Tough polyion complex hydrogel films of natural polysaccharides

The developments of tough hydrogels in recent years have greatly expanded the applications of hydrogels as structural materials. However, most of the tough hydrogels are made of synthetic polymers. To develop biopolymer-based tough hydrogels has both fundamental and practical significances. Here we report a series of polysaccharides-based tough hydrogel films prepared by polyion complexation and solvent evaporation of chondroitin sulfate(CS) and protonated chitosan(CHT) solutions with different weight ratios. The obtained CS/CHT gel films with thickness of 40-80 μm and water content of 66 wt%-81 wt% possess excellent mechanical properties, with tensile breaking stress and breaking strain being 0.4-3 MPa and 160%-320%, respectively. We found that in the mixture solutions there are large amounts of excess CHT in terms of charges; after swelling the films in water, the acetic acid, which is used to protonate the amino groups of CHT, diffuses out of the gel matrix, enhancing the intermolecular interactions between CHT molecules and thus improving the mechanical properties of gel films, besides the ionic bonds between CS and CHT. Antimicrobial tests also showed that the gel films with low weight ratio of CS to CHT, corresponding to the case with excess CHT, have evident antimicrobial effect. These CS/CHT gel films with good mechanical properties and antimicrobial effect should extend the applications of hydrogels in biomedical fields.     

Gold nanorod-based electrochemical sensing of small biomolecules: A review

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) show high potential in electrochemical sensing owing to their excellent conductivity, electrocatalytic activity, selectivity and sensitivity. This review (with 99 refs.) summarizes the performance of AuNR-based electrochemical sensors based on the use of advanced nanocomposites. Following an introduction into the fields of biosensors and nanomaterials, the article summarizes the advantages and limitations of conventional analytical methods. A third section overviews the methods for preparation and characterization of AuNRs and nanocomposites including bimetallic nanorods, gold-metal oxide, gold-carbon nanotubes, gold-polymer, gold-graphene, gold-CNT and gold-enzymes conjugates. Their electrochemistry is treated next, with aspects related to the effects of rod size and shape, of thiol coatings on voltammetric signals, and on the behavior of 1-D AuNRs and respective arrays. Section 5 gives examples for non-enzymatic sensors for simple biomolecules, with subsections on sensors for hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, glucose, dopamine, NAD/NADH, cysteine, and some drugs. Section 6 covers enzyme-based sensors, with examples on sensors using peroxidases, oxidases and the like. The next sections cover DNA biosensors (such as for DNA biomarkers) and immunosensors, mainly for tumor markers. Possibilities for improving sensor performance are presented at the end of the review.

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract Pictorial representation of gold nanorods synthesis and electrochemical sensor applications

     

Applications of novel proton-conducting polymers to hydrogen sensing

Ionic conducting polymer blends capable of supporting proton conduction from −40°C to 40 °C have been developed. These proton-conducting polymer blends have been used to fabricate hydrogen sensors that are capable of operating at room temperature without the need for an external supply of water vapor. Two sensor designs, both potentiostatic, are being investigated: the first uses a gaseous reference source, and the second a solid state palladium hydride reference. These sensors measure accurately the hydrogen concentration to better than 1%, have a response time of less than 6 s and are not adversely affected by most potential poisons.     

Polyaniline nanoscaffolds for colorimetric sensing of biomolecules via electron transfer process

Biologically important analytes such as cysteine and vitamin-C were detected by electron transfer (ET) via naked eye colorimetric sensing using a tailor-made water-soluble self-doped polyaniline (PSPANa) as a substrate. Monomer (N-3-sulfopropylaniline) was synthesized via ring-opening of propane sultone with excess aniline and polymerized in water using ammonium persulfate to obtain green water-soluble polymer. Vitamin-C (ascorbic acid) and cysteine showed unexpected sharp and instantaneous color change from blue to colorless sensing action. The stoichiometry of the analyte to polymer was determined as 3:2 and 4:1 with association (or binding) constants of K = 2.1 × 10(3) and 1.5 × 10(3) M(-1) for vitamin-C and cysteine, respectively. Efficient electron transfer from vitamin-C (also cysteine) to the quinoid unit of the polyaniline base occurred in solution; as a result, the color of the solution changed from deep blue to colorless. Cyclic voltammetry analysis of PSPANa showed the disappearance of the cathodic peak at -0.21 V upon the addition of analytes (vitamin-C and cysteine) and confirms the electron transfer from the analyte to the polymer backbone. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential techniques were utilized to trace the molecular interactions in the electron transfer process. DLS histograms of the polymer samples confirmed the existence of nanoaggregates of 8-10 nm in diameter. The polymers possessed typical amphiphilic structure to produce micellar aggregates which facilitate the efficient electron transfer occurred between the analyte and polyaniline backbone.     

Cation-binding to biomolecules

Ab initio SCF computations indicate that Mg²⁺ should bind essentially to the oxygen atoms of uracil, the remaining part of the base being rather repulsive towards such an interaction. The Coulombic component predominates in the interaction, the essential feature of which may thus be deduced from the study of the molecular electrostatic potential of uracil. These ab initio results contradict an earlier CNDO prediction that the binding of uracil and Mg²⁺ should occur preferentially at the C₅=C₆ double bond of the base. It is shown that the CNDO result is an artifact due to an exaggeration by this method of the charge transfer between the ligand and the cation. The small amount of available experimental data seem in favor of the ab initio results.     

Cation-binding to biomolecules

Ab initio SCF MO computations are performed on the binding of the Na⁺ ion to the purine and pyrimidine bases of the nucleic acids. The results are compared in particular with those of previous studies on proton affinities. The computations indicate two principal differences between these two types of interactions: 1) the increased significance in cation binding of the individual oxygen binding sites in bases containing both oxygen and nitrogen; 2) the appearance in cytosine and guanine of bridged positions between a nitrogen and a carbonyl oxygen as the preferred binding sites. The theoretical results are compared with the available experimental data. Their general significance for cation binding is discussed.     

Biosensors based on immobilization of biomolecules by electrogenerated polymer films

The concept and potentialities of electrochemical procedures of biomolecule immobilization are described. The entrapment of biomolecules within electropolymerized films consists of the application of an appropriate potential to an electrode soaked in an aqueous solution containing monomer and biomolecules. This method of biosensor construction is compared with a two-step procedure based on the adsorption of an aqueous amphiphilic pyrrole monomer-biomolecule mixture on an electrode followed by the electropolymerization of the adsorbed monomers. Another approach is based on the electrogeneration of polymer films functionalized by specific groups allowing subsequently the attachment of biomolecules. The immobilization of biomolecules on these films by covalent binding or noncovalent interactions is described.     

Applications of thermoelectrometry to metal-ion modified polyimide films

As part of a research program to decrease the electrical resistivity of polyimide films with ionic additives a variable temperature three probe electrical resistivity measurement system has been designed and constructed. Sample temperature, electrification time, atmosphere, and measurement mode are computer controlled. As a data interpretation aid, temperature cycled analysis can be routinely performed. Surface resistivities in the range 10³–10¹⁵ ohm and volume resistivities in the range 10⁵–10¹⁸ ohm-cm are theoretically measurable under well controlled experimental conditions from room temperature to 250°. The electrical resistivity measurement system is useful for the evaluation of polymer films or films in general. Application of the system for analysis of cobalt, lithium and tin ion-modified polyimide films and some experimental considerations are presented. Correlation of the electrical measurements with differential scanning calorimetry, thermomechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis is demonstrated.

---

Zusammenfassung Als Teil eines Forschungsprogramms zur Herabsetzung des elektrischen Widerstandes von Polyimidfilmen mit ionischen Additiven wurde ein 3-Proben-Meßsystem zur Ermittlung des elektrischen Widerstandes in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur entworfen und konstruiert. Probentemperatur, Elektrisierungszeit, Atmosphäre und Meßmethoden waren computergesteuert. Als Dateninterpretationshilfe kann eine hinsichtlich der Temperatur zyklische Analyse routinemäßig ausgeführt werden. Die Oberflächenwiderstände sind im Bereich von 10³–10¹⁵ Ohm und die Volumenwiderstände im Bereich von 10⁵–10¹⁸ Ohm-cm unter gut kontrollierten experimentellen Bedingungen von Raumtemperatur bis 250° theoretisch meßbar. Das elektrische Widerstandmeßsystem ist nützlich für die Bewertung von Polymerfilmen oder Filmen im allgemeinen. Die Anwendung des Systems zur Analyse von mit Co-, Li- und Sn-Ionen modifizierten Polyimidfilmen und einige experimentelle Hinweise werden angegeben. Es wird gezeigt, daß die mit dem beschriebenen System erhaltenen Resultate mit durch DSC, thermomechanische Analyse und TG erhaltenen Werten korrelieren.

---

, , . , , . . 10³–10¹⁵ , 10⁵–10¹⁸ 250°. , . , , , . , .

---

---

The financial support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is gratefully appreciated. The assistance of John Swartzentruber in performing many of the measurements is recognized.     

Internal structure of nanoporous TiO2/polyion thin films prepared by layer-by-layer deposition

The internal structure of porous TiO2 films prepared by electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition was investigated. The films were prepared by alternate dipping of solid substrates into dispersions of TiO2 nanoparticles and polycations, polyanions, or pure buffer solution, respectively. The surface charge of the amphoteric TiO2 particles was controlled by the pH of the aqueous dispersions. The morphology of the film surface was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the surface roughness strongly depends on the polymeric material used for the deposition process but is independent of the ionic strength of the solution or the molecular weight of the polyions. The samples with rough surfaces feature strong light scattering. The porosity and internal structure of the TiO2/polyelectrolyte films were investigated by adsorption/desorption of dye molecules. A crude estimate yields an internal surface that is up to 160 times the plane surface of the substrate for a film thickness of 1 microm. The composition of the films was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Detection of the XPS signal after each deposition step of the first three dipping cycles shows a significant increase of the relative surface coverage of Ti after the TiO2 deposition step and of PSS after the PSS deposition step. For later dipping cycles, such an increase was also detectable but less prominent.     

Stabilized potentiometric solid-state polyion sensors using silver-calixarene complexes as additives within ion-exchanger-based polymeric films

Novel solid-state sensors for biomedically important polyions (i.e., heparin and protamine) that exhibit significantly enhanced initial EMF stability are prepared by incorporation of lipophilic silver-calixarene complexes along with the required ion-exchangers within polymeric films. A dithioether of tertiary butyl calix[4]arene together with its silver complex are added to the polyion sensing membranes which are deposited on a silver-epoxy conductor of a solid-state transducer. The silver-complex serves as a reversible electron transfer agent between the organic polymer film and the underlying solid-state conductor, resulting in highly reproducible starting EMF values and improved initial signal stability. This approach is further employed to devise a heparin sensing cartridge for blood measurements based on a novel differential measurement mode. One sensor responds to heparin, while the second identical solid-state sensor serves as a pseudo reference electrode with all heparin present in the sample within this half-cell complexed by the addition of excess protamine. The cartridges are evaluated by monitoring heparin response in spiked dog blood using poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) blends and fluorinated silicone rubber (Dow Corning RTV 730) films containing appropriate levels of ion-exchanger and Ag⁺-calixarene/free calixarene additives.     

Cation binding to biomolecules

SCF ab initio computations are carried out on the binding of alkali and alkaline-earth cations to the phosphate monoanion. The effect of the binding on the conformational properties of the phosphodiester linkage and of the polar head of phospholipids is investigated. The results indicate that following the nature of the cation and the site of its binding, the interaction may have a profound influence on the conformation of the ligand. The consequences of this situation on the use of lanthanide probes in NMR studies are considered.     

Cation binding to biomolecules

The binding of Zn²⁺ to the purine and pyrimidine bases of the nucleic acids was studied by SCFab initio (pseudopotential) computations. The order of affinity of the bases is guanine cytosine > adenine uracil. Many geometrical features of the binding are similar to those observed previously in the interaction of the bases with Na⁺. A new feature is the possibility of chelation by Zn²⁺ between N₇ and the rotated NH₂ group of adenine.     

Molecular-shape imprinting and immobilization of biomolecules on a polymer containing azo dye

We demonstrate a novel technique for molecular imprinting and immobilization on a surface of a polymer containing azo dyes (azopolymer). The azopolymer was found to be capable of immobilizing micrometer- and nanometer-scale macromolecules (e.g., lambda-DNA, immunoglobulin G (IgG), bacterial protease, and 1-mum polystyrene particles) through photoirradiation with blue-wavelength light. Fluorescence and atomic force microscopy studies revealed that the azopolymer surface deformed along with the shape of the macromolecules, holding them in place after photoirradiation. The desorption of the immobilized macromolecules from the azopolymer surface in an aqueous medium was observed to be very slow, on the time scale of 10 min to weeks, depending on the photoirradiation time. Immunological and enzymatic studies showed that IgG and bacterial protease immobilized on the azopolymer surface retained their original functionality. These results suggest that the azopolymer physically, not chemically, binds the macromolecules because of the increase in contact area between the macromolecules and the azopolymer surface after photoirradiation.     

Assembly of three-dimensional polymeric constructs containing cells/biomolecules using carbon dioxide

Using low-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2), we demonstrated a novel and versatile approach to assembling polymeric constructs in the presence of cells and/or biomolecules in an aqueous environment. By regulating the CO2 pressure, the assembly was completed at biologically permissive temperatures with excellent preservation of the original structures. We further demonstrated that mammalian cells can survive the CO2-assisted bioassembly process (37 degrees C, 1.38 MPa, approximately 1 h). Human mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (hMSCs) exhibited the same cell morphology and proliferation potential as the untreated control. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) maintained ES-specific Oct-4 gene expression and differentiation potential after CO2 treatment as well. This method highlights the ability to construct multiple biodegradable polymeric scaffolds with well-defined architecture, on which various types of cells were grown, into a predesigned three-dimensional complex. In addition, protein and DNA bioactivity can be preserved in the context of a CO2-assisted assembly. This CO2-assisted bioassembly method provides for a manufacturing platform that, thus far, has been lacking in the fields of tissue engineering, cell-based biochips, cell therapy, and drug delivery.     

Applications of thermoanalytical methods to the study of thin films

Studies of the formation and properties of thin films is a growing area in both science and technology. Characterization of these films and the processes by which they are prepared is a major factor in understanding, controlling, and optimizing their synthesis and usefulness.Thermal methods can play an important role in such studies, provided that they can overcome the difficulties imposed by the massive amount of associated substrate. Unless one is studying the film — substrate interaction, the substrate's presence only serves to decrease the sensitivity by diluting or reducing the thermal effect being measured.The three basic strategies that have evolved are discussed and examples described. One approach is to remove the film from the substrate, when this is appropriate and feasible, and then study the film separately. A second method is to use larger samples and careful measurements in an effort to overcome the reduced sensitivity. The final means is to develop very sensitive and/or selective techniques to investigate the film and its potential interactions with the substrate.

---

Zusammenfassung Sowohl in Wissenschaft als auch in Technologie gewinnt die Untersuchung von Bildung und Eigenschaften dünner Schichten immer mehr an Bedeutung. Die Beschreibung dieser Schichten und ihres Herstellungsverfahrens ist ein wichtiger Gesichtspunkt zum Verständnis, zur Kontrolle und Optimierung ihrer Herstellung und Nutzbarkeit.In derartigen Untersuchungen können thermische Methoden eine wichtige Rolle spielen, vorausgesetzt es gelingt diejenigen Schwierigkeiten zu überwinden, die durch die beträchtliche Menge assoziierten Substrates verursacht werden. Untersucht man nicht gerade die Wechselwirkung Schicht-Substrat, dann verursacht die Gegenwart des Substrates durch Abschwächung oder Verringerung des gemessenen thermischen Effektes lediglich eine geringere Empfindlichkeit.Es werden die drei bestehenden Grundstrategien diskutiert und Beispiele beschrieben. Eine Lösung ist es, die Schicht, wenn es geeignet erscheint und möglich ist, vom Substrat zu entfernen und dann gesondert zu untersuchen. Eine zweite Methode ist die Verwendung grö\erer Proben und sorgfältiger Messungen, um die verringerte Empfindlichkeit zu überwinden. Die letzte Möglichkeit besteht in der Entwicklung empfindlicher und/oder selektiver Verfahren, um die Schicht und ihre potentiellen Wechselwirkungen mit dem Substrat zu untersuchen.

     

Monitoring nitrite with optical sensing films

A new, low-cost nitrite sensor was developed by immobilizing a direct indicator dye in an optical sensing film for food and environmental monitoring. This sensor was fabricated by binding Safranine O to a cellulose acetate film that had previously been subjected to an exhaustive base hydrolysis. The membrane has good durability (>12 months) and a short response time (<8 s). Nitrite can be determined for the range of 0.005-2.00 μg ml⁻¹ with 3δ detection limits of 0.001 μg ml⁻¹. The method is easy to perform and uses acetylcellulose as a carrier. The reagents used for the activity of the cellulose support are inexpensive, non-toxic and widely available.     

Electrochemical methods in understanding the redox processes of drugs and biomolecules and their sensing

Progression of the biochemical information of drugs and its interaction with biological substances require efficient methodologies suitable for generating information without incurring any significant damage to the analytes. Electrochemical methods provide useful information and compatible to the biological environments, without any significant alterations in the analyte, the methods are capable in onsite applications. Present review discusses about the application of the electrochemical techniques in evaluating the mechanism of interaction of drugs with the biomaterials like proteins, lipids, and DNA. The redox process leads to the determination of the drugs and biomolecules through the development of modified electrodes. The modified ultra-microelectrodes (UMEs) or nano electrodes are useful in sensing at the extracellular level of single cells. The electrochemical collision using UMEs provides information about the single molecular level. Present article discusses a brief review of some of the drug and biomolecule interactions using macro and also UMEs.