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Polymers May 2024In the present study, tests were carried out on composite samples on a polylactide matrix containing 25% by weight of mineral filler in the form of diatomaceous earth,...
In the present study, tests were carried out on composite samples on a polylactide matrix containing 25% by weight of mineral filler in the form of diatomaceous earth, base, and silanized with GPTMOS (3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane), OTES (n-octyltriethoxysilane), and MTMOS (methyltrimethoxysilane) silanes. The addition of two types of waxes, synthetic polyamide wax and natural beeswax, were used as a factor to increase the rheological properties of the composites. The obtained samples were characterized in terms of the effect of filler silanization on the degradation rate of the composites. The tests were conducted under different conditioning conditions, i.e., after exposure to strong UV radiation for 250 and 500 h, and under natural sunlight for 21 days. The conditioning carried out under natural conditions showed that the modified samples exhibit up to twice the degradation rate of pure polylactide. The addition of synthetic wax to the composites increases the tendency to agglomerate diatomaceous earth, while natural wax has a positive effect on filler dispersion. For composites modified with GPTMOS and OTES silanes, it was noted that the addition of natural wax inhibited the degree of surface degradation, compared to the addition of synthetic wax, while the addition of MTMOS silane caused the opposite effect and samples with natural wax degraded more strongly. It was shown that, despite the high degree of surface degradation, the process does not occur significantly deep into the composite and stops at a certain depth.
PubMed: 38891398
DOI: 10.3390/polym16111450 -
Aquaculture (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Feb 2021A simple bioassay that quantifies feed intake as an estimation of relative attractability of feeds containing different ingredients in the Pacific white shrimp is...
A simple bioassay that quantifies feed intake as an estimation of relative attractability of feeds containing different ingredients in the Pacific white shrimp is described. Fish meal (FM), fish protein hydrolysate (FPH), squid meal (SqM) and casein (CN) were assessed at the same dietary level for their relative influence on feed intake rates of . A bland diet containing 92% whole wheat grain meal, 6% diatomaceous earth and 2% alginate with a known low attractability was used as the standard control or base diet. Ingredients were added to the bland base control diet at a level of 3% as fed. Shrimp were stocked into 80 L glass tanks (n= 20 per tank) in a recirculating aquaculture system. Tanks were randomly assigned to one of five diet treatments (3tanks/treatment). Experiments measuring the attractability of each feed were conducted twice daily at 0900 hours and 1330 hours over a five day period. For each experiment, 40 feed pellets (ca. 1 g) corresponding to the assigned treatment were provided to each tank. To calculate the rate of feed intake, pellets remaining in each tank were counted at six minute intervals for a seventy-two minute period. Differences in rate of feed intake among diets were evaluated using Cox Regression Analysis. This attractability assay required only small amounts of ingredients and incorporated ingredients into a bland feed, which significantly reduces the influence from other ingredients or compound in the pellets. All of the test protein ingredients, especially SqM, in the feeds significantly increased the feed consumption rate. The diet containing SqM was consumed at a significantly higher rate than those containing casein and FM but not FPH. FPH and CN containing diets were not significantly different but consumed at a higher rate than the diet containing FM. Results of these trials indicate that the presence of certain ingredients can increase feed intake, thereby increasing nutrient availability of the diets. This reported method to determine consumption of diets containing certain ingredients can be considered as a valid method to estimate attractability.
PubMed: 34992326
DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736041 -
Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Huaxi... Dec 2022This work aimed to synthesize a novel injectable alginate impression material and evaluate its accuracy.
OBJECTIVES
This work aimed to synthesize a novel injectable alginate impression material and evaluate its accuracy.
METHODS
Certain proportions of sodium alginate, trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate, potassium fluorotitanate, diatomaceous earth, and other ingredients were dissolved in water and mixed evenly with a planetary centrifugal mixer to obtain a certain viscosity base paste. Certain proportions of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, magnesium oxide, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 were mixed evenly with a planetary centrifugal mixer to obtain the reactor paste with the same viscosity as the base paste. The base and reactor pastes were poured into a two-cylinder cartridge at a 2∶1 volume ratio. A gun device was used to accomplish mixing by compressing materials into a mixing tip. The samples were divided into three groups: injectable alginate impression materials (IA group) as the experimental group, and Jeltrate alginate impression materials (JA group) and Silagum-putty/light addition silicone rubber impression materials (SI group) as the two control groups.
RESULTS
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the injectable alginate impression materials had a denser structure and fewer bubbles than the commercial alginate impression material. The accuracy of the three kinds of impression materials was evaluated by 3D image superposition. The deviations between the three test group models and the standard model (trueness) were 49.58 μm±1.453 μm (IA group), 54.75 μm±7.264 μm (JA group), and 30.92 μm±1.013 μm (SI group). The deviations of the models within each test group (precision) were 85.79 μm±8.191 μm (IA group), 97.65 μm±11.060 μm (JA group), and 56.51 μm±4.995 μm (SI group). Significant differences in trueness and precision were found among the three kinds of impression materials (<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy of the new injectable alginate impression material was better than that of the traditional powder-type alginate impression material but worse than that of the addition silicone rubber impression materials. The novel injec-table alginate impression material demonstrated good operation performance and impression accuracy, showing broad application prospect.
Topics: Alginates; Silicone Elastomers; Dental Impression Materials; Powders
PubMed: 36416318
DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2022.06.006 -
Protein Expression and Purification Nov 2019Ferritin proteins are taking center stage as smart nanocarriers for drug delivery due to their hollow cage-like structures and their unique 24-meric assembly. Among all...
Ferritin proteins are taking center stage as smart nanocarriers for drug delivery due to their hollow cage-like structures and their unique 24-meric assembly. Among all ferritins, the chimeric Archaeoglobus ferritin (HumFt) is able assemble/disassemble varying the ionic strength of the medium while recognizing human TfR1 receptor overexpressed in cancer cells. In this paper we present a highly efficient, large scale purification protocol mainly based on crossflow ultrafiltration, starting from fermented bacterial paste. This procedure allows one to obtain about 2 g of purified protein starting from 100 g of fermented bacterial paste. The current procedure can easily remove contaminant proteins as well as DNA molecules in the absence of expensive and time consuming chromatographic steps.
Topics: Archaeoglobus fulgidus; Cloning, Molecular; Escherichia coli; Ferritins; Humans; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Ultrafiltration
PubMed: 31301427
DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2019.105451 -
Ulusal Travma Ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi =... Mar 2020Different pharmacological agents are developed to control bleeding. However, it is critical for these agents to induce thrombin formation and have an effect on...
BACKGROUND
Different pharmacological agents are developed to control bleeding. However, it is critical for these agents to induce thrombin formation and have an effect on vasoconstriction, coagulation, and scaffold. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the agents' ability to stop bleeding properties on minor and major open bleedings after skin clefts, extracorporal injuries, traumatic cuts, spontaneous or surgical intervention besides scaffold properties. For this purpose, a new and authentic hemostatic agent, processed diatomite (PD) and the most preferred chitosan in the medical area were used to test blood stopping and scaffold effects in a rat femoral bleeding model. The samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results on blood stopping were shared.
METHODS
The current experimental study was conducted on rats. The effects of hemostatic agents on our femoral bleeding model were determined. In this study, 22 male Wistar albino rats weighing 158-215 g, were used. The rats were assigned randomly to three groups: control group (n=6), chitosan group (n=8), and PD group (n=8). Bleeding time, scaffold formation, weight differences, histopathological effect and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were performed.
RESULTS
In our experimental model, weight loss was 5.0±1.3 g for the control group, 2.9±1.1 g for the chitosan group, and 2.7±1.0 g for the PD group, respectively. When weighed before and after the experiment, there was a significant change in weights of rats in chitosan, and PD groups regarding scaffold formation: it was complete for six rats (75%) and weak for two (25%) rats in chitosan group; however, it was complete for seven rats (87.5%) and weak for one (12.5%) rat in the PD group. Scaffold formation was significant for the chitosan and PD groups versus the control group (p=0.002).
CONCLUSION
In our study, the scaffold formed by PD exerts appropriate porousness and contributes to fibrin formation and prevent re-bleeding. PD had a strong and significant scaffold effect. The effectiveness of PD to stop bleeding was equal to chitosan. Besides being natural, hemostatic agents should not induce cellular damage. We histopathologically demonstrated that PD was harmless for the natural structure of cells and vessels in the femoral site.
Topics: Animals; Chitosan; Diatomaceous Earth; Disease Models, Animal; Hemorrhage; Hemostasis; Hemostatics; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar
PubMed: 32185761
DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2019.34359 -
Biosensors Oct 2021Detection of illicit drug residues from wastewater provides a new route toward community-level assessment of drug abuse that is critical to public health. However,...
Detection of illicit drug residues from wastewater provides a new route toward community-level assessment of drug abuse that is critical to public health. However, traditional chemistry analytical tools such as high-performance liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) cannot meet the large-scale testing requirement in terms of cost, promptness, and convenience of use. In this article, we demonstrated ultra-sensitive and portable surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing (SERS) of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, from sewage water and achieved quantitative analysis through principal component analysis and partial least-squares regression. The SERS substrates adopted in this application were synthesized by in situ growth of silver nanoparticles on diatomaceous earth films, which show ultra-high sensitivity down to 10 parts per trillion in artificially contaminated tap water in the lab using a commercial portable Raman spectrometer. Based on training data from artificially contaminated tap water, we predicted the fentanyl concentration in the sewage water from a wastewater treatment plant to be 0.8 parts per billion (ppb). As a comparison, the HPLC-MS confirmed the fentanyl concentration was below 1 ppb but failed to provide a specific value of the concentration since the concentration was too low. In addition, we further proved the validity of our SERS sensing technique by comparing SERS results from multiple sewage water treatment plants, and the results are consistent with the public health data from our local health authority. Such SERS sensing technique with ultra-high sensitivity down to sub-ppb level proved its feasibility for point-of-care detection of illicit drugs from sewage water, which is crucial to assess public health.
Topics: Fentanyl; Limit of Detection; Metal Nanoparticles; Sewage; Silver; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Wastewater
PubMed: 34677326
DOI: 10.3390/bios11100370 -
Electrophoresis Feb 2023The analysis of low-abundant compounds with capillary zone electrophoresis-drift-tube ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (CZE-DTIMS-MS) is compromised due to...
The analysis of low-abundant compounds with capillary zone electrophoresis-drift-tube ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (CZE-DTIMS-MS) is compromised due to the low injectable sample volumes in CZE and low duty cycle in DTIMS. Fritless packed in-line trap columns, using solid-phase extraction sorbent particles, have been used to increase injection volumes in CZE, but these columns are difficult to prepare and exhibit rapidly increasing back pressures. To provide smooth and complete filling of trap columns as well as to ensure higher and sustained flow rates though the columns, blends of cation and anion exchange particles with diatomite were used. The application of diatomite blends ensured the use of trap columns for at least 100 injections, with maximum injection volumes over 10 µl, which corresponds to an enrichment factor of more than 1000 over conventional injections in CZE-MS, enabling the detection of low nM concentrations of N-glycans with CZE-IMS-MS.
Topics: Proteomics; Mass Spectrometry; Electrophoresis, Capillary; Diatomaceous Earth
PubMed: 36333917
DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200189 -
Polymers Nov 2023The fisheries industry encounters distinct packaging challenges, including the need to protect perishable seafood from rapid spoilage caused by UV radiation while...
The fisheries industry encounters distinct packaging challenges, including the need to protect perishable seafood from rapid spoilage caused by UV radiation while allowing for reuse. This study tackles these issues by introducing advanced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites enhanced with a UV stabilizer and inorganic fillers, such as diatomaceous earth/zinc oxide (DZ). Our investigation explores the transformative effects of weathering on these pioneering composites, evaluating shifts in mechanical, physical, thermal properties, and sub-zero temperature stability. Incorporating a UV stabilizer alongside DZ within the HDPE matrix significantly enhances mechanical performance and weathering resilience. These enhancements extend the longevity of seafood packaging while preserving product quality. Moreover, our findings reveal a substantial breakthrough in antimicrobial properties. The inclusion of DZ, with or without a UV stabilizer, results in an impressive up to 99% enhancement in antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This discovery not only bolsters the protective attributes of HDPE packaging but also presents a compelling case for the development of active packaging materials derived from DE/ZnO composites. This study bridges the gap between packaging and seafood quality, introducing advanced polymeric packaging technology for seafood products. It highlights the mutually beneficial link between packaging improvements and ensuring seafood quality, meeting industry needs while promoting sustainability.
PubMed: 38231978
DOI: 10.3390/polym15234577 -
Journal of Biotechnology Apr 2023Adeno-associated virus (AAV) based vectors have recently been gaining importance as DNA delivery systems. Efficient downstream processing of AAV remains a major...
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) based vectors have recently been gaining importance as DNA delivery systems. Efficient downstream processing of AAV remains a major challenge as serotypes differ in physicochemical properties, making it difficult to design uniform purification processes. Clarification of AAV is an especially critical step. Harvesting of AAV, like other viruses, often requires cell lysis, resulting in a difficult-to-filter cell lysate. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of diatomaceous earth (DE) as a filter aid for clarification of AAV crude cell lysates. DE filtration proved to be a viable clarification method for AAV2, AAV5 and AAV8. Based on a design of experiment approach, the DE concentration was identified as the main factor influencing AAV particle loss. The loss of AAV during DE filtration was limited to < 2% by maintaining the DE quantity below 0.181 mg DE/10 AAV. Use of DE reduced manual handling time 3-fold and increased the filter capacity 3.5-fold compared to filtration combined with a prior centrifugation step. Moreover, we showed that the DE type had only a minor influence on the filtration performance. This study demonstrated that filtration with DE as a filter aid is an efficient clarification method for different AAV serotypes.
Topics: Dependovirus; Genetic Vectors; DNA; Serogroup
PubMed: 36997072
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.03.010 -
Food Control Sep 2019Scombroid fish poisoning caused by histamine intoxication is one of the most prevalent allergies associated with seafood consumption in the United States. Typical...
Scombroid fish poisoning caused by histamine intoxication is one of the most prevalent allergies associated with seafood consumption in the United States. Typical symptoms range from mild itching up to fatal cardiovascular collapse seen in anaphylaxis. In this paper, we demonstrate rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection of histamine in both artificially spoiled tuna solution and real spoiled tuna samples using thin layer chromatography in tandem with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (TLC-SERS) sensing methods, enabled by machine learning analysis based on support vector regression (SVR) after feature extraction with principal component analysis (PCA). The TLC plates used herein, which were made from commercial food-grade diatomaceous earth, served simultaneously as the stationary phase to separate histamine from the blended tuna meat and as ultra-sensitive SERS substrates to enhance the detection limit. Using a simple drop cast method to dispense gold colloidal nanoparticles onto the diatomaceous earth plate, we were able to directly detect histamine concentration in artificially spoiled tuna solution down to 10 ppm. Based on the TLC-SERS spectral data of real tuna samples spoiled at room temperature for 0 to 48 hours, we used the PCA-SVR quantitative model to achieve superior predictive performance exceling traditional partial least squares regression (PLSR) method. This work proves that diatomaceous earth based TLC-SERS technique combined with machine-learning analysis is a cost-effective, reliable, and accurate approach for on-site detection and quantification of seafood allergen to enhance food safety.
PubMed: 31827314
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.03.032