Optical Study of Chitosan-Ofloxacin Complex for Biomedical Applications

Chitosan ofloxacin complex was prepared in isopropyl alcohol under mild conditions. The ionic complexation between chitosan and ofloxacin was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The crystallinity, thermal, surface morphology and optical properties were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and second harmonic generation (SHG) studies, respectively. Absorption of the complex was high (10⁶cm^?1) with an optical band gap of 3.80 eV. The chitosan-ofloxacin complex may be considered as a novel optical material from biomedical application point of views. It may find applications as biosensors and environmentally sensitive membranes and artificial membranes.     

Micromachining of Parylene C for bioMEMS

Recent advances in the micromachining of poly(p‐xylylenes), commercially known as Parylenes, have enabled the development of novel structures and devices for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In particular, Parylene C (poly[chloro‐p‐xylylene]) has been explored extensively for biomedical applications of MEMS given its compatibility with micromachining processes, proven biocompatibility, and many advantageous properties including its chemical inertness, optical transparency, flexibility, and mechanical strength. Here we present a review of often used and recently developed micromachining process for Parylene C, as well as a high‐level overview of state‐of‐the‐art Parylene hybrid and free film devices for biomedical MEMS (bioMEMS) applications, including a discussion on its challenges and potential as a MEMS material. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

(苄基三乙基铵)双(1,3-二硫杂环戊烯-2-硫酮-4,5-二硫基)-金的三阶非线性光学性质

合成了一种新的配位化合物(苄基三乙基铵)双(1,3-二硫杂环戊烯-2-硫酮-4,5-二硫基)-金(BTEAADT). 利用旋涂技术制备了该材料与聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)掺杂的复合薄膜, 该材料在复合薄膜中的质量分数为1%. 采用Z扫描方法, 分别测试了该材料的乙腈溶液和该材料与PMMA复合薄膜在波长为1064 nm, 脉宽为20 ps条件下的三阶非线性光学特性. 同时还研究了复合薄膜的线性光学性质. Z扫描的结果表明, 复合薄膜和该材料的乙腈溶液都具有自散焦效应, 非线性折射率都是负值. 在实验条件下, 两者的非线性吸收效应都是可以忽略的. 经过计算得出溶液样品的非线性折射率为-1.459×10^-18 m²·W^-1, 复合薄膜样品的非线性折射率为-3.978×10^-15 m²·W^-1. 该材料在1064 nm处的非线性光学器件方面有潜在应用价值.     

Synthesis and application of cinnamate-functionalized rubber for the preparation of UV-curable films

A butyl rubber derivative that can be cured upon exposure to UV light in the absence of additional chemical additives was developed. This polymer was prepared by the reaction of hydroxyl-functionalized butyl rubber with cinnamoyl chloride to provide a cinnamate functionalized rubber. The cinnamate content was varied by starting with derivatives prepared from butyl rubber containing either 2 or 7 mol% isoprene. The kinetics of the cross-linking was studied by UV–visible spectroscopy and it was found to vary according to the film thickness. The changes in gel content and volume swelling ratio with irradiation time were dependent on the cinnamate content. Toxicity studies suggested that the cross-linked materials do not leach toxic molecules. The approach was also applied to obtain cross-linked films of butyl rubber-poly(ethylene oxide) graft copolymers, leading to surfaces that resisted the adhesion and growth of cells. Thus the approach is versatile and is of particular interest when non-leaching coatings of cross-linked butyl rubber are desired for biomedical or other applications.     

Facile Synthesis of Black Phosphorus: an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolving Reaction

Black phosphorus (BP) as a new 2D material has attracted extensive attention because of its unique electronic, optical, and structural properties. However, the difficulties associated with BP synthesis severely hinder the further development of BP for any potential applications. On the other hand, searching for other potential applications of BP is also a big challenge. A facile strategy was developed for preparation of BP supported on Ti foil (BP‐Ti) in a thin‐film form. Surprisingly, the as‐prepared BP shows advanced electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To improve the OER activity of the electrocatalyst, BP was grown on a carbon nanotube network (BP‐CNT), showing even better activity. The results demonstrate that BP can be prepared by a facile method and may be applied as an electrocatalyst.     

Preparation and Characterizations of TiO2/Organically Modified Silane Composite Materials Produced by the Sol-Gel Method

TiO₂/organically modified silane (ORMOSIL) composite materials produced by the sol-gel method were studied for optical waveguide applications. High optical quality waveguiding films on different substrates, including silicon, gallium arsenide, silica/silicon substrates, and microscope glass slides, were prepared from high titanium content (0.2 molar) ÿ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane at low temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to investigate the optical and structural properties of the composite films. The TGA/DTA results showed that the organic compounds in the film would tend to decompose in the temperature range from 200°C to 500°C. SEM and AFM results showed that a dense and porous-free composite material film could be obtained at the heat treatment temperature of 100°C. It was also shown that ORMOSIL is integrated in the glass, providing low shrinkage and high cracking resistance. The propagation loss properties of the composite films were also investigated. About 1.1 dB/cm propagation loss of the planar waveguide film was obtained at the wavelength of 633 nm.     

聚丙交酯及其共聚物的研究进展

聚丙交酯（PLA）是一种非常重要的生物医用材料,由于它在体内可降解、无毒、安全,在临床上得到了广泛的应用.为了适应更多、更广的医学应用,要求对聚丙交酯的降解速度、力学性能等进行调节控制,或者要求改善PLA的亲水性、生物相容性、细胞亲和性等等,为此合成了一系列PLA的共聚物,并对其性能进行了研究.本文对上述领域的研究进展进行了综述,结合了作者常年来在PLA共聚物的合成与性能方面的研究,分成四大类进行阐述：（1）丙交酯与其它内酯类的共聚;（2）丙交酯与聚乙二醇类大分子的共聚;（3）丙交酯与带有功能基团单体的共聚;（4）丙交酯与其它天然材料的共聚,并简要地叙述其在医学领域应用的前景.     

血液相容材料的合成研究Ⅷ.磺铵两性离子单体在聚醚氨酯表面的臭氧活化接枝

生物相容性 ,特别是血液相容性是生物医用材料极其重要的性能[1] .提高不凝血性一直是生物材料研究与发展 (Ｒ Ｄ)的主要内容之一 ,半个多世纪来 ,不凝血材料的Ｒ Ｄ已取得了很大的发展[2 ] .但还不能满足心血管植入物 (Ｃａｒｄｉｏｖａｓｃｕｌａｒｉｍｐｌａｎｔｓ)及心血管医物 (Ｃａｒｄｉｏｖａｓｃｕｌａｒｄｅｖｉｃｅｓ)对不凝血性的需要 .Ｒａｔｎｅｒ[3 ] 在最近一次的血液相容性问题研讨会上再次强调了不凝血材料研究的紧迫性 .会议的报告也反映了该领域的研究现状 ,并提出了今后要研究的问题等 .目前不凝血性较好的材料仅有聚…     

Stabilization of Film Morphology in Polymer‐Fullerene Heterojunction Solar Cells

Abstract

The fixation of film morphology is essential for the long‐term stability of heterojunction polymer photovoltaic (PV) cells. An epoxy‐functionalized fullerene C₆₀ derivative was synthesized for this purpose. This material can be polymerized at acidic conditions and was found to stabilize the phase‐separated morphologies within blended polythiophene–fullerene heterojunction films. The phase stability of the films was characterized by UV‐VIS spectroscopy and optical microscope. Crosslinkable polythiophene derivatives were also prepared but these materials were much less effective in stabilizing film morphology when mixed into PCBM (C61‐butyric acid methyl ester). Heterojunction polymer PV cells were prepared from these materials and their performance was compared with cells made from conventional materials.     

天然DNA用于功能材料的研究进展

天然DNA由于其资源丰富、可生物合成再生、特有的双螺旋分子结构等特点而倍受材料研究者关注。近年来,天然DNA已经广泛应用于环境净化、电子、光学和生物医用材料等领域。本文主要从DNA的聚阴离子性、对小分子的选择吸附性和生物相容性这3个基本特性出发,归纳和描述近年天然DNA在作为功能材料方面的应用研究。     

Homogeneous poly(L‐lactic acid)/chitosan blended films

This work reports an optimized and simple methodology for the preparation of poly(L‐lactic) acid/chitosan (CHT) blends by solvent casting based on the use of a common solvent: hexafluor‐2‐propanol. Films with different component fractions were successfully prepared and did not show visible phase separation. Such biodegradable films have potential to be used in distinct biomedical and environmental applications. The composition effect on film wettability and morphology was investigated by contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling measurements were also conducted. The composition effect on their thermal properties was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that crystallization is almost suppressed for CHT fractions above 50%. The film miscibility as a function of their composition was evaluated by optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy imaging. These results evidenced the good miscibility at the microscopic level of the blends. The viscoelastic behavior of the developed films was also studied for the first time by dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) in an unconventional way: their mechanical properties were measured while they were immersed in gradient compositions of water/ethanol mixtures. This allowed to analyze the glass transition dynamics of the CHT fraction, which would not be possible with conventional DMA tests. DMA temperature scans were also conducted. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Template Mediated Hybrid from Dendrimer

Novel dendrimer-titania hybrids were prepared in this work from hydroxy and amine terminated polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM generation 4) and titanium alkoxide by an in-situ sol-gel process in presence of a ligand. Dendritic polymers are chosen because of their unique architectural features. Such dendrimer nanocomposite (DNC) can then be used for optical, catalytic, biomedical applications. The hybrid material formed in situ is found to be transparent, brittle and yellow in colour. The hybrids show higher thermal stability than their organic precursors. This is due to enhanced interaction of the inorganic material with the dendrimer through hydrogen bonding as evidenced by PA-FTIR. XPS studies show predominantly the existence of tetravalent titanium due to titania formation.     

Nanodiamonds for advanced optical bioimaging and beyond

Nanodiamond (ND) has emerged as an intriguing material in recent years both industrially and in research. During the last decade, ND has furthered its way into the biomedical field, mainly due to its inherent photoluminescent properties. In parallel, the development of advanced biomedical imaging methods and techniques has faced a steep upswing, making these two a ‘perfect match’. The optical and physical properties of ND can be tuned, rendering them highly interesting as versatile biomedical imaging probes. In this short review, we will cover a few of the most recently emerged applications of NDs in biomedical imaging and contemplate on current challenges and future directions.     

Preparation of Chitosan Based Scaffolds Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

A novel chitosan-formaldehyde porous derivative (scaffolds) was prepared by reaction of 85% deacetylated chitosan with 37% aq. formaldehyde using supercritical carbon dioxide (sc. CO₂). Prior to reaction, the chitosan hydrogel was prepared in 1% aq. acetic acid (AcOH) and formaldehyde. The prepared hydrogel was subjected to solvent exchange. The identity of the Schiff base was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The chitosan-derivative was evaluated by thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and porosimetry analysis. Overall, the sc. CO₂ assisted chitosan derivative opens new perspectives as biomedical material.     

Synthesis of NAC capped near infrared-emitting CdTeS alloyed quantum dots and application for in vivo early tumor imaging

The synthesis of water-soluble near-infrared (NIR)-emitting quantum dots (QDs) has recently received extensive attention for non-invasive detection of biological information in living subjects. Highly fluorescent CdTeS alloyed QDs for biological application are introduced in this paper. QDs were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and coated with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) as both bioactive ligand and sulfur source for biocompatibility and biological stability. The optical properties, morphology and structure of CdTeS alloyed QDs were characterized. The in vitro and in vivo toxicity was intensively investigated. Furthermore, the dynamics and bio-distribution of CdTeS alloyed QDs on living mice were studied. To explore biomedical application, folate-polyethylene glycol (FA-PEG) was used to decorate the CdTeS alloyed QDs (FP-CdTeS QDs) for targeted imaging of tumors over-expressing the folate receptor (FR). The tumor targeting capability of FP-CdTeS QDs on tumor bearing nude mice was demonstrated. The results showed that the prepared CdTeS QDs have excellent optical properties and low toxicity, which makes them an ideal inorganic material for biomedical imaging. In addition, the folate-PEG conjugated NIR-QDs displayed good biocompatibility as well as excellent sensitivity and specificity for optical imaging of tumors which can extend the application of CdTeS QDs.     

Mechanically reinforced chitosan/cellulose nanocrystals composites with good transparency and biocompatibility

Chitosan/cellulose nanocrystals(CS/CNCs) composites were prepared with different contents of CNCs. Due to the homogeneous dispersion of CNCs and the strong interfacial interactions resulting from hydrogen bonding between CS chains and CNCs, the transparency of CS is well retained and the overall mechanical properties of CS are significantly improved. Furthermore, because both CS and CNCs are biocompatible materials, cell proliferation test shows that the obtained composites are noncytotoxic and can potentially meet safety requirements of biomedical applications. These advantages pave the way of potential applications of CS in the field of commercial plastics and encourage the use of CS as environmentfriendly material and biomedical material.     

Functionalization of nanodiamond with epoxy monomer

A novel nanodiamond-epoxy derivative(ND-EP) was synthesized by grafting epoxy monomers onto the surface of nanodiamond(ND),and characterized by FTIR and TGA.The ratio of grafted epoxy groups was determined to be 32.5 wt% by TGA.The developed methodology provides an efficient method for the functionalization of nanodiamond material,which enables a variety of advanced engineering and biomedical applications of ND.     

Synthesis of conductive polymeric nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid based bioactive stabilizers for biomedical applications

In recent years, the use of organic materials to infer conductivity in biomedical devices has received increasing attention. Typical inorganic semiconductors and conductors are rigid and expensive, usually require multiple processing steps and are unsuitable for biomedical applications. Electrochemically or chemically doped conjugated polymers help to overcome these problems due to their stability, low cost, light weight and excellent electrical and optical properties. The conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is the material of choice for biomedical applications as it is water soluble, however, there are growing concerns around its stabilizer, PSS, due to its release of acidic products upon degradation in-vivo. Here, we report the successful synthesis of PEDOT nanoparticles using hyaluronic acid (HA) as a stabilizer via an oxidative miniemulsion polymerisation technique. This improves the bioactivity and hydrophilicity of nanoparticles. The effect of varying amounts of HA and different molar ratios of EDOT:TOS has been studied and their role in the conductive and morphological properties of final nanoparticles has been fully elucidated. Furthermore, bioactivity and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles are demonstrated for customizable in vivo applications. Nanoparticles were found to have a conductivity up to 10 times greater than pristine PEDOT:PSS with increased addition of oxidant. The proposed easy-to-manufacture approach, along with the highlighted superior properties, expands the potential of conductive polymers in future customizable biological applications such as tissue scaffolds, nerve conduits and cardiac patches and represents a real breakthrough from the current state of the art.     

Mechanically robust,flame-retardant and anti-bacterial nanocomposite films comprised of cellulose nanofibrils and magnesium hydroxide nanoplatelets in a regenerated cellulose matrix

Nanocomposite films consisting of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), magnesium hydroxide nanoplatelets (MHNPs) and regenerated cellulose were prepared via simple blending and casting processes. The CNFs were obtained from bamboo pulp by ultrasonic treatment coupled with high shear homogenization. The morphology, structure and properties of the nanocomposite films were comprehensively analyzed using various characterization techniques, including the scanning electron microscope, digital microscope, limiting oxygen index (LOI), micro-scale combustion calorimetry, antibacterial assays, tensile testing, etc. When the MHNP content was optimized to 30 wt%, the nanocomposite film exhibited the best overall properties. The LOI of the composite film increased from 20.0 (0 wt% MHNPs) to 32.7 (30 wt% MHNPs), making it a flame-retardant material in air. In addition, the film containing 30 wt% MHNPs showed excellent antibacterial activity. However, the increase in MHNP content would result in gradual deterioration of the films’ mechanical properties. However, the incorporation of CNFs could significantly suppress this trend. The present work provided a promising pathway for manufacturing multifunctional and high-performance cellulose-based composite films, which were potentially useful for a variety of packaging materials, especially in the biomedical and food packaging fields.