Xylenol Orange Research Articles

Poly(styrene–divinyl benzene)‐immobilized Fe(III) complex of 1,3‐bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene: Efficient catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of xylenol orange

ABSTRACTA polymer‐supported Fe(III) complex of 1,3‐bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene [PS–Fe(III)BBZNH] was used in the photodegradation of xylenol orange (XO) dye with H2O2 under UV irradiation. The catalyst was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, and Fourier transform infrared, far‐infrared, and UV–visible–diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetic measurements. An octahedral coordination around Fe(III) was confirmed by electronic spectral data, and a decrease in the intensity of the νCH2Cl peak in PS–Fe(III)BBZNH was observed compared to the polymer support; this indicated the binding of the ligand to the support. An array of experiments were carried out to assess the influence of various reaction parameters on its photocatalytic performance to ensure maximum dye degradation. The maximum photocatalytic activity was observed at pH 8 with 125 mg of catalyst, 300 ppm of XO, and 200 ppm of H2O2 with complete mineralization after 90 min, as confirmed by chemical oxygen demand measurements. Furthermore, the reactions were repeated under sunlight and under dark conditions to check the photocatalytic efficiency of PS–Fe(III)BBZNH. It displayed better catalytic performance compared than the unsupported complex, PS–Cu(II)BBZNH [Cu(II) complex of 1,3‐bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene], and PS–VO(IV)BBZNH [VO(IV) complex of 1,3‐bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene]. PS–Fe(III)BBZNH could be recycled for up to seven runs. A tentative mechanism involving ·OH radical was proposed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46480.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of p–n junction CeO2/Co3O4 photocatalyst for the removal of various dyes from wastewater

CeO2, Co3O4, and Co3O4/CeO2 composites are successfully synthesized by a simple coprecipitation method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results indicate that the CeO2, Co3O4, and Co3O4/CeO2 precursors sintered at 500 °C has good crystallization. The cerium nitrate introduced into cobalt nitrate precursor solution improved the surface morphology and photocatalytic activity of Co3O4 significantly. The photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB), xylenol orange (XO), methyl orange (MO), and methyl red (MR) catalyzed by prepared nanocomposites were studied under visible light irradiation. Photocatalytic experiment results indicate that the photocatalytic activity of Co3O4/CeO2 composites for degradation of various dyes highly depend on pH value. The optimum conditions for the photocatalytic experiments of Co3O4/CeO2 composites were determined to be as follows: dye concentration, 50 mg L−1, and catalyst concentration, 50 mg L−1. The excellent photocatalytic activity of the p–n junction Co3O4/CeO2 composites can be ascribed to the ·O2− radicals and h+.

The Correlation Between Urinary 8-Iso-Prostaglandin F2α and Hydrogen Peroxide Toward Renal Function in T2DM Patients Consuming Sulfonylurea and Combination of Metformin-Sulfonylurea.

Renal dysfunction is a common complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients associated with oxidative damage which could be characterized by 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α and hydrogen peroxide level as oxidative stress markers. The aim of our study is to determine if there is a difference in 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α and hydrogen peroxide levels between sulfonylurea and combination of metformin-sulfonylurea in diabetic patients. We also wanted to determine if these oxidative stress markers correlate with the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). We conducted a cross-sectional study with inclusion of 55 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Dr. Sitanala Tangerang Hospital, Indonesia with purposive sampling. The value of eGFR was obtained by serum creatinine levels, while the level of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α was measured by ELISA and urinary hydrogen peroxide using FOX-1 (Ferrous Ion Oxidation Xylenol Orange 1). There was no difference in 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α and hydrogen peroxide level between the two groups (p=0.088 and p=0.848). Moreover, there was no difference in eGFR values between the two groups, measured by Cockroft-Gault, MDRD, and CKD-EPI. 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (n=55) was positively correlated with eGFR based on Cockroft-Gault (r=0.382; p=0.009), whereas urinary hydrogen peroxide (n=47) also generate significant positive correlation with eGFR based on the MDRD equation (r=0.326; p=0.021). Linear regression analysis showed that 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α is the most predictive factor and the only significant factor for eGFR in Cockroft-Gault, MDRD and also CKDEPI, even after controlled by gender, age, BMI, HbA1c, systole, and H2O2. The two treatments did not have any significant differences in antioxidant activity. However, an increase of urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2. and hydrogen peroxide which correlates with eGFR in the total sample may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy.

Integration of Fricke gel dosimetry with Ag nanoparticles for experimental dose enhancement determination in theranostics

The use and implementation of nanoparticles in medicine has grown exponentially in the last twenty years. Their main applications include drug delivery, theranostics, tissue engineering and magneto function. Dosimetry techniques can take advantage of inorganic nanoparticles properties and their combination with gel dosimetry techniques could be used as a first step for their later inclusion in radio-diagnostics or radiotherapy treatments. The present study presents preliminary results of properly synthesized and purified silver nanoparticles integration with Fricke gel dosimeters. Used nanoparticles presented mean sizes ranging from 2 to 20 nm, with a lognormal distribution. Xylenol orange concentration in Fricke gel dosimeter was adjust in order to allow sample's optical readout, accounting nanoparticles plasmon. Dose enhancement was assessed irradiating dosimeters setting X-ray beams energies below and above silver K-edge. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate the dose enhancement in the experiments and compare with the trend obtained in the experimental results.

Flow injection spectrophotometric determination of V(V) involving on-line separation using a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based polymer inclusion membrane

A poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) using Cyphos® IL 101 (i.e. trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride) as the carrier and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether as a plasticizer in a mass ratio of 55/35/10 was employed for the on-line extractive separation of V(V) prior to its spectrophotometric determination in a flow injection analysis (FIA) system using xylenol orange as the colorimetric reagent. The selectivity of the membrane allowed the determination of V(V) in sulfate solutions in the presence of a variety of cations and anions. The interference of molybdenum(VI) was eliminated by off-line extraction using the same PIM. A univariate sequential optimization of the newly developed FIA system was conducted and under optimal conditions the system is characterized by a linear concentration range of 0.5–8.0mgL−1, detection limit of 0.08mgL−1 and sample throughput of 4h−1. The relative standard deviation at the 3mgL−1 level of V(V) was 2.9% based on 8 replicate determinations. The membrane was stable, which was reflected by the standard deviation value for determinations over three consecutive days (24 determinations of 3mgL−1 V(V)) of 3.6%. The newly developed FIA system was applied to the determination of V(V) in water and dietary supplements samples and a good agreement with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was observed.

OXIDATION OF FERRIC XYLENOL ORANGE CHELATES BY HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION: CONCEPTION OF OXYGEN SINGLET ATOMS GENERATION FROM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

We observed for the first time the reaction of oxidation of ferric xylenol orange chelates by hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution. The reaction is accompanied with decoloration of the violet aqueous solution. Based on generally accepted conception, there is a process of free radical chain oxidation of indicator molecule in the solution. However, after investigating the final colorless solution by 1H NMR-spectroscopy we found the modified but not broken structure in which the initial hydrocarbon core remained mainly unchanged. We concluded that kind of reaction was an oxyfunctionalization by hydrogen peroxide versus free radical chain destruction. We argued steps of the reaction such as N-oxidation, Cope’s elimination, and certain rearrangements with possible products oligomerization. There was a need to explain the mechanism of interaction between the ferric iron ion and the hydrogen peroxide molecule and to argue the nature of intermediate reactive oxygen species. There is similarity between the ferric-catalyzed hydroperoxide xylenol orange oxidation and the peroxygenase-catalyzed biochemical oxyfunctionalization reactions. However, based on literature data and molecular orbital modeling, we proposed another mechanism of interaction between the ferric iron ion and the hydrogen peroxide molecule instead the tetravalent iron generation. Concretely, we proposed the hydrogen peroxide zwitter-ionization (isomerization to oxywater molecule) and subsequent intramolecular disproportionation with generation of a water molecule and a singlet oxygen atom as a reactive oxygen species. In this view, the iron ion oxidation state is unchanged during the reaction and remains ferric. An oxyfunctionalization of any organic substrate by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ferric iron ions is promising approach in organic synthesis. However, the usage of organic ligands for ferric iron ions as components of catalysts is limited and requires only non-oxidizable compounds. On the other hand, one can choose an oxidation substrate as a ligand for ferric iron ions that is the formation of chelate complex of ferric catalyst with an organic substrate.Forcitation:Chumakov A.A., Kotelnikov O.A., Slizhov Yu.G. Oxidation of ferric xylenol orange chelates by hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution: conception of oxygen singlet atoms generation from hydrogen peroxide. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 2. P. 15-22

Enhanced adsorption of xylenol orange from aqueous solutions by polyethylenimine‐grafted chitosan microspheres

AbstractTo enhance the adsorption performance, chitosan microspheres (CS–MSs) were grafted with polyethylenimine (PEI), a cationic compound with abundant amine groups. The resulting PEI‐grafted CS–MSs (PEI–CS–MSs) were used for the adsorption of xylenol orange (XO), an anionic dye. The results show that PEI–CS–MSs were in regular spherical shape without porous structure. XO molecules were adsorbed onto the amine groups of PEI–CS–MSs through electrostatic interaction. The maximum adsorption capacity of XO onto PEI–CS–MSs was 816.33 mg/g at 303 K, being much higher than that onto CS–MSs. The adsorption process could be properly described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic and Langmuir models. The adsorption of XO was a spontaneous process with exothermic nature. In addition, the adsorption capacity only decreased by 0.52 % after seven cycles of adsorption‐desorption, indicating the excellent reusability of PEI–CS–MSs.

Natural regulatory IgM-mediated autoimmune responses directed against malondialdehyde regulate oxidative and nitrosative pathways and coupled with IgM responses to nitroso adducts attenuate depressive and physiosomatic symptoms at the end of term pregnancy.

We aimed to delineate the effects of immunoglobulin (Ig)M-mediated autoimmune responses directed against malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitroso (SNO) adducts on nitro-oxidative stress and depressive and physiosomatic symptoms (DPSS) at the end of term. IgM responses to MDA, NO (nitroso) adducts formed by nitrosylation, and NO2 tyrosine formed by nitration were measured as well as hydroperoxides (ferrous oxidation xylenol orange), advanced protein oxidation products (AOPP), and NO metabolite (NOx) levels in women at the end of term pregnancy and in normal controls. IgM responses to MDA were significantly and inversely associated with AOPP, ferrous oxidation xylenol orange, and NOx and DPSS. IgM responses to NO adducts were significantly and inversely associated with DPSS and positively with NOx levels. There were significant associations between IgM responses to MDA, NO adducts, and NO2 tyrosine. The DPSS score was predicted by AOPP and a lifetime history of premenstrual syndrome (both positively) and IgM responses to NO adducts (inversely). Furthermore, 71.8% of the variance in the index of nitro-oxidative stress was explained by lowered IgM responses to MDA, antioxidant levels (zinc, total radical trapping parameter), and inflammatory mediators. Lowered levels of IgM responses to MDA during pregnancy are accompanied by a reduced regulation of nitro-oxidative processes thereby explaining increased oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers in association with DPSS. IgM responses to NO adducts, which reflect nitrosylation as a consequence of increased NO production, regulate DPSS symptoms at the end of term and are a trait marker of major depression. IgM responses to MDA are a key part of the compensatory anti-inflammatory responses system.

Relative Ligand Exchange Rates in Gd‐based MRI Contrast Agent Formation as Probed by Gd–XO Complex

A novel methodology involving the use of Gd3+–Xylenol Orange (Gd–XO), a solution colorimetric probe, was used to determine the conditional relative rates of complex formation between the Gd3+ ion and polyamino carboxylate ligands used in MRI contrast agent development. Among the ligands tested, the order of rate of Gd‐complex formation was found to be DTPA ≈ DOTP > DOTA > DO3A > DOTAM. The observed rates are an effect of ligand denticity, backbone structure, and nature of the ligand donor groups.

Substantiation for Oxywater Zwitterions and Singlet Oxygen Atoms Generation from Hydrogen Peroxide Molecules in Aqueous Solutions

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used as an oxidant. The results of thermodynamic calculations indicate the impossibility of spontaneous generation of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions. Hydrogen peroxide spontaneously decomposes in ferrous, ferric, and cupric Fenton reaction systems. Ferric xylenol orange and ferric pyridoxine complexes are oxidized rapidly and spontaneously by this oxidant. Hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions spontaneously oxidizes the sulfur atoms of hyposulfite anions and benzylpenicillin molecules. Thus, a hydrogen peroxide molecule generates another intermediate that differs from hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals. Theoretical modeling shows that hydrogen peroxide can participate in the proton transfer reactions. Its isomerization to oxywater zwitterion with subsequent oxywater intramolecular disproportionation is a process that is very suitable for explaining all events of hydrogen peroxide decomposition and oxidative reactivity in aqueous systems. The oxywater zwitterion is a bipolar ion in which the opposite charges are localized on neighboring oxygen atoms. This determines the displacement of electron density from the negatively charged atom to the positively charged atom. As a result, the interoxygen bond heterolytically dissociates with liberation of a water molecule and formation of an oxygen atom (oxene) in a singlet quantum state. This atom has a vacant atomic orbital. The S-oxidation of benzylpenicillin and hyposulfite occurs via targeting of electron pairs of the sulfur atoms by the vacant atomic orbitals of the singlet oxygen atoms. We substantiate an oxene-mediated pathway of hydrogen peroxide disproportionation. A singlet oxygen atom interacts with a second hydrogen peroxide molecule through targeting the unshared electron pair of the oxygen atom by a vacant atomic orbital. The process may be called O-oxidation of hydrogen peroxide; it results in trioxidane (dihydrogen trioxide) formation. Hydrogen trioxide rapidly decomposes and produces water and singlet dioxygen. We have suggested a mechanism of the electron spin rotation during the singlet dioxygen quenching into the triplet quantum state. We have assumed the formation of a dimeric associate from singlet dioxygen antipodes by orbital parameter. Two simultaneous redox reactions (the electron exchange interaction) result in generation of two triplet dioxygen molecules. The first triplet molecule has +1 total electron spin, and the second one has –1 total electron spin. For Fenton reaction systems, the zwitterionization of hydrogen peroxide in Lewis acid-base complexes with metal ions is followed by intramolecular disproportionation of oxywater. The singlet oxene remains in complex with a metal ion. Ferrous iron ion changes its oxidation state to ferric due to rapid and inevitable one-electron transfer within the iron(II)-oxene complex. The ferric-oxyl complex is known as alpha-oxygen complex. In our opinion, the classic Fenton reaction occurs through alpha-complex formation. We maintain such view that is alternative to widespread conceptions of the hydroxyl radical generation or oxoferryl(IV) formation. We have reproduced electro-Fenton reactions of transition metal ions with electrogenerated hydrogen peroxide and presumably observed voltammetric signals for the singlet oxene atoms and oxyl radical anions (alpha-oxygen particles). The oxywater-oxene concept is successfully applicable to explain the catalytic activity of redox-inactive substances. We have used our oxywater-oxene concept for explanation of hydroperoxide monooxygen and dioxygen oxidative functionalization mechanisms in organic synthesis.

42 - Critical Role of Peroxiredoxin 6 in the Repair of Peroxidized Lung Membrane Phospholipids

Peroxidation of membrane lipids represents a severe threat to cellular integrity and its repair is crucial to prevent cell death. Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), a protein with both GSH peroxidase and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities, plays a major role in antioxidant defense of the lung, an organ with very low expression of GPx4.We investigated the role of Prdx6 in the repair of peroxidized cell membranes in intact mouse lungs and isolated pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) treated with tert-butylhydroperoxide. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measurements of: a) thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); b) oxidation of diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine (DPPP); and c) ferrous- xylenol orange (FOX). The exposure dose in the different models was varied to give a similar increase of about 4-fold over control in lipid peroxidation measurements at end-exposure. Values for lipid peroxidation returned to control levels within 2 h after oxidant removal in wild type (WT) lungs and PMVEC; however,there was essentially no repair in Pxdx6 null lungs or PMVEC. There also was no recovery in lungs and PMVEC that express H26A-Prdx6; this mutation abolishes the phospholipid hydroperoxidase function of Prdx6 but not its ability to reduce H2O2. An intermediate degree of repair was observed with lungs and PMVEC that express either C47S- or D140A-Prdx6; the former mutantion abolishes the peroxidase activity of Prdx6 while the latter abolishes PLA2 activity. Since repair was not seen with Prdx6 knock-out, GPx4 has no role in recovery from peroxidative stress by lung cells while Prdx6 plays a critical role; both the peroxidase and the PLA2 activities of Prdx6 contribute to the recovery process.

Xylenol orange probe-based spectroscopic insight into the interaction between strontium (II) and bovine serum albumin

The mechanism of the interaction between Sr(II) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution was investigated using xylenol orange (XO) as a probe by UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Binding ratios of n Sr(II):n XO = 1:1 and n Sr(II):n XO:n BSA = 1:1:1 (pH 7.4) were confirmed. Static quenching occurred between Sr(II)-XO and BSA because of hydrophobic force. Based on the Forster theory of nonradioactive energy transfer, the reactive distance and energy transfer efficiency between Sr(II)-XO and BSA at room temperature were determined. The thermodynamic data obtained indicate that the formation of Sr(II)-XO–BSA complex is spontaneous and driven by entropy and enthalpy.

Adsorption of Dyes onto Sodium Alginate Graft Poly(Acrylic Acid-co-2-Acrylamide-2-Methyl Propane Sulfonic Acid)/ Kaolin Hydrogel Composite

Adsorption of four dyes, namely methyl violet (MV), rhodamine 6G (R6G), acid chrome blue K (AK) and xylenol orange (XO) onto sodium alginate graft poly(acrylic acid-co-2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonicacid)/kaolin (SA-g-P(AA-co-AMPS)/KL) hydrogel composite is studied. The factors influencing the adsorption capacities, including the initial concentrations of dye solutions, contact time, initial pH values and dosage of the adsorbent as well as ionic strength of the solution are discussed. It is more effective for the composite to adsorb cationic dyes such as MV and R6G rather than anionic dyes AK and XO. The maximum adsorption capacities of MV, R6G, AK and XO are 1361.1, 1627.8, 563.5 and 312.4 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption thermodynamics for the four dyes are in accordance with both the Freudlich and Redlich-Peterson equations. It is shown that adsorption of the cationic dyes R6G and MV is spontaneous, while that of anionic dyes AK and XO is not. The kinetics studies show that the adsorption of the four dyes fitted a pseudo-second-order equation.

Pt-MWCNT modified carbon electrode strip for rapid and quantitative detection of H2O2 in food

A single-use screen-printed carbon electrode strip was designed and fabricated. Nanohybrids, prepared by deposition of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), was modified on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode for the development of a fast, sensitive and cost-effective hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection amperometric sensor strip. With Pt-MWCNT nanohybrids surface modification, current generated in response to H2O2 by the screen-printed carbon electrode strip was enhanced 100 fold with an applied potential of 300 mV. Quality of as-prepared electrode strip was assured by the low coefficient of variation (CV) (<5%) of currents measured at 5 s. Three linear detection ranges with sensitivity of 75.2, 120.7, and 142.8 μA mM−1 cm−2 were observed for H2O2 concentration in the range of 1–15 mM, 0.1–1 mM, and 10–100 μM, respectively. The lowest H2O2 concentration could be measured by the as-prepared strip was 10 μM. H2O2 levels in green tea infusion and pressed Tofu could be rapidly detected with results comparable to that measured by ferrous oxidation xylenol orange (FOX) assay and peroxidase colorimetric method.

Investigation of the Electrochromic Properties of Dawson-type Polyoxometalate and Xylenol Orange

This paper focuses on the electrochromic (EC) properties of the film material consisting of Dawson-type polyoxometalate (POM) and xylenol orange (XO). The composite film is prepared by the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique (LbL). A significant optical modulation ( 17% at 650 nm), fast switching time, high coloration efficiency (49 cm2/C at 650 nm) are achieved for the POM and XO film. In addition, the composite film shows adjustable colors, making it attractive for practical applications.

Two-Sided Surface Oxidized Cellulose Membranes Modified with PEI: Preparation, Characterization and Application for Dyes Removal.

Porous regenerated cellulose (RC) membranes were prepared with cotton linter pulp as a raw material. These membranes were first oxidized on both sides by a modified (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation system using a controlled oxidation reaction technique. Then, the oxidized RC membranes were functionalized with polyethylenimine (PEI) via the glutaraldehyde crosslinking method to obtain bifunctional (carboxyl and amino) porous RC membranes, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis and zeta potential measurement. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the tests of the mechanical properties and permeability characteristics of modified RC membranes demonstrated that the porous structure and certain mechanical properties could be retained. The adsorption performance of the modified membranes towards dyes was subsequently investigated. The modified membranes displayed good adsorption capacities, rapid adsorption equilibrium and removal efficiencies towards both anionic (xylenol orange (XO)) and cationic (methylene blue (MB)) dyes, making them suitable bioadsorbents for wastewater treatment.

Contribution of monoamine oxidases to vascular oxidative stress in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the "lifeline" for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis. AVF maturation failure is a poorly understood process, one of the contributors being endothelial dysfunction due to oxidative stress. Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) A and B were recently identified as novel sources of vascular oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of MAOs to the endothelial dysfunction in patients with ESDR with indication of hemodialysis. Fragments of brachial artery collaterals were harvested from ESRD patients during the surgical procedure aimed at creating the vascular access in the cubital fossa. The effect of increasing concentrations (10, 30, 100 μmol/L) of the irreversible MAO-A inhibitor, clorgyline, and MAO-B inhibitor, selegiline, on endothelial-dependent relaxation (EDR) in response to cumulative doses of acetylcholine was studied in isolated phenylephrine-preconstricted vascular rings. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production was assessed using ferrous oxidation xylenol orange assay. We showed that incubation of brachial rings with MAO inhibitors significantly improved EDR and attenuated H2O2 generation in patients with ESRD. MAO-related oxidative stress might contribute to the primary dysfunction/non-maturation of the AVF and MAO inhibitors could improve maturation and long-term patency of the vascular access in dialysis patients.

Regulation of the fate of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells using engineered alginate-GelMA hydrogels.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from dental and orofacial tissues provide an alternative therapeutic option for craniofacial bone tissue regeneration. However, there is still a need to improve stem cell delivery vehicles to regulate the fate of the encapsulated MSCs for high quality tissue regeneration. Matrix elasticity plays a vital role in MSC fate determination. Here, we have prepared various hydrogel formulations based on alginate and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and have encapsulated gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) and human bone marrow MSCs (hBMMSCs) within these fabricated hydrogels. We demonstrate that addition of the GelMA to alginate hydrogel reduces the elasticity of the hydrogel mixture. While presence of GelMA in an alginate-based scaffold significantly increased the viability of encapsulated MSCs, increasing the concentration of GelMA downregulated the osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated MSCs in vitro due to decrease in the stiffness of the hydrogel matrix. The osteogenic suppression was rescued by addition of a potent osteogenic growth factor such as rh-BMP-2. In contrast, MSCs encapsulated in alginate hydrogel without GelMA were successfully osteo-differentiated without the aid of additional growth factors, as confirmed by expression of osteogenic markers (Runx2 and OCN), as well as positive staining using Xylenol orange. Interestingly, after two weeks of osteo-differentiation, hBMMSCs and GMSCs encapsulated in alginate/GelMA hydrogels still expressed CD146, an MSC surface marker, while MSCs encapsulated in alginate hydrogel failed to express any positive staining. Altogether, our findings suggest that it is possible to control the fate of encapsulated MSCs within hydrogels by tuning the mechanical properties of the matrix. We also reconfirmed the important role of the presence of inductive signals in guiding MSC differentiation. These findings may enable the design of new multifunctional scaffolds for spatial and temporal control over the fate and function of stem cells even post-transplantation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2957-2967, 2017.

Analysis of the response of PVA-GTA Fricke-gel dosimeters with clinical magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Fricke gel dosimeters produced with a matrix of Poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GTA) were analyzed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previous studies based on spectrophotometry showed valuable dosimetric features of these gels in terms of X-ray sensitivity and diffusion of the ferric ions produced after irradiation. In this study, MRI was performed on the gels at 1.5 T with a clinical scanner in order to optimize the acquisition parameters and obtain high contrast between irradiated and non-irradiated samples. The PVA gels were found to offer good linearity in the range of 0–10 Gy and a stable signal for several hours after irradiation. The sensitivity was about 40% higher compared to gels produced with agarose as gelling agent. The effect of xylenol orange (XO) on the MRI signal was also investigated: gel dosimeters made without XO show higher sensitivity to x-rays than those made with XO. The dosimetric accuracy of the 3D gels was investigated by comparing their MRI response to percentage depth dose and transversal dose profile measurements made with an ionization chamber in a water phantom. The comparison of PVA-GTA gels with and without XO showed that the chelating agent reduces the MRI sensitivity of the gels. Depth-dose and transversal dose profiles acquired by PVA-GTA gels without XO are more accurate and consistent with the ionization chamber data. However, diffusion effects hinder accurate measurements in the steep dose gradient regions and they should be further reduced by modifying the gel matrix and/or by minimizing the delay between irradiation and imaging.

Enhanced differentiation of dental pulp cells cultured on microtubular polymer scaffolds in vitro.

Regenerative engineering of diseased or traumatized tooth structure could avoid the deficiencies of traditional dental restorative (filling) materials. Cells in the dental pulp have the potential to differentiate to dentin-producing odontoblast cells. Furthermore, cell-supporting scaffolds that mimic a natural extracellular matrix (ECM) are known to influence behavior of progenitor cells. Accordingly, we hypothesized that a dentin-like microtubular scaffold would enhance differentiation of dental pulp cells. The hypothesis was proven true and differentiation to odontoblasts increased with increasing density of the microtubules. However, mineralization was suppressed, possibly due to a low density of cells. The results demonstrate the potential benefits of a microtubular scaffold design to promote odontoblast cells for regeneration of dentin.