Scanning Optical Microscopy Research Articles

Optimizing process parameters for enhanced formability and fracture behavior in single point incremental forming of SS310 sheets

This research investigates the forming and fracture behavior of stainless steel 310 Grade sheets using the single point incremental forming (SPIF) process under various parameters: ball diameter, spindle speed, feed rate, and vertical step down. Employing an L9 orthogonal array suggested by Taguchi, the study evaluates formability through stress and strain-based forming limit diagrams (FLD). Structural changes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy fractography and optical microscopy. The highest level of formability was identified at the spindle speed of 100 rpm, feed rate of 600 mm/min, ball diameter of 12 mm, and a vertical step-down of 0.3 mm. Formability analysis is given variations with a maximum of 0.931 at a wall angle of 72.71°, and minimum and medium values of 0.423 and 0.63 at all angles of 60° and 66.24°, respectively. The least and most moderate formability levels showed an 11% variation, and the least and highest formability limits had a 21% higher formability limit. The stress-based limits also increased by 10% for moderate to better formability. The findings indicate that formability increases with lower vertical step down and feed rate, as well as higher spindle speed and ball diameter. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing SPIF process parameters to enhance the quality and structural integrity of formed SS310 components.

Tribological performance of modified graphene as an additive in copper wire drawing lubricant

Purpose This study aims to explore the use of modified graphene (MG) in copper wire drawing lubricants to enhance their friction-reducing and anti-wear capabilities. Design/methodology/approach Graphene was modified using oleic and stearic acids to improve its dispersibility in lubricants. Various concentrations of MG were then introduced into a copper wire drawing lubricant to investigate their tribological performance. Wear mechanisms were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Findings The best concentration of MG is 1.5 Wt.%, at which the copper wire drawing oil exhibits a friction coefficient and wear rate of 0.085 and 2.11 × 10−6 mm3/Nm, respectively, representing decreases of 22.7% and 47.6% compared to the base oil. It was further found that the addition of 1.5 Wt.% MG to a copper wire drawing fluid with a water content of 70% resulted in a 30.3% reduction in friction coefficient compared to the base oil. Raman spectroscopy and EDS analysis confirmed that the MG tribo-film formed on the worn copper disc effectively minimized friction and wear. Originality/value This study analyzes the tribological performance of different concentrations of MG in copper wire drawing oils, establishing a basis for the application of MG in copper wire drawing fluids. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0399/

Discovery of novel flavonoid derivatives containing benzothiazole as potential antifungal agents.

Fungal diseases of plants have a serious impact on the quality and yield of crops, and some traditional pesticides can no longer cope with this problem. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop new pesticides with high efficiency and low toxicity. A series of flavonoid derivatives containing benzothiazole were designed and synthesized. Among them, the compounds V17, V12, and V13 had excellent inhibitory effect against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinu with the half-maximal effect concentration (EC50) values of 1.2, 2.3, and 3.2 μg/mL, which were better than the control drug Kresoxim-methyl (Km, 37.8 μg/mL). The in vivo protective activity and curative activities of V17 against cucumber fusarium wilt caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum were 82.4 and 60.5% at 200 μg/mL, better than Km (60.2 and 48.6%). In addition, V17 could damage the cell membrane of the mycelia, which can be confirmed by determination of cytoplasmic leakage, detection of cell membrane permeability, and measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA). Similarly, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiment and optical microscope characterization provide direct evidence for destruction of mycelium treated with V17. V17 significantly reduced the pathogenicity of the F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, which provided a new idea and direction for the development of green pesticides. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fracture Resistance and Wear Behavior of Ultra‐Thin Occlusal Veneers Made From Translucent Zirconia Ceramics Bonded to Different Tooth Substrates

ABSTRACTObjectiveInvestigation of the mechanical properties of occlusal veneers made from zirconia with varying translucency, bonded to different tooth substrates.Materials and MethodsSixty‐four extracted molars were divided into two groups: preparation within enamel (E) or extending into dentin (D). Veneers were milled from four zirconia ceramics (n = 8): 5Y‐TZP (HT), a multilayer of 5 and 3Y‐TZP (GT), 3Y‐TZP (LT), and 4Y‐TZP (MT). After bonding, specimens underwent thermocycling (7500 cycles; 5°C–55°C) and chewing simulation (1,200,000 cycles; 10 kg), followed by investigation of the wear behavior using optical and laser scanning microscopy. Specimens were then loaded to examine fracture resistance.ResultsAll specimens except one in the HT group survived artificial aging. Zirconia wear was below the resolution of the 3D scanner, with no significant difference in antagonist vertical loss across materials (p > 0.05). Fracture resistance was significantly higher in E‐LT compared with E‐HT (p = 0.003). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in fracture resistance between materials bonded to dentin, or between the materials within different substrates.ConclusionsVeneers made of 3 and 4Y‐TZP zirconia showed promising in vitro performance and fracture resistance, regardless of the tooth substrate. All zirconia ceramics exhibited favorable wear behavior.Clinical SignificanceAs tooth wear rates increase, the use of minimally invasive occlusal veneers is becoming more important. The goal is to create restorations that are both esthetically pleasing and mechanically durable, while keeping them thin to minimize occlusal preparation and still ensure sufficient fracture resistance. Ultra‐thin (0.3 mm in the fissures/0.6 mm at the cusps) occlusal veneers made of 4Y‐TZP, multilayer and 3Y‐TZP zirconia ceramics survived chewing simulation corresponding 5‐years. All zirconia restorations showed wear‐resistant behavior.

Minimal differences observed when comparing the morphological profiling of microglia obtained by confocal laser scanning and optical sectioning microscopy

BackgroundWhile widefield microscopy has long been constrained by out-of-focus scattering, advancements have generated a solution in the form of confocal laser scanning microscopy (cLSM) and optical sectioning microscopy using structured illumination (OSM). In this study, we aim to investigate, using microglia branching, if cLSM and OSM can produce images with comparable morphological characteristics.ResultsBy imaging the somatosensory microglia from a tissue slice of a 3-week-old mouse and establishing morphological parameters that characterizes the microglial branching pattern, we were able to show that there is no difference in total length of the branch tree, number of branches, mean branch length and number of primary to terminal branches. We did find that area-based parameters such as mean occupied area and mean surveillance area were bigger in cLSM isolated microglia compared to OSM ones. Additionally, by investigating the difference in acquisition time between techniques and personal costs we were able to establish that the amortization could be made in 6.11 ± 2.93 years in the case of countries with a Human Development Index (HDI) = 7–9 and 7.06 ± 3.13 years, respectably, for countries with HDI < 7. As such, OSM systems seem a valid option if one just wants basic histological evaluation, and cLSM should be considered for groups that demand higher resolution or volumetric images.

Silicon-via (Si-via) hole metrology and inspection by grayfield edge diffractometry

This paper introduces a novel silicon-via (Si-via) hole metrology and inspection method based on grayfield edge diffractometry, enabling simultaneous measurement of Si-via hole geometry and roughness. The edge diffraction interferogram occurs when incident light interacts with the via edge. A grayfield imaging system consists of a pair of axicon lenses, two objective lenses and imaging system was developed to capture the fringes. Here, a pair of axicon lenses shape the collimated beam into a donut-shaped beam profile. The shaped beam has an adjustable focus point, allowing scanning along the Si-via hole depth axis. The cross-correlation approach to comprehensive analysis of the fringes was performed to extract via roundness and via-edge roughness (VER). The relationship between cross-correlation output and VER was characterized, assuming the line-edge roughness (LER) represents VER. The proposed method was cross-verified with the conventional microscopy approach. In addition, the through-focus scanning optical microscopy method was also used to intuitively characterize the fringe feature in three-dimension. In conclusion, the proposed method can characterize Si-via hole's roundness and estimate VER, showcasing potential adaptability for automated Si-via hole inspections in wafer-level hybrid bonding applications.

Enhancing Wear Resistance of Al6061 Composites: Insights from Microstructural and Tribological Investigations with ECAP

This work presents a comprehensive investigation into the microstructural and tribological properties of Al6061 alloy composites reinforced with E-glass fibers and soda–lime particulates, both before and after Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) processing. The study explores the intricate relationships between reinforcement materials and the aluminum matrix, shedding light on their collective impact on material behavior. Elemental composition analysis via Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) reveals crucial elements shaping the properties of these composites, highlighting the dominance of aluminum in the matrix and the contributions of silicon, calcium, sodium, and oxygen from the reinforcement materials. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Optical Microscopy (OM) demonstrate refined grain structures, improved reinforcement dispersion, and enhanced interfacial bonding post-ECAP, indicating potential for superior mechanical properties. Furthermore, wear test analysis on these composites, encompassing varying reinforcement percentages and load conditions, unveils consistent trends in wear behavior. Higher reinforcement percentages, particularly with E-glass fibers, lead to reduced specific wear rates, showcasing enhanced wear resistance. Post-ECAP results consistently exhibit lower wear rates, highlighting the positive impact of ECAP on wear resistance. Statistical analysis using Taguchi and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) techniques underscores the critical role of reinforcement percentage in wear characteristics, with optimal configurations identified for both E-glass fiber and soda–lime particulate composites. These findings offer valuable insights for designing and optimizing materials, emphasizing the importance of reinforcement levels, load, and speed in enhancing wear resistance and optimizing material performance for specific applications.

Research on the DF-TSOM method for detecting subsurface defects of optical components

In response to the growing need for detecting subsurface defects at the hundred-nanometer scale, this study introduces what we believe to be a novel dark field through-focus scanning optical microscopy (DF-TSOM) technique. Subsurface defect samples were prepared with a depth of 100 µm and diameters of 1 µm, 0.4 µm, 0.2 µm, and 0.1 µm for experiments. Results demonstrate that DF-TSOM successfully detects subsurface defects with diameters 0.1 µm, a feat unattainable with traditional TSOM, which failed to accurately detect subsurface defects with diameters 0.4 µm. DF-TSOM improves the contrast by approximately 10 times compared to traditional TSOM when the subsurface defect diameter is 1 µm. This study presents a promising new approach for the detection of subsurface defects in transparent materials, offering advantages such as high sensitivity, enhanced contrast, a simplified hardware setup, and the potential for online detection.

Microstructural Suitability and Stability of AlSi10Mg–Sn Plasma Coatings for Thermal Energy Storage Purposes

The study explored the possibility of producing thick coatings of fully metallic composite phase change materials with suitable microstructure for thermal energy storage or thermal energy management purposes. The composite materials are based on Al-Si-based alloys with Sn additions, potentially obtainable from scraps. This leads to an Sn-rich low-melting phase which is able to store/release heat when it melts/solidifies. The material can thus be considered as a composite phase change material (C-PCM). A thick coating was deposited on an Al alloy substrate by plasma spray, mixing AlSi10Mg and Sn powders in a 60:40% mass ratio. Optical scanning microscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed a microstructure suitable for a C-PCM, presenting Sn basins interrupted by a matrix made up of primary Al and Al–Si eutectic. Preliminary investigation into the reliability of the coating was conducted by performing up to 10 heat cycles across the melting temperature of the low-melting phase, simulating service in TES/TEM devices. No significant changes in its coating microstructure were observed. Minor surface leakage of molten Sn occurred, mainly during the first heat cycle. No detachment of the coating or cracks formed within the coating were observed, which could have been expected due to the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the main phases and to the expansion/shrinkage due to Sn melting/solidification.

From Burst to Sustained Release: The Effect of Antibiotic Structure Incorporated into Chitosan-Based Films.

Background/Objectives: Medical devices are susceptible to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, which can result in severe infections, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased burden on society. Antibacterial films have the potential to assist in preventing biofilm formation, thereby reducing administration of antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. In a previous study, a chitosan-based matrix crosslinked with tannic acid and loaded with gentamicin was reported. In this study, five different antibiotics (moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole or linezolid) were loaded into these chitosan-based films, and their impact on the release behavior carefully assessed. Methods: The samples were characterized according to their thickness, swelling, and mass loss in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), as well as by morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical phase contrast microscopy. Antibiotic release over time was quantified in PBS by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antibacterial activity was investigated by disk diffusion test and antibiotic release over time. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the samples was assessed with human dermal fibroblasts. Results: The obtained results differed significantly, especially regarding the antibiotic release time and antibacterial activity, which varied from one day to six months, enabling classification of the films from burst/transient to prolonged release. The films also showed antibacterial features against bacteria mostly present in medical devices and displayed to be non-cytotoxic. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the antibiotics structure significantly alters the release kinetics, and that by carefully selecting the antibiotic, the consequent release can be tuned. This approach yielded films that could be used for potentially-scalable release in antimicrobial coatings specific to medical devices, aiming to reduce biomaterial associated infections (BAIs).

Fatigue Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Processed by Wire-Arc Directed Energy Deposition

AbstractTi-6Al-4V has a wide range of applications, but long lead times and low-efficiency processing of the material leads to limitations. Through additive manufacturing, such as wire-arc directed energy deposition, higher processing efficiency, and lower lead times are possible. To fully realize the benefits, an important parameter for application is the fatigue performance, which needs to be better documented and performance shortcomings improved. Currently, available results on fatigue performance of wire-arc directed energy deposition of Ti-6Al-4V are limited. Therefore, wire-arc directed energy deposition of Ti-6Al-4V was used with the following approach. Samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and optical light microscopy, and mechanically tested for tensile and fatigue performance. Minimal pore density and a fine α microstructure within coarsened epitaxial columnar β-grains was observed. Additionally, elemental burn-off and oxygen contamination was assessed, showing a loss of 0.2 wt.% aluminum during processing and no oxygen pick-up. Compared to other cold metal transfer-based wire-arc directed energy deposition results available in the literature, the results present significant improvements. Fractography indicated mixed fracture modes, which are likely due to the macro-zones of α having varying orientations. Our work provides an advancement in fatigue performance and processing, further showing the potential of the technology.

Boronize Coatings Studied with a New Mass Transfer Model.

This study examined the development of Fe2B (diiron boronize) coatings on the surface of 35NiCrMo4 steel through the thermochemical surface hardening process called boronizing. The morphology and thickness of the boronize coatings were assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). A novel mathematical mass transfer model was developed to estimate the diffusion coefficients of boron in hard coating. The presence of uniformly distributed boronize coatings with a typical sawtooth pattern on the surface of the substrate was confirmed. The boronize coating's chemical composition and phase constituents were analyzed utilizing X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The study confirmed the presence of a single-phase boronize coating (Fe2B). Furthermore, microhardness tests indicated that the boronized specimen's surface demonstrated an average hardness of approximately 1953 HV. The wear study were conducted using the pin-on-disk method under dry debonding conditions at room temperature to estimate the coefficient of friction (COF) of the boronized (average ≈ 0.35) and untreated (0.725) specimens. The results revealed approximately 200% improvement in wear resistance due to the boronized coating. The empirical validation of the mathematical model was carried out for two additional boronizing conditions at 1223 K for 3 h and 1273 K for 1.5 h, resulting in an estimated percentage error of around 2.5% for both conditions. Additionally, an ANOVA analysis was performed, taking into account the temperature and time factors. The findings indicate that both factors exert a substantial influence on the dependent variable (u), with temperature (T) contributing 64.68%, time (t) contributing 27.37%, and the interaction of both factors (T × t) contributing 5.13%.

Liquid metal-embedded magnetic hydrogel beads as novel adsorbents for malachite green removal

Malachite green (MG) is widely used in aquaculture as a parasiticide. It has generated much concern due to its carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, chromosomal fractures, teratogenicity, and respiratory toxicity. Effective methods for removing MG from water or other media are highly needed. Here, liquid metal (LM) is embedded into the magnetic hydrogel to create magnetic LM hydrogel beads with high adsorption capacity. The morphology and physical properties of the LM-embedded magnetic hydrogel beads are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and texture analysis methods. The adsorption efficiency of malachite green was assessed using spectrophotometric analysis at a wavelength of 623 nm. The hardness of these hydrogel beads reached a maximum of 4610 g, and its adsorption capacity reached 10 mg/g. Under the optimal condition, 0.05 %wt LM embedded magnetic hydrogel could remove 100 % of MG. This highly efficient magnetic adsorbent for dye removal has considerable potential for rapidly separating toxic contaminants from aquatic animal tissues, providing a cost-effective and straightforward solution to reduce dye pollution in aquatic environments and food products.

Adhesion-Related Phenomena of Stellite 6 HVOF Sprayed Coating Deposited on Laser-Textured Substrates.

The focus of this research is to examine the feasibility of using laser texturing as a method for surface preparation prior to thermal spraying. The experimental part includes the thermal spraying of a Stellite 6 coating by High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) technology on laser-textured substrates. The thermal spraying of this coating was deposited both on conventional substrate material (low carbon steel) and on substrates that had been previously heat treated (nitrided steel). The properties of the coatings were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM) and Raman spectroscopy. Adhesion was assessed through a tensile adhesion test. The results showed the usability of laser texturing in the case of carbon steel, which was comparable or even better than traditional grit blasting. For nitrided steel, the problem remains with the hardness and brittleness of the nitrided layer, which allows for the propagation of brittle cracks near the interface and thus reduces the adhesion strength.

Cuticular morphology of Schinus L. and related genera

Abstract The Anacardiaceae are a characteristic angiosperm family of the Neotropics where they comprise ~32 genera and 200 species (~80 genera and 800 species globally). Among Neotropical Anacardiaceae genera, Schinus has the greatest species richness with 42 species distributed from tropical latitudes of Brazil and Peru south to the temperate steppe, matorral, and Valdivian temperate forest communities of Patagonia. Previous studies have found some anatomical and morphological leaf traits (e.g. simple vs. compound leaf organization) useful in characterizing lineages within Schinus, but also document traits that are homoplastic within the genus (e.g. stomatal distribution) and convergent among Schinus and its close relatives Lithrea and Mauria (e.g. mesophyll arrangement). Here, we present a survey of leaf cuticular traits in 53 species of Schinus and its closest relatives Lithrea, Mauria, and Euroschinus based on characters observed with scanning electron and optical light microscopy. We use ordinated Bray–Curtis distances based on 18 characters and 2D nonmetric multidimensional scaling to show that cuticular morphology resolves the three most diverse genera, Euroschinus, Mauria, and Schinus, but does not resolve intrageneric sections of Schinus. We propose that a distinctive acuminate gland type occurring only within Euroschinus may constitute a potential synapomorphy for this genus. Within Schinus, we find inconsistency in stomatal distribution among specimens of a single species, among species of a single section, and between sections of the genus, and suggest that current evidence is insufficient to implicate either phenotypic plasticity or homoplasy as the causative mechanism of this variation.

Two stucco sculptures from the “Salone d’Ercole” in the Racconigi Castle (Cuneo, Italy): a case study

Non-invasive and micro-destructive diagnostic investigations were employed for the study of two stucco statues depicting Putti, from the “Salone d’Ercole” in the Racconigi Castle (Cuneo, Italy). The research made it possible to understand the construction technique, constituent materials, and the state of conservation of the statues. This information was useful for placing the artworks in the correct historical-artistic context and for conservation choices and restoration interventions. Different analytical investigations were applied, specifically: a) the internal metal structure was analyzed by cover meter relief combined with digital radiographic technique; b) the stucco composition and its stratigraphy were characterized by Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Electron Scanning Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX); c) finally, the presence of organic compounds was observed by UV-Induced Visible Fluorescence (UVL) and then characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. The results show that the stucco Putti were made with the techniques and raw materials widely used by Ticino artists and plasterers' workshops active between the 16th and 17th centuries, in the current Canton Ticino region. As regards the state of conservation, decay phenomena such as exfoliation and loss of material were mainly attributable to the presence of epsomite.

Microstructure and Hardness Properties of Additively Manufactured AISI 316L Welded by Tungsten Inert Gas and Laser Welding Techniques.

In this study, 316L austenitic stainless-steel (ASS) plates fabricated using an additive manufacturing (AM) process were joined using tungsten inert gas (TIG) and laser welding techniques. The 316L ASS plates were manufactured using a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique, with building orientations (BOs) of 0° and 90°, designated as BO-0 and BO-90, respectively. The study examined the relationship between indentation resistance and microstructure evolution within the fusion zone (FZ) of the welded joints considering the effects of different BOs. Microstructural analysis of the weldments was conducted using optical and laser confocal scanning microscopes, while hardness measurements were obtained using a micro-indentation hardness (HIT) technique via the Berkovich approach. The welded joints produced with the TIG technique exhibited FZs with a greater width than those created by laser welding. The microstructure of the FZs in TIG-welded joints was characterized by dendritic austenite and 1-4 wt.% δ-ferrite phases, while the corresponding microstructure in laser-welded joints consisted of a single austenite phase with cellular structures. Additionally, the grain size values of FZs produced using the laser welding technique were lower than those produced using the TIG technique. Therefore, TIG-welded joints showcased hardness values lower than those welded by laser welding. Furthermore, welded joints with the BO-90 orientation displayed the greatest cooling rates following welding processing, leading to FZs with hardness values greater than BO-0. For instance, the FZs of TIG-welded joints with BO-0 and BO-90 had HIT values of 1.75 ± 0.22 and 2.1 ± 0.09 GPa, whereas the corresponding FZs produced by laser welding had values of 1.9 ± 0.16 and 2.35 ± 0.11 GPa, respectively. The results have practical implications for the design and production of high-performance welded components, providing insights that can be applied to improve the efficiency and quality of additive manufacturing and welding processes.

On the Machinability and Formation of Gas Film Thickness in ECDM of Silica based Pyrex Glass

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) stands out as a preferred method for microfluidic channel fabrication due to its ability to produce required shapes with the least thermal damage along with close tolerances and dimensional accuracy. Recently, there has been significant progress made in the domain of ECDM for parametric analysis, focusing on discharge regime characteristics, but precise control of the hydrodynamic regime remains a challenge. With this view, the present study has been targeted on analyzing the effect of various auxiliary electrodes on the formation of gas film thickness and discharge energy during the fabrication of microchannels using ECDM on silica-based Pyrex glass under varying conditions. Experiments were conducted on an ECDM setup to achieve near damage-free edges of microchannels on the surface silica-based Pyrex glass. Results show the effect of various auxiliary electrodes, applied voltage, and electrolyte concentration on gas film thickness, spark energy, rate of material removal (MRR), and width of overcut (WOC). The optimum parametric level of applied voltage, electrolyte concentration, and auxiliary electrode were 68 V, 35 wt%, and A2 auxiliary electrode, respectively and the best response values were 0.4134 mg min−1, and 40 μm, respectively, for MRR and WOC. In addition, tool wear rate, heat affected zone, and surface morphology of fabricated microchannels was examined using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Autologous hGMSC-Derived iPS: A New Proposal for Tissue Regeneration.

The high mortality in the global population due to chronic diseases highlights the urgency to identify effective alternative therapies. Regenerative medicine provides promising new approaches for this purpose, particularly in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The aim of the work is to establish a new pluripotency cell line obtained for the first time by reprogramming human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) by a non-integrating method. The hGMSC-derived iPS line characterization is performed through morphological analysis with optical and electron scanning microscopy and through the pluripotency markers expression evaluation in cytofluorimetry, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR. To confirm the pluripotency of new hGMSC-derived iPS, the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs), as an alternative to the teratoma formation test, is studied in morphological analysis and through three germ layers' markers' expression in immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. At the end, a comparative study between parental hGMSCs and derived iPS cells is performed also for the extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their miRNA content. The new hGMSC-derived iPS line demonstrated to be pluripotent in all aspects, thus representing an innovative dynamic platform for personalized tissue regeneration.

Carbon Thin-Film Electrodes as High-Performing Substrates for Correlative Single Entity Electrochemistry.

Correlative methods to characterize single entities by electrochemistry and microscopy/spectroscopy are increasingly needed to elucidate structure-function relationships of nanomaterials. However, the technical constraints often differ depending on the characterization techniques to be applied in combination. One of the cornerstones of correlative single-entity electrochemistry (SEE) is the substrate, which needs to achieve a high conductivity, low roughness, and electrochemical inertness. This work shows that graphitized sputtered carbon thin films constitute excellent electrodes for SEE while enabling characterization with scanning probe, optical, electron, and X-ray microscopies. Three different correlative SEE experiments using nanoparticles, nanocubes, and 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene materials are reported to illustrate the potential of using carbon thin film substrates for SEE characterization. The advantages and unique capabilities of SEE correlative strategies are further demonstrated by showing that electrochemically oxidized Ti3C2Tx MXene display changes in chemical bonding and electrolyte ion distribution.