Dynamics of protein and mixed protein/surfactant adsorption layers at the water/fluid interface

The adsorption behaviour of proteins and systems mixed with surfactants of different nature is described. In the absence of surfactants the proteins mainly adsorb in a diffusion controlled manner. Due to lack of quantitative models the experimental results are discussed partly qualitatively. There are different types of interaction between proteins and surfactant molecules. These interactions lead to protein/surfactant complexes the surface activity and conformation of which are different from those of the pure protein. Complexes formed with ionic surfactants via electrostatic interaction have usually a higher surface activity, which becomes evident from the more than additive surface pressure increase. The presence of only small amounts of ionic surfactants can significantly modify the structure of adsorbed proteins. With increasing amounts of ionic surfactants, however, an opposite effect is reached as due to hydrophobic interaction and the complexes become less surface active and can be displaced from the interface due to competitive adsorption. In the presence of non-ionic surfactants the adsorption layer is mainly formed by competitive adsorption between the compounds and the only interaction is of hydrophobic nature. Such complexes are typically less surface active than the pure protein. From a certain surfactant concentration of the interface is covered almost exclusively by the non-ionic surfactant. Mixed layers of proteins and lipids formed by penetration at the water/air or by competitive adsorption at the water/chloroform interface are formed such that at a certain pressure the components start to separate. Using Brewster angle microscopy in penetration experiments of proteins into lipid monolayers this interfacial separation can be visualised. A brief comparison of the protein adsorption at the water/air and water/n-tetradecane shows that the adsorbed amount at the water/oil interface is much stronger and the change in interfacial tension much larger than at the water/air interface. Also some experimental data on the dilational elasticity of proteins at both interfaces measured by a transient relaxation technique are discussed on the basis of the derived thermodynamic model. As a fast developing field of application the use of surface tensiometry and rheometry of mixed protein/surfactant mixed layers is demonstrated as a new tool in the diagnostics of various diseases and for monitoring the progress of therapies.     

Studies on the application of dynamic surface tensiometry of serum and cerebrospinal liquid for diagnostics and monitoring of treatment in patients who have rheumatic, neurological or oncological diseases

Human biological liquids comprise various surfactants, which adsorb at liquid interfaces and lead to a variation in surface tension. The adsorption processes involving low molecular weight surfactants, proteins and phospholipids play a vital role in the physiological functions of the human organism, especially if large surfaces are involved (e.g., gas exchange in lungs, metabolism of kidneys, liver and brain). Dynamic surface tensiometric studies of biological liquids like serum and cerebrospinal fluid provide surrogate parameters that reflect surface tension phenomena. We provide dynamic surface tension data of serum and cerebrospinal fluid that were collected from healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatic, neurological or oncological diseases. Our studies indicate that dynamic surface tension data are helpful for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring of therapeutic interventions.     

A monopole mass filter with a hyperbolic V-shaped electrode

In this article we compare the classical monopole mass filter of von Zahn and the monopole mass filter with a hyperbolic V-shaped electrode. The experimental results and those of computer simulation for both mass spectrometers are presented. We show that the replacement of a conventional 90 degrees V-shaped electrode by an electrode with a hyperbolic profile substantially improves the peak shape of any given mass, and increases the mass resolution by a factor of 3-4 and the abundance sensitivity by a factor of 100. The potential of high analytical performance combined with electroforming techniques for electrode manufacture indicate future practical uses of such instruments. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic surface tension and surface rheology of biological liquids

The paper presents results of dynamic and equilibrium surface tension measurements (using a maximum bubble pressure instrument) of serum and urine samples that were obtained from 80 healthy human of various sexes and ages. These data were compared with surface tension measurements of biological liquids obtained from patients suffering from malignant neoplasm of corpus uteri (n=5) and cervix uteri (n=31). In addition, surface dilatational rheology was determined on 32 samples using a drop shape method. The dilatational rheology data were compared with the dynamic surface tension data. Although some trends were found, no significant correlations exist between surface tension and rheology data and any of the disease states or stages. It is difficult to explain these findings in the framework of known mechanisms. However, our studies demonstrate that dynamic interface tensiometry of human biological liquids provide new insight into the biophysical behavior of these liquids, most likely reflecting compositional changes of them during ageing, the course of cancer and as a consequence of therapeutical interventions.     

Dilational rheology of serum albumin and blood serum solutions as studied by oscillating drop tensiometry

Oscillating drop experiments with a drop profile analysis tensiometer provide the dilational elasticity and viscosity of surface layer. Model experiments for blood serum, composed of HSA and the non-ionic surfactant C(14)EO(8), are used to demonstrate the theoretical approach for calculating the visco-elasticity of mixed adsorption layers from the adsorption characteristics of the single components. Experiments with real serum samples taken from patients choledocholithiasis-based benign obstructive jaundice before and after re-canalisation of the biliary tract demonstrate that the visco-elasticity of the respective adsorption layers is very sensitive of the successful surgery.     

Justification of the Kirchhoff hypotheses and error estimation for two-dimensional models of anisotropic and inhomogeneous plates, including laminated plates

Asymptotic analysis of the problem describing deformation ofa thin cylindrical plate with clamped lateral side is performed.The problem is considered under the most general statement withthe plate being laminated and consisting of an arbitrary numberof nonhomogeneous and anisotropic (21 elastic moduli) layers.Explicit integral representations of the differential operatorswhich form the two-dimensional model of the plate are derived.In the case when the elastic moduli of each of the layers areconstant, these integral representations turn into algebraicones. The asymptotic procedure is justified with the help ofa weighted inequality of Korn's type. The error estimates obtainedgive a rigorous mathematical proof of both of Kirchhoff's hypotheses(kinematic and static) and shed light on the well-known intrinsicinconsistency of two of the hypotheses.