Spray-pyrolysis deposition of LaMnO3 and La1−xCaxMnO3 thin films

Ethylene glycol solutions of La-Mn(II) and La-Ca-Mn(II) citric complexes has been used as a starting material for spray-pyrolysis deposition of LaMnO₃ and La_1−xCa_xMnO₃ thin films on β-quartz, fused quartz, Si(0 0 1) and SrTiO₃(1 0 0) substrates heated during the deposition at 380 °C. At suitable post-deposition heating conditions highly uniform films, 0.1-1 μm in thickness, with good crystal structure were obtained. Highly textured LaMnO₃ films are obtained on SrTiO₃(1 0 0) substrate. Interaction between the layer and Si-containing substrates is observed during the post-deposition heating in static air.     

In Situ Amperometric Characterization of Liposome Suspensions with Concomitant Oxygen Reduction

Amperometry of oxygen reduction at the dropping mercury electrode (DME) was applied for in situ characterization of liposome suspensions in terms of concentration, level of polydispersity and potential range of adhesion. Liposomes prepared from egg‐phosphatidylchloline/cholesterol/dicetylphosphate in the molar ratio of 7 : 5 : 1 were suspended in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Adhesion signals of single liposomes in air‐saturated suspensions were detected in the broad potential range (from ?100 to ?1200 mV vs. 0.1 M Ag/AgCl reference electrode) as transient enhacements of oxygen reduction. Measured concentration range in air‐saturated suspensions was 10⁶–10⁸ liposomes/L.     

Structural Features of the Algal Cell Determine Adhesion Behavior at a Charged Interface

We aimed to examine the effects of algal structural features on adhesion at a charged interface. Results showed that algae with a glycocalyx, and with a cellulose amphiesma adhered at a charged interface at species-specific potential ranges. Algae, encased with a calcite-encrusted theca, and with an organosilicate cell wall, did not adhere to the interface. These differences in the amperometrically determined adhesion behavior of algal cells are in agreement with reported cell mechanical properties. Critical interfacial tensions of adhesion show differences between the studied soft algal cells as a consequence of their distinct cell barrier structure, composition, and properties.     

On chromium direct ETAAS determination in serum and urine

A simple, accurate and reliable method for direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric (ETAAS) determination of chromium in serum and urine samples without any preliminary sample pretreatment is described. Instrumental parameters are optimized in order to define: the most suitable atomizer, optimal temperature program and efficient modifier. An appropriate quantification method is proposed taking into account a matrix interference study. Pyrocoated graphite tubes and wall atomization, pretreatment temperature of 700 °C, atomization temperature of 2600 °C, hydrogen peroxide as modifier and standard addition calibration are recommended. The accuracy of the method proposed for Cr determination in serum and urine was confirmed by comparative analysis of parallel samples after wet or dry ashing as well as by the analysis of two certified reference materials: Serum, Clin Rep 1 and Lypochek Urine, level 1. The detection and determination limits achieved for both matrices are 0.08 μg/L and 0.15 μg/L respectively. The relative standard deviation varied between 15 and 18 % for the chromium content in the samples in the range 0.08–0.2 μg/L and between 4 and 7 % for the chromium content in the range 0.2–2.0 μg/L for both matrices.      

Deposition and characterization of La2Ti2O7 thin films via spray pyrolysis process

Thin films of La₂Ti₂O₇ have been deposited on fused silica and Si substrates by a spray pyrolysis method using ethylene glycol solution of La(III)-Ti(IV)-citrate complexes as starting material and O₂ as a carrier gas. The composition, crystal structure and morphology of the films are studied.