Accredited dose measurements for validation of radiation sterilized products

The activities and services of the accredited Risø High Dose Reference Laboratory are described. The laboratory operates according to the European standard EN 45001 regarding Operation of Testing Laboratories, and it fulfills the requirements of being able to deliver traceable dose measurements for control of radiation sterilization. The accredited services include:

1. 1. Irradiation of dosimeters and test samples with cobalt-60 gamma rays.

2. 2. Irradiation of dosimeters and test samples with 10 MeV electrons.

3. 3. Issue of and measurement with calibrated dosimeters.

4. 4. Measurement of the dosimetric parameters of an irradiation facility.

5. 5. Measurement of absorbed dose distribution in irradiated products.

The paper describes these services and the procedures necessary for their execution.     

表面印迹聚合物及其在微流控器件中的应用

分子印迹聚合物是通过在模板存在下固化交联的聚合物制备的.在固化过程中,聚合物和模板间形成非共价键.这些非共价结合位点被"冻结"在交联的聚合物中,即使移去模板后也依然维持他们的形状.余下的空穴与模板的尺寸和形状一致,并且可以选择性地从流过的混合物中俘获模板物质.在近几十年中,分子印迹的领域由选择性俘获小分子扩展到处理各种类型的样品.分子印迹聚合物(MIP)被用于分析种类繁多的样品,比如金属离子、药物分子、环境污染物、蛋白、病毒以至整个细胞.本文中我们综述相对较新的领域——表面印迹,这是一种可以用来生成相对较大的生物相关模板的印迹方法.传统的整体印迹法是直接在固化前将模板加入预聚体中,因而不适用于那些大到无法从固化后的聚合物中扩散出来的物质.要仅在表面上生成结合位点,必须要使用特别的方法,由此产生的表面印迹技术解决了分离科学以及化学和生物化学监测的重要问题.将印迹聚合物植入微流控芯片,大大扩展了微流体技术的适用性.本文叙述表面印迹最新的进展以及不同的实施手段,以及它们在微流控器件中的应用.     

From ephemers to monomers, oligomers and polymers. New methods for the generation and transformation of silanones

New efficient routes to the generation of silanones at relatively low temperatures are based on the following reactions:

1. (1) reaction of linear and branched perhydrocarbyldisiloxanes and oligosiloxanes, and of some of their C-functional derivatives, with gallium or indium iodides or bromides;

2. (2) reaction of hydrocarbylchlorosilanes R_4−nSiCl_n (n = 2–4) and SiCl₄ with dimethylsulphoxide (with or without Mg or Zn);

3. (3) Autodecomposition of organosilicon compounds containing and groups;

4. (4) reaction of R_4−nSiCl_n with metal oxides of high redox potential (with or without the presence of CH₃CN).

Insertions of dialkylsilanones into Si---O---Si and Si---O---C linkages as well as into the Si---Cl bond have been studied.     

Semiempirical molecular orbital theory in carcinogenesis research

It is generally believed that most chemical carcinogens exert their effects through covalent modification of the nucleic acid base sites. Significant clarification of the underlying chemistry involved in these early and critical events is available through the techniques of computational chemistry. The role of semiempirical molecular orbital theory in this area is reviewed using examples focusing on

1. (i) the conversion of precarcinogens to reactive electrophiles,

2. (ii) the regiochemistry of nucleic acid adduct formation,

3. (iii) the chemical and physical consequences of nucleic acid base modification, and

4. (iv) empirical structure activity relationships.

The symbiotic relationship that can exist between the semiempirical and ab initio molecular orbital procedures is emphasized, as is the continuing niche for the semiempirical methodology in the study of systems that are too large, or in situations that are insufficiently cost effective, for the application of ab initio methods.     

可交联且可生物降解的高分子膜

高分子膜在生物医用、电子器件、食品包装,以及气体分离等领域有着广泛的应用。实际应用中往往通过交联提高其稳定性、强度等性能。然而,传统的交联高分子膜材料在温和环境下难以降解。针对这一挑战,本文分别基于聚(α-(肉桂酰氧基甲基)-1, 2, 3-三唑)己内酯(PCTCL₁₃₃)及其与己内酯(CL)的无规共聚物P(CL₁₅₆-stat-CTCL₂₈),通过溶液浇铸法制备了两种可交联且可生物降解的高分子膜。由于肉桂酸酯侧链阻止了PCL主链的结晶,因此PCTCL₁₃₃均聚物可形成透明膜,而P(CL₁₅₆-stat-CL₂₈)无规共聚物则形成半透明膜。该高分子膜可进一步在紫外光照射下交联,而所形成的交联膜结构可以在酸催化下充分降解。理论上,这两种膜材料均可完全降解为分子量小于300 g∙mol⁻¹的产物。而通过调节聚合物中己内酯的重量百分数以及膜的交联度,可以有效调节其降解速率、透明度等性能。在此基础上,我们进一步通过分子动力学模拟探究了溶液浇铸过程中高分子的不同初始浓度对膜材料杨氏模量的影响。结果表明,随着初始浓度上升,由于分子链间的缠结程度升高,最终制备的膜材料具有更高的模量。因此,该可交联、可降解,且降解性能可调的高分子膜在生物医用领域具有一定的应用前景,并可拓展到其他领域以实现更为广泛的应用。     

Cross-linked and functionalized ‘universal polymer backbones’ via simple, rapid, and orthogonal multi-site self-assembly

A novel route to cross-linked and functionalized random copolymers using a rapid, one-step, and orthogonal copolymer cross-linking/functionalization strategy has been developed. Random terpolymers possessing high concentrations of pendant alkyl chains and either (1) palladated-pincer complexes and diaminopyridine moieties (DAD hydrogen-bonding entities) or (2) palladated-pincer complexes and cyanuric wedges (ADAADA hydrogen-bonding entities) have been synthesized using ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Non-covalent cross-linking of the resultant copolymers using a directed functionalization strategy leads to dramatic increases in solution viscosities for cross-linked polymers via metal-coordination while only minor changes in viscosity were observed when hydrogen-bonding motifs were employed for cross-linking. The cross-linked materials could be further functionalized via self-assembly by employing the second recognition motif along the polymeric backbones giving rise to highly functionalized materials with tailored cross-links. This novel non-covalent polymer cross-linking/functionalization strategy allows for rapid and tunable materials synthesis by overcoming many difficulties inherent to the preparation of covalently cross-linked polymers.     

Laser spectroscopy in analytical chemistry:light on the next millennium

To date, lasers are widely accepted tools in analytical spectroscopy, involved in various stand-alone and hyphenated techniques. Furthermore, significant progress can be noted in this field. In this paper, first of all some laser characteristics are discussed. Subsequently, five selected topics are outlined to illustrate recent achievements and future developments:

1. Laser-induced fluorescence for detection in capillary electrophoresis, including the use of ultraviolet, continuous-wave lasers in combination with wavelength-resolved emission detection; the use of diode laser-induced fluorescence in the red region of the electromagnetic spectrum and the use of Ti:sapphire lasers for multiphoton-excited fluorescence detection.

2. Degenerate four-wave mixing for detection in liquid microseparation systems (based on the coherence of laser light).

3. Fluorescence line-narrowing spectroscopy for identification purposes, a cryogenic high-resolution molecular fluorescence technique with a high potential in environmental analysis.

4. Recent developments in Raman spectroscopy (including ultraviolet-Resonance Raman and hyphenation of liquid chromatography and Raman spectroscopy).

5. Use of lasers for sample introduction in inorganic analysis based on controlled material ablation.

Role of additives in wood–polymer composites. Relationship to analogous radiation grafting and curing processes

Wood polymer composites (WPC) were prepared by impregnating an Australian softwood, Pinus radiata with methyl methacrylate which subsequently underwent in situ polymerisation utilising either γ radiation or the catalyst–accelerator method. Novel additives including thermal initiator, crosslinking agents, an inclusion compound and oxygen scavenger were incorporated to improve the polymer loading and properties of the resulting WPC. Polymer loadings of WPC obtained utilising the accelerator–catalyst method corresponded well with those obtained using γ radiation with 20 kGy radiation dose. The mechanistic significance of the current work in analogous radiation grafting and curing processes is discussed.     

Reactive, multifunctional polymer films through thermal cross-linking of orthogonal click groups

The ability to produce robust and functional cross-linked materials from soluble and processable organic polymers is dependent upon facile chemistries for both reinforcing the structure through cross-linking and for subsequent decoration with active functional groups. Generally, covalent cross-linking of polymeric assemblies is brought about by the application of heat or light to generate highly reactive groups from stable precursors placed along the chains that undergo coupling or grafting reactions. Typically, these strategies suffer from a general lack of control of the cross-linking chemistry as well as the fleeting nature of the reactive species that precludes secondary chemistry. We have addressed both of these issues using orthogonal chemistries to effect both cross-linking and subsequent functionalization of polymer films by mild heating, which results in exacting control of the cross-link density as well as the density of the residual stable functional groups available for subsequent, stepwise functionalization. This methodology is exploited to develop a strategy for the independent and orthogonal triple-functionalization of cross-linked polymer thin-films through microcontact printing.     

Monte Carlo simulation of catalytic CO oxidation

A simple Monte Carlo model of the CO oxidation on a single-crystal catalyst surface is presented. The simulation model considers the following elementary reaction steps:

1. (1) chemisorption of a CO molecule, its surface migration and possible desorption

2. (2) physisorption of an O₂ molecule to a precursor state and its subsequent dissociative chemisorption

3. (3) activated reaction of adsorbed O and CO (the Langmuir - Hinshelwood reaction mechanism), formation of CO₂ and its rapid desorption.

The changes in the activation energy of reaction and in the adsorption energy of CO resulting from the interactions between adsorbed species are also considered. The model makes possible to monitor temperature programmed reaction spectra or reaction spectra obtained during changes of the ratio of the partial pressures of CO and O₂. The results of simulations for a Pd(111) single-crystal plane are compared with experiment.     

A computer program for searching the best model for describing different experimental systems

An algorithm for searching the best polynomial analytical function for describing different experimental systems is presented. It is based

1. (1)on the generation of all possible analytical functions of a given order, with a given number of terms and with a given number of independent variables, and

2. (2)on the calculation of the parameters of all selected functions using the linear regression method.

To show the ability of the program two different examples are given:

1. (1) searching the best univariate polynomial model, and

2. (2) modelling of the stability of a two-component mixture as a function of three factors.

Surface-imprinted polymers in microfluidic devices

Molecularly imprinted polymers are generated by curing a cross-linked polymer in the presence of a template. During the curing process, noncovalent bonds form between the polymer and the template. The interaction sites for the noncovalent bonds become "frozen" in the cross-linking polymer and maintain their shape even after the template is removed. The resulting cavities reproduce the size and shape of the template and can selectively reincorporate the template when a mixture containing it flows over the imprinted surface. In the last few decades the field of molecular imprinting has evolved from being able to selectively capture only small molecules to dealing with all kinds of samples. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been generated for analytes as diverse as metal ions, drug molecules, environmental pollutants, proteins and viruses to entire cells. We review here the relatively new field of surface imprinting, which creates imprints of large, biologically relevant templates. The traditional bulk imprinting, where a template is simply added to a prepolymer before curing, cannot be applied if the analyte is too large to diffuse from the cured polymer. Special methods must be used to generate binding sites only on a surface. Those techniques have solved crucial problems in separation science as well as chemical and biochemical sensing. The implementation of imprinted polymers into microfluidic chips has greatly improved the applicability of microfluidics. We present the latest advances and different approaches of surface imprinting and their applications for microfluidic devices.     

Stabilization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoclusters in concentrated brine with cross-linked polymer shells

Iron oxide nanoparticles, in the form of sub-100-nm clusters, were synthesized in the presence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or poly(styrene sulfonate-alt-maleic acid) (PSS-alt-MA) to provide electrosteric stabilization. The superparamagnetic nanoclusters were characterized using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and zeta potential measurements. To anchor the polymer shell on the nanoparticle surface, the polymer was cross-linked for a range of cross-linking densities. For nanoclusters with only 12% (w/w) PSS-alt-MA, electrosteric stabilization was sufficient even in 8 wt % NaCl. For PAA, the cross-linked polymer shell was essentially permanent and did not desorb even upon dilution of the nanoparticles for iron oxide concentrations down to 0.014 wt %. Without cross-linking, over half of the polymer desorbed from the particle surfaces. This general approach of the adsorption of polymer stabilizers onto nanoparticles followed by cross-linking may be utilized for a wide variety of cross-linkable polymers without the need to form covalent bonds between the nanoparticles and polymer stabilizer. Thus, this cross-linking approach is an efficient and inexpensive method of stabilizing nanoparticles for large-scale applications, including the electromagnetic imaging of subsurface reservoirs, even at high salinity.     

Modification of Particle Filled Polymers with High Energy Electrons Under In-Stationary Conditions of Melt Mixing

Summary: Polymer modification with high energy electrons is well-established in polymer industry and used for degradation, cross-linking, grafting, curing, and polymerization. These applications use local and temporal precise input of energy in order to generate excited atoms or molecules and ions for subsequent molecule changes via radical induced chemical reactions. In the present study, high energy electrons have been used to modify polyolefine (polyethylene and polypropylene) systems in presence of a grafting agent under stationary and in-stationary conditions. Polymer modification with high energy electrons under stationary conditions characterizes a process where required absorbed dose is applied to polymers in solid state and at room temperature. Polymer modification with high energy electrons under in-stationary conditions is a novel process where required absorbed dose is applied in molten state during melt mixing process. In this novel process, the penetration depth of electrons is limited to a part of mixing volume. The total mixing volume is modified due to the change of polymer mass within the penetration depth of electrons during mixing process. A 1.5 MeV electron accelerator has been directly coupled to a banbury mixing chamber in order to study this novel process. In comparison to the stationary process, the main differences are working at higher temperature, absence of any crystallinity, intensive macromolecular mobility as well as intensive mixing during dose application. The influence of both processes on mechanical properties and flame resistance of polymer composites is discussed.     

Mixed polymer networks in the direct analysis of pharmaceuticals in urine by capillary electrophoresis

Two-component polymer mixtures of polyethylene oxide-polydextran have been investigated as unique separation media for capillary electrophoresis. The effects of concentration of the individual polymers and their mixtures on the electroosmotic velocity and electrophoretic mobility of small pharmaceutical compounds were investigated. The molecular masses of polymers, buffer concentrations and percentages of organic solvents and cyclodextrins were varied to explore their effects on the separation process.

The plate height against field strength curves were also generated for a better understanding of the kinetic processes involved. The two-component polymer mixtures were found as stable and selective media for the analysis of an anti-ulcer drug famotidine directly in untreated urine.     

Cr bound catalytically active sol–gel siloxane polymers

Several types of Cr bound siloxane polymers were prepared by various modes of polymerization. The co-polymerization of (EtO)₃SiPhCr(CO)₃ and Si(OMe)₄ by the sol–gel process, and its subsequent curing, led to a hydrogenation reactive polymer catalyst. Its catalytic reactivity was retained throughout several cycles, contrary to siloxane polymers prepared by different methods. The hydrogenation reaction was studied with methyl sorbate, 3-nonen-2-one, and 1-octyne. Regio- and stereoselectivities were studied. Cyclohexane as solvent was found to be superior to THF in retaining the catalytic activity upon recycling of the polymeric catalyst in the hydrogenation reactions.     

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the analytical study of works of art for purposes of diagnosis and conservation

This paper is a study of the analytical capacity of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for any type of samples from works of art. The analytical information obtained with this technique on organic and inorganic compounds is extremely useful in the preliminary studies necessary for diagnosis and to decide on the conservation process. This paper reports the analysis and study with FT-IR on samples extracted from the microlayers in several works of art from different periods (16th to 18th century) comprising wall paintings and canvas. The most outstanding of these being the frescoes by A. Palomino from two ceilings in the Santos Juanes church. The analytical procedures for the different components of the works studied such as

1. (a) varnish applied to wood panels and canvas paintings,

2. (b) binding media and pigments used by the artists,

3. (c) inerts, mortars, stuccos and grounds have been optimized. The FT-IR technique offers a quick analysis of microsamples (less than 0.5 mg) and is able to characterise the different molecular groups which provide information on the nature of the different materials of organic and inorganic origin used by the artist and thus permits the diagnosis of pathologies requiring conservation treatment.

Cross-linked polynorbornene-coated gold nanoparticles: dependence of particle stability on cross-linking position and cross-linker structure

This paper describes the preparation of cross-linked polynorbornene coated gold nanoparticles. The polymer was grown radially from the particle surface using a ring opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene and an electrophilic norbornene ester, which was cross-linked using a variety of diamines. The stability of the cross-linked nanoparticles toward oxidative etching by cyanide was evaluated. The rate of etching decreases as diamines with fewer degrees of conformational freedom are used as cross-linkers. The distance of the cross-linking block from the nanoparticle surface was systematically varied. Nanoparticles with the cross-linked block furthest from the surface were etched most slowly. This is suggested to arise as a result of the polymers adopting a mushroom conformation when the cross-linking block is close to the particle surface, while more distal cross-linking results in more rigid polymer chains that are less permeable to the cyanide etchant. These results provide new insight into how fine-tuning the polymer cross-linking architecture can modulate nanoparticle stability.     

Conjugation of arginine–glycine–aspartic acid peptides to thermoreversible N‐isopropylacrylamide polymers

Thermoreversible polymeric biomaterials are finding increased acceptance in tissue engineering applications. One drawback of the polymers is their synthetic nature, which does not allow direct interaction of mammalian cells with the polymers. This limitation may be alleviated by grafting arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) containing peptides onto the polymer backbone to facilitate interactions with cell‐surface integrins. Toward this goal, N‐isopropylacrylamide (NiPAM)‐based thermoreversible polymers containing amine‐reactive N‐acryloxysuccinimide (NASI) groups were synthesized. Conjugation of RGD‐containing peptides to polymers was demonstrated with ¹H NMR spectroscopy and reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The conjugation reaction was optimal at 4 °C and pH of 8.0, and increased with the increasing NASI content of polymers. With a peptide grafting ratio of 0.25 mol %, there was no significant change in the lower critical solution temperature of the polymers. Finally, the NASI‐containing polymers, cast as films, on tissue culture polystyrene, were shown to conjugate to RGD‐containing peptides and support C2C12 cell attachment. We conclude that NASI‐containing thermoreversible polymers are amenable for grafting biomimetic peptides to impart cell adhesiveness to the polymers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3989–4000, 2003