Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Solution Research Articles

Continuous wave laser ablation for tailored titanium nanoparticle synthesis: temperature and liquid medium effects

We reported for the first time the generation of titanium (Ti) nanoparticles (NPs) in different liquids (deionized (DI) water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution) and at a range of temperatures (5 °C, 28 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C) using continuous-wave high-power laser ablation in liquid (CWLAL). The CWLAL technique is a convenient and cost-effective way to generate NPs. The key outcomes of our investigation are the effects of temperature and the liquid mediums on the average size, generation rate, shape, surface charges, and crystallographic structure of the NPs. Generated NPs show consistent spherical shape regardless of liquid medium changes and temperature variation. SDS solution notably impacts NP size and generation rate with higher surface charges than DI water. For instance, at temperatures of 28 °C and 80 °C, the generation rates in SDS solution are 316 mg/hr and 309 mg/hr, with average NP sizes of 33 nm and 34 nm, respectively. In contrast, the generation rates in DI water are 96 mg/hr and 302 mg/hr, with NP sizes of 13 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The weaker crystallographic structure observed in NPs generated in SDS solution, compared to the more robust crystallographic structure of NPs synthesized in DI water. Liquid temperature plays a significant role in determining surface charges, average particle size, and molecular structure of NPs. The choice of the liquid medium and temperature can be critical for tailoring NP characteristics to specific applications. Ongoing work is being conducted to explore the possibilities of further progress in this area to generate efficient and customized NPs.

Effect of emulsification step on calcium carbonate encapsulated eicosane and incorporation into geopolymer

AbstractThe effect of the emulsification process of the organic n‐eicosane as a phase change material (PCM) in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDBS) as a surfactant has been studied regarding the properties of the CaCO3 microcapsules. Such microcapsules aim to limit interactions between the PCM and the matrix (i.e., leakage and unwanted reactions). Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the mean size of the n‐eicosane capsule is of the order of 5 μm. However, large non‐spherical objects which could be clusters of flocculated capsules or the results of encapsulation of coalescing n‐eicosane droplets, are observed, particularly when mechanical stirring (MS) is used rather than when an ultra‐turrax (UT) or sonotrode (S) is used in the initial emulsification step. These large, partially encapsulated objects could be the cause of the poor results in leakage tests. It is possible to encapsulate n‐eicosane inside a calcium carbonate shell, with a greater than 50% encapsulation ratio. The yield of encapsulated n‐eicosane measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is similar and shows that 55% n‐eicosane core in CaCO3 shell can be produced. Up to 33 wt.% CaCO3 microcapsules (with 55% n‐eicosane content) have been successfully incorporated into fresh geopolymer paste. This incorporation of 18% (55% × 33%) of PCM does not modify the hardening conditions of the geopolymer since demolding was possible after 2 days at room temperature. DSC curves confirm that the melting reaction with n‐eicosane is conserved inside the hardened geopolymer.

The Interaction Of Homodimer Styrylcyanine Dyes With Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate And Triton X-100.

Solubilization of the styrylcyanine dye Sbt ((E)-2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-3-methylbenzo[d]thiazol-3-ium iodide) and its homodimers Dbt-5 and Dbt-10 in aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100 has been studied by steady state and picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. At low concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate in solution, between Sbt, Dbt-5 dyes molecules and surfactant ion pairs are formed followed by the formation non-luminescent H-aggregates. The nature of the interaction between molecules of dyes and surfactants has been revealed. The binding constants Ks of the dyes to the surfactants, free energy changes (ΔG0), the number of dye molecules (n) included in a single micelle and photophysical parameters have been determined. The degree of solubilization of dyes in micellar solution of Triton X-100 is higher as compared to sodium dodecyl sulfate and depends on the molecular weight and size of both dye molecules and micelles.

Effect of SDS Solutions on the Jamin Effect in a Capillary Tube with a Contracted Throat.

With the continuous exploitation of petroleum resources, the distribution and displacement of residual oils have become key issues in enhancing oil recovery. In a reservoir, there are various forms of residual oils caused by the capillary force, viscous force, and some other hydrodynamic effects, which lead to the Jamin effect, and they restrict the oil displacement process. In this study, the morphologies of oil droplets in a capillary tube laden with water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions are experimentally investigated. The pinning behavior of the oil droplet is observed in the waterflood with a lower velocity, while depinning and rupturing behaviors occur at a higher velocity. Hereto, we build a mechanics model to analyze the evolution of the Jamin effect in a capillary tube with varying cross sections. Using this theoretical model, we obtain the two critical velocities for the depinning and rupture of the oil droplet, which agree with the experimental results. Moreover, we find that oil droplets can more easily pass through the entire capillary tube in SDS solutions compared with water. The time required for oil droplets to pass through the pore throat becomes shorter with the increase of SDS concentration. Therefore, a theoretical model is established to determine the total pressure difference and the minimum applied pressure difference. These findings are beneficial to obtain a deep insight into the detailed oil displacement and achieve a higher oil recovery rate.

The Surfactant Properties of Clindamycin as a Useful Adjunct for Removing Ruptured Silicone Implants.

Silicone gel removal after breast implant rupture is a difficult task. Silicone is hydrophobic and thus cannot be irrigated effectively with saline. Attempts at mechanical removal with sponges are often partially successful. Incomplete removal results in persistent silicone contamination with possible local inflammation, infection, and silicone granulomata. In this partially quantitative investigation, we assess the de-adhesion ability of different clindamycin formulations against known surfactant controls when combined with silicone gel. To demonstrate surfactant properties in vitro, clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, and a known surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), were compared. An amount of 170 g of silicone gel placed in a dry glass container exhibited strong adherence to the container walls. In separate trials, clindamycin phosphate (300 mg in 100 mL), clindamycin HCl (300 mg in 100 mL), and SDS (1 g in 100 mL) solutions with normal saline were added to the silicone aggregate, and de-adhesion properties were compared. All solutions aided in the de-adhesion of the sticky silicone from glass substrate. The SDS had the strongest effect, followed by clindamycin phosphate and then clindamycin HCl. The observed interactions suggested that all of the solutions behaved as ionic surfactant coating the silicone with negative charges via adsorption. However, the phosphate anionic formulation was associated with a greater surfactant effect than HCl. Clindamycin acts as a surfactant to aid in the clinical removal of ruptured silicone gel. Clindamycin phosphate seems to have a stronger effect than clindamycin HCl, likely related to the negative charges on the phosphate groups.

Experimental and molecular dynamics study on the influence of surfactants on the wettability of different rank coal

This study sought to enhance the wettability of coal surfaces to minimize coal mine dust generation and improve underground working conditions. To this end, we evaluated the effect of different surfactants on different coal ranks. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we constructed different coal-surfactant-water molecular systems and elucidated the microscopic migration pattern of water molecules on coal surfaces. Our findings thus provided insights into the wetting mechanisms of coal of varying ranks from multiple perspectives. Our findings indicated that the wettability of coal decreases with higher coal metamorphism. However, adding surfactants to water significantly improves the wetting effect of liquids on coal. Notably, a 1.0 wt% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution exhibited the smallest indirect contact angles with long flame coal and gas coal samples, measuring 25.1° and 25.8°, respectively. Conversely, a coconut diethanolamide (CDEA) solution at a 1.0 wt% concentration demonstrated superior wetting effects on anthracite coal samples, with a contact angle of 25.7°. Upon surfactant addition, the diffusion coefficient of water molecules notably increased, with maximum values reaching 2.32Å2/ps, 2.56Å2/ps, and 2.15Å2/ps, respectively. Moreover, both the total potential energy of the coal molecular layer and the surface electrostatic potential exhibited an increasing trend. This enhancement strengthens the adsorption capacity of coal molecular surfaces for water molecules, thereby promoting coal wettability. Collectively, our findings provide new insights for optimizing surfactant use and efficiently mitigating dust in coal mines.

Fabrication of omniphobic PVDF membrane with SiO2–FeOOH hierarchical structures for robust membrane distillation

Omniphobic membrane has been demonstrated as an effective strategy to mitigate membrane wetting and fouling risks in membrane distillation (MD) processes. In this work, novel omniphobic membranes with hierarchical re-entrant surface structure were fabricated. Firstly, the FeOOH nanorods were deposited on the polydopamine (PDA) pre-treated poly (vinylidene fluoride) PVDF membrane. After that, the SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were coated on the FeOOH nanorods via electrostatic attraction to form hierarchical structures. Finally, the fluorosilane was utilized to reduce the membrane surface free energy, contributing to PVDF based omniphobic membranes. The effects of reaction time, FeCl3·6H2O and SiO2 NPs concentrations on membrane properties, including membrane surface morphology, average pore size, contact angles (CAs), surface roughness and permeate flux, were investigated in detail. The resulting omniphobic membranes showed high CAs towards various tested liquids, such as 0.4 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution (143.9 ± 0.8°), hexadecane (113.5 ± 3.2°) and mineral oil (132.5 ± 2.8°). This membrane exhibited outstanding performance in a continuous 50-h vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) process with a 10 wt% NaCl feed solution. Besides, the anti-oil-fouling properties were further assessed with a feed solution containing 200-ppm hexadecane and 3.5-wt% NaCl, the omniphobic membrane exhibited steady permeate flux of above 24.18 kg m−2 h−1 and a 99.99 % rejection rate during 50-h testing. Finally, the omniphobic membrane showed high anti-wetting properties by SDS/salt solution. This work introduces a new strategy for fabricating omniphobic membranes that shows significant potential for treating complex industrial wastewaters.

Adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells promote the vascularization of pancreatic islets transplanted into decellularized pancreatic skeletons

We have recently developed a model of pancreatic islet transplantation into a decellularized pancreatic tail in rats. As the pancreatic skeletons completely lack endothelial cells, we investigated the effect of co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells to promote revascularization.Decellularized matrix of the pancreatic tail was prepared by perfusion with Triton X-100, sodium dodecyl sulfate and DNase solution. Isolated pancreatic islets were infused into the skeletons via the splenic vein either alone, together with adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells (adMSCs), or with a combination of adMSCs and rat endothelial cells (rat ECs). Repopulated skeletons were transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue and explanted 9 days later for histological examination. Possible immunomodulatory effects of rat adMSCs on the survival of highly immunogenic green protein–expressing human ECs were also tested after their transplantation beneath the renal capsule. The immunomodulatory effects of adMSCs were also tested in vitro using the Invitrogen Click-iT EdU system.In the presence of adMSCs, the proliferation of splenocytes as a response to phytohaemagglutinin A was reduced by 47% (the stimulation index decreased from 1.7 to 0.9, P = 0.008) and the reaction to human ECs was reduced by 58% (the stimulation index decreased from 1.6 to 0.7, P = 0.03). Histological examination of the explanted skeletons seeded only with the islets showed their partial disintegration and only a rare presence of CD31-positive cells. However, skeletons seeded with a combination of islets and adMSCs showed preserved islet morphology and rich vascularity. In contrast, the addition of syngeneic rat ECs resulted in islet-cell necrosis with only few endothelial cells present. Live green fluorescence–positive endothelial cells transplanted either alone or with adMSCs were not detected beneath the renal capsule.Though the adMSCs significantly reduced in vitro proliferation stimulated by either phytohaemagglutinin A or by xenogeneic human ECs, in vivo co-transplanted adMSCs did not suppress the post-transplant immune response to xenogeneic ECs. Even in the syngeneic model, ECs co-transplantation did not lead to sufficient vascularization in the transplant area. In contrast, islet co-transplantation together with adMSCs successfully promoted the revascularization of extracellular matrix in the subcutaneous tissue.

Highly stable nanobubbles in the reduction of apparent viscosity of liquids during UF process

Nano-bubbles (NBs) have attracted more attention in various chemical processes due to their different physicochemical properties from macro-bubbles. However, little attention has been paid to the variations in physicochemical properties of the liquids caused by NBs. In this study, stable NBs in the range of 120–360 nm (mean diameters of 221 nm) are generated at an air pressure of 0.3 MPa. Meanwhile, the surface tension of H2O and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution decrease with increasing amounts of NBs, indicating that NBs altered the physicochemical properties of liquids. Consistent with the variations in surface tension, the apparent viscosity of pure H2O and 400 mg L−1 sodium alginate (SA) solutions decreased by 5.6 % and 6.6 % after bubbling for 180 min, respectively, which can be attributed to the long retention time of NBs in the mixture of NB-liquids. The correlations between the apparent viscosity of the gas–liquid mixture (μ) and the gas holdups (V) are then deduced as μ=μ0(1-αV), where μ0 is the apparent viscosity of liquid in the absence of NBs and α is the correction factor. The CFD results further confirm that the apparent viscosity of the gas–liquid mixture decreases with increasing gas holdups. During the UF process, NBs significantly increase the normalized flux of NB-H2O from 1.00 to 1.35 and from 0.72 to 1.02 for NB-10 mg L−1 SA solution, which from the other side confirms that NBs decrease the apparent viscosity of the gas–liquid mixture, thus improving the normalized flux of filtrates. This study provides valuable clues for the significance of NBs in chemical processes.

Interactions between lipid oxidation and anthocyanins from black carrots in ω-3 fatty acid-rich flaxseed oil-in-water emulsions

The application of anthocyanins as red colorants in lipid-containing foods such as oil-in-water emulsions is challenging due to their ability to act as antioxidants and their instability under various environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of black carrot anthocyanin degradation and the subsequent color loss influenced by lipid oxidation reactions in 1% (w/w) flaxseed oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by 0.1% (w/w) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at pH 2 upon storage at 35 °C for ten days under light and in the dark. Oxidatively stable Miglyol oil-in-water emulsions and SDS solutions were used as reference. The results showed simultaneous formation of lipid hydroperoxides and degradation of anthocyanins. The addition of anthocyanins decreased lipid hydroperoxide formation, confirming the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins through radical scavenging mechanism. The kinetic modelling of lipid oxidation and anthocyanin degradation are particularly important for estimating color stability in colored emulsion-based food systems such as dairy or non-dairy milk or yoghurt drinks.Graphical abstract

Decellularization of macroalgae Eucheuma cottonii: A potential cellulose-based biomaterial for tissue engineering

Introduction: The success of tissue engineering depends on the characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, such as mechanical strength, porosity, and biocompatibility. These scaffolds are essential both in vitro and in vivo, as they better replicate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Cellulose, abundant in nature, is a prime candidate due to its biocompatibility, adaptable biomechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness. It has been explored for applications for cardiac, cartilage, and bone tissue engineering. This study aimed at the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of decellularized Eucheuma cottonii using SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) to assess its potential as a tissue engineering scaffold. Methods: Macroalgae Eucheuma cottonii were cut into small pieces and then immersed in three different concentrations of SDS solution, namely 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%. The samples were then agitated using a rotary shaker at 160 RPM for four days. The decellularized macroalgae were processed histologically and stained with Hematoxyline-eosin (H&E). In addition, microscopic characterizations were also assessed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. Results: The results indicated the absence of nuclei or cellular contents with intact ECM, confirming acellular microarchitecture, in the decellularized Eucheuma cottoni with 1% SDS. Remarkably, SEM analysis also revealed the porous structure of decellularized Eucheuma cottonii with pore sizes ranging from 5 to 30 μm. Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrated the potential of decellularized macroalgae as alternative nature scaffolds. Decellularized Eucheuma cottonii tissues are expected to be cellulose-based biomaterials for candidate biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo in future studies.

CO2/H2 Separation by Synergistic Enhanced Hydrate Method with SDS and R134a.

The synergistic effect of thermodynamic promoter tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and kinetic promoter sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) can significantly improve the phase equilibrium conditions required for CO2 hydrate formation and promote rapid generation of CO2 hydrate. Based on this, this study investigates the influence of SDS and R134a synergy on the separation of CO2/H2 mixed gas using the hydrate method. The research reveals that without SDS addition, R134a hydrate forms first at the gas-liquid interface before CO2 hydrate induction, hindering gas-liquid exchange. The addition of SDS can inhibit the formation of the hydrate film, enhance the initiator effect of R134a in the CO2 hydrate formation process, accelerate the nucleation of CO2 hydrate, and thus synergistically strengthen the separation of CO2/H2 mixed gases. Hydrate formation can be achieved at a concentration of 100 ppm of SDS solution, and the synergistic growth effect of R134a and CO2 hydrate becomes more significant with increasing SDS concentration. Optimal separation efficiency and maximum H2 concentration are achieved at 500 ppm of SDS, with 42.29 and 54.88% separation efficiency and H2 concentration, respectively. Decreasing the initial charge temperature has little impact on separation efficiency but significantly reduces the induction time, reducing it to 3 min at 12 °C. This study improved the separation efficiency of CO2 and H2 mixed gas, providing a better reference for hydrogen purification by the hydrate method.

Decellularized Umbilical Cord as a Scaffold to Support Healing of Full-Thickness Wounds.

The umbilical cord is a material that enhances regeneration and is devoid of age-related changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this work was to develop a biodegradable scaffold from a decellularized human umbilical cord (UC-scaffold) to heal full-thickness wounds. Decellularization was performed with 0.05% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. The UC-scaffold was studied using morphological analysis methods. The composition of the UC-scaffold was studied using immunoblotting and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adhesion and proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells were investigated using the LIVE/DEAD assay. The local reaction was determined by subcutaneous implantation in mice (n = 60). A model of a full-thickness skin wound in mice (n = 64) was used to assess the biological activity of the UC-scaffold. The proposed decellularization method showed its effectiveness in the umbilical cord, as it removed cells and retained a porous structure, type I and type IV collagen, TGF-β3, VEGF, and fibronectin in the ECM. The biodegradation of the UC-scaffold in the presence of collagenase, its stability during incubation in hyaluronidase solution, and its ability to swell by 1617 ± 120% were demonstrated. Subcutaneous scaffold implantation in mice showed gradual resorption of the product in vivo without the formation of a dense connective tissue capsule. Epithelialization of the wound occurred completely in contrast to the controls. All of these data suggest a potential for the use of the UC-scaffold.

A novel approach to the separation of macerals in inertinite-rich coal: Charged micro-nanobubble flotation

The classification and utilization of coal macerals have become a vital focus for the advancement of the modern coal chemical industry and mineral processing. Flotation is a well-established technique for large-scale mineral separation, but as for maceral separation, it is often limited by a low recovery rate and poor selectivity. This study investigates the utilization of charged micro-nanobubble (CMNB) flotation to separate the vitrinite from a typical low-ash and inertinite-rich coal in Xinjiang. Results show that CMNB flotation demonstrated notable index advantages over conventional flotation. Optimal flotation was achieved by the CMNBs produced from a 0.75 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution, with a yield, concentrate vitrinite content, and vitrinite recovery of 49.58 %, 74.31 %, and 77.28 %, respectively. It was revealed that the CMNBs not only promoted the aggregation of vitrinite particles but also increased the adhesion of vitrinite particles and their aggregates to conventional flotation bubbles, resulting in enhanced flotation performance.

Green and sensitive detection of olopatadine in aqueous humor using a signal-on fluorimetric approach: GREEnness assessment.

Olopatadine (OLP) is widely utilized as an effective antihistaminic drug for alleviating ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. With its frequent usage in pharmacies, there arises a pressing need for a cost-effective, easily implementable, environmentally sustainable detection method with high sensitivity. This study presents a novel signal-on fluorimetric method for detecting OLP in both its pure form and aqueous humor. The proposed approach depends on enhancing the weak intrinsic fluorescence emission of OLP, achieving a remarkable increase of up to 680% compared to its intrinsic fluorescence. This enhancement is achieved by forming micelles around protonated OLP using an acetate buffer (pH 3.6) and incorporating a solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant. A strong correlation (R = 0.9996) is observed between the concentration of OLP and fluorescence intensities ranging from 1.0 to 100.0 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection of 0.22 ng mL-1. This described method is successfully employed for quantifying OLP in both its powder form and pharmaceutical eye drops. Furthermore, it demonstrates robust performance in determining OLP in artificial aqueous humor with a percentage recovery of 99.05 ± 1.51, with minimal interference from matrix interferents. Moreover, the greenness of the described method was evaluated.

Molecularly imprinted polymer based on MIL-101 (Cr) MOF incorporated polyvinylidene for selective adsorption and separation dye with improved antifouling properties

In this work, new membrane was fabricated from polyester fabric (PF) as a substrate which was coated by a casting solution containing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blending by addition of MIL-101 (Cr) metal-organic framework (MOF)-molecularly imprinted 3-aminophenolhexamethylenetetramine (MIAPH) as filler and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as hydrophilic agent. The membrane was fabricated by phase inversion method (PVDF/MIAPH). The MIAPH has selective functional groups and was applied as filler in the mixed matrix membrane. The as-prepared MIAPH was characterized by FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR and BET-BJH analyses. The hydrophilic property, dye adsorption and filtration properties of the MIAPH/PVDF/PF membrane were studied for removal Trypan blue (TB) based on central composite design (CCD) technique through investigating operational variables (pH, TB concentration, pressure). In the fabrication of membranes, the optimal filtration properties appear at the 30 μL of SDS solution and 0.005 g MIAPH fillers. The fabricated MIAPH/PVDF/PF membrane indicates a high removal efficiency up to 94.9 % for the TB removal and has high selectivity. The data of the adsorption equilibrium were described by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms. The findings illustrated that appropriate of MIAPH in membranes could be an efficient and selective technique for TB elimination.

Sustainable potassium-doped graphene oxide from oak fruit agricultural waste for a synergistically improved nanofluid-surfactant slug for enhancing oil recovery

This study presents an eco-friendly solvothermal method for synthesizing potassium-doped graphene oxide (K-GO) from agricultural waste, specifically oak fruit. Various spectrographic analyses, including XRD, FTIR, Raman, and UV–Vis, confirmed the successful synthesis of graphene oxide. The synthesized K-GO was combined with different surfactants to create nanofluids to enhance oil recovery. Anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) demonstrated the best performance among the surfactants tested. When 250 ppm of K-GO was added to a 2500 ppm SDS solution, the surface tension was reduced by over 10 %. The study of zeta potential experiments validated that the K-GO-SDS nanofluid is compatible with sandstone reservoirs. Furthermore, the interfacial tension between the K-GO-SDS nanofluid and crude oil decreased by approximately 40 %. Batch adsorption studies showed that the combination of SDS and K-GO significantly reduced surfactant loss to reservoir surfaces by up to 32 %. Additionally, incorporating K-GO resulted in a notable improvement in wettability alteration, with contact angle measurements showing an improvement of over 20°. The sustainable synthesis of potassium-doped graphene oxide (K-GO) facilitates synergistic interactions with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), thereby optimizing the formulation of nanofluids for enhanced oil recovery applications. This combination demonstrates superior efficacy in accessing trapped oil compared to using surfactants alone, highlighting the significant potential of K-GO-SDS nanofluids in advancing oil recovery techniques.

Melatonin Promotes Differentiation of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells Cultured on Three-Dimensional Decellularized Human Testis Matrix.

The use of 3D (3-Dimensional) culture systems supported cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, proliferation, and differentiation of SSCs (Spermatogonial stem cells). The potential advantages of ECM-based scaffolds for in vitro spermatogenesis have been indicated in human and animal experiments. Furthermore, the strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of melatonin have improved in vitro manipulation of human SSCs in culture conditions. SSCs were isolated from the testis of three dead-brain patients and then propagated for four weeks. The characterization of SSC colonies was done using real-time PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), ICC (Immunocytochemistry), and xenotransplantation to mice model. Decellularization of the human testis was performed using 0.3% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution and 1% Triton X-100. Also, various characterizations of DTM (Decellularized testicular matrix ) were carried out using histological staining and DNA content analysis. The optimum dose of melatonin was selected by MTT (Methyl thiazol tetrazolium). SSCs were cultured in 4 groups: control, melatonin, ECM, and ECM-melatonin in a differentiation medium for four weeks. The expression of differentiation genes was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the viability of cultured cells was assessed by MTT assay. The results of ICC and real-time PCR showed the expression of undifferentiated SSC markers (PLZF and GRFA1) in SSC colonies following the 2D culture of isolated SSCs. The presence of testicular ECM components after different staining methods; and the reduction of DNA content confirmed the proper decellularization process. Germ cell apoptosis significantly decreased in melatonin and ECM groups, and the higher viability of SSCs was seen in the ECM-melatonin group. The relative expression of GFRA1 and PRM2 decreased and increased in ECM and ECM-melatonin groups, respectively. Our study showed that the addition of melatonin to the human naturally-derived ECM scaffold could provide a suitable platform for inducing the differentiation and preserving the viability of SSCs.

Phase Distribution of Gas–Liquid Slug–Annular Flow in Horizontal Parallel Micro-Channels

As a transitional flow pattern, slug–annular flow occurs over a wide range of operating conditions in micro-channels while its distribution in parallel micro-channels has not been well characterized. Herein, we conducted an experiment to study the phase distribution of slug–annular flow in parallel micro-channels. The test section consists of a header with a diameter of 0.48 mm and six branch channels with a diameter of 0.40 mm. Nitrogen and 0.03 wt% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution were used as the test fluids. It was found that the phase distribution of the slug–annular flow was unstable and the duration of the varying process showed regularity with different inlet conditions. Increasing the liquid superficial velocity facilitated the liquid phase to flow into channels at the fore part of the header, while the channels at the rear part of the header were more supplied with liquid as the gas superficial velocity, volume fraction of gas, and volume flow rate increased. Furthermore, the results indicated that the channels located at the rear part of the header experienced a pronounced enhancement in the supply of both the liquid and gas phases, with the spacing between the branches increasing. A predictive correlation was formulated to ascertain the distribution of the liquid phase within slug–annular flow across parallel micro-channels.

How triacylglycerol thermal history impacts film removal by surfactant solution

Hypothesis: The physical and mechanical properties of triacylglycerols (TAGs), or ‘fats’, depend on their composition and thermal history which, in turn, impact crystal structure and morphology. We examine whether thermal history can be mechanistically related to film removal by a surfactant solution.Experiments: Model TAG mixtures, comprising triolein:tripalmitin:tristearin 0.5:0.3:0.2, were subjected to a range of cooling profiles from the melt (0.5-80°C/min, Newtonian and annealed), and the resulting solid films characterised by microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Film removal from a model glass substrate by an aqueous surfactant solution of sodium dodecylsulphate and dodecyldimethylamine oxide at room temperature fixed at 25°C was examined under quiescent flow conditions.Findings: Quantitative relations are established between TAG cooling profile, crystal structure and morphology, surface energy γSFE, and removal (or ‘cleaning’). In general, films cooled slowly from the melt yield heterogeneous morphologies with predominantly β1′ phase, higher polar γSFE, and faster removal timescales. By contrast, rapid cooling results in homogeneous films, rich in β2′ phase, low polar γSFE, and long removal times. Our results elucidate the non-trivial impact of TAG thermal history, connecting the multiscale semi-crystalline structure to surface energy, and eventually to film delamination by micellar solutions.