrounds it. In order to examine the sensory epithelium by scanning electron microscopy it is necessary to dissect away the protective bone and expose the region of interest (Fig. 1). This leaves the fragile organ of Corti susceptible to physical damage during subsequent handling. In our laboratory cochlear specimens, after dissection, are routinely prepared by the O-T- O-T-O technique, critical point dried and then lightly sputter coated with gold. This processing involves considerable specimen handling including several hours on a rotator during which the organ of Corti is at risk of being physically damaged. The following procedure uses low cost, readily available materials to hold the specimen during processing ,preventing physical damage while allowing an unhindered exchange of fluids.Following fixation, the cochlea is dehydrated to 70% ethanol then dissected under ethanol to prevent air drying. The holder is prepared by punching a hole in the flexible snap cap of a Wheaton vial with a paper hole punch. A small amount of two component epoxy putty is well mixed then pushed through the hole in the cap. The putty on the inner cap is formed into a “cup” to hold the specimen (Fig. 2), the putty on the outside is smoothed into a “button” to give good attachment even when the cap is flexed during handling (Fig. 3). The cap is submerged in the 70% ethanol, the bone at the base of the cochlea is seated into the cup and the sides of the cup squeezed with forceps to grip it (Fig.4). Several types of epoxy putty have been tried, most are either soluble in ethanol to some degree or do not set in ethanol. The only putty we find successful is “DUROtm MASTERMENDtm Epoxy Extra Strength Ribbon” (Loctite Corp., Cleveland, Ohio), this is a blue and yellow ribbon which is kneaded to form a green putty, it is available at many hardware stores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 1616-1633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oana Cristina Duta ◽  
Aurel Mihail Ţîţu ◽  
Alexandru Marin ◽  
Anton Ficai ◽  
Denisa Ficai ◽  
...  

Polymeric materials, due to their excellent physicochemical properties and versatility found applicability in multiples areas, including biomaterials used in tissue regeneration, prosthetics (hip, artificial valves), medical devices, controlled drug delivery systems, etc. Medical devices and their applications are very important in modern medicine and the need to develop new materials with improved properties or to improve the existent materials is increasing every day. Numerous reasearches are activated in this domain in order to obtain materials/surfaces that does not have drawbacks such as structural failure, calcifications, infections or thrombosis. One of the most used material is poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) due to its unique properties, availability and low cost. The most common method used for obtaining tubular devices that meet the requirements of medical use is the surface modification of polymers without changing their physical and mechanical properties, in bulk. PVC is a hydrophobic polymer and therefore many research studies were conducted in order to increase the hydrophilicity of the surface by chemical modification in order to improve biocompatibility, to enhance wettability, reduce friction or to make lubricious or antimicrobial coatings. Surface modification of PVC can be achieved by several strategies, in only one step or, in some cases, in two or more steps by applying several techniques consecutively to obtain the desired modification / performances. The most common processes used for modifying the surface of PVC devices are: plasma treatment, corona discharge, chemical grafting, electric discharge, vapour deposition of metals, flame treatment, direct chemical modification (oxidation, hydrolysis, etc.) or even some physical modification of the roughness of the surface.


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