Rod-shaped Nanoparticles Research Articles

Direct Cryo Writing of Aerogels via 3D Printing of Aligned Cellulose Nanocrystals Inspired by the Plant Cell Wall

Aerogel objects inspired by plant cell wall components and structures were fabricated using extrusion-based 3D printing at cryogenic temperatures. The printing process combines 3D printing with the alignment of rod-shaped nanoparticles through the freeze-casting of aqueous inks. We have named this method direct cryo writing (DCW) as it encompasses in a single processing step traditional directional freeze casting and the spatial fidelity of 3D printing. DCW is demonstrated with inks that are composed of an aqueous mixture of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and xyloglucan (XG), which are the major building blocks of plant cell walls. Rapid fixation of the inks is achieved through tailored rheological properties and controlled directional freezing. Morphological evaluation revealed the role of ice crystal growth in the alignment of CNCs and XG. The structure of the aerogels changed from organized and tubular to disordered and flakey pores with an increase in XG content. The internal structure of the printed objects mimics the structure of various wood species and can therefore be used to create wood-like structures via additive manufacturing technologies using only renewable wood-based materials.

Synthesis of rod-shaped Au-Cu intermetallic nanoparticles and SERS detection

Intermetallic phases in Au-Cu nanoparticles has been synthesized chemically in liquid phase. The heat-treatment of these nanoparticles at 180 °C for 1 h in solution phase led to the formation of Au-Cu alloy nanoparticles with nearly spherical shapes and monodispersed size of ∼10 nm. Subsequent heat-treatment at 300 °C for 30 min of these Au-Cu alloy nanoparticles not only revealed structural transformation to intermetallic phases (tetragonal AuCu (tP4) and cubic Cu3Au (cP4)) but also shape change occurs from spherical to rods having average aspect ratio ∼3.0. The structural determination at the particle has been carried out through nano-beam electron diffraction coupled with simulation of electron diffraction patterns and high resolution phase contrast images. These Au–Cu intermetallic nanoparticles exhibit an excellent surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic activity with methylene blue compared to that of Au-Cu alloy nanoparticles.

Heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of nanofluids with various filling ratios under synchronous vibration

In the combustion engine working process, significant heat energy is transferred to the combustion chamber, and particularly to the piston. Therefore, the piston must be efficiently cooled with increased thermal loading. When the piston power density exceeds 0.3 kW/cm2, it must be cooled by a cooling chamber. To assess nanofluid flow and heat-transfer characteristics in the cooling chamber, visualization experiments and numerical simulations were performed using water-based Al2O3 and SiO2 at 2% concentration by volume in a straight circular pipe under synchronous vibration with the piston. The filling ratio, vibration frequency, and nanoparticle shape all have important impacts on cooling. Experimental data verified numerical simulation results that the optimum heat transfer filling ratio = 53.4%, under which the convective heat-transfer coefficient of nanofluids reached the maximum 1914.4 W/(m2 K). The heat-transfer enhancement coefficient was proportional to the vibrational frequency. Within the experimental limits and with high filling ratio, the convective heat-transfer coefficient increased by 9.5% when the vibrational frequency increased from 2.55 Hz to 3.65 Hz. Nanoparticle shape also had a major impact on heat transfer. Heat transfer with rod-shaped Al2O3 nanoparticles was significantly better than with spherical SiO2 nanoparticles. Under the condition of 3.65 Hz, compared with water, the enhancement amplitude of spherical nanoparticles with the same volume concentration was 8.0%, but that of the rod-like nanoparticles could be increased by 13.4%. The fluids mixed best for a rotor rotation angle between 180 °C and 270 °C, and the degree of nanofluid chaos was better than that of purified water in a reciprocating vibration cycle, as verified by experiments and numerical simulations.

Comparison Study on Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Activity of Different Shaped ZnO Nanoparticles

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized through surfactant free non-hydrolytic organic phase method in which zinc acetate and zinc acetylacetonate were selected as precursors. Structural and size analysis of the as-prepared nanoparticles performed on X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the obtained nanoparticles were crystalline particles with all reflections matching to wurtzite. TEM images revealed that ZnO NPs from synthesis in which zinc acetate involved as precursor had a shape of sphere while zinc acetylacetonate resulted in rod-shaped nanoparticles. Reaction rates from catalytic activity test performed on Methylene Blue dye (MB) were found to be 2.99×10-2 min-1 and 1.98×10-2 min-1 for spherical and rod-shaped ZnO NPs, respectively. Antibacterial activity experiments shows rod-shaped ZnO NPs almost completely (99.75%) inhibited the growth of Escherichia Coli while only around 6.5% was survived after treatment of spherical ZnO NPs under same conditions.

A facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of hydroxyapatite/biochar nanocomposites: Adsorption behavior and mechanisms for the removal of copper(II) from aqueous media

In this study, hydroxyapatite/biochar nanocomposites (HAP/BC-NCs) were synthesized through a simple one-pot hydrothermal process and utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of copper(II) from aqueous media. Characterization results revealed that rod-shaped HAP nanoparticles were successfully incorporated on the surfaces of synthesized HAP/BC-NCs. A set of systematically designed batch experiments were carried out to determine the influences of adsorbent dosage, solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature on the adsorption behavior of the HAP/BC-NCs. Overall findings from batch experiments and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis demonstrated that the potential mechanisms responsible for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous media are cation exchange between Cu2+ in solution and Ca2+ in the HAP on the surfaces of the as-synthesized nanocomposites and the formation of inner-sphere surface complexes on the surfaces of the HAP/BC-NCs. Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process follows the pseudo-second-order model and that the overall adsorption rate is controlled by film diffusion as the dominant mechanism and intraparticle diffusion as a secondary mechanism. Adsorption isotherms were accurately represented by a Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 99.01 mg/g at 298 K, which represents a higher efficiency for Cu(II) adsorption compared to previously reported composite materials. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the process is thermodynamically spontaneous and endothermic process. Overall, the findings presented in this paper suggest that HAP/BC-NCs have promising applicability for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous media as an alternative, low-cost, and eco-friendly adsorbent for environmental remediation.

Impact of ZnO nanoparticle morphology on relaxation and transport properties of PLA nanocomposites

In this work we study the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle morphology and concentration on the resulting relaxation and transport properties of polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites. Films containing spherical and rod-shaped ZnO nanoparticles were incorporated into an amorphous polylactide (PLA) matrix through a solvent-precipitation and compression moulding method. Morphological analyses carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results indicate a much better distribution of rod-shaped ZnO within PLA matrix. Relaxation experiments reveal faster physical aging kinetics of PLA in presence ZnO nanoparticles notwithstanding their shape, suggesting the presence of non-interacting surfaces between the amorphous PLA matrix and the ZnO nanoparticles. Interestingly, both helium and oxygen permeability remained stable or increase upon nanoparticle addition, and anisole sorption kinetics showed faster mass transport in the nanocomposites, suggesting that the low interfacial adhesion between PLA and ZnO brings supplementary voids to the material increasing mass transport. Overall, the experimental findings here reported provide a deeper understanding on the influence of metal oxide nanoparticle morphology on the resulting relaxation and gas transport properties of amorphous polymeric nanocomposites.

Role of surface charges on interaction of rod-shaped magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with protein.

Magnetic hydroxyapatite (MHAp) exhibits excellent biocompatibility, making it an ideal candidate as a biomaterial. Recent investigations have shown that the combined effect of magnetite and hydroxyapatite nanostructures provide efficient means for diagnostic and therapeutic applications which can be controlled with an external magnetic field. For these applications an important aspect to be considered is the interaction of the MHAp nanoparticles (NPs) with biomolecules such as protein (P) and the subsequent biological response. The present study involves synthesis and characterization of Fe doped MHAp NPs, surface functionalized with tri-lithium citrate and cetyl pyridinium chloride having Li+ and Cl- as counterions, respectively. The electrostatic interaction of the MHAp NPs (with and without surface functionalization) with proteins such as Hen egg white lysozyme and Pepsin A were investigated to study the P-NP interactions. The crystalline structure and compositions of these NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction. The size and aspect ratio were measured using transmission electron microscopy. The P-NP interaction was characterized by Dynamic light scattering, Zeta-potential measurements, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies. The conformational changes of the protein secondary structures were investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The functionality of the protein after interaction with surface modified MHAp NPs were studied using activity assays.

Blood Circulation-Prolonging Peptides for Engineered Nanoparticles Identified via Phage Display.

Sustaining blood retention for theranostic nanoparticles is a big challenge. Various approaches have been attempted and have demonstrated some success but limitations remain. We hypothesized that peptides capable of increasing blood residence time for M13 bacteriophage, a rod-shaped nanoparticle self-assembled from proteins and nucleic acids, should also prolong blood circulation for engineered nanoparticles. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by identifying a series of blood circulation-prolonging (BCP) peptides through in vivo screening of an M13 peptide phage display library. Intriguingly, the majority of the identified BCP peptides contained an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif, which was necessary but insufficient for the circulation-prolonging activity. We further demonstrated that the RGD-mediated specific binding to platelets was primarily responsible for the enhanced blood retention of BCP1. The utility of the BCP1 peptide was demonstrated by fusion of the peptide to human heavy-chain ferritin (HFn), leading to significantly improved pharmacokinetic profile, enhanced tumor cell uptake and optimum anticancer efficacy for doxorubicin encapsulated in the HFn nanocage. Our results provided a proof-of-concept for an innovative yet simple strategy, which utilizes phage display to discover novel peptides with the capability of substantially prolonging blood circulation for engineered theranostic nanoparticles.

Saxs and Spectroscopic Studies of Synthesis Procedures of Nanorods

Nanoparticles of noble metals, particularly gold nanoparticles, were a great breakthrough in nanobiotechnology, because of their unique physicochemical properties which depend on their shape and size. They can be used in modern biomedicine for example in drug delivery, as contrast agents for medical imaging or as vectors for gene therapy. Using different ways of synthesis, including also addition of surfactants at the stage of synthesis, one can get numerous types of nanoparticles of various morphology, like nanotriangles, nanoribbons or nanorods. In this study we focussed on the synthesis procedures of rod-shaped gold nanoparticles prepared using the seed-mediated growth method with various surfactants to obtain different size and prevent aggregation of gold nanorods. Surfactant molecules are amphiphilic, which means that they have hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, and can form different microstructures in solution and therefore can mediate the synthesis of nanoparticles. As a results of the use of surfactants, different morphologies of nanoparticles can be promoted. Characterization of gold nanoparticles obtained was performed by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, they were analysed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) diffusometry measurements to get information about their size, shape and structure. As a result, we have gained an insight on the influence of the structure of used surfactants on the morphology of obtained gold nanostructures. This research project was supported by programme Best of the Best (Najlepsi z Najlepszych) 3.0 from Ministry of Science and Higher Education (Poland).

Self-assembly of spherical and rod-shaped nanoparticles with full positional control.

The controlled positioning of spherical gold nanoparticles and gold nanorods upon self-assembly on a substrate is of great interest for the fabrication of tailored plasmonic devices. Here, an electrostatic approach with a sequential two-step assembly protocol is presented as a cost-effective and high-yield alternative to previously presented, more complex proof of concepts. Three different geometries can be separately produced in large quantities relying on electrostatic attraction and repulsion of the charge-carrying building blocks: a single gold nanoparticle at the tip, the side or on top of a gold nanorod. DLVO theory is used to explain the electrostatic assembly strategy. The process is highly efficient and assembly yields between 79% (at the tip) and 94% (for the nanoparticle at the long side of the nanorod) are achieved.

Synthesis of latex stabilized by unmodified cellulose nanocrystals: the effect of monomers on particle size

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are sustainable rod-shaped nanoparticles able to adsorb at oil–water interfaces to produce highly stable Pickering emulsions with enhanced mechanical properties.

Dielectric breakdown study of a nanofluid based on goethite nanoparticles

The study of electric breakdown in magnetic nanofluid is one of the basic characterizations from the dielectric point of view. In this article we put effort to study dielectric breakdown strength of the transformer oil doped with goethite rod-shape nanoparticles. We use oscilloscope technique to catch the breakdown value for DC and AC applied potential, respectively. The investigated sample was exposed to both, DC and AC electric potential. We point out that for DC dielectric strength there is a positive influence of goethite nanorods on dielectric strength till electrode gap doesn't exceed critical value. Otherwise, for AC electric potential there was practically no effect on dielectric strength of the investigated nanofluid. In the result and discussion we present more complex description of the measured data. We also provide information about preparation processes of the fluid and detailed description of the measurement setup.

Room temperature synthesis of germanium dioxide nanorods and their in vitro photocatalytic application

Room temperature synthesis of germanium oxide nanorods (GeO2Nrs) by co-precipitation method using NaOH as hydrolysis agents and GEBIO solution as precursor and stabilizing agents is highlighted in this study. GEBIO is a mineral germanium dioxide solution developed for agricultural products to allow the accumulation of natural plant-based germanium in crops. This germanium fertilizer, which contains germanium dioxide (1000 μg/mL), liquid enzyme, boron (0.11%, v/v) and molybdenum (0.005%, v/v), is proposed to contribute to the nucleation and elongation of rod-shaped GeO2 nanoparticles during the reaction phase. FE-TEM images of GeO2 crystals demonstrated the rod-shaped structure with a diameter in the range of 60–220 nm and lengths of the nanorods are in the range of 0.2–2.20 μm. FTIR spectra of GeO2Nrs suggested that the molecules found in GEBIO were likely to grant stabilization. Furthermore, more than 50% degradation of methylene blue dye could be achieved within 60 min of exposure to GeO2Nrs and excess GEBIO solution under UV light. In conclusion, the energy efficient synthesis of GeO2Nrs may be useful as novel synthesis of photocatalytic agents for the remediation of wastewater.

Reclaimable La: ZnO/PAN nanofiber catalyst for photodegradation of methyl paraoxon and its toxicological evaluation utilizing early life stages of zebra fish (Danio rerio)

In the present work, La: ZnO/PAN and ZnO/PAN nanofibers were designed and evaluated as a catalyst for the photodegradation of diethyl (4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (MP). The solid catalyst was characterized by various analytical techniques. Hexagonal and wurtzite crystal structure of the fabricated rod-shaped La-ZnO nanoparticles were substantiated from the XRD pattern. The catalytic activity of ZnO nanorods enhanced in the presence of La due to their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. Real-time experiment carried out in the wastewater sample spiked with MP showed 100 %degradation efficiency at 150 min as quantified by HPLC. The product of degradation (4-nitrophenol) was directly converted to tertiary compound (p-amino phenol) eschewing the intermediate as attested by GC–MS analysis. Acute toxicity of MP was evaluated utilizing early stages of zebra fish and the degraded product was found to be less toxic for the aquatic living system.

Size, Shape, and Protein Corona Determine Cellular Uptake and Removal Mechanisms of Gold Nanoparticles.

Size, shape, and protein corona play a key role in cellular uptake and removal mechanisms of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The 15 nm nanoparticles (NP1), the 45 nm nanoparticles (NP2), and the rod-shaped nanoparticles (NR) enter into cells via a receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) pathway. The star-shaped nanoparticles (NS) adopt not only clathrin-mediated, but also caveolin-mediated endocytosis pathways. However, the 80 nm nanoparitcles (NP3) mainly enter into the cells by macropinocytosis pathway due to the big size. Furthermore, the results indicate that the presence of protein corona can change the uptake mechanisms of Au NPs. The endocytosis pathway of NP1, NP2, and NS changes from RME to macropinocytosis pathway and NR changes from RME to clathrin and caveolin-independent pathway under the non-fetal bovine serun (FBS)-coated condition. Both FBS-coated and non-FBS-coated of five types of Au NPs are released out through the lysosomal exocytosis pathway. The size, shape, and protein corona have an effect on the exocytosis ratio and amount, but do not change the exocytosis mechanism. The systematic study of the endocytosis and exocytosis mechanism of Au NPs with different sizes and shapes will benefit the toxicology evaluation and nanomedicine application of Au NPs.

Facile synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles mimicking biological apatite from eggshells for bone-tissue engineering.

A facile synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles that mimicked biological apatite by utilizing eggshells as a bio-calcium precursor was presented via the hydrothermal method and with the assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide for bone-tissue engineering. The synthesized HAp was characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The HAp nanoparticles were produced in film and pellet forms to determine their biomineralization and protein adsorption through in vitro studies in simulated body fluids and minimum essential medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum, respectively. A pure HAp nanocrystalline phase with rod-shaped nanoparticles of 161 nm in mean length and 52 nm in mean diameter was produced. The HAp was revealed to be a carbonated HAp exhibiting A- and B- type CO32- substitutions with CO32- content of 2.14 ± 1.36 wt.%, trace amounts of some important elements (Mg, Na, and K), and Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.54, thereby confirming that the HAp resembled the biological apatite in terms of morphology, structure, and composition. The HAp showed high biomineralization capability with the quick release of a double layer of bone-like apatite after 3 days in SBF and extremely high protein adsorption with 1213 ± 178 μg of proteins adsorbed on the HAp surface after 24 h. The HAp material had high bioactivity and cell affinity (cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation). Thus, it has potential as a biomaterial for fabrication of BTE scaffolds. To our knowledge, this article is the first detailed study on biological tests of the HAp material derived from eggshells.

How Entanglement of Different Physicochemical Properties Complicates the Prediction of in Vitro and in Vivo Interactions of Gold Nanoparticles.

The physicochemical properties of a set of 21 different gold nanoparticles (spherical and rod-shaped nanoparticles (NPs) of different diameters with three different surface coatings) were studied. Protein corona formation, in vitro uptake, effect on cell viability and proliferation, and in vivo biodistribution of these NPs were determined. The relation of the results of the different NPs was analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis, which will tell which NPs have the most similar physicochemical properties and biological effects, without having to specify individual physicochemical parameters. The results show that the physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are mainly accounted for by their hydrodynamic diameter and their zeta-potential. The formation of the protein corona is determined by the pH-dependence of their zeta-potential. While several reports found that in vitro uptake and in vivo biodistribution of NPs are correlated to individual physicochemical parameters, e. g., size, shape, or surface chemistry, such direct dependence in the investigated multidimensional set of NPs was not found in our study. This most likely is due to entanglement of the different parameters, which complicates the prediction of the biological effect of NPs in case multiple physicochemical properties are simultaneously varied. The in vitro uptake and in vivo biodistribution of NPs seem to be not directly driven by the protein corona, but the physicochemical properties determine as well the corona as they influence in vitro/ in vivo behaviors, and thus the effect of the protein corona would be rather indirect.

Development of water-repellent cement mortar using silane enriched with nanomaterials

The exposure of reinforced concrete structures to freezing temperatures during winters can create internal stresses and surface microcracks in concrete owing to tiny ice crystal formations in the pores of concrete structures. Thus, in the present study, superhydrophobic surfaces were created on concrete by spraying and admixing superhydrophobic materials, comprising 1H,1H,1H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTS) with nano TiO2 and SiO2 inclusions, with cement mortar. TiO2 nanomaterials were synthesized using ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a bio-template. The PFDTS enriched with nanomaterials (PFDTS-NM) was admixed with cement mortar during casting and was spray-coated on the cement mortar surface after casting. The spray-coated and admixed cement mortar sample surfaces were characterized by XRD, SEM/EDAX, and UV–vis spectroscopy, and their water-repellent properties were evaluated by measuring the contact angles (CA) and conducting water absorption and freeze-thawing tests. The pore size distributions of the samples before and after freeze-thawing were evaluated by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The results confirm the presence of PFDTS with inclusions of rod-shaped TiO2 nanoparticles on the concrete surface. Further, the CAs of normal, coated, and admixed cement mortar surfaces were found to be 45.5°, 162.3°, and 162.0°, respectively. The spray-coated and admixed concrete can be used to form superhydrophobic surfaces on concrete structures to reduce water absorption and increase the durability of cement mortar.

Synthesis and characterization of PVP-coated tellurium nanorods and their antibacterial and anticancer properties

Antibiotic resistance is a predicament that affects more than 2 million people worldwide each year. Through the over-prescription and extensive use of antibiotics, bacteria have generated resistance to many common antibiotic treatments. A promising approach to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria is the use of metallic nanoparticles. In this work, an environmentally safe synthesis of tellurium nanoparticles was explored. Rod-shaped tellurium nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were prepared using a facile hydrothermal reduction reaction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were used to characterize the size and morphology of the nanoparticles and showed a narrow size distribution. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed to verify the chemical composition of the nanoparticles. Antibacterial assays determined that treatment with nanoparticles at concentrations of 25 to 100 μg/mL induced a decay in the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria—both antibiotic-resistant and non-antibiotic-resistance strains. To determine the effects of the nanoparticles on off-target cells, cytotoxicity assays were performed using human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and melanoma (skin cancer) cells for durations of 24 and 48 h. Treatment with nanoparticles at concentrations between 10 and 100 μg/mL showed no significant cytotoxicity towards HDF cells. Contrarily, in melanoma cells, a cytotoxic effect was observed at the same concentrations. This suggests that the nanoparticles possess both anticancer properties towards melanoma cells and antibacterial effects without being toxic to healthy cells. These properties show that, for the first time, PVP-coated tellurium nanorods can be exploited for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. These nanorods should be further explored for numerous antibacterial and anticancer applications.

Accumulation of gold nano-rods in the failing heart of transgenic mice with the cardiac-specific expression of TNF-α.

Gold nano-rods, rod-shaped gold nanoparticles, act as contrast agents for in vivo bioimaging, drug delivery vehicles and thermal converters for photothermal therapy. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play critical roles in the development of heart failure. We examined the delivery of GNRs into the failing heart of a transgenic (TG) mouse model of inflammatory cardiomyopathy with the cardiac-specific overexpression of TNF-α. We modified GNRs with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to avoid cytotoxicity and reduce the rapid clearance of nanoparticles from blood. PEG-modified GNRs (4.5mM as gold atoms, 200 μL) were administered intravenously to TG (n = 7) and wild-type (WT) mice (n = 5). These were killed 24h later, and the heart, lung, liver, kidney and spleen were excised. A quantitative analysis of gold was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass or optical emission spectrometry. The amount of gold (ng) in the TG heart (3.24 ± 1.56ng/mg heart weight) was significantly greater than that in the WT heart (1.01 ± 0.19; p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the other organs of TG and WT mice. The amount of gold in the TG heart was significantly and positively correlated with the ratio of the ventricular weight to body weight, which is known to be an index of ventricular hypertrophy. In conclusion, PEG-modified GNRs accumulated in the inflammatory TG heart in proportion with the severity of ventricular hypertrophy.