A simple,rapid and sensitive method based on modified multiwalled carbon nanotube for preconcentration and determination of lead ions in aqueous media in natural pHs

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was modified by the pyridine group using a silane agent and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and elemental analysis (CHN) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The application of this sorbent was investigated in determination of lead ions in aqueous samples, using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Through this study, different parameters such as pH and sample flow rate on adsorption process and eluent concentration, volume and flow rate were optimized. The limit of detection (LOD), the relative standard deviation and the recovery of the method were 2 ng mL^?1, 1.3% and 99.7%, respectively. Two standard reference materials (NIST 1571 and NIST 1572) were used to verify accuracy of this method. Finally, the sorbent was successfully applied for extraction and determination of low levels of Pb(II) ions in aqueous samples.     

Effect of carbon nanotubes on the thermal conductivity enhancement of synthesized hydroxyapatite filled with water for dental applications: experimental characterization and numerical study

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The hydroxyapatite is one of the biocompatible and insulating bioceramics, while the carbon nanotube has a high thermal conductivity potential. This...     

Cell docking inside microwells within reversibly sealed microfluidic channels for fabricating multiphenotype cell arrays

We present a soft lithographic method to fabricate multiphenotype cell arrays by capturing cells within an array of reversibly sealed microfluidic channels. The technique uses reversible sealing of elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds on surfaces to sequentially deliver various fluids or cells onto specific locations on a substrate. Microwells on the substrate were used to capture and immobilize cells within low shear stress regions inside channels. By using an array of channels it was possible to deposit multiple cell types, such as hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and embryonic stem cells, on the substrates. Upon formation of the cell arrays on the substrate, the PDMS mold could be removed, generating a multiphenotype array of cells. In addition, the orthogonal alignment and subsequent attachment of a secondary array of channels on the patterned substrates could be used to deliver fluids to the patterned cells. The ability to position many cell types on particular regions within a two dimensional substrate could potentially lead to improved high-throughput methods applicable to drug screening and tissue engineering.     

Field alpha-spectroscopy of radon (<Superscript>222</Superscript>Rn) and actinon (<Superscript>219</Superscript>Rn) progeny in soil gas: Locating a radon source

Summary The activities of²¹⁸Po,²¹⁴Po and²¹¹Bi were determined in samples obtained of soil/gas. Sampling work was taken in Jáchymov (Czech Republic) at the outcrop of the Geister-vein,by electrostatic precipitation from filtered soil gas on stainless steel disks.The samples were measured in a field laboratory using a semi-conductor alpha-spectrometer.The activities of²¹⁸Po,²¹⁴Po and²¹¹Bi were calculated.Samples taken from active dump material (near-by radon source) exhibited a high²¹¹Bi/²¹⁴Po ratio, while those of the vein outcrop (a relatively deeper source) had a low ratio.A mathematical model was employed to determine the radon age calculated from the actinon/radon input ratio.This varied in a range of 5.6 to -7.7 seconds.Negative age values are probably caused by the preference for actinon, which rapidly comes into equilibrium with the source of this gas.     

Die Reduktion von Ammoniumpolyuranat zu Urandioxid

Zusammenfassung Es werden die Resultate des isothermen Zerfalles und der Reduktion vonstandardisiertem Ammoniumpolyuranat im Bereich von 285 bis 463° C (in Wasserstoff) wiedergegeben. Der Zerfall zu UO₃ wurde schon bei einer Temp. unter 290° C festgestellt, diese Phase blieb jedoch darauf stabil bis 320° C. Zwischen 320° C und 380° C verläuft die Reduktion zu U₃O₈, über 380° C aber zu UO₂. Die Aktivierungsenergien bei der Reduktion von UO₃ zu U₃O₈ und von U₃O₈ zu UO₂ wurden berechnet, und zwar 32,2 kcal/g-mol und 41,7 kcal/g-mol. Die Ergebnisse können mit den Literaturangaben für die Reduktion der einzelnen Phasen UO₃ und U₃O₈ verglichen werden. Die beobachteten Unterschiede weisen auf den Einfluß der Aktivität der Präparate hin.

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The isothermal decomposition and reduction of ammonium polyuranate (ADU) was investigated in the temperature interval 285–463° C in hydrogen. The formation of UO₃ was noticed below 290° C and this product was stable up to 320° C. U₃O₈ was stable from this temperature on up to 380° C, where the reduction to UO₂ was observed. The activation energies 32,2 Kcal/mole and 41.7 Kcal/mole were calculated for the reduction of UO₃ to U₃O₈ and for the reduction of U₃O₈ to UO₂, respectively. The results are comparable with the published data on reduction of separate phases UO₃ and U₃O₈. Some differences noticed show the influence of the activities of the products.

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Mit 4 Abbildungen     

Synthesis and Evaluation of Biocompatible pH‐Sensitive Hydrogels as Colon‐Specific Drug Delivery Systems

Because of the growing importance of pH‐sensitive hydrogels as drug delivery systems, biocompatible copolymeric hydrogels based N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NVP) and methacrylic acid (MAA) were designed and synthesized. These hydrogels were investigated for oral drug delivery. Radical copolymerizations of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NVP) and methacrylic acid (MAA) with the various ratios of cross‐linking agent were carried out at 70 °C. Azabisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was the free‐radical initiator employed and Cubane‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (CDA) linked to two 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) group was the crosslinking agent (CA) used for hydrogel preparations. The hydrogels were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and FT‐IR. Equilibrium swelling studies were carried out in enzyme‐free simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF and SIF, respectively). A model drug, olsalazine [3,3′‐azobis (6‐hydroxy benzoic acid)] (OSZ) as an azo derivative of 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA), was entrapped in these gels and the in‐vitro release profiles were established separately in both enzyme‐free SGF and SIF. The drug‐release profiles indicated that the amount of drug released depended on the degree of swelling. The swelling was modulated by the amount of crosslinking of the polymer bonded drug (PBDs) prepared. Based on the great difference in hydrolysis rates at pH 1 and 7.4, these pH‐sensitive hydrogels appear to be good candidates for colon‐specific drug delivery.     

The effect of engineered disulfide bonds on the stability of Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase

Background  

Acetylcholinesterase is irreversibly inhibited by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides allowing its use in biosensors for detection of these insecticides. Drosophila acetylcholinesterase is the most sensitive enzyme known and has been improved by in vitro mutagenesis. However, its stability has to be improved for extensive utilization.