Suspension Method Research Articles

Establishment of Epithelial Cell Culture from Ovarian Cancer Tissues: A Method Comparison Study.

This study aimed to determine the most effective method in establishing primary cell culture from epithelial serous ovarian cancer tissues with the highest yield of cells and percentage of epithelial cells. Primary and metastasis tissues from three serous ovarian cancer patients were processed using 18 different combinations of methods based on different factors: the source of tissue (primary site or metastasis site), the cell suspension method (explant method, enzymatic methods, or the addition of Percoll), and the alternatives of three different media. We compared the total count of cells, the percentage of epithelial cells, and the estimated number of epithelial cells per observation field. The calculation of cells from primary tissues were compared to metastasis tissues, and the difference was statistically analyzed using Mann Whitney-U test on SPSS software. The groups that were processed using dispase and trypsin resulted higher number of cells and higher percentage of epithelial cells when compared to the explant method. Among all media, we found that DMEM:F12 and McCoy's 5A media as equally useful in isolating and culturing epithelial cells. Statistically, the metastasis tissue derived more epithelial cells when compared to the primary tissue (102.32±82.65 vs 22.6±23.81, p=0.001). The use of metastasis tissue processed with trypsin or dispase and cultured in DMEM:F12 or McCoy's 5A media was found to be the most efficient way to produce the highest amount of cells with high percentage of epithelial cells.

Bos indicus Carcasses Suspended by the Pelvic Bone Require a Shorter Aging Time to Meet Consumer Expectations Regarding Meat Quality.

This study evaluated the effects of hanging the carcass by the Achilles tendon (AS) versus pelvic suspension (PS) on meat quality traits. Bos indicus carcasses of two distinct biological types/sex categories comprised 10 young Brangus heifers and 10 Nellore bulls which were finished in a feedlot. Half-carcasses of each biological type/sex category were randomly hung using Achilles suspension (n = 20, AS) or pelvic suspension (n = 20, PS) for 48 h. At boning, longissimus samples were collected for evaluation by untrained consumers for tenderness, liking of flavor, juiciness and overall acceptability, after aging for 5 or 15 days. Objective samples were also tested for shear force (SF), Minolta meat colour, ultimate pH, cooking loss (CL) and purge loss (PL). There was a positive effect (p < 0.01) of PS on the sensory tenderness of Nellore bulls and Brangus heifers aged for 5 days compared to the AS method. At 15 days of aging, difference in sensory tenderness was observed (p < 0.05) in either group. Additionally, an interaction occurred between the suspension method and the aging of Nellore beef (p < 0.05) on liking of flavor, juiciness and overall acceptance, while the same effects were not observed for Brangus beef (p > 0.05). Nellore carcasses submitted to PS tended (p = 0.06) to produce more tender meat than those submitted to AS (SF = 44.62 ± 6.96 vs. 50.41 ± 8.04 N), and lower CL (p < 0.05) were found (27.7 vs. 30.9%). Carcass-suspension methods did not influence meat color, pH or PL in either group (p > 0.05). The PS contributes to improve the quality of Bos indicus bulls loins; in addition, this method allows a reduction in the aging time from 15 to 5 days, and it can be used to supply meat consumer markets which accept a certain level of eating quality.

Response of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant System in Pea Plants Exposed to Drought and Boron Nanoparticles.

Pea plants are sensitive to water shortages, making them less attractive to farmers. Hoping to reduce the adverse effects of drought on peas and considering the benefits of boron, this study aimed to investigate the impact of boron nanoparticles on the antioxidant system and oxidative stress biomarkers in drought-stressed peas. Experiments were performed in a greenhouse. Pea plants were treated with a suspension of B2O3 nanoparticles at 12.5, 25, and 50 ppm concentrations before ten days of water shortage. Drought effects were induced by maintaining 30% substrate moisture. This study investigated the properties of the nanoparticle suspension and different application methods for spraying and watering pea plants. The effects of B2O3 nanoparticles and drought were determined on pea growth indicators, oxidative stress biomarkers, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Spraying with B2O3 nanoparticles at 12.5 ppm most effectively stimulated phenol accumulation; FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant capacity; and APX, SOD, GPX, and CAT enzyme activity in pea leaves exposed to drought. In addition, B2O3 nanoparticles reduced the amount of MDA and H2O2 in pea plants grown on a substrate with insufficient moisture. The most substantial positive effect was found on peas affected by drought after spraying them with 12.5 ppm of B2O3 nanoparticles. B2O3 nanoparticles positively affected the pea height, leaf area, number of nodules, and yield.

Retrospective analysis of apical prolapse correction by unilateral pectineal suspension: perioperative and short-term results

Introduction and hypothesisWe have previously published the novel method of unilateral pectineal suspension (UPS) for apical prolapse correction. UPS provides mesh-free midline uterus suspension using a single non-absorbable suture to attach the anterior cervix to the lateral part of the iliopectineal ligament. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the short-term efficacy, perioperative complication rate, and overall patient acceptance of the new UPS surgical concept.MethodsForty-seven patients with POP-Q stage 2–4 who underwent robotic UPS between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 were included in the study. Patient data were taken retrospectively from the patient files. Treatment success was the primary endpoint, measured both objectively using a defined composite endpoint and subjectively according to patients’ acceptance 3–6 months after surgery during a follow-up examination. Secondary outcome measures included complications and conversions, and effect of additional procedures on operative time.ResultsTreatment success as measured by the defined composite endpoint was 93.6% for the entire cohort. No complications or conversions occurred. Mean operation time for isolated UPS was 46.5 min (n = 33 patients). UPS can be easily combined with additional surgical procedures for repair of remaining pelvic floor defects, incontinence surgery or other indications. Additional procedures performed had a significant influence on operation time (p < 0.0005, n = 14).ConclusionsUPS shows highly favorable results when looking at an unselected cohort of patients in need of primary POP surgery with respect to established quality parameters of POP repair.

The Impact of Pancasila and Citizenship Education (PPKn) on the Character Education of Students at SMK PGRI 1 Cimahi

Purpose:This research is motivated by the low level of character education among students who recognize the importance of character education; therefore, the subject of Pancasila and Civics Education (PPKn), which is one of the subjects that includes lessons in understanding, living, and practicing values in life, is used as a reference for cultivating the values of character education in students, particularly in their love for their country. This study aimed to determine the impact of Pancasila and Citizenship Education (PPKn) on character education at SMK PGRI 1 Cimahi. Citizen knowledge, civic character, civic abilities, and patriotism character are examined by the researcher. The research method employed is a quantitative research method, and random sampling is the sampling technique. His investigation yielded a mean result of 51.7123, while the mean character education score for students was 41.9726. This study concludes that Pancasila and civic education (PPKn) have an impact on the character education of students at SMK PGRI 1 Cimahi.Methodology:This study employs a questionnaire methodology, wherein a set of questions is formulated and distributed to participants with the aim of eliciting their responses to these inquiries.Findings:The collection of variable measurements was conducted with a Likert scale through the suspension method. The participants in this study consisted of students enrolled in the eleventh grade at SMK PGRI 1 Cimahi.Implication:The sampling method is conducted using probability sampling, specifically employing a probability sample design. This approach ensures that sampling is grounded in the principle that all units within the population have an equal chance of being selected

Assessing validity of the reaction board method with suspension method to determine center of gravity

The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of the indigenously developed reaction board method in relation to the already established suspension method to evaluate its accuracy for determining the centre of gravity in the longitudinal axis. The sample comprised of 264 wooden logs of different weights and lengths. The sample was classified in six groups; three on the basis of weight i.e. light weight (N1=52), middle weight (N2=159), heavy weight (N3=53); and three on the basis of length i.e. short length (N4=35), medium length (N5=34), tall length (N6=195); based on the percentiles for weight and lengths computed independently. The variables for the study included weight, length, RBMCGB (CG measured from bottom while using reaction board method), RBMCGT (CG measured from top while using reaction board method), SMCGB (CG measured from bottom while using suspension method), and SMCGT (CG measured from top while using suspension method). The data was collected while following standard protocols. Mean, standard deviation, percentile and product-moment coefficient of correlation were used to analyze the data. The study concluded that the indigenously developed reaction board method is a valid tool for determining the centre of gravity.

MOLECULAR BINDING OF 2-PHENYLETHYLAMINE BY β-CYCLODEXTRIN

The paper considers the results of an experimental study of the synthesis of 2-phenylethylamine, a biogenic amine, which is the initial link in natural neurotransmitters and is used in pharmacological practice as an antidepressant and a remedy for the treatment of neurological disorders. The target amine was synthesized by reduction of phenylacetonitrile with lithium borohydride and decarboxylation of the sodium salt of phenylalanine. The reduction reaction proceeds in aqueous ethanol at room temperature, which increases the yield of the product. At the same time, the resulting product quickly passes in air into an insoluble carbonate. Decarboxylation occurs when the sodium salt of phenylalanine is fused with an alkali, which leads to the partial formation of a condensation product, 3,6-dibenzylpiperazine-2,5-dione, at a high temperature. It is shown that both methods lead to the synthesis of the product with yields of about 45%. The inclusion complex of phenylethylamine with β-cyclodextrin, acting as an encapsulator - a container for molecular binding, was obtained by the suspension method. Binding occurs in an aqueous suspension, followed by washing the amine with acetone. The structure of the obtained compounds was proved by the method of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on 1H nuclei, as well as by thin-layer chromatography. Comparison of the integral intensities of the signals of the protons of the cyclodextrin framework and protons of the amino group of phenylethylamine showed that the process is accompanied by a transition to the bound form of 65% amine at a ratio of cyclodextrin : amine 3:2. It can be expected that such binding can be used in pharmacological practice to increase the stability of the amine, its targeted transport in the body and prevent premature processes of its destruction under the action of the monoamine oxygenase enzyme.

A Review of Electromagnetic Energy Regenerative Suspension System &amp; Key Technologies

The active suspension has undoubtedly improved the performance of the vehicle, however, the trend of “lowcarbonization, intelligence, and informationization” in the automotive industry has put forward higher and more urgent requirements for the suspension system. The automotive industry and researchers favor active energy regeneration suspension technology with safety, comfort, and high energy regenerative efficiency. In this paper, we review the research progress of the structure form, optimization method, and control strategy of electromagnetic energy regenerative suspension. Specifically, comparing the pros and cons of the existing technology in solving the contradiction between dynamic performance and energy regeneration. In addition, the development trend of electromagnetic energy regenerative suspension in the field of structure form, optimization method, and control technology prospects.

METHOD OF OBTAINING WATER-COAL SUSPENSION AND HEAT AND MASS EXCHANGE EQUIPMENT FOR ITS APPLICATION

The analysis of methods and equipment for obtaining water-coal suspensions was carried out. The purpose of the research is to improve the quality of the resulting suspension due to more effective grinding and increasing the amount of its solid component. Heat and mass exchange equipment has been developed, with the help of which it is possible to achieve an increase in the efficiency of hydraulic impact due to an increase in the frequency of pulsations when obtaining water-coal suspensions. The use of water-coal suspensions as an energy fuel makes it possible to improve the technical, economic and environmental performance of power plants. Thus, during the conversion of the boiler to water-coal fuel, it was possible to increase the thermal power of the boiler from 13,2 to 21,1 MW when replacing 70 % of coal with water-coal fuel. Currently, there are different methods and equipment for the preparation of water-coal suspension. However, they all have certain drawbacks. The main disadvantages of the method of obtaining water-coal suspensions are multi-stage, metal consumption, difficulty of installation and start-up, high energy costs, and the resulting suspension is of insufficiently high quality. Also, the disadvantages are the limited frequency of hydraulic shock pulses during processing in one cycle, which is insufficient for the preparation of highly concentrated suspensions that meet the requirements for liquid composite fuel intended for direct combustion. In order to improve the quality of the resulting suspension due to more effective grinding and increasing the amount of its solid component, heat and mass exchange equipment was developed, with the help of which it is possible to achieve an increase in the efficiency of the hydraulic impact action due to an increase in the frequency of pulsations during the production of water-coal suspensions. As heat and mass exchange equipment, rotary pulsation devices (RPD) operating according to the method of discrete-pulse energy input (DPEI) were used. The DPEI method involves the creation of a large number of working bodies or working elements evenly distributed in the water, which transform stationary thermal, mechanical or other types of energy into energetically powerful pulses, discrete in time and space.

Consumer assessment, in Ireland and the United Kingdom, of the impact of the method of suspension of carcasses from dairy-origin bulls and steers, on the sensory characteristics of the longissimus muscle

The objective was to compare the assessment of beef produced in Ireland from a 19-month bull or a 24-month steer dairy beef production system by consumers in Ireland (Cork) and the United Kingdom (Belfast and Reading). Carcass sides were suspended by the Achilles tendon or by the pelvic bone and 21-d aged longissimus muscle assessed using Meat Standards Australia protocols. Carcass weight and classification were similar for bulls and steers. Consumers in Belfast and Cork rated aroma liking, tenderness, juiciness, overall liking and the composite meat quality score (MQ4) similarly, but lower (P &lt; 0.05) than consumers in Reading. Consumers in Belfast and Cork rated flavour liking similarly as did consumers in Cork and Reading, but consumers in Reading rated flavour liking higher (P &lt; 0.05) than consumers in Belfast. Muscle from steers had higher scores for aroma liking, flavour liking, overall liking and MQ4 scores than bulls (P &lt; 0.05). On average, pelvic suspension increased (P &lt; 0.05) the scores for aroma liking and flavour liking compared with conventional suspension but increased (P &lt; 0.05) tenderness, juiciness, overall liking and MQ4 scores only in bulls. Consumers in Reading rated striploin from the traditional Achilles tendon-suspended steers similarly to striploin from pelvic-suspended bulls (MQ4 score of 71.8 and 68.2, respectively). Beef from the latter system could replace the traditional steer beef in this market, thereby benefiting the beef producer and the environment.

Pilot Test of a Definitive Prosthetic Socket Made with 3D Printing Technology

ABSTRACT Introduction Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) as a fabrication method is ideally suited to merging the organic shapes of human anatomy with engineered components. Many early adopters are exploring the application of these technologies for the fabrication of 3D-printed sockets, but questions remain regarding the ability to fabricate strong, well-fitting definitive sockets. The goal of the present study was to examine the real-world effect of using 3D-printed sockets with regards to mobility, comfort, balance confidence, and user acceptance. Materials and Methods Nine veterans with transtibial amputations participated in the study, three each using pin, sealing sleeve, or seal-in liner for suspension. Participants had their conventional definitive socket duplicated using 3D printing. When the 3D-printed socket was ready, using their conventional socket, participants performed a 2-minute walk test, followed by socket comfort score and rating of perceived exertion (10-point scale), Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence, select subscales of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire, and the Amputee Body Image Scale–Revised. After completing the baseline data, participants were fitted with the 3D-printed socket and, after using it for 2 weeks, we repeated the data collection. Results Three participants were not able to complete the study. No large differences were observed for any of the measures. Participants were generally satisfied with the fit of the 3D-printed sockets, but there were challenges with getting the 3D-printed sockets to support elevated vacuum with the sealing sleeve and seal-in liner suspension methods. Conclusions No differences in performance or user acceptance were identified for pin suspension, but the 3D-printed sockets were not able to reliably support suction or elevated vacuum; further development will be needed before they are ready for clinical application. Clinical Relevance The present study has demonstrated the ability to achieve satisfactory fit and outcomes using 3D printing to fabricate definitive prosthetic sockets, but the printing method was unable to deliver consistent air-tight sealing for suction or elevated vacuum suspension. Other 3D printing methods and some secondary processing steps may be able to correct this deficiency.

Lignin immobilized cyclodextrin composite microspheres with multifunctionalized surface chemistry for non-competitive adsorption of co-existing endocrine disruptors in water

The coexistence of multiple endocrine disruptors (EDs) poses new challenges to conventional water treatment technologies. β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD), because of its water-soluble nature, is limited in application as an adsorbent material. In this work, lignin immobilized β-CD composite microspheres (CD-PLMs) were newly fabricated by a reverse-phase suspension method. SEM, FTIR, and XPS analysis showed that CD-PLMs had a good spherical profile and multifunctionalized surface chemistry (O/N-containing functional groups, hydrophobic benzene rings, and internal cavities). Two representative EDs (2,4-D, BPA) were selected as model pollutants to investigate the adsorption performance of CD-PLMs. CD-PLMs showed fast adsorption kinetics for the removal of 2,4-D and BPA, and the adsorption capacity according to the Langmuir model was 497.6 mg/g and 499.2 mg/g, respectively, which is much higher than previously reported activated carbon, graphene oxide, and MOF. Combining the zeta potential, kinetics, thermodynamics, FTIR, and XPS results, the adsorption mechanism was proposed. Due to the multifunctional properties of CD-PLMs, different active sites are available for different pollutants, CD-PLMs exhibited non-competitive adsorption for 2,4-D and BPA in binary systems. Moreover, the CD-PLMs had good reusability during multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. This study provides green materials for the treatment of complex water pollution and new ways to valorize biomass. • Lignin immobilized β-Cyclodextrin composite microspheres were newly developed • The composite microspheres have multifunctionalized surface chemistry • It exhibited non-competitive adsorption for different endocrine disruptors in water • It had good reusability during multiple adsorption-desorption cycles

Dynamic details inside water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion droplet and its impact on droplet evaporation and micro-explosion

Emulsion fuel technology has been widely accepted as a potential alternative fuel to improve engine fuel efficiency and meanwhile reduce pollutant emissions without additional modification of the engine. Micro-explosion happened in fuel spray has been considered as the most important reason to improve fuel combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. However, a few studies focused on the detailed micro-dynamic processes inside the emulsion droplet before micro-explosion as the emulsion droplet is heated. Understanding these micro-dynamic processes is significantly vital for the explanation of micro-explosion. Therefore, in this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate these micro-dynamic processes inside water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion droplet under high temperature environment using droplet suspension method. During the experiment, a thermocouple was applied to suspend the droplet and meanwhile measure droplet temperature, two high-speed cameras were applied to acquire the micro-dynamic processes inside emulsion droplet and micro-explosion respectively. Based on the collected data including droplet image and droplet temperature, the effect of micro-dynamic processes inside W/O emulsion droplet on droplet evaporation and micro-explosion is analyzed. It is found that the dispersed water particles in emulsion droplet can gradually coalesce into large water particles during the heating process in some cases, and these processes have a great effect on droplet evaporation and micro-explosion: As water coalescence happens in emulsion droplet, the evaporation of water is restrained. As the droplet temperature reaches to the superheating limit, flash boiling of coalesced water can instantly release tremendous energy to induce catastrophic micro-explosion. Without coalescence of dispersed water particles in emulsion droplet, just weak puffing intermittently occurs during the heating process. This result indicates that the precondition of catastrophic micro-explosion for emulsion droplet is water coalescence before droplet temperature reaches the superheating limit. In addition, the mechanism of water coalescence is also investigated in this study from the view of oil–water interfacial tension. It is found that the water coalescence in emulsion droplet is induced by the fast rise of oil–water interfacial tension as droplet temperature exceeds critical temperature of emulsion stability, but increasing the surfactant concentration in emulsion fuel can retard the water coalescence in emulsion droplet.

OPTIMIZATION OF ACYCLOVIR SUSPENSION: FORMULATING DEVELOPMENT USING NA-CMC AND QUALITY CONTROL OF FINISHED PRODUCTS

Objective: Acyclovir is widely used as a potent antiviral drug to treat viral infections of herpes and varicella-zoster families. Unfortunately, the drug has a very poor oral bioavailability character (15-30%). The purpose of this study was to develop a formulation of acyclovir suspension with a simple suspension method using Na-CMC (carboxymethylcellulose sodium), and to carry out quality control of the finished product.&#x0D; Methods: The formulation was developed by designing variations in Na-CMC concentration and quality control, including pH, viscosity, dispersibility, storage stability, microscopic measurement, sedimentation volume, and evaluation of acyclovir levels. Quality control is to evaluate the suspension in order to obtain good and stable physicochemical properties of the suspension.&#x0D; Results: Design variations of Na-CMC concentrations of 1.4%, 1.5%, and 1.6% resulted in a homogeneous suspension and easily dispersed perfectly. The three formulas did not have a significant difference in the value of viscosity, permeability, and sedimentation volume, which were not significant. All formulas have pseudoplastic flow properties, with good particle size uniformity in the range of 0–13 µm. The stability of pH during storage time was shown by the formula with 1.5% Na-CMC.&#x0D; Conclusion: The acyclovir suspension with 1.5% Na-CMC concentration was the best compared to the other formulas in terms of stability and physicochemical properties.

Evaluation of Antidepressant activity of Tricholepis glaberrima DC using various Paradigms

In the present experiment, Tricholepis glaberrima DC has been taken to study its antidepressant activity. The study was carried out in two different doses of the test drug. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each, respectively. Mice in Group I (control) and II (standard) were administered distilled water, per oral and Imipramine 10mg/kg, per oral once respectively. Group III and IV were treated with the test drug METG in the dose of 100mg/kg and 300mg/kg, respectively. Findings of the test groups were compared with that of standard as well as plain control groups. In despair swim test and Tail suspension method, METG (100mg/kg and 300mg/kg per oral) depicted significant (*p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01) results, in a dose dependent manner, when compared to vehicle treated group, indicating significant antidepressant activity. The results obtained in the present study for antioxidant activity indicate that the plants of Tricholepis glaberrima DC are a significant source of natural antioxidants. This test reveals the antidepressant activity of Tricholepis glaberrima DC Via serotonergic, adrenergic mechanism in a dose dependent pattern.

Selection of phage display peptides against Pasteurella multocida using suspension method of biopanning

multocida contain various surface-associated antigens that could be used as a target for both therapeutics as well as diagnostics. The current study was planned to select ligands using Ph.D.-12 phage display library. This library was amplified and subjected to the alternate selection/subtraction methodology of biopanning using the suspension method in which alternate rounds of positive selection against P. multocida and negative selection against Haemophilus influenzae and Actinobacillus lignieresii were performed. After completing biopanning, out of 48 selected phages, 16 clonal phages were selected for indirect phage ELISA to check their binding efficiency with P. multocida. Out of these 16, five clonal phages bound their target with high intensity giving higher OD values at 450 nm and their binding efficiency was compared with closely related Actinobacillus lignieresii and Hemophilus influenzae using 107 pfu/ml at 450 nm wavelength which was found to be less against these bacteria.

Application of Single-Handed Trans-Umbilical Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery Using the Suspension Line Method for Salpingectomy in Ectopic Pregnancy

Background: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-handed trans-umbilical single-site laparo-endoscopic surgery using the suspension-line method for salpingectomy in ectopic pregnancy. Methods: This study reviewed 54 patients with ectopic pregnancy who underwent salpingectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from June 2018 to June 2019. The control group (n = 29) was treated with routine two-handed trans-umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TU-LESS), while the study group (n = 25) was treated with single-handed TU-LESS using the suspension line method. Results: There were no significant differences in clinical indicators such as operation time, postoperative recovery ventilation time, recovery time of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) to normal level, and postoperative complications (p &gt; 0.05) between two groups, whereas the patients in the study group suffered less pain and were more satisfied with the incision (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Single-handed LESS using the suspension method can be safely and effectively applied to salpingectomy, with less trauma, more beautiful incision, and more comfortable operation.

Directly loading graphene oxide into melamine sponge for fast and high-efficiency adsorption of methylene blue

Graphene oxide (GO) is considered as a promising adsorbent for removal of dye pollutants. Herein, to improve the adsorption ability, GO was directly loaded and immobilized in a commercial melamine sponge with a three-dimensional skeleton. Based on the porous, hydrophilic and elastic characteristics of the sponge, GO sheets were sucked into the pores and dispersed throughout the sponge by a facile squeezing-sucking method in GO aqueous suspension. The sucked GO sheets are stably bound to the skeleton by non-covalent bonds, forming a three-dimensional structure and exposing as many functional groups as possible. Such adsorbent showed high competitiveness in adsorption rate and adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB). The adsorption efficiency for a MB solution could reach ∼95% in 30 s. By optimizing the loading amount of GO and pH of MB solution, the adsorption reached equilibrium within 90 min and the adsorption capacity could reach 260.9 mg·g−1. The adsorption behavior follows a Pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The main adsorption mechanism is a monolayer adsorption process based on electrostatic interactions. The facile loading method and the high adsorption efficiency of the adsorbent will promote the application of GO in low-cost, fast, and highly efficient treatment of dye pollutants.

Fluorophore-tagged poly(ʟ-Lysine) block copolymer nano-assemblies for real-time visualization and antimicrobial activity

Development of self-reporting polymers having dual-action of membrane disruption for antimicrobial activity and simultaneous visualization and quantification by microscopic imaging techniques are urgently required for early detection and therapeutics. Here, we report a new series of self-reporting coumarin fluorophore-tagged polypeptides based on PEG-block-poly(ʟ-lysine) copolymers via ring opening polymerization (ROP) strategy. For this purpose, NHC catalyzed controlled ROP was optimised for ε-Cbz-ʟ-lysine NCA monomer to make desired chain length polypeptides. The resultant cationic polymer was self-assembled into 100 ± 15 nm nanoparticles (NP) having Zeta potentials of +25 to +44 mV associated with strong blue-emission in aqueous medium. The antimicrobial action of these polymers was tested in E. coli by colony suspension method and their MIC90 values were obtained to be 1 × 10−4 to 3 × 10−4 g/mL. Real-time confocal microscopic imaging enabled the direct visualization of the fluorescent peptide NP action on the E. coli membrane, and propidium iodide co-staining assay further established the membrane pore formation mechanism for their antimicrobial activity. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines revealed that the fluorescent polypeptide NP were readily internalized at the cellular level, and they were also found to be nontoxic to cells up to 80 μg/mL and showed minimal haemolysis to RBCs at their MIC concentration which further established their high biocompatibility as suitable biomaterials.

Frame-invariant sub-grid corrections to the Fictitious Domain Method for the simulation of particulate suspensions in nonlinear flows using OpenFOAM

A particle-scale simulation method for non-Brownian suspensions at low Reynolds numbers is presented, which is well suited to nonlinear flows. It is based on a Fictitious Domain Method supplemented by sub-grid corrections (Gallier et al., 2014 [16]). In the original method, the standard sub-grid corrections involve the underlying suspension linear flow. The conditions required to remove this ambient flow from the sub-grid corrections, while keeping frame indifference, are determined. A sub-grid correction matrix is built for the particle-particle and particle-wall hydrodynamic interactions, such that the mentioned conditions inherently hold. The method is validated against various flows that involve a few particles or a concentrated suspension in linear and nonlinear flows, with various boundary conditions.