Restraint of the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by a Nonfouling Zwitterionic Hydrogel

The success of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) therapies is largely dependent on the ability to maintain the multipotency of cells and control their differentiation. External biochemical and biophysical cues can readily trigger hMSCs to spontaneously differentiate, thus resulting in a rapid decrease in the multipotent cell population and compromising their regenerative capacity. Herein, we demonstrate that nonfouling hydrogels composed of pure poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB) enable hMSCs to retain their stem‐cell phenotype and multipotency, independent of differentiation‐promoting media, cytoskeletal‐manipulation agents, and the stiffness of the hydrogel matrix. Moreover, encapsulated hMSCs can be specifically induced to differentiate down osteogenic or adipogenic pathways by controlling the content of fouling moieties in the PCB hydrogel. This study examines the critical role of nonspecific interactions in stem‐cell differentiation and highlights the importance of materials chemistry in maintaining stem‐cell multipotency and controlling differentiation.     

Mechanical and tribological properties of DLC coatings deposited by plasma-based ion implantation and deposition method on polyoxymethylene

Polyoxymethylene (POM, polyacetal) is one of the most popular plastics for machine elements, especially in Japan. However, it is difficult to use it under severe operating conditions such as high speed and high contact pressure. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings were well known to be tribological and functional coatings. However, both POM and DLC coatings are difficult to adhere them each other. In the present paper, DLC coatings are deposited by plasma-based ion implantation and deposition (PBIID) method on POM substrate, and validity of DLC coatings on POM was investigated through friction and mechanical tests. When gas pressure was 0.2 and 0.8 Pa, hardness and adhesion properties of DLC coating deposited under gas pressure of 0.5 Pa were lower compared with under 0.2 and 0.8 Pa. For preparing DLC coatings having hard and good adhesion properties, relatively thin substrate was suitable. A correlation between relative humidity in the laboratory and friction coefficient was confirmed while DLC coatings remain on the substrate.     

片式电阻保护浆料的制备

通过与日本样进行对比试验,研究了片式电阻保护浆料的制备工艺及要求。分析了玻璃组成和浆料配方对元件电阻值漂移的影响,并对其保护机理进行了探讨。制备的浆料达到日本样技术指标的要求。利用4号玻璃组分的1MΩ片电阻的阻值漂移率最小为0.9%     

Bruch’s-Mimetic Nanofibrous Membranes Functionalized with the Integrin-Binding Peptides as a Promising Approach for Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Transplantation

Background: This study aimed to develop an ultrathin nanofibrous membrane able to, firstly, mimic the natural fibrous architecture of human Bruch’s membrane (BM) and, secondly, promote survival of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells after surface functionalization of fibrous membranes. Methods: Integrin-binding peptides (IBPs) that specifically interact with appropriate adhesion receptors on RPEs were immobilized on Bruch’s-mimetic membranes to promote coverage of RPEs. Surface morphologies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra, contact angle analysis, Alamar Blue assay, live/dead assay, immunofluorescence staining, and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the outcome. Results: Results showed that coated membranes maintained the original morphology of nanofibers. After coating with IBPs, the water contact angle of the membrane surfaces varied from 92.38 ± 0.67 degrees to 20.16 ± 0.81 degrees. RPE cells seeded on IBP-coated membranes showed the highest viability at all time points (Day 1, p < 0.05; Day 3, p < 0.01; Days 7 and 14, p < 0.001). The proliferation rate of RPE cells on uncoated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) membranes was significantly lower than that of IBP-coated membranes (p < 0.001). SEM images showed a well-organized hexa/polygonal monolayer of RPE cells on IBP-coated membranes. RPE cells proliferated rapidly, contacted, and became confluent. RPE cells formed a tight adhesion with nanofibers under high-magnification SEM. Our findings confirmed that the IBP-coated PCL membrane improved the attachment, proliferation, and viability of RPE cells. In addition, in this study, we used serum-free culture for RPE cells and short IBPs without immunogenicity to prevent graft rejection and immunogenicity during transplantation. Conclusions: These results indicated that the biomimic BM-IBP-RPE nanofibrous graft might be a new, practicable approach to increase the success rate of RPE cell transplantation.     

The Alleviating Effect of Lagerstroemia indica Flower Extract on Stretch Marks through Regulation of Mast Cells

Striae distensae (SD) or stretch marks are common linear scars of atrophic skin with disintegrating extracellular matrix (ECM) structures. Although fibroblasts contribute to the construction of ECM structure in SD, some studies have reported that mast cell degranulation causes the disruption of ECM in early SD lesions. Lagerstroemia indica flower (LIF) has traditionally been used in India as a diuretic. However, little is known about the effect and molecular action of Lagerstroemia indica flower extract (LIFE) on alleviating SD. This study evaluated the effects of LIFE on mast cell degranulation and the synthesis of ECM components in fibroblasts. LIFE inhibits the adhesion of rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells, RBL-2H3 on fibronectin (FN) and the expression of integrin, a receptor for FN, thereby reducing focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. In addition, LIFE attenuated the allergen-induced granules and cytokine interleukin 3 (IL-3) through the adhesion with FN. Moreover, the conditioned medium (CM) of activated mast cells decreases the synthesis of ECM components, and LIFE restores the abnormal expressions induced by activated mast cells. These results demonstrate that LIFE suppresses FN-induced mast cell activation and promotes the synthesis of ECM components in fibroblast, which indicates that LIFE may be a useful cosmetic agent for SD treatment.     

压电陶瓷银层附着力及其影响因素

通过瓷件表面粗糙度、瓷件的清洗方式、烧渗银温度和曲线等工艺过程的试验,研究了压电陶瓷银层附着力的影响因素。结果表明主要影响因素是瓷件表面粗糙度、清洁度以及银层烧结温度和曲线。在实际应用中,如果用天然石榴石金刚砂W40微粉细磨瓷件表面,再采用超声波清洗及煅烧,然后在780℃左右烧渗银,可使附着力达到最大,约1800N/cm2。     

胞外DNA在生物膜构建中的作用研究进展

生物膜是指细菌为适应外界环境的变化而形成的特殊微生物聚合体,生物膜法是水的生化处理技术的重要分支,在环境工程领域具有重要的位置。本文综述了胞外DNA (extracellular DNA, eDNA)在生物膜形成过程中的作用,首先介绍胞外聚合物(extracellular polymeric substance, EPS)分类以及eDNA在EPS中的分布情况;其次阐述群体感应(quorum sensing, QS)系统调节eDNA在细菌中的释放;为说明eDNA在生物膜形成过程中的机理,本文采用了XDLVO理论揭示eDNA调节细菌的粘附和聚集性能,并探讨了eDNA与蛋白质(proteins, PN)及多聚糖(polysaccharides, PS)的结合行为;最后,对该领域未来的研究方向进行了展望。     

防覆冰涂层构建机理及制备

航空、通信、电力和运输设备的覆冰现象给人们的生产、生活带来许多不便,甚至引起重大经济损失,防覆冰涂层主要通过材料表面特殊物理化学性能与微相形貌来实现抗冰目的,这类材料需要兼具防结冰性和疏冰性,从延长结冰时间和降低冰的附着力两方面来减轻甚至消除冰雪积聚,是目前研究的热点。本文从防覆冰机理入手,深入探讨了防结冰性和疏冰性的影响因素,阐述了防覆冰涂层材料的设计与制备方面的最新进展,并对防覆冰涂层目前存在的问题与发展方向进行了分析和展望。     

Overview: The Potential of silanes for chromate replacement in metal finishing industries

Trialkoxysilanes (or silanes) have emerged as a very promising alternative for chromates in metal finishing industries. Compared to the conventional chromating processes, the major merits of silane-based surface treatments include: eco-compliance, easy-control processing, comparable corrosion protection of metals as well as paint adhesion to a variety of topcoats. In this overview paper, we report the recent status of silane studies including results of corrosion performance tests, the mechanism of corrosion protection of metals by silanes and the themal stabilities of silane films. We also address the new fields that we are beginning to explore such as nano-structured silane films, “self-healing” silane films, and “super-primers”.     

微液滴在仿蛛丝结构TiO2纤维表面的定向运动与粘附

制备了具有响应性的仿蛛丝周期纺锤节TiO₂纤维。通过改变纤维表面微观结构、紫外光照和超声波等手段,仿蛛丝结构TiO₂纤维表面浸润性会发生响应性变化。纤维表面的这种浸润性变化,不仅实现了水滴从纺锤节两端到中心处的定向运动,而且可以使得水滴被纤维纺锤节粘附。当仿蛛丝结构TiO₂纤维表面为亲水状态时,无论纺锤节光滑还是粗糙,水都是从纺锤节两端向中心方向运动;当仿蛛丝TiO₂纤维表面疏水时,水滴会被具有粗糙表面的纺锤节两端粘附。