Intertubular Space Research Articles

On the compactness of tubular heat exchangers

The effect of the open flow area of the intertubular channel on heat transfer parameters in the case of longitudinal flow past tubes is considered using tube-in-tube heat exchangers with smooth and profiled tubes as examples. It is demonstrated that the heat transfer efficiency can be enhanced by reducing the open flow area. By optimizing the tubular and intertubular spaces, it is possible to make the tubular heat exchanger much more compact.

Estrogen receptor alpha localization in the testes of men with normal spermatogenesis

It is known that estrogens act on the male reproductive tract by binding to estrogen receptors (ER) α and β. However, studies on ER localization in the human testis are discordant. The aim of this study was to investigate the localization of ERα in the testes of adult men with normal spermatogenesis. Semen analysis of ten adult men revealed azoospermia. FSH, LH and testosterone serum concentrations were within normal values, and the volume of the testes was normal, hence obstructive azoospermia was suspected. The tissues from testicular surgical biopsies were fixed in Bouin's fluid and embedded in paraffin. Assessments of the seminiferous epithelium (scoring 10 to -1), the number of Leydig cells (scoring 1 to 5), the areal fraction of intertubular space (IS), measurements of seminiferous tubule diameter, and the thickness of the tubular wall, were performed on microscopic sections. Immunohistochemical staining was applied with monoclonal antibodies against ERα. The mean spermatogenesis score was 10 points; IS - 30.6 ± 8.1%; seminiferous tubule diameter - 193.9 ± 19.4 μm; thickness of tubular wall - 7.44 ± 1.1 μm; number of Leydig cells - 1.6 ± 1.1 points. Immunohistochemical staining showed the localization of ERα to be in the Sertoli and Leydig cell cytoplasm, while ERα was absent in germ cells. The results of testicular tissue analysis confirmed its normal structure and normal, full spermatogenesis. The presence of ERα in Sertoli and Leydig cells in normal human testis demonstrated in this study suggests that estrogens may affect testicular function.

Estrogen receptor alpha localization in the testes of men with normal spermatogenesis

It is known that estrogens act on the male reproductive tract by binding to estrogen receptors (ER) a and b. However, studies on ER localization in the human testis are discordant. The aim of this study was to investigate the localization of ERa in the testes of adult men with normal spermatogenesis. Semen analysis of ten adult men revealed azoospermia. FSH, LH and testosterone serum concentrations were within normal values, and the volume of the testes was normal, hence obstructive azoospermia was suspected. The tissues from testicular surgical biopsies were fixed in Bouin’s fluid and embedded in paraffin. Assessments of the seminiferous epithelium (scoring 10 to –1), the number of Leydig cells (scoring 1 to 5), the areal fraction of intertubular space (IS), measurements of seminiferous tubule diameter, and the thickness of the tubular wall, were performed on microscopic sections. Immunohistochemical staining was applied with monoclonal antibodies against ERa. The mean spermatogenesis score was 10 points; IS — 30.6 ± 8.1%; seminiferous tubule diameter — 193.9 ± 19.4 μm; thickness of tubular wall — 7.44 ± 1.1 μm; number of Leydig cells — 1.6 ± 1.1 points. Immunohistochemical staining showed the localization of ERa to be in the Sertoli and Leydig cell cytoplasm, while ERa was absent in germ cells. The results of testicular tissue analysis confirmed its normal structure and normal, full spermatogenesis. The presence of ERa in Sertoli and Leydig cells in normal human testis demonstrated in this study suggests that estrogens may affect testicular function.

Prophylactic role of β-carotene against acrylonitrile-induced testicular toxicity in rats: Physiological and microscopical studies

Acrylonitrile (ACN) is an aliphatic nitrile product which is extensively used in various synthetic chemical industries. ACN is known to exert toxic actions to human beings as well as experimental animals. The present study was designed to examine the ability of β-carotene, a naturally occurring antioxidant, to attenuate ACN-induced testicular toxicity in adult albino rats. Daily oral administration of ACN at a dose level of 30mg/kg b.w. (7.2mg/animal) to male rats for a period of 5 days significantly reduced the levels of serum testosterone (T), androsterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which indicate injury to the testis function. Also, it decreased serum and testicular glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. While, ACN induced lipid peroxidation as indicated by markedly increased malondialdehyde (MDA). ACN intoxication also induced marked alterations in most of the seminiferous tubules including germ cell depletion, tubular atrophy, maturation arrest, complete necrosis as well as multinucleated giant cell formation. Expansion of intertubular spaces and interstitial haemorrhage were also illustrated. Ultrastructural examination of the seminiferous tubules revealed thickened boundary tissue, pyknosis of Sertoli cell nuclei, damaged mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum-derived vacuoles. Spermatogenic cells also demonstrated altered cytoplasmic organelles, vacuoles of varying sizes and deformed spermatids. Mitochondrial disruption and a decrease in the amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum were observed in Leydig cells. Compared to ACN-treated animals, pretreatment with β-carotene and its co-administration with ACN once daily at a dose of 40mg/kg b.w. (9.6mg/animal) for 30 days induced a remarkable degree of improvement in the levels of endocrine parameters including T, androsterone, FSH and LH. Also, it mitigates serum and testicular GSH content, GST activity and MDA level. Moreover, it protects testicular tissues and cell structures.In conclusion, the present results clearly demonstrate the prophylactic role of β-carotene against ACN-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Effect of leave extract of Ocimum basilicum on deltamethrin induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats

Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used extensively in pest control. On the other hand it showed different toxicity in mammalian animals. Basil or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant which showed many pharmacological effects. The present work studied the potential protective effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on deltamethrin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Treating animals with deltamethrin induced several histopathological alterations in the kidney. The renal tubules lost their characteristic appearance and their lining epithelial cells were degenerated. The glomeruli were atrophied and the renal blood vessels were dilated and congested. The intertubular spaces were infiltrated by inflammatory leucocytic cells. Marked elevation in serum creatinine and urea was recorded. Moreover, deltamethrin increased significantly the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in renal tissue. Treating animals with deltamethrin and aqueous extract of basil led to an improvement in histological and biochemical alterations induced by deltamethrin. The biochemical results showed that creatinine and urea appeared within normal level. Reduction in the level of MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) and increase in the activities of SOD and CAT was recorded. It was concluded from this study that basil aqueous extract has a beneficial impact on deltamethrininduced nephrotoxicity in albino rats by its antioxidant effect.

Histopathological effects of larval trematodes on the digestive gland of freshwater snail species, Vivipara bengalensis and Lymnaea acuminata

Comparative histopathological effects were observed on the digestive glands (hepatopancreas) of freshwater snail species, Vivipara bengalensis and Lymnaea acuminata infected with single (furcocercous cercariae) and double infection of digenean trematode larvae (gymnocephalous cercariae+metacercariae), respectively. Digestive glands of both the snail species revealed degenerative changes in their digestive gland tubules. The latter became irregular in shape, reduced in size with enlarged lumen and inter-tubular space besides rupturing of digestive tubules. These changes were correlated with the size and types of trematode larvae, single or double infection and degree of parasitemia. Autolytic necrosis of numerous tubules was found in digestive glands infected with double and very severe single infection. None of the tubules was found to be invaded by sporocyst, redia and cercaria. However, metacercariae were seen to invade digestive tubules of Lymnaea species.

Antifungal effects of Ficus sycomorus and Pergularia tomentosa aqueous extracts on some organs in Bufo regularis treated with Aspergillus niger

The antifungal efficacy of Ficus sycomorus and Pergularia tomentosa plant extracts on Bufo regularis experimentally infected with Aspergillus niger was studied. After an oral administration of the pathogen for 15 days, the blood, kidney and liver were examined. Treatment with A. niger produced a reduction in red blood count cells and hemoglobin content. Also, both livers and kidneys revealed marked destruction and degenerative changes. These changes included congestion of blood vessels, leukocytic infiltration, and cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes. As well as complete destruction of the cellular boundaries of the tubular epithelia, inflammatory leukocytes between the intertubular spaces, destruction and necrosis in renal tubule cells and the swollen glomeruli with wide glomerular spaces were seen. Pretreatment with F. sycomorus and P. tomentosa plant extracts 1 h prior the administration of A. niger for two weeks improved blood parameters and protected against hepatic and renal damage as observed from histological examination and reduced spore numbers in culture media on these organs.

Seasonal Histology of the Testes of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

In the present research, the histology of the testes of Nile tilapia were done on 56 males sexually mature Nile tilapia fish collected monthly from the River Nile at Giza over the period from September 2009 to August 2010. The testis of the Nile tilapia during the spring, summer and autumn seasons was surrounded by very thin tunica albuginea. The testicular capsule extended inside the testis to give connective tissue septa. The bulk of the testis was composed of seminiferous tubules. These tubules were surrounded by interstitium. The tubules filled with germinal cysts; contained germinal cells at different stages of development and surrounded by cytoplasmic processes of Sertoli cells. The spermatogenic cells were spermatogonia type A and type B, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa. The interstitium filled the intertubular spaces and was composed mainly of fine collagenous connective tissue which contained abundant Leydig (interstitial) cells and blood capillaries. The testis during winter appeared evacuated from the spermatozoa with no cystic arrangement of the germinal cells. The testis showed different degrees of vacuolation. The tubular lumen contained residual sperms. The vacuoles appeared in the Sertoli cells. Phagocytic cells were observed in close association of the basement membrane of Sertoli cells.

Morfofisiologia do tecido intertubular e das células de Leydig de jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) adulta

Estudou-se o espaço intertubular e descreveu-se seu arranjo em jaguatirica adulta (Leopardus pardalis). Para tal, colheram-se fragmentos dos testículos, de cinco jaguatiricas adultas, provenientes de cativeiro, obtidos por biópsia incisional. O compartimento intertubular correspondeu a 19,4% do parênquima, sendo 3,9% ocupado por células de Leydig. Estes se apresentaram uninucleados, com o núcleo arredondado e nucléolo único, e com grande quantidade de grânulos pigmentares no citoplasma. O compartimento intertubular apresentou padrão do tipo II, e o tecido conjuntivo foi o componente mais abundante do tecido intertubular. Observou-se pequeno percentual de células de Leydig na espécie estudada, e o número médio por grama de testículo, 33,39 x10(6), apresentou-se dentro da amplitude descrita para a maioria dos mamíferos.

Metiram‐induced nephrotoxicity in albino mice: Effect of licorice aqueous extract

The present study was designed to estimate the effect of aqueous extract of licorice on metiram toxicity in mice. Treating mice with metiram at a dose level of [1/2] LD(50) daily for 3 weeks induced many histological changes in the kidney cortex. The renal tubules lost their characteristic appearance and their lining epithelial cells were degenerated. The glomeruli were atrophied and the renal blood vessels were congested. The intertubular spaces infiltrated by inflammatory leukocytic cells. Metiram caused an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in nuclei of tubular epithelial cells. Metiram also caused marked elevation in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Treating animals with metiram and licorice aqueous extract led to an improvement, in both biochemical and histopathological alterations. These results proved that licorice had an ameliorative effect against kidney injury induced by metiram and this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant activity.

THE POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS (SELENIUM, VITAMIN E) IN REDUCING SMOKING EFFECTS ON TESTES OF ALBINO RATS الدور الوقائي المحتمل لمضادات األکسدة (السيلينيوم و فيتاميـن ھـ) في تقليل آثار التدخيـن على خصية الجرذان البيضاء

The main objective of the present work was to study the possible role of some antioxidant (Vitamin E and Selenium Se) in protecting the testicular tissue from degenerative changes evoked by exposure to cigarette smoking. The present work showed that exposure to cigarette smoking resulted in a significant decrease in body weight of animals where a significant increase of body weight was observed in animals supplemented with antioxidants while exposed to cigarette smoking. Animals given antioxidants alone did not show any differences in body weight compared to control groups. Histological changes of testicular tissue of the group exposed to the smoke showed thickening of testicular capsule, widening of intertubular spaces with a decrease in interstitial tissue elements, vascular congestion, odema and thickened basement membrane of seminiferous tubules. Some of the seminiferous tubules showed distorted germinal epithelial cell layers, vacuolation and abnormal spermatids with ring shaped arrangement of peripheral chromatin.Giant multinucleated cells were also observed in some tubules. In some specimens there was an increase in the amount of degenerated tubules. Concerning the histochemical changes, the basal lamina, spermtides, Sertoli cells and interstitial tissue gave a very strong reaction with Schiff’s reagent but spermatogonia given a weak reaction. The present results showed that giving Vit. and Se as antioxidant substances to cigarette smoking exposed animals, resulted in a decrease in the above histological and histochemical changes; the affected testicular tissues seemed to be more or less similar to controls. In conclusion, the present study showed that although using of certain antioxidants cannot completely prevent the drastic effects of cigarette smoking on living tissue, it prevented to some extent the degenerative changes observed in testicular tissues.

Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) extract ameliorates metalaxyl fungicide induced nephrotoxicity in albino mice

The present work studied the effect of metalaxyl on the structure and function of the kidney of albino mice. The work extends to study the possible role played by the aqueous extract of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in minimizing the toxicity of metalaxyl. Animals were divided into 4 groups. Group 1: given metalaxyl at a dose level of 1/10 LD50 for 4 weeks, Group 2: given metalaxyl and ginger, Group 3: given ginger and Group 4: controls. Kidney cortex of metalaxyl-treated mice showed many histopathological alterations. The renal tubules lost their characteristic appearance and their lining epithelial cells appeared with cytoplasmic vacuolation. The glomeruli were degenerated and the renal blood vessels were congested. The intertubular spaces were infiltrated by inflammatory leucocytic cells. Metalaxyl caused marked elevation in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. It also leads to significant increase in malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Treating animals with metalaxyl and ginger led to an improvement in the histological structure of the kidney together with significant decrease in urea and creatinine. Moreover, ginger reduced the level of serum malondialdhyde (lipid peroxidation marker) and increased the serum activity of antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT. The present results indicate that ginger has ameliorative effect against kidney damage induced by metalaxyl and this may be mediated by the antioxidant activity of ginger. Key words: Metalaxyl, nephrotoxicity, ginger, histopathology, antioxidant.

Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds on adriamycin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats

AbstractAdriamycin (ADR) is an anticancer drug used in treatment of a variety of neoplastic lesions. Its use is limited due to diverse toxicities including cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The present work was conducted to study the effect of fenugreek seed extract on nephrotoxicity induced by ADR in albino rats. Administrating animals with a single dose of ADR (10 mg/kg body weight) induced histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical alterations. Kidneys of ADR-treated rats showed many histopathological alterations. The renal tubules were degenerated and the glomeruli were atrophied. The intertubular spaces were infiltrated by inflammatory leucocytic cells. An increase in expression of alfa-SMA was recorded. ADR caused marked elevation in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Moreover, ADR administration to animals significantly increased the concentration of malondialdehyde and decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in kidney tissues. These changes were time-dependent. Treating animals with ADR and aqueous seed extract of fenugreek (0.4 g/kg) led to an improvement in the histological structure of the kidney together with a decrease in expression of α-SMA. Urea and creatinine were significantly decreased. Moreover, fenugreek treatment reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation marker) and increased the activity of antioxidant enzyme, SOD. In conclusion, the results of the present work indicated that fenugreek seeds had ameliorative effect on kidney damage induced by ADR and this may be mediated by its potent antioxidant effects

Effects of oral administration of Euphorbia prostrata extract on the reproductive system of male albino rats: a histometric and biochemical study

Methanolic extract of Euphorbia prostrata when administered orally at the dose level of 400 mg/kg body weight per day for 60 days to male rats did not cause any significant loss in their body weights, but the weights of their reproductive organs, i.e., testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate, decreased in a significant manner when compared to the controls. The production of round spermatids was reduced by 73.04% in E. prostrata-treated rats. The population of preleptotene spermatocytes and spermatogonia were reduced by 65.07% and 47.48% and secondary spermatocytes by 73.41%, respectively. The cross-sectional surface area of Sertoli cells, as well as the cell counts, was found to have been depleted significantly. Leydig cell nuclear area and the number of mature Leydig cells decreased by 57.47% and 54.42%, respectively. Sperm motility, as well as sperm density, reduced significantly. E. prostrata reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. The protein, glycogen, and cholesterol contents of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle, and protein in the epididymides significantly decreased. Histoarchitecture of the testes showed vacuolization at the primary spermatocyte stage. Highly reduced seminiferous tubular diameter and increased intertubular space were also observed when compared to the controls.

Anodic Growth of Large-Diameter Multipodal TiO2 Nanotubes

We report on the formation of a new class of nanostructures, namely, multipodal hollow titania nanotubes possessing two or more legs, achieved during the electrochemical anodization of titanium in diethylene glycol (DEG)-based electrolytes. The unique multipodal porous structure is expected to extend and enhance the applications of TiO(2) nanotube arrays. Multipodal nanotubes form by a process we term "nanotube combination", which only occurs in viscous electrolytes at high anodization potentials in the presence of a low concentration of fluoride-bearing species. The mechanism of formation of multipodal nanotubes is considered, and the tube length at which nanotube combination occurs is predicted theoretically using a simplified analytical model. The results suggest that capillary forces strong enough to bend the TiO(2) nanotubes by tens of degrees are generated during the imbibition of electrolyte into and out of the intertubular spaces between adjacent tapered nanotubes.

ChemInform Abstract: Metal Nanowires and Intercalated Metal Layers in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Bundles.

Nanowires of Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd (1.0-1.4 nm diam) have been produced in the capillaries of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The nanowire is single-crystalline in some cases. Dispersions of the nanowires in alcohol show longitudinal plasmon absorption bands at different wavelengths, suggesting the presence of a distribution of aspect ratios. A novel phenomenon involving the intercalation of metal layers $(\sim 0.5 nm$ thick) in the intertubular space of SWNT bundles has been observed. SWNTs decorated by metal nanoparticles are formed in some of the preparations.

Protective Effect of Guaraná (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) Pre-treatment on Cadmium-Induced Damages in Adult Wistar Testis

Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is an Amazonian plant. Its antioxidant potential was demonstrated to be due to the high polyphenol concentration. On the other hand, one of the mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced cellular damage is free radical mediated, resulting in increased oxidative processes. This study investigated P. cupana's potential to attenuate cadmium-induced damages in Wistar rat testis. Adult male Wistar rats were either pre-treated with 2mg/g body weight (BW) of powdered P. cupana seed during 56days and/or injected with cadmium chloride at a dose of 1.15mg/kg BW. After cadmium exposition (48h), testes samples were evaluated by histological and stereological analyses. Both groups exposed to cadmium presented evident morphological alterations relative to control animals. A few rodents showed massive cell death in the seminiferous epithelium and intertubular space, indicating that some animals are more sensitive to cadmium. Despite the alterations observed in both groups, pre-treatment with P. cupana was effective in attenuating morphological changes in Leydig cells, as well as reducing inflammatory response, relative to animals exclusively exposed to the metal. Animals treated only with P. cupana presented a significant increase in plasma testosterone levels and a significant increase in volumetric proportions of seminiferous tubules, which are indicative of spermatogenic stimulation.

Less advanced testicular dysgenesis is associated by a higher prevalence of germ cell neoplasia

There is a theory that the more evident clinical signs of testicular dysgenesis, the more frequent the neoplastic lesions are. The aim of this study was to relate the incidence of testicular germ cell neoplastic lesions (overt germ cell tumours--GCT or testicular carcinoma in situ) to the intensity of testicular organogenesis disturbances (dysgenesis). Biopsies were taken from 154 testes of the following patients: 23 patients with GCT in the contralateral gonad (CGCT), 41 patients with undescended testes operated in childhood (UDT), 90 with azoo-/oligozoospermia (A/O) diagnosed because of infertility. Assessment of seminiferous epithelium, number of Leydig cells, areal fraction of intertubular space (IS), morphometric analysis of seminiferous tubules diameter and thickness of tubular wall were performed. Monoclonal antibodies against placental like alkaline phosphatase and cytokeratin 18 were applied. Germ cell neoplastic lesions were detected in 7.1% of testes and were associated with disturbed spermatogenesis. Among testes with disturbed spermatogenesis they were found the most frequently in CGCT (22.2% vs. 11.1% in UDT and 3.8% in A/O), where spermatogenesis had the highest score (5.7 +/- 3.8 points vs. 4.2 +/- 2.7 in UDT and 4.6 +/- 2.9 in A/O). In CGCT, signs of testicular dysgenesis were less advanced: the highest tubular diameter was 164.4 +/- 32.3 microm vs. 163.5 +/- 28.6 in UDT and 161.4 +/- 31.5 in A/O, the lowest thickness of tubular wall was 8.9 +/- 3.2 microm vs. 10.2 +/- 3.6 in UDT and 10.2 +/- 3.2 in A/O, lowest IS was 36.9 +/- 14.9% vs. 47.9 +/- 18.0 in UDT and 46.5 +/- 18.5 in A/O, and the lowest percentage of tubules with immature Sertoli cells was 0.1 +/- 0.4% vs. 4.9 +/- 7.0 in UDT and 5.2 +/- 9.7 in A/O. Results indicate that neoplastic lesions appear only in testes with disturbed spermatogenesis. Worse condition of spermatogenesis is associated by the presence of other dysgenetic features, but neoplastic lesions appear more frequently in testes with the less advanced features of testicular dysgenesis.

341. STUDY OF APHRODISIAC DRUG ACID PHOS ON MALE ALBINO RAT

The male albino rat, Rattus norvegicus maintained in the laboratory by supplying regularly food and water. Acid phos is a well known aphrodisiac drug from homeopathy medical system. Doses of 200 gm of 30 number globules made from sugar of milk and moistened by 15 mL of acid phos (H3PO3) of 6 potency. Group-I, II and III experimental rats were carried out for 15, 30, and 15 day recovery period respectively. Appreciable behavioral changes and changes in the body weights were noticed. In 15, 30 and in 15 days of recovery period, the acid phosphatase, SGOT and albumin were significant (P < 0.05) while alkaline phosphatase, SGPT, cholesterol, glucose, total proteins and globulin was found non-significant but A:G ratio was increasedsignificantly in 30 days of treatment. The weight of liver, kidney, and testis has found linear increased relationship with the body weight but significant (P < 0.050) increased in the weight of seminal vesicle and body weight in the experimental rat. Various histo-architectural changes were observed in the tissues of liver, kidney, testis and seminal vesicle. Both liver and kidney showed degenerative changes after 15 and 30 days .Tetraploid stages of liver pernchymal cells were predominant in the experimental rats while in 15 days of recovery period, both attained the recovery. In 30 days, the diameter of seminiferous tubules is markedly reduced, with thin unfolded mucosa. In 15 days of administration of acid phos, the intertubular spaces between the seminiferous tubule were also reduced. The number of spermatids was increased in recovery period, the testis showed the recovery. In 15 days of administration, the secretion in the lumen of seminal vesicles increased related with the structure of the epithelium of seminal vesicles while in 15 days of recovery period, the seminal vesicles showed recovery of secretory activities with pseudostratified epithelium. All the results are discussed detailed in paper.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Observation of Nanoscopic Wetting of TiO[sub 2] Nanotubes and ODS Modified Nanotubes Using Ionic Liquids

In the present work, we study the wetting behavior of TiO 2 nanotube layers using droplets of ionic liquids. This allows us to examine the wetting characteristics under the vacuum conditions of a scanning electron microscope and, therefore, with a very high local resolution. From the results, it is evident that as-formed nanotubes are superhydrophilic; however, strange preferential wetting takes place in the intertubular space. Furthermore, results with octadecyl silane (ODS)-coated tubes show the expected superhydrophobic behavior but also show that an E-beam-induced chain scission mechanism can be initiated similar to classical pseudo-photocatalytic effects.