Uniform Size Research Articles

Continuously producible aztreonam-loaded inhalable lipid nanoparticles for cystic fibrosis-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections – Development and in-vitro characterization

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting nearly 105,000 patients worldwide and is characterized by poor respiratory function due to accumulation of thick mucus in the lungs, which not just acts as a physical barrier, but also provides a breeding ground for bacterial infections. These infections can be controlled with the help of antibiotics which can be delivered directly into the lungs for amplifying the local anti-bacterial effect. More than 50 % of CF patients are associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in their lungs which requires antibiotics such as Aztreonam (AZT). In this study, we prepared inhalable AZT-loaded lipid nanoparticles using Hot-melt extrusion (HME) coupled with probe sonication to target Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the lungs. The optimized nanoparticles were tested for physicochemical properties, stability profile, in-vitro aerosolization, and antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The optimized nanoparticles with a PEI concentration of 0.1 % demonstrated a uniform particle size of <50 nm, a spherical shape observed under a transmission electron microscope, and >70 % drug entrapment. Incorporating cationic polymer, PEI, resulted in sustained drug release from the lipid nanoparticles. The in-vitro aerosolization studies exhibited a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of <4.3 μm, suggesting deposition of the nanoparticles in the respirable airway. The antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the minimum inhibitory concentration of the formulation is 2-fold lower than plain AZT. Stability profile showed the formulations are stable after exposure to accelerated conditions. In conclusion, hot-melt extrusion in combination with probe sonication can be used as a potential method for the continuous production of AZT-loaded lipid nanoparticles with enhanced anti-bacterial activity.

How Reproducible Is Feraheme® (Ferumoxytol Injection)? Comparison of Size, Zeta Potential, and Complement Activation of Different Batches over 15 Years

Ferumoxytol injection, also known as Feraheme®, is an approved IV injectable iron supplement and an experimental MRI contrast agent. Initially, it was approved as an IV bolus agent, but its use was later limited to a slow infusion drip due to high levels of infusion reactions. We collected various batches of ferumoxytol with expiration dates ranging from 2010 to 2025 and compared their size and zeta potential. Since nanoparticle surface properties can affect infusion reactions, we conducted a dot blot immunoassay to measure complement C3 opsonization with ferumoxytol preparations. We observed differences in nanoparticle size and zeta potential between batches and a 2.5-fold variation in complement activation. Interestingly, older batches from 2010 showed more uniform size distribution and lower complement activation than some of the newer batches. This finding may be valuable to the nanomedicine community and regulatory authorities.

Study of the Effect of Manganese on The Structural and Optical Properties of Sno2 Membranes

The effect of manganese addition on precipitated tin dioxide on quartz was studied using the pulsed laser method if the X-ray diffraction results showed that the pure tin oxide membrane has a polycrystalline structure and a quaternary phase, with growth in the crystalline directions (110), (101), (200), and (211) and the predominant ones were (101). Using a high-benefit electron scanning microscope (FE-SEM), the results showed that the addition of manganese smearing in small proportions significantly affected the surface nature and grain size, as the surface uniformity and grain size increased with increasing the percentage of distortion. Through optical examinations through the permeability spectrum of thin films of pure and tinged tin oxide, a gradual increase in permeability with an increase in the concentration of impurities, reaching high values ranging between 80-90%. As for the energy gap, the energy gap for manganese-inlaid membranes has been increased from 3.33 eV for the pure membrane to 3.57 eV. The sensing properties of these membranes were studied as a function of time at temperatures between 50-200 °C .

Bcl-2 knockdown by multifunctional lipid nanoparticle and its influence in apoptosis pathway regarding cutaneous melanoma: in vitro and ex vivo studies.

Multifunctional therapies have emerged as innovative strategies in cancer treatment. In this research article, we proposed a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) designed for the topical treatment of cutaneous melanoma, which simultaneously delivers 5-FU and Bcl-2 siRNA. The characterized nanoparticles exhibited a diameter of 259 ± 9nm and a polydispersion index of 0.2, indicating a uniform size distribution. The NLCs were primarily localized in the epidermis, effectively minimizing the systemic release of 5-FU across skin layers. The ex vivo skin model revealed the formation of a protective lipid film, decreasing the desquamation process of the stratum corneum which can be associated to an effect of increasing permeation. In vitro assays demonstrated that A375 melanoma cells exhibited a higher sensitivity to the treatment compared to non-cancerous cells, reflecting the expected difference in their metabolic rates. The uptake of NLC by A375 cells reached approximately 90% within 4h. The efficacy of Bcl-2 knockdown was thoroughly assessed using ELISA, Western blot, and qRT-PCR analyses, revealing a significant knockdown and synergistic action of the NLC formulation containing 5-FU and Bcl-2 siRNA (at low concentration --100 pM). Notably, the silencing of Bcl-2 mRNA also impacted other members of the Bcl-2 protein family, including Mcl-1, Bcl-xl, BAX, and BAK. The observed modulation of these proteins strongly indicated the activation of the apoptosis pathway, suggesting a successful inhibition of melanoma growth and prevention of its in vitro spread.

Synthesis of amino silicone oil for use in oil agent in carbon fiber

Abstract An oil with uniform particle size distribution, good heat storage, and good wettability for carbon fiber was prepared. In other words, by mixing with non-ionic emulsifiers E1303 and E1309, the most suitable synthesis temperature, solid content, and the proportion of silicone oil emulsifiers were explored by using the control variable method. The results show that carbon fiber oil with uniform particle size distribution and good heat-resistant storage can be obtained when the synthesis temperature is 50°C, the solid content is 20% and the emulsifier ratio is 1:3. The particle size of the carbon fiber oil is 200 nm, the particle size distribution index is less than 0.3, and the particle size distribution is uniform.

Machine learning and numerical simulation research on specific energy consumption for gradated coarse particle two-phase flow in inclined pipes

In deep-sea mining engineering, accurately predicting the energy required per unit length of pipeline to transport a unit mass of solids (dimensionless specific energy consumption, DSEC) is crucial for ensuring energy conservation and efficiency in the project. Based on our previous work, we utilized the machine learning (ML) and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)–discrete element method (DEM) method to study the transport characteristics and flow field variations of gradated coarse particles in inclined pipes (gradated particles refer to solid particles mixed in specific size and quantity ratios). First, we collect 1185 sets of data from 13 experimental literature, and after analyzing and processing them, an ensemble model based on four other ML models is developed. Both for pure substance particles (PS) and mixed particles (MP), the prediction accuracy of this ensemble model is relatively higher (PSs are spherical particles with uniform size and density, and MPs are particles with different shapes, sizes, and densities). Then, the CFD-DEM process and the operating conditions include low flow velocity with low volume concentration (2 m/s and 2.5%), low flow velocity with high volume concentration (2 m/s and 7.5%), and high flow velocity with low volume concentration (4 m/s and 2.5%). Under conditions of low flow velocity and low concentrations, as well as high flow velocity and low concentrations, the DSEC hardly changes with the variation of the pipe inclination angle. Under low flow velocity and high-concentration conditions, as the pipe gradually becomes vertical, the value of DSEC gradually increases.

Dendritic cell-based biomimetic nanoparticles for foot-and-mouth disease induce robust cellular immunity

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating viral disease of ruminants and swine, badly affecting the livestock industry worldwide. In clinical practice, vaccination is a frequently employed strategy to prevent foot-and-mouth disease (FMDV). However, commercial inactivated vaccines for FMD mainly rely on humoral immunity, exhibiting poor cellular immune responses and causing adverse reactions. Here, we use the double emulsion method to prepare poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-NP) encapsulated with IL-2 cytokines, wrap the dendritic cell (DC) membrane carrying FMDV antigen information on the surface of the nanoparticles, obtaining a biomimetic nanoparticle vaccine Biom@DC with uniform size. This vaccine can effortlessly move through lymph nodes due to its nanoscale size advantage. It also possesses DC ability to present antigens, and antigen presentation can be made more effective with high biocompatibility. The sustained release of IL-2 encapsulated in the core of PLGA-NP in vivo can effectively promote the body's cellular immune response. Immune tests on mice have shown that Biom@DC may greatly increase T cell activation and proliferation both in vivo and in vitro, while also significantly reducing the fraction of inhibitory Treg cells. Furthermore, in the micro serum neutralization assay for FMDV, it has been demonstrated that the group vaccinated with Biom@DC exhibits a clear neutralizing effect. Given its strong immunogenicity, Biom@DC has the potential to develop into a novel, potent anti-FMDV vaccination.

Study on the Synthesis of BTA@MSNs Nanocarriers

Abstract Mesoporous silica, characterized by its adjustable pore size, uniform distribution, stable structure, and non-toxicity, is widely used as an encapsulating material for corrosion inhibitors. This study initially established that, compared to the high-temperature calcination method, the removal of surfactants via the solvent extraction method yields mesoporous silica with uniform size and better dispersibility. Results from N2 adsorption-desorption tests indicated that the mesoporous silica prepared by the solvent extraction method had an average pore diameter of 2.41 nm, a volume of 0.42 cc/g, and a specific surface area of 69.73 m2/g. SEM and TEM analyses showed that the BTA@MSNs nanoparticles synthesized via a one-step method were approximately 100 nm in size, whereas those prepared by the vacuum loading method were about 50 nm, both exhibiting ordered mesoporous structures. UV-vis spectrophotometry results revealed that the loading capacity of BTA in the nanoparticles produced by the one-step synthesis method was significantly lower than that in the BTA@MSNs nanoparticles prepared via the vacuum impregnation method.

Automated detection of kidney masses lesions using a deep learning approach

&lt;p&gt;Deep learning has emerged as a potent tool for various tasks, such as image classification. However, in the medical domain, there exists a scarcity of data, which poses a challenge in obtaining a well-balanced and high-quality dataset. Commonly seen issues in the realm of renal health include conditions such as kidney stones, cysts, and tumors. This study is centered on the examination of deep learning models for the purpose of classifying renal computed tomography (CT)-scan pictures. State-of-the-art classification models, such as convolutional neural network (CNN) approaches, are employed to boost model performance and improve accuracy. The algorithm is comprised of six convolutional layers that progressively increase in complexity. Every layer in the network utilizes a uniform 3x3 kernel size and applies the rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function. This is followed by a max-pooling layer that downsamples the feature maps using a 2x2 pool size. Following this, a flatten layer was implemented in order to preprocess the data for the fully linked layers. The consistent utilization of uniform kernel sizes and activation functions throughout all layers of the model facilitated the smooth extraction of complex features, thereby enhancing the model’s ability to accurately identify different kidney conditions. As a result, we achieved a high accuracy rate of 99.8%, precision is 99.8%, and F1 score of approximately 99.7%.&lt;/p&gt;

NanoRidge filters: Fabrication strategies and performance optimization for nano-scale microfluidic particle filtration.

Filters with high throughput, minimal dead volume, and greater sensitivity to particle size are needed, which traditional benchtop filtration cannot provide. Leveraging microfabrication techniques developed by the electronics and optics industries, the filters presented here feature a unique serpentine "NanoRidge" structure, offering a continuous filtration gap spanning over three meters on a compact 4 × 14.5 mm2 footprint. This design provides more precise size filtration cut-offs and consistent flow paths compared to traditional membrane filtration systems. Despite challenges associated with glass substrate deformation impacting uniform filter gap sizes, the study provides valuable insights into the development of NanoRidge filters (NRFs) for enhancing filtration efficiency in preparatory techniques and sample analysis. This study describes the fabrication and testing of these new filter types and directly compares the performance to traditional membrane filters using the metrics of particle size cut-off (the smallest difference in particle size which can be filtered vs passed) and particle loss. The NanoRidge filters were characterized using imaging (during fabrication, post-fabrication and use, fluorescent particles captured and small molecule dye), pressure and flow measurements, and a series of particle sizes "filter or pass" studies. Particle capacity (100-250 nm) ranged from 5 × 108 to 7 × 109 in 1 ml samples at a flow rate of 100 μl/min with backpressure in the range of 1-3 Bar. The optimized fabrication procedure for the 150 nm NRF yielded a small particle recovery of 95% while also achieving a large particle filtration of 73%. High filtration efficiency was also proven in the final 60 and 80 nm NRF fabrication procedures at 96% and 91%, respectively.

Study on porous carbon materials derived from Chitosan

Abstract The materials with high specific surface area, uniform pore size distribution, and high nitrogen content were prepared by using chitosan as raw material and a low co-soluble mixture (lithium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and potassium sulfate) as a pore-forming agent and salt template agent. The CO2 adsorption capacity of the material was tested at 25°C (2.15 mmol/g) and 0°C (2.88 mmol/g). It was found that more pores and higher nitrogen content were conducive to the adsorption of CO2 by the material.

Investigation on the structure and properties of nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with different contents of phytosterols and their impact on lipid oxidation

In this study, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared using walnut oil as a liquid lipid to load phytosterols (PS). The effects of different ratios of PS to lipids on the structural and functional properties of these carriers and lipid oxidation of PS-loaded carriers were investigated. The XRD, FTIR, and DSC results indicated that NLCs formulated with walnut oil as the liquid lipid were successful in incorporating PS. These NLCs exhibited a smaller average particle size (<300 nm) and a lower PDI (<0.3), along with a higher zeta potential. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that PS5-NLC displayed the most uniform particle size distribution and excellent dispersion. Notably, NLCs demonstrate high encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant capacity. Importantly, the bioaccessibility of PS in the carriers significantly increased from 23.5% to 86.8% compared with that of pure PS. Following a storage period of 21 days, the NLCs loaded with PS showed a lipid hydroperoxide (LH) value of 32.4 mmol/L and a malondialdehyde (MDA) content of 9.9 μmol/L, which were 13.6% and 33.3% lower, respectively, than those of the carriers without PS, indicating an effective reduction in lipid oxidation. This study is first to introduce the innovative use of walnut oil as a liquid lipid for preparing NLCs. It was observed that incorporating PS not only enhanced the bioaccessibility of these compounds but also effectively mitigated lipid oxidation. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the development of PS delivery systems and broadens the potential applications of walnut oil.

Construction of amine-rich coating utilizing amine curing reaction of triglycidyl isocyanate with triethylenetetramine on the surface of poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) microspheres for preparation of anion exchange stationary phase.

Epoxy resins, as important thermosetting polymers, exhibit excellent adhesion to various substrates. In view of this, reticulate coating of triglycidyl isocyanate with triethylenetetramine was introduced onto the surface of poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) utilizing amine curing reaction to obtain poly(styrene-divinylbenzene)@triglycidyl isocyanate-triethylenetetramine composite microspheres. The amino groups and epoxy groups of triglycidyl isocyanate-triethylenetetramine endowed poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) with good reactivity, which could be quaternized under mild conditions to obtain an anion exchange chromatographic stationary phase. The quaternized poly(styrene-divinylbenzene)@triglycidyl isocyanate-triethylenetetramine was characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption experiment, etal. The chromatographic performance of the customized column was evaluated by separating seven conventional anions, organic weak acids, and carbohydrates. Poly(styrene-divinylbenzene)@triglycidyl isocyanate-triethylenetetramine possesses the uniform size of poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) microspheres and good reactivity of triglycidyl isocyanate-triethylenetetramine, which offers a flexible strategy for the preparation of anion exchange stationary phase. The column exhibits excellent chemical and mechanical stability and chromatographic performance. Finally, the column was successfully applied for the determination of nitrite in pickles.

Selective Hydrogenation Reaction: Utilizing a Microreactor for Continuous Flow Synthesis of Nickel Nanoparticles

Introduction: In this investigation, we employed a continuous flow reactor to synthesize nickel (Ni) nanoparticles exhibiting uniform size distribution and excellent stability. Our focus centered on exploring the impact of reactant dilution and flow rate on the synthesis process. Result: It was observed that the optimization of these parameters played a pivotal role in obtaining small-sized Ni nanoparticles. Specifically, we achieved successful synthesis using a solution of 0.00025 M NiCl2·6H2O and 0.002 M NaBH4, with a flow rate of 25 mL/h. The resulting Ni nanoparticles were effectively coated with the CTAB surfactant, as confirmed through thorough analysis using TEM and PSD techniques. Additionally, the interaction between the surfactant and nanoparticles was verified via FTIR analysis. We subjected them to high-pressure alkene hydrogenation to assess the catalytic activity of the synthesized Ni nanoparticles. Method: Encouragingly, the Ni nanoparticles exhibited excellent performance, producing hydrogenated products with high yields. Moreover, we capitalized on Ni nanoparticles' catalytic effect for synthesizing two natural compounds, brittonin A and dehydrobrittonin A. Remarkably, both compounds were successfully isolated in quantifiable yields. This synthesis protocol boasted several advantages, including low catalyst loading, omission of additives, broad substrate scope, straightforward product separation, and the ability to recover the catalyst up to eight times. In summary, this study effectively showcased the potential of continuous flow reactor technology in synthesizing stable and uniformly distributed nanoparticles. Conclusion: Additionally, it highlighted the effectiveness of Ni nanoparticles as catalysts in various chemical reactions. The findings from this study hold significant implications for developing more efficient and sustainable chemical synthesis protocols.

Development and characterization of palbociclib-loaded PLGA nanobubbles for targeted cancer therapy

The objective of this study was to develop and optimize palbociclib-loaded nanobubbles for targeted breast cancer therapy. Biocompatible poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) was used to create nanobubbles loaded with palbociclib. The formulation process was meticulously crafted using a three-level Box-Behnken design and a double emulsion solvent evaporation method to precisely tailor the nanobubbles' properties. The Derringer's desirability method optimized variables by transforming responses into a desirability scale, resulting in a global desirability value. Optimal settings, A: 526.97 mg, B: 250 mg, C: 2.0% w/v, D: 6101 rpm, achieved a D value of 0.949. Palbociclib nanobubbles demonstrated a smaller particle size (31.78 ± 2.12) than plain nanobubbles (38.56 ± 3.56). PDI values indicated a uniform size distribution. The zeta potential remained consistent, with values of -31.34 ± 3.36 for plain and -31.56 ± 3.12 for drug-loaded nanobubbles. Encapsulation efficiency was 70.12%, highlighting effective drug encapsulation. Palbociclib release was significantly higher from nanobubbles in pH 7.4, especially with ultrasound, releasing almost 99.34% of the drug. Hemolytic activity assays confirmed safety for injection. Fluorescent intensity analysis revealed a two-fold increase in cellular uptake of palbociclib facilitated by ultrasound. The MTT assay demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity of palbociclib-loaded nanobubbles, especially with ultrasound, emphasizing their potential for improved therapeutic efficacy. The IC50 values for palbociclib, without ultrasound, and with ultrasound were 98.3 μM, 72.34 μM, and 61.34 μM, respectively. The significant findings of this study emphasize the potential of palbociclib-loaded nanobubbles as a promising therapeutic system for improved breast cancer treatment.

Preparation and Thermal Properties of Magnetic PW@CaCO3@Fe3O4 Phase-Change Microcapsules and Their Application to Textile Fabrics.

Multifunctional thermal regulation materials with good thermal properties, efficient magnetic performance, and satisfactory interface bonding on fabrics are highly desirable for protective fabrics, building winter protection materials, medical thermal regulation materials, and special-environment work clothing. Herein, a new class of magnetic phase-change PW@CaCO3@Fe3O4 microcapsules was successfully produced by controlling the content of magnetic Fe3O4 through a self-assembly method. The microstructure, chemical composition, phase-change behavior, and magnetic properties of the products were sequentially characterized and analyzed. The findings revealed that the obtained microcapsules possessed regular spherical structure with uniform size and excellent thermal properties. Furthermore, PW@CaCO3 with Fe3O4 (i.e., 8% mass fraction) showed the highest thermal regulation and magnetic properties and reached an enthalpy value of 94.25 J·g-1, which is clearly superior to the value of 77.51 J·g-1 for PW@CaCO3 microcapsules. At the same time, the encapsulation efficiency of 38.7% and saturation magnetization of 2.50 emu·g-1 were the best among the four given samples. Therefore, the good paramagnetic feature had a significant synergistic effect on the thermal properties of the PW@CaCO3 microcapsules under study. More importantly, multifunctional fabrics loaded with PW@CaCO3@Fe3O4 microcapsules still showed an enthalpy value of 25.81 J·g-1 after several washes and have the potential to be used widely in the field of temperature control. The thermal regulation fabrics in this study exhibited excellent thermal properties and fastness, which contribute to their practical applications in advancing multifunctional textiles and high-technology modern fabrics.

Bipolar resistive switching behavior of PVA/g-C3N4 quantum dots hybrid thin films

Graphite-phase carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C3N4 QDs) have garnered widespread attention and considerable research interest as active media for resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices owing to their exceptional physical properties. In this study, g-C3N4 QDs were synthesized via ultrasonic-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation. Subsequently, the obtained g-C3N4 QDs with uniform size were embedded into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for preparing PVA/g-C3N4 QDs hybrid, and the RRAM devices with Al/g-C3N4 QDs-PVA/ITO/PET structure were fabricated. The obtained memory devices exhibit bipolar resistive switching (BRS) behavior and are primarily influenced by the space charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism. The data retention time exceeds 104 s at a read voltage of 0.1 V, accompanied by an impressively low set voltage. In addition, the device exhibits a surprising temperature dependence of the resistive switching performance at different temperatures. The aforementioned properties demonstrate the significant potential of g-C3N4 QDs in RRAM for data storage applications.

A Template Method Leads to Precisely Synthesize SiO2@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles at the Hundred-Nanometer Scale.

Constructing photonic crystals with core-shell structured nanoparticles is an important means for applications such as secure communication, anti-counterfeiting marking, and structural color camouflage. Nonetheless, the precise synthesis technology for core-shell structured nanoparticles at the hundred-nanometer scale faces significant challenges. This paper proposes a controlled synthesis method for core-shell structured nanoparticles using a template method. By using 100 nm diameter silica nanospheres as templates and coating them with a ferroferric oxide shell layer, SiO2@Fe3O4 core-shell structured nanoparticles with regular morphology and good uniformity can be obtained. The study experimentally investigated the effects of feed amount, modifiers, temperature, and feed order on the coating effect, systematically optimizing the preparation process. Centrifugal driving technology was used to achieve structural colors in the visible wavelength range. Additionally, the method successfully created well-defined and uniform core-shell structured nanoparticles using 200 nm diameter silica nanospheres as templates, demonstrating that this controllable synthesis method can effectively produce core-shell structured nanoparticles over a wide range of particle sizes. The template method proposed in this paper can significantly improve morphological regularity and size uniformity while effectively reducing the preparation cost of core-shell structured nanoparticles.

Impact of aminopropyl units on physisorption in mesostructured silica is larger for CH4 than CO2 and depends on pore curvature

Mesoporous silica-based materials attract great interest for diverse applications, including capture, storage, and catalysis due to their large surface area, uniform pore size distribution, and customizable surface. The regular 2D hexagonal pore symmetry of MCM-41 makes it an ideal model. Amine groups are introduced to enhance CO2 adsorption, but the interplay of factors influencing overall performance, including pore size, remains unclear. This computational study explores the physisorption of CO2 and CH4, shedding light on the microscopic details underlying adsorption capacity and selectivity. Three aminopropyl-functionalized MCM-41 models with different pore size are compared through Grand Canonical Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations. Aminopropyl chains affect CO2 adsorption, but its affinity for the preserved silanol groups is larger. In addition, the competitive interaction between amine and silanol groups emerged, and it is pore curvature dependent. Surprisingly, CH4 physisorption is influenced even more by surface functionalization. Results show a non-monotonic trend as a function of pore size. Local density of the alkyl chains plays the major role. Overall, the intermediate pore size demonstrates the best performance, thanks to the balance among the various effects. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between material texture and gas interactions to optimize adsorption performance.

Assessing Microstructural, Biomechanical, and Biocompatible Properties of TiNb Alloys for Potential Use as Load-Bearing Implants.

Titanium-Niobium (TiNb) alloys are commonly employed in a number of implantable devices, yet concerns exist regarding their use in implantology owing to the biomechanical mismatch between the implant and the host tissue. Therefore, to balance the mechanical performance of the load-bearing implant with bone, TiNb alloys with differing porosities were fabricated by powder metallurgy combined with spacer material. Microstructures and phase constituents were characterized with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties were tested by uniaxial compression, and the corrosion performance was determined via a potentiodynamic polarization experiment. To evaluate a highly matched potential implant with the host, biocompatibilities such as cell viability and proliferation rate, fibronectin adsorption, plasmid-DNA interaction, and an SEM micrograph showing the cell morphology were examined in detail. The results showed that the alloys displayed open and closed pores with a uniform pore size and distribution, which allowed for cell adherence and other cellular activities. The alloys with low porosity displayed compressive strength between 618 MPa and 1295 MPa, while the alloys with high porosity showed significantly lower strength, ranging from 48 MPa to 331 MPa. The biological evaluation of the alloys demonstrated good cell attachment and proliferation rates.