scholarly journals Alien Wood Species as a Resource for Wood-Plastic Composites

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Sergej Medved ◽  
Daša Krapež Tomec ◽  
Angela Balzano ◽  
Maks Merela
Keyword(s):  
Wood Species ◽  
Dimensional Stability ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Wood Plastic Composites ◽  
Plastic Composites

Since invasive alien species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss in the region and thus of changes in ecosystem services, it is important to find the best possible solution for their removal from nature and the best practice for their usability. The aim of the study was to investigate their properties as components of wood-plastic composites and to investigate the properties of the wood-plastic composites produced. The overall objective was to test the potential of available alien plant species as raw material for the manufacture of products. This would contribute to sustainability and give them a better chance of ending their life cycle. One of the possible solutions on a large scale is to use alien wood species for the production of wood plastic composites (WPC). Five invasive alien hardwood species have been used in combination with polyethylene powder (PE) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to produce various flat pressed WPC boards. Microstructural analyses (confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and mechanical tests (flexural strength, tensile strength) were performed. Furthermore, measurements of density, thickness swelling, water absorption and dimensional stability during heating and cooling were carried out. Comparisons were made between the properties of six WPC boards (five alien wood species and mixed boards). The results showed that the differences between different invasive alien wood species were less obvious in mechanical properties, while the differences in sorption properties and dimensional stability were more significant. The analyses of the WPC structure showed a good penetration of the polymer into the lumens of the wood cells and a fine internal structure without voids. These are crucial conditions to obtain a good, mechanically strong and water-resistant material.

Confocal Microscopy in Ecophysiological Studies of Algae: A Door to Understanding Autofluorescence in Red Algae

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Teresa Coronado-Parra ◽  
Mónica Roldán ◽  
Marina Aboal
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Monochromatic Light ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Light Intensities

Alga in the genus Chroothece have been reported mostly from aquatic or subaerial continental environments, where they grow in extreme conditions. The strain Chroothece mobilis MAESE 20.29 was exposed to different light intensities, red and green monochromatic light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, high nitrogen concentrations, and high salinity to assess the effect of those environmental parameters on its growth. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used as an “in vivo” noninvasive single-cell method for the study. The strain seemed to prefer fairly high light intensities and showed a significant increase in allophycocyanin (APC) and chlorophyll a [photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII)] fluorescence with 330 and 789 μM/cm2/s intensities. Green monochromatic light promoted a significant increase in the fluorescence of APC and chlorophyll a (PSI and PSII). UV-A significantly decreased phycocyanin and increased APC, while UV-A + B showed a greater decreasing effect on c-Phycocyanin but did not significantly change concentrations of APC. The increase in nitrogen concentration in the culture medium significantly and negatively affected all pigments, and no effect was observed with an increase in salinity. Our data show that CLSM represents a very powerful tool for ecological research of microalgae in small volumes and may contribute to the knowledge of phycobiliproteins in vivo behavior and the parameters for the large-scale production of these pigments.

scholarly journals Plasma Treatment of Polypropylene-Based Wood–Plastic Composites (WPC): Influences of Working Gas

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1933
Author(s):  
Philipp Sauerbier ◽  
Robert Köhler ◽  
Gerrit Renner ◽  
Holger Militz
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Wood Plastic Composites ◽  
Plastic Composite ◽  
Plastic Composites ◽  
Injection Molded ◽  
Wood Content ◽  
Measurement Artifacts

In this study, a polypropylene (PP)-based wood–plastic composite with maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) as a coupling agent and a wood content of 60% was extruded and specimens were injection molded. The samples were plasma treated utilizing a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) setup with three different working gases: Ar/O2 (90%/10%), Ar/N2 (90%/10%), and synthetic air. This process aims to improve the coating and gluing properties of the otherwise challenging apolar surface of PP based wood–plastic composites (WPC). Chemical analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the formation of oxygen-based functional groups on the surface, independently from the working gas used for the treatment. Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) examined the surface roughness and revealed that the two argon-containing working gases roughened the surface more than synthetic air. However, the contact angle for water was reduced significantly after treatment, revealing measurement artifacts for water and diiodomethane due to the severe changes in surface morphology. The adhesion of acrylic dispersion coating was significantly increased, resulting in a pull-off strength of approximately 4 N/mm2, and cross-cut tests assigned the best adhesion class (0), on a scale from 0 to 5, after plasma treatment with any working gas.

scholarly journals Microscope-Based Imaging Platform for Large-Scale Analysis of Oral Biofilms

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (24) ◽  
pp. 8703-8711 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Karygianni ◽  
M. Follo ◽  
E. Hellwig ◽  
D. Burghardt ◽  
M. Wolkewitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Wide Field ◽  
Bacterial Composition ◽  
Entire Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oral Biofilms

ABSTRACTA microscopic method for noninvasively monitoring oral biofilms at the macroscale was developed to describe the spatial distribution of biofilms of different bacterial composition on bovine enamel surfaces (BES). For this purpose, oral biofilm was grownin situon BES that were fixed at approximal sites of individual upper jaw acrylic devices worn by a volunteer for 3 or 5 days. Eubacteria,Streptococcusspp., andFusobacterium nucleatumwere stained using specific fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) probes. The resulting fluorescence signals were subsequently tested by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and monitored by an automated wide-field microscope-based imaging platform (Scan∧R). Automated image processing and data analysis were conducted by microscope-associated software and followed by statistical evaluation of the results. The full segmentation of biofilm images revealed a random distribution of bacteria across the entire area of the enamel surfaces examined. Significant differences in the composition of the microflora were recorded across individual as well as between different enamel surfaces varying from sparsely colonized (47.26%) after 3 days to almost full surface coverage (84.45%) after 5 days. The enamel plates that were positioned at the back or in the middle of the oral cavity were found to be more suitable for the examination of biofilms up to 3 days old. In conclusion, automated microscopy combined with the use of FISH can enable the efficient visualization and meaningful quantification of bacterial composition over the entire sample surface. Due to the possibility of automation, Scan∧R overcomes the technical limitations of conventional CLSM.

scholarly journals Characterisation of PMMA/ATH Layers Realised by Means of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Powder Deposition

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena M. Wallenhorst ◽  
Sebastian Dahle ◽  
Matej Vovk ◽  
Lisa Wurlitzer ◽  
Leander Loewenthal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Atmospheric Pressure ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Plasma Deposition ◽  
Deposition Process ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Coating Film ◽  
Water Contact

We report on the characteristics of aluminium trihydrate filled poly(methyl methacrylate) composite (PMMA/ATH) coatings realised by plasma deposition at atmospheric pressure. For this purpose, PMMA/ATH powder was fed to a plasma jet where the process and carrier gas was compressed air. The deposited coatings were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. Further, the raw material was characterised before deposition. It was found that, with respect to the raw material, aluminium was uncovered in the course of the plasma deposition process which can be explained by plasma-induced etching of the PMMA matrix. As a result, the wettability of plasma-deposited PMMA/ATH was significantly increased. Even though a uniform coating film could not be realised as ascertained by confocal laser scanning microscopy, the deposited coatings feature notably enhanced characteristics which could be advantageous for further processing.

scholarly journals Fabrication of Microstructured Surface Topologies for the Promotion of Marine Bacteria Biofilm

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Ariadni Droumpali ◽  
Jörg Hübner ◽  
Lone Gram ◽  
Rafael Taboryski
Keyword(s):  
Marine Bacteria ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Microstructured Surface ◽  
Roseobacter Group

Several marine bacteria of the Roseobacter group can inhibit other microorganisms and are especially antagonistic when growing in biofilms. This aptitude to naturally compete with other bacteria can reduce the need for antibiotics in large-scale aquaculture units, provided that their culture can be promoted and controlled. Micropatterned surfaces may facilitate and promote the biofilm formation of species from the Roseobacter group, due to the increased contact between the cells and the surface material. Our research goal is to fabricate biofilm-optimal micropatterned surfaces and investigate the relevant length scales for surface topographies that can promote the growth and biofilm formation of the Roseobacter group of bacteria. In a preliminary study, silicon surfaces comprising arrays of pillars and pits with different periodicities, diameters, and depths were produced by UV lithography and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) on polished silicon wafers. The resulting surface microscale topologies were characterized via optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Screening of the bacterial biofilm on the patterned surfaces was performed using green fluorescent staining (SYBR green I) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Our results indicate that there is a correlation between the surface morphology and the spatial organization of the bacterial biofilm.

scholarly journals Ex Vivo and in Vivo Study of Sucrosomial® Iron Intestinal Absorption and Bioavailability

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 2722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Fabiano ◽  
Elisa Brilli ◽  
Letizia Mattii ◽  
Lara Testai ◽  
Stefania Moscato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Iron Bioavailability ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Ussing Chambers

The present study aimed to demonstrate that Sideral® RM (SRM, Sucrosomial® Raw Material Iron) is transported across the excised intestine via a biological mechanism, and to investigate the effect that this transport route may produce on oral iron absorption, which is expected to reduce the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects caused by the bioavailability of non-absorbed iron. Excised rat intestine was exposed to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled SRM in Ussing chambers followed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to look for the presence of fluorescein-tagged vesicles of the FITC-labeled SRM. To identify FITC-labeled SRM internalizing cells, an immunofluorescence analysis for macrophages and M cells was performed using specific antibodies. Microscopy analysis revealed the presence of fluorescein positive particulate structures in tissues treated with FITC-labeled SRM. These structures do not disintegrate during transit, and concentrate in macrophage cells. Iron bioavailability was assessed by determining the time-course of Fe3+ plasma levels. As references, iron contents in liver, spleen, and bone marrow were determined in healthy rats treated by gavage with SRM or ferric pyrophosphate salt (FP). SRM significantly increased both area under the curve (AUC) and clearance maxima (Cmax) compared to FP, thus increasing iron bioavailability (AUCrel = 1.8). This led to increased iron availability in the bone marrow at 5 h after single dose gavage.

scholarly journals Atypical Cellular Elements of Unknown Origin in the Subbasal Nerve Plexus of a Diabetic Cornea Diagnosed by Large-Area Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
Katharina A. Sterenczak ◽  
Oliver Stachs ◽  
Carl Marfurt ◽  
Aleksandra Matuszewska-Iwanicka ◽  
Bernd Stratmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Nerve Plexus ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Subbasal Nerve Plexus

In vivo large-area confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of the human eye using EyeGuidance technology allows a large-scale morphometric assessment of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP). Here, the SNP of a patient suffering from diabetes and associated late complications was analyzed. The SNP contained multiple clusters of large hyperintense, stellate-shaped, cellular-like structures. Comparable structures were not observed in control corneas from healthy volunteers. Two hypotheses regarding the origin of these atypical structures are proposed. First, these structures might be keratocyte-derived myofibroblasts that entered the epithelium from the underlying stroma through breaks in Bowman’s layer. Second, these structures could be proliferating Schwann cells that entered the epithelium in association with subbasal nerves. The nature and pathophysiological significance of these atypical cellular structures, and whether they are a direct consequence of the patient’s diabetic neuropathy/or a non-specific secondary effect of associated inflammatory processes, are unknown.

3-D imaging of cells using a confocal laser scanning microscope and digital image processing

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 96-97
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Jovin ◽  
Michel Robert-Nicoud ◽  
Donna J. Arndt-Jovin ◽  
Thorsten Schormann
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Scanning Microscope ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscope ◽  
Biochemical Processes ◽  
Adjacent Structures

Light microscopic techniques for visualizing biomolecules and biochemical processes in situ have become indispensable in studies concerning the structural organization of supramolecular assemblies in cells and of processes during the cell cycle, transformation, differentiation, and development. Confocal laser scanning microscopy offers a number of advantages for the in situ localization and quantitation of fluorescence labeled targets and probes: (i) rejection of interfering signals emanating from out-of-focus and adjacent structures, allowing the “optical sectioning” of the specimen and 3-D reconstruction without time consuming deconvolution; (ii) increased spatial resolution; (iii) electronic control of contrast and magnification; (iv) simultanous imaging of the specimen by optical phenomena based on incident, scattered, emitted, and transmitted light; and (v) simultanous use of different fluorescent probes and types of detectors.We currently use a confocal laser scanning microscope CLSM (Zeiss, Oberkochen) equipped with 3-laser excitation (u.v - visible) and confocal optics in the fluorescence mode, as well as a computer-controlled X-Y-Z scanning stage with 0.1 μ resolution.

Vacuoles Induced in Mammalian Cells by Helicobacter Cytotoxin are Acidic Organelles

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-169
Author(s):  
M. H. Chestnut ◽  
C. E. Catrenich
Keyword(s):  
Acridine Orange ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Ulcer Disease ◽  
Gastroduodenal Disease ◽  
H Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a non-invasive, Gram-negative spiral bacterium first identified in 1983, and subsequently implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal disease including gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Cytotoxic activity, manifested by intracytoplasmic vacuolation of mammalian cells in vitro, was identified in 55% of H. pylori strains examined. The vacuoles increase in number and size during extended incubation, resulting in vacuolar and cellular degeneration after 24 h to 48 h. Vacuolation of gastric epithelial cells is also observed in vivo during infection by H. pylori. A high molecular weight, heat labile protein is believed to be responsible for vacuolation and to significantly contribute to the development of gastroduodenal disease in humans. The mechanism by which the cytotoxin exerts its effect is unknown, as is the intracellular origin of the vacuolar membrane and contents. Acridine orange is a membrane-permeant weak base that initially accumulates in low-pH compartments. We have used acridine orange accumulation in conjunction with confocal laser scanning microscopy of toxin-treated cells to begin probing the nature and origin of these vacuoles.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document