Academic literature on the topic '74.25.Ha Magnetic properties'

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been widely used in the fields of medicine, cosmetics, food and tissue engineering, because of its specific properties, however, it is still in short supply at present. In this study, we applied Fe3O4 magnetic beads (MBs) to HA crude extraction in order to improve the yield by increasing its extraction rate. In the whole optimization process for the strategy, particle size, amount and surface property were considered. Results showed that micron MBs without functional treatment were more suitable for HA crude extraction. The recovery rate for HA standard solution (500 mg/L) reached 96.86% with 2 mg MBs, which was highest. Moreover, MBs load capacity test showed that HA with 2 g/L concentration in 2 mL system could also be effectively recovered. Finally, the method was applied to crude extraction of HA from Streptococcus iniae fermentation broth. Results from five repeated experiments showed that the HA yield obtained by MBs method was increased by 16%–25%, which was significantly higher than that of traditional ethanol precipitation method, and could be completed within 1 h. Moreover, after purification, there was no significant difference in protein content between the two. Therefore, the MBs crude extraction method has great potential application value to improve HA yield in industrial production.

Copper-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) of nominal composition Ca10(PO4)6[Cux(OH)2-2xOx] (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) was prepared by solid-state and wet chemical processing to explore the impact of the synthesis route and mode of crystal chemical incorporation of copper on the antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains. Apatites prepared by solid-state reaction showed unit cell volume dilation from 527.17 Å3 for copper-free HA to 533.31 Å3 for material of the putative composition Ca10(PO4)6[Cu0.8(OH)0.4O0.8] consistent with Cu+ insertion into the [001] hydroxyapatite channel. This was less pronounced (528.30 Å3 to 529.3 Å3) in the corresponding wet chemical synthesised products, suggesting less complete Cu tunnel incorporation and partial tenancy of Cu in place of calcium. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggests fast quenching is necessary to prevent oxidation of Cu+ to Cu2+. Raman spectroscopy revealed an absorption band at 630 cm−1 characteristic of symmetric O-Cu+-O units tenanted in the apatite channel while solid-state 31P magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) supported a vacancy-Cu+ substitution model within the apatite channel. The copper doping strategy increases antibacterial efficiency by 25% to 55% compared to undoped HA, with the finer particle sizes and greater specific surface areas of the wet chemical material demonstrating superior efficacy.

AbstractHigh performance hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics with excellent densification and mechanical properties were successfully fabricated by digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. It was found that the sintering atmosphere of wet CO2 can dramatically improve the densification process and thus lead to better mechanical properties. HA ceramics with a relative density of 97.12% and a three-point bending strength of 92.4 MPa can be achieved at a sintering temperature of 1300 , which makes a solid foundation for application ℃ in bone engineering. Furthermore, a relatively high compressive strength of 4.09 MPa can be also achieved for a DLP-printed p-cell triply periodic minimum surface (TPMS) structure with a porosity of 74%, which meets the requirement of cancellous bone substitutes. A further cell proliferation test demonstrated that the sintering atmosphere of wet CO2 led to improve cell vitality after 7 days of cell culture Moreover, with the possible benefit from the bio-inspired structure, the 3D-printed TPMS structure significantly improved the cell vitality, which is crucial for early osteogenesis and osteointegration.

After a century of fire suppression, dense forests in California have fueled high-severity fires. We surveyed mixed conifer forest with 995–1178 trees ha−1 (stems > 10 cm diameter at breast height), and nearby pine–oak woodland having 175–230 trees ha−1, 51 days after a severe burn, to contrast the spatial extent and properties of thermally altered soil at sites with different tree densities. Water-repellent soils were more extensive in forest than woodland. Deposits of white ash, composed largely of calicite, covered at most ~25% of the land surface, in places where large fuel items (e.g. logs, branches, exfoliated oak bark) had thoroughly combusted. At least 1690 kg ha−1 of CaCO3 in ash was deposited over the forest, and at least 700 kg ha−1 was added to the woodland. Combustion of logs and large branches also reddened the underlying yellow-brown soil as deep as 60 mm (average 8 mm), and over ~1–12% of the land surface. The reddened soils have magnetic susceptibilities that are three to seven times greater than surrounding unreddened soils within the burn, indicating thermal production of maghemite. Such fire-altered conditions persist over spatial and temporal scales that influence soil genesis in Mediterranean-type climate regions.

The use of polyvinylpyrrolidane (PVP) in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) seems to be exclusively related to its surfactant and colloidal properties. In contrast to PVP, which can be toxic to mouse embryos, hyaluronan (HA) is a biological compound. In addition to its colloidal property, HA plays an important biochemical role in cell proliferation and migration and can be found intracellularly in the cleaving stage of mouse, sheep and primate embryos (Hunter RHF 1994 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 39, 176–181). We expect that the viscoelastic properties of HA in combination with its physiological functions may benefit the ICSI procedure. Oocytes at MII stage were collected from CD-1 mice 14 h after hCG injection (h-pi) and were kept at 37°C in KSOM medium for 30 min before ICSI. Semen used for injection was frozen by direct plunge into liquid nitrogen in M2 medium without cryoprotectants. Samples were thawed at 25°C in the air and mixed (1:5) with M2 medium containing either 10% PVP; 360000 MW (w/v; Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) or 60% (v/v) synthetic HA (s-HA; MAP-5; Bioniche Inc, Belleville, ON Canada) with comparable viscosity. Injections were performed at 25°C using a mercury-containing pipette attached to a piezo impact unit (Prime Tech, Ibaraki, Japan). A total of 239 oocytes (115 PVP and 124 s-HA) were injected in groups of ten in four replicates. Individual sperm heads decapitated by the freeze/thaw procedure were injected into oocytes and kept for 15 min at 25°C. Oocytes that survived ICSI were placed in 35 μL drops of KSOM medium (∼15 zygotes per drop) under paraffin oil at 37°C and 5% CO2 in humidified air. Cleavage and developmental rates were recorded at 24, 48, and 96 h after oocyte injection. Embryos which developed to the blastocyst stage were transferred to pseudo-pregnant females mated with vasectomized males. At Day 13, recipient mice were sacrificed and the number of implantations and fetuses were recorded. Data were compared between groups by Chi-square analysis. Significantly (P < 0.05) more embryos survived ICSI in PVP (74%) than in s-HA group (56%), which was primarily related to sperm adhesiveness to the injection pipette. However, there were no differences in developmental rates at any stage of in vitro embryo culture between groups (2 cell, 93 vs. 100%; 4–8 cell, 100 vs. 100%; blastocyst, 44 vs 50%) for PVP and s-HA, respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups were observed in embryo implantation rates. When ICSI was performed with s-HA, 29 out of 35 blastocysts (83%) transferred to synchronized recipients were implanted, which was accomplished only by 19 of the 35 from the PVP group (54%). However, there was no difference between groups in the number of fetuses detected (8 (23%) vs. 9 (26%) for PVP and s-HA, respectively). The use of s-HA for mouse ICSI can be a valuable alternative to PVP. Hyaluronan may show further benefit if sperm adhesiveness to the micropipette can be eliminated, and may be superior to PVP if embryo implantation rates in the s-HA group can be sustained. The authors would like to thank Bioniche, Inc., Belleville, ON, Canada for donating MAP-5.

Abstract Nanotechnology plays a key role in the development of innovative scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE) allowing the incorporation of nanomaterials able to improve cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, Mg-HA-Coll type I scaffolds (Mg-HA-based scaffolds) were nanofunctionalized with gold nanorods (Au NRs), palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) and maghemite nanoparticles (MAG NPs). Nanofunctionalized Mg-HA-based scaffolds (NF-HA-Ss) were tested for their ability to promote both the proliferation and the differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs). Results clearly highlight that MAG nanofunctionalization substantially improves cell proliferation up to 70% compared with the control (Mg-HA-based scaffold), whereas both Au NRs and Pd NPs nanofunctionalization induce a cell growth inhibition of 94% and 89%, respectively. Similar evidences were found for the osteoinductive properties showing relevant calcium deposits (25% higher than the control) for MAG nanofunctionalization, while a decreasing of cell differentiation (20% lower than the control) for both Au NRs and Pd NPs derivatization. These results are in agreement with previous studies that found cytotoxic effects for both Pd NPs and Au NRs. The excellent improvement of both osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity of the MAG NF-HA-S could be attributed to the high intrinsic magnetic field of superparamagnetic MAG NPs. These findings may pave the way for the development of innovative nanostructured scaffolds for BTE.

Novel biomaterials capable of accelerating the healing process of skeletal tissues are urgently needed in dentistry. The present in vivo study assessed the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of experimental biphasic bioceramics (HA-TCP) modified or not by a nacre extract (marine organic extract, MOE) in a sheep model. Fabrication of MOE involved mixing ground nacre (0.05 g, particle sizes < 0.1 mm) with glacial ethanoic acid (5 mL, pH 7) for 72 hours using external magnetic stirring (25°C). Nonreactive carriers (sterile polythene tubes; 3/animal, radius: 2.5 mm, length: 10.0 mm) pertaining to the control (empty) or experimental groups (HA-TCP or MOE-modified HA-TCP) were implanted intramuscularly into the abdominal segment of the torso in sheep (n = 8, age: 2 years, weight: 45 kg). Euthanization of animals was performed at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Tissues harvested were subjected to macroscopic and radiographic assessments. Specimens were then stained for histological analysis. Both control and experimental animals were capable of inducing the neoformation of fibrous connective tissue at both time points where superior amounts of tissue formation and mineralization were detected for experimental groups (unaltered (at 3 and 6 mos) and MOE-modified HA-TCP (at 3 mos)). Histological results, however, revealed that mature bone formation was only observed for specimens fabricated with MOE-modified HA-TCP in a time-dependent manner. The present study has successfully demonstrated the in vivo utility of experimental biphasic bioceramics modified by MOE in an ectopic grafting sheep model. Promising osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties must be further developed and confirmed by subsequent research.

The large distribution of peat soils in Indonesia have important role in carbon stock and greenhouse gas emission which contribute to global warming issue. The objective of this study was to characterize physical and chemical properties of cultivated peat soils in four trial sites of Indonesia Climate Change Trust Fund (ICCTF) in Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau and Jambi Provinces to provide a baseline data by a greenhouse gas emission study. Detailed soil observations were conducted using grid system with spacing of 25 × 50 m. A total of 16 representative peat soil profiles consisting of 74 soil samples of horizons were selected for laboratory analyses. The results showed that peat maturity varied from hemic to sapric in the surface layers and hemic in the subsurface layers, except in Site-2 that was fibric. The peat thickness ranged respectively from 5.4 to 7.0 m in Site-1 and Site-3, and from 0.5 to 2.5 m in site-2 and site-4, and all overlying fine-textured mineral soil (substratum). Depth of water table varied from 10 to 30 cm in Site-2 and Site-4, and from 30 to 70 cm in Site-1 and Site-3. Fiber content ranged from 13 to 57% and increased with depth indicating the peat was less decomposed. The bulk density was very low (0.07-0.24 g cm-3) and negatively correlated to fiber content (r = 0.74 for Kalimantan and r = 0.66 for Sumatra). The ash content was low (0.1-8.5%) and negatively correlated to organic carbon content (r = 0.89 for Kalimantan and r = 0.65 for Sumatra). Soil CEC was high and positively correlated to organic carbon content (r = 0.86 for Kalimantan and r = 0.93 for Sumatra). These soils showed very acid reaction (pH 3.3-4.7), low content of exchangeable bases and total P2O5 and K2O (HCl 25%). Based on these properties, the peat soils were grouped as oligotrophic ombrogenous peat. The estimated carbon stock for all the trial sites with total extent of 22.58 ha was 57,282 Mg C. The variation of thickness, maturity, and water table depth will imply to the magnitude of carbon reserves and greenhouse gas emissions. [How to Cite: Hikmatullah and Sukarman. 2014. Physical and Chemical Properties of Cultivated Peat Soils in Four Trial Sites of ICCTF in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia. J Trop Soils 19: 131-141. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2014.19.3.131]

The continuously growing need for clean water has increased research looking for new and efficient ways to treat wastewater. Due to its magnetic properties, Bismuth ferrite, a photo-catalyst, has introduced a novel field of photo-catalysis where the photo-catalytic material could easily be separated from the aqueous solution after wastewater treatment. Herein, a new type of photo-catalysts, composed of Gadolinium (Gd) and Tin (Sn), co-doped Bismuth Ferrite deposited over graphene nanoplatelet surface have been synthesized using a two-step method. In first step, Gd (fixed concentration 10%) and Sn (5%, 15%, 20% and 25%) were doped inside bismuth ferrite (BFO) host using sol-gel method (namely the BGFSO nanoparticles, abbreviated for Gd and Sn doped BFO). In the second step, BGFSO nanoparticles were introduced onto GNPs using co-precipitation method (namely the BGFSO/GNP nanohybrids). The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical bonding between co-doped BFO and GNP sheets via oxy and hydroxyl groups. The photocatalytic activities of the nanohybrids under both, visible light and dark conditions have been increased, and the maximum degradation activity (74%) of organic dye Congo-red (CR) is obtained for 25% Sn-doped BGFSO/GNP nanohybrid. The photocatalytic activity may be attributed to enhanced adsorption capability, electron storage properties of graphene and the presence of oxygen-rich species inside nanohybrids. Based on the current overgrowing population and need for clean water, these materials present versatile potential as catalysts for wastewater treatment.

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seven different levels of irrigation applied to `Arbequina I-18' olive (Olea europaea L.) trees grown in a super-high-density orchard (1,656 trees/ha) in the Sacramento Valley of California. Water was applied differentially by drip irrigation at rates of 15%, 25%, 40%, 57%, 71%, 89%, and 107% evapotranspiration (ETc) in 2002, and 28%, 33%, 55%, 74%, 93%, 117%, and 140% ETc in 2003. Each treatment was replicated three times. Olives were harvested on two different dates each year from each of 21 plots. Three of four harvest dates showed a decrease in maturity index with increasing irrigation levels. Oils were made from olive samples collected from each plot and analyzed for oil quality parameters. Total polyphenol levels and oxidative stability decreased as the trees received more water, especially for the three lowest irrigation treatment levels in 2002, but few differences were noted between treatments in 2003 when all the trees were irrigated more heavily. Average oxidative stability was correlated very closely with total polyphenol content with r2 = 0.98 in 2002 and 0.94 in 2003. In 2002, free fatty acid levels increased and peroxide levels were unchanged, but in 2003, free fatty acid levels were unchanged and peroxide levels decreased in treatments receiving more water. Saturated fatty acids did not significantly change in 2002, due to tree irrigation level. The mono-unsaturated fatty acid levels and oleic–linoleic relationship declined while poly-unsaturated fatty acid levels increased in 2002 with increased irrigation. In 2003, there was no notable difference in the ratio of mono to poly unsaturated fatty acid levels. The individual fatty acid most consistently affected by more irrigation water was stearic, which decreased in both years. Total sterol content (mg·kg–1), percentages of cholesterol and erythrodiol were significantly influenced by tree irrigation levels, but increased in one year and either decreased or were unchanged the next. Oil sensory properties of fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency all declined in oils made from trees receiving more water. The lowest irrigation levels produced oils that were characterized by excessive bitterness, very high pungency, and woody, herbaceous flavors. Intermediate irrigation levels (33% to 40% ETc) produced oils with balance, complexity, and characteristic artichoke, grass, green apple, and some ripe fruit flavors. Higher irrigation levels lowered oil extractability and produced relatively bland oils with significantly less fruitiness and almost no bitterness or pungency.

In this work magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized through the precipitation method from an aqueous ferrous sulfate solution under ultrasound. A 23 factorial design in duplicate was carried out to determine the best synthesis conditions and to obtain the smallest crystallite sizes. Selected conditions were ultrasound frequency of 593 kHz for 40 min in 1.0 mol L-1 NaOH medium. Average crystallite sizes were of the order of 25 nm. The phase obtained was identified by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) as magnetite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed polydisperse particles with dimensions around 57 nm, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed average particle diameters around 29 nm, in the same order of magnitude of the crystallite size determined with Scherrer’s equation. These magnetic nanoparticles were used to obtain nanocomposites with polyaniline (PAni). The material was prepared under exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) or under heating, from dispersions of the nanoparticles in an acidic solution of aniline. Unlike other synthetic routes reported elsewhere, this new route does not utilize any additional oxidizing agent. XRD analysis showed the appearance of a second crystalline phase in all the PAni-Fe3O4 composites, which was indexed as goethite. Furthermore, the crystallite size decreases nearly 50 % with the increase in the synthesis time. This size decrease suggests that the nanoparticles are consumed during the synthesis. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the amount of polyaniline increases with synthesis time. The nanocomposite electric conductivity was around 10-5 S cm-1, nearly one order of magnitude higher than for pure magnetite. Conductivity varied with the amount of PAni in the system, suggesting that the electric properties of the nanocomposites can be tuned according to their composition. Under an external magnetic field the nanocomposites showed hysteresis behavior at room temperature, characteristic of ferromagnetic materials. Saturation magnetization (MS) for pure magnetite was ~ 74 emu g-1. For the PAni-Fe3O4 nanocomposites, MS ranged from ~ 2 to 70 emu g-1, depending on the synthesis conditions. This suggests that composition can also be used to control the magnetic properties of the material.