Poly Methyl Methacrylate Particles Research Articles

Disruption of early embryonic development in mice by polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics in an oxidative stress mechanism

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used in many products, such as acrylic glass, and is estimated to reach 5.7 million tons of production per year by 2028. Thus, nano-sized PMMA particles in the environment are highly likely due to the weathering process. However, information on the hazards of nanoplastics, including PMMA in mammals, especially reproductive toxicity and action mechanism, is scarce. Herein, we investigated the effect of PMMA nanoplastics on the female reproductive system of mice embryos during pre-implantation. The treated plastic particles in embryos (10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL) were endocytosed into the cytoplasm within 30 min, and the blastocyst development and indices of embryo quality were significantly decreased from at 100 μg/mL. Likewise, the transfer of nanoplastic-treated embryos at 100 μg/mL decreased the morula implantation rate on the oviduct of pseudopregnant mice by 70%, calculated by the pregnant individual, and 31.8% by the number of implanted embryos. The PMMA nanoplastics at 100 μg/mL significantly increased the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species in embryos, which was not related to the intrinsic oxidative potential of nanoplastics. This study highlights that the nanoplastics that enter systemic circulation can affect the early stage of embryos. Thus, suitable action mechanisms can be designed to address nanoplastic occurrence.

The experimental study of the kinetics and modes of polymethyl methacrylate thermal degradation in argon flows

The experimental study of the kinetics and modes of the thermal degradation of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in an argon flow was carried out. During thermogravimetric analysis the sample heating rates were 2, 5, 8, 20 and 35 K/min. Based on the integral isoconversional method the values of the kinetic rate constants of the PMMA thermal degradation were determined. When modeling the decomposition process of PMMA for low conversion degrees, it is advisable to use the reaction rate constant obtained for the conversion degree equal to 20 %, and for modeling the whole process – 50 %. Therefore, for evaluation calculations, it is possible to describe the process of PMMA decomposition with one gross reaction. Also, the investigation of the thermal degradation of PMMA particles under conductive heating conditions (680, 700, 720 K) in an argon and air was carried out. Based on the analysis of the data obtained, a scheme for the decomposition of PMMA, consisting of four stages, was established.

Uptake and Cellular Effects of Polymethylmethacrylate on Human Cell Lines

The usage of plastic and its decomposition products leads to their ubiquitous distribution, resulting in their uptake by all living beings, including humans. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is known as a biocompatible polymer and is used widely in medicine and dentistry, although recent findings have shown its induction of oxidative stress within cells. Worryingly, hardly any data exist investigating the uptake of PMMA particles by cells, the potential effects of these particles on cells and cell signaling pathways and their contributing factors. We assessed the uptake of PMMA beads via confocal microscopy after their incubation with HEK293, A549 and MRC5 cells. Through cell staining, we localized multiple PMMA beads within the cytosol of cells. No alterations regarding cell growth, cell morphology or cell division were found, implying no short-term toxicity towards human cells. Using a cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-mediated reporter assay, we assessed whether internalized PMMA nanobeads alter cell signaling pathways after stimulation of the cells. CREB was chosen as a well-described transcription factor involved in various cellular processes. Our data led to the assumption that PMMA nano- and microbeads are internalized via endocytosis and end up in lysosomes within the cell cytosol. We concluded that differences regarding the surface composition of the PMMA nanobeads affect their potential to alter cell signaling. These findings emphasize the key role the surface composition plays regarding microplastics and their risks for human health, whereas the usage of medical-grade PMMA remains safe.

Effect of PMMA pore former on mechanical strength and performance of glass fibre metal-bonded porous diamond blocks with Cu–Sn–Ti solder alloys

To develop a metal-bonded diamond tool that does not require frequent dressing during grinding, a novel glass fibre metal-bonded porous diamond block is proposed. The effect of the content percentage and particle size of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) pore formers on the porosity of porous diamond blocks was investigated. The Vickers hardness and bending strength of the porous blocks with and without diamonds were tested. Wear tests were performed on the porous diamond blocks. The results show that an increase in the PMMA content (1.75–9.45 wt%) caused an increase in the porosity (2.8 %–22.9 %) and a decrease in the bending strength (8.6 %–71.9 %) and Vickers hardness (22.1 %–54.3 %), compared to those of the blocks without PMMA. An increase of PMMA size (20–40 μm diameter) caused an increase in the porosity (2 %–11.6 %), and a decrease in the bending strength (34.1 %–42.7 %) and Vickers hardness (23.7 %, 40.5 %), compared to those of the blocks without PMMA. However, excessively large PMMA particles (50–70 μm diameter) caused a decrease in the porosity and an increase in the bending strength and Vickers hardness. Increasing the porosity of the diamond blocks appropriately can reduce the need for frequent dressing and enhance the SiC removal rate. However, excessive porosity tends to accelerate diamond wear, leading to a decrease in the SiC removal rate.

Mechanical property—processing relations for SiC foams synthesized via polymer particle templating of polycarbosilane

AbstractSilicon carbide foams with an average pore diameter of 650 nm and an inter‐pore ligament thickness of 150 nm have been synthesized using spherical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle templating of a β‐SiC nanoparticle‐loaded polycarbosilane (PCS) preceramic polymer and the effect of crystallization temperature upon their microstructure and mechanical properties investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to investigate both the kinetics of PMMA decomposition and the influence of β‐SiC nanoparticles upon the mechanisms of PCS cure, pyrolysis, and partial crystallization. As the crystallization temperature was systematically increased, the inter‐pore ligament structure coarsened and nanopores developed within the ligaments between the β‐SiC nanoparticles. The foam's Young's modulus and compressive strength at first increased with crystallization temperature, reaching a maximum after processing at 1300˚C. However, further increases in temperature resulted in a rapid fall in both foam modulus and compressive strength. To gain insight into the fundamental processes responsible for the overall (macroscale) mechanical properties, models for open/closed cell foams were inverted and used in conjunction with the measured foam density, Young's modulus, and compressive strength to estimate the mechanical properties of the inter‐pore ligaments. This procedure indicated that changes to the ligament properties were responsible for the observed dependence of the foam mechanical properties upon crystallization temperature.

Preparation of Non-Spherical Janus Particles via an Orthogonal Dissolution Approach.

Post-synthesis modifications are valuable tools to alter functionalities and induce morphology changes in colloidal particles. Non-spherical polymer particles with Janus characteristics are prepared by combining seeded growth polymerization and selective dissolution. First, spherical polystyrene (PS) particles have been swollen with methyl methacrylate (MMA) with an activated swelling method. This is followed by polymerization that led to particles with two well-separated faces: one made of PS and the second of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Subsequently, non-spherical particles are obtained by exposing the Janus colloids to various solvents. Using the two polymers' orthogonal solubility, solvents are identified to selectively dissolve only one face, leading to hemispherical PS or PMMA particles. It is further investigated how changing the composition of the PMMA face - by either co-polymerization with glycidyl methacrylate or by adding a cross-linker - affects the particles' morphology. The poly-methacrylate face can gain total or partial resistance towards the solvents, resulting in intriguing shapes, such as mushroom-like and Janus dimpled particles. The dissolution mechanisms are investigated via optical microscopy, where total or partial dissolutions can be directly observed. Lastly, prematurely quenching the dissolution of the particle's lobes with water can be used to control the Janus mushroom-like particle aspect ratio.

Effect of uncoated and coated diamond on the compressive properties of porous aluminium composites

AbstractPorous aluminium composites are structural and functional materials that have vast potential, due to their lightweight and high energy absorption capacity, especially in automotive and aerospace applications. In this study, the effect of varying content of uncoated and titanium coated diamond particles on the compressive properties of porous aluminium composite was investigated. The composites were developed using powder metallurgy technique and porosity was attained by using polymethylmethacrylate (30 wt.%) as space holder material. The morphology of the pores was found to replicate the shape and size of polymethylmethacrylate particles, that were uniformly distributed in the composites. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed formation of aluminium carbide in uncoated diamond‐based aluminium composites while negligible amount was present in titanium coated porous composites during sintering. The porosities of composites decreased with an increase in diamond content due to the incomplete decomposition of polymethylmethacrylate particles. Moreover, the maximum plateau stress and energy absorption capacity of 9.96 MPa and 1.7 Mj/m3 were obtained for the composites with 8 wt.% of titanium coated diamond particles. Thus, coating inhibits the formation of undesirable compounds and contributes to better interfacial bonding between matrix and reinforcement.

Improvement in effectiveness of diamond in strengthening the porous aluminium composite

In this study, an aluminum (Al) alloy matrix reinforced with uncoated and titanium (Ti) -coated diamond were developed using powder metallurgy technique where polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles were employed as space holders. The weight % of uncoated and coated diamond varied as (0, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 20 wt.%). Microstructural and elemental analysis was examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscope, respectively. The relative density and porosity that were in the range of 0.72–0.92 and 31–44% respectively, were measured using Archimedes principle. The compressive properties were measured and correlated with microstructure observations. The microstructure of the composite samples revealed presence of well-defined macro pores with good interfacial integrity. The X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of strengthening phases such as Al2Ti, Mg2Sn, AlB12, Cu5Sn6, Al12Mg17 and MgB2 phases formed as a result of addition of metal additives in Al matrix. Further improvement in the strength was obtained by using Ti-coated diamond particles as reinforcement. As Ti formed a good interface between the Al alloy matrix and the diamond thereby preventing the formation of undesirable carbide phases. There was an improvement in plateau stress and energy absorption capacity of 82 and 88% as compared to unreinforced porous sample. The maximum values obtained for the plateau stress and energy absorption capacity were 45.12 MPa and 13.68 MJ/m3 respectively for 9 wt.% of Ti-coated diamond reinforced composites. Uncoated diamond reinforced composites, on the other hand, reduced the strength of porous Al alloy matrix due to the formation of brittle intermetallic compound such as carbides (Al2C3) at the interface. As a result, the coated diamond particle surface modifies and improves the wettability of the Al alloy matrix and diamond interface.

Dispersion and Homogeneity of MgO and Ag Nanoparticles Mixed with Polymethylmethacrylate.

This study aims to examine the impact of the direct and indirect mixing techniques on the dispersion and homogeneity of magnesium oxide (MgO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). NPs were mixed with PMMA powder directly (non-ethanol-assisted) and indirectly (ethanol-assisted) with the aid of ethanol as solvent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to evaluate the dispersion and homogeneity of MgO and Ag NPs within the PMMA-NPs nanocomposite matrix. Prepared discs of PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag nanocomposite were analyzed for dispersion and agglomeration by Stereo microscope. XRD showed that the average crystallite size of NPs within PMMA-NP nanocomposite powder was smaller in the case of ethanol-assisted mixing compared to non-ethanol-assisted mixing. Furthermore, EDX and SEM revealed good dispersion and homogeneity of both NPs on PMMA particles with ethanol-assisted mixing compared to the non-ethanol-assisted one. Again, the PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag nanocomposite discs were found to have better dispersion and no agglomeration with ethanol-assisted mixing when compared to the non-ethanol-assisted mixing technique. Ethanol-assisted mixing of MgO and Ag NPs with PMMA powder obtained better dispersion, better homogeneity, and no agglomeration of NPs within the PMMA-NP matrix.

Investigation of Morphology and Compressive Properties of Diamond Reinforced Porous Aluminium Composites

In the present work, porous aluminium composite with varying diamond particles content (4, 8, 12, and 16 wt. %) were developed via powder metallurgy technique. Porosity was attained by using 30 wt. % Polymethylmethacrylate particles as a space holder. The effects of varying content of diamond on the morphology, densities, porosities, compressive properties as well as energy absorption were studied. Morphology of the porous Al composite demonstrated the formation of closed- cell macro pores that were uniformly distributed within the Al matrix regardless of different content of diamond particles. However, increasing diamond content was found to alleviate un-wetting phenomenon between Al matrix and diamond particles leading to increased porosities from 34.8% to 26.2%. The compressive properties also declined however maximum values for plateau stress (7.50MPa) and energy absorption capacity 1.7(Mj/m3) were acquired at 8wt.% diamond content.

Adjustment of Micro- and Macroporosity of ß-TCP Scaffolds Using Solid-Stabilized Foams as Bone Replacement.

To enable rapid osteointegration in bioceramic implants and to give them osteoinductive properties, scaffolds with defined micro- and macroporosity are required. Pores or pore networks promote the integration of cells into the implant, facilitating the supply of nutrients and the removal of metabolic products. In this paper, scaffolds are created from ß-tricalciumphosphate (ß-TCP) and in a novel way, where both the micro- and macroporosity are adjusted simultaneously by the addition of pore-forming polymer particles. The particles used are 10-40 wt%, spherical polymer particles of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (Ø = 5 µm) and alternatively polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) (Ø = 2 µm), added in the course of ß-TCP slurry preparation. The arrangement of hydrophobic polymer particles at the interface of air bubbles was incorporated during slurry preparation and foaming of the slurry. The foam structures remain after sintering and lead to the formation of macro-porosity in the scaffolds. Furthermore, decomposition of the polymer particles during thermal debindering results in the formation of an additional network of interconnecting micropores in the stabilizing structures. It is possible to adjust the porosity easily and quickly in a range of 1.2-140 μm with a relatively low organic fraction. The structures thus prepared showed no cytotoxicity nor negative effects on the biocompatibility.

Optimizing the Compressive Properties of Porous Aluminum Composites by Varying Diamond Content, Space Holder Size and Content.

The compressive properties of powder metallurgy (PM)-based porous aluminum (Al) composites were optimized at three levels based on the following parameters: titanium (Ti)-coated diamond content, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle content, and PMMA particle size. A 3 × 3 matrix was used in the experimental design of an L9 orthogonal array to get nine sets of combinations. These nine compositions were then tested and analyzed for density, porosity, plateau stress, and energy absorption capacity. The effect of individual input parameters was assessed using the Taguchi-based means ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The main effect plots articulated the optimal parameter levels for achieving maximum compressive property values (plateau stress and energy absorption capacity). The findings show that diamond content and PMMA particle size have a major impact on compressive properties. The ANOVA analysis yielded similar results, with diamond content accounting for the greatest value. Further, the response optimization of compressive properties revealed that maximum values could be obtained at optimum parameters: diamond content of 12 wt.%, PMMA particle size of 150 μm, and PMMA particle content of 25 wt.%. Confirmation tests on the optimal parameters revealed improved results as well as some minor errors and deviations, indicating that the chosen parameters are critical for controlling the compressive properties of Al composites.

Countercurrent Flame Propagation and Quenching Behaviour in a Packed Bed of Spherical PMMA Beads in an Upward Flow of Pure Oxygen

ABSTRACT Countercurrent flame propagation and quenching behavior in a packed bed of spherical polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads in an upward flow of pure oxygen was experimentally studied. Monosized PMMA beads of 2, 5, 8 or 10 mm in diameter (d) were packed in a vertical quartz tube of 35 mm ID to form a bed of 180 mm in height. In a typical experimental run, upon ignition from the top, a blue flame formed and propagated downwards. For d = 10, 8, or 5 mm, there existed a minimum oxygen flow rate (q) to sustain a quasi-steady state flame propagation, and the minimum q increased as d decreased from 10 to 5 mm. However, for d = 2 mm, it was not possible for the flame to propagate downwards irrespective of the q value. The apparent pyrolysis rate (m py) of PMMA was estimated by monitoring the bed mass loss rate, from which the nominal equivalence ratio upon flame quenching was also estimated. The equivalence ratio was found to be less than unity upon flame quenching, suggesting insufficient pyrolysis gases to sustain the combustion. The heat transfer between flame and PMMA bead was analyzed theoretically, and it was revealed that the minimum m py to sustain the quasi-steady state flame propagation inversely correlates with the PMMA particle size, and therefore a higher oxygen flow rate is required to sustain the flame propagation in a packed bed of smaller PMMA particles.

Optimized High-Content Imaging Screening Quantifying Micronuclei Formation in Polymer-Treated HaCaT Keratinocytes.

Research on nano- and micro-plastic particles (NMPPs) suggests their potential threat to human health. Some studies have even suggested genotoxic effects of NMPP exposure, such as micronuclei (MN) formation, while others found the opposite. To clarify the ability of NMPP to induce MN formation, we used non-malignant HaCaT keratinocytes and exposed these to a variety of polystyrene (PS) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) particle types at different concentrations and three different sizes. Investigations were performed following acute (one day) and chronic exposure (five weeks) against cytotoxic (amino-modified NMPPs) and genotoxic (methyl methanesulfonate, MMS) positive controls. An optimized high-content imaging workflow was established strictly according to OECD guidelines for analysis. Algorithm-based object segmentation and MN identification led to computer-driven, unsupervised quantitative image analysis results on MN frequencies among the different conditions and thousands of cells per condition. This could only be realized using accutase, allowing for partial cell detachment for optimal identification of bi-nucleated cells. Cytotoxic amino-modified particles were not genotoxic; MMS was both. During acute and long-term studies, PS and PMMA particles were neither toxic nor increased MN formation, except for 1000 nm PS particles at the highest concentration of unphysiological 100 µg/mL. Interestingly, ROS formation was significantly decreased in this condition. Hence, most non-charged polymer particles were neither toxic nor genotoxic, while aminated particles were toxic but not genotoxic. Altogether, we present an optimized quantitative imaging workflow applied to a timely research question in environmental toxicity.

Turbulent flame propagation limits of polymethylmethacrylate particle cloud–ammonia–air co-combustion

Ammonia is a highly promising energy carrier for achieving a carbon-neutral society. The co-combustion of solid particle clouds–ammonia, in particular, is considered an efficient and feasible method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Understanding turbulent flame stabilization and extinguishment processes during the two-phase hybrid-mixture co-combustion of solid particle clouds–ammonia is essential for the co-combustion technology to be used in combustors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the turbulent flame propagation limits and associated mechanism on the co-combustion of solid particle clouds–ammonia–air. Turbulent flame propagation experiments on silica particle clouds–ammonia–air mixing combustion and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle cloud–ammonia–air co-combustion were conducted in this work using a novel fan-stirred constant-volume vessel to clarify the turbulent flame propagation limits and associate mechanism of solid particle cloud–ammonia–air co-combustion. Results showed that adding inert silica particles contracted the turbulent flame propagation limits of premixed ammonia–air mixtures. However, adding PMMA particles expanded and then contracted the turbulent flame propagation limits of a premixed ammonia–air mixture as the ammonia equivalence ratio increased from lean to rich. In the solid particle cloud–ammonia–air co-combustion, reactive particles induce two types of effects on the turbulent flame propagation limits of premixed ammonia–air mixtures: The local equivalence ratio increment effect is caused by adding volatile matter from preheated particles in the preheat zone of the flame front, and the heat sink negative effect is induced by the unburned particles.

Exposure to Polymethylmethacrylate Microplastics Induces a Particle Size-Dependent Immune Response in Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

The widespread occurrence of plastic has become a significant problem in the natural environment and may give rise to a range of deleterious impacts in biota, particularly where plastic particles overlap in size with that of the particles that are naturally ingested by filter-feeders. In this context, the effects of two particle sizes (10 μm and 50 μm) of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) on ecologically and commercially significant mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis have been investigated. Mussel health status was evaluated by measuring the condition index and stress-on-stress test during and after 72 h exposure to PMMA microparticles in the 0.1–10 mg L−1 concentration range. The decreased condition and fitness indices in the exposed mussels pointed to significant physiological effects at the entire organism level. The 10 μm and 50 μm PMMA particles were noted to rapidly increase the total haemocytes count in haemolymph, and significantly reduce cell viability at higher concentrations of both particle sizes. The results also indicated a significant increase in levels of vacuolised haemocytes as a result of PMMA exposure. While both microparticles were detected in the haemolymph, only the 10 μm PMMA was observed in the gill tissue and digestive gland by histological cryosections, indicating their rapid uptake, transport, and accumulation in tissue. Lack of accumulation of 50 μm microparticles in tissue may be related to a combination of chemical identity and size considerations, enabling more efficient depuration of microparticles in pseudofaeces. The PMMA particles did not induce significant changes in activity of a range of enzymes involved in neurotransmission and responses to oxidative stress.

Flexural Properties, Impact Strength, and Hardness of Nanodiamond-Modified PMMA Denture Base Resin.

Purpose Investigate the effect of low nanodiamond (ND) addition and autoclave polymerization on the flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base. Methods A total of 240 heat polymerized PMMA were fabricated with low ND concentrations of 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%, and unmodified as control. The specimens were divided equally into group I: conventionally polymerized PMMA by water bath and group II: polymerized by the autoclave. The impact strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus were tested using the Charpy-type impact-testing machine and three-point bending test, respectively. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the fractured surfaces. Surface hardness was measured by a hardness tester with a Vickers diamond. The bonding and interaction between the PMMA and ND particles were analyzed by the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope. ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). Results ND addition significantly increased the flexural strength of groups I and II (p < 0.001, p=0.003); it was highest (128.8 MPa) at 0.25% ND concentration for group I and at 0.1% for group II. Elastic modulus increased at 0.1% ND for both groups (p=0.004, p=0.373), but the increase was statistically significant for group I only. Impact strength showed no significant change with the addition of ND in groups I and II (p=0.227, p=0.273), as well as surface hardness in group I (p=0.143). Hardness decreased significantly with 0.25%ND in group II. Conclusion The addition of ND at low concentration increased the elastic modulus and flexural strength of conventionally and autoclave polymerized denture base resin. Autoclave polymerization significantly increased the flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness of unmodified PMMA and hardness of 0.5% ND group.

Effects of nanoplastics on zebrafish embryo-larval stages: A case study with polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles

Plastic production has been rising consistently in the last 30 years and with it, the presence of plastic particles in the environment. A decrease in size often increases the bioavailability and reactivity of the particles. In this study the impact of polystyrene (PS; 22 nm) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; 32 nm) nanoparticles on zebrafish embryo-larval stages was assessed by studying mortality, hatching, morphological features, and biochemical endpoints (associated with neurotransmission, antioxidant status and oxidative damage, and energy metabolism) after 96 h exposure, and swimming behavior after 120 h exposure. Organisms exposed to PMMA nanoparticles exhibited higher mortality and pericardial edema than those exposed to PS nanoparticles but displayed less effects on swimming behavior. Biochemical endpoints were altered to a higher degree in organisms exposed to PS nanoparticles (acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities) but higher peroxidative damage was found after exposure to lower concentrations of PMMA nanoparticles. Both types of nanoparticles affected energy metabolism with higher levels of glycogen found in animals exposed to PS nanoparticles. The use of integrated biomarker response index confirmed that PS nanoparticles had a higher impact on biochemical endpoints of zebrafish.

Scanning electron microscope analysis of PMMA third generation: a comparative experimental study

Introduction: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is an inert, biocompatible, rejection-free filler that does not induce infection, necrosis, or tissue damage. It is a polymer used in various diseases and in facial and body sequelae of congenital or acquired diseases, and for aesthetic purposes too. The PMMA manufacturer claims that the product has been improved, purified, and standardized (3rd generation) with rigid microspheres regularity that does not allow phagocytosis, consequently, reducing the inflammatory reaction. Objective: To prove this statement, the present study was conducted, whose objective was to analyze the physical characteristics of the PMMA particles distributed by the two Brazilian companies. Results: The two samples showed no statistical difference, being virtually the same. Conclusion: The surface homogeneity and particle size confirmed the hypothesis of product improvement, which will positively reflect on the clinical results of the product application, this fact can be proven by future studies.

Continuous separation of particles with different densities based on standing surface acoustic waves

The effective separation of cells or particles is of great significance to disease diagnosis and biomedical research. In this paper, a continuous separation method for multiple particles with the same volume and different densities was proposed based on a microfluidic chip. The standing surface acoustic waves (SSAW) with the hydrodynamic separation technology were applied during continuous separation. First, simulations of the particle trajectories in the SSAW field and the outlet separating area were conducted to determine the optimal working parameters, including the peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp) of the IDTs, the maximum flow velocity (vmax) of the microchannel and the fork-optimal flow ratio coefficients (A1 and A2). Then, silica (SiO2), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) particles separation experiments were performed to verify the simulation results and obtain sorted particles. The diameter of the abovementioned particles was 10 µm, but their densities differed. The experiment results showed that the separation rates were 94.86%, 92.21% and 90.36%, and the separation purities were 93.24%, 89.07% and 91.81% for SiO2, PMMA and PS particles, respectively. Multiple particles with same volume and different densities could be continuously and effectively separated by the proposed method. It has great potential applications in biological research, disease diagnosis and clinical practice.