Cytotoxicity and Ion Release of Functionally Graded Al2O3- Ti Orthopedic Biomaterial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of Al2O3-Ti functionally graded material (FGM) successfully fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technology, and to compare with pure Ti and alumina. Pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were used to examine cell viability, proliferation and differentiation using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity detection kit, MTT assay and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) colorimetric test at different time points. Furthermore, ion release from the materials into the culture medium was assessed. The results showed cell viability over 80% for FGM and alumina which dismissed any cytotoxicity risk due to materials or manufacturing. The results of MTT tests identified superiority of FGM than Ti and alumina, particularly in late proliferation. Nevertheless, in cell differentiation, all materials performed similarly with no statistical differences. Furthermore, it was indicated that Ti had no ion release, while alumina had small amount of Al ion dissolution. FGM, however, had more ions detachment, particularly Al ions.

Principles for assessing the genotoxicity of carbon nanomaterials in vitro (on the example of carbon nanotubes) (literature review)

Introduction. Genotoxicity of nanomaterials (NM) is becoming a major concern when investigating new NM for their safety. Each mutagen is considered to be potentially carcinogenic, therefore a genotoxicity assessment is necessary. However, a clear strategy for assessing the genotoxic effect of NM has not yet been developed. Material and methods. The material for the analysis have included literature sources from the bibliographic databases PubMed, Scopus, RSCI. Results. Physicochemical characterization of NM is carried out using high-resolution microscopic and light scattering methods. Before testing for genotoxicity, it is necessary to know the cytotoxicity of the tested NM in order to select the appropriate concentration range. The most important and significant tests are based on the cell viability. MTT assay is a colorimetric test that evaluates the metabolic activity of cells. In addition, viability can be determined using microscopy, flow cytometry, determination of lactate dehydrogenase. Genotoxicity evaluation can be carried out only after the preliminary steps. The strategy should include genotoxicity endpoints: DNA damage, gene mutations, chromosomal damage. The in vitro mammalian gene mutation test, usually performed using mouse lymphoma cells, detects a wide range of genetic damage, including gene deletions. The most common test for detecting chromosomal damage is an in vitro micronucleus assay. DNA strand breaks are most often assessed using the comet DNA assay. Conclusion. Compulsory stages in the study of the genotoxicity of nanomaterials should be preliminary studies, including physicochemical characterization and assessment of cytotoxicity, as well as the study of the endpoints of genotoxicity and potential mechanisms.

A colorimetric test for the evaluation of the insecticide content of LLINs used on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea

Background Insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying of insecticides are used as the vector control interventions in the fight against malaria. Measuring the actual amount of deposits of insecticides on bed nets and walls is essential for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the intervention. A colorimetric “Test Kit” designed for use as a screening tool, able to detect the type II pyrethroids on fabrics and sprayed walls, was used for the first time to detect deltamethrin on long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) deployed on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. Methods LLINs were analysed using the colorimetric Test Kit performed in situ, which leads to the formation of an orange-red solution whose depth of colour indicates the amount of type II pyrethroid on the net. The kit results were validated by measuring the amount of extracted insecticide using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection (DAD). Results Deltamethrin concentration was determined for 130 LLINs by HPLC–DAD. The deltamethrin concentration of these nets exhibited a significant decrease with the age of the net from 65 mg/m2 (< 12 months of use) to 31 mg/m2 (> 48 months; p < 0.001). Overall, 18% of the nets being used in households had < 15 mg/m2 of deltamethrin, thus falling into the “Fail” category as assessed by the colorimetric Test Kit. This was supported by determining the bio-efficacy of the nets using the WHO recommended cone bioassays. The Test Kit was field evaluated in situ and found to be rapid, accurate, and easy to use by people without laboratory training. The Test Kit was shown to have a reliable linear relationship between the depth of colour produced and deltamethrin concentration (R2 = 0.9135). Conclusion This study shows that this colorimetric test was a reliable method to assess the insecticidal content of LLINs under operational conditions. The Test Kit provides immediate results and offers a rapid, inexpensive, field-friendly alternative to the complicated and costly methods such as HPLC and WHO cone bioassays which also need specialist staff. Thus, enabling National Malaria Control Programmes to gain access to effective and affordable monitoring tools for use in situ.

Identification of Cat (Felis catus) Blood Splatter on Cotton Fabric After Periods of Drying Using Leucomalachite Green and Takayama Reagent

Blood-stain or blood splatter analysis when used properly can assist in establishing a chain of events linked to violent crimes (Bevel and Gardner, 2008). The methods used in detecting blood splatters in the field are chemical methods. Leucomalachite green is a colorimetric test which is used to test the presence of blood (Castro and Coyle, 2008). Takayama reagent is a confirmatory test for blood (Strassman, 1922). The aim of this research is to detect the blood splatter on cotton fabric after it has been dried for 1 day, 3 days and 5 days using Leucomalachite green and Takayama reagent. Cotton fabric was specifically chosen for this experiment with 3 different periods of drying. The unstained cotton fabric was cut into squares, and a blood sample was splattered on each piece. The fabrics splattered with blood were then dried for 1 day, 3 days and 5 days. The blood splatter was then tested using Leucomalachite green and Takayama reagent, and the results were noted afterwards. For the control, red food dye was dried for 1 day then tested with Leucomalachite green and Takayama reagent. The image results of the Leucomalachite green test are analyzed using ImageJ software 1.8.0_112 where the red, green and blue pixels are converted to grayscale. The image results of the Takayama test are graded based on the number and pattern of crystal. In conclusion, Leucomalachite green and Takayama reagent are able to detect cat blood splatter on the cotton fabric. Leucomalachite green produced a higher intensity/ darker colour as a result of an older sample, and the lower intensity/ lighter colour as a result of a fresher sample of the Leucomalachite green test. Takayama reagent produced a densely packed pattern of crystals as a result of an older sample, and the loosely packed pattern of crystals as a result of a fresher sample of the Takayama test.

A CH-Controlled Colorimetric Probe Based on Anthracene Carboximide for the Near-Infrared Detection of Cyanide

A novel CH-controlled colorimetric probe based on anthracene carboximide was developed for the near-infrared detection of cyanide. The probe was constructed by attachment of a CHCN binding site to anthracene carboximide fluorophore, and it showed a significant visual change from yellow-green (535 nm) to deep violet (825 nm) with a larger redshift (≈290 nm) when interacting with cyanide. The C-H deprotonation sensing mechanism was confirmed by 1H NMR titration. Additionally, colorimetric test paper was conveniently used to detect cyanide in aqueous solutions. The near-infrared detection of cyanide by CH-controlled probes was founded for the first time.

Consolidation and Adhesion of Pictorial Layers on a Stone Substrate. The Study Case of the Virgin with the Child from Palazzo Madama, in Turin

The study and the restoration of a polychrome limestone statue representing the Virgin with the Child, from Palazzo Madama in Turin (NW Italy) offered interesting conservation issue related to the polychromy on stone. To preserve the pictorial layers, it was necessary to re-establish the cohesion among the different polychrome layers (original and repainted) and the adhesion between polychrome film and the stone substrate. Particular attention was paid to the choice of intervention materials, selected through a preliminary survey of the scientific literature, and then verified by laboratory tests (tape test, colorimetric test, and permeability test). The most suitable product should to be able to penetrate porosity, to consolidate the layers, to make the pictorial film adhere with the stone surface, and to avoid changes in the colour and in the permeability. The material chosen also had to ensure compatibility with the cleaning method that could only take place after the consolidation of the pictorial layers due to the problematic state of preservation. A range of products, characterised by their small particle size and low viscosity, was tested, and a micro-acrylic resin was selected and successfully applied on the polychromy of the sculpture.