Multifunctional Tool Research Articles

Multifunctional antibiotic- and zinc-containing mesoporous bioactive glass scaffolds to fight bone infection

Bone regeneration is a clinical challenge which requires multiple approaches. Sometimes, it also includes the development of osteogenic and antibacterial biomaterials to treat the emergence of possible infection processes arising from surgery. This study evaluates the antibacterial properties of gelatin-coated meso-macroporous scaffolds based on the bioactive glass 80%SiO2–15%CaO–5%P2O5 (mol-%) before (BL-GE) and after being doped with 4% of ZnO (4ZN-GE) and loaded with both saturated and the minimal inhibitory concentrations of one of the antibiotics: levofloxacin (LEVO), vancomycin (VANCO), rifampicin (RIFAM) or gentamicin (GENTA). After physical-chemical characterization of materials, release studies of inorganic ions and antibiotics from the scaffolds were carried out. Moreover, molecular modelling allowed determining the electrostatic potential density maps and the hydrogen bonds of antibiotics and the glass matrix. Antibacterial in vitro studies (in planktonic, inhibition halos and biofilm destruction) with S. aureus and E. coli as bacteria models showed a synergistic effect of zinc ions and antibiotics. The effect was especially noticeable in planktonic cultures of S. aureus with 4ZN-GE scaffolds loaded with VANCO, LEVO or RIFAM and in E. coli cultures with LEVO or GENTA. Moreover, S. aureus biofilms were completely destroyed by 4ZN-GE scaffolds loaded with VANCO, LEVO or RIFAM and the E. coli biofilm total destruction was accomplished with 4ZN-GE scaffolds loaded with GENTA or LEVO. This approach could be an important step in the fight against microbial resistance and provide needed options for bone infection treatment. Statement of SignificanceAntibacterial capabilities of scaffolds based on mesoporous bioactive glasses before and after adding a 4% ZnO and loading with saturated and minimal inhibitory concentrations of levofloxacin, vancomycin, gentamicin or rifampicin were evaluated. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the infection model strains for the performed assays of inhibition zone, planktonic growth and biofilm. Good inhibition results and a synergistic effect of zinc ions released from scaffolds and antibiotics were observed. Thus, the amount of antibiotic required to inhibit the bacterial planktonic growth was substantially reduced with the ZnO inclusion in the scaffold. This study shows that the ZnO-MBG osteogenic scaffolds are multifunctional tools in bone tissue engineering because they are able to fight bacterial infections with lower antibiotic dosage.

Programmable Nanodisc Patterning by DNA Origami.

Nanodiscs (ND) are soluble phospholipid bilayers bounded by membrane scaffold proteins; they have become invaluable in the study of membrane proteins. However, this multifunctional tool has been used individually, and applications involving multiple NDs and their interactions have fallen far behind their counterpart membrane model system: liposomes. One major obstacle is the lack of reliable methods to manage the spatial arrangement of NDs. Here we sought to extend the utility of NDs by organizing them on DNA origami. NDs constructed with DNA-anchor amphiphiles were placed precisely and specifically into these DNA nanostructures via hybridization. Four different tethering strategies were explored and validated. A variety of geometric patterns of NDs were successfully programmed on origami, as evidenced by electron microscopy. The ND ensembles generated in this study provide new and powerful platforms to study protein-lipid or protein-protein interactions with spatial control of membranes.

Functionalization of Magnetic Nanowires for Active Targeting and Enhanced Cell-Killing Efficacy.

Conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often insufficient in eliminating cancer and are accompanied by severe side effects, due to a lack in the specificity of their targeting. Magnetic iron nanowires have made a great contribution to the nanomedicine field because of their low toxicity and ease of manipulation with the magnetic field. Recently, they have been used in magnetic resonance imaging and wireless magnetomechanical and photothermal treatments. The addition of active targeting moieties to these nanowires thus creates a multifunctional tool that can boost therapeutic efficacies through the combination of different treatments toward a specific target. Colon cancer is the third most commonly occurring cancer, and 90 ± 2.5% of colon cancer cells express the glycoprotein CD44. Iron nanowires with an iron oxide surface are biocompatible, multifunctional materials that can be controlled by magnetic fields and heated by laser irradiation. Here, they were functionalized with anti-CD44 antibodies and used in a combination therapy that included magnetomechanical and photothermal treatments on colon cancer cells. The functionalization resulted in a 3-fold increase of nanowire internalization in colon cancer cells compared to control cells and did not affect the antigenicity and magnetic properties. It also increased the efficacy of killing from 35 ± 1% to more than 71 ± 2%, showing that the combination therapy was more effective than individual therapies alone.

Laser-scribed graphene (LSG) as new electrode material for impedance-based cellular assays

Impedance-based monitoring of cell-based assays has evolved to a multi-functional tool in fundamental and applied biomedical research. The majority of studies rely on gold-films as the electrode material which serves as growth surface and electrode at a time. Besides all its favorable properties like inertness, biocompatibility and superior electrochemical characteristics, gold-film electrodes in contact to cell culture medium show a capacitance of the electrode/electrolyte interface that may become limiting for the sensitivity of the readout. This study describes the use of laser-scribed graphene (LSG) as an alternative electrode material in impedance-based cell monitoring. LSG electrodes are prepared from commercial polyimide foils by simple CO2-laser-induced carbonization. The resulting electrodes show a 25times larger interface capacitance than standard gold-film electrodes due to their foam-like surface topography. Furthermore, LSG-electrodes are (i) highly compatible with cell attachment, (ii) easy to prepare in customized geometries from μm to cm with tunable surface topography and (iii) accessible by roll-to-roll production lines. We conclude from time- and frequency dependent impedance measurements of cell-covered LSG electrodes in direct comparison to the reference material gold that LSG provides an enormous potential to improve the sensitivity of impedance-based monitoring and electric-field mediated manipulation of adherent cells.

Aggregation-induced emission-active tetraphenylethylene derivatives containing arylimidazole unit for reversible mechanofluorochromism and selective detection of picric acid

Subtle modification of molecular structure can play a crucial role in determining photophysical properties and stimuli-responsive behavior. Herein, four aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active tetraphenylethylene-based positional isomers S1, S2, S3 and S4 have been designed and synthesized. S2 and S4 exhibit higher fluorescence quantum yield (ΦFL) as compared to S1 and S3, respectively, which was due to the positional isomerism. In addition, all four isomers exhibit reversible mechanofluorochromic (MFC) behavior with mechanical-induced emission enhancement (MIEE), which was studied using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). S1 and S2 display better MFC activities, compared with S3 and S4, due to opened phenylimidazole presenting a more twisted conformation. Moreover, they can detect picric acid (PA) in a highly selective and sensitive manner in aqueous media, due to the excellent proton-binding property of the imidazole group, which was verified by 1H NMR spectra and supported by theoretical calculations. Overall, tetraphenylethylene containing arylimidazole derivatives described herein will efficiently expand the development of design principles to supply diverse multifunctional tools for material science and material engineering.

Cover Picture: Metal‐organic framework‐based cancer theranostic nanoplatforms (View 2/2020)

In article number 20, Ying-Wei Yang and co-workers describe metal-organic framework (MOF)-based theranostic nanoplatforms that integrate various imaging technologies and treatment strategies have been extensively investigated to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this cover, a MOF-loaded carriage dragged by two horses (one horse represents imaging technologies and the other means treatment strategies) is transported to the castle, symbolizing that MOFs as multifunctional theranostic tools could deliver cargos to the tumor sites for precise cancer therapy guided by various imaging technologies.

MEDUSA: A Low-Cost, 16-Channel Neuromodulation Platform with Arbitrary Waveform Generation

Neural stimulation systems are used to modulate electrically excitable tissue to interrogate neural circuit function or provide therapeutic benefit. Conventional stimulation systems are expensive and limited in functionality to standard stimulation waveforms, and they are bad for high frequency stimulation. We present MEDUSA, a system that enables new research applications that can leverage multi-channel, arbitrary stimulation waveforms. MEDUSA is low cost and uses commercially available components for widespread adoption. MEDUSA is comprised of a PC interface, an FPGA for precise timing control, and eight bipolar current sources that can each address up to 16 electrodes. The current sources have a resolution of 15.3 nA and can provide ±5 mA with ±5 V compliance. We demonstrate charge-balancing techniques in vitro using a custom microelectrode. An in vivo strength-duration curve for earthworm nerve activation is also constructed using MEDUSA. MEDUSA is a multi-functional neuroscience research tool for electroplating microelectrodes, performing electrical impedance spectroscopy, and examining novel neural stimulation protocols.

Nanotechnology-Based Strategies to Develop New Anticancer Therapies.

The blooming of nanotechnology has made available a limitless landscape of solutions responding to crucial issues in many fields and, nowadays, a wide choice of nanotechnology-based strategies can be adopted to circumvent the limitations of conventional therapies for cancer. Herein, the current stage of nanotechnological applications for cancer management is summarized encompassing the core nanomaterials as well as the available chemical–physical approaches for their surface functionalization and drug ligands as possible therapeutic agents. The use of nanomaterials as vehicles to delivery various therapeutic substances is reported emphasizing advantages, such as the high drug loading, the enhancement of the pay-load half-life and bioavailability. Particular attention was dedicated to highlight the importance of nanomaterial intrinsic features. Indeed, the ability of combining the properties of the transported drug with the ones of the nano-sized carrier can lead to multifunctional theranostic tools. In this view, fluorescence of carbon quantum dots, optical properties of gold nanoparticle and superparamagnetism of iron oxide nanoparticles, are fundamental examples. Furthermore, smart anticancer devices can be developed by conjugating enzymes to nanoparticles, as in the case of bovine serum amine oxidase (BSAO) and gold nanoparticles. The present review is aimed at providing an overall vision on nanotechnological strategies to face the threat of human cancer, comprising opportunities and challenges.

Breakthrough instruments and products Janis Research Company, LLC Cryogen free sub-Kelvin ARPES system.

The Janis Research cryogen-free sub-K continuous flow cryostat for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy is a convenient multi-functional tool, suitable for a wide range of research applications. In this article, the design and operating principles of the cryostat are described.

Constructed Wetland Parks: A Pathway to Sustainability For Cairo

Cairo is facing a vast number of urban, environmental and social challenges. It is constantly affecting the quality of life in the Egyptian Capital. Water resources are limited and one of the main challenges in Egypt, in addition to the Increasing population, Lack of green spaces, Air and Water pollution rate especially in Cairo. Using untraditional solutions in Egyptian cities now is a critical need, which will help in maximizing the benefits, decreasing projects and operations cost in this developing country. The Nile is the major water source in Egypt, according to recent studies this source is decreasing. UN and the Egyptian government published that Egypt has reached water poverty. Conservation and developing this resource is the cornerstone of academic researches and on the Egyptian government top priorities. Now in Egypt, the importance of recycling water in different methods increased. It is a basic need to cover water demands. Biological water treatment is one of the eco-friendly techniques for water treatment. Constructed wetland now is commonly used as an environmental tool in many countries. It achieves many benefits such as increasing biodiversity, habitats, water treatment and reduces air pollution. In the last decade, this technology was used in Egypt as a tool for water treatment in small-scale projects in The Northern lakes. The multifunction landscape is combining traditional landscape uses with human activities and production. This complexed harmony could achieve a balance between ecosystems with human impacts. Creating a wetland park as multifunction Landscape tool is a new approach in the world. Many countries have success stories in this field. This research will discuss international experiences in constructed wetland parks and local experiences in wetland areas, monitoring challenges and problems facing this technology and main potential elements that will lead to the success of this experiment in Egypt. Recognizing stakeholder complex needs, Ideas, and official plans for developing wetlands in Egypt. Finally, this research provides a framework and action plan to help in adapting the landscape market with this new approach, gives decision makers tools to achieve sustainability in future projects.

EVOLUTION OF VIEWS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MODERN SURGICAL MAGNETIC INSTRUMENTS ON THE CASE OF INFLAMMATORY PENETRATING INJURIES OF THE BREAST

Summary. The arms — to analyze the evolution of the development of modern surgical instruments in gunshot wounds chest.
 Materials and methods. 80 cases of using a modern magnetic surgical instrument for penetrating gunshot wounds of the chest were analyzed. Intraoperatively used: a magnetic multifunctional tool for the diagnosis and removal of metallic ferromagnetic foreign bodies, a flexible device for removing ferromagnetic foreign bodies, a magnetic tool for endovideoscopic diagnosis and removal of metallic ferromagnetic foreign bodies from the abdominal and pleural cavities, a magnetic nozzle for video endoscopic surgical interventions. When removing metal foreign bodies, the following methods were used: a method for preliminary determination of the material and properties of a foreign body, a method for video endoscopic laser visualization of the internal organs of the abdominal and pleural cavities.
 Results. Foreign bodies of the pleural cavity were diagnosed in 80 (100 %) wounded according to СT. Ferromagnetic metal foreign bodies of a gunshot origin of the pleural cavity were removed both during thoracotomy or minithoracotomy, and during thoracoscopic surgical interventions using the method of video endoscopic laser visualization of the internal organs of the abdominal and pleural cavities. The most convenient tool was the endoscopic magnetic tool for removing foreign bodies from the pleural or abdominal cavities. A magnetic nozzle for video endoscopic surgical interventions allows navigation both in the pleural cavity and along the wound channel.
 Conclusions.
 1. The development of a surgical magnetic instrument was phased and began with the improvement of a surgical magnetic instrument to remove ferromagnetic foreign bodies of soft tissues.
 2. The improvement of the tool took place as the restrictions on the use of the existing tool were established, which was a prerequisite for the development of a new tool.
 3. It is advisable to create a special set of surgical magnetic instruments for video endoscopic surgery.

Rescue Blankets-Transmission and Reflectivity of Electromagnetic Radiation

Rescue blankets are medical devices made of a polyethylene terephthalate sheet coated with a thin aluminum layer. Blankets are used for protection against hypothermia in prehospital emergency medicine and outdoor sports, but totally different qualities are typical for these multi-functional tools. On the one hand, rescue sheets prevent hypothermia by reducing thermo-convection and diminishing heat loss from evaporation and thermal radiation. On the other hand, the sheets promote cooling by acting as a radiant barrier, by providing shade and even by increasing heat conduction when the sheet is in direct contact with the skin. As foils are watertight and windproof, they can function as vapor barriers and even as stopgap bivouac sacks. We evaluated three experimental studies, one on heat loss by rescue blankets according to surface color, one on transparency with ultraviolet radiation, high-energy visible light and visible light, and one on infrared radiation from rescue blankets. When evaluating the effects of different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum on rescue sheets, we focused on ultraviolet radiation (200–380 nm), high-energy visible light in the violet/blue band (380–450 nm), visible light (380–760 nm) and infrared radiation (7500–13,500 nm). Rescue sheets transmit between 1% and 8% of visible light and about 1% of ultraviolet B radiation (280–315 nm), providing sufficient transparency and adequate protection from snow blindness. Reflection of visible light increases detectability in search and rescue missions performed in good visibility conditions, while reflection of infrared radiation increases detectability in poor visibility conditions and provides protection against hypothermia.

One-Step Synthesis of Polypyrrole-Coated Gold Nanoparticles for Use as a Photothermally Active Nano-System.

ObjectiveThis paper introduces a simple one-step and ultra-fast method for synthesis of highly photothermally active polypyrrole-coated gold nanoparticles. The synthesis process is so simple that the reaction is very fast without the need for any additives or complicated steps.MethodologyPolypyrrole-coated gold nanoparticles (AuPpy NPs) were synthesized by reacting chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) with pyrrole (monomer) in aqueous medium at room temperature. These nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible–NIR spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), AC conductivity, zeta sizer and were evaluated for dark cytotoxicity and photocytotoxicity using human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line as a model for cancer cells.ResultsThe synthesized AuPpy NPs showed a peak characteristic for gold nanoparticles (530–600 nm, molar ratio dependent) and a wide absorption band along the visible–NIR region with intensity about triple or even quadruple that of polypyrrole synthesized by the conventional FeCl3 method at the same concentration and under the same conditions. TEM imaging showed that the synthesized AuPpy NPs were composed of spherical or semi-spherical gold core(s) of about 4–10 nm coated with distinct layer(s) of polypyrrole seen either loosely or in clusters. Mean sizes of the synthesized nanoparticles range between ~25 and 220 nm (molar ratio dependent). Zeta potentials of the AuPpy NPs preparations indicate their good colloidal stability. AC conductivity values of AuPpy NPs highly surpass that of Ppy prepared by the conventional FeCl3 method. AuPpy NPs were non-toxic even at high concentrations (up to 1000 µM pyrrole monomer equivalent) under dark conditions. Unlikely, light activated the photothermal activity of AuPpy NPs in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionThis method simply and successfully synthesized AuPpy NPs nanoparticles that represent a safe alternative photothermally active multifunctional tool instead of highly toxic and non-biodegradable gold nanorods.

Повтор как многофункциональное экспрессивное языковое средство в текстах выступлений политических лидеров Франции и Республики Камерун

Повтор как многофункциональное экспрессивное языковое средство в текстах выступлений политических лидеров Франции и Республики Камерун

MHiC, an integrated user-friendly tool for the identification and visualization of significant interactions in Hi-C data

BackgroundHi-C is a molecular biology technique to understand the genome spatial structure. However, data obtained from Hi-C experiments is biased. Therefore, several methods have been developed to model Hi-C data and identify significant interactions. Each method receives its own Hi-C data structure and only work on specific operating systems.ResultsWe introduce MHiC (Multi-function Hi-C data analysis tool), a tool to identify and visualize statistically signifiant interactions from Hi-C data. The MHiC tool (i) works on different operating systems, (ii) accepts various Hi-C data structures from different Hi-C analysis tools such as HiCUP or HiC-Pro, (iii) identify significant Hi-C interactions with GOTHiC, HiCNorm and Fit-Hi-C methods and (iv) visualizes interactions in Arc or Heatmap diagram. MHiC is an open-source tool which is freely available for download on https://github.com/MHi-C.ConclusionsMHiC is an integrated tool for the analysis of high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data.

Capabilities of an optical direct push probe for 2D-subsurface imaging

Characterization of hydrological conditions at polluted sites is critical for understanding of contaminant distribution and transport. Standard techniques for site characterization, such as soil coring together with well installation for piezometric measurements and water sampling, allow only some insights into subsurface properties and processes. To obtain additional data, direct-push techniques are often used in soils and unconsolidated formations. The various available techniques provide high resolution information on cm to mm scale. Recently, the Optical Imaging Profiler (OIP) was developed for detection of fluorescent contaminants. Here, we have investigated the applicability of the OIP for groundwater tracing using fluorophores. Our laboratory experiments show that it is possible to qualitatively trace various fluorophores meaning that light emitted by the fluorophores can be detected by a standard digital camera sensor. The measured fluorescence depends on the number of fluorophore molecules present in the pore space adjacent to the OIP and decreases with smaller pore size as well as fluorophore concentration. In a field trial, an injected eosin Y solution could be very clearly detected after the injection within a radius of 0.5 m around the injection point. When the OIP is equipped with a second light source emitting visible light, images of the soil texture and color can be captured. Sediment color can act as a proxy for various soil properties. Tests at a second field site, indicate that detected variation in soil color depend on water saturation and redox processes. Hence, the OIP is a flexible, cost effective and multifunctional tool for characterization of contaminated sites.

Synthesis, characterization and applications of copolymer of β – cyclodextrin: a review

Herein, this review the synthesis of different types of copolymer of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) by different functional monomers and cross-linkers is discussed. β-CD shows good inclusion property, surface area, porous structure and unique host-guest properties. CDs, the macrocyclic compounds are renowned for their inclusion ability. Several chemical and polymerized derivatives of parent CDs are synthesized to improve the physicochemical/biopharmaceutical properties of drug and inclusion capacity of CD. The future panorama of polymerized CDs is quite bright as they can serve as useful multifunctional tools for pharmaceutical scientists to develop and optimize drug delivery through various routes and in fabrication of biosensors. For drug delivery, the efficacy of monomer is made suitable and the well-known inclusion ability of β-CD is retrospected. The synthesized copolymer of β-CD is characterized via several microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as synchrotron radiation based PXRD, TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), DSC and FTIR. The aim of this review paper is to study different methods of synthesis of copolymers of β-CD by different functional monomers and cross-linkers. The review suggests methods and conditions used for the optimized synthesis of copolymers of β-CD. Further, the application of β-CD in the field of tissue engineering, packing material, drug delivery, cosmetics, personal care and toiletry, waste management, catalysis adhesive and coating industry have also been discussed here.

Towards Forest Landscape Restoration Programs in the Philippines: Evidence from Logged Forests and Mixed-Species Plantations

With only 7.01 million hectares of remaining forested areas in the Philippines, there is an urgency to protect these areas, while also implementing restoration strategies to increase forest cover and improve forest functionality. In this study, we assess how the so called “rainforestation” approach, attempts to implement close-to-nature restoration strategies in humid tropic areas. One of the main objectives of the “rainforestation” approach as a form of a mixed-species plantation is the rehabilitation of structural and floristic integrity similar to natural conditions. We compared study areas located in the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte composed of logged forests (temporary plots), with logged forests on a permanent research plot and with mixed-species plantations. Basal area, carbon stocks, volume and biological diversity between study areas were calculated and compared, both for static and dynamic data. Results from the static data indicate that carbon stocks (89.30 t ha−1) and volume (262.56 m3 ha−1) of the mixed-species plantations (“rainforestation” approach) is significantly lower than that of the logged forests. However, when it comes to the capacity of the study areas for potential increments, the mixed-species plantations are not significantly different on basal area increment (0.99 m2 ha−1 yr−1), carbon stock increment (3.67 t ha−1 yr−1) and total volume increment (10.47 m3 ha−1 yr−1) as compared to the logged forests’ capacity (basal area—1.08 m2 ha−1 yr−1, carbon—4.06 t ha−1 yr−1 and total volume—11.98 m3 ha−1 yr−1). The species composition was only partly comparable to logged forests of the region, but overall tree species richness is high in comparison to classical plantation approaches. Previously logged forests are able to recover fast reaching surprisingly high values of carbon stocks and potential commercial timber volume. Our study indicates that “rainforestation” cannot fully replace the functionality of natural forests, but can provide a surprisingly multifunctional tool for landscape restoration, providing both timber and non-timber ecosystem services.

Ergonomic Design for Tempe Production Tool Based on User Voice

The process of tempe production in small industry are considering not optimal yet. The process does not consider the ergonomic aspects and is not environment friendly. It causing complaint at some body parts and pollution. For the solution, this research aims to design a multifunctional tool that considering ergonomic and eco-friendly aspect. The design will be based on Ergonomic and the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methods. Based on evaluation using the Nordic Body Map, it shows that body parts with the most complaints are the waist, back, neck, right and left shoulder, wrist and leg. Complaints on these body parts are caused by wrong postural when doing work which is not ergonomic. And by using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) the tool designed by considering user expectation and desire. it was found that the user expect for the tool to be made based on worker anthropometry, moved with a semi-manual machine and the tool model is suitable for work. Overall the design shows that the Ergonomic Tempe Maker Tool is a multifunctional tool that easy, flexible, safe and comfortable to be operated which focused on anthropometric size, uses a semi-manual machine and can be arranged up or down.

Modulation of the magnetic properties of gold-spinel ferrite heterostructured nanocrystals

The rational design of complex nanostructures is of paramount importance to gain control over their chemical and physical properties. Recently, magnetic-plasmonic heterostructured nanocrystals have been recognized as key players in nanomedicine as multifunctional therapeutic-diagnostic tools and in catalysis. Here we show how the properties of gold-iron oxide heterostructured nanocrystals can be tuned by chemical doping of the magnetic subunit. The divalent cations in the iron oxide were substituted with cobalt and manganese to obtain a general formula Au-MFe2O4 (M = Fe, Co, Mn). Magnetic properties of the heterostructures could be tuned, while maintaining well-defined plasmon resonance signatures, confirming the dual magnetic-plasmonic functional capability of these nanostructures.