Sample records for adsorbed protein films

  1. The Density and Refractive Index of Adsorbing Protein Layers

    PubMed Central

    Vörös, Janos

    2004-01-01

    The structure of the adsorbing layers of native and denatured proteins (fibrinogen, γ-immunoglobulin, albumin, and lysozyme) was studied on hydrophilic TiO2 and hydrophobic Teflon-AF surfaces using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy techniques. The density and the refractive index of the adsorbing protein layers could be determined from the complementary information provided by the two in situ instruments. The observed density and refractive index changes during the protein-adsorption process indicated the presence of conformational changes (e.g., partial unfolding) in general, especially upon contact with the hydrophobic surface. The structure of the formed layers was found to depend on the size of the proteins and on the experimental conditions. On the TiO2 surface smaller proteins formed a denser layer than larger ones and the layer of unfolded proteins was less dense than that adsorbed from the native conformation. The hydrophobic surface induced denaturation and resulted in the formation of thin compact protein films of albumin and lysozyme. A linear correlation was found between the quartz crystal microbalance measured dissipation factor and the total water content of the layer, suggesting the existence of a dissipative process that is related to the solvent molecules present inside the adsorbed protein layer. Our measurements indicated that water and solvent molecules not only influence the 3D structure of proteins in solution but also play a crucial role in their adsorption onto surfaces. PMID:15240488

  2. Selective Gas Capture Ability of Gas-Adsorbent-Incorporated Cellulose Nanofiber Films.

    PubMed

    Shah, Kinjal J; Imae, Toyoko

    2016-05-09

    The 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF) were hybridized with cation and anion-exchange organoclays, where poly(amido amine) dendrimers were loaded to enhance the functionality of gas adsorption, since dendrimers have the high adsorbability and the enough selectivity on the gas adsorption. The thin films were prepared from the organoclay-TOCNF hybrids and supplied to the gas adsorption. The adsorption of CO2 and NH3 gases increased with an increasing amount of organoclays in TOCNF films, but the behavior of the increase depended on gases, clays, and dendrimers. The hydrotalcite organoclay-TOCNF films displayed the highest adsorption of both gases, but the desorption of CO2 gas from hydrotalcite organoclay-TOCNF films was drastically high in comparison with the other systems. While the CO2 gas is adsorbed and remained on cationic dendrimer sites in cation-exchange organoclay-TOCNF films, the CO2 gas is adsorbed on cationic clay sites in anion exchange organoclay-TOCNF films, and it is easily desorbed from the films. The NH3 adsorption is inversive to the CO2 adsorption. Then the CO2 molecules adsorbed on the cationic dendrimers and the NH3 molecules adsorbed on the anionic dendrimers are preferably captured in these adsorbents. The present research incorporated dendrimers will be contributing to the development of gas-specialized adsorbents, which are selectively storable only in particular gases.

  3. The molecular mechanism of mediation of adsorbed serum proteins to endothelial cells adhesion and growth on biomaterials.

    PubMed

    Yang, Dayun; Lü, Xiaoying; Hong, Ying; Xi, Tingfei; Zhang, Deyuan

    2013-07-01

    To explore molecular mechanism of mediation of adsorbed proteins to cell adhesion and growth on biomaterials, this study examined endothelial cell adhesion, morphology and viability on bare and titanium nitride (TiN) coated nickel titanium (NiTi) alloys and chitosan film firstly, and then identified the type and amount of serum proteins adsorbed on the three surfaces by proteomic technology. Subsequently, the mediation role of the identified proteins to cell adhesion and growth was investigated with bioinformatics analyses, and further confirmed by a series of cellular and molecular biological experiments. Results showed that the type and amount of adsorbed serum proteins associated with cell adhesion and growth was obviously higher on the alloys than on the chitosan film, and these proteins mediated endothelial cell adhesion and growth on the alloys via four ways. First, proteins such as adiponectin in the adsorbed protein layer bound with cell surface receptors to generate signal transduction, which activated cell surface integrins through increasing intracellular calcium level. Another way, thrombospondin 1 in the adsorbed protein layer promoted TGF-β signaling pathway activation and enhanced integrins expression. The third, RGD sequence containing proteins such as fibronectin 1, vitronectin and thrombospondin 1 in the adsorbed protein layer bound with activated integrins to activate focal adhesion pathway, increased focal adhesion formation and actin cytoskeleton organization and mediated cell adhesion and spreading. In addition, the activated focal adhesion pathway promoted the expression of cell growth related genes and resulted in cell proliferation. The fourth route, coagulation factor II (F2) and fibronectin 1 in the adsorbed protein layer bound with cell surface F2 receptor and integrin, activated regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway and regulated actin cytoskeleton organization. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Physicochemical controls on adsorbed water film thickness in unsaturated geological media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tokunaga, Tetsu K.

    2011-08-01

    Adsorbed water films commonly coat mineral surfaces in unsaturated soils and rocks, reducing flow and transport rates. Therefore, it is important to understand how adsorbed film thickness depends on matric potential, surface chemistry, and solution chemistry. Here the problem of adsorbed water film thickness is examined by combining capillary scaling with the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Novel aspects of this analysis include determining capillary influences on film thicknesses and incorporating solution chemistry-dependent electrostatic potential at air-water interfaces. Capillary analysis of monodisperse packings of spherical grains provided estimated ranges of matric potentials where adsorbed films are stable and showed that pendular rings within drained porous media retain most of the "residual" water except under very low matric potentials. Within drained pores, capillary contributions to thinning of adsorbed films on spherical grains are shown to be small, such that DLVO calculations for flat surfaces are suitable approximations. Hamaker constants of common soil minerals were obtained to determine ranges of the dispersion component to matric potential-dependent film thickness. The pressure component associated with electrical double-layer forces was estimated using the compression and linear superposition approximations. The pH-dependent electrical double-layer pressure component is the dominant contribution to film thicknesses at intermediate values of matric potential, especially in lower ionic strength solutions (<10 mol m-3) on surfaces with higher-magnitude electrostatic potentials (more negative than ≈-50 mV). Adsorbed water films are predicted to usually range in thickness from ≈1 to 20 nm in drained pores and fractures of unsaturated environments.

  5. Quantification of the Influence of Protein-Protein Interactions on Adsorbed Protein Structure and Bioactivity

    PubMed Central

    Wei, Yang; Thyparambil, Aby A.; Latour, Robert A.

    2013-01-01

    While protein-surface interactions have been widely studied, relatively little is understood at this time regarding how protein-surface interaction effects are influenced by protein-protein interactions and how these effects combine with the internal stability of a protein to influence its adsorbed-state structure and bioactivity. The objectives of this study were to develop a method to study these combined effects under widely varying protein-protein interaction conditions using hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) adsorbed on silica glass, poly(methyl methacrylate), and polyethylene as our model systems. In order to vary protein-protein interaction effects over a wide range, HEWL was first adsorbed to each surface type under widely varying protein solution concentrations for 2 h to saturate the surface, followed by immersion in pure buffer solution for 15 h to equilibrate the adsorbed protein layers in the absence of additionally adsorbing protein. Periodic measurements were made at selected time points of the areal density of the adsorbed protein layer as an indicator of the level of protein-protein interaction effects within the layer, and these values were then correlated with measurements of the adsorbed protein’s secondary structure and bioactivity. The results from these studies indicate that protein-protein interaction effects help stabilize the structure of HEWL adsorbed on silica glass, have little influence on the structural behavior of HEWL on HDPE, and actually serve to destabilize HEWL’s structure on PMMA. The bioactivity of HEWL on silica glass and HDPE was found to decrease in direct proportion to the degree of adsorption-induce protein unfolding. A direct correlation between bioactivity and the conformational state of adsorbed HEWL was less apparent on PMMA, thus suggesting that other factors influenced HEWL’s bioactivity on this surface, such as the accessibility of HEWL’s bioactive site being blocked by neighboring proteins or the surface

  6. Correlation between mechanical behavior of protein films at the air/water interface and intrinsic stability of protein molecules.

    PubMed

    Martin, Anneke H; Cohen Stuart, Martien A; Bos, Martin A; van Vliet, Ton

    2005-04-26

    The relation between mechanical film properties of various adsorbed protein layers at the air/water interface and intrinsic stability of the corresponding proteins is discussed. Mechanical film properties were determined by surface deformation in shear and dilation. In shear, fracture stress, sigma(f), and fracture strain, gamma(f), were determined, as well as the relaxation behavior after macroscopic fracture. The dilatational measurements were performed in a Langmuir trough equipped with an infra-red reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) accessory. During compression and relaxation of the surface, the surface pressure, Pi, and adsorbed amount, Gamma (determined from the IRRAS spectra), were determined simultaneously. In addition, IRRAS spectra revealed information on conformational changes in terms of secondary structure. Possible correlations between macroscopic film properties and intrinsic stability of the proteins were determined and discussed in terms of molecular dimensions of single proteins and interfacial protein films. Molecular properties involved the area per protein molecule at Pi approximately 0 mN/m (A(0)), A(0)/M (M = molecular weight) and the maximum slope of the Pi-Gamma curves (dPi/dGamma). The differences observed in mechanical properties and relaxation behavior indicate that the behavior of a protein film subjected to large deformation may vary widely from predominantly viscous (yielding) to more elastic (fracture). This transition is also observed in gradual changes in A(0)/M. It appeared that in general protein layers with high A(0)/M have a high gamma(f) and behave more fluidlike, whereas solidlike behavior is characterized by low A(0)/M and low gamma(f). Additionally, proteins with a low A(0)/M value have a low adaptability in changing their conformation upon adsorption at the air/water interface. Both results support the conclusion that the hardness (internal cohesion) of protein molecules determines predominantly the mechanical

  7. Smooth deuterated cellulose films for the visualisation of adsorbed bio-macromolecules

    PubMed Central

    Su, Jielong; Raghuwanshi, Vikram S.; Raverty, Warwick; Garvey, Christopher J.; Holden, Peter J.; Gillon, Marie; Holt, Stephen A.; Tabor, Rico; Batchelor, Warren; Garnier, Gil

    2016-01-01

    Novel thin and smooth deuterated cellulose films were synthesised to visualize adsorbed bio-macromolecules using contrast variation neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements. Incorporation of varying degrees of deuteration into cellulose was achieved by growing Gluconacetobacter xylinus in deuterated glycerol as carbon source dissolved in growth media containing D2O. The derivative of deuterated cellulose was prepared by trimethylsilylation(TMS) in ionic liquid(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride). The TMS derivative was dissolved in toluene for thin film preparation by spin-coating. The resulting film was regenerated into deuterated cellulose by exposure to acidic vapour. A common enzyme, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), was adsorbed from solution onto the deuterated cellulose films and visualized by NR. The scattering length density contrast of the deuterated cellulose enabled accurate visualization and quantification of the adsorbed HRP, which would have been impossible to achieve with non-deuterated cellulose. The procedure described enables preparing deuterated cellulose films that allows differentiation of cellulose and non-deuterated bio-macromolecules using NR. PMID:27796332

  8. Controlled surface chemistry of diamond/β-SiC composite films for preferential protein adsorption.

    PubMed

    Wang, Tao; Handschuh-Wang, Stephan; Yang, Yang; Zhuang, Hao; Schlemper, Christoph; Wesner, Daniel; Schönherr, Holger; Zhang, Wenjun; Jiang, Xin

    2014-02-04

    Diamond and SiC both process extraordinary biocompatible, electronic, and chemical properties. A combination of diamond and SiC may lead to highly stable materials, e.g., for implants or biosensors with excellent sensing properties. Here we report on the controllable surface chemistry of diamond/β-SiC composite films and its effect on protein adsorption. For systematic and high-throughput investigations, novel diamond/β-SiC composite films with gradient composition have been synthesized using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) technique. As revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the diamond/β-SiC ratio of the composite films shows a continuous change from pure diamond to β-SiC over a length of ∼ 10 mm on the surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was employed to unveil the surface termination of chemically oxidized and hydrogen treated surfaces. The surface chemistry of the composite films was found to depend on diamond/β-SiC ratio and the surface treatment. As observed by confocal fluorescence microscopy, albumin and fibrinogen were preferentially adsorbed from buffer: after surface oxidation, the proteins preferred to adsorb on diamond rather than on β-SiC, resulting in an increasing amount of proteins adsorbed to the gradient surfaces with increasing diamond/β-SiC ratio. By contrast, for hydrogen-treated surfaces, the proteins preferentially adsorbed on β-SiC, leading to a decreasing amount of albumin adsorbed on the gradient surfaces with increasing diamond/β-SiC ratio. The mechanism of preferential protein adsorption is discussed by considering the hydrogen bonding of the water self-association network to OH-terminated surfaces and the change of the polar surface energy component, which was determined according to the van Oss method. These results suggest that the diamond/β-SiC gradient film can be a promising material for biomedical applications which

  9. Glucose Oxidase Adsorption on Sequential Adsorbed Polyelectrolyte Films Studied by Spectroscopic Techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tristán, Ferdinando; Solís, Araceli; Palestino, Gabriela; Gergely, Csilla; Cuisinier, Frédéric; Pérez, Elías

    2005-04-01

    The adsorption of Glucose Oxidase (GOX) on layers of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) deposited on Sequentially Adsorbed Polyelectrolyte Films (SAPFs) were studied by three different spectroscopic techniques. These techniques are: Optical Wave Light Spectroscopy (OWLS) to measure surface density; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to verify the adsorption of GOX on the surface; and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflection mode (FTIR-HATR) to inspect local structure of polyelectrolytes and GOX. Two positive and two negative polyelectrolytes are used: Cationic poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and anionic poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). These spectroscopic techniques do not require any labeling for GOX or SAPFs, specifically GOX and PSS are naturally fluorescent and are used as a couple donor-acceptor for the FRET technique. The SAPFs are formed by a (PEI)-(PSS/PAH)2 film followed by (PAA/PAH)n bilayers. GOX is finally deposited on top of SAPFs at different values of n (n=1..5). Our results show that GOX is adsorbed on positive ended SAPFs forming a monolayer. Contrary, GOX adsorption is not observed on negative ended film polyelectrolyte. GOX stability was tested adding a positive and a negative polyelectrolyte after GOX adsorption. Protein is partially removed by PAH and PAA, with lesser force by PAA.

  10. Miscibility and interaction between 1-alkanol and short-chain phosphocholine in the adsorbed film and micelles.

    PubMed

    Takajo, Yuichi; Matsuki, Hitoshi; Kaneshina, Shoji; Aratono, Makoto; Yamanaka, Michio

    2007-09-01

    The miscibility and interaction of 1-hexanol (C6OH) and 1-heptanol (C7OH) with 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DHPC) in the adsorbed films and micelles were investigated by measuring the surface tension of aqueous C6OH-DHPC and aqueous C7OH-DHPC solutions. The surface density, the mean molecular area, the composition of the adsorbed film, and the excess Gibbs energy of adsorption g(H,E), were estimated. Further, the critical micelle concentration of the mixtures was determined from the surface tension versus molality curves; the micellar composition was calculated. The miscibility of the 1-alkanols and DHPC molecules in the adsorbed film and micelles was examined using the phase diagram of adsorption (PDA) and that of micellization (PDM). The PDA and the composition dependence of g(H,E) indicated the non-ideal mixing of the 1-alkanols and DHPC molecules due to the attractive interaction between the molecules in the adsorbed film, while the PDM indicated that the 1-alkanol molecules were not incorporated in the micelles within DHPC rich region. The dependence of the mean molecular area of the mixtures on the surface composition suggested that the packing property of the adsorbed film depends on the chain length of 1-alkanol: C6OH expands the DHPC adsorbed film more than C7OH.

  11. Adsorbed water and thin liquid films on Mars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boxe, C. S.; Hand, K. P.; Nealson, K. H.; Yung, Y. L.; Yen, A. S.; Saiz-Lopez, A.

    2012-07-01

    At present, bulk liquid water on the surface and near-subsurface of Mars does not exist due to the scarcity of condensed- and gas-phase water, pressure and temperature constraints. Given that the nuclei of soil and ice, that is, the soil solid and ice lattice, respectively, are coated with adsorbed and/or thin liquid films of water well below 273 K and the availability of water limits biological activity, we quantify lower and upper limits for the thickness of such adsorbed/water films on the surface of the Martian regolith and for subsurface ice. These limits were calculated based on experimental and theoretical data for pure water ice and water ice containing impurities, where water ice containing impurities exhibit thin liquid film enhancements, ranging from 3 to 90. Close to the cold limit of water stability (i.e. 273 K), thin liquid film thicknesses at the surface of the Martian regolith is 0.06 nm (pure water ice) and ranges from 0.2 to 5 nm (water ice with impurities). An adsorbed water layer of 0.06 nm implies a dessicated surface as the thickness of one monolayer of water is 0.3 nm but represents 0.001-0.02% of the Martian atmospheric water vapour inventory. Taking into account the specific surface area (SSA) of surface-soil (i.e. top 1 mm of regolith and 0.06 nm adsorbed water layer), shows Martian surface-soil may contain interfacial water that represents 6-66% of the upper- and lower-limit atmospheric water vapour inventory and almost four times and 33%, the lower- and upper-limit Martian atmospheric water vapour inventory. Similarly, taking the SSA of Martian soil, the top 1 mm or regolith at 5 nm thin liquid water thickness, yields 1.10×1013 and 6.50×1013 litres of waters, respectively, 55-325 times larger than Mars' atmospheric water vapour inventory. Film thicknesses of 0.2 and 5 nm represent 2.3×104-1.5×106 litres of water, which is 6.0×10-7-4.0×10-4%, respectively, of a 10 pr μm water vapour column, and 3.0×10-6-4.0×10-4% and 6.0×10

  12. Suppression of single-wall carbon nanotube redox reaction by adsorbed proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakayama, Tomohito; Tanaka, Takeshi; Shiraki, Kentaro; Hase, Muneaki; Hirano, Atsushi

    2018-07-01

    Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are widely used in biological applications. In biological systems, proteins readily adsorb to SWCNTs. However, little is known about the effects of proteins on the physicochemical properties of SWCNTs, such as their redox reaction. In this study, we measured the absorption and Raman spectra of SWCNTs dispersed in the presence of proteins such as bovine serum albumin to observe the redox reaction of the protein-adsorbed SWCNTs. The adsorbed proteins suppressed the redox reaction by forming thick and dense layers around the SWCNTs. Our findings are useful for understanding the behaviors of SWCNTs in biological systems.

  13. A ToF-SIMS and XPS study of protein adsorption and cell attachment across PEG-like plasma polymer films with lateral compositional gradients

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Menzies, Donna J.; Jasieniak, Marek; Griesser, Hans J.; Forsythe, John S.; Johnson, Graham; McFarland, Gail A.; Muir, Benjamin W.

    2012-12-01

    In this work we report a detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) study of poly(ethylene glycol) PEG-like chemical gradients deposited via plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) at two different load powers using diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DG) as a monomer. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the ToF-SIMS data both before and after protein adsorption on the plasma polymer thin films. Results of the PCA loadings indicated a higher content of hydrocarbon fragments across the higher load power gradient, which adsorbed higher amounts of proteins. Gradients deposited at a lower load power retained a higher degree of monomer like functionality as did the central region directly underneath the knife edge electrode. Analysis of the adsorption of serum proteins (human serum albumin and fetal bovine serum) was monitored across the gradient films and increased with decreasing ether (PEG-like) film chemistries. The effect of protein incubation time on the levels adsorbed fetal bovine serum on the plasma polymer films was critical, with significantly more protein adsorbing after 24 hour incubation times on both gradient films. The attachment of HeLa cells on the gradients appeared to be dictated not only by the surface chemistry, but also by the adsorption of serum proteins. XPS analysis revealed that at surface ether concentrations of less than 70% in the gradient films, significant increases in protein and cell attachment were observed.

  14. Linear Arrangement of Motor Protein on a Mechanically Deposited Fluoropolymer Thin Film

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suzuki, Hitoshi; Oiwa, Kazuhiro; Yamada, Akira; Sakakibara, Hitoshi; Nakayama, Haruto; Mashiko, Shinro

    1995-07-01

    Motor protein molecules such as heavy meromyosin (HMM), one of the major components of skeletal muscle, were arranged linearly on a mechanically deposited fluoropolymer thin film substrate in order to regulate the direction of movement generated by the motor protein. The fluoropolymer film consisted of many linear parallel ridges whose heights and widths were 10 to 20 nm and 10 to 100 nm, respectively. The fluoropolymer ridges adsorbed HMM molecules that were applied onto the film. Actin filaments labeled with rhodamine-phalloidin were observed under a fluorescence microscope moving linearly on the HMM-coated ridges. The observation indicates that HMM molecules were aligned on the fluoropolymer ridges while retaining their function. The velocity of actin movement was measured in this system.

  15. Effect of divalent ions on the optical emission behavior of protein thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhowal, Ashim Chandra; Kundu, Sarathi

    2016-05-01

    Photoluminescence behaviors of proteinthin film, bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been studied in the presence of three divalent ions (Mg2+, Ca2+ and Ba2+) at different temperatures using fluorescence spectroscopy. Film thickness and morphology have been studied using atomic force microscopy. Variation of different physicochemical parameters like temperature, solvent polarity, pH, ionic strength, substrate binding etc. can make conformational changes in the protein structure and hence influences the emission behavior.In thin film conformation of BSA, dynamic quenching behavior has beenidentified in the presence of all the three divalent ions at pH≈ 5.5. Depending upon the charge density of the divalent ions interaction with protein molecules modifies and as a result quenching efficiency varies. Also after heat treatment, conformation of the protein molecules changes and as a result the quenching efficiency enhances than that of the unheated films. Studies on such protein-ion interactions and conformational variation may explore various functions of protein when it will adsorb on soft surfaces like membranes, vesicles, etc.

  16. Correlation between surface morphology and surface forces of protein A adsorbed on mica.

    PubMed Central

    Ohnishi, S; Murata, M; Hato, M

    1998-01-01

    We have investigated the morphology and surface forces of protein A adsorbed on mica surface in the protein solutions of various concentrations. The force-distance curves, measured with a surface force apparatus (SFA), were interpreted in terms of two different regimens: a "large-distance" regimen in which an electrostatic double-layer force dominates, and an "adsorbed layer" regimen in which a force of steric origin dominates. To further clarify the forces of steric origin, the surface morphology of the adsorbed protein layer was investigated with an atomic force microscope (AFM) because the steric repulsive forces are strongly affected by the adsorption mode of protein A molecules on mica. At lower protein concentrations (2 ppm, 10 ppm), protein A molecules were adsorbed "side-on" parallel to the mica surfaces, forming a monolayer of approximately 2.5 nm. AFM images at higher concentrations (30 ppm, 100 ppm) showed protruding structures over the monolayer, which revealed that the adsorbed protein A molecules had one end oriented into the solution, with the remainder of each molecule adsorbed side-on to the mica surface. These extending ends of protein A overlapped each other and formed a "quasi-double layer" over the mica surface. These AFM images proved the existence of a monolayer of protein A molecules at low concentrations and a "quasi-double layer" with occasional protrusions at high concentrations, which were consistent with the adsorption mode observed in the force-distance curves. PMID:9449346

  17. SERS spectra of pyridine adsorbed on nickel film prepared by magnetron sputtering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Daoyong; Ouyang, Yu; Chen, Li; Cao, Weiran; Shi, Shaohua

    2011-02-01

    As a repeating well and cheaper enhancement substrate, the nickel film was fabricated with magnetron sputtering coating instrument. Surface enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) of pyridine adsorbed on this nickel film are compared with the experimental values of gaseous pyridine, the theoretical value of pyridine solution listed in other literatures and our method is better than electro-chemical etching electrode method for large scale preparation. The enhancement factor of the nickel film is calculated and the result indicates that magnetron sputtering coating technology is feasible for obtaining good SERS active surface.

  18. A Multi-technique Characterization of Adsorbed Protein Films: Orientation and Structure by ToF-SIMS, NEXAFS, SFG, and XPS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baio, Joseph E.

    immobilization schemes. This protein contained both a hexahistidine tag and a cysteine residue, introduced at opposite ends of the HuLys Fv, for immobilization onto nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and maleimide oligo- (ethylene glycol) (MEG)-terminated substrates. The thiol group on the cysteine residue selectively binds to the MEG groups, while the his-tag selectively binds to the Ni-loaded NTA groups. XPS was used to monitor protein coverage on both surfaces by following the change in the nitrogen atomic %. The ToF-SIMS data provided a clear differentiation between the two samples due to the intensity differences of secondary ions originating from asymmetrically located amino acids in HuLys Fv. Indicating that the HuLys Fv fragment when adsorbed into the NTA and MEG substrates will be induced into two different orientations. On the NTA substrate the protein's binding site is accessible, while on the MEG substrate the binding site is oriented towards the surface. By taking advantage of the electron pathway through the heme group in cytochrome c (CytoC) electrochemists have built sensors based upon CytoC immobilized onto functionalized metal electrodes. When immobilized onto a charged surface, CytoC, with its distribution of lysine and glutamate residues around its surface, should orient and form a well-ordered protein film. Here a detailed examination of CytoC orientation when electrostatically immobilized onto both amine (NH 3+) and carboxyl (COO-) functionalized gold is presented. Again, protein coverage, on both surfaces, was monitored by the change in the atomic % N, as determined by XPS. ToF-SIMS data demonstrated a clear separation between the two samples based on the intensity differences of secondary ions stemming from amino acids located asymmetrically within CytoC, indicating opposite orientations of the protein on the two different surfaces. Spectral features within the in situ sum frequency generation vibrational spectra, acquired for the protein interacting with

  19. Volumetric Interpretation of Protein Adsorption: Interfacial Packing of Protein Adsorbed to Hydrophobic Surfaces from Surface-Saturating Solution Concentrations

    PubMed Central

    Kao, Ping; Parhi, Purnendu; Krishnan, Anandi; Noh, Hyeran; Haider, Waseem; Tadigadapa, Srinivas; Allara, David L.; Vogler, Erwin A.

    2010-01-01

    The maximum capacity of a hydrophobic adsorbent is interpreted in terms of square or hexagonal (cubic and face-centered-cubic, FCC) interfacial packing models of adsorbed blood proteins in a way that accommodates experimental measurements by the solution-depletion method and quartz-crystal-microbalance (QCM) for the human proteins serum albumin (HSA, 66 kDa), immunoglobulin G (IgG, 160 kDa), fibrinogen (Fib, 341 kDa), and immunoglobulin M (IgM, 1000 kDa). A simple analysis shows that adsorbent capacity is capped by a fixed mass/volume (e.g. mg/mL) surface-region (interphase) concentration and not molar concentration. Nearly analytical agreement between the packing models and experiment suggests that, at surface saturation, above-mentioned proteins assemble within the interphase in a manner that approximates a well-ordered array. HSA saturates a hydrophobic adsorbent with the equivalent of a single square-or-hexagonally-packed layer of hydrated molecules whereas the larger proteins occupy two-or-more layers, depending on the specific protein under consideration and analytical method used to measure adsorbate mass (solution depletion or QCM). Square-or-hexagonal (cubic and FCC) packing models cannot be clearly distinguished by comparison to experimental data. QCM measurement of adsorbent capacity is shown to be significantly different than that measured by solution depletion for similar hydrophobic adsorbents. The underlying reason is traced to the fact that QCM measures contribution of both core protein, water of hydration, and interphase water whereas solution depletion measures only the contribution of core protein. It is further shown that thickness of the interphase directly measured by QCM systematically exceeds that inferred from solution-depletion measurements, presumably because the static model used to interpret solution depletion does not accurately capture the complexities of the viscoelastic interfacial environment probed by QCM. PMID:21035180

  20. Volumetric interpretation of protein adsorption: interfacial packing of protein adsorbed to hydrophobic surfaces from surface-saturating solution concentrations.

    PubMed

    Kao, Ping; Parhi, Purnendu; Krishnan, Anandi; Noh, Hyeran; Haider, Waseem; Tadigadapa, Srinivas; Allara, David L; Vogler, Erwin A

    2011-02-01

    The maximum capacity of a hydrophobic adsorbent is interpreted in terms of square or hexagonal (cubic and face-centered-cubic, FCC) interfacial packing models of adsorbed blood proteins in a way that accommodates experimental measurements by the solution-depletion method and quartz-crystal-microbalance (QCM) for the human proteins serum albumin (HSA, 66 kDa), immunoglobulin G (IgG, 160 kDa), fibrinogen (Fib, 341 kDa), and immunoglobulin M (IgM, 1000 kDa). A simple analysis shows that adsorbent capacity is capped by a fixed mass/volume (e.g. mg/mL) surface-region (interphase) concentration and not molar concentration. Nearly analytical agreement between the packing models and experiment suggests that, at surface saturation, above-mentioned proteins assemble within the interphase in a manner that approximates a well-ordered array. HSA saturates a hydrophobic adsorbent with the equivalent of a single square or hexagonally-packed layer of hydrated molecules whereas the larger proteins occupy two-or-more layers, depending on the specific protein under consideration and analytical method used to measure adsorbate mass (solution depletion or QCM). Square or hexagonal (cubic and FCC) packing models cannot be clearly distinguished by comparison to experimental data. QCM measurement of adsorbent capacity is shown to be significantly different than that measured by solution depletion for similar hydrophobic adsorbents. The underlying reason is traced to the fact that QCM measures contribution of both core protein, water of hydration, and interphase water whereas solution depletion measures only the contribution of core protein. It is further shown that thickness of the interphase directly measured by QCM systematically exceeds that inferred from solution-depletion measurements, presumably because the static model used to interpret solution depletion does not accurately capture the complexities of the viscoelastic interfacial environment probed by QCM. Copyright © 2010

  1. Interaction of Human Plasma Proteins with Thin Gelatin-Based Hydrogel Films: A QCM-D and ToF-SIMS Study

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    In the fields of surgery and regenerative medicine, it is crucial to understand the interactions of proteins with the biomaterials used as implants. Protein adsorption directly influences cell-material interactions in vivo and, as a result, regulates, for example, cell adhesion on the surface of the implant. Therefore, the development of suitable analytical techniques together with well-defined model systems allowing for the detection, characterization, and quantification of protein adsorbates is essential. In this study, a protocol for the deposition of highly stable, thin gelatin-based films on various substrates has been developed. The hydrogel films were characterized morphologically and chemically. Due to the obtained low thickness of the hydrogel layer, this setup allowed for a quantitative study on the interaction of human proteins (albumin and fibrinogen) with the hydrogel by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D). This technique enables the determination of adsorbant mass and changes in the shear modulus of the hydrogel layer upon adsorption of human proteins. Furthermore, Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and principal component analysis was applied to monitor the changed composition of the topmost adsorbate layer. This approach opens interesting perspectives for a sensitive screening of viscoelastic biomaterials that could be used for regenerative medicine. PMID:24956040

  2. Characterization of cross-linked cellulosic ion-exchange adsorbents: 2. Protein sorption and transport.

    PubMed

    Angelo, James M; Cvetkovic, Aleksandar; Gantier, Rene; Lenhoff, Abraham M

    2016-03-18

    Adsorption behavior in the HyperCel family of cellulosic ion-exchange materials (Pall Corporation) was characterized using methods to assess, quantitatively and qualitatively, the dynamics of protein uptake as well as static adsorption as a function of ionic strength and protein concentration using several model proteins. The three exchangers studied all presented relatively high adsorptive capacities under low ionic strength conditions, comparable to commercially available resins containing polymer functionalization aimed at increasing that particular characteristic. The strong cation- and anion-exchange moieties showed higher sensitivity to increasing salt concentrations, but protein affinity on the salt-tolerant STAR AX HyperCel exchanger remained strong at ionic strengths normally used in downstream processing to elute material fully during ion-exchange chromatography. Very high uptake rates were observed in both batch kinetics experiments and time-series confocal laser scanning microscopy, suggesting low intraparticle transport resistances relative to external film resistance, even at higher bulk protein concentrations where the opposite is typically observed. Electron microscopy imaging of protein adsorbed phases provided additional insight into particle structure that could not be resolved in previous work on the bare resins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Friction and transfer of copper, silver, and gold to iron in the presence of various adsorbed surface films

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buckley, D. H.

    1979-01-01

    Sliding friction experiments were conducted with the noble metals copper, silver, and gold and two binary alloys of these metals contacting iron in the presence of various adsorbates including, oxygen, methyl mercaptan, and methyl chloride. A pin on disk specimen configuration was used with a load of 100 grams, sliding velocity of 60 mm/min; at 25 C with the surfaces saturated with the adsorbates. Auger emission spectroscopy was used to monitor surface films. Results of the experiments indicate that friction and transfer characteristics are highly specific with respect to both the noble metal and surface film present. With all three metals and films transfer of the noble metal to iron occurred very rapidly. With all metals and films transfer of the noble metal to iron continuously increased with repeated passes except for silver and copper sliding on iron sulfide.

  4. Evidence of Near Surface Layer Stabilization by Liquid Multilayer Adsorbed Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Strange, Nicholas; Larese, J. Z.

    Molecular adsorption on surfaces is fundamentally important in a variety of scientific and technological processes. Surface adsorption plays a key role in catalysis/catalytic supports, optoelectronic devices, lubrication and adhesion, wetting phenomena, and separations. We present the results of a comprehensive investigation of the first ten members of the homologous series of n-alkanes (methane-decane) adsorbed on the basal plane of hexagonal boron nitride using high-resolution, volumetric adsorption isotherm measurements (more than 30 separate temperatures per molecule). The experimentally determined heats of adsorption vs. carbon chain length follow the well-known ``odd-even'' behavior of the n-alkanes. While this may not be surprising we will illustrate additional potential surface configurations that can lead to an increase in entropy. Potential phase transitions are identified using changes in the 2D-compressibility. In addition, we describe the results of companion molecular dynamics modeling to provide microscopic insight to the wetting behavior as a function of alkane chain length and film thickness. A comparison with the behavior of the same n-alkane set on MgO and graphite will also be included. These studies can serve as the basis for developing accurate, robust models of the potential energy surfaces and can be used for future investigations of the microscopic structure and dynamics of these adsorbed films using neutron/xray diffraction and neutron spectroscopy.

  5. Protein adsorption on dopamine-melanin films: role of electrostatic interactions inferred from zeta-potential measurements versus chemisorption.

    PubMed

    Bernsmann, Falk; Frisch, Benoît; Ringwald, Christian; Ball, Vincent

    2010-04-01

    We recently showed the possibility to build dopamine-melanin films of controlled thickness by successive immersions of a substrate in alkaline solutions of dopamine [F. Bernsmann, A. Ponche, C. Ringwald, J. Hemmerlé, J. Raya, B. Bechinger, J.-C. Voegel, P. Schaaf, V. Ball, J. Phys. Chem. C 113 (2009) 8234-8242]. In this work the structure and properties of such films are further explored. The zeta-potential of dopamine-melanin films is measured as a function of the total immersion time to build the film. It appears that the film bears a constant zeta-potential of (-39+/-3) mV after 12 immersion steps. These data are used to calculate the surface density of charged groups of the dopamine-melanin films at pH 8.5 that are mostly catechol or quinone imine chemical groups. Furthermore the zeta-potential is used to explain the adsorption of three model proteins (lysozyme, myoglobin, alpha-lactalbumin), which is monitored by quartz crystal microbalance. We come to the conclusion that protein adsorption on dopamine-melanin is not only determined by possible covalent binding between amino groups of the proteins and catechol groups of dopamine-melanin but that electrostatic interactions contribute to protein binding. Part of the adsorbed proteins can be desorbed by sodium dodecylsulfate solutions at the critical micellar concentration. The fraction of weakly bound proteins decreases with their isoelectric point. Additionally the number of available sites for covalent binding of amino groups on melanin grains is quantified. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. The profile of adsorbed plasma and serum proteins on methacrylic acid copolymer beads: Effect on complement activation.

    PubMed

    Wells, Laura A; Guo, Hongbo; Emili, Andrew; Sefton, Michael V

    2017-02-01

    Polymer beads made of 45% methacrylic acid co methyl methacrylate (MAA beads) promote vascular regenerative responses in contrast to control materials without methacrylic acid (here polymethyl methacrylate beads, PMMA). In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that MAA copolymers induce differences in macrophage phenotype and polarization and inflammatory responses, presumably due to protein adsorption differences between the beads. To explore differences in protein adsorption in an unbiased manner, we used high resolution shotgun mass spectrometry to identify and compare proteins that adsorb from human plasma or serum onto MAA and PMMA beads. From plasma, MAA beads adsorbed many complement proteins, such as C1q, C4-related proteins and the complement inhibitor factor H, while PMMA adsorbed proteins, such as albumin, C3 and apolipoproteins. Because of the differences in complement protein adsorption, follow-up studies focused on using ELISA to assess complement activation. When incubated in serum, MAA beads generated significantly lower levels of soluble C5b9 and C3a/C3a desarg in comparison to PMMA beads, indicating a decrease in complement activation with MAA beads. The differences in adsorbed protein on the two materials likely alter subsequent cell-material interactions that ultimately result in different host responses and local vascularization. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Adsorption of lysozyme to phospholipid and meibomian lipid monolayer films.

    PubMed

    Mudgil, Poonam; Torres, Margaux; Millar, Thomas J

    2006-03-15

    It is believed that a lipid layer forms the outer layer of the pre-ocular tear film and this layer helps maintain tear film stability by lowering its surface tension. Proteins of the aqueous layer of the tear film (beneath the lipid layer) may also contribute to reducing surface tension by adsorbing to, or penetrating the lipid layer. The purpose of this study was to compare the penetration of lysozyme, a tear protein, into films of meibomian lipids and phospholipids held at different surface pressures to determine if lysozyme were part of the surface layer of the tear film. Films of meibomian lipids or phospholipids were spread onto the surface of a buffered aqueous subphase. Films were compressed to particular pressures and lysozyme was injected into the subphase. Changes in surface pressure were monitored to determine adsorption or penetration of lysozyme into the surface film. Lysozyme penetrated a meibomian lipid film at all pressures tested (max=20 mN/m). It also penetrated phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylethanolamine lipid films up to a pressure of 20 mN/m. It was not able to penetrate a phosphatidylcholine film at pressures >or=10 mN/m irrespective of the temperature being at 20 or 37 degrees C. However, it was able to penetrate it at very low pressures (<10 mN/m). Epifluorescence microscopy showed that the protein either adsorbs to or penetrates the lipid layer and the pattern of mixing depended upon the lipid at the surface. These results indicate that lysozyme is present at the surface of the tear film where it contributes to decreasing the surface tension by adsorbing and penetrating the meibomian lipids. Thus it helps to stabilize the tear film.

  8. Protein-tannic acid multilayer films: A multifunctional material for microencapsulation of food-derived bioactives.

    PubMed

    Lau, Hooi Hong; Murney, Regan; Yakovlev, Nikolai L; Novoselova, Marina V; Lim, Su Hui; Roy, Nicole; Singh, Harjinder; Sukhorukov, Gleb B; Haigh, Brendan; Kiryukhin, Maxim V

    2017-11-01

    The benefits of various functional foods are often negated by stomach digestion and poor targeting to the lower gastrointestinal tract. Layer-by-Layer assembled protein-tannic acid (TA) films are suggested as a prospective material for microencapsulation of food-derived bioactive compounds. Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-TA and pepsin-TA films demonstrate linear growth of 2.8±0.1 and 4.2±0.1nm per bi-layer, correspondingly, as shown by ellipsometry. Both multilayer films are stable in simulated gastric fluid but degrade in simulated intestinal fluid. Their corresponding degradation constants are 0.026±0.006 and 0.347±0.005nm -1 min -1 . Milk proteins possessing enhanced adhesion to human intestinal surface, Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and β-Lactoglobulin (BLG), are explored to tailor targeting function to BSA-TA multilayer film. BLG does not adsorb onto the multilayer while IgG is successfully incorporated. Microcapsules prepared from the multilayer demonstrate 2.7 and 6.3 times higher adhesion to Caco-2 cells when IgG is introduced as an intermediate and the terminal layer, correspondingly. This developed material has a great potential for oral delivery of numerous active food-derived ingredients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Protein adsorption on thin films of carbon and carbon nitride monitored with in situ ellipsometry.

    PubMed

    Berlind, T; Tengvall, P; Hultman, L; Arwin, H

    2011-03-01

    Thin films of amorphous carbon and amorphous, graphitic and fullerene-like carbon nitride were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering and optically characterized with spectroscopic ellipsometry. Complementary studies using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were performed. The films were exposed to human serum albumin (HSA) and the adsorption was monitored in situ using dynamic ellipsometry. From the ellipsometric data the adsorbed amount of proteins was quantified in terms of surface mass density using de Feijter's model. The results indicate larger adsorption of proteins onto the amorphous films compared to the films with a more textured structure. Complementary studies with 125I-labeled HSA showed an apparent protein adsorption up to six times larger compared to the ellipsometry measurement. In addition, the four types of films were incubated in blood plasma followed by exposure to anti-fibrinogen, anti-HMWK or anti-C3c, revealing the materials' response to complement and contact activation. The amorphous and graphitic carbon nitride exhibit rather high immune activity compared to a titanium reference, whereas the amorphous carbon and the fullerene-like CNx show less immune complement deposition. Compared to the reference, all films exhibit indications of a stronger ability to initiate the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. Finally, the surfaces' bone-bonding ability was investigated by examination of their ability to form calcium phosphate crystals in a simulated body fluid, with a-CNx depositing most calcium phosphate after 21 days of incubation. Copyright © 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Coarse-grained modeling of proline rich protein 1 (PRP-1) in bulk solution and adsorbed to a negatively charged surface.

    PubMed

    Skepö, Marie; Linse, Per; Arnebrant, Thomas

    2006-06-22

    Structural properties of the acidic proline rich protein PRP-1 of salivary origin in bulk solution and adsorbed onto a negatively charged surface have been studied by Monte Carlo simulations. A simple model system with focus on electrostatic interactions and short-ranged attractions among the uncharged amino acids has been used. In addition to PRP-1, some mutants were considered to assess the role of the interactions in the systems. Contrary to polyelectrolytes, the protein has a compact structure in salt-free bulk solutions, whereas at high salt concentration the protein becomes more extended. The protein adsorbs to a negatively charged surface, although its net charge is negative. The adsorbed protein displays an extended structure, which becomes more compact upon addition of salt. Hence, the conformational response upon salt addition in the adsorbed state is the opposite as compared to that in bulk solution. The conformational behavior of PRP-1 in bulk solution and at charged surfaces as well as its propensity to adsorb to surfaces with the same net charge are rationalized by the block polyampholytic character of the protein. The presence of a triad of positively charged amino acids in the C-terminal was found to be important for the adsorption of the protein.

  11. Effect of protein concentrations on the properties of fish myofibrillar protein based film compared with PVC film.

    PubMed

    Kaewprachu, Pimonpan; Osako, Kazufumi; Benjakul, Soottawat; Rawdkuen, Saroat

    2016-04-01

    The effect of protein concentrations on the properties of fish myofibrillar protein film (FMP) were investigated and compared with commercial wrap film (polyvinyl chloride; PVC). FMP (2 %, w/v) showed the highest mechanical properties [tensile strength: 4.38 MPa and elongation at break: 133.05 %], and water vapor permeability [2.81 × 10(-10) g m(-1) s(-1) Pa(-1)]. FMP contained high molecular weight cross-links, resulting in complex film network, as indicated by lower film solubility (19-22 %) and protein solubility (0.6-1.3 %). FMP showed excellent barrier properties to UV light at the wavelength of 200-280 nm. FMP had the thickness [0.007-0.032 mm], color attributes and transparency similar to PVC film [thickness: 0.010 mm]. Therefore, protein concentration majority influenced the properties of develop FMP. The protein content of 1 % (w/v) had potential to be developed the biodegradable film with comparable properties to the commercial wrap film.

  12. Measurement of the average mass of proteins adsorbed to a nanoparticle by using a suspended microchannel resonator.

    PubMed

    Nejadnik, M Reza; Jiskoot, Wim

    2015-02-01

    We assessed the potential of a suspended microchannel resonator (SMR) to measure the adsorption of proteins to nanoparticles. Standard polystyrene beads suspended in buffer were weighed by a SMR system. Particle suspensions were mixed with solutions of bovine serum albumin (BSA) or monoclonal human antibody (IgG), incubated at room temperature for 3 h and weighed again with SMR. The difference in buoyant mass of the bare and protein-coated polystyrene beads was calculated into real mass of adsorbed proteins. The average surface area occupied per protein molecule was calculated, assuming a monolayer of adsorbed protein. In parallel, dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and zeta potential measurements were performed. SMR revealed a statistically significant increase in the mass of beads because of adsorption of proteins (for BSA and IgG), whereas DLS and NTA did not show a difference between the size of bare and protein-coated beads. The change in the zeta potential of the beads was also measurable. The surface area occupied per protein molecule was in line with their known size. Presented results show that SMR can be used to measure the mass of adsorbed protein to nanoparticles with a high precision in the presence of free protein. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  13. Adsorbed Layers of Ferritin at Solid and Fluid Interfaces Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy.

    PubMed

    Johnson; Yuan; Lenhoff

    2000-03-15

    The adsorption of the iron storage protein ferritin was studied by liquid tapping mode atomic force microscopy in order to obtain molecular resolution in the adsorbed layer within the aqueous environment in which the adsorption was carried out. The surface coverage and the structure of the adsorbed layer were investigated as functions of ionic strength and pH on two different charged surfaces, namely chemically modified glass slides and mixed surfactant films at the air-water interface, which were transferred to graphite substrates after adsorption. Surface coverage trends with both ionic strength and pH indicate the dominance of electrostatic effects, with the balance shifting between intermolecular repulsion and protein-surface attraction. The resulting behavior is more complex than that seen for larger colloidal particles, which appear to follow a modified random sequential adsorption model monotonically. The structure of the adsorbed layers at the solid surfaces is random, but some indication of long-range order is apparent at fluid interfaces, presumably due to the higher protein mobility at the fluid interface. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

  14. Adsorption and oxidation of formaldehyde on a polycrystalline Pt film electrode: An in situ IR spectroscopy search for adsorbed reaction intermediates

    PubMed Central

    Behm, R Jürgen

    2014-01-01

    Summary As part of a mechanistic study of the electrooxidation of C1 molecules we have systematically investigated the dissociative adsorption/oxidation of formaldehyde on a polycrystalline Pt film electrode under experimental conditions optimizing the chance for detecting weakly adsorbed reaction intermediates. Employing in situ IR spectroscopy in an attenuated total reflection configuration (ATR-FTIRS) with p-polarized IR radiation to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and using low reaction temperatures (3 °C) and deuterium substitution to slow down the reaction kinetics and to stabilize weakly adsorbed reaction intermediates, we could detect an IR absorption band at 1660 cm−1 characteristic for adsorbed formyl intermediates. This assignment is supported by an isotope shift in wave number. Effects of temperature, potential and deuterium substitution on the formation and disappearance of different adsorbed species (COad, adsorbed formate, adsorbed formyl), are monitored and quantified. Consequences on the mechanism for dissociative adsorption and oxidation of formaldehyde are discussed. PMID:24991512

  15. Tribochemical synthesis of nano-lubricant films from adsorbed molecules at sliding solid interface: Tribo-polymers from α-pinene, pinane, and n-decane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Xin; Barthel, Anthony J.; Kim, Seong H.

    2016-06-01

    The mechanochemical reactions of adsorbed molecules at sliding interfaces were studied for α-pinene (C10H16), pinane (C10H18), and n-decane (C10H22) on a stainless steel substrate surface. During vapor phase lubrication, molecules adsorbed at the sliding interface could be activated by mechanical shear. Under the equilibrium adsorption condition of these molecules, the friction coefficient of sliding steel surfaces was about 0.2 and a polymeric film was tribochemically produced. The synthesis yield of α-pinene tribo-polymers was about twice as much as pinane tribo-polymers. In contrast to these strained bicyclic hydrocarbons, n-decane showed much weaker activity for tribo-polymerization at the same mechanical shear condition. These results suggested that the mechanical shear at tribological interfaces could induce the opening of the strained ring structure of α-pinene and pinane, which leads to polymerization of adsorbed molecules at the sliding track. On a stainless steel surface, such polymerization reactions of adsorbed molecules do not occur under typical surface reaction conditions. The mechanical properties and boundary lubrication efficiency of the produced tribo-polymer films are discussed.

  16. AFM study of adsorption of protein A on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Ling; Lu, Zhisong; Gan, Ye; Liu, Yingshuai; Li, Chang Ming

    2009-07-01

    In this paper, the morphology and kinetics of adsorption of protein A on a PDMS surface is studied by AFM. The results of effects of pH, protein concentration and contact time of the adsorption reveal that the morphology of adsorbed protein A is significantly affected by pH and adsorbed surface concentration, in which the pH away from the isoelectric point (IEP) of protein A could produce electrical repulsion to change the protein conformation, while the high adsorbed surface protein volume results in molecular networks. Protein A can form an adsorbed protein film on PDMS with a maximum volume of 2.45 × 10-3 µm3. This work enhances our fundamental understanding of protein A adsorption on PDMS, a frequently used substrate component in miniaturized immunoassay devices.

  17. Adsorption and separation of proteins by collagen fiber adsorbent.

    PubMed

    Li, Juan; Liao, Xue-pin; Zhang, Qi-xian; Shi, Bi

    2013-06-01

    The separation of proteins is a key step in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. In the present investigation, the collagen fiber adsorbent (CFA) was exploited as column packing material to separate proteins. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), bovine hemoglobin (Hb) and lysozyme (LYS) that have different isoelectric points (pIs) were selected as model proteins to investigate the separation ability of CFA to proteins. In batch adsorption, the adsorption behaviors of these proteins on CFA under different pHs and ionic strengths indicated that the electrostatic interaction plays a predominant role in the adsorption of proteins on CFA. CFA exhibited high adsorption capacity to Hb and LYS. In column separation, the proteins were completely separated by adjusting pH and ionic strength of the eluent. The increase of flow rate could reduce the separation time with no influence on the recovery of protein in the experimental range. The protein recovery was higher than 90% even when the CFA column was re-used for 4 times in separation of BSA and LYS, and the retention time of BSA or LYS was almost constant during the repeated applications. In addition, as a practical application, LYS was successfully separated from chicken egg white powder by CFA column. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Regulation of protein multipoint adsorption on ion-exchange adsorbent and its application to the purification of macromolecules.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yongdong; Bi, Jingxiu; Zhao, Lan; Ma, Guanghui; Su, Zhiguo

    2010-12-01

    Ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) using commercial ionic absorbents is a widely used technique for protein purification. Protein adsorption onto ion-exchange adsorbents often involves a multipoint adsorption. In IEC of multimeric proteins or "soft" proteins, the intense multipoint binding would make the further desorption difficult, even lead to the destruction of protein structure and the loss of its biological activity. In this paper, DEAE Sepharose FF adsorbents with controllable ligand densities from 0.020 to 0.183 mmol/ml were synthesized, and then the effect of ligand density on the static ion-exchange adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto DEAE Sepharose FF was studied by batch adsorption technique. Steric mass-action (SMA) model was employed to analyze the static adsorption behavior. The results showed that the SMA model parameters, equilibrium constant (K(a)), characteristic number of binding sites (υ) and steric factor (σ), increased gradually with ligand density. Thus, it was feasible to regulate BSA multipoint adsorption by modulating the ligand density of ion-exchange adsorbent. Furthermore, IEC of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using DEAE Sepharose FF adsorbents with different ligand densities was carried out, and the activity recovery of HBsAg was improved from 42% to 67% when the ligand density was decreased from 0.183 to 0.020 mmol/ml. Taking the activity recovery of HBsAg, the purification factor and the binding capacity into account, DEAE Sepharose FF with a ligand density of 0.041 mmol/ml was most effective for the purification of HBsAg. Such a strategy may also be beneficial for the purification of macromolecules and multimeric proteins. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Adsorption of apo- and holo-tear lipocalin to a bovine Meibomian lipid film.

    PubMed

    Mudgil, Poonam; Millar, Thomas J

    2008-04-01

    Adsorption of apo- and holo-tear lipocalin (Tlc) to bovine Meibomian lipid film was studied. A Langmuir trough was used for these studies and the adsorption of protein was observed by recording changes in the pressure with time (pi-T profile). The films were photographed at different stages of adsorption by doping Meibomian lipids with a fluorescently tagged lipid. The results indicated that apo-Tlc adsorbed much more quickly than holo-Tlc to the Meibomian lipid film. Contrary to the expectation that holo-Tlc would release lipids to the surface and surface pressure would be higher, it was found that the surface pressure was higher with the adsorption of apo-Tlc to the surface. Photography of the films showed that apo- and holo-Tlc interacted differently with the Meibomian lipid layer. Adsorption of holo-Tlc resulted in big bright patches and adsorption of apo-Tlc resulted in many small patches along with the big patches. Both forms of Tlc produced a more stable film as indicated by decreased movement of the protein adsorbed films, and a higher maximum surface pressure upon compression of these films compared with Meibomian lipid films alone. Isocyles of apo-Tlc adsorbed films gave a higher surface pressure than that of holo-Tlc. From these results, it is concluded that both apo- and holo-Tlc adsorbed to the Meibomian lipid layer and the delivery of the lipids from Tlc to the outer lipid layer could not be detected by our techniques. Its scavenging role to remove lipids from the corneal surface and bind with them might be beneficial for increasing tear viscosity but whether those lipids are delivered to the outermost lipid layer still remains unclear.

  20. Plasma protein adsorption to zwitterionic poly (carboxybetaine methacrylate) modified surfaces: chain chemistry and end-group effects on protein adsorption kinetics, adsorbed amounts and immunoblots.

    PubMed

    Abraham, Sinoj; Bahniuk, Markian S; Unsworth, Larry D

    2012-12-01

    Protein-surface interactions are crucial to the overall biocompatability of biomaterials, and are thought to be the impetus towards the adverse host responses such as blood coagulation and complement activation. Only a few studies hint at the ultra-low fouling potential of zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (PCBMA) grafted surfaces and, of those, very few systematically investigate their non-fouling behavior. In this work, single protein adsorption studies as well as protein adsorption from complex solutions (i.e. human plasma) were used to evaluate the non-fouling potential of PCBMA grafted silica wafers prepared by nitroxide-mediated free radical polymerization. PCBMAs used for surface grafting varied in charge separating spacer groups that influence the overall surface charges, and chain end-groups that influence the overall hydrophilicity, thereby, allows a better understanding of these effects towards the protein adsorption for these materials. In situ ellipsometry was used to quantify the adsorbed layer thickness and adsorption kinetics for the adsorption of four proteins from single protein buffer solutions, viz, lysozyme, α-lactalbumin, human serum albumin and fibrinogen. Total amount of protein adsorbed on surfaces differed as a function of surface properties and protein characteristics. Finally, immunoblots results showed that human plasma protein adsorption to these surfaces resulted, primarily, in the adsorption of human serum albumin, with total protein adsorbed amounts being the lowest for PCBMA-3 (TEMPO). It was apparent that surface charge and chain hydrophilicity directly influenced protein adsorption behavior of PCBMA systems and are promising materials for biomedical applications.

  1. The Development of an Edible Peanut Protein Film

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Patrick, N.; Jones, G.; Aglan, H.; Lu, J.

    1998-01-01

    The peanut is one of the crops chosen for use in NASA's Advanced Life Support Program (ALS). The peanut is a source of both oil and protein. After oil is extracted from the peanut, a protein rich flour remains. An edible peanut protein film is one use for this flour. Two types of film are developed for this study, one set of film contains 10% fat while the other set contains no fat. For film without fat the defatting of the peanut by the Soxhlet method is the first step in the manufacturing process of the film. Secondly, the protein is precipitated at its isoelectric point (pH 4.5) and centrifuged to separate the protein from the non-protein. After freeze-drying the protein it is milled in a ceramic ball mill to decrease particle size and sifted through a series of sieves to determine particle size distribution. Those particles retained on the 100 mesh sieves are utilized for film formation. Larger particles are re-ground and sifted. Five grams of protein is mixed with 50 mL of distilled water, 70 mL of 80% ethanol, 15 mL of 6N ammonium hydroxide and a plasticizer. This mixture is heated for 30 minutes until the temperature reaches 70 C. The mixture is then poured onto a level Teflon coated glass surface. After allowing the film to form overnight under a ventilation hood, it is manually removed from the plate. The processes and methods adopted have created flexible films of uniform thickness that are free of air bubbles. Thickness of films made from defatted peanut protein and partially defatted peanut protein were 0.10 Lm and 0.13 Lm respectively. Films with natural peanut fat are approximately three times as flexible and almost four times as strong as the films made without fat. Further research will be performed to evaluate its mechanical properties. This paper will greatly contribute to food preservation and waste management. Potential applications of this film are edible/biodegradable containers, wrapping for food preservation (against water, oxygen and oil

  2. Electron-stimulated reactions in nanoscale water films adsorbed on (alpha)-Al2O3(0001)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Petrik, Nikolay G.; Kimmel, Gregory A.

    2018-05-11

    The radiation-induced decomposition and desorption of nanoscale amorphous solid water (D2O) films adsorbed on -Al2O3(0001) surface was studied at low temperature in ultrahigh vacuum using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and electron stimulated desorption (ESD) with a mono-energetic, low energy electron source. ESD yields of molecular products ( D2, O2 and D¬2O) and the total sputtering yield increased with increasing D2O coverage up to ~15 water monolayers (i.e. ~15 1015 cm-2) to a coverage-independent level for thicker water films. Experiments with isotopically-layered water films (D2O and H2O) demonstrated that the highest water decomposition yields occurred at the interfaces of the nanoscalemore » water films with the alumina substrate and vacuum. However, the increased reactivity of the water/alumina interface is relatively small compared to the enhancements in the non-thermal reactions previously observed at the water/Pt(111) and water/TiO2(110) interfaces. We propose that the relatively low activity of Al2O3(0001) for the radiation-induced production of molecular hydrogen is associated with lower reactivity of this surface with hydrogen atoms, which are likely precursors for the molecular hydrogen.« less

  3. Novel adhesive properties of poly(ethylene-oxide) adsorbed nanolayers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Wenduo

    Solid-polymer interfaces play crucial roles in the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology and are the confluence of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. There is now growing evidence that polymer chains irreversibly adsorb even onto weakly attractive solid surfaces, forming a nanometer-thick adsorbed polymer layer ("adsorbed polymer nanolayers"). It has also been reported that the adsorbed layers greatly impact on local structures and properties of supported polymer thin films. In this thesis, I aim to clarify adhesive and tribological properties of adsorbed poly(ethylene-oxide) (PEO) nanolayers onto silicon (Si) substrates, which remain unsolved so far. The adsorbed nanolayers were prepared by the established protocol: one has to equilibrate the melt or dense solution against a solid surface; the unadsorbed chains can be then removed by a good solvent, while the adsorbed chains are assumed to maintain the same conformation due to the irreversible freezing through many physical solid-segment contacts. I firstly characterized the formation process and the surface/film structures of the adsorbed nanolayers by using X-ray reflectivity, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. Secondly, to compare the surface energy of the adsorbed layers with the bulk, static contact angle measurements with two liquids (water and glycerol) were carried out using a optical contact angle meter equipped with a video camera. Thirdly, I designed and constructed a custom-built adhesion-testing device to quantify the adhesive property. The experimental results provide new insight into the microscopic structure - macroscopic property relationship at the solid-polymer interface.

  4. Initial biocompatibility of plasma polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane films with different wettability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krasteva, N. A.; Toromanov, G.; Hristova, K. T.; Radeva, E. I.; Pecheva, E. V.; Dimitrova, R. P.; Altankov, G. P.; Pramatarova, L. D.

    2010-11-01

    Understanding the relationships between material surface properties, behaviour of adsorbed proteins and cellular responses is essential to design optimal material surfaces for tissue engineering. In this study we modify thin layers of plasma polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (PPHMDS) by ammonia treatment in order to increase surface wettability and the corresponding biological response. The physico-chemical properties of the polymer films were characterized by contact angle (CA) measurements and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used as model system for the initial biocompatibility studies following their behavior upon preadsorption of polymer films with three adhesive proteins: fibronectin (FN), fibrinogen (FG) and vitronectin (VN). Adhesive interaction of HUVEC was evaluated after 2 hours by analyzing the overall cell morphology, and the organization of focal adhesion contacts and actin cytoskeleton. We have found similar good cellular response on FN and FG coated polymer films, with better pronounced vinculin expression on FN samples while. Conversely, on VN coated surfaces the wettability influenced significantly initial celular interaction spreading. The results obtained suggested that ammonia plasma treatment can modulate the biological activity of the adsorbed protein s on PPHMDS surfaces and thus to influence the interaction with endothelial cells.

  5. Determination Quantification of Molecular Interactions in Protein Films: A Review

    PubMed Central

    Hammann, Felicia; Schmid, Markus

    2014-01-01

    Protein based films are nowadays also prepared with the aim of replacing expensive, crude oil-based polymers as environmentally friendly and renewable alternatives. The protein structure determines the ability of protein chains to form intra- and intermolecular bonds, whereas the degree of cross-linking depends on the amino acid composition and molecular weight of the protein, besides the conditions used in film preparation and processing. The functionality varies significantly depending on the type of protein and affects the resulting film quality and properties. This paper reviews the methods used in examination of molecular interactions in protein films and discusses how these intermolecular interactions can be quantified. The qualitative determination methods can be distinguished by structural analysis of solutions (electrophoretic analysis, size exclusion chromatography) and analysis of solid films (spectroscopy techniques, X-ray scattering methods). To quantify molecular interactions involved, two methods were found to be the most suitable: protein film swelling and solubility. The importance of non-covalent and covalent interactions in protein films can be investigated using different solvents. The research was focused on whey protein, whereas soy protein and wheat gluten were included as further examples of proteins. PMID:28788285

  6. Thermoplastic processing of proteins for film formation--a review.

    PubMed

    Hernandez-Izquierdo, V M; Krochta, J M

    2008-03-01

    Increasing interest in high-quality food products with increased shelf life and reduced environmental impact has encouraged the study and development of edible and/or biodegradable polymer films and coatings. Edible films provide the opportunity to effectively control mass transfer among different components in a food or between the food and its surrounding environment. The diversity of proteins that results from an almost limitless number of side-chain amino-acid sequential arrangements allows for a wide range of interactions and chemical reactions to take place as proteins denature and cross-link during heat processing. Proteins such as wheat gluten, corn zein, soy protein, myofibrillar proteins, and whey proteins have been successfully formed into films using thermoplastic processes such as compression molding and extrusion. Thermoplastic processing can result in a highly efficient manufacturing method with commercial potential for large-scale production of edible films due to the low moisture levels, high temperatures, and short times used. Addition of water, glycerol, sorbitol, sucrose, and other plasticizers allows the proteins to undergo the glass transition and facilitates deformation and processability without thermal degradation. Target film variables, important in predicting biopackage performance under various conditions, include mechanical, thermal, barrier, and microstructural properties. Comparisons of film properties should be made with care since results depend on parameters such as film-forming materials, film formulation, fabrication method, operating conditions, testing equipment, and testing conditions. Film applications include their use as wraps, pouches, bags, casings, and sachets to protect foods, reduce waste, and improve package recyclability.

  7. Internal Reflection Spectra of Surface Compounds and Adsorbed Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zolotarev, V. M.; Lygin, V. I.; Tarasevich, B. N.

    1981-01-01

    The application of attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy in surface studies of inorganic adsorbents and catalysts, polymers, and optically transparent electrodes is discussed. The basic principles of ATR spectroscopy as applied to surface phenomena are considered, with special reference to thin films, industrial adsorbents and catalysts, and polymer degradation processes. 276 references.

  8. Structural and shear characteristics of adsorbed sodium caseinate and monoglyceride mixed monolayers at the air-water interface.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez Patino, Juan M; Cejudo Fernández, Marta; Carrera Sánchez, Cecilio; Rodríguez Niño, Ma Rosario

    2007-09-01

    The structural and shear characteristics of mixed monolayers formed by an adsorbed Na-caseinate film and a spread monoglyceride (monopalmitin or monoolein) on the previously adsorbed protein film have been analyzed. Measurements of the surface pressure (pi)-area (A) isotherm and surface shear viscosity (eta(s)) were obtained at 20 degrees C and at pH 7 in a modified Wilhelmy-type film balance. The structural and shear characteristics of the mixed films depend on the surface pressure and on the composition of the mixed film. At surface pressures lower than the equilibrium surface pressure of Na-caseinate (at pifilm the eta(s) value varies greatly with the surface pressure (or surface density) of the mixed monolayer at the interface. In general, the greater the surface pressure, the greater are the values of eta(s). However, the values of eta(s) for a Na-caseinate-monoolein mixed monolayer are very low and practically do not depend on the surface pressure. The collapsed Na-caseinate residues displaced from the interface by monoglyceride molecules at pi>pi(e)(CS) have important repercussions on the shear characteristics of the mixed films.

  9. Electron-stimulated reactions in nanoscale water films adsorbed on α-Al 2 O 3 (0001)

    DOE PAGES

    Petrik, Nikolay G.; Kimmel, Greg A.

    2018-04-11

    The radiation-induced decomposition and desorption of nanoscale amorphous solid water (D 2O) films adsorbed on an α-Al 2O 3(0001) surface was studied at low temperature in ultrahigh vacuum using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and electron stimulated desorption (ESD) with a mono-energetic, low energy electron source. ESD yields of molecular products (D 2, O 2 and D 2O) and the total sputtering yield increased with increasing D 2O coverage up to ~15 water monolayers (i.e. ~15 x 10 15 cm -2) to a coverage-independent level for thicker water films. Experiments with isotopically-layered water films (D 2O and H 2O) demonstrated thatmore » the highest water decomposition yields occurred at the interfaces of the nanoscale water films with the alumina substrate and vacuum. However, the increased reactivity of the water/alumina interface is relatively small compared to the enhancements in the non-thermal reactions previously observed at the water/Pt(111) and water/TiO 2(110) interfaces. Here, we propose that the relatively low activity of Al 2O 3(0001) for the radiation-induced production of molecular hydrogen is associated with lower reactivity of this surface with hydrogen atoms, which are likely precursors for the formation of molecular hydrogen.« less

  10. Electron-stimulated reactions in nanoscale water films adsorbed on α-Al 2 O 3 (0001)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Petrik, Nikolay G.; Kimmel, Greg A.

    The radiation-induced decomposition and desorption of nanoscale amorphous solid water (D 2O) films adsorbed on an α-Al 2O 3(0001) surface was studied at low temperature in ultrahigh vacuum using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and electron stimulated desorption (ESD) with a mono-energetic, low energy electron source. ESD yields of molecular products (D 2, O 2 and D 2O) and the total sputtering yield increased with increasing D 2O coverage up to ~15 water monolayers (i.e. ~15 x 10 15 cm -2) to a coverage-independent level for thicker water films. Experiments with isotopically-layered water films (D 2O and H 2O) demonstrated thatmore » the highest water decomposition yields occurred at the interfaces of the nanoscale water films with the alumina substrate and vacuum. However, the increased reactivity of the water/alumina interface is relatively small compared to the enhancements in the non-thermal reactions previously observed at the water/Pt(111) and water/TiO 2(110) interfaces. Here, we propose that the relatively low activity of Al 2O 3(0001) for the radiation-induced production of molecular hydrogen is associated with lower reactivity of this surface with hydrogen atoms, which are likely precursors for the formation of molecular hydrogen.« less

  11. Modifying protein adsorption by layers of glutathione pre-adsorbed on Au(111)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vallée, Anne; Humblot, Vincent; Méthivier, Christophe; Dumas, Paul; Pradier, Claire-Marie

    2011-12-01

    Molecular interaction with metal surfaces raises fundamental questions regarding their binding tendency, their dispersion on the surface, as well as their conformation which may change their biological properties; addressing these questions, and being able to tune protein interactions, is of primary importance for the control of biointerfaces. In this study, one tripeptide, GSH (glu-cys-gly), was used to condition gold surfaces and thus influence the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Depending on the pH value of the GSH solution, cationic, zwitterionic or anionic forms of the tripeptide could be stabilised on the surface, before interacting with BSA solutions. The amount of proteins was observed to depend both on the chemical state of the adsorbed underlying peptide and on the solvent of the protein solution, indicating an important role of electrostatic interactions upon protein adsorption. Moreover, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and synchrotron IR microscopy revealed a heterogeneous distribution of proteins on the GSH layer.

  12. Localized entrapment of green fluorescent protein within nanostructured polymer films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ankner, John; Kozlovskaya, Veronika; O'Neill, Hugh; Zhang, Qiu; Kharlampieva, Eugenia

    2012-02-01

    Protein entrapment within ultrathin polymer films is of interest for applications in biosensing, drug delivery, and bioconversion, but controlling protein distribution within the films is difficult. We report on nanostructured protein/polyelectrolyte (PE) materials obtained through incorporation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) within poly(styrene sulfonate)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) multilayer films assembled via the spin-assisted layer-by-layer method. By using deuterated GFP as a marker for neutron scattering contrast we have inferred the architecture of the films in both normal and lateral directions. We find that films assembled with a single GFP layer exhibit a strong localization of the GFP without intermixing into the PE matrix. The GFP volume fraction approaches the monolayer density of close-packed randomly oriented GFP molecules. However, intermixing of the GFP with the PE matrix occurs in multiple-GFP layer films. Our results yield new insight into the organization of immobilized proteins within polyelectrolyte matrices and open opportunities for fabrication of protein-containing films with well-organized structure and controllable function, a crucial requirement for advanced sensing applications.

  13. Determination and Quantification of Molecular Interactions in Protein Films: A Review.

    PubMed

    Hammann, Felicia; Schmid, Markus

    2014-12-10

    Protein based films are nowadays also prepared with the aim of replacing expensive, crude oil-based polymers as environmentally friendly and renewable alternatives. The protein structure determines the ability of protein chains to form intra- and intermolecular bonds, whereas the degree of cross-linking depends on the amino acid composition and molecular weight of the protein, besides the conditions used in film preparation and processing. The functionality varies significantly depending on the type of protein and affects the resulting film quality and properties. This paper reviews the methods used in examination of molecular interactions in protein films and discusses how these intermolecular interactions can be quantified. The qualitative determination methods can be distinguished by structural analysis of solutions (electrophoretic analysis, size exclusion chromatography) and analysis of solid films (spectroscopy techniques, X-ray scattering methods). To quantify molecular interactions involved, two methods were found to be the most suitable: protein film swelling and solubility. The importance of non-covalent and covalent interactions in protein films can be investigated using different solvents. The research was focused on whey protein, whereas soy protein and wheat gluten were included as further examples of proteins.

  14. Improved light-induced cell detachment on rutile TiO₂ nanodot films.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Kui; Sun, Yu; Wan, Hongping; Wang, Xiaozhao; Weng, Wenjian; Lin, Jun; Wang, Huiming

    2015-10-01

    Anatase TiO2 nanodot films have been found to be able to release cells under light illumination with excellent efficiency and safety. In the present study, we investigated the effects of rutile contents in TiO2 nanodot films on such light induced cell detachment behavior. The results showed that TiO2 nanodot films with different contents of rutile phase have been prepared successfully. The content of rutile phase increased with the increase in calcination temperature. All films possessed good cell adhesion but there was a decrease in cell proliferation with the increasing content of rutile phase. Single cell detachment assay showed that the films with high rutile contents (calcined at 900°C and 1100°C) showed better cell detachment performance. That was ascribed to the changes of the secondary structure of extracellular proteins adsorbed on the nanodot surface after ultraviolet (365 nm, UV365) illumination. In addition, cell sheets detached through UV365 illumination maintained high activity and could be further used in tissue engineering. The present work showed that the existence of rutile phase is helpful in cell detachment behavior and it could be utilized to optimize light-induced cell detachment behavior. This work discovers that the presence of rutile phase in TiO2 nanodot films could improve the light-induced cell detachment behavior, although rutile phase is inferior to anatase phase on light induced superhydrophilicity. That strongly supported that the behaviors of adsorbed proteins are crucial in acquiring cell sheet with light illumination. In fact, the state and behavior of adsorbed protein greatly affect the interaction between biomaterials and living cells. Therefore, we consider this work is not only important in harvesting cells or cell sheets through light illumination, but also helpful in further understanding of interaction between biomaterials and cells. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Electron-stimulated reactions in nanoscale water films adsorbed on α-Al 2O 3 (0001)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Petrik, Nikolay G.; Kimmel, Gregory A.

    The radiation-induced decomposition and desorption of nanoscale amorphous solid water (D2O) films adsorbed on -Al2O3(0001) surface was studied at low temperature in ultrahigh vacuum using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and electron stimulated desorption (ESD) with a mono-energetic, low energy electron source. ESD yields of molecular products ( D2, O2 and D¬2O) and the total sputtering yield increased with increasing D2O coverage up to ~15 water monolayers (i.e. ~15 1015 cm-2) to a coverage-independent level for thicker water films. Experiments with isotopically-layered water films (D2O and H2O) demonstrated that the highest water decomposition yields occurred at the interfaces of the nanoscalemore » water films with the alumina substrate and vacuum. However, the increased reactivity of the water/alumina interface is relatively small compared to the enhancements in the non-thermal reactions previously observed at the water/Pt(111) and water/TiO2(110) interfaces. We propose that the relatively low activity of Al2O3(0001) for the radiation-induced production of molecular hydrogen is associated with lower reactivity of this surface with hydrogen atoms, which are likely precursors for the molecular hydrogen.100 eV electrons are stopped in the H 2O portion of the isotopically-layered nanoscale film on α-Al 2O 3(0001) but D 2is produced at the D 2O/alumina interface by mobile electronic excitations and/or hydronium ions.« less

  16. A molecular dynamics study on the adsorption of a mussel protein on two different films: Polymer film and a SAM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Cunxue; Zhang, Heng; Lin, Cunguo; Wang, Li; Yuan, Shiling

    2017-05-01

    The adhesion of marine life would produce a certain degree of corrosion effect on the hull surface. Shellfish organisms, such as barnacles and mussels, were always used to research the impediment of coating material to protein adsorption. In this work, the adsorbed behaviors of mussel protein on the PDMS and C7F16-SAM surfaces were explored by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Simulation results showed that protein was strongly adsorbed onto the hydrophobic surface, as reflected by the large interaction energy; while the adsorption onto the hydrophilic PDMS surface was weak due to two strongly adhered water layers.

  17. Structure of Irreversibly Adsorbed Star Polymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akgun, Bulent; Aykan, Meryem Seyma; Canavar, Seda; Satija, Sushil K.; Uhrig, David; Hong, Kunlun

    Formation of irreversibly adsorbed polymer chains on solid substrates have a huge impact on the wetting, glass transition, aging and polymer chain mobility in thin films. In recent years there has been many reports on the formation, kinetics and dynamics of these layers formed by linear homopolymers. Recent studies showed that by varying the number of polymer arms and arm molecular weight one can tune the glass transition temperature of thin polymer films. Using polymer architecture as a tool, the behavior of thin films can be tuned between the behavior of linear chains and soft colloids. We have studied the effect of polymer chain architecture on the structure of dead layer using X-ray reflectivity (XR) and atomic force microscopy. Layer thicknesses and densities of flattened and loosely adsorbed chains has been measured for linear, 4-arm, and 8-arm star polymers with identical total molecular weight as a function of substrate surface energy, annealing temperature and annealing time. Star polymers have been synthesized using anionic polymerization. XR measurements showed that 8-arm star PS molecules form the densest and the thickest dead layers among these three molecules.

  18. Preparation of Modified Films with Protein from Grouper Fish

    PubMed Central

    Tecante, A.; Granados-Navarrete, S.; Martínez-García, C.

    2016-01-01

    A protein concentrate (PC) was obtained from Grouper fish skin and it was used to prepare films with different amounts of sorbitol and glycerol as plasticizers. The best performing films regarding resistance were then modified with various concentrations of CaCl2, CaSO4 (calcium salts), and glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) with the purpose of improving their mechanical and barrier properties. These films were characterized by determining their mechanical properties and permeability to water vapor and oxygen. Formulations with 5% (w/v) protein and 75% sorbitol and 4% (w/v) protein with a mixture of 15% glycerol and 15% sorbitol produced adequate films. Calcium salts and GDL increased the tensile fracture stress but reduced the fracture strain and decreased water vapor permeability compared with control films. The films prepared represent an attractive alternative for being used as food packaging materials. PMID:27597950

  19. Evaluation of Enzymatically Modified Soy Protein Isolate Film Forming Solution and Film at Different Manufacturing Conditions.

    PubMed

    Mohammad Zadeh, Elham; O'Keefe, Sean F; Kim, Young-Teck; Cho, Jin-Hun

    2018-04-01

    The effects of transglutaminase on soy protein isolate (SPI) film forming solution and films were investigated by rheological behavior and physicochemical properties based on different manufacturing conditions (enzyme treatments, enzyme incubation times, and protein denaturation temperatures). Enzymatic crosslinking reaction and changes in molecular weight distribution were confirmed by viscosity measurement and SDS-PAGE, respectively, compared to 2 controls: the nonenzyme treated and the deactivated enzyme treated. Films treated with both the enzyme and the deactivated enzyme showed significant increase in tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (%E), and initial contact angle of films compared to the nonenzyme control film due to the bulk stabilizers in the commercial enzyme. Water absorption property, protein solubility, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy revealed that enzyme treated SPI film matrix in the molecular structure level, resulted in the changes in physicochemical properties. Based on our observation, the enzymatic treatment at appropriate conditions is a practical and feasible way to control the physical properties of protein based biopolymeric film for many different scientific and industrial areas. Enzymes can make bridges selectively among different amino acids in the structure of protein matrix. Therefore, protein network is changed after enzyme treatment. The behavior of biopolymeric materials is dependent on the network structure to be suitable in different applications such as bioplastics applied in food and pharmaceutical products. In the current research, transglutaminase, as an enzyme, applied in soy protein matrix in different types of forms, activated and deactivated, and different preparation conditions to investigate its effects on different properties of the new bioplastic film. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®.

  20. Headgroup effects of template monolayers on the adsorption behavior and conformation of glucose oxidase adsorbed at air/liquid interfaces.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ke-Hsuan; Syu, Mei-Jywan; Chang, Chien-Hsiang; Lee, Yuh-Lang

    2011-06-21

    Stearic acid (SA) and octadecylamine (ODA) monolayers at the air/liquid interface were used as template layers to adsorb glucose oxidase (GOx) from aqueous solution. The effect of the template monolayers on the adsorption behavior of GOx was studied in terms of the variation of surface pressure, the evolution of surface morphology observed by BAM and AFM, and the conformation of adsorbed GOx. The results show that the presence of a template monolayer can enhance the adsorption rate of GOx; furthermore, ODA has a higher ability, compared to SA, to adsorb GOx, which is attributed to the electrostatic attractive interaction between ODA and GOx. For adsorption performed on a bare surface or on an SA monolayer, the surface pressure approaches an equilibrium value (ca. 8 mN/m) after 2 to 3 h of adsorption and remains nearly constant in the following adsorption process. For the adsorption on an ODA monolayer, the surface pressure will increase further 1 to 2 h after approaching the first equilibrium pressure, which is termed the second adsorption stage. The measurement of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy indicates that the Langmuir-Blodgett films of adsorbed GOx transferred at the first equilibrium state (π = 8 mN/m) have mainly a β-sheet conformation, which is independent of the type of template monolayers. However, the ODA/GOx LB film transferred at the second adsorption stage has mainly an α-helix conformation. It is concluded that the specific interaction between ODA and GOx not only leads to a higher adsorption rate and adsorbed amount of GOx but also induces a conformation change in adsorbed GOx from β-sheet to α-helix. The present results indicate that is possible to control the conformation of adsorbed protein by selecting the appropriate template monolayer. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  1. Elastic properties of protein functionalized nanoporous polymer films

    DOE PAGES

    Charles T. Black; Wang, Haoyu; Akcora, Pinar

    2015-12-16

    Retaining the conformational structure and bioactivity of immobilized proteins is important for biosensor designs and drug delivery systems. Confined environments often lead to changes in conformation and functions of proteins. In this study, lysozyme is chemically tethered into nanopores of polystyrene thin films, and submicron pores in poly(methyl methacrylate) films are functionalized with streptavidin. Nanoindentation experiments show that stiffness of streptavidin increases with decreasing submicron pore sizes. Lysozymes in polystyrene nanopores are found to behave stiffer than the submicron pore sizes and still retain their specific bioactivity relative to the proteins on flat surfaces. Lastly, our results show that proteinmore » functionalized ordered nanoporous polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) films present heterogeneous elasticity and can be used to study interactions between free proteins and designed surfaces.« less

  2. Structural Stability of Light-harvesting Protein LH2 Adsorbed on Mesoporous Silica Supports.

    PubMed

    Shibuya, Yuuta; Itoh, Tetsuji; Matsuura, Shun-ichi; Yamaguchi, Akira

    2015-01-01

    In the present study, we examined the reversible thermal deformation of the membrane protein light-harvesting complex LH2 adsorbed on mesoporous silica (MPS) supports. The LH2 complex from Thermochromatium tepidum cells was conjugated to MPS supports with a series of pore diameter (2.4 to 10.6 nm), and absorption spectra of the resulting LH2/MPS conjugates were observed over a temperature range of 273 - 313 K in order to examine the structure of the LH2 adsorbed on the MPS support. The experimental results confirmed that a slight ellipsoidal deformation of LH2 was induced by adsorption on the MPS supports. On the other hand, the structural stability of LH2 was not perturbed by the adsorption. Since the pore diameter of MPS support did not influence the structural stability of LH2, it could be considered that the spatial confinement of LH2 in size-matches pore did not improve the structural stability of LH2.

  3. Frontier molecular orbitals of a single molecule adsorbed on thin insulating films supported by a metal substrate: electron and hole attachment energies.

    PubMed

    Scivetti, Iván; Persson, Mats

    2017-09-06

    We present calculations of vertical electron and hole attachment energies to the frontier orbitals of a pentacene molecule absorbed on multi-layer sodium chloride films supported by a copper substrate using a simplified density functional theory (DFT) method. The adsorbate and the film are treated fully within DFT, whereas the metal is treated implicitly by a perfect conductor model. We find that the computed energy gap between the highest and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals-HOMO and LUMO -from the vertical attachment energies increases with the thickness of the insulating film, in agreement with experiments. This increase of the gap can be rationalised in a simple dielectric model with parameters determined from DFT calculations and is found to be dominated by the image interaction with the metal. We find, however, that this simplified model overestimates the downward shift of the energy gap in the limit of an infinitely thick film.

  4. Frontier molecular orbitals of a single molecule adsorbed on thin insulating films supported by a metal substrate: electron and hole attachment energies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scivetti, Iván; Persson, Mats

    2017-09-01

    We present calculations of vertical electron and hole attachment energies to the frontier orbitals of a pentacene molecule absorbed on multi-layer sodium chloride films supported by a copper substrate using a simplified density functional theory (DFT) method. The adsorbate and the film are treated fully within DFT, whereas the metal is treated implicitly by a perfect conductor model. We find that the computed energy gap between the highest and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals—HOMO and LUMO -from the vertical attachment energies increases with the thickness of the insulating film, in agreement with experiments. This increase of the gap can be rationalised in a simple dielectric model with parameters determined from DFT calculations and is found to be dominated by the image interaction with the metal. We find, however, that this simplified model overestimates the downward shift of the energy gap in the limit of an infinitely thick film.

  5. Conformational transition free energy profiles of an adsorbed, lattice model protein by multicanonical Monte Carlo simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Castells, Victoria; Van Tassel, Paul R.

    2005-02-01

    Proteins often undergo changes in internal conformation upon interacting with a surface. We investigate the thermodynamics of surface induced conformational change in a lattice model protein using a multicanonical Monte Carlo method. The protein is a linear heteropolymer of 27 segments (of types A and B) confined to a cubic lattice. The segmental order and nearest neighbor contact energies are chosen to yield, in the absence of an adsorbing surface, a unique 3×3×3 folded structure. The surface is a plane of sites interacting either equally with A and B segments (equal affinity surface) or more strongly with the A segments (A affinity surface). We use a multicanonical Monte Carlo algorithm, with configuration bias and jump walking moves, featuring an iteratively updated sampling function that converges to the reciprocal of the density of states 1/Ω(E), E being the potential energy. We find inflection points in the configurational entropy, S(E)=klnΩ(E), for all but a strongly adsorbing equal affinity surface, indicating the presence of free energy barriers to transition. When protein-surface interactions are weak, the free energy profiles F(E)=E-TS(E) qualitatively resemble those of a protein in the absence of a surface: a free energy barrier separates a folded, lowest energy state from globular, higher energy states. The surface acts in this case to stabilize the globular states relative to the folded state. When the protein surface interactions are stronger, the situation differs markedly: the folded state no longer occurs at the lowest energy and free energy barriers may be absent altogether.

  6. Mechanical properties of protein adsorption layers at the air/water and oil/water interface: a comparison in light of the thermodynamical stability of proteins.

    PubMed

    Mitropoulos, Varvara; Mütze, Annekathrin; Fischer, Peter

    2014-04-01

    Over the last decades numerous studies on the interfacial rheological response of protein adsorption layers have been published. The comparison of these studies and the retrieval of a common parameter to compare protein interfacial activity are hampered by the fact that different boundary conditions (e.g. physico-chemical, instrumental, interfacial) were used. In the present work we review previous studies and attempt a unifying approach for the comparison between bulk protein properties and their adsorption films. Among many common food grade proteins we chose bovine serum albumin, β-lactoglobulin and lysozyme for their difference in thermodynamic stability and studied their adsorption at the air/water and limonene/water interface. In order to achieve this we have i) systematically analyzed protein adsorption kinetics in terms of surface pressure rise using a drop profile analysis tensiometer and ii) we addressed the interfacial layer properties under shear stress using an interfacial shear rheometer under the same experimental conditions. We could show that thermodynamically less stable proteins adsorb generally faster and yield films with higher shear rheological properties at air/water interface. The same proteins showed an analog behavior when adsorbing at the limonene/water interface but at slower rates. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Composite films from pectin and fish skin gelatin or soybean flour protein.

    PubMed

    Liu, LinShu; Liu, Cheng-Kung; Fishman, Marshall L; Hicks, Kevin B

    2007-03-21

    Composite films were prepared from pectin and fish skin gelatin (FSG) or pectin and soybean flour protein (SFP). The inclusion of protein promoted molecular interactions, resulting in a well-organized homogeneous structure, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and fracture-acoustic emission analysis. The resultant composite films showed an increase in stiffness and strength and a decrease in water solubility and water vapor transmission rate, in comparison with films cast from pectin alone. The composite films inherited the elastic nature of proteins, thus being more flexible than the pure pectin films. Treating the composite films with glutaraldehyde/methanol induced chemical cross-linking with the proteins and reduced the interstitial spaces among the macromolecules and, consequently, improved their mechanical properties and water resistance. Treating the protein-free pectin films with glutaraldehyde/methanol also improved the Young's modulus and tensile strength, but showed little effect on the water resistance, because the treatment caused only dehydration of the pectin films and the dehydration is reversible. The composite films were biodegradable and possessed moderate mechanical properties and a low water vapor transmission rate. Therefore, the films are considered to have potential applications as packaging or coating materials for food or drug industries.

  8. Structural properties of atactic polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces.

    PubMed

    Tatek, Yergou B; Tsige, Mesfin

    2011-11-07

    In the present work, we are studying the local conformation of chains in a thin film of polystyrene adsorbed on a solid substrate by using atomistically detailed simulations. The simulations are carried out by using the readily available and massively parallel molecular dynamics code known as LAMMPS. In particular, a special emphasis is given to the density and orientation of side chains (which consist of phenyl groups and methylene units) at solid/polymer and polymer/vacuum interfaces. Three types of substrates were used in our study: α-quartz, graphite, and amorphous silica. Our investigation was restricted to atactic polystyrene. Our results show that the density and structural properties of side chains depend on the type of surface. An excess of phenyl rings is observed near the α-quartz substrate while the film adsorbed on graphite is depleted in C(6)H(5). Moreover, the orientation of the rings and methylene units on the substrate/film interface show a strong dependence on the type of the substrate, while the rings at the film/vacuum interface show a marked tendency to point outward, away from the film. The results we obtained are in a large part in good agreement with previous experimental and simulation results.

  9. Protein Electrochemistry: Questions and Answers.

    PubMed

    Fourmond, V; Léger, C

    This chapter presents the fundamentals of electrochemistry in the context of protein electrochemistry. We discuss redox proteins and enzymes that are not photoactive. Of course, the principles described herein also apply to photobioelectrochemistry, as discussed in later chapters of this book. Depending on which experiment is considered, electron transfer between proteins and electrodes can be either direct or mediated, and achieved in a variety of configurations: with the protein and/or the mediator free to diffuse in solution, immobilized in a thick, hydrated film, or adsorbed as a sub-monolayer on the electrode. The experiments can be performed with the goal to study the protein or to use it. Here emphasis is on mechanistic studies, which are easier in the configuration where the protein is adsorbed and electron transfer is direct, but we also explain the interpretation of signals obtained when diffusion processes affect the response.This chapter is organized as a series of responses to questions. Questions 1-5 are related to the basics of electrochemistry: what does "potential" or "current" mean, what does an electrochemical set-up look like? Questions 6-9 are related to the distinction between adsorbed and diffusive redox species. The answers to questions 10-13 explain the interpretation of slow and fast scan voltammetry with redox proteins. Questions 14-19 deal with catalytic electrochemistry, when the protein studied is actually an enzyme. Questions 20, 21 and 22 are general.

  10. Titanium-silicon oxide film structures for polarization-modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy

    PubMed Central

    Dunlop, Iain E.; Zorn, Stefan; Richter, Gunther; Srot, Vesna; Kelsch, Marion; van Aken, Peter A.; Skoda, Maximilian; Gerlach, Alexander; Spatz, Joachim P.; Schreiber, Frank

    2010-01-01

    We present a titanium-silicon oxide film structure that permits polarization modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy on silicon oxide surfaces. The structure consists of a ~6 nm sputtered silicon oxide film on a ~200 nm sputtered titanium film. Characterization using conventional and scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray reflectometry is presented. We demonstrate the use of this structure to investigate a selectively protein-resistant self-assembled monolayer (SAM) consisting of silane-anchored, biotin-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). PEG-associated IR bands were observed. Measurements of protein-characteristic band intensities showed that this SAM adsorbed streptavidin whereas it repelled bovine serum albumin, as had been expected from its structure. PMID:20418963

  11. Recombinant production and film properties of full-length hornet silk proteins.

    PubMed

    Kambe, Yusuke; Sutherland, Tara D; Kameda, Tsunenori

    2014-08-01

    Full-length versions of the four main components of silk cocoons of Vespa simillima hornets, Vssilk1-4, were produced as recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. In shake flasks, the recombinant Vssilk proteins yielded 160-330mg recombinant proteinl(-1). Films generated from solutions of single Vssilk proteins had a secondary structure similar to that of films generated from native hornet silk. The films made from individual recombinant hornet silk proteins had similar or enhanced mechanical performance compared with films generated from native hornet silk, possibly reflecting the homogeneity of the recombinant proteins. The pH-dependent changes in zeta (ζ) potential of each Vssilk film were measured, and isoelectric points (pI) of Vssilk1-4 were determined as 8.9, 9.1, 5.0 and 4.2, respectively. The pI of native hornet silk, a combination of the four Vssilk proteins, was 4.7, a value similar to that of Bombyx mori silkworm silk. Films generated from Vssilk1 and 2 had net positive charge under physiological conditions and showed significantly higher cell adhesion activity. It is proposed that recombinant hornet silk is a valuable new material with potential for cell culture applications. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Protein resistance of dextran and dextran-PEG copolymer films

    PubMed Central

    Kozak, Darby; Chen, Annie; Bax, Jacinda; Trau, Matt

    2011-01-01

    The protein resistance of dextran and dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) copolymer films was examined on an organosilica particle-based assay support. Comb-branched dextran-PEG copolymer films were synthesized in a two step process using the organosilica particle as a solid synthetic support. Particles modified with increasing amounts (0.1-1.2 mg m−2) of three molecular weights (10 000, 66 900, 400 000 g mol−1) of dextran were found to form relatively poor protein-resistant films compared to dextran-PEG copolymers and previously studied PEG films. The efficacy of the antifouling polymer films was found to be dependent on the grafted amount and its composition, with PEG layers being the most efficient, followed by dextran-PEG copolymers, and dextran alone being the least efficient. Immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) adsorption decreased from ~ 5 to 0.5 mg m−2 with increasing amounts of grafted dextran, but bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption increased above monolayer coverage (to ~2 mg m−2) indicating ternary adsorption of the smaller protein within the dextran layer. PMID:21614699

  13. Application of advanced sampling and analysis methods to predict the structure of adsorbed protein on a material surface

    PubMed Central

    Abramyan, Tigran M.; Hyde-Volpe, David L.; Stuart, Steven J.; Latour, Robert A.

    2017-01-01

    The use of standard molecular dynamics simulation methods to predict the interactions of a protein with a material surface have the inherent limitations of lacking the ability to determine the most likely conformations and orientations of the adsorbed protein on the surface and to determine the level of convergence attained by the simulation. In addition, standard mixing rules are typically applied to combine the nonbonded force field parameters of the solution and solid phases the system to represent interfacial behavior without validation. As a means to circumvent these problems, the authors demonstrate the application of an efficient advanced sampling method (TIGER2A) for the simulation of the adsorption of hen egg-white lysozyme on a crystalline (110) high-density polyethylene surface plane. Simulations are conducted to generate a Boltzmann-weighted ensemble of sampled states using force field parameters that were validated to represent interfacial behavior for this system. The resulting ensembles of sampled states were then analyzed using an in-house-developed cluster analysis method to predict the most probable orientations and conformations of the protein on the surface based on the amount of sampling performed, from which free energy differences between the adsorbed states were able to be calculated. In addition, by conducting two independent sets of TIGER2A simulations combined with cluster analyses, the authors demonstrate a method to estimate the degree of convergence achieved for a given amount of sampling. The results from these simulations demonstrate that these methods enable the most probable orientations and conformations of an adsorbed protein to be predicted and that the use of our validated interfacial force field parameter set provides closer agreement to available experimental results compared to using standard CHARMM force field parameterization to represent molecular behavior at the interface. PMID:28514864

  14. Protein thin film machines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Federici, Stefania; Oliviero, Giulio; Hamad-Schifferli, Kimberly; Bergese, Paolo

    2010-12-01

    We report the first example of microcantilever beams that are reversibly driven by protein thin film machines fuelled by cycling the salt concentration of the surrounding solution. We also show that upon the same salinity stimulus the drive can be completely reversed in its direction by introducing a surface coating ligand. Experimental results are throughout discussed within a general yet simple thermodynamic model.

  15. Formation of Organized Protein Thin Films with External Electric Field.

    PubMed

    Ferreira, Cecília Fabiana da G; Camargo, Paulo C; Benelli, Elaine M

    2015-10-01

    The effect of an external electric field on the formation of protein GlnB-Hs films and on its buffer solution on siliconized glass slides has been analyzed by current versus electric field curves and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Herbaspirillum seropedicae GlnB protein (GlnB-Hs) is a globular, soluble homotrimer (36 kDa) with its 3-D structure previously determined. Concentrations of 10 nM native denatured GlnB-Hs protein were deposited on siliconized glass slides under ambient conditions. Immediately after solution deposition a maximum electric field of 30 kV/m was applied with rates of 3 V/s. The measured currents were surface currents and were analyzed as transport current. Electric current started to flow only after a minimum electric field (critical value) for the systems analyzed. The AFM images showed films with a high degree of directional organization only when the proteins were present in the solution. These results showed that the applied electric field favored directional organization of the protein GlnB-Hs films and may contribute to understand the formation of protein films under applied electric fields.

  16. Plasticizing Effects of Polyamines in Protein-Based Films

    PubMed Central

    Sabbah, Mohammed; Di Pierro, Prospero; Giosafatto, C. Valeria L.; Esposito, Marilena; Mariniello, Loredana; Regalado-Gonzales, Carlos; Porta, Raffaele

    2017-01-01

    Zeta potential and nanoparticle size were determined on film forming solutions of native and heat-denatured proteins of bitter vetch as a function of pH and of different concentrations of the polyamines spermidine and spermine, both in the absence and presence of the plasticizer glycerol. Our results showed that both polyamines decreased the negative zeta potential of all samples under pH 8.0 as a consequence of their ionic interaction with proteins. At the same time, they enhanced the dimension of nanoparticles under pH 8.0 as a result of macromolecular aggregations. By using native protein solutions, handleable films were obtained only from samples containing either a minimum of 33 mM glycerol or 4 mM spermidine, or both compounds together at lower glycerol concentrations. However, 2 mM spermidine was sufficient to obtain handleable film by using heat-treated samples without glycerol. Conversely, brittle materials were obtained by spermine alone, thus indicating that only spermidine was able to act as an ionic plasticizer. Lastly, both polyamines, mainly spermine, were found able to act as “glycerol-like” plasticizers at concentrations higher than 5 mM under experimental conditions at which their amino groups are undissociated. Our findings open new perspectives in obtaining protein-based films by using aliphatic polycations as components. PMID:28489025

  17. Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering studies of L-amino acids adsorbed on silver nanoclusters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Botta, Raju; Rajanikanth, A.; Bansal, C.

    2015-01-01

    Silver nanocluster films were prepared using plasma inert gas phase condensation technique. These were used as Raman active substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) studies of 19 standard L-amino acids adsorbed on the surface of Ag nanoclusters via Agsbnd N bonds. A detailed study of two essential aromatic amino acids viz. L-Phenylalanine and L-Tryptophan showed a correlation between the Raman intensity of the characteristic lines of phenol and indole side chains and their molar concentrations in the range 1 μM-1 mM. This indicates that Raman studies can be used for quantitative determination of the amino acids in proteins.

  18. Development of a novel polystyrene/metal-organic framework-199 electrospun nanofiber adsorbent for thin film microextraction of aldehydes in human urine.

    PubMed

    Liu, Feilong; Xu, Hui

    2017-01-01

    In this work, electrospun polystyrene/metal-organic frameworks-199 (PS/MOF-199) nanofiber film was synthesized and investigated as a novel adsorbent for thin film microextraction (TFME) of aldehydes in human urine. Some properties of the prepared PS/MOF-199 nanofiber film, including morphology, structure, wettability, solvent stability and extraction performance were studied systematically. Porous fibrous structure, large surface area, good stability, strong hydrophobicity and excellent extraction efficiency were obtained for the film. Based on the PS/MOF-199 film, a thin film microextraction-high performance liquid chromatography (TFME-HPLC) method was developed, and the experimental parameters that affected the extraction and desorption were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 4.2-17.3nmolL -1 for the analysis of six aldehydes. Good linearity was achieved with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) being lager than 0.9943. Satisfactory recovery (82-112%) and acceptable reproducibility (relative standard deviation: 2.1-13.3%) were also obtained for the method. The developed TFME-HPLC method has been successfully applied to the analysis of aldehyde metabolites in the urine samples of lung cancer patients and healthy people. The method possesses the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, cost-effective, sensitivity and non-invasion, it provides an alternative tool for the determination of aldehydes in complex sample matrices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Physicochemical controls on absorbed water film thickness in unsaturated geological media

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tokunaga, T.

    2011-06-14

    Adsorbed water films commonly coat mineral surfaces in unsaturated soils and rocks, reducing flow and transport rates. Therefore, it is important to understand how adsorbed film thickness depends on matric potential, surface chemistry, and solution chemistry. Here, the problem of adsorbed water film thickness is examined through combining capillary scaling with the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Novel aspects of this analysis include determining capillary influences on film thicknesses, and incorporating solution chemistry-dependent electrostatic potential at air-water interfaces. Capillary analysis of monodisperse packings of spherical grains provided estimated ranges of matric potentials where adsorbed films are stable, and showed that pendular ringsmore » within drained porous media retain most of the 'residual' water except under very low matric potentials. Within drained pores, capillary contributions to thinning of adsorbed films on spherical grains are shown to be small, such that DLVO calculations for flat surfaces are suitable approximations. Hamaker constants of common soil minerals were obtained to determine ranges of the dispersion component to matric potential-dependent film thickness. The pressure component associated with electrical double layer forces was estimated using the compression and linear superposition approximations. The pH-dependent electrical double layer pressure component is the dominant contribution to film thicknesses at intermediate values of matric potential, especially in lower ionic strength solutions (< 10 mol m{sup -3}) on surfaces with higher magnitude electrostatic potentials (more negative than - 50 mV). Adsorbed water films are predicted to usually range in thickness from 1 to 20 nm in drained pores and fractures of unsaturated environments.« less

  20. Enhanced plastic deformations of nanofibrillated cellulose film by adsorbed moisture and protein-mediated interactions.

    PubMed

    Malho, Jani-Markus; Ouellet-Plamondon, Claudiane; Rüggeberg, Markus; Laaksonen, Päivi; Ikkala, Olli; Burgert, Ingo; Linder, Markus B

    2015-01-12

    Biological composites are typically based on an adhesive matrix that interlocks rigid reinforcing elements in fiber composite or brick-and-mortar assemblies. In nature, the adhesive matrix is often made up of proteins, which are also interesting model systems, as they are unique among polymers in that we know how to engineer their structures with atomic detail and to select protein elements for specific interactions with other components. Here we studied how fusion proteins that consist of cellulose binding proteins linked to proteins that show a natural tendency to form multimer complexes act as an adhesive matrix in combination with nanofibrillated cellulose. We found that the fusion proteins are retained with the cellulose and that the proteins mainly affect the plastic yield behavior of the cellulose material as a function of water content. Interestingly, the proteins increased the moisture absorption of the composite, but the well-known plastifying effect of water was clearly decreased. The work helps to understand the functional basis of nanocellulose composites as materials and aims toward building model systems for molecular biomimetic materials.

  1. Functional Layer-by-Layer Thin Films of Inducible Nitric Oxide (NO) Synthase Oxygenase and Polyethylenimine: Modulation of Enzyme Loading and NO-Release Activity.

    PubMed

    Gunasekera, Bhagya; Abou Diwan, Charbel; Altawallbeh, Ghaith; Kalil, Haitham; Maher, Shaimaa; Xu, Song; Bayachou, Mekki

    2018-03-07

    Nitric oxide (NO) release counteracts platelet aggregation and prevents the thrombosis cascade in the inner walls of blood vessels. NO-release coatings also prevent thrombus formation on the surface of blood-contacting medical devices. Our previous work has shown that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) films release NO fluxes upon enzymatic conversion of the substrate l-arginine. In this work, we report on the modulation of enzyme loading in layer-by-layer (LbL) thin films of inducible nitric oxide synthase oxygenase (iNOSoxy) on polyethylenimine (PEI). The layer of iNOSoxy is electrostatically adsorbed onto the PEI layer. The pH of the iNOSoxy solution affects the amount of enzyme adsorbed. The overall negative surface charge of iNOSoxy in solution depends on the pH and hence determines the density of adsorbed protein on the positively charged PEI layer. We used buffered iNOSoxy solutions adjusted to pHs 8.6 and 7.0, while saline PEI solution was used at pH 7.0. Atomic force microscopy imaging of the outermost layer shows higher protein adsorption with iNOSoxy at pH 8.6 than with a solution of iNOSoxy at pH 7.0. Graphite electrodes with PEI/iNOSoxy films show higher catalytic currents for nitric oxide reduction mediated by iNOSoxy. The higher enzyme loading translates into higher NO flux when the enzyme-modified surface is exposed to a solution containing the substrate and a source of electrons. Spectrophotometric assays showed higher NO fluxes with iNOSoxy/PEI films built at pH 8.6 than with films built at pH 7.0. Fourier transform infrared analysis of iNOSoxy adsorbed on PEI at pH 8.6 and 7.0 shows structural differences of iNOSoxy in films, which explains the observed changes in enzymatic activity. Our findings show that pH provides a strategy to optimize the NOS loading and enzyme activity in NOS-based LbL thin films, which enables improved NO release with minimum layers of PEI/NOS.

  2. Assembly of purple membranes on polyelectrolyte films.

    PubMed

    Saab, Marie-belle; Estephan, Elias; Cloitre, Thierry; Legros, René; Cuisinier, Frédéric J G; Zimányi, László; Gergely, Csilla

    2009-05-05

    The membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin in its native membrane bound form (purple membrane) was adsorbed and incorporated into polyelectrolyte multilayered films, and adsorption was in situ monitored by optical waveguide light-mode spectroscopy. The formation of a single layer or a double layer of purple membranes was observed when adsorbed on negatively or positively charged surfaces, respectively. The purple membrane patches adsorbed on the polyelectrolyte multilayers were also evidenced by atomic force microscopy images. The driving forces of the adsorption process were evaluated by varying the ionic strength of the solution as well as the purple membrane concentration. At high purple membrane concentration, interpenetrating polyelectrolyte loops might provide new binding sites for the adsorption of a second layer of purple membranes, whereas at lower concentrations only a single layer is formed. Negative surfaces do not promote a second protein layer adsorption. Driving forces other than just electrostatic ones, such as hydrophobic forces, should play a role in the polyelectrolyte/purple membrane layering. The subtle interplay of all these factors determines the formation of the polyelectrolyte/purple membrane matrix with a presumably high degree of orientation for the incorporated purple membranes, with their cytoplasmic, or extracellular side toward the bulk on negatively or positively charged polyelectrolyte, respectively. The structural stability of bacteriorhodopsin during adsorption onto the surface and incorporation into the polyelectrolyte multilayers was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode. Adsorption and incorporation of purple membranes within polyelectrolyte multilayers does not disturb the conformational majority of membrane-embedded alpha-helix structures of the protein, but may slightly alter the structure of the extramembraneous segments or their interaction with the environment. This high

  3. Gelation Mechanisms and Characterization of Electrochemically Generated Protein Films at Metal Interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin, Elizabeth J.

    Although the electrochemical behavior of metals used in orthopedic implants has been studied extensively, the material interactions with proteins during corrosion processes remains poorly understood. Some studies suggest that metal-protein interactions accelerate corrosion, while others suggest that proteins protect the material from degradation. Corrosion of implant materials is a major concern due to the metal ion release that can sometimes cause adverse local tissue reactions and ultimately, failure of the implant. The initial purpose of this research was therefore to study the corrosion behavior of CoCrMo, an alloy commonly used in hip replacements, with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in physiologically relevant media. The QCM enables in situ characterization of surface changes accompanying corrosion and is sensitive to viscoelastic effects at its surface. Results of QCM studies in proteinaceous media showed film deposition on the alloy surface under electrochemical conditions that otherwise produced mass loss if proteins were not present in the electrolyte. Additional studies on pure Co, Cr, and Mo demonstrated that the protein films also form on Mo surfaces after a release of molybdate ions, suggesting that these ions are essential for film formation. The electrochemically generated protein films are reminiscent of carbonaceous films that form on implant surfaces in vivo, therefore a second goal of the research was to delineate mechanisms that cause the films to form. In the second stage of this research, electrochemical QCM tests were conducted on models of the CoCrMo system consisting of Cr electrodes in proteinaceous or polymeric media containing dissolved molybdate ions. Studies indicated that films can be generated through electrochemical processes so long as both amine functional groups and molybdate ions are present in the electrolyte solution. These results suggest that the films form due to an ionic cross-linking reaction between the positively

  4. Measuring interactions between polydimethylsiloxane and serum proteins at the air-water interface.

    PubMed

    Liao, Zhengzheng; Hsieh, Wan-Ting; Baumgart, Tobias; Dmochowski, Ivan J

    2013-07-30

    The interaction between synthetic polymers and proteins at interfaces is relevant to basic science as well as a wide range of applications in biotechnology and medicine. One particularly common and important interface is the air-water interface (AWI). Due to the special energetics and dynamics of molecules at the AWI, the interplay between synthetic polymer and protein can be very different from that in bulk solution. In this paper, we applied the Langmuir-Blodgett technique and fluorescence microscopy to investigate how the compression state of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film at the AWI affects the subsequent adsorption of serum protein [e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) or immunoglobulin G (IgG)] and the interaction between PDMS and protein. Of particular note is our observation of circular PDMS domains with micrometer diameters that form at the AWI in the highly compressed state of the surface film: proteins were shown to adsorb preferentially to the surface of these circular PDMS domains, accompanied by a greater than 4-fold increase in protein found in the interfacial film. The PDMS-only film and the PDMS-IgG composite film were transferred to cover glass, and platinum-carbon replicas of the transferred films were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We conclude that the structure of the PDMS film greatly affects the amount and distribution of protein at the interface.

  5. Maillard Conjugation of Sodium Alginate to Whey Protein for Enhanced Resistance to Surfactant-Induced Competitive Displacement from Air-Water Interfaces.

    PubMed

    Cai, Bingqing; Saito, Anna; Ikeda, Shinya

    2018-01-24

    Whey protein adsorbed to an interface forms a viscoelastic interfacial film but is displaced competitively from the interface by a small-molecule surfactant added afterward. The present study evaluated the impact of the covalent conjugation of high- or low-molecular-weight sodium alginate (HA or LA) to whey protein isolate (WPI) via the Maillard reaction on the ability of whey protein to resist surfactant-induced competitive displacement from the air-water interface. Surfactant added after the pre-adsorption of conjugate to the interface increased surface pressure. At a given surface pressure, the WPI-LA conjugate showed a significantly higher interfacial area coverage and lower interfacial film thickness compared to those of the WPI-HA conjugate or unconjugated WPI. The addition of LA to the aqueous phase had little effect on the interfacial area and thickness of pre-adsorbed WPI. These results suggest the importance of the molecular weight of the polysaccharide moiety in determining interfacial properties of whey protein-alginate conjugates.

  6. Biodegradable films from isolate of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) proteins.

    PubMed

    Ayhllon-Meixueiro, F; Vaca-Garcia, C; Silvestre, F

    2000-07-01

    The film-forming potential of isolate of sunflower proteins (ISFP) was investigated. Homogeneous films were obtained by dissolution of ISFP in alkaline water (pH 12), addition of a plasticizer, casting, and drying. Maximum protein solubilization and unfolding led to films with the highest elasticity. The effects of five dissolving bases and five plasticizers on the mechanical properties were studied. The use of ionic bases (LiOH, NaOH) capable of interfering with the interproteic noncovalent bonds resulted in the greatest tensile strength (sigma(max)) and elongation at break (epsilon(max)) values (3.9 MPa and 215-251%, respectively). Plasticizers conferred diverse tensile properties to the films: the use of 1,3-propanediol resulted in the highest sigma(max) (27.1 MPa), and glycerol resulted in the greatest epsilon(max) (251%). Different mechanical properties were obtained by using mixtures of these plasticizers.

  7. Preparation and mechanical properties of edible rapeseed protein films.

    PubMed

    Jang, Sung-Ae; Lim, Geum-Ok; Song, Kyung Bin

    2011-03-01

    Edible films were manufactured from rapeseed oil extraction residues. To prepare rapeseed protein (RP) films, various concentrations of plasticizers and emulsifiers were incorporated into the preparation of a film-forming solution. The optimal conditions for the preparation of the RP film were 2% sorbitol/0.5% sucrose as plasticizer and 1.5% polysorbate 20 as an emulsifier. In addition, RP blend films were prepared. Gelidium corneum or gelatin was added to improve the physical properties of the RP film, and the highest tensile strength value of the films was 53.45 MPa for the 3% RP/4% gelatin film. Our results suggest that the RP-gelatin blend film is suitable for applications in food packaging. Edible RP films prepared in the present investigation can be applied in food packaging.

  8. Liquid and vapour water transfer through whey protein/lipid emulsion films.

    PubMed

    Kokoszka, Sabina; Debeaufort, Frederic; Lenart, Andrzej; Voilley, Andree

    2010-08-15

    Edible films and coatings based on protein/lipid combinations are among the new products being developed in order to reduce the use of plastic packaging polymers for food applications. This study was conducted to determine the effect of rapeseed oil on selected physicochemical properties of cast whey protein films. Films were cast from heated (80 degrees C for 30 min) aqueous solutions of whey protein isolate (WPI, 100 g kg(-1) of water) containing glycerol (50 g kg(-1) of WPI) as a plasticiser and different levels of added rapeseed oil (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% w/w of WPI). Measurements of film microstructure, laser light-scattering granulometry, differential scanning calorimetry, wetting properties and water vapour permeability (WVP) were made. The emulsion structure in the film suspension changed significantly during drying, with oil creaming and coalescence occurring. Increasing oil concentration led to a 2.5-fold increase in surface hydrophobicity and decreases in WVP and denaturation temperature (T(max)). Film structure and surface properties explain the moisture absorption and film swelling as a function of moisture level and time and consequently the WVP behaviour. Small amounts of rapeseed oil favourably affect the WVP of WPI films, particularly at higher humidities. Copyright (c) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

  9. Thin film of polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles for protein sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Talukdar, Hrishikesh; Kundu, Sarathi

    2018-04-01

    Polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PEC NPs) are prepared using two polyelectrolytes poly(Na-4-styrene sulphonate) (PSS) and poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) (PDADMAC) at a molar mixing ratio of n-/n+ ≈ 0.67 by consecutive centrifugation. PEC NPs formation is investigated through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Optical behaviors of PEC NPs in thin film confirmation are studied using UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Although absorption peaks of PSS occurs at the same position before and after the formation of PEC NPs but emission peaks are found at ≈ 278 and 305 nm whereas for pure PSS emission peaks exist at ≈ 295 and 365 nm. Hence, thin film of PEC NPs can be applied as very sensitive material for protein sensing since absorption of protein is occurred at ≈ 278 nm. Protein sensing behavior of such PEC NPs thin film is studied using photoluminescence spectroscopy.

  10. Pyroelectricity in globular protein lysozyme films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stapleton, A.; Noor, M. R.; Haq, E. U.; Silien, C.; Soulimane, T.; Tofail, S. A. M.

    2018-03-01

    Pyroelectricity is the ability of certain non-centrosymmetric materials to generate an electric charge in response to a change in temperature and finds use in a range of applications from burglar alarms to thermal imaging. Some biological materials also exhibit pyroelectricity but the examples of the effect are limited to fibrous proteins, polypeptides, and tissues and organs of animals and plants. Here, we report pyroelectricity in polycrystalline aggregate films of lysozyme, a globular protein.

  11. Capillary wave theory of adsorbed liquid films and the structure of the liquid-vapor interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    MacDowell, Luis G.

    2017-08-01

    In this paper we try to work out in detail the implications of a microscopic theory for capillary waves under the assumption that the density is given along lines normal to the interface. Within this approximation, which may be justified in terms of symmetry arguments, the Fisk-Widom scaling of the density profile holds for frozen realizations of the interface profile. Upon thermal averaging of capillary wave fluctuations, the resulting density profile yields results consistent with renormalization group calculations in the one-loop approximation. The thermal average over capillary waves may be expressed in terms of a modified convolution approximation where normals to the interface are Gaussian distributed. In the absence of an external field we show that the phenomenological density profile applied to the square-gradient free energy functional recovers the capillary wave Hamiltonian exactly. We extend the theory to the case of liquid films adsorbed on a substrate. For systems with short-range forces, we recover an effective interface Hamiltonian with a film height dependent surface tension that stems from the distortion of the liquid-vapor interface by the substrate, in agreement with the Fisher-Jin theory of short-range wetting. In the presence of long-range interactions, the surface tension picks up an explicit dependence on the external field and recovers the wave vector dependent logarithmic contribution observed by Napiorkowski and Dietrich. Using an error function for the intrinsic density profile, we obtain closed expressions for the surface tension and the interface width. We show the external field contribution to the surface tension may be given in terms of the film's disjoining pressure. From literature values of the Hamaker constant, it is found that the fluid-substrate forces may be able to double the surface tension for films in the nanometer range. The film height dependence of the surface tension described here is in full agreement with results of

  12. Protein adsorption onto CF(3)-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) containing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs): the influence of ionic strength and electrostatic forces.

    PubMed

    Bonnet, Nelly; O'Hagan, David; Hähner, Georg

    2010-05-07

    Oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) containing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold are known for their protein resistant properties. The underlying molecular mechanisms and the contributions of the interactions involved, however, are still not completely understood. It is known that electrostatic, van der Waals, hydrophobic, and hydration forces all play a role in the interaction between proteins and surfaces, but it is difficult to study their influence separately and to quantify their contributions. In the present study we investigate five different OEG containing SAMs and the influence of the ionic strength and the electrostatic component on the amount of a negatively charged protein (fibrinogen) that adsorbs onto them. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to record force-distance curves with hydrophobic probes depending on the ion concentration, and the amount of the protein that adsorbs relative to a hydrophobic surface was quantified using ellipsometry. The findings suggest that electrostatic forces can create a very low energy barrier thus only slightly decreasing the number of negatively charged proteins in solution with sufficient energy to approach the surface closely, and have a rather small influence on the amount that adsorbs. The films we investigated were not protein resistant. This supports other studies, reporting that a strong short-range repulsion as for example caused by hydration forces is required to make these films resistant to the non-specific adsorption of proteins.

  13. Characterization of agar/soy protein biocomposite films: Effect of agar on the extruded pellets and compression moulded films.

    PubMed

    Garrido, T; Etxabide, A; Guerrero, P; de la Caba, K

    2016-10-20

    Agar/soy protein biocomposite films were successfully processed by extrusion and compression moulding, obtaining transparent and homogeneous films. The conformational changes occurred during the extrusion process and the effect of agar on the final properties were analyzed. As shown by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and specific mechanical energy (SME) values, during the extrusion process protein denatured and unfolded protein chains could interact with agar. These interactions were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the secondary structure was determined from the amide I band. Those interactions were supported by the decrease of film solubility. Furthermore, the good compatibility between agar and soy protein was confirmed by the images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Effect of protein and glycerol concentration on the mechanical, optical, and water vapor barrier properties of canola protein isolate-based edible films.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chang; Nickerson, Michael T

    2015-01-01

    Biodegradable edible films prepared using proteins are both economically and environmentally important to the food packaging industry relative to traditional petroleum-derived synthetic materials. In the present study, the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of casted canola protein isolate edible films were investigated as a function of protein (5.0% and 7.5%) and glycerol (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50%) content. Specifically, tensile strength and elongation, elastic modulus, puncture strength and deformation, opacity, and water vapor permeability were measured. Results indicated that tensile strength, puncture strength, and elastic modulus decreased, while tensile elongation and puncture deformation values increased as glycerol concentration increased for both 5.0% and 7.5% canola protein isolate films. Furthermore, tensile strength, puncture strength, and elastic modulus values were found to increase at higher protein concentrations within the canola protein isolate films, whereas puncture deformation values decreased. Tensile elongation was found to be similar for both canola protein isolate protein levels. Canola protein isolate films became more transparent with increasing of glycerol concentration and decreasing of canola protein isolate concentration. Water vapor permeability value was also found to increase with increasing glycerol and protein contents. Overall, results indicated that canola protein isolate films were less brittle, more malleable and transparent, and had greater water vapor permeability at higher glycerol levels. However, as protein level increased, canola protein isolate films were more brittle, less malleable and more opaque, and also had increased water vapor permeability. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  15. The Structures of Fibronectin Adsorbed on Polyelectrolyte Thin Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shin, Kwanwoo; Satija, Sushil; Fang, Xiao-Hua; Li, Bin-Quan; Nadine, Pernodet; Miriam, Rafailovich; Sokolov, Jonathan; Arach, Goldar; Roser, Steve

    2002-03-01

    We have shown that it is possible to form a fibrilar network of fibronectin on a polyelectrolyte polymer film whose dimensions are similar to those reported on the extra cellular matrix. The fibronectin network was observed to form only when the charge density of the polymer was in excess of the natural charge density of the cell wall. Furthermore, the self-organized fibronectin layer was much thicker than the polymer film, indicating that long ranged interaction may play a key role in the assembly process. It is therefore important to understand the structure of the polymer layer/protein interface. Here we report on a neutron reflectivity study where we explore the structure of the polyelectrolyte layer, in this case sulfonated polystyrene (PSS_x.), with varying degree of sulfonation (x<30%), as a function of sulfur content and counter ion concentration. These results are then correlated with systemic study of the adsorption and the multilayer formation of fibronectin as a function of incubation time for various sulfonation levels of PSS_x. Furthermore, the surface charge on the substrates can be strongly influenced by the presence of salt ions, it is important to understand changes due to electrostatic interactions occurring in the various salt conditions. Complementary X-ray reflection was used to determine the salt density profile associating with the internal ionic polymer matrix. This work was funded in part of the NSF-MRSEC program.

  16. Effect of adsorbed/intercalated anionic dyes into the mechanical properties of PVA: layered zinc hydroxide nitrate nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Marangoni, Rafael; Mikowski, Alexandre; Wypych, Fernando

    2010-11-15

    Zinc hydroxide nitrate (ZHN) was adsorbed with anions of blue dyes (Chicago sky blue, CSB; Evans blue, EB; and Niagara blue, NB) and intercalated with anions of orange dyes (Orange G, OG; Orange II, OII; methyl orange, MO). Transparent, homogeneous and colored nanocomposite films were obtained by casting after dispersing the pigments (dye-intercalated/adsorbed into LHSs) into commercial poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The films were characterized by XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. The mechanical properties of the PVA compounded with the dye-intercalated/adsorbed ZHN were evaluated, and reasonable increases in Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength were observed, depending on the amount and choice of layered filler. These results demonstrate the possibility of using a new class of layered hydroxide salts intercalated and adsorbed with anionic dyes to prepare multifunctional polymer nanocomposite materials. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Mechanical and thermal properties of irradiated films based on Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sabato, S. F.; Nakamurakare, N.; Sobral, P. J. A.

    2007-11-01

    Proteins are considered potential material in natural films as alternative to traditional packaging. When gamma radiation is applied to protein film forming solution it resulted in an improvement in mechanical properties of whey protein films. The objective of this work was the characterization of mechanical and thermal properties of irradiated films based on muscle proteins from Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus). The films were prepared according to a casting technique with two levels of plasticizer: 25% and 45% glycerol and irradiated in electron accelerator type Radiation Dynamics, 0.550 MeV at dose range from 0 to 200 kGy. Thermal properties and mechanical properties were determined using a differential scanning calorimeter and a texture analyzer, respectively. Radiation from electron beam caused a slightly increase on its tensile strength characteristic at 100 kGy, while elongation value at this dose had no reduction.

  18. The influence of protein concentration on the biotribological properties of the stem-cement interface.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hong-Yu; Zhou, Ming

    2014-01-01

    The stem-cement interface in total hip replacement experiences fretting wear following debonding under cyclical physiological loading. However, the influence of protein concentration on the biotribological properties of this interface has not been well taken into consideration. In the present study, a series of fretting frictional tests were performed using polished Ti6Al4V and bone cement, lubricated by bovine serum albumin solutions of different concentrations (5%, 30%, and 75%). Surface characterizations of Ti6Al4V pins were conducted by optical interferometer, scanning electron microscope, and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the friction coefficient decreases with the increase of protein concentration, although the difference is not significant. In addition, bovine serum albumin is adsorbed onto Ti6Al4V surface, forming a protective film to prevent the metal substrate from wear. The elemental and spectroscopic analyses of the film confirm the presence of protein molecules adsorbed on Ti6Al4V surface, with a thickness of 2.5 μm. It is indicated from this study that fretting wear at the stem-cement interface can be postponed by promotion of protein adsorption on the metal surface.

  19. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Resonators for Monitoring Conditioning Film Formation

    PubMed Central

    Hohmann, Siegfried; Kögel, Svea; Brunner, Yvonne; Schmieg, Barbara; Ewald, Christina; Kirschhöfer, Frank; Brenner-Weiß, Gerald; Länge, Kerstin

    2015-01-01

    We propose surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators as a complementary tool for conditioning film monitoring. Conditioning films are formed by adsorption of inorganic and organic substances on a substrate the moment this substrate comes into contact with a liquid phase. In the case of implant insertion, for instance, initial protein adsorption is required to start wound healing, but it will also trigger immune reactions leading to inflammatory responses. The control of the initial protein adsorption would allow to promote the healing process and to suppress adverse immune reactions. Methods to investigate these adsorption processes are available, but it remains difficult to translate measurement results into actual protein binding events. Biosensor transducers allow user-friendly investigation of protein adsorption on different surfaces. The combination of several transduction principles leads to complementary results, allowing a more comprehensive characterization of the adsorbing layer. We introduce SAW resonators as a novel complementary tool for time-resolved conditioning film monitoring. SAW resonators were coated with polymers. The adsorption of the plasma proteins human serum albumin (HSA) and fibrinogen onto the polymer-coated surfaces were monitored. Frequency results were compared with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor measurements, which confirmed the suitability of the SAW resonators for this application. PMID:26007735

  20. Construction of protein-resistant pOEGMA films by helicon plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

    PubMed

    Lee, Bong Soo; Yoon, Ok Ja; Cho, Woo Kyung; Lee, Nae-Eung; Yoon, Kuk Ro; Choi, Insung S

    2009-01-01

    This paper describes the formation of protein-resistant, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (pOEGMA) thin films by helicon plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (helicon-PECVD). pOEGMA was successfully grafted onto a silicon substrate, as a model substrate, without any additional surface initiators, by plasma polymerization of OEGMA. The resulting pOEGMA films were characterized by ellipsometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle goniometry. To investigate the protein-resistant property of the pOEGMA films, four different proteins, bovine serum albumin, fibrinogen, lysozyme and ribonuclease A, were tested as model proteins for ellipsometric measurements. The ellipsometric thickness change for all the model proteins was less than 3 A, indicating that the formed pOEGMA films are protein-resistant. (c) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2009

  1. Effects of carbohydrate/protein ratio on the microstructure and the barrier and sorption properties of wheat starch-whey protein blend edible films.

    PubMed

    Basiak, Ewelina; Lenart, Andrzej; Debeaufort, Frédéric

    2017-02-01

    Starch and whey protein isolate and their mixtures were used for making edible films. Moisture sorption isotherms, water vapour permeability, sorption of aroma compounds, microstructure, water contact angle and surface properties were investigated. With increasing protein content, the microstructure changes became more homogeneous. The water vapour permeability increases with both the humidity gradient and the starch content. For all films, the hygroscopicity increases with starch content. Surface properties change according to the starch/whey protein ratio and are mainly related to the polar component of the surface tension. Films composed of 80% starch and 20% whey proteins have more hydrophobic surfaces than the other films due to specific interactions. The effect of carbohydrate/protein ratio significantly influences the microstructure, the surface wettability and the barrier properties of wheat starch-whey protein blend films. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

  2. Protein Adsorption in Three Dimensions

    PubMed Central

    Vogler, Erwin A.

    2011-01-01

    Recent experimental and theoretical work clarifying the physical chemistry of blood-protein adsorption from aqueous-buffer solution to various kinds of surfaces is reviewed and interpreted within the context of biomaterial applications, especially toward development of cardiovascular biomaterials. The importance of this subject in biomaterials surface science is emphasized by reducing the “protein-adsorption problem” to three core questions that require quantitative answer. An overview of the protein-adsorption literature identifies some of the sources of inconsistency among many investigators participating in more than five decades of focused research. A tutorial on the fundamental biophysical chemistry of protein adsorption sets the stage for a detailed discussion of the kinetics and thermodynamics of protein adsorption, including adsorption competition between two proteins for the same adsorbent immersed in a binary-protein mixture. Both kinetics and steady-state adsorption can be rationalized using a single interpretive paradigm asserting that protein molecules partition from solution into a three-dimensional (3D) interphase separating bulk solution from the physical-adsorbent surface. Adsorbed protein collects in one-or-more adsorbed layers, depending on protein size, solution concentration, and adsorbent surface energy (water wettability). The adsorption process begins with the hydration of an adsorbent surface brought into contact with an aqueous-protein solution. Surface hydration reactions instantaneously form a thin, pseudo-2D interface between the adsorbent and protein solution. Protein molecules rapidly diffuse into this newly-formed interface, creating a truly 3D interphase that inflates with arriving proteins and fills to capacity within milliseconds at mg/mL bulk-solution concentrations CB. This inflated interphase subsequently undergoes time-dependent (minutes-to-hours) decrease in volume VI by expulsion of either-or-both interphase water and

  3. Affinity binding of antibodies to supermacroporous cryogel adsorbents with immobilized protein A for removal of anthrax toxin protective antigen.

    PubMed

    Ingavle, Ganesh C; Baillie, Les W J; Zheng, Yishan; Lis, Elzbieta K; Savina, Irina N; Howell, Carol A; Mikhalovsky, Sergey V; Sandeman, Susan R

    2015-05-01

    Polymeric cryogels are efficient carriers for the immobilization of biomolecules because of their unique macroporous structure, permeability, mechanical stability and different surface chemical functionalities. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the potential use of macroporous monolithic cryogels for biotoxin removal using anthrax toxin protective antigen (PA), the central cell-binding component of the anthrax exotoxins, and covalent immobilization of monoclonal antibodies. The affinity ligand (protein A) was chemically coupled to the reactive hydroxyl and epoxy-derivatized monolithic cryogels and the binding efficiencies of protein A, monoclonal antibodies to the cryogel column were determined. Our results show differences in the binding capacity of protein A as well as monoclonal antibodies to the cryogel adsorbents caused by ligand concentrations, physical properties and morphology of surface matrices. The cytotoxicity potential of the cryogels was determined by an in vitro viability assay using V79 lung fibroblast as a model cell and the results reveal that the cryogels are non-cytotoxic. Finally, the adsorptive capacities of PA from phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were evaluated towards a non-glycosylated, plant-derived human monoclonal antibody (PANG) and a glycosylated human monoclonal antibody (Valortim(®)), both of which were covalently attached via protein A immobilization. Optimal binding capacities of 108 and 117 mg/g of antibody to the adsorbent were observed for PANG attached poly(acrylamide-allyl glycidyl ether) [poly(AAm-AGE)] and Valortim(®) attached poly(AAm-AGE) cryogels, respectively, This indicated that glycosylation status of Valortim(®) antibody could significantly increase (8%) its binding capacity relative to the PANG antibody on poly(AAm-AGE)-protien-A column (p < 0.05). The amounts of PA which remained in the solution after passing PA spiked PBS through PANG or Valortim bound poly(AAm-AGE) cryogel were significantly (p < 0

  4. Allantoin as a solid phase adsorbent for removing endotoxins.

    PubMed

    Vagenende, Vincent; Ching, Tim-Jang; Chua, Rui-Jing; Gagnon, Pete

    2013-10-04

    In this study we present a simple and robust method for removing endotoxins from protein solutions by using crystals of the small-molecule compound 2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl urea (allantoin) as a solid phase adsorbent. Allantoin crystalline powder is added to a protein solution at supersaturated concentrations, endotoxins bind and undissolved allantoin crystals with bound endotoxins are removed by filtration or centrifugation. This method removes an average of 99.98% endotoxin for 20 test proteins. The average protein recovery is ∼80%. Endotoxin binding is largely independent of pH, conductivity, reducing agent and various organic solvents. This is consistent with a hydrogen-bond based binding mechanism. Allantoin does not affect protein activity and stability, and the use of allantoin as a solid phase adsorbent provides better endotoxin removal than anion exchange, polymixin affinity and biological affinity methods for endotoxin clearance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Innovative FT-IR imaging of protein film secondary structure before and after heat treatment.

    PubMed

    Bonwell, Emily S; Wetzel, David L

    2009-11-11

    Changes in the secondary structure of globular protein occur during thermal processing. An infrared reflecting mirrored optical substrate that is unaffected by heat allows recording infrared spectra of protein films in a reflection absorption mode on the stage of an FT-IR microspectrometer. Hydrated films of myoglobin protein cast from solution on the mirrored substrate are interrogated before and after thermal denaturation to allow a direct comparison. Focal plane array imaging of 280 protein films allowed selection of the same area in the image from which to extract spectra. After treatment, 110 of 140 spectra from multiple films showed a dramatic shift from the alpha-helix form (1650 +/- 5 cm(-1)) to aggregated forms on either side of the original band. Seventy maxima were near 1625 cm(-1), and 40 shifted in the direction of 1670 cm(-1). The method developed was applied to films cast from two other commercial animal and plant protein sources.

  6. Active Interfacial Shear Microrheology of Aging Protein Films

    PubMed Central

    Dhar, Prajnaparamita; Cao, Yanyan; Fischer, Thomas M.; Zasadzinski, J. A.

    2012-01-01

    The magnetically driven rotation of 300 nm diameter rods shows the surface viscosity of albumin at an air-water interface increases from 10−9 to 10−5 Ns/m over two hours while the surface pressure saturates in minutes. The increase in surface viscosity is not accompanied by a corresponding increase in elasticity, suggesting that the protein film anneals with time, resulting in a more densely packed film leading to increased resistance to shear. The nanometer dimensions of the rods provide the same sensitivity as passive microrheology with an improved ability to measure more viscous films. PMID:20366371

  7. Adsorption of human tear lipocalin to human meibomian lipid films.

    PubMed

    Millar, Thomas J; Mudgil, Poonam; Butovich, Igor A; Palaniappan, Chendur K

    2009-01-01

    Tear lipocalin (Tlc) is a major lipid binding protein in tears and is thought to have an important role in stabilizing the Meibomian lipid layer by transferring lipids to it from the aqueous layer or ocular surface, or by adsorbing to it directly. These possible roles have been investigated in vitro using human Tlc. Tlc was purified from human tears by size exclusion chromatography followed by ion exchange chromatography. Three additional samples of the Tlc were prepared by lipidation, delipidation, and relipidation. The lipids extracted from the purified Tlc were analyzed by HPLC-MS followed by fragmentation. Adsorption of these different forms of Tlc to a human Meibomian lipid film spread on the surface of an artificial tear buffer in a Langmuir trough were observed by recording changes in the pressure with time (Pi-T profile) and monitoring the appearance of the film microscopically. These results were compared with similar experiments using a bovine Meibomian lipid film. The results indicated that Tlc binds slowly to a human Meibomian lipid film compared with lysozyme or lactoferrin, even at 37 degrees C. The adsorption of Tlc to a human Meibomian lipid film was very different from its adsorption to a bovine Meibomian lipid film, indicating the nature of the lipids in the film is critical to the adsorption process. Similarly, the different forms of Tlc had quite distinct adsorption patterns, as indicated both by changes in Pi-T profiles and the microscopic appearance of the films. It was concluded that human Tlc was capable of adsorbing to and penetrating into a Meibomian lipid layer, but this process is very complex and depends on both the types of lipids bound to Tlc and the lipid complement comprising the Meibomian lipid film.

  8. Adsorption of Human Tear Lipocalin to Human Meibomian Lipid Films

    PubMed Central

    Millar, Thomas J.; Mudgil, Poonam; Butovich, Igor A.; Palaniappan, Chendur K.

    2009-01-01

    Purpose Tear lipocalin (Tlc) is a major lipid binding protein in tears and is thought to have an important role in stabilizing the Meibomian lipid layer by transferring lipids to it from the aqueous layer or ocular surface, or by adsorbing to it directly. These possible roles have been investigated in vitro using human Tlc. Methods Tlc was purified from human tears by size exclusion chromatography followed by ion exchange chromatography. Three additional samples of the Tlc were prepared by lipidation, delipidation, and relipidation. The lipids extracted from the purified Tlc were analyzed by HPLC-MS followed by fragmentation. Adsorption of these different forms of Tlc to a human Meibomian lipid film spread on the surface of an artificial tear buffer in a Langmuir trough were observed by recording changes in the pressure with time (∏-T profile) and monitoring the appearance of the film microscopically. These results were compared with similar experiments using a bovine Meibomian lipid film. Results The results indicated that Tlc binds slowly to a human Meibomian lipid film compared with lysozyme or lactoferrin, even at 37°C. The adsorption of Tlc to a human Meibomian lipid film was very different from its adsorption to a bovine Meibomian lipid film, indicating the nature of the lipids in the film is critical to the adsorption process. Similarly, the different forms of Tlc had quite distinct adsorption patterns, as indicated both by changes in ∏-T profiles and the microscopic appearance of the films. Conclusions It was concluded that human Tlc was capable of adsorbing to and penetrating into a Meibomian lipid layer, but this process is very complex and depends on both the types of lipids bound to Tlc and the lipid complement comprising the Meibomian lipid film. PMID:18757516

  9. Patterned layers of adsorbed extracellular matrix proteins: influence on mammalian cell adhesion.

    PubMed

    Dupont-Gillain, C C; Alaerts, J A; Dewez, J L; Rouxhet, P G

    2004-01-01

    Three patterned systems aiming at the control of mammalian cell behavior are presented. The determinant feature common to these systems is the spatial distribution of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (mainly collagen) on polymer substrates. This distribution differs from one system to another with respect to the scale at which it is affected, from the supracellular to the supramolecular scale, and with respect to the way it is produced. In the first system, the surface of polystyrene was oxidized selectively to form micrometer-scale patterns, using photolithography. Adsorption of ECM proteins in presence of a competitor was enhanced on the oxidized domains, allowing selective cell adhesion to be achieved. In the second system, electron beam lithography was used to engrave grooves (depth and width approximately 1 microm) on a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substratum. No modification of the surface chemistry associated to the created topography could be detected. Cell orientation along the grooves was only observed when collagen was preadsorbed on the substratum. In the third system, collagen adsorbed on PMMA was dried in conditions ensuring the formation of a nanometer-scale pattern. Cell adhesion was enhanced on such patterned collagen layers compared to smooth collagen layers.

  10. Pulsed laser deposited metal oxide thin films mediated controlled adsorption of proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Se Jin

    Several metal oxide thin films were grown on Si substrate by pulsed laser deposition for controlling adsorption of proteins. No intentional heating of substrate and introduction of oxygen gas during growth were employed. Additionally, fibrinogen, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lysozyme were used as model protein in this study. The film properties such as cyratllinity, surface roughness, surface electrical charge and chemistry were investigated by many techniques in order to obtain the relationship with protein adsorption. Firstly, as grown Ta2O5 and ZnO thin film were used to study the effects of surface charge on the behaviors of BSA and lysozyme adsorption. The protein thickness results by ellipsometry showed that negatively charged Ta2O5 had a stronger affinity to positively charged lysozyme, while positively charged ZnO had a stronger affinity to negatively charged BSA. The results confirmed electrostatic interaction due to surface charge is one of main factors for determining adsorption of proteins. Furthermore, annealing studies were performed by heat treatment of as grown Ta2O5 and ZnO at 800°C in air ambience. Annealed Ta2O5 thin film had almost wetting property (from 10.02° to less than 1˜2°) and the change of cystallinity (from amorphous to cyrsalline) while annealed ZnO thin film had a reduced contact angle (from 75.65° to 39.41°) and remained to crystalline structure. The fibrinogen thickness on annealed Ta2O5 film was increased compared with as grown sample, while heat treated ZnO film showed much reduction of fibrinogen adsorption. Binary Ta-Zn oxide thin films (TZ) were grown by preparing PLD target composed of 50 wt% Ta2O5 and 50 wt% ZnO. This binary film had IEP pH 7.1 indicating nearly neutral charge in pH 7.4 PBS solution, and hydrophilic property. Ellipsometrical results showed that TZ film had the lowest fibrinogen, BSA and lysozyme thickness after 120 min adsorption compared with Ta2O5 and ZnO. Other samples, bilayer oxide films in

  11. Interactions of organic contaminants with mineral-adsorbed surfactants

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Zhu, L.; Chen, B.; Tao, S.; Chiou, C.T.

    2003-01-01

    Sorption of organic contaminants (phenol, p-nitrophenol, and naphthalene) to natural solids (soils and bentonite) with and without myristylpyridinium bromide (MPB) cationic surfactant was studied to provide novel insight to interactions of contaminants with the mineral-adsorbed surfactant. Contaminant sorption coefficients with mineral-adsorbed surfactants, Kss, show a strong dependence on surfactant loading in the solid. At low surfactant levels, the Kss values increased with increasing sorbed surfactant mass, reached a maximum, and then decreased with increasing surfactant loading. The Kss values for contaminants were always higher than respective partition coefficients with surfactant micelles (Kmc) and natural organic matter (Koc). At examined MPB concentrations in water the three organic contaminants showed little solubility enhancement by MPB. At low sorbed-surfactant levels, the resulting mineral-adsorbed surfactant via the cation-exchange process appears to form a thin organic film, which effectively "adsorbs" the contaminants, resulting in very high Kss values. At high surfactant levels, the sorbed surfactant on minerals appears to form a bulklike medium that behaves essentially as a partition phase (rather than an adsorptive surface), with the resulting Kss being significantly decreased and less dependent on the MPB loading. The results provide a reference to the use of surfactants for remediation of contaminated soils/sediments or groundwater in engineered surfactant-enhanced washing.

  12. Complexation of lysozyme with adsorbed PtBS-b-SCPI block polyelectrolyte micelles on silver surface.

    PubMed

    Papagiannopoulos, Aristeidis; Christoulaki, Anastasia; Spiliopoulos, Nikolaos; Vradis, Alexandros; Toprakcioglu, Chris; Pispas, Stergios

    2015-01-20

    We present a study of the interaction of the positively charged model protein lysozyme with the negatively charged amphiphilic diblock polyelectrolyte micelles of poly(tert-butylstyrene-b-sodium (sulfamate/carboxylate)isoprene) (PtBS-b-SCPI) on the silver/water interface. The adsorption kinetics are monitored by surface plasmon resonance, and the surface morphology is probed by atomic force microscopy. The micellar adsorption is described by stretched-exponential kinetics, and the micellar layer morphology shows that the micelles do not lose their integrity upon adsorption. The complexation of lysozyme with the adsorbed micellar layers depends on the micelles arrangement and density in the underlying layer, and lysozyme follows the local morphology of the underlying roughness. When the micellar adsorbed amount is small, the layers show low capacity in protein complexation and low resistance in loading. When the micellar adsorbed amount is high, the situation is reversed. The adsorbed layers both with or without added protein are found to be irreversibly adsorbed on the Ag surface.

  13. Comparison of the adsorbed conformation of barley lipid transfer protein at the decane-water and vacuum-water interface: a molecular dynamics simulation.

    PubMed

    Euston, S R; Hughes, P; Naser, Md A; Westacott, R E

    2008-05-01

    Molecular dynamics simulation is used to model the adsorption of the barley lipid transfer protein (LTP) at the decane-water and vacuum-water interfaces. Adsorption at both surfaces is driven by displacement of water molecules from the interfacial region. LTP adsorbed at the decane surface exhibits significant changes in its tertiary structure, and penetrates a considerable distance into the decane phase. At the vacuum-water interface LTP shows small conformational changes away from its native structure and does not penetrate into the vacuum space. Modification of the conformational stability of LTP by reduction of its four disulphide bonds leads to an increase in conformational entropy of the molecules, which reduces the driving force for adsorption. Evidence for changes in the secondary structure are also observed for native LTP at the decane-water interface and reduced LTP at the vacuum-water interface. In particular, intermittent formation of short (six-residue) regions of beta-sheet is found in these two systems. Formation of interfacial beta-sheet in adsorbed proteins has been observed experimentally, notably in the globular milk protein beta-lactoglobulin and lysozyme.

  14. Role of Defects and Adsorbed Water Film in Influencing the Electrical, Optical and Catalytic Properties of Transition Metal Oxides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Qi

    , gallium nitride and zinc oxide. Most TMOs at room temperature are known to be strongly hydrated. We show that an adsorbed water film present on the surface of TMOs facilitates the dissolution of gaseous species and promotes charge transfers at the adsorbed-water/oxide interfaces. Further, we show the role of vacancy defects in enhancing catalytic processes by directly monitoring the charge transfer process between gaseous species and vacancy defects in non-stoichiometric p-type nickel oxide and n-type tungsten oxide using in-situ NIR-PL, electrical resistance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We find the importance of adsorbed water and vacancy defects in affecting catalytic, electronic, electrical, and optical changes such as insulator-to-metal transitions and radiative emissions during electrochemical reactions. In addition, we demonstrate that electrochemical surface transfer doping exists in another system, specifically, in gallium nitride, and the presence of this adsorbed water film present on the surface of GaN induces electron transfer from GaN that leads to the formation of an electron depletion region on the surface.

  15. Static and hydrodynamic studies of the conformation of adsorbed macromolecules at the solid/liquid interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yavorsky, D. P.

    1981-08-01

    The structure of an adsorbed macromolecular layer at the solid/liquid interface under both stationary and flow conditions is examined. The conformation of adsorbed bovine serum albumin (BSA) is deduced from the thickness of surface layers formed on the pore walls of track etched (mica) membranes. Changes in membrane permeability due to protein adsorption are related directly to a net reduction in pore size or an equivalent adsorbed layer thickness. Complementary permeability measurements using electrolyte conduction, tracer diffusion, and pressure driven flow have verified the unique structural qualities of the track etched membrane and collectively demonstrate an ability to determine bare pore size with an accuracy of + or - 2A. The average static thickness of an adsorbed BSA layer, as derived from electrolyte conduction and tracer diffusion, was 43 + or - 3A independent of pore size. In comparison with the known BSA solution dimensions, this measured thickness is consistent with a monolayer of structurally unperturbed protein molecules each oriented in a "side-on" position. Pronounced conformational changes in adsorbed BSA layers were observed under conditions of shear flow. Electrostatic interactions were also shown to significantly affect adsorbed protein conformation through changes in solution ionic strength and surface charge.

  16. Effect of cholesterol on electrostatics in lipid-protein films of a pulmonary surfactant.

    PubMed

    Finot, Eric; Leonenko, Yuri; Moores, Brad; Eng, Lukas; Amrein, Matthias; Leonenko, Zoya

    2010-02-02

    We report the changes in the electrical properties of the lipid-protein film of pulmonary surfactant produced by excess cholesterol. Pulmonary surfactant (PS) is a complex lipid-protein mixture that forms a molecular film at the interface of the lung's epithelia. The defined molecular arrangement of the lipids and proteins of the surfactant film gives rise to the locally highly variable electrical surface potential of the interface, which becomes considerably altered in the presence of cholesterol. With frequency modulation Kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM) and force measurements, complemented by theoretical analysis, we showed that excess cholesterol significantly changes the electric field around a PS film because of the presence of nanometer-sized electrostatic domains and affects the electrostatic interaction of an AFM probe with a PS film. These changes in the local electrical field would greatly alter the interaction of the surfactant film with charged species and would immediately impact the manner in which inhaled (often charged) airborne nanoparticles and fibers might interact with the lung interface.

  17. Integrated system for temperature-controlled fast protein liquid chromatography comprising improved copolymer modified beaded agarose adsorbents and a travelling cooling zone reactor arrangement.

    PubMed

    Müller, Tobias K H; Cao, Ping; Ewert, Stephanie; Wohlgemuth, Jonas; Liu, Haiyang; Willett, Thomas C; Theodosiou, Eirini; Thomas, Owen R T; Franzreb, Matthias

    2013-04-12

    An integrated approach to temperature-controlled chromatography, involving copolymer modified agarose adsorbents and a novel travelling cooling zone reactor (TCZR) arrangement, is described. Sepharose CL6B was transformed into a thermoresponsive cation exchange adsorbent (thermoCEX) in four synthetic steps: (i) epichlorohydrin activation; (ii) amine capping; (iii) 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) immobilization; and 'graft from' polymerization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid-co-N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide). FT-IR, (1)H NMR, gravimetry and chemical assays allowed precise determination of the adsorbent's copolymer composition and loading, and identified the initial epoxy activation step as a critical determinant of 'on-support' copolymer loading, and in turn, protein binding performance. In batch binding studies with lactoferrin, thermoCEX's binding affinity and maximum adsorption capacity rose smoothly with temperature increase from 20 to 50 °C. In temperature shifting chromatography experiments employing thermoCEX in thermally jacketed columns, 44-51% of the lactoferrin adsorbed at 42 °C could be desorbed under binding conditions by cooling the column to 22 °C, but the elution peaks exhibited strong tailing. To more fully exploit the potential of thermoresponsive chromatography adsorbents, a new column arrangement, the TCZR, was developed. In TCZR chromatography, a narrow discrete cooling zone (special assembly of copper blocks and Peltier elements) is moved along a bespoke fixed-bed separation columnfilled with stationary phase. In tests with thermoCEX, it was possible to recover 65% of the lactoferrin bound at 35 °C using 8 successive movements of the cooling zone at a velocity of 0.1mm/s; over half of the recovered protein was eluted in the first peak in more concentrated form than in the feed. Intra-particle diffusion of desorbed protein out of the support pores, and the ratio between the velocities of the cooling

  18. Heavy metal-binding proteins from metal-stimulated bacteria as a novel adsorbent for metal removal technology.

    PubMed

    Sano, D; Myojo, K; Omura, T

    2006-01-01

    Water pollution with toxic heavy metals is of growing concern because heavy metals could bring about serious problems for not only ecosystems in the water environment but also human health. Some metal removal technologies have been in practical use, but much energy and troublesome treatments for chemical wastes are required to operate these conventional technologies. In this study, heavy metal-binding proteins (HMBPs) were obtained from metal-stimulated activated sludge culture with affinity chromatography using copper ion as a ligand. Two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed that a number of proteins in activated sludge culture were recovered as HMBPs for copper ion. N-termini of five HMBPs were determined, and two of them were found to be newly discovered proteins for which no amino acid sequences in protein databases were retrieved at more than 80% identities. Metal-coordinating amino acids occupied 38% of residues in one of the N-terminal sequences of the newly discovered HMBPs. Since these HMBPs were expected to be stable under conditions of water and wastewater treatments, it would be possible to utilize HMBPs as novel adsorbents for heavy metal removal if mass volume of HMBPs can be obtained with protein cloning techniques.

  19. Properties of Cast Films Made from Different Ratios of Whey Protein Isolate, Hydrolysed Whey Protein Isolate and Glycerol

    PubMed Central

    Schmid, Markus

    2013-01-01

    Whey protein isolate (WPI)-based cast films are very brittle, due to several chain interactions caused by a large amount of different functional groups. In order to overcome film brittleness, plasticizers, like glycerol, are commonly used. As a result of adding plasticizers, the free volume between the polymer chains increases, leading to higher permeability values. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of partially substituting glycerol by hydrolysed whey protein isolate (h-WPI) in WPI-based cast films on their mechanical, optical and barrier properties. As recently published by the author, it is proven that increasing the h-WPI content in WPI-based films at constant glycerol concentrations significantly increases film flexibility, while maintaining the barrier properties. The present study considered these facts in order to increase the barrier performance, while maintaining film flexibility. Therefore glycerol was partially replaced by h-WPI in WPI-based cast films. The results clearly indicate that partially replacing glycerol by h-WPI reduces the oxygen permeability and the water vapor transmission rate, while the mechanical properties did not change significantly. Thus, film flexibility was maintained, even though the plasticizer concentration was decreased. PMID:28811434

  20. Protein immobilization on epoxy-activated thin polymer films: effect of surface wettability and enzyme loading.

    PubMed

    Chen, Bo; Pernodet, Nadine; Rafailovich, Miriam H; Bakhtina, Asya; Gross, Richard A

    2008-12-02

    A series of epoxy-activated polymer films composed of poly(glycidyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate/hydroxyethyl methacrylate) were prepared. Variation in comonomer composition allowed exploration of relationships between surface wettability and Candida antartica lipase B (CALB) binding to surfaces. By changing solvents and polymer concentrations, suitable conditions were developed for preparation by spin-coating of uniform thin films. Film roughness determined by AFM after incubation in PBS buffer for 2 days was less than 1 nm. The occurrence of single CALB molecules and CALB aggregates at surfaces was determined by AFM imaging and measurements of volume. Absolute numbers of protein monomers and multimers at surfaces were used to determine values of CALB specific activity. Increased film wettability, as the water contact angle of films increased from 420 to 550, resulted in a decreased total number of immobilized CALB molecules. With further increases in the water contact angle of films from 55 degrees to 63 degrees, there was an increased tendency of CALB molecules to form aggregates on surfaces. On all flat surfaces, two height populations, differing by more than 30%, were observed from height distribution curves. They are attributed to changes in protein conformation and/or orientation caused by protein-surface and protein-protein interactions. The fraction of molecules in these populations changed as a function of film water contact angle. The enzyme activity of immobilized films was determined by measuring CALB-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate. Total enzyme specific activity decreased by decreasing film hydrophobicity.

  1. Development of high-productivity, strong cation-exchange adsorbers for protein capture by graft polymerization from membranes with different pore sizes

    PubMed Central

    Chenette, Heather C.S.; Robinson, Julie R.; Hobley, Eboni; Husson, Scott M.

    2012-01-01

    This paper describes the surface modification of macroporous membranes using ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) to create cation-exchange adsorbers with high protein binding capacity at high product throughput. The work is motivated by the need for a more economical and rapid capture step in downstream processing of protein therapeutics. Membranes with three reported nominal pore sizes (0.2, 0.45, 1.0 μm) were modified with poly(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, potassium salt) tentacles, to create a high density of protein binding sites. A special formulation was used in which the monomer was protected by a crown ether to enable surface-initiated ATRP of this cationic polyelectrolyte. Success with modification was supported by chemical analysis using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and indirectly by measurement of pure water flux as a function of polymerization time. Uniformity of modification within the membranes was visualized with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Static and dynamic binding capacities were measured using lysozyme protein to allow comparisons with reported performance data for commercial cation-exchange materials. Dynamic binding capacities were measured for flow rates ranging from 13 to 109 column volumes (CV)/min. Results show that this unique ATRP formulation can be used to fabricate cation-exchange membrane adsorbers with dynamic binding capacities as high as 70 mg/mL at a throughput of 100 CV/min and unprecedented productivity of 300 mg/mL/min. PMID:23175597

  2. Novel Soluble Dietary Fiber-Tannin Self-Assembled Film: A Promising Protein Protective Material.

    PubMed

    Song, Guo-Bin; Xu, Juan; Zheng, Hua; Feng, Ying; Zhang, Wen-Wen; Li, Kun; Ge, Shuang-shuang; Li, Kai; Zhang, Hong

    2015-06-24

    In this experiment, a natural promising protein protective film was fabricated through soluble dietary fiber (SDF)-tannin nanocluster self-assembly. FT-IR, XRD, and DSC tests were employed to investigate the interaction between the SDF and tannins before and after cross-linking induced by calcium ion. On the other hand, referring to the SEM and TEM results, the self-assembly process of the protein protective film could be indicated as follows: first, calcium ion, with its cross-ability, served as the "nucleus"; SDF and tannins were combined to prepare the nanoscale SDF-tannin clusters; then, the clusters were homogeneously deposited on the surface of protein to form a protective film by self-assembling hydrogen bond between tannin component of clusters as "adhesive" and protein in aqueous solutions under very mild conditions. Film thickness could also be controlled by tannin of different concentrations ranging from 114 to 1384 μm. Antibacterial test and in vitro cytotoxicity test proved that the film had a broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties and excellent cell biocompatibility, respectively, which might open up new applications in the food preservation and biomedical fields.

  3. Development and characterization of bacterial cellulose reinforced biocomposite films based on protein from buckwheat distiller's dried grains.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xuejiao; Ullah, Niamat; Sun, Xuchun; Guo, Yan; Chen, Lin; Li, Zhixi; Feng, Xianchao

    2017-03-01

    Biocomposite films were manufactured by combining protein extracted from buckwheat distiller's dried grains with bacterial cellulose (BC). The film microstructures showed that BC is compatible with protein matrix and endows the film with high rigidity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that BC can promote thermal stability of the composite films. BC promoted the transition from a Newtonian to a non-Newtonian fluid and the shear thinning behavior of protein-BC solution. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the main functional groups' absorption peaks shifted to lower wavenumbers. Results of both FTIR and viscosity analysis proved the formation of intermolecular interactions through hydrogen bonds. These bonds affected film characteristics such as moisture content (MC), water solubility (WS), and water vapor permeability (WVP), which decreased with addition of BC. The WVP (6.68±0.78-5.95±0.54×10 -10 gm/Pasm 2 ) of the films were lower than other protein films. Tensile strength (TS) values of films containing 1.8% and 2.0% BC (14.98±0.97 and 15.03±2.04MPa) were significantly higher than that of pure protein films (4.26±0.66MPa). Combination of proteins extracted from a waste product and BC led to composite films with low water vapor permeability and excellent mechanical properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Electrochemical hydrogenation of a homogeneous nickel complex to form a surface adsorbed hydrogen-evolving species

    DOE PAGES

    Martin, Daniel J.; McCarthy, Brian D.; Donley, Carrie L.; ...

    2014-12-04

    Here, a Ni(ii) complex with nitrogen and sulfur donor ligands degrades electrochemically in the presence of acid in acetonitrile to form an electrode adsorbed film that catalytically evolves hydrogen.

  5. Electrochemically controlled drug-mimicking protein release from iron-alginate thin-films associated with an electrode.

    PubMed

    Jin, Zhiyuan; Güven, Güray; Bocharova, Vera; Halámek, Jan; Tokarev, Ihor; Minko, Sergiy; Melman, Artem; Mandler, Daniel; Katz, Evgeny

    2012-01-01

    Novel biocompatible hybrid-material composed of iron-ion-cross-linked alginate with embedded protein molecules has been designed for the signal-triggered drug release. Electrochemically controlled oxidation of Fe(2+) ions in the presence of soluble natural alginate polymer and drug-mimicking protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) results in the formation of an alginate-based thin-film cross-linked by Fe(3+) ions at the electrode interface with the entrapped protein. The electrochemically generated composite thin-film was characterized by electrochemistry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Preliminary experiments demonstrated that the electrochemically controlled deposition of the protein-containing thin-film can be performed at microscale using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) as the deposition tool producing polymer-patterned spots potentially containing various entrapped drugs. Application of reductive potentials on the modified electrode produced Fe(2+) cations which do not keep complexation with alginate, thus resulting in the electrochemically triggered thin-film dissolution and the protein release. Different experimental parameters, such as the film-deposition time, concentrations of compounds and applied potentials, were varied in order to demonstrate that the electrodepositon and electrodissolution of the alginate composite film can be tuned to the optimum performance. A statistical modeling technique was applied to find optimal conditions for the formation of the composite thin-film for the maximal encapsulation and release of the drug-mimicking protein at the lowest possible potential. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  6. Astrocytes Specifically Remove Surface-Adsorbed Fibrinogen and Locally Express Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans

    PubMed Central

    Hsiao, Tony W.; Swarup, Vimal P.; Kuberan, Balagurunathan; Tresco, Patrick A.; Hlady, Vladimir

    2013-01-01

    Surface-adsorbed fibrinogen (FBG) was recognized by adhering astrocytes and removed from the substrates in vitro by a two-phase removal process. The cells removed adsorbed FBG from binary proteins surface patterns (FBG + laminin, or FBG + albumin) while leaving the other protein behind. Astrocytes preferentially expressed chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) at the loci of fibrinogen stimuli; however no differences in overall CSPG production as a function of FBG surface coverage were identified. Removal of FBG by astrocytes was also found to be independent of transforming growth factor type β (TGF-β) receptor based signaling as cells maintained CSPG production in the presence of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor, SB 431542. The inhibitor decreased CSPG expression, but did not abolicsh it entirely. Because blood contact and subsequent FBG adsorption are unavoidable in neural implantations, the results indicate that implant-adsorbed FBG may contribute to reactive astrogliosis around the implant as astrocytes specifically recognize adsorbed FBG. PMID:23499985

  7. Lipid domains control myelin basic protein adsorption and membrane interactions between model myelin lipid bilayers

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Dong Woog; Banquy, Xavier; Kristiansen, Kai; Kaufman, Yair; Boggs, Joan M.; Israelachvili, Jacob N.

    2014-01-01

    The surface forces apparatus and atomic force microscope were used to study the effects of lipid composition and concentrations of myelin basic protein (MBP) on the structure of model lipid bilayers, as well as the interaction forces and adhesion between them. The lipid bilayers had a lipid composition characteristic of the cytoplasmic leaflets of myelin from “normal” (healthy) and “disease-like” [experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE)] animals. They showed significant differences in the adsorption mechanism of MBP. MBP adsorbs on normal bilayers to form a compact film (3–4 nm) with strong intermembrane adhesion (∼0.36 mJ/m2), in contrast to its formation of thicker (7–8 nm) swelled films with weaker intermembrane adhesion (∼0.13 mJ/m2) on EAE bilayers. MBP preferentially adsorbs to liquid-disordered submicron domains within the lipid membranes, attributed to hydrophobic attractions. These results show a direct connection between the lipid composition of membranes and membrane–protein adsorption mechanisms that affects intermembrane spacing and adhesion and has direct implications for demyelinating diseases. PMID:24516125

  8. Orienting proteins by nanostructured surfaces: evidence of a curvature-driven geometrical resonance.

    PubMed

    Messina, Grazia M L; Bocchinfuso, Gianfranco; Giamblanco, Nicoletta; Mazzuca, Claudia; Palleschi, Antonio; Marletta, Giovanni

    2018-04-26

    Experimental and theoretical reports have shown that nanostructured surfaces have a dramatic effect on the amount of protein adsorbed and the conformational state and, in turn, on the performances of the related devices in tissue engineering strategies. Here we report an innovative method to prepare silica-based nanostructured surfaces with a reproducible, well-defined local curvature, consisting of ordered hexagonally packed arrays of curved hemispheres, from nanoparticles of different diameters (respectively 147 nm, 235 nm and 403 nm). The nanostructured surfaces have been made chemically homogeneous by partially embedding silica nanoparticles in poly(hydroxymethylsiloxane) films, further modified by means of UV-O3 treatments. This paper has been focused on the experimental and theoretical study of laminin, taken as a model protein, to study the nanocurvature effects on the protein configuration at nanostructured surfaces. A simple model, based on the interplay of electrostatic interactions between the charged terminal domains of laminin and the nanocurved charged surfaces, closely reproduces the experimental findings. In particular, the model suggests that nanocurvature drives the orientation of rigid proteins by means of a "geometrical resonance" effect, involving the matching of dimensions, charge distribution and spatial arrangement of both adsorbed molecules and adsorbent nanostructures. Overall, the results pave the way to unravel the nanostructured surface effects on the intra- and inter-molecular organization processes of proteins.

  9. Protein gradient films of fibroin and gelatine.

    PubMed

    Claussen, Kai U; Lintz, Eileen S; Giesa, Reiner; Schmidt, Hans-Werner; Scheibel, Thomas

    2013-10-01

    Gradients are a natural design principle in biological systems that are used to diminish stress concentration where materials of differing mechanical properties connect. An interesting example of a natural gradient material is byssus, which anchors mussels to rocks and other hard substrata. Building upon previous work with synthetic polymers and inspired by byssal threads, protein gradient films are cast using glycerine-plasticized gelatine and fibroin exhibiting a highly reproducible and smooth mechanical gradient, which encompasses a large range of modulus from 160 to 550 MPa. The reproducible production of biocompatible gradient films represents a first step towards medical applications. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature of polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Negash, Solomon; Tatek, Yergou B.; Tsige, Mesfin

    2018-04-01

    We have carried out atomistic (all-atom) molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature (Tg) of polystyrene (PS) thin films adsorbed on two distinct types of solid substrates. The systems consist of thin films made of atactic, isotactic, and syndiotactic PS chains supported by graphite or hydroxylated α-quartz substrates, which are known to be atomically flat but chemically and structurally different. We have observed a marked dependence of the film structure on substrate type as well as on tacticity. For instance, rings' orientation near substrate surfaces depends on substrate type for atactic PS and isotactic PS films, while no such dependence is observed for syndiotactic PS films whose interfacial structure seems to result from their propensity to adopt the trans conformation rather than their specific interaction with the substrates. Moreover, our results indicate that glass transition temperatures of substrate supported polystyrene films are higher compared to those of the corresponding free-standing films. More specifically, PS films on graphite exhibit larger Tg values than those on α-quartz, and we have noticed that syndiotactic PS has the largest Tg irrespective of the substrate type. Furthermore, the local Tg in the region of the film in contact with the substrates shows a strong tacticity and substrate dependence, whereas no dependencies were found for the local Tg in the middle of the film. Substrate-film interaction energy and chains' dynamics near substrate-film interfaces were subsequently investigated in order to substantiate the obtained Tgs, and it was found that films with higher Tgs are strongly adsorbed on the substrates and/or exhibit smaller interfacial chains' dynamics essentially due to steric hindrance.

  11. Improvement of blood compatibility on polysulfone-polyvinylpyrrolidone blend films as a model membrane of dialyzer by physical adsorption of recombinant soluble human thrombomodulin (ART-123).

    PubMed

    Omichi, Masaaki; Matsusaki, Michiya; Maruyama, Ikuro; Akashi, Mitsuru

    2012-01-01

    ART-123 is a recombinant soluble human thrombomodulin (hTM) with potent anticoagulant activity, and is available for developing antithrombogenic surfaces by immobilization. We focused on improving blood compatibility on the dialyzer surface by the physical adsorption of ART-123 as a safe yet simple method without using chemical reagents. The physical adsorption mechanism and anticoagulant activities of adsorbed hTM on the surface of a polysulfone (PSF) membrane containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a model dialyzer were investigated in detail. The PVP content of the PSF-PVP films was saturated at 20 wt% after immersion in Tris-HCl buffer, even with the addition of over 20 wt% PVP. The surface morphology of the PSF-PVP films was strongly influenced by the PVP content, because PVP covered the outermost surface of the PSF-PVP films. The adsorption speed of hTM slowed dramatically with increasing PVP content up to 10 wt%, but the maximum adsorption amount of hTM onto the PSF-PVP film surface was almost the same, regardless of the PVP content. The PSF-PVP film with the physically adsorbed hTM showed higher protein C activity as compared to the PSF film, it showed excellent blood compatibility due to the protein C activity and the inhibition properties of platelet adhesion. The physical adsorption of hTM can be useful as a safe yet simple method to improve the blood compatibility of a dialyzer surface.

  12. Modeling adsorption: Investigating adsorbate and adsorbent properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Webster, Charles Edwin

    1999-12-01

    Surface catalyzed reactions play a major role in current chemical production technology. Currently, 90% of all chemicals are produced by heterogeneously catalyzed reactions. Most of these catalyzed reactions involve adsorption, concentrating the substrate(s) (the adsorbate) on the surface of the solid (the adsorbent). Pore volumes, accessible surface areas, and the thermodynamics of adsorption are essential in the understanding of solid surface characteristics fundamental to catalyst and adsorbent screening and selection. Molecular properties such as molecular volumes and projected molecular areas are needed in order to convert moles adsorbed to surface volumes and areas. Generally, these molecular properties have been estimated from bulk properties, but many assumptions are required. As a result, different literature values are employed for these essential molecular properties. Calculated molar volumes and excluded molecular areas are determined and tabulated for a variety of molecules. Molecular dimensions of molecules are important in the understanding of molecular exclusion as well as size and shape selectivity, diffusion, and adsorbent selection. Molecular dimensions can also be used in the determination of the effective catalytic pore size of a catalyst. Adsorption isotherms, on zeolites, (crystalline mineral oxides) and amorphous solids, can be analyzed with the Multiple Equilibrium Analysis (MEA) description of adsorption. The MEA produces equilibrium constants (Ki), capacities (ni), and thermodynamic parameters (enthalpies, ΔHi, and entropies, ΔSi) of adsorption for each process. Pore volumes and accessible surface areas are calculated from the process capacities. Adsorption isotherms can also be predicted for existing and new adsorbate-adsorbent systems with the MEA. The results show that MEA has the potential of becoming a standard characterization method for microporous solids that will lead to an increased understanding of their behavior in gas

  13. A comparative study of fibrinogen adsorption onto metal oxide thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Silva-Bermudez, P.; Muhl, S.; Rodil, S. E.

    2013-10-01

    One of the first events occurring upon foreign material-biological medium contact is the adsorption of proteins, which evolution greatly determines the cells response to the material. Protein-surface interactions are a complex phenomenon driven by the physicochemical properties of the surface, protein(s) and liquid medium involve in the interaction. In this article the adsorption of fibrinogen (Fbg) onto Ta2O5, Nb2O5, TiO2 and ZrO2 thin films is reported. The adsorption kinetics and characteristics of the adsorbed fibrinogen layer were studied in situ using dynamic and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The films wettability, surface energy (γLW/AB) and roughness were characterized aiming to elucidate their correlations with Fbg adsorption. The adsorption rate changed accordingly to the film; the fastest adsorption rate and highest Fbg surface mass concentration (Γ) was observed on ZrO2. The hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the oxide highly influenced Fbg adsorption. On Ta2O5, Nb2O5 and TiO2, which were either hydrophilic or in the breaking-point between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, Γ was correlated to the polar component of γLW/AB and roughness of the surface. On ZrO2, clearly hydrophobic, Γ increased significantly off the correlation observed for the other films. The results indicated different adsorption dynamics and orientations of the Fbg molecules dependent on the surface hydrophobic/hydrophilic character.

  14. The film tells the story: Physical-chemical characteristics of IgG at the liquid-air interface.

    PubMed

    Koepf, Ellen; Schroeder, Rudolf; Brezesinski, Gerald; Friess, Wolfgang

    2017-10-01

    The presence of liquid-air interfaces in protein pharmaceuticals is known to negatively impact product stability. Nevertheless, the mechanisms behind interface-related protein aggregation are not yet fully understood. Little is known about the physical-chemical behavior of proteins adsorbed to the interface. Therefore, the combinatorial use of appropriate surface-sensitive analytical methods such as Langmuir trough experiments, Infrared Reflection-Absorption Spectroscopy (IRRAS), Brewster Angle Microscopy (BAM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is highly expedient to uncover structures and events at the liquid-air interface directly. Concentration-dependent adsorption of a human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and characteristic surface-pressure/area isotherms substantiated the amphiphilic nature of the protein molecules as well as the formation of a compressible protein film at the liquid-air interface. Upon compression, the IgG molecules do not readily desorb but form a highly compressible interfacial film. IRRA spectra proved not only the presence of the protein at the interface, but also showed that the secondary structure does not change considerably during adsorption or compression. IRRAS experiments at different angles of incidence indicated that the film thickness and/or packing density increases upon compression. Furthermore, BAM images exposed the presence of a coherent but heterogeneous distribution of the protein at the interface. Topographical differences within the protein film after adsorption, compression and decompression were revealed using underwater AFM. The combinatorial use of physical-chemical, spectroscopic and microscopic methods provided useful insights into the liquid-air interfacial protein behavior and revealed the formation of a continuous but inhomogeneous film of native-like protein molecules whose topographical appearance is affected by compressive forces. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Interfacial properties, thin film stability and foam stability of casein micelle dispersions.

    PubMed

    Chen, Min; Sala, Guido; Meinders, Marcel B J; van Valenberg, Hein J F; van der Linden, Erik; Sagis, Leonard M C

    2017-01-01

    Foam stability of casein micelle dispersions (CMDs) strongly depends on aggregate size. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the role of interfacial and thin film properties was investigated. CMDs were prepared at 4°C and 20°C, designated as CMD 4°C and CMD 20°C . At equal protein concentrations, foam stability of CMD 4 °C (with casein micelle aggregates) was markedly higher than CMD 20°C (without aggregates). Although the elastic modulus of CMD 4°C was twice as that of CMD 20°C at 0.005Hz, the protein adsorbed amount was slightly higher for CMD 20°C than for CMD 4°C , which indicated a slight difference in interfacial composition of the air/water interface. Non-linear surface dilatational rheology showed minor differences between mechanical properties of air/water interfaces stabilized by two CMDs. These differences in interfacial properties could not explain the large difference in foam stability between two CMDs. Thin film analysis showed that films made with CMD 20°C drained to a more homogeneous film compared to films stabilized by CMD 4°C . Large casein micelle aggregates trapped in the thin film of CMD 4°C made the film more heterogeneous. The rupture time of thin films was significantly longer for CMD 4°C (>1h) than for CMD 20°C (<600s) at equal protein concentration. After homogenization, which broke down the aggregates, the thin films of CMD 4°C became much more homogeneous, and both the rupture time of thin films and foam stability decreased significantly. In conclusion, the increased stability of foam prepared with CMD 4°C appears to be the result of entrapment of casein micelle aggregates in the liquid films of the foam. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Physical, Chemical and Biochemical Modifications of Protein-Based Films and Coatings: An Extensive Review

    PubMed Central

    Zink, Joël; Wyrobnik, Tom; Prinz, Tobias; Schmid, Markus

    2016-01-01

    Protein-based films and coatings are an interesting alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials. However, their mechanical and barrier properties need to be enhanced in order to match those of the latter. Physical, chemical, and biochemical methods can be used for this purpose. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the effects of various treatments on whey, soy, and wheat gluten protein-based films and coatings. These three protein sources have been chosen since they are among the most abundantly used and are well described in the literature. Similar behavior might be expected for other protein sources. Most of the modifications are still not fully understood at a fundamental level, but all the methods discussed change the properties of the proteins and resulting products. Mastering these modifications is an important step towards the industrial implementation of protein-based films. PMID:27563881

  17. Films based on protein isolated from croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) and palm oil.

    PubMed

    Halal, Shanise Lisie Mello El; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa; Rocha, Meritaine da; Pinto, Vânia Zanella; Nunes, Michael Ramos; Luvielmo, Márcia de Mello; Prentice, Carlos

    2016-05-01

    The microstructure and the physical, mechanical, barrier and thermal properties of films based on different concentrations of protein isolated from croaker waste (CPI) and palm oil (PO) were analyzed. Films were elaborated by a casting technique using 2, 3 and 4 g CPI 100 g(-1) of a filmogenic solution and 0, 10 and 20 g of PO 100 g(-1) CPI. Microstructure of the film surfaces of CPI with PO showed no presence of lipid droplets dispersed in the filmogenic matrix, although a rough surface was present. Films with 3% and 4% CPI and 20% PO had the lowest rates of water vapor permeability. When there was an addition of PO to the reduced tensile strength of the films, regardless of the concentration of CPI, this addition reduced the elongation of films with 3% and 4% CPI; however, it did not influence films with 2% CPI, which did not differ from the control film (0% OP). Thermal analysis revealed that films with the highest PO percentage had a lower initial weight loss when compared with other films, due to higher hydrophobicity. The use of protein isolate obtained from fish residues of low commercial value and palm oil is viable for the production of biodegradable films because the latter constitute good barrier properties and thermal stability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

  18. Dynamic contact angle analysis of protein adsorption on polysaccharide multilayer's films for biomaterial reendothelialization.

    PubMed

    Benni, Safiya; Avramoglou, Thierry; Hlawaty, Hanna; Mora, Laurence

    2014-01-01

    Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular disease. One of the side effects is restenosis. The aim of this work was to study the coating of stents by dextran derivates based polyelectrolyte's multilayer (PEM) films in order to increase endothelialization of injured arterial wall after stent implantation. Films were composed with diethylaminoethyl dextran (DEAE) as polycation and dextran sulphate (DS) as polyanion. One film was composed with 4 bilayers of (DEAE-DS)4 and was labeled D-. The other film was the same as D- but with an added terminal layer of DEAE polycation: (DEAE-DS)4-DEAE (labeled D+). The dynamic adsorption/desorption of proteins on the films were characterized by dynamic contact angle (DCA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Human endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and proliferation were quantified and correlated to protein adsorption analyzed by DCA for fibronectin, vitronectin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our results showed that the endothelial cell response was optimal for films composed of DS as external layer. Fibronectin was found to be the only protein to exhibit a reversible change in conformation after desorption test. This behavior was only observed for (DEAE-DS)4 films. (DEAE-DS)4 films could enhance HUVEC proliferation in agreement with fibronectin ability to easily change from conformation.

  19. Dynamic Contact Angle Analysis of Protein Adsorption on Polysaccharide Multilayer's Films for Biomaterial Reendothelialization

    PubMed Central

    Benni, Safiya; Mora, Laurence

    2014-01-01

    Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular disease. One of the side effects is restenosis. The aim of this work was to study the coating of stents by dextran derivates based polyelectrolyte's multilayer (PEM) films in order to increase endothelialization of injured arterial wall after stent implantation. Films were composed with diethylaminoethyl dextran (DEAE) as polycation and dextran sulphate (DS) as polyanion. One film was composed with 4 bilayers of (DEAE-DS)4 and was labeled D−. The other film was the same as D− but with an added terminal layer of DEAE polycation: (DEAE-DS)4-DEAE (labeled D+). The dynamic adsorption/desorption of proteins on the films were characterized by dynamic contact angle (DCA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Human endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and proliferation were quantified and correlated to protein adsorption analyzed by DCA for fibronectin, vitronectin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our results showed that the endothelial cell response was optimal for films composed of DS as external layer. Fibronectin was found to be the only protein to exhibit a reversible change in conformation after desorption test. This behavior was only observed for (DEAE-DS)4 films. (DEAE-DS)4 films could enhance HUVEC proliferation in agreement with fibronectin ability to easily change from conformation. PMID:25276808

  20. Tuning the Functional Properties of Bitter Vetch (Vicia ervilia) Protein Films Grafted with Spermidine

    PubMed Central

    Roviello, Valentina; Sabbah, Mohammed

    2017-01-01

    Bitter vetch protein films containing positively charged spermidine, alone or with low amounts of glycerol, showed high tensile strength that progressively decreased by increasing the plasticizer concentration. Accordingly, lower film elongation at break and higher Young’s module values were detected in the presence of the polyamine without or with small amounts of glycerol. These data suggest that spermidine not only acts as a plasticizer itself by ionically interacting with proteins, but that it also facilitates glycerol-dependent reduction of the intermolecular forces along the protein chains, consequently improving the film flexibility and extensibility. Thus, spermidine may be considered not only as a primary, but also as a secondary plasticizer because of its ability to enhance glycerol plasticizing performance. Such double behavior of the polyamine was confirmed by the film permeability tests, since spermidine increased the barrier properties to gases and water vapor, while glycerol emphasized this effect at low concentrations but led to its marked reversal at high concentrations. Film microscopic images also substantiated these findings, showing more compact, cohesive, and homogeneous matrices in all spermidine-containing films. PMID:29292733

  1. Tuning Surface Energy Landscapes in Metallic Quantum Films using Alkali Adsorbates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khajetoorians, Alexander; Qin, Shengyong; Zhu, Wenguang; Eisele, Holger; Zhang, Zhenyu; Shih, Chih-Kang

    2008-03-01

    Quantum confinement shows a strong interplay with growth and kinetics in thin metal systems where the Fermi wavelength has a special relationship to the surface normal lattice constant. In the case of Pb/Si(111) systems, this relationship reveals an interesting thickness-dependent bilayer oscillation in the density of states and surface energy up to a phase. In this paper, we report on a novel effect: tuning of the energy landscape of a flat-top quantum Pb mesa using Cs adsorbates. Using STM/STS, we show that depositing Cs adsorbates on a thin Pb mesa promotes quantum stable Pb nanoislands on preferentially unstable thicknesses. Thickness-dependent nanoisland densities show a strong bilayer oscillation correlating with quantum stability. By modifying the Cs coverage on the mesa surface, we can tune the lateral size distribution of the nanoislands and the overall amplitude of the island density oscillation. Nanoisland formation is linked to a step decoration of Cs adatoms along the step edge of the nanoisland.

  2. Theory and applications of refractive index-based optical microscopy to measure protein mass transfer in spherical adsorbent particles.

    PubMed

    Bankston, Theresa E; Stone, Melani C; Carta, Giorgio

    2008-04-25

    This work provides the theoretical foundation and a range of practical application examples of a recently developed method to measure protein mass transfer in adsorbent particles using refractive index-based optical microscopy. A ray-theoretic approach is first used to predict the behavior of light traveling through a particle during transient protein adsorption. When the protein concentration gradient in the particle is sharp, resulting in a steep refractive index gradient, the rays bend and intersect, thereby concentrating light in a sharp ring that marks the position of the adsorption front. This behavior is observed when mass transfer is dominated by pore diffusion and the adsorption isotherm is highly favorable. Applications to protein cation-exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and affinity adsorption are then considered using, as examples, the three commercial, agarose-based stationary phases SP-Sepharose-FF, Butyl Sepharose 4FF, and MabSelect. In all three cases, the method provides results that are consistent with measurements based on batch adsorption and previously published data confirming its utility for the determination of protein mass transfer kinetics under a broad range of practically relevant conditions.

  3. Protein Adsorption Alters Hydrophobic Surfaces Used for Suspension Culture of Pluripotent Stem Cells.

    PubMed

    Jonas, Steven J; Stieg, Adam Z; Richardson, Wade; Guo, Shuling; Powers, David N; Wohlschlegel, James; Dunn, Bruce

    2015-02-05

    This Letter examines the physical and chemical changes that occur at the interface of methyl-terminated alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) after exposure to cell culture media used to derive embryoid bodies (EBs) from pluripotent stem cells. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis of the SAMs indicates that protein components within the EB cell culture medium preferentially adsorb at the hydrophobic interface. In addition, we examined the adsorption process using surface plasmon resonance and atomic force microscopy. These studies identify the formation of a porous, mat-like adsorbed protein film with an approximate thickness of 2.5 nm. Captive bubble contact angle analysis reveals a shift toward superhydrophilic wetting behavior at the cell culture interface due to adsorption of these proteins. These results show how EBs are able to remain in suspension when derived on hydrophobic materials, which carries implications for the rational design of suspension culture interfaces for lineage specific stem-cell differentiation.

  4. The effect of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films on the growth of Penicillium expansum in apples.

    PubMed

    Simonaitiene, Dovile; Brink, Ieva; Sipailiene, Ausra; Leskauskaite, Daiva

    2015-05-01

    Penicillium expansum causes a major post-harvest disease of apples. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition effect of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films containing different amounts of quince and cranberry juice against P. expansum on the simulation medium and on apples. The mechanical properties of films were also evaluated. The presence of cranberry and quince juice in the composition of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films caused a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in elasticity and decrease in tensile strength of films. Chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films with quince and cranberry juice demonstrated a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition effect against P. expansum growth on the simulated medium and apples. The presence of cranberry juice in the composition of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films resulted in a longer lag phase and a lower P. expansum growth rate on the simulation medium in comparison with films made with the addition of quince juice. These differences were not evident when experiment was conducted with apples. Addition of quince and cranberry juice to the chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films as natural antifungal agents has some potential for prolonging the shelf life of apples. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

  5. Activity, conformation and dynamics of cutinase adsorbed on poly(methyl methacrylate) latex particles.

    PubMed

    Baptista, R P; Santos, A M; Fedorov, A; Martinho, J M G; Pichot, C; Elaïssari, A; Cabral, J M S; Taipa, M A

    2003-05-08

    The adsorption of a recombinant cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi onto the surface of 100 nm diameter poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex particles was evaluated. Adsorption of cutinase is a fast process since more than 70% of protein molecules are adsorbed onto PMMA at time zero of experiment, irrespective of the tested conditions. A Langmuir-type model fitted both protein and enzyme activity isotherms at 25 degrees C. Gamma(max) increased from 1.1 to 1.7 mg m(-2) and U(max) increased from 365 to 982 U m(-2) as the pH was raised from 4.5 to 9.2, respectively. A decrease (up to 50%) in specific activity retention was observed at acidic pH values (pH 4.5 and 5.2) while almost no inactivation (eta(act) congruent with 87-94%) was detected upon adsorption at pH 7.0 and 9.2. Concomitantly, far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra evidenced a reduction in the alpha-helical content of adsorbed protein at acidic pH values while at neutral and alkaline pH the secondary structure of adsorbed cutinase was similar to that of native protein. Fluorescence anisotropy decays showed the release of some constraints to the local motion of the Trp69 upon protein adsorption at pH 8.0, probably due to the disruption of the tryptophan-alanine hydrogen bond when the tryptophan interacts with the PMMA surface. Structural data associated with activity measurements at pH 7.0 and 9.2 showed that cutinase adsorbs onto PMMA particles in an end-on orientation with active site exposed to solvent and full integrity of cutinase secondary structure. Hydrophobic interactions are likely the major contribution to the adsorption mechanism at neutral and alkaline pH values, and a higher amount of protein is adsorbed to PMMA particles with increasing temperature at pH 9.2. The maximum adsorption increased from 88 to 140 mg cutinase per g PMMA with temperature raising from 25 to 50 degrees C, at pH 9.2.

  6. Microwave plasma induced surface modification of diamond-like carbon films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rao Polaki, Shyamala; Kumar, Niranjan; Gopala Krishna, Nanda; Madapu, Kishore; Kamruddin, Mohamed; Dash, Sitaram; Tyagi, Ashok Kumar

    2017-12-01

    Tailoring the surface of diamond-like carbon (DLC) film is technically relevant for altering the physical and chemical properties, desirable for useful applications. A physically smooth and sp3 dominated DLC film with tetrahedral coordination was prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The surface of the DLC film was exposed to hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen plasma for physical and chemical modifications. The surface modification was based on the concept of adsorption-desorption of plasma species and surface entities of films. Energetic chemical species of microwave plasma are adsorbed, leading to desorbtion of the surface carbon atoms due to energy and momentum exchange. The interaction of such reactive species with DLC films enhanced the roughness, surface defects and dangling bonds of carbon atoms. Adsorbed hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen formed a covalent network while saturating the dangling carbon bonds around the tetrahedral sp3 valency. The modified surface chemical affinity depends upon the charge carriers and electron covalency of the adsorbed atoms. The contact angle of chemically reconstructed surface increases when a water droplet interacts either through hydrogen or van dear Waals bonding. These weak interactions influenced the wetting property of the DLC surface to a great extent.

  7. Use of proteins to minimize the physical aging of EUDRAGIT sustained release films.

    PubMed

    Kucera, Shawn A; McGinity, James W; Zheng, Weijia; Shah, Navnit H; Malick, A Waseem; Infeld, Martin H

    2007-07-01

    The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of two proteins, albumin and type B gelatin, on the physical aging of EUDRAGIT RS 30 D and RL 30 D coated theophylline pellets. The physicomechanical properties of sprayed films, thermal properties of cast films, influence of proteins on the zeta potential and particle size of the dispersion, and the release of proteins from cast films under simulated dissolution conditions were investigated. The release rate of theophylline decreased significantly over time from pellets coated with an acrylic dispersion containing 10% albumin when there was no acidification of the acrylic dispersion; however, when pellets were coated with an acidified EUDRAGIT/albumin dispersion, the theophylline release rate was stable for dosage forms stored in the absence of humidity. The drug release rate was faster for pellets coated with acrylic dispersions containing 10% gelatin compared to the albumin-containing formulations. When sprayed films were stored at 40 degrees C/75% RH, the water vapor permeability decreased significantly for both EUDRAGIT films and those containing EUDRAGIT and albumin; however, there was no significant change in this parameter when 10% gelatin was present. Albumin was released from the acrylic films when the pH of the dissolution media was below the isoelectric point of the protein while no quantitative release of gelatin was observed in pH 1.2 or 7.4 media. The effect of gelatin to prevent the decrease in drug release rate was due to stabilization in water vapor permeability of the film. Acidification of the polymeric dispersion resulted in electrostatic repulsive forces between albumin and the acrylic polymer, which stabilized the drug release rate when the dosage forms were stored in aluminum induction sealed containers at both 40 degrees C/75% RH and 25 degrees C/60% RH.

  8. Driving force behind adsorption-induced protein unfolding: a time-resolved X-ray reflectivity study on lysozyme adsorbed at an air/water interface.

    PubMed

    Yano, Yohko F; Uruga, Tomoya; Tanida, Hajime; Toyokawa, Hidenori; Terada, Yasuko; Takagaki, Masafumi; Yamada, Hironari

    2009-01-06

    Time-resolved X-ray reflectivity measurements for lysozyme (LSZ) adsorbed at an air/water interface were performed to study the mechanism of adsorption-induced protein unfolding. The time dependence of the density profile at the air/water interface revealed that the molecular conformation changed significantly during adsorption. Taking into account previous work using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we propose that the LSZ molecules initially adsorbed on the air/water interface have a flat unfolded structure, forming antiparallel beta-sheets as a result of hydrophobic interactions with the gas phase. In contrast, as adsorption continues, a second layer forms in which the molecules have a very loose structure having random coils as a result of hydrophilic interactions with the hydrophilic groups that protrude from the first layer.

  9. Efficient protein-repelling thin films regulated by chain mobility of low-Tg polymers with increased stability via crosslinking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Jinghui; Huang, Zhiwei; Liu, Dan

    2017-12-01

    Polymer thin films are generally employed as coatings on implants to prevent protein adsorption. Polymer chain mobility and surface softness have been found to contribute to the protein resistance, but also bring film instability in a liquid protein medium. We investigated the protein resistance ability of three low-Tg polymers, including hydrophobic polymers polyisoprene (PI), poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PnBMA) and hydrophilic polyethylene oxide (PEO), by overcoming the instability issue with crosslinking. We found that the Tgs of PI and PEO can be increased to around 0 °C after crosslinking. The remained strong chain mobility of both films can still resist protein adsorption regardless the hydrophobicity, yet greatly increases the film stability under an aqueous circumstance. The PnBMA film increased its Tg to around room temperature after crosslinking, which deteriorated the protein-resistance ability having the surface covered by BSA molecules. Our results support that the chain mobility of a polymer film plays an important role in resisting protein adsorption due to the increased entropy associated with more mobile polymer chains. By tune the degree of crosslinking, the stability of polymer in aqueous environment can be increased while the protein resistant ability can be remained. Our results provide a new strategy to design polymer materials for effective antifouling.

  10. Chain Conformation near the Buried Interface in Nanoparticle-Stabilized Polymer Thin Films

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barkley, Deborah A.; Jiang, Naisheng; Sen, Mani

    It is known that when nanoparticles are added to polymer thin films, they often migrate to the film-substrate interface and form an “immobile interfacial layer”, which has been believed as the origin of suppression of dewetting. We here report an alternative mechanism of dewetting suppression from the structural aspect of a polymer. Dodecane thiol-functionalized gold (Au) nanoparticles embedded in PS thin films prepared on Si substrates were used as a model. It was found that thermal annealing promotes irreversible polymer adsorption onto the substrate surface along with the surface migration of the nanoparticles. We also revealed that the surface migrationmore » causes additional nanoconfined space for the adsorbed polymer chains. As a result, the self-organization process of the strongly adsorbed polymer chains on the solid surface was so hindered that the chain conformations were randomized and expanded in the film normal direction. Here, the resultant chain conformation allows the interpenetration between free chains and the adsorbed chains, promoting adhesion and hence stabilizing the thin film.« less

  11. Chain Conformation near the Buried Interface in Nanoparticle-Stabilized Polymer Thin Films

    DOE PAGES

    Barkley, Deborah A.; Jiang, Naisheng; Sen, Mani; ...

    2017-09-26

    It is known that when nanoparticles are added to polymer thin films, they often migrate to the film-substrate interface and form an “immobile interfacial layer”, which has been believed as the origin of suppression of dewetting. We here report an alternative mechanism of dewetting suppression from the structural aspect of a polymer. Dodecane thiol-functionalized gold (Au) nanoparticles embedded in PS thin films prepared on Si substrates were used as a model. It was found that thermal annealing promotes irreversible polymer adsorption onto the substrate surface along with the surface migration of the nanoparticles. We also revealed that the surface migrationmore » causes additional nanoconfined space for the adsorbed polymer chains. As a result, the self-organization process of the strongly adsorbed polymer chains on the solid surface was so hindered that the chain conformations were randomized and expanded in the film normal direction. Here, the resultant chain conformation allows the interpenetration between free chains and the adsorbed chains, promoting adhesion and hence stabilizing the thin film.« less

  12. Relation between film thickness and surface doping of MoS2 based field effect transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lockhart de la Rosa, César J.; Arutchelvan, Goutham; Leonhardt, Alessandra; Huyghebaert, Cedric; Radu, Iuliana; Heyns, Marc; De Gendt, Stefan

    2018-05-01

    Ultra-thin MoS2 film doping through surface functionalization with physically adsorbed species is of great interest due to its ability to dope the film without reduction in the carrier mobility. However, there is a need for understanding how the thickness of the MoS2 film is related to the induced surface doping for improved electrical performance. In this work, we report on the relation of MoS2 film thickness with the doping effect induced by the n-dopant adsorbate poly(vinyl-alcohol). Field effect transistors built using MoS2 films of different thicknesses were electrically characterized, and it was observed that the ION/OFF ratio after doping in thin films is more than four orders of magnitudes greater when compared with thick films. Additionally, a semi-classical model tuned with the experimental devices was used to understand the spatial distribution of charge in the channel and explain the observed behavior. From the simulation results, it was revealed that the two-dimensional carrier density induced by the adsorbate is distributed rather uniformly along the complete channel for thin films (<5.2 nm) contrary to what happens for thicker films.

  13. Molecular Adsorber Coating

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Straka, Sharon; Peters, Wanda; Hasegawa, Mark; Hedgeland, Randy; Petro, John; Novo-Gradac, Kevin; Wong, Alfred; Triolo, Jack; Miller, Cory

    2011-01-01

    A document discusses a zeolite-based sprayable molecular adsorber coating that has been developed to alleviate the size and weight issues of current ceramic puck-based technology, while providing a configuration that more projects can use to protect against degradation from outgassed materials within a spacecraft, particularly contamination-sensitive instruments. This coating system demonstrates five times the adsorption capacity of previously developed adsorber coating slurries. The molecular adsorber formulation was developed and refined, and a procedure for spray application was developed. Samples were spray-coated and tested for capacity, thermal optical/radiative properties, coating adhesion, and thermal cycling. Work performed during this study indicates that the molecular adsorber formulation can be applied to aluminum, stainless steel, or other metal substrates that can accept silicate-based coatings. The coating can also function as a thermal- control coating. This adsorber will dramatically reduce the mass and volume restrictions, and is less expensive than the currently used molecular adsorber puck design.

  14. Platelet Adhesion and Activation on Chiral Surfaces: The Influence of Protein Adsorption.

    PubMed

    Fan, Yonghong; Luo, Rifang; Han, Honghong; Weng, Yajun; Wang, Hong; Li, Jing'an; Yang, Ping; Wang, Yunbing; Huang, Nan

    2017-10-03

    Adsorbed proteins and their conformational change on blood-contacting biomaterials will determine their final hemocompatibility. It has frequently been reported that surface chirality of biomaterials may highly influence their protein adsorption behavior. Here, lysine and tartaric acid with different chirality were immobilized onto TiO 2 films respectively, and the influence of surface chirality on protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and activation was also investigated. It showed that the l- and d-molecule grafted samples had almost the same grafting density, surface topography, chemical components, and hydrophilicity in this study. However, biological behaviors such as protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and activation were quite different. The d-lysine grafted surface had a greater ability to inhibit both bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen adsorption, along with less degeneration of fibrinogen compared to the l-lysine anchored surface. However, the d-tartaric acid grafted surface adsorbed more protein but with less denatured fibrinogen compared to the l-tartaric acid grafted one. Further studies showed that the secondary structural change of the adsorbed albumin and fibrinogen on all surfaces with deduction of the α-helix content and increase of disordered structure, while the changing degree was apparently varied. As a result, the d-lysine immobilized surface absorbed less platelets and red blood cells and achieved slightly increased platelet activation. For tartaric acid anchored surfaces, a larger number of platelets adhered to the D-surface but were less activated compared to the L-surface. In conclusion, the surface chirality significantly influenced the adsorption and conformational change of blood plasma protein, which in turn influenced both platelet adhesion and activation.

  15. A high-throughput study on endothelial cell adhesion and growth mediated by adsorbed serum protein via signaling pathway PCR array

    PubMed Central

    Qu, Yayun; Hong, Ying; Huang, Yan; Zhang, Yiwen; Yang, Dayun; Zhang, Fudan; Xi, Tingfei; Zhang, Deyuan

    2018-01-01

    Abstract The purpose of this paper is to utilize the signaling pathway polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays to investigate the activation of two important biological signaling pathways in endothelial cell adhesion and growth mediated by adsorbed serum protein on the surface of bare and titanium nitride (TiN)-coated nickel titanium (NiTi) alloys. First, the endothelial cells were cultured on the bare and TiN-coated NiTi alloys and chitosan films as control for 4 h and 24 h, respectively. Then, the total RNA of the cells was collected and the PCR arrays were performed. After that, the differentially expressed genes in the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway and the regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway were screened out; and the further bioinformatics analyses were performed. The results showed that both TGF-β signaling pathway and regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway were activated in the cells after 4 h and 24 h culturing on the surface of bare and TiN-coated NiTi alloys compared to the chitosan group. The activated TGF-β signaling pathway promoted cell adhesion; the activated regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway promoted cell adhesion, spreading, growth and motility. In addition, the activation of both pathways was much stronger in the cells cultured for 24 h versus 4 h, which indicated that cell adhesion and growth became more favorable with longer time on the surface of two NiTi alloy materials. PMID:29423265

  16. Tuning the Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Balance to Control the Structure of Chitosan Films and Their Protein Release Behavior.

    PubMed

    Becerra, Jose; Sudre, Guillaume; Royaud, Isabelle; Montserret, Roland; Verrier, Bernard; Rochas, Cyrille; Delair, Thierry; David, Laurent

    2017-05-01

    The control over the crystallinity of chitosan and chitosan/ovalbumin films can be achieved via an appropriate balance of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions during the film formation process, which then controls the release kinetics of ovalbumin. Chitosan films were prepared by solvent casting. The presence of the anhydrous allomorph can be viewed as a probe of the hydrophobic conditions at the neutralization step. The semicrystalline structure, the swelling behavior of the films, the protein/chitosan interactions, and the release behavior of the films were impacted by the DA and the film processing parameters. At low DAs, the chitosan films neutralized in the solid state corresponded to the most hydrophobic environment, inducing the crystallization of the anhydrous allomorph with and without protein. The most hydrophilic conditions, leading to the hydrated allomorph, corresponded to non-neutralized films for the highest DAs. For the non-neutralized chitosan acetate (amorphous) films, the swelling increased when the DA decreased, whereas for the neutralized chitosan films, the swelling decreased. The in vitro release of ovalbumin (model protein) from chitosan films was controlled by their swelling behavior. For fast swelling films (DA = 45%), a burst effect was observed. On the contrary, a lag time was evidenced for DA = 2.5% with a limited release of the protein. Furthermore, by blending chitosans (DA = 2.5% and 45%), the release behavior was improved by reducing the burst effect and the lag time. The secondary structure of ovalbumin was partially maintained in the solid state, and the ovalbumin was released under its native form.

  17. Anomalous Elasticity of 4He Films at the Quantum Phase Transition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shirahama, Keiya; Takahashi, Daisuke; Kogure, Takayuki; Yoshimura, Hitomi; Higashino, Rama

    4 He films on solid substrates exhibit a quantum phase transition between localized (nonsuperfluid) and superfluid states by changing coverage n. We have made torsional oscillator (TO) studies for 4He films adsorbed on nanoporous glasses. A TO with localized films showed an apparent ''supersolid'' behavior, an increase in TO frequency f with broad peak in Q-1. Combining with FEM analyses for TO's with different designs, we conclude that the behavior results from the softening of adsorbed 4He films at high temperatures. The features in f and Q-1 are fitted well to a Debye-like activation with a distributed energy gap Δ, so the elasticity is accounted by thermal excitation of localized atoms to an ''extended'' state. As the critical coverage nc approaches the gap decreases to zero with a powerlaw Δ ~(n -nc) 1 . 2 . Assuming that the 4He chemical potential μ (n) is located in the middle of the gap, we can estimate the elastic constant κ-1 =n2 ∂μ / ∂n . The elasticity agrees with shear moduli of 4He films obtained from the FEM analysis within factor of three. The energetics proposed from the elastic behavior naturally explains other properties of He films adsorbed on disordered substrates.

  18. Moisture Sensitivity, Optical, Mechanical and Structural Properties of Whey Protein-Based Edible Films Incorporated with Rapeseed Oil.

    PubMed

    Galus, Sabina; Kadzińska, Justyna

    2016-03-01

    The objective of this work is to study the effect of the rapeseed oil content on the physical properties of whey protein emulsion films. For this purpose, whey protein films with the addition of 0, 1, 2 and 3% of rapeseed oil, and glycerol as a plasticizer were obtained by the casting method. Film-forming emulsions were evaluated and compared using light scattering granulometry. The Sauter mean diameters ( d 32 ) of lipid droplets in film-forming solutions showed an increasing trend when increasing the oil volume fractions. The inclusion of rapeseed oil enhanced the hydrophobic character of whey protein films, reducing moisture content and film solubility in water. All emulsified films showed high lightness ( L* ≈90). Parameter a * decreased and parameter b* and total colour difference (∆ E ) increased with the increase of the volume fractions of oil. These results were consistent with visual observations; control films were transparent and those containing oil opaque. Water vapour sorption experimental data at the full range of water activity values from 0.11 to 0.93 were well described with Peleg's equation (R 2 ≥0.99). The tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break increased with the increase of rapeseed oil volume fraction, which could be explained by interactions between lipids and the protein matrix. These results revealed that rapeseed oil has enormous potential to be incorporated into whey protein to make edible film or coating for some food products. The mechanical resistance decreased with the addition of the lipids, and the opacity and soluble matter content increased.

  19. Moisture Sensitivity, Optical, Mechanical and Structural Properties of Whey Protein-Based Edible Films Incorporated with Rapeseed Oil

    PubMed Central

    Kadzińska, Justyna

    2016-01-01

    Summary The objective of this work is to study the effect of the rapeseed oil content on the physical properties of whey protein emulsion films. For this purpose, whey protein films with the addition of 0, 1, 2 and 3% of rapeseed oil, and glycerol as a plasticizer were obtained by the casting method. Film-forming emulsions were evaluated and compared using light scattering granulometry. The Sauter mean diameters (d32) of lipid droplets in film-forming solutions showed an increasing trend when increasing the oil volume fractions. The inclusion of rapeseed oil enhanced the hydrophobic character of whey protein films, reducing moisture content and film solubility in water. All emulsified films showed high lightness (L*≈90). Parameter a* decreased and parameter b* and total colour difference (∆E) increased with the increase of the volume fractions of oil. These results were consistent with visual observations; control films were transparent and those containing oil opaque. Water vapour sorption experimental data at the full range of water activity values from 0.11 to 0.93 were well described with Peleg’s equation (R2≥0.99). The tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation at break increased with the increase of rapeseed oil volume fraction, which could be explained by interactions between lipids and the protein matrix. These results revealed that rapeseed oil has enormous potential to be incorporated into whey protein to make edible film or coating for some food products. The mechanical resistance decreased with the addition of the lipids, and the opacity and soluble matter content increased. PMID:27904396

  20. Kinetic Effects on Self-Assembly and Function of Protein-Polymer Bioconjugates in Thin Films Prepared by Flow Coating.

    PubMed

    Chang, Dongsook; Huang, Aaron; Olsen, Bradley D

    2017-01-01

    The self-assembly of nanostructured globular protein arrays in thin films is demonstrated using protein-polymer block copolymers based on a model protein mCherry and the polymer poly(oligoethylene glycol acrylate) (POEGA). Conjugates are flow coated into thin films on a poly(ethylene oxide) grafted Si surface, forming self-assembled cylindrical nanostructures with POEGA domains selectively segregating to the air-film interface. Long-range order and preferential arrangement of parallel cylinders templated by selective surfaces are demonstrated by controlling relative humidity. Long-range order increases with coating speed when the film thicknesses are kept constant, due to reduced nucleation per unit area of drying film. Fluorescence emission spectra of mCherry in films prepared at <25% relative humidity shows a small shift suggesting that proteins are more perturbed at low humidity than high humidity or the solution state. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Investigating the interfacial dynamics of thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rosenbaum, Aaron W.

    This thesis probes the interfacial dynamics and associated phenomena of thin films. Surface specific tools were used to study the self-assembly of alkanethiols, the mono- and bilayer dynamics of SF6, and the surface motion of poly(methyl methacrylate). Non-pertubative helium atom scattering was the principal technique used to investigate these systems. A variety of other complementary tools, including scanning tunneling microscopy, electron diffraction, Auger spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ellipsometry were used in tandem with the neutral atom scattering studies. Controlling the spontaneous assembly of alkanethiols on Au(111) requires a better fundamental understanding of the adsorbate-adsorbate and substrate-adsorbate interactions. Our characterization focused on two key components, the surface structure and adsorbate vibrations. The study indicates that the Au(111) reconstruction plays a larger role than anticipated in the low-density phase of alkanethiol monolayers. A new structure is proposed for the 1-decanethiol monolayer that impacts the low-energy vibrational mode. Varying the alkane chain lengths imparts insight into the assembly process via characterization of a dispersionless phonon mode. Studies of SF6 physisorbed on Au(111) bridge surface research on rare gas adsorbates with complicated dynamical organic thin films. Mono- and bilayer coverages of SF6/Au(111) were studied at cryogenic temperatures. Our experiments probed the surface properties of SF6 yielding insights into substrate and coverage effects. The study discovered a dispersionless Einstein oscillation with multiple harmonic overtones. A second layer of SF6 softened the mode, but did not show any indications of bulk or cooperative interactions. The vibrational properties of SF 6 showed both striking similarities and differences when compared with physisorbed rare gases. Lastly, this thesis will discuss studies of thin film poly(methyl methacrylate) on Si. The non-pertubative and

  2. Interplay of polyelectrolytes with different adsorbing surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Feng

    We study the adsorption of polyelectrolytes from solution onto different adsorbing surfaces, focusing on the electrostatic interactions. Measurements of the surface excess, fractional ionization of chargeable groups, segmental orientation, and adsorption kinetics were made using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the mode of attenuated total reflection. Different adsorbing surfaces, from single solid surfaces, solid surfaces modified with adsorbed polymer layer, to fluid-like surfaces-biomembranes were adopted. Both atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescent techniques were employed to investigate the fluid-like surfaces in the absence and in the presence of polyelectrolytes. The work focuses on three primary issues: (i) the charge regulation of weak polyelectrolytes on both homogeneous and heterogeneous surfaces, (ii) the dynamics of adsorption when the surface possesses reciprocal mobility, i.e., biomembrane surface, and (iii) the structural and dynamical properties of the fluid-like surfaces interacting with polyelectrolytes. We find that the ionization of chargeable groups in weak polyelectrolytes is controlled by the charge balance between the adsorbates and the surfaces. A new interpretation of ionization in the adsorbed layer provides a new insight into the fundamental problem of whether ions of opposite charge associate or remain separate. Bjerrum length is found to be a criterion for the onset of surface ionization suppression, which helps to predict and control the conformation transition of proteins. In addition to the effect of different surfaces on the adsorption behavior of polyelectrolytes, we also focused on the response of the surfaces to the adsorbates. Chains that encountered sparsely-covered surfaces spread to maximize the number of segment-surface contacts at rates independent of the molar mass. Surface reconstruction rather than molar mass of the adsorbing molecules appeared to determine the rate of spreading. This contrasts starkly

  3. Plasma-formed hyperthermal atomic beams for use in thin film fabrication

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gilson, E. P.; Cohen, S. A.; Berlinger, B.; Chan, W.

    2013-10-01

    Enhancing the surface mobility of adsorbents during thin-film growth processes is important for creating certain high-quality thin films. Under the auspices of a DARPA program to develop methods for supplying momentum to adsorbates during thin-film formation without using bulk heating, a hyperthermal atomic beam (HAB) was generated and directed at silicon surfaces with patterned coatings of pentacene, gold, and other surrogates for adsorbents relevant to various thin-film coatings. The HAB was created when the plasma from a helicon plasma source struck a tungsten neutralizer plate and was reflected as neutrals. Time averaged HAB fluxes 100 times greater than in previous PPPL HAB sources have been generated. The effect of the HAB on the patterned coatings was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results are presented on the flux and energy of the HAB for various system pressures, magnetic fields, and neutralizer biases. AFM measurements of the surface topology demonstrate that the HAB energy, species, and integrated flux are all important factors in altering surface mobility. This research is supported by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

  4. The uranium from seawater program at PNNL: Overview of marine testing, adsorbent characterization, adsorbent durability, adsorbent toxicity, and deployment studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gill, Gary A.; Kuo, Li -Jung; Janke, Christopher James

    The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (PNNL) Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) located along the coast of Washington State is evaluating the performance of uranium adsorption materials being developed for seawater extraction under realistic marine conditions with natural seawater. Two types of exposure systems were employed in this program: flow-through columns for testing of fixed beds of individual fibers and pellets and a recirculating water flume for testing of braided adsorbent material. Testing consists of measurements of the adsorption of uranium and other elements from seawater as a function of time, typically 42 to 56 day exposures, to determine the adsorbent capacitymore » and adsorption rate (kinetics). Analysis of uranium and other trace elements collected by the adsorbents was conducted following strong acid digestion of the adsorbent with 50% aqua regia using either Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ORNL 38H adsorbent had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.30 ± 0.68 g U/ kg adsorbent (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation adsorption capacity of 4.89 ± 0.83 g U/kg of adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half-saturation time of 28 10 days. The AF1 adsorbent material had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.9 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation capacity of 5.4 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half saturation time of 23 2 days. The ORNL amidoxime-based adsorbent materials are not specific for uranium, but also adsorb other elements from seawater. The major doubly charged cations in seawater (Ca and Mg) account for a majority of the cations adsorbed (61% by mass and 74% by molar percent). For the ORNL AF1 adsorbent material, U is the 4th most abundant element adsorbed by mass and 7th most abundant by molar percentage. Marine testing

  5. The uranium from seawater program at PNNL: Overview of marine testing, adsorbent characterization, adsorbent durability, adsorbent toxicity, and deployment studies

    DOE PAGES

    Gill, Gary A.; Kuo, Li -Jung; Janke, Christopher James; ...

    2016-02-07

    The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (PNNL) Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) located along the coast of Washington State is evaluating the performance of uranium adsorption materials being developed for seawater extraction under realistic marine conditions with natural seawater. Two types of exposure systems were employed in this program: flow-through columns for testing of fixed beds of individual fibers and pellets and a recirculating water flume for testing of braided adsorbent material. Testing consists of measurements of the adsorption of uranium and other elements from seawater as a function of time, typically 42 to 56 day exposures, to determine the adsorbent capacitymore » and adsorption rate (kinetics). Analysis of uranium and other trace elements collected by the adsorbents was conducted following strong acid digestion of the adsorbent with 50% aqua regia using either Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ORNL 38H adsorbent had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.30 ± 0.68 g U/ kg adsorbent (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation adsorption capacity of 4.89 ± 0.83 g U/kg of adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half-saturation time of 28 10 days. The AF1 adsorbent material had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.9 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation capacity of 5.4 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half saturation time of 23 2 days. The ORNL amidoxime-based adsorbent materials are not specific for uranium, but also adsorb other elements from seawater. The major doubly charged cations in seawater (Ca and Mg) account for a majority of the cations adsorbed (61% by mass and 74% by molar percent). For the ORNL AF1 adsorbent material, U is the 4th most abundant element adsorbed by mass and 7th most abundant by molar percentage. Marine testing

  6. Whey protein film with oxygen scavenging function by incorporation of ascorbic acid.

    PubMed

    Janjarasskul, Theeranun; Tananuwong, Kanitha; Krochta, John M

    2011-01-01

    Residual O(2) in a package headspace can be removed by an O(2)-absorbing sachet, which can be harmful if swallowed by the consumer, or by a chemically-active plastic packaging film, which is difficult to recycle. An edible, O(2)-absorbing film would avoid these disadvantages. The objective of our research was to assess the O(2)-scavenging potential of an edible whey protein isolate (WPI) film incorporating ascorbic acid (AA). AA at 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 M was added to 5% (w/w) heat-denatured WPI film-forming solutions with WPI : glycerol (Gly) ratio of 1: 1.00, 1: 0.80, or 1: 0.67. The pH of solutions was then adjusted to 3.5 (below pK(a1) of AA), to stabilize AA against oxidation, before film casting. The mechanical properties, O(2) permeabilities, and thermal transitions of films were measured. Activation of the O(2)-scavenging function of the AA-incorporated films was accomplished by adjustment of the films to pH ≥ 7. O(2)-scavenging ability of AA-incorporated WPI films was determined by measuring residual O(2) in the headspace of a high-barrier container. Incorporation of AA into WPI film decreased film tensile strength and further reduced O(2) permeability at each WPI : Gly ratio. AA-containing films adjusted to pH ≥ 7 demonstrated O(2) absorption proportional to AA content, consistent with theoretical O(2)-scavenging capacity. Thermal transition measurements indicated that AA was involved in WPI structural modification and decreased the degradation temperature of WPI-based film. The demonstrated O(2)-scavenging function, improved O(2) barrier and acceptable mechanical properties of AA-incorporated films indicate potential commercial usefulness. Ascorbic acid-incorporated whey protein film with oxygen scavenging function can be used to extend shelf lives of a wide variety of oxygen-sensitive products by eliminating headspace oxygen as well as oxygen permeating through the packaging wall over time. Edible oxygen-scavenger film has the advantages of avoiding

  7. Enhanced physicochemical properties of chitosan/whey protein isolate composite film by sodium laurate-modified TiO2 nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Wei; Chen, Jiwang; Chen, Yue; Xia, Wenshui; Xiong, Youling L; Wang, Hongxun

    2016-03-15

    Chitosan/whey protein isolate film incorporated with sodium laurate-modified TiO2 nanoparticles was developed. The nanocomposite film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, and investigated in physicochemical properties as color, tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability and water adsorption isotherm. Our results showed that the nanoparticles improved the compatibility of whey protein isolate and chitosan. Addition of nanoparticles increased the whiteness of chitosan/whey protein isolate film, but decreased its transparency. Compared with binary film, the tensile strength and elongation at break of nanocomposite film were increased by 11.51% and 12.01%, respectively, and water vapor permeability was decreased by 7.60%. The equilibrium moisture of nanocomposite film was lower than binary film, and its water sorption isotherm of the nanocomposite film fitted well to Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer model. The findings contributed to the development of novel food packaging materials. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Molecular mobility in the monolayers of foam films stabilized by porcine lung surfactant.

    PubMed Central

    Lalchev, Z I; Todorov, R K; Christova, Y T; Wilde, P J; Mackie, A R; Clark, D C

    1996-01-01

    Certain physical properties of a range of foam film types that are believed to exist in vivo in the lung have been investigated. The contribution of different lung surfactant components found in porcine lung surfactant to molecular surface diffusion in the plane of foam films has been investigated for the first time. The influence of the type and thickness of black foam films, temperature, electrolyte concentration, and extract composition on surface diffusion has been studied using the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique. Fluorescent phospholipid probe molecules in foam films stabilized by porcine lung surfactant samples or their hydrophobic extracts consisting of surfactant lipids and hydrophobic lung surfactant proteins, SP-B and SP-C, exhibited more rapid diffusion than observed in films of its principal lipid component alone, L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine dipalmitoyl. This effect appears to be due to contributions from minor lipid components present in the total surfactant lipid extracts. The minor lipid components influence the surface diffusion in foam films both by their negative charge and by lowering the phase transition temperature of lung surfactant samples. In contrast, the presence of high concentrations of the hydrophillic surfactant protein A (SP-A) and non-lung-surfactant proteins in the sample reduced the diffusion coefficient (D) of the lipid analog in the adsorbed layer of the films. Hysteresis behavior of D was observed during temperature cycling, with the cooling curve lying above the heating curve. However, in cases where some surface molecular aggregation and surface heterogeneity were observed during cooling, the films became more rigid and molecules at the interfaces became immobilized. The thickness, size, capillary pressure, configuration, and composition of foam films of lung surfactant prepared in vitro support their investigation as realistic structural analogs of the surface films that exist in vivo in the lung

  9. A model for the salt effect on adsorption equilibrium of basic protein to dye-ligand affinity adsorbent.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Songping; Sun, Yan

    2004-01-01

    A model describing the salt effect on adsorption equilibrium of a basic protein, lysozyme, to Cibacron Blue 3GA-modified Sepharose CL-6B (CB-Sepharose) has been developed. In this model, it is assumed that the presence of salt causes a fraction of dye-ligand molecules to lodge to the surface of the agarose gel, resulting from the induced strong hydrophobic interaction between dye ligand and agarose matrix. The salt effect on the lodging of dye-ligand is expressed by the equilibrium between salt and dye-ligand. For the interactions between protein and vacant binding sites, stoichiometric equations based either on cation exchanges or on hydrophobic interactions are proposed since the CB dye can be regarded as a cation exchanger contributed by the sulfonate groups on it. Combining with the basic concept of steric mass-action theory for ion exchange, which considers both the multipoint nature and the macromolecular steric shielding of protein adsorption, an explicit isotherm for protein adsorption equilibrium on the dye-ligand adsorbent is formulated, involving salt concentration as a variable. Analysis of the model parameters has yielded better understanding of the mechanism of salt effects on adsorption of the basic protein. Moreover, the model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data over a wide range of salt and ligand concentrations, indicating the predictive nature of the model.

  10. Amaranth proteins foaming properties: Film rheology and foam stability - Part 2.

    PubMed

    Bolontrade, Agustín J; Scilingo, Adriana A; Añón, María C

    2016-05-01

    In this work the influence of pH and ionic strength on the stability of foams prepared with amaranth protein isolate was analyzed. The behaviour observed was related to the physico-chemical and structural changes undergone by amaranth protein as a result of those treatments. The results obtained show that foams prepared at acidic pH were more stable than the corresponding to alkaline pH. At pH 2.0 the foams presented higher times and more volumes of drainage. This behaviour is consistent with the characteristics of the interfacial film, which showed a higher viscoelasticity and a greater flexibility at acidic pH than alkaline pH value, which in turn increased by increasing the concentration of proteins in the foaming solution. It is also important to note that the presence of insoluble protein is not necessarily detrimental to the properties of the foam. Detected changes in the characteristics of the interfacial film as in the foam stability have been attributed to the increased unfolding, greater flexibility and net charge of amaranth proteins at acidic conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Preparation of a porcine plasma protein composite film and its application.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ji-Hyun; Song, Kyung Bin

    2015-01-01

    To use blood released from slaughtering houses, a porcine plasma protein (PPP)/nanoclay composite film was prepared. The tensile strength and elongation at break values of the PPP composite film with 5% nanoclay were 10.01 MPa and 6.55%, respectively. The PPP composite film containing 1% grapefruit seed extract (GSE) was applied to pork meat, and the populations of inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in the pork meat packaged with the PPP composite film decreased by 0.8 and 1.0 log CFU/g, respectively, after 7 days of storage compared to the populations of the control. In addition, thiobarbituric acid values in the pork meat packaged with the PPP composite film were less than those of the control sample during storage. These results suggest that the PPP nanocomposite film containing 1% GSE can be used as a packaging material to maintain the quality of pork meat.

  12. Soy protein films for wound-healing applications: antibiotic release, bacterial inhibition and cellular response.

    PubMed

    Peles, Zachi; Binderman, Itzhak; Berdicevsky, Israela; Zilberman, Meital

    2013-05-01

    Use of naturally derived materials is becoming widespread in the biomedical field. Soy protein has advantages over the various types of natural proteins employed for biomedical applications, due to its low price, non-animal origin and relatively long storage time and stability. In the current study, soy protein isolate (SPI) was investigated as a matrix for wound-dressing applications. The antibiotic drug gentamicin was incorporated into the matrix for local controlled release and thus continuous bactericidal effect. Homogeneous high-quality films were cast from aqueous solutions and tested for the effects of gentamicin release on bacterial inhibition. The cytotoxicity and in vitro biocompatibility of these films were also examined. The gentamicin release profiles exhibited a moderate burst effect followed by a decreasing release rate, which was maintained for at least 4 weeks, thus enabling a suitable bacterial inhibition effect. The materials released from the films during an indirect cytotoxicity test were found to be safe, except for a slight inhibitory effect in the presence of high concentrations of glycerol. The biocompatibility test showed confluent cell cultures in close proximity to the SPI films. It is clear that these new antibiotic-eluting SPI films exhibit a high potential for use as wound dressings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. Thymol nanoemulsions incorporated in quinoa protein/chitosan edible films; antifungal effect in cherry tomatoes.

    PubMed

    Robledo, Nancy; Vera, Paola; López, Luis; Yazdani-Pedram, Mehrdad; Tapia, Cristian; Abugoch, Lilian

    2018-04-25

    Thymol nanoemulsions were produced by spontaneous emulsification, ultrasound, and a combination of both methods. The best result in terms of size and polydispersion was spontaneous emulsification where thymol was efficiently encapsulated, the nanoemulsions inhibited Botrytis cinerea at 110 ppm of thymol. A 10% dilution of this nanoemulsion in water was used to prepare quinoa-chitosan films. The film microstructure was porous and heterogeneous. The tensile strength of the film was significantly lower but its mean elongation at break was similar to that of the control film. The water vapour permeability was similar to that of the control film. The effect of nanoemulsion-thymol-quinoa protein/chitosan coating on mould growth in inoculated cherry tomatoes was evaluated. Compared with control samples (tomatoes without coating and those coated with quinoa protein/chitosan), tomatoes with this coating and inoculated with B. cinerea showed a significant decrease in fungal growth after 7 days at 5 °C. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Structure and chemical composition of layers adsorbed at interfaces with champagne.

    PubMed

    Aguié-Béghin, V; Adriaensen, Y; Péron, N; Valade, M; Rouxhet, P; Douillard, R

    2009-11-11

    The structure and the chemical composition of the layer adsorbed at interfaces involving champagne have been investigated using native champagne, as well as ultrafiltrate (UFch) and ultraconcentrate (UCch) obtained by ultrafiltration with a 10(4) nominal molar mass cutoff. The layer adsorbed at the air/liquid interface was examined by surface tension and ellipsometry kinetic measurements. Brewster angle microscopy demonstrated that the layer formed on polystyrene by adsorption or drop evaporation was heterogeneous, with a domain structure presenting similarities with the layer adsorbed at the air/liquid interface. The surface chemical composition of polystyrene with the adlayer was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The contribution of champagne constituents varied according to the liquid (native, UFch, and UCch) and to the procedure of adlayer formation (evaporation, adsorption, and adsorption + rinsing). However, their chemical composition was not significantly influenced either by ultrafiltration or by the procedure of deposition on polystyrene. Modeling this composition in terms of classes of model compounds gave approximately 35% (w/w) of proteins and 65% (w/w) of polysaccharides. In the adlayer, the carboxyl groups or esters represent about 18% of carbon due to nonpolypeptidic compounds, indicating the presence of either uronic acids in the complex structure of pectic polysaccharides or of polyphenolic esters. This structural and chemical information and its relationship with the experimental procedures indicate that proteins alone cannot be used as a realistic model for the macromolecules forming the adsorption layer of champagne. Polysaccharides, the other major macromolecular components of champagne wine, are assembled with proteins at the interfaces, in agreement with the heterogeneous character of the adsorbed layer at interfaces.

  15. Room temperature ferromagnetic and semiconducting properties of graphene adsorbed with cobalt oxide using electrochemical method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Chang-Soo; Lee, Kyung Su; Chu, Dongil; Lee, Juwon; Shon, Yoon; Kim, Eun Kyu

    2017-12-01

    We report the room temperature ferromagnetic properties of graphene adsorbed by cobalt oxide using electrochemical method. The cobalt oxide doping onto graphene was carried out in 0.1 M LiCoO2/DI-water solution. The doped graphene thin film was determined to be a single layer from Raman analysis. The CoO doped graphene has a clear ferromagnetic hysteresis at room temperature and showed a remnant magnetization, 128.2 emu/cm3. The temperature dependent conductivity of the adsorbed graphene showed the semiconducting behavior and a band gap opening of 0.12 eV.

  16. Viscoelastic properties of cationic starch adsorbed on quartz studied by QCM-D.

    PubMed

    Tammelin, Tekla; Merta, Juha; Johansson, Leena-Sisko; Stenius, Per

    2004-12-07

    The adsorption and viscoelastic properties of layers of a cationic polyelectrolyte (cationic starch, CS, with 2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammoniumchloride as the substituent) adsorbed from aqueous solutions (pH 7.5, added NaCl 0, 1, 100, and 500 mM) on silica were studied with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Three different starches were investigated (weight-average molecular weights M(w) approximately 8.7 x 10(5) and 4.5 x 10(5) with degree of substitution DS = 0.75 and M(w) approximately 8.8 x 10(5) with DS = 0.2). At low ionic strength, the adsorbed layers are thin and rigid and the amount adsorbed can be calculated using the Sauerbrey equation. When the ionic strength is increased, significant changes take place in the amount of adsorbed CS and the viscoelasticity of the adsorbed layer. These changes were analyzed assuming that the layer can be described as a Voigt element on a rigid surface in contact with purely viscous solvent. It was found that CS with low charge density forms a thicker and more mobile layer with higher viscosity and elasticity than CS with high charge density. The polymers adsorbed on the silica even when the ionic strength was so high that electrostatic interactions were effectively screened. At this high ionic strength, it was possible to study the effect of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the CS on the properties of the adsorbed film. Increasing the molecular weight of CS resulted in a larger hydrodynamic thickness. CS with a narrow molecular weight distribution formed a more compact and rigid layer than broadly distributed CS, presumably due to the better packing of the molecules.

  17. Comparing dissolved reactive phosphorus measured by DGT with ferrihydrite and titanium dioxide adsorbents: anionic interferences, adsorbent capacity and deployment time.

    PubMed

    Panther, Jared G; Teasdale, Peter R; Bennett, William W; Welsh, David T; Zhao, Huijun

    2011-07-18

    Two adsorbents (Metsorb and ferrihydrite) used in binding layers with the diffusive gradients in a thin film technique were evaluated for the measurement of dissolved reactive phosphorous (DRP) in synthetic and natural waters. Possible interferences were investigated with Cl(-) (up to 1.35 mol L(-1)) and SO(4)(2-) (up to 0.056 mol L(-1)) having no affect on either DGT binding layer, and HCO(3)(-) (up to 5.7 mmol L(-1)) having no effect on Metsorb-DGT, over 4 days. However, HCO(3)(-) interfered with the ferrihydrite-DGT measurement at concentrations typical of many natural waters (≥0.7 mmol L(-1)) after a deployment period of 1-2 days. The capacity of the Metsorb binding phase for DGT response was ∼37,000 ng P, whereas the capacities of a low-mass (17.8 mg of adsorbent per DGT sampler) and high-mass (29.2mg of adsorbent per DGT sampler) ferrihydrite binding phase were substantially lower (∼15,000 ng P and ∼25,000 ng P, low-mass and high-mass, respectively). Increasing the capacity of the ferrihydrite adsorbent allowed the ferrihydrite-DGT to be utilized for up to 3 days before interference by HCO(3)(-) was observed. Seawater deployments demonstrated that even high-capacity ferrihydrite-DGT devices underestimated the DRP concentration by 37%, whereas Metsorb-DGT measurements were accurate. The Metsorb-DGT is superior to the ferrihydrite-DGT for determining DRP over deployment times greater than 1 day and in waters with ≥0.7 mmol L(-1) HCO(3)(-). Based on the experience obtained from this detailed validation process, the authors propose a number of key requirements that need to be considered when developing new DGT binding layers, with testing the performance over longer deployment times being critical. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Whey protein isolate with improved film properties through cross-linking catalyzed by small laccase from Streptomyces coelicolor.

    PubMed

    Quan, Wei; Zhang, Chong; Zheng, Meixia; Lu, Zhaoxin; Lu, Fengxia

    2018-08-01

    The effects of small laccase (SLAC) from Streptomyces coelicolor on the properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) films were studied. WPI was catalyze by SLAC without phenolic acid assistance. Particle size distribution results showed that some complexes with higher relative molecular weight formed in WPI samples treated with SLAC. The content of α-helixes decreased while those of β-sheets and random coils increased following SLAC treatment according to circular dichroism results. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis suggested that some conformational changes occurred in WPI following SLAC treatment. Analysis of WPI films prepared by casting after SLAC treatment indicated that their film properties were all improved, including mechanical properties, solubility, water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties, film color, light transmission, transparency and thermal properties. Compared with that of the control film, some obvious differences in the morphology of the WPI films were observed following SLAC treatment. This report demonstrates that laccase can directly catalyze protein cross-linking, which may be useful to improve the performance of protein films. In this study, SLAC was applied to WPI edible film during the film-making process. The results showed that SLAC can catalyze WPI cross-linking without phenolic acid assistance, and WPI film properties were improved after SLAC treatment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

  19. Nanocellulose-Zeolite Composite Films for Odor Elimination.

    PubMed

    Keshavarzi, Neda; Mashayekhy Rad, Farshid; Mace, Amber; Ansari, Farhan; Akhtar, Farid; Nilsson, Ulrika; Berglund, Lars; Bergström, Lennart

    2015-07-08

    Free standing and strong odor-removing composite films of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with a high content of nanoporous zeolite adsorbents have been colloidally processed. Thermogravimetric desorption analysis (TGA) and infrared spectroscopy combined with computational simulations showed that commercially available silicalite-1 and ZSM-5 have a high affinity and uptake of volatile odors like ethanethiol and propanethiol, also in the presence of water. The simulations showed that propanethiol has a higher affinity, up to 16%, to the two zeolites compared with ethanethiol. Highly flexible and strong free-standing zeolite-CNF films with an adsorbent loading of 89 w/w% have been produced by Ca-induced gelation and vacuum filtration. The CNF-network controls the strength of the composite films and 100 μm thick zeolite-CNF films with a CNF content of less than 10 vol % displayed a tensile strength approaching 10 MPa. Headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis showed that the CNF-zeolite films can eliminate the volatile thiol-based odors to concentrations below the detection ability of the human olfactory system. Odor removing zeolite-cellulose nanofibril films could enable improved transport and storage of fruits and vegetables rich in odors, for example, onion and the tasty but foul-smelling South-East Asian Durian fruit.

  20. Effect of Silk Protein Processing on Drug Delivery from Silk Films

    PubMed Central

    Pritchard, Eleanor M.; Hu, Xiao; Finley, Violet; Kuo, Catherine K.; Kaplan, David L.

    2013-01-01

    Sericin removal from the core fibroin protein of silkworm silk is a critical first step in the use of silk for biomaterial-related applications, but degumming can affect silk biomaterial properties, including molecular weight, viscosity, diffusivity and degradation behavior. Increasing the degumming time (10, 30, 60 and 90 min) decreases the average molecular weight of silk protein in solution, silk solution viscosity, and silk film glass transition temperature, and increases the rate of degradation of silk film by protease. Model compounds spanning a range of physical-chemical properties generally showed an inverse relationship between degumming time and release rate through a varied degumming time silk coating. Degumming provides a useful control point to manipulate silk’s material properties. PMID:23349062

  1. Adsorbed Polymer Nanolayers on Solids: Mechanism, Structure and Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sen, Mani Kuntal

    In this thesis, by combining various advanced x-ray scattering, spectroscopic and other surface sensitive characterization techniques, I report the equilibrium polymer chain conformations, structures, dynamics and properties of polymeric materials at the solid-polymer melt interfaces. Following the introduction, in chapter 2, I highlight that the backbone chains (constituted of CH and CH2 groups) of the flattened polystyrene (PS) chains preferentially orient normal to the weakly interactive substrate surface via thermal annealing regardless of the initial chain conformations, while the orientation of the phenyl rings becomes randomized, thereby increasing the number of surface-segmental contacts (i.e., enthalpic gain) which is the driving force for the flattening process of the polymer chains even onto a weakly interactive solid. In chapter 3, I elucidate the flattened structures in block copolymer (BCP) thin films where both blocks lie flat on the substrate, forming a 2D randomly phase-separated structure irrespective of their microdomain structures and interfacial energetics. In chapter 4, I reveal the presence of an irreversibly adsorbed BCP layer which showed suppressed dynamics even at temperatures far above the individual glass transition temperatures of the blocks. Furthermore, this adsorbed BCP layer plays a crucial role in controlling the microdomain orientation in the entire film. In chapter 5, I report a radically new paradigm of designing a polymeric coating layer of a few nanometers thick ("polymer nanolayer") with anti-biofouling properties.

  2. The Uranium from Seawater Program at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Overview of Marine Testing, Adsorbent Characterization, Adsorbent Durability, Adsorbent Toxicity, and Deployment Studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gill, Gary A.; Kuo, Li-Jung; Janke, Chris J.

    The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) located along the coast of Washington State is evaluating the performance of uranium adsorption materials being developed for seawater extraction under realistic marine conditions with natural seawater. Two types of exposure systems were employed in this program: flow-through columns for testing of fixed beds of individual fibers and pellets and a recirculating water flume for testing of braided adsorbent material. Testing consists of measurements of the adsorption of uranium and other elements from seawater as a function of time, typically 42 to 56 day exposures, to determine the adsorbent capacitymore » and adsorption rate (kinetics). Analysis of uranium and other trace elements collected by the adsorbents was conducted following strong acid digestion of the adsorbent with 50% aqua regia using either Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ORNL 38H adsorbent had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.30 ± 0.68 g U/ kg adsorbent (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation adsorption capacity of 4.89 ± 0.83 g U/kg of adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half-saturation time of 28 ± 10 days. The AF1 adsorbent material had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.9 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation capacity of 5.4 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half saturation time of 23 ± 2 days. The ORNL amidoxime-based adsorbent materials are not specific for uranium, but also adsorb other elements from seawater. The major doubly charged cations in seawater (Ca and Mg) account for a majority of the cations adsorbed (61% by mass and 74% by molar percent). For the ORNL AF1 adsorbent material, U is the 4th most abundant element adsorbed by mass and 7th most abundant by molar percentage« less

  3. Functionality of Immunoglobulin G and Immunoglobulin M Antibody Physisorbed on Cellulosic Films

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Ziwei; Raghuwanshi, Vikram Singh; Garnier, Gil

    2017-01-01

    The functionality and aging mechanism of antibodies physisorbed onto cellulosic films was investigated. Blood grouping antibodies immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were adsorbed onto smooth cellulose acetate (CAF) and regenerated cellulose (RCF) films. Cellulose films and adsorbed IgG layers were characterized at the air and liquid interface by X-ray and neutron reflectivity (NR), respectively. Cellulose film 208 Å thick (in air) swell to 386 Å once equilibrated in water. IgG adsorbs from solution onto cellulose as a partial layer 62 Å thick. IgG and IgM antibodies were adsorbed onto cellulose and cellulose acetate films, air dried, and aged at room temperature for periods up to 20 days. Antibody functionality and surface hydrophobicity were measured everyday with the size of red blood cell (RBC) agglutinates (using RBC specific to IgG/IgM) and the water droplet contact angle, respectively. The functionality of the aged IgG/IgM decreases faster if physisorbed on cellulose than on cellulose acetate and correlates to surface hydrophobicity. IgG physisorbed on RCF or CAF age better and remain functional longer than physisorbed IgM. We found a correlation between antibody stability and hydrogen bond formation ability of the system, evaluated from antibody carbonyl concentration and cellulosic surface hydroxyl concentration. Antibody physisorbs on cellulose by weak dipole forces and hydrogen bonds. Strong hydrogen bonding contributes to the physisorption of antibody on cellulose into a non-functional configuration in which the molecule relaxes by rotation of hydophobic groups toward the air interface. PMID:28770196

  4. Blend-modification of soy protein/lauric acid edible films using polysaccharides.

    PubMed

    Pan, Hongyang; Jiang, Bo; Chen, Jie; Jin, Zhengyu

    2014-05-15

    Different types of polysaccharides (propyleneglycol alginate (PGA), pectin, carrageenan and aloe polysaccharide) were incorporated into soy protein isolate (SPI)/lauric acid (La) films using a co-drying process or by direct addition to form biodegradable composite films with modified water vapour permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties. The WVP of SPI/La/polysaccharide films decreased when polysaccharides were added using the co-drying process, regardless of the type of polysaccharide. The tensile strength of SPI/La film was increased by the addition of polysaccharides, and the percentage elongation at break was increased by incorporating PGA using the co-drying process. Regarding oxygen-barrier performance, no notable differences were observed between the SPI/La and SPI/La/polysaccharide films. The most significant improvement was observed by blending PGA, with the co-dried preparation exhibiting better properties than the direct-addition preparation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the microstructures of the films are the basis for the differences in the barrier and mechanical properties of the modified blends of SPI, polysaccharides and La. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Compositional and physicochemical factors governing the viability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG embedded in starch-protein based edible films

    PubMed Central

    Soukoulis, Christos; Singh, Poonam; Macnaughtan, William; Parmenter, Christopher; Fisk, Ian D.

    2016-01-01

    Probiotic incorporation in edible films and coatings has been shown recently to be an efficient strategy for the delivery of probiotics in foods. In the present work, the impact of the compositional, physicochemical and structural properties of binary starch-protein edible films on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG viability and stability was evaluated. Native rice and corn starch, as well as bovine skin gelatine, sodium caseinate and soy protein concentrate were used for the fabrication of the probiotic edible films. Starch and protein type both impacted the structural, mechanical, optical and thermal properties of the films, and the process loss of L. rhamnosus GG during evaporation-dehydration was significantly lower in the presence of proteins (0.91–1.07 log CFU/g) compared to solely starch based systems (1.71 log CFU/g). A synergistic action between rice starch and proteins was detected when monitoring the viability of L. rhamnosus GG over four weeks at fridge and room temperature conditions. In particular, a 3- to 7-fold increase in the viability of L. rhamnosus GG was observed in the presence of proteins, with sodium caseinate – rice starch based films offering the most enhanced stability. The film's shelf-life (as calculated using the FAO/WHO (2011) basis of 6 log viable CFU/g) ranged between 27-96 and 15–24 days for systems stored at fridge or room temperature conditions respectively. PMID:26726280

  6. Insight into the adsorption of PPCPs by porous adsorbents: Effect of the properties of adsorbents and adsorbates.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Zengyin; Xie, Jiawen; Zhang, Mancheng; Zhou, Qing; Liu, Fuqiang

    2016-07-01

    Adsorption is an efficient method for removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Magnetic resins are efficient adsorbents for water treatment and exhibit potential for PPCP removal. In this study, the magnetic hypercrosslinked resin Q100 was used for adsorption of PPCPs. The adsorption behavior of this resin was compared with those of two activated carbons, namely, Norit and F400D. Norit exhibited the fastest adsorption kinetics, followed by Q100. Norit featured a honeycomb shape and long-range ordered pore channels, which facilitated the diffusion of PPCPs. Moreover, the large average pore size of Q100 reduced diffusion resistance. The adsorbed amounts of 11 PPCPs on the three adsorbents increased with increasing adsorbate hydrophobicity. For Q100, a significant linear correlation was observed between the adsorption performance for PPCPs and hydrophobicity (logD value) of adsorbates (R(2) = 0.8951); as such, PPCPs with high logD values (>1.69) could be efficiently removed. Compared with those of Norit and F400D, the adsorption performance of Q100 was less affected by humic acid because of the dominant hydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, Q100 showed improved regeneration performance, which renders it promising for PPCP removal in practical applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy of cytosine using gold film deposited on CaF2 substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Naveen; Thomas, S.; Tokas, R. B.; Padma, N.; Kshirsagar, R. J.

    2018-04-01

    Surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) studies of cytosine adsorbed on the thermally evaporated gold film on CaF2 have been carried out in transmission mode. SEIRA spectrum down to 0.1 µM was observed owing to the plasmonic effect of the gold nano film. Cytosine molecules appear to adsorb on the film via C=O and NH groups as evidenced by the red shift observed in the stretching vibrations of the above groups. The molecules assume a perpendicular orientation with respect to the surface.

  8. Soluble Proteins Form Film by the Treatment of Low Temperature Plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ikehara, Sanae; Sakakita, Hajime; Ishikawa, Kenji; Akimoto, Yoshihiro; Nakanishi, Hayao; Shimizu, Nobuyuki; Hori, Masaru; Ikehara, Yuzuru

    2015-09-01

    It has been pointed out that low temperature plasma in atmosphere was feasible to use for hemostasis without heat injury. Indeed, earlier studies demonstrated that low temperature plasma played an important role to stimulate platelets to aggregate and turned on the proteolytic activities of coagulation factors, resulting in the acceleration of the natural blood coagulation process. On the other hands, our developed equips could immediately form clots upon the contact with plasma flair, while the histological appearance was different from natural coagulation. Based on these findings in formed clots, we sought to determine if plasma flair supplied by our devices was capable of forming film using a series of soluble proteins Following plasma treatment, films were formed from bovine serum albumin, and the other plasma proteins at physiological concentration. Analysis of trans-electron microscope demonstrated that plasma treatment generated small protein particles and made them fuse to be larger aggregations The combined results demonstrated that plasma are capable of aggregating soluble proteins and that platelets and coagulation factors are not necessary for plasma induced blood coagulation. Supported in part by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Area (21590454, 24590498, and 24108006 to Y. I.).

  9. Films based on soy protein-agar blends for wound dressing: Effect of different biopolymer proportions on the drug release rate and the physical and antibacterial properties of the films.

    PubMed

    Rivadeneira, Josefina; Audisio, M C; Gorustovich, Alejandro

    2018-04-01

    No single material can provide all requirements for wound dressings. Here, we evaluated the influence of different soy protein isolate and agar proportions (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3) in blend films on some of their physical-chemical and antibacterial properties to elucidate their potential as wound dressings. The films were synthesized by the gel casting method and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride was incorporated into the films. Films were characterized based on their surface morphology, water uptake ability, and weight loss profile. Also, the ciprofloxacin hydrochloride release kinetics was quantified spectrophotometrically. The antibacterial effect was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The soy protein isolate-agar ratio affected the water uptake of the films and the release profile of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride but not the weight loss profile. The amount of drug released decreased near 80% because of the decrease in agar content in the films. The release kinetics of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride data best fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, suggesting that the mechanism of drug release was mainly of the diffusion type. All ciprofloxacin hydrochloride-releasing soy protein isolate-agar films strongly inhibited the cell viability of the bacterial strains studied. We concluded that water uptake and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride release can be controlled by changing the soy protein isolate-agar proportion. The proportions did not lead to changes in the antibacterial strength of the films.

  10. Complete braided adsorbent for marine testing to demonstrate 3g-U/kg-adsorbent

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Janke, Chris; Yatsandra, Oyola; Mayes, Richard

    ORNL has manufactured four braided adsorbents that successfully demonstrated uranium adsorption capacities ranging from 3.0-3.6 g-U/kg-adsorbent in marine testing at PNNL. Four new braided and leno woven fabric adsorbents have also been prepared by ORNL and are currently undergoing marine testing at PNNL.

  11. Measurement of benzenethiol adsorption to nanostructured Pt, Pd, and PtPd films using Raman spectroelectrochemistry.

    PubMed

    Pomfret, Michael B; Pietron, Jeremy J; Owrutsky, Jeffrey C

    2010-05-04

    Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical methods were used to study the behavior of the model adsorbate benzenethiol (BT) on nanostructured Pt, Pd, and PtPd electrodes as a function of applied potential. Benzenethiol adsorbs out of ethanolic solutions as the corresponding thiolate, and voltammetric stripping data reveal that BT is oxidatively removed from all of the nanostructured metals upon repeated oxidative and reductive cycling. Oxidative stripping potentials for BT increase in the order Pt < PtPd < Pd, indicating that BT adsorbs most strongly to nanoscale Pd. Yet, BT Raman scattering intensities, measured in situ over time scales of minutes to hours, are most persistent on the film of nanostructured Pt. Raman spectra indicate that adsorbed BT desorbs from nanoscale Pt at oxidizing potentials via cleavage of the Pt-S bond. In contrast, on nanoscale Pd and PtPd, BT is irreversibly lost due to cleavage of BT C-S bonds at oxidizing potentials, which leaves adsorbed sulfur oxides on Pd and PtPd films and effects the desulfurization of BT. While Pd and PtPd films are less sulfur-resistant than Pt films, palladium oxides, which form at higher potentials than Pt oxides, oxidatively desulfurize BT. In situ spectroelectrochemical Raman spectroscopy provides real-time, chemically specific information that complements the cyclic voltammetric data. The combination of these techniques affords a powerful and convenient method for guiding the development of sulfur-tolerant PEMFC catalysts.

  12. Characterization and evaluation of the Ag+-loaded soy protein isolate-based bactericidal film-forming dispersion and films.

    PubMed

    Sun, Qingshen; Li, Xiaodi; Wang, Pu; Du, Yiyang; Han, Dequan; Wang, Fengjiao; Liu, Xumei; Li, Pengfei; Fu, Honggang

    2011-08-01

    This study aims to prepare bactericidal films developed from soy protein isolate (SPI) based film-forming dispersions (FFDs) for use in the food and medical fields. The FFD and films were prepared after the incorporation of different concentrations of AgNO₃ as a bactericidal agent. The transparency, tensile strength, and antimicrobial features were evaluated. Structural characterizations were also performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy analysis. Results showed that the opacity of these FFD was greatly decreased after the incorporation of AgNO₃. The SPI-5 film has the largest tensile strength (P < 0.05) compared with that of the other ones. Micro structural imaging analysis showed an increase in the surface irregularities with the addition of AgNO₃. The minimum inhibitory concentration of AgNO₃ was 336 μg/mL FFD for both Escherichia coli ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25922. The SPI-AgNO₃ films developed from the FFD with the minimal AgNO₃ concentration at 336 μg/mL FFD also showed bactericidal effects for both the strains. These results may prove promising for the use of SPI-AgNO₃ films in the food or medical industries. The films prepared in this study are biodegradable and will be used in medical and food fields. © 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

  13. Rotary adsorbers for continuous bulk separations

    DOEpatents

    Baker, Frederick S [Oak Ridge, TN

    2011-11-08

    A rotary adsorber for continuous bulk separations is disclosed. The rotary adsorber includes an adsorption zone in fluid communication with an influent adsorption fluid stream, and a desorption zone in fluid communication with a desorption fluid stream. The fluid streams may be gas streams or liquid streams. The rotary adsorber includes one or more adsorption blocks including adsorbent structure(s). The adsorbent structure adsorbs the target species that is to be separated from the influent fluid stream. The apparatus includes a rotary wheel for moving each adsorption block through the adsorption zone and the desorption zone. A desorption circuit passes an electrical current through the adsorbent structure in the desorption zone to desorb the species from the adsorbent structure. The adsorbent structure may include porous activated carbon fibers aligned with their longitudinal axis essentially parallel to the flow direction of the desorption fluid stream. The adsorbent structure may be an inherently electrically-conductive honeycomb structure.

  14. Separative analyses of a chromatographic column packed with a core-shell adsorbent for lithium isotope separation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sugiyama, T.; Sugura, K.; Enokida, Y.

    2015-03-15

    Lithium-6 is used as a blanket material for sufficient tritium production in DT fueled fusion reactors. A core-shell type adsorbent was proposed for lithium isotope separation by chromatography. The mass transfer model in a chromatographic column consisted of 4 steps, such as convection and dispersion in the column, transfer through liquid films, intra-particle diffusion and and adsorption or desorption at the local adsorption sites. A model was developed and concentration profiles and time variation in the column were numerically simulated. It became clear that core-shell type adsorbents with thin porous shell were saturated rapidly relatively to fully porous one andmore » established a sharp edge of adsorption band. This is very important feature because lithium isotope separation requires long-distance development of adsorption band. The values of HETP (Height Equivalent of a Theoretical Plate) for core-shell adsorbent packed column were estimated by statistical moments of the step response curve. The value of HETP decreased with the thickness of the porous shell. A core-shell type adsorbent is, then, useful for lithium isotope separation. (authors)« less

  15. Recognition of dengue virus protein using epitope-mediated molecularly imprinted film.

    PubMed

    Tai, Dar-Fu; Lin, Chung-Yin; Wu, Tzong-Zeng; Chen, Li-Kuang

    2005-08-15

    Molecularly imprinted film was fabricated in the presence of a pentadecapeptide onto a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) chip. This 15-mer peptide has been known as the linear epitope of the dengue virus NS1 protein. Imprinting resulted in an increased polymer affinity toward the corresponding templates but also to the virus protein. Direct detection of the dengue virus protein was achieved quantitatively. The QCM chip response to the NS1 protein was obtained using epitope-mediated imprinting demonstrating a comparable frequency shift in chips immobilized with monoclonal antibodies. The binding effect was further enhanced and confirmed using a monoclonal antibody to form a sandwich with the MIP-NS1 protein complex on the chip. No pretreatment was required.

  16. In-plane conductance of thin films as a probe of surface chemical environment: Adsorbate effects on film electronic properties of indium tin oxide and gold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swint, Amy Lynn

    Changes in the in-plane conductance of conductive thin films are observed as a result of chemical adsorption at the surface. Reaction of the indium tin oxide (ITO) surface with Bronsted acids (bases) leads to increases (decreases) in its in-plane conductance as measured by a four-point probe configuration. The conductance varies monotonically with pH suggesting that the degree of surface protonation or hydroxylation controls the surface charge density, which in turn affects the width of the n-type depletion layer, and ultimately the in-plane conductance. Measurements at constant pH with a series of tetraalkylammonium hydroxide species of varying cation size indicate that surface dipoles also affect ITO conductance by modulating the magnitude of the surface polarization. Modulating the double layer with varying aqueous salt solutions also affects ITO conductance, though not to the same degree as strong Bronsted acids and bases. Solvents of varying dielectric constant and proton donating ability (ethanol, dimethylformamide) decrease ITO conductance relative to H2O. In addition, changing solvent gives rise to thermally-derived conductance transients, which result from exothermic solvent mixing. The self-assembly of alkanethiols at the surface increases the conductance of ITO films, most likely through carrier population effects. In all cases examined the combined effects of surface charge, adsorbed dipole layer magnitude and carrier injection are responsible for altering the ITO conductance. Besides being directly applicable to the control of electronic properties, these results also point to the use of four-point probe resistance measurements in condensed phase sensing applications. Ultrasensitive conductance-based gas phase sensing of organothiol adsorption to gold nanowires is accomplished with a limit of detection in the 105 molecule range. Further refinement of the inherently low noise resistance measurement may lead to observation of single adsorption events at

  17. Adsorbed Natural Gas Storage in Optimized High Surface Area Microporous Carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Romanos, Jimmy; Rash, Tyler; Nordwald, Erik; Shocklee, Joshua Shawn; Wexler, Carlos; Pfeifer, Peter

    2011-03-01

    Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) is an attractive alternative technology to compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the efficient storage of natural gas, in particular for vehicular applications. In adsorbants engineered to have pores of a few molecular diameters, a strong van der Walls force allows reversible physisorption of methane at low pressures and room temperature. Activated carbons were optimized for storage by varying KOH:C ratio and activation temperature. We also consider the effect of mechanical compression of powders to further enhance the volumetric storage capacity. We will present standard porous material characterization (BET surface area and pore-size distribution from subcritical N2 adsorption) and methane isotherms up to 250 bar at 293K. At sufficiently high pressure, specific surface area, methane binding energy and film density can be extracted from supercritical methane adsorption isotherms. Research supported by the California Energy Commission (500-08-022).

  18. Characterization of stable, electroactive protein cage/synthetic polymer multilayer thin films prepared by layer-by-layer assembly

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uto, Koichiro; Yamamoto, Kazuya; Kishimoto, Naoko; Muraoka, Masahiro; Aoyagi, Takao; Yamashita, Ichiro

    2013-04-01

    We have fabricated electroactive multilayer thin films containing ferritin protein cages. The multilayer thin films were prepared on a solid substrate by the alternate electrostatic adsorption of (apo)ferritin and poly( N-isopropylacrylamide- co-2-carboxyisopropylacrylamide) (NIPAAm- co-CIPAAm) in pH 3.5 acetate buffer solution. The assembly process was monitored using a quartz crystal microbalance. The (apo)ferritin/poly(NIPAAm- co-CIPAAm) multilayer thin films were then cross-linked using a water-soluble carbodiimide, 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide. The cross-linked films were stable under a variety of conditions. The surface morphology and thickness of the multilayer thin films were characterized by atomic force microscopy, and the ferritin iron cores were observed by scanning electron microscopy to confirm the assembly mechanism. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed different electrochemical properties for the cross-linked ferritin and apoferritin multilayer thin films, and the effect of stability of the multilayer film on its electrochemical properties was also examined. Our method for constructing multilayer films containing protein cages is expected to be useful in building more complex functional inorganic nanostructures.

  19. Exploring the Properties of Genetically Engineered Silk-Elastin-Like Protein Films.

    PubMed

    Machado, Raul; da Costa, André; Sencadas, Vitor; Pereira, Ana Margarida; Collins, Tony; Rodríguez-Cabello, José Carlos; Lanceros-Méndez, Senentxu; Casal, Margarida

    2015-12-01

    Free standing films of a genetically engineered silk-elastin-like protein (SELP) were prepared using water and formic acid as solvents. Exposure to methanol-saturated air promoted the formation of aggregated β-strands rendering aqueous insolubility and improved the mechanical properties leading to a 10-fold increase in strain-to-failure. The films were optically clear with resistivity values similar to natural rubber and thermally stable up to 180 °C. Addition of glycerol showed to enhance the flexibility of SELP/glycerol films by interacting with SELP molecules through hydrogen bonding, interpenetrating between the polymer chains and granting more conformational freedom. This detailed characterization provides cues for future and unique applications using SELP based biopolymers. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Nanoscale thin film growth of Au on Si(111)-7 × 7 surface by pulsed laser deposition method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yokotani, Atsushi; Kameyama, Akihiro; Nakayoshi, Kohei; Matsunaga, Yuta

    2017-03-01

    To obtain important information for fabricating atomic-scale Au thin films that are used for biosensors, we have observed the morphology of Au particles adsorbed on a Si(111)-7 × 7 surface, which is supposed to be the initial stage of Au atomistic thin film formation. Au particles were adsorbed on the clean Si surface using a PLD method, and the adsorbed particles were observed using a scanning tunneling microscope. As the number of laser shots was increased in the PLD method, the size of the adsorbed particle became larger. The larger particles seemed to form clusters, which are aggregations of particles in which each particle is distinguished, so we call this type of cluster a film-shaped cluster. In this work, we have mainly analyzed this type of cluster. As a result the film-shaped clusters were found to have a structure of nearly monoatomic layers. The particles in the clusters were gathered closely in roughly a 3-fold structure with an inter particle distance of 0.864 nm. We propose a model for the cluster structure by modifying Au(111) face so that each observed particle consists of three Au atoms.

  1. Making Ordered DNA and Protein Structures from Computer-Printed Transparency Film Cut-Outs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jittivadhna, Karnyupha; Ruenwongsa, Pintip; Panijpan, Bhinyo

    2009-01-01

    Instructions are given for building physical scale models of ordered structures of B-form DNA, protein [alpha]-helix, and parallel and antiparallel protein [beta]-pleated sheets made from colored computer printouts designed for transparency film sheets. Cut-outs from these sheets are easily assembled. Conventional color coding for atoms are used…

  2. In situ modification of chromatography adsorbents using cold atmospheric pressure plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Olszewski, P.; Willett, T. C.; Theodosiou, E.; Thomas, O. R. T.; Walsh, J. L.

    2013-05-01

    Efficient manufacturing of increasingly sophisticated biopharmaceuticals requires the development of new breeds of chromatographic materials featuring two or more layers, with each layer affording different functions. This letter reports the in situ modification of a commercial beaded anion exchange adsorbent using atmospheric pressure plasma generated within gas bubbles. The results show that exposure to He-O2 plasma in this way yields significant reductions in the surface binding of plasmid DNA to the adsorbent exterior, with minimal loss of core protein binding capacity; thus, a bi-layered chromatography material exhibiting both size excluding and anion exchange functionalities within the same bead is produced.

  3. In situ observation of lubricant film formation in THR considering real conformity: The effect of diameter, clearance and material.

    PubMed

    Nečas, D; Vrbka, M; Urban, F; Gallo, J; Křupka, I; Hartl, M

    2017-05-01

    The aim of the present study is to provide an analysis of protein film formation in hip joint replacements considering real conformity based on in situ observation of the contact zone. The main attention is focused on the effect of implant nominal diameter, diametric clearance and material. For this purpose, a pendulum hip joint simulator equipped with electromagnetic motors enabling to apply continuous swinging flexion-extension motion was employed. The experimental configuration consists of femoral component (CoCrMo, BIOLOX®forte, BIOLOX®delta) and acetabular cup from optical glass fabricated according to the dimensions of real cups. Two nominal diameters were studied, 28 and 36mm, respectively, while different diametric clearances were considered. Initially, a static test focused on the protein adsorption onto rubbing surfaces was performed with 36mm implants. It was found that the development of adsorbed layer is much more stable in the case of metal head, indicating that the adsorption forces are stronger compared to ceramic. A consequential swinging test revealed that the fundamental parameter influencing the protein film formation is diametric clearance. Independently of implant diameter, film was much thicker when a smaller clearance was considered. An increase of implant size from 28mm to 36mm did not cause a substantial difference in film formation; however, the total film thickness was higher for smaller implant. In terms of material, metal heads formed a thicker film, while this fact can be, among others, also attributed to clearance, which is more than two times higher in the case of ceramic implant. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Improvement of food packaging related properties in whey protein isolate‑based nanocomposite films and coatings by addition of montmorillonite nanoplatelets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmid, Markus; Merzbacher, Sarah; Brzoska, Nicola; Müller, Kerstin; Jesdinszki, Marius

    2017-11-01

    In the present study the effects of the addition of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoplatelets on whey protein isolate (WPI)-based nanocomposite films and coatings were investigated. The main objective was the development of WPI-based MMT-nanocomposites with enhanced barrier and mechanical properties. WPI-based nanocomposite cast-films and coatings were prepared by dispersing 0 % (reference sample), 3 %, 6 %, 9 % (w/w protein) MMT, or, depending on the protein concentration, also 12 % and 15 % (w/w protein) MMT into native WPI-based dispersions, followed by subsequent denaturation during the drying and curing process. The natural MMT nanofillers could be randomly dispersed into film-forming WPI-based nanodispersions, displaying good compatibility with the hydrophilic biopolymer matrix. As a result, by addition of 15 % (w/w protein) MMT into 10 % (w/w dispersion) WPI-based cast-films or coatings, the oxygen permeability (OP) was reduced by 91 % for glycerol-plasticized and 84 % for sorbitol-plasticized coatings, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) was reduced by 58 % for sorbitol-plasticized cast-films. Due to the addition of MMT- nanofillers the Young’s modulus and tensile strength improved by 315 % and 129 %, respectively, whereas elongation at break declined by 77 % for glycerol-plasticized cast-films. In addition, comparison of plasticizer type revealed that sorbitol-plasticized cast-films were generally stiffer and stronger, but less flexible compared glycerol-plasticized cast-films. Viscosity measurements demonstrated good processability and suitability for up-scaled industrial processes of native WPI-based nanocomposite dispersions, even at high nanofiller-loadings. These results suggest that the addition of natural MMT- nanofillers into native WPI-based matrices to form nanocomposite films and coatings holds great potential to replace well-established, fossil-based packaging materials for at least certain applications such as oxygen barriers as part of

  5. Influence of dynamic flow conditions on adsorbed plasma protein corona and surface-induced thrombus generation on antifouling brushes.

    PubMed

    Yu, Kai; Andruschak, Paula; Yeh, Han Hung; Grecov, Dana; Kizhakkedathu, Jayachandran N

    2018-06-01

    The information regarding the nature of protein corona (and its changes) and cell binding on biomaterial surface under dynamic conditions is critical to dissect the mechanism of surface-induced thrombosis. In this manuscript, we investigated the nature of protein corona and blood cell binding in heparinized recalcified human plasma, platelet rich plasma and whole blood on three highly hydrophilic antifouling polymer brushes, (poly(N, N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA), poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) and poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] (PHPMA) using an in vitro blood loop model at comparable arterial and venous flow, and static conditions. A fluid dynamics model was used initially to better understand the resulting flow patterns in a vertical channel containing the substrates to arrive at the placement of the substrates within the blood loop. The protein binding on the brush modified substrates was determined using ellipsometry, fluorescence microscopy and the nature of the protein corona was investigated using mass spectrometry based proteomics. The flow elevated fouling on brush coated surface from blood. The extent of plasma protein adsorption and platelet adhesion onto PDMA brush was lower than other surfaces in both static and flow conditions. The profiles of adsorbed protein corona showed strong dependence on the test conditions (static vs. flow), and the chemistry of the polymer brushes. Specially, the PDMA brush under flow conditions was more enriched with coagulation proteins, complement proteins, vitronectin and fibronectin but was less enriched with serum albumin. Apolipoprotein B-100 and complement proteins were the most abundant proteins seen on PMPC and PHPMA surfaces under both flow and static conditions, respectively. Unlike PDMA brush, the flow conditions did not affect the composition of protein corona on PMPC and PHPMA brushes. The nature of the protein corona formed in flow conditions influenced the platelet and red

  6. Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction Study of Structure and Growth of Adsorbed Layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dai, Pengcheng

    Synchrotron x-ray diffraction and scanning-tunneling -microscopy (STM) experiments reveal a new commensurate monolayer structure of 10CB (decylcyanobiphenyl) molecules adsorbed on the (0001) graphite surface. Our results are consistent with two generic structures for nCB monolayers on surfaces of hexagonal symmetry. The monolayer d spacing of the new phase inferred by STM is 10% layer than that obtained by x-ray diffraction on the same sample. We suggest that part of this discrepancy results from a systematic error introduced in calibration of the STM length scale against the graphite substrate. For multilayer nCB films, we find that a polycrystalline structure is formed and most of the adsorbed molecules are aligned with their long axis perpendicular to the graphite surface. Synchrotron x-ray scattering has been used to investigate the structure and growth of xenon physisorbed on the Ag(111) surface using a specially designed ultra -high vacuum (UHV) chamber. For growth under quasi-equilibrium conditions, the bulk Xe-Xe spacing is reached at monolayer completion and solid films of thickness >= 220 A are observed in which an 'ABC' stacking sequence predominates. Under kinetic growth conditions, intensity oscillations at the Xe anti-Bragg position of the specular rod are observed as a function of time, indicating layer -by-layer growth. Analysis of the specular reflectivity at different coverages yields the fractional layer occupancies and the spacing between the Ag(111) surface and first Xe layer. We have conducted a series of low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) 'kinetic isotherm' experiments on both xenon and hexane rm(C_6H_{14 }) films adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface. Our preliminary results show that under the pressure and temperature range accessible to the experiments, all of the Xe kinetic isotherms fall on a universal curve which is concave upward. However, the hexane kinetic isotherms have a qualitatively different shape (S-like) at the higher

  7. Preparation of the porous cerium dioxide film by two-step anodization and heat treating method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xiaozhen; Zhu, Bolun; Liu, Yuze; Wang, Shanshan; Chen, Jie; Wang, Xiaoyu

    2017-12-01

    The porous cerium dioxide films were prepared with cerium foils as raw materials by two-step anodization and heat treating method. The anodic cerium oxide films were heat treated in 25∼400°C respectively. The cerium dioxide films were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques, energy-dispersive analyses of X-ray (EDAX) and scanning electron microcopy (SEM), respectively. The anodic cerium oxide film is composed of Ce(OH)3, CeO2 and Ce2O3. When the anodic cerium oxide films were heat treated in 300°C∼400°C for 2h, Ce(OH)3 and Ce2O3 in the anodic cerium oxide films may be converted to CeO2, and the heat treated anodic cerium oxide films are the cerium dioxide films. Water, ethylene glycol and CO2 are adsorbed in the anodic cerium oxide film. The adsorbing water, ethylene glycol and CO2 in the anodic cerium oxide film are removed at 300°C. The cerium dioxide film has strong absorption in the range of 1600∼4000cm-1. The structure of the cerium dioxide film is the porous.

  8. Energy of adhesion of human T cells to adsorption layers of monoclonal antibodies measured by a film trapping technique.

    PubMed Central

    Ivanov, I B; Hadjiiski, A; Denkov, N D; Gurkov, T D; Kralchevsky, P A; Koyasu, S

    1998-01-01

    A novel method for studying the interaction of biological cells with interfaces (e.g., adsorption monolayers of antibodies) is developed. The method is called the film trapping technique because the cell is trapped within an aqueous film of equilibrium thickness smaller than the cell diameter. A liquid film of uneven thickness is formed around the trapped cell. When observed in reflected monochromatic light, this film exhibits an interference pattern of concentric bright and dark fringes. From the radii of the fringes one can restore the shape of interfaces and the cell. Furthermore, one can calculate the adhesive energy between the cell membrane and the aqueous film surface (which is covered by a layer of adsorbed proteins and/or specific ligands), as well as the disjoining pressure, representing the force of interaction per unit area of the latter film. The method is applied to two human T cell lines: Jurkat and its T cell receptor negative (TCR-) derivative. The interaction of these cells with monolayers of three different monoclonal antibodies adsorbed at a water-air interface is studied. The results show that the adhesive energy is considerable (above 0.5 mJ/m2) when the adsorption monolayer contains antibodies acting as specific ligands for the receptors expressed on the cell surface. In contrast, the adhesive energy is close to zero in the absence of such a specific ligand-receptor interaction. In principle, the method can be applied to the study of the interaction of a variety of biological cells (B cells, natural killer cells, red blood cells, etc.) with adsorption monolayers of various biologically active molecules. In particular, film trapping provides a tool for the gentle micromanipulation of cells and for monitoring of processes (say the activation of a T lymphocyte) occurring at the single-cell level. PMID:9649417

  9. Unexpected behavior of ultra-thin films of blends of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) studied by specific heat spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Madkour, Sherif; Szymoniak, Paulina; Schick, Christoph; Schönhals, Andreas

    2017-05-01

    Specific heat spectroscopy (SHS) employing AC nanochip calorimetry was used to investigate the glassy dynamics of ultra-thin films (thicknesses: 10 nm-340 nm) of a polymer blend, which is miscible in the bulk. In detail, a Poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME)/Polystyrene (PS) blend with the composition of 25/75 wt. % was studied. The film thickness was controlled by ellipsometry while the film topography was checked by atomic force microscopy. The results are discussed in the framework of the balance between an adsorbed and a free surface layer on the glassy dynamics. By a self-assembling process, a layer with a reduced mobility is irreversibly adsorbed at the polymer/substrate interface. This layer is discussed employing two different scenarios. In the first approach, it is assumed that a PS-rich layer is adsorbed at the substrate. Whereas in the second approach, a PVME-rich layer is suggested to be formed at the SiO2 substrate. Further, due to the lower surface tension of PVME, with respect to air, a nanometer thick PVME-rich surface layer, with higher molecular mobility, is formed at the polymer/air interface. By measuring the glassy dynamics of the thin films of PVME/PS in dependence on the film thickness, it was shown that down to 30 nm thicknesses, the dynamic Tg of the whole film was strongly influenced by the adsorbed layer yielding a systematic increase in the dynamic Tg with decreasing the film thickness. However, at a thickness of ca. 30 nm, the influence of the mobile surface layer becomes more pronounced. This results in a systematic decrease in Tg with the further decrease of the film thickness, below 30 nm. These results were discussed with respect to thin films of PVME/PS blend with a composition of 50/50 wt. % as well as literature results.

  10. The impact of anthocyanin-rich red raspberry extract (ARRE) on the properties of edible soy protein isolate (SPI) films.

    PubMed

    Wang, Sunan; Marcone, Massimo; Barbut, Shai; Lim, Loong-Tak

    2012-04-01

    To modify the properties of edible soy protein isolate (SPI) films, 0.5% anthocyanin-rich red raspberry (Rubus strigosus) extract (ARRE) (0.5 g raspberry powder in 95% ethyl alcohol/water/85% lactic acid [80:19:1. v/v/v]) was incorporated into film-forming solutions. ARRE resulted in an SPI film having significantly enhanced tensile strength (P < 0.05) and % elongation at break (P < 0.05), as well as increased water swelling ratio (P < 0.05) and in vitro pepsin digestibility (P < 0.05). The resultant films also showed significantly decreased water solubility and water vapor permeability (P < 0.05). In addition, ARRE increased darkness, redness, and yellowness film appearance as evidenced by a lower L* (P < 0.05), greater positive a* (P < 0.05), and a higher b* (P < 0.05) than the control film. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that extract-added films had denser and more compact cross-section microstructure. Fourier transform infrared spectra illustrated that ARRE-created hydrogen bonding involved conformational changes of soy protein without destroying its backbone structure. SDS-PAGE electrophoretograms revealed that the extract induced intermolecular interaction of the soy protein monomers. Natural plant extracts would be a promising ingredient to make SPI films with different physicochemical properties and applications. This study characterizes the potential physicochemical changes of SPI film with incorporated raspberry extract. Upon the above modification, the resultant film was found to enhance the applications of pure SPI film in food packaging. For example, SPI-ARRE film could prolong the usage life of SPI film due to increased strength, or could be useful as a desiccant (drying agent) such as a water-absorbing sheet for preserving dried foods due to its increased hydrophilic surface and water-swelling ratio. SPI-ARRE film could also be alternately used as a food wrap with unique color. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

  11. Pattern Recognition of Adsorbing HP Lattice Proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilson, Matthew S.; Shi, Guangjie; Wüst, Thomas; Landau, David P.; Schmid, Friederike

    2015-03-01

    Protein adsorption is relevant in fields ranging from medicine to industry, and the qualitative behavior exhibited by course-grained models could shed insight for further research in such fields. Our study on the selective adsorption of lattice proteins utilizes the Wang-Landau algorithm to simulate the Hydrophobic-Polar (H-P) model with an efficient set of Monte Carlo moves. Each substrate is modeled as a square pattern of 9 lattice sites which attract either H or P monomers, and are located on an otherwise neutral surface. The fully enumerated set of 102 unique surfaces is simulated with each protein sequence. A collection of 27-monomer sequences is used- each of which is non-degenerate and protein-like. Thermodynamic quantities such as the specific heat and free energy are calculated from the density of states, and are used to investigate the adsorption of lattice proteins on patterned substrates. Research supported by NSF.

  12. Multistep building of a soft plant protein film at the air-water interface.

    PubMed

    Poirier, Alexandre; Banc, Amélie; Stocco, Antonio; In, Martin; Ramos, Laurence

    2018-09-15

    Gliadins are edible wheat storage proteins well known for their surface active properties. In this paper, we present experimental results on the interfacial properties of acidic solutions of gliadin studied over 5 decades of concentrations, from 0.001 to 110 g/L. Dynamic pendant drop tensiometry reveals that the surface pressure Π of gliadin solutions builds up in a multistep process. The series of curves of the time evolution of Π collected at different bulk protein concentrations C can be merged onto a single master curve when Π is plotted as a function of αt where t is the time elapsed since the formation of the air/water interface and α is a shift parameter that varies with C as a power law with an exponent 2. The existence of such time-concentration superposition, which we evidence for the first time, indicates that the same mechanisms govern the surface tension evolution at all concentrations and are accelerated by an increase of the bulk concentration. The scaling of α with C is consistent with a kinetic of adsorption controlled by the diffusion of the proteins in the bulk. Moreover, we show that the proteins adsorption at the air/water interface is kinetically irreversible. Correlated evolutions of the optical and elastic properties of the interfaces, as probed by ellipsometry and surface dilatational rheology respectively, provide a consistent physical picture of the building up of the protein interfacial layer. A progressive coverage of the interface by the proteins occurs at low Π. This stage is followed, at higher Π, by conformational rearrangements of the protein film, which are identified by a strong increase of the dissipative viscoelastic properties of the film concomitantly with a peculiar evolution of its optical profile that we have rationalized. In the last stage, at even higher surface pressure, the adsorption is arrested; the optical profile is not modified while the elasticity of the interfacial layer dramatically increases with the

  13. Analysis of the electrodeposition and surface chemistry of CdTe, CdSe, and CdS thin films through substrate-overlayer surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Gu, Junsi; Fahrenkrug, Eli; Maldonado, Stephen

    2014-09-02

    The substrate-overlayer approach has been used to acquire surface enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) during and after electrochemical atomic layer deposition (ECALD) of CdSe, CdTe, and CdS thin films. The collected data suggest that SERS measurements performed with off-resonance (i.e. far from the surface plasmonic wavelength of the underlying SERS substrate) laser excitation do not introduce perturbations to the ECALD processes. Spectra acquired in this way afford rapid insight on the quality of the semiconductor film during the course of an ECALD process. For example, SERS data are used to highlight ECALD conditions that yield crystalline CdSe and CdS films. In contrast, SERS measurements with short wavelength laser excitation show evidence of photoelectrochemical effects that were not germane to the intended ECALD process. Using the semiconductor films prepared by ECALD, the substrate-overlayer SERS approach also affords analysis of semiconductor surface adsorbates. Specifically, Raman spectra of benzenethiol adsorbed onto CdSe, CdTe, and CdS films are detailed. Spectral shifts in the vibronic features of adsorbate bonding suggest subtle differences in substrate-adsorbate interactions, highlighting the sensitivity of this methodology.

  14. Polypeptide multilayer films on colloidal particles: an in situ electro-optical study.

    PubMed

    Radeva, Tsetska; Kamburova, Kamelia

    2007-04-15

    The buildup of poly(L-glutamic acid) (PGA) and poly(L-lysine) (PLL) multilayers on beta-FeOOH colloidal particles was investigated by means of electro-optics and electrophoresis. The films were built at different (acidic) pH in the absence of salt. We found that the thickness of the film grows linearly when the fully charged PLL (at pH 5.5) is combined with almost fully charged PGA (at pH 6.5), with a thickness of about 2 nm per single layer. When the fully charged PLL is combined with weakly charged PGA (at pH 4.5), the film thickness increases exponentially with the number of deposited layers. The thickness of the exponentially growing film increases to 300 nm after deposition of 16 layers. The exponential film growth is attributed to the ability of the PLL to diffuse "in" and "out" of the film bulk at each deposition step. The variation in the electrical polarizability of the film-coated particles was also monitored as a function of the number of adsorbed layers. The result reveals that the PLL chains, which can diffuse into the film bulk, have no measurable contribution to the electro-optical effect of the films terminated with PLL. It is only due to the polarization of counterions of the PLL adsorbed on the film surface.

  15. Effects of the conjugation of whey proteins with gellan polysaccharides on surfactant-induced competitive displacement from the air-water interface.

    PubMed

    Cai, B; Ikeda, S

    2016-08-01

    conjugation with gellan. Furthermore, gellan molecules added to the sub-phase after the formation of a monolayer of whey proteins at the air-water interface did not adsorb to the interfacial protein film. These results provide a molecular basis for designing interfacial structures to enhance the stability of colloidal systems. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Interactions between glycine and amorphous solid water nanoscale films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tzvetkov, George; Koller, Georg; Netzer, Falko P.

    2012-12-01

    The interactions of glycine (Gly) with amorphous solid water (ASW) nanolayers (≤ 100 ML), vapor-deposited on single crystalline AlOx surfaces at 100 K, have been investigated by near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) at the oxygen K-edge, temperature-programmed thermal desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and temperature-dependent work function measurements. Gly-on-ASW, ASW-on-Gly, and Gly on top of ASW-on-Gly ultrathin films have been fabricated. In contrast to the uniform ASW films grown directly on the hydrophilic AlOx, water molecules adsorb on the hydrophobic Gly films in the form of 3D ASW clusters. This leads to significant differences in the NEXAFS and work function data obtained from ASW-on-AlOx and ASW-on-Gly films, respectively. Furthermore, these structural differences influence the chemical state of Gly molecules (neutral vs. zwitterionic) adsorbed on top of ASW films. N1s XPS measurements revealed an increased amount of neutral Gly molecules in the film top-deposited on the ASW-on-Gly structure in comparison to the neutral Gly in the films directly condensed on AlOx or grown on the ASW substrate. H2O TPD spectra demonstrate that the crystallization and desorption processes of ASW are affected in a different way by the Gly layers, top-deposited on to ASW-on-AlOx and ASW-on-Gly films. At the same time, Gly adlayers sink into the ASW film during crystallization/desorption of the latter and land softly on the alumina surface in the form of zwitterionic clusters.

  17. Design and characterization of controlled-release edible packaging films prepared with synergistic whey-protein polysaccharide complexes.

    PubMed

    Liu, Fei; Jiang, Yanfeng; Du, Bingjian; Chai, Zhi; Jiao, Tong; Zhang, Chunyue; Ren, Fazheng; Leng, Xiaojing

    2013-06-19

    This paper describes an investigation into the properties of a doubly emulsified film incorporated with protein-polysaccharide microcapsules, which serves as a multifunctional food packaging film prepared using common edible materials in place of petroleum--based plastics. The relationships between the microstructural properties and controlled release features of a series of water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) microcapsulated edible films prepared in thermodynamically incompatible conditions were analyzed. The hydrophilic riboflavin (V(B2)) nano-droplets (13-50 nm) dispersed in α-tocopherol (V(E)) oil phase were embedded in whey protein-polysaccharide (WPs) microcapsules with a shell thickness of 20-56 nm. These microcapsules were then integrated in 103 μm thick WPs films. Different polysaccharides, including gum arabic (GA), low-methoxyl pectin (LMP), and κ-carrageenan (KCG), exhibited different in vitro synergistic effects on the ability of both films to effect enteric controlled release of both vitamins. GA, which showed a strong emulsifying ability, also showed better control of V(E) than other polysaccharides, and the highly charged KCG showed better control of V(B2) than GA did.

  18. Conformational Phase Diagram for Polymers Adsorbed on Ultrathin Nanowires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vogel, Thomas; Bachmann, Michael

    2010-05-01

    We study the conformational behavior of a polymer adsorbed at an attractive stringlike nanowire and construct the complete structural phase diagram in dependence of the binding strength and effective thickness of the nanowire. For this purpose, Monte Carlo optimization techniques are employed to identify lowest-energy structures for a coarse-grained model of a polymer in contact with the nanowire. Among the representative conformations in the different phases are, for example, compact droplets attached to the wire and also nanotubelike monolayer films wrapping it in a very ordered way. We here systematically analyze low-energy shapes and structural order parameters to elucidate the transitions between the structural phases.

  19. Conformational phase diagram for polymers adsorbed on ultrathin nanowires.

    PubMed

    Vogel, Thomas; Bachmann, Michael

    2010-05-14

    We study the conformational behavior of a polymer adsorbed at an attractive stringlike nanowire and construct the complete structural phase diagram in dependence of the binding strength and effective thickness of the nanowire. For this purpose, Monte Carlo optimization techniques are employed to identify lowest-energy structures for a coarse-grained model of a polymer in contact with the nanowire. Among the representative conformations in the different phases are, for example, compact droplets attached to the wire and also nanotubelike monolayer films wrapping it in a very ordered way. We here systematically analyze low-energy shapes and structural order parameters to elucidate the transitions between the structural phases.

  20. Imprint control of BaTiO 3 thin films via chemically induced surface polarization pinning

    DOE PAGES

    Lee, Hyungwoo; Kim, Tae Heon; Patzner, Jacob J.; ...

    2016-02-22

    Surface-adsorbed polar molecules can significantly alter the ferroelectric properties of oxide thin films. Thus, fundamental understanding and controlling the effect of surface adsorbates are crucial for the implementation of ferroelectric thin film devices, such as ferroelectric tunnel junctions. Herein, we report an imprint control of BaTiO 3 (BTO) thin films by chemically induced surface polarization pinning in the top few atomic layers of the water-exposed BTO films. Our studies based on synchrotron X-ray scattering and coherent Bragg rod analysis demonstrate that the chemically induced surface polarization is not switchable but reduces the polarization imprint and improves the bistability of ferroelectricmore » phase in BTO tunnel junctions. Here, we conclude that the chemical treatment of ferroelectric thin films with polar molecules may serve as a simple yet powerful strategy to enhance functional properties of ferroelectric tunnel junctions for their practical applications.« less

  1. Kinetics of protein unfolding at interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yano, Yohko F.

    2012-12-01

    The conformation of protein molecules is determined by a balance of various forces, including van der Waals attraction, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and conformational entropy. When protein molecules encounter an interface, they are often adsorbed on the interface. The conformation of an adsorbed protein molecule strongly depends on the interaction between the protein and the interface. Recent time-resolved investigations have revealed that protein conformation changes during the adsorption process due to the protein-protein interaction increasing with increasing interface coverage. External conditions also affect the protein conformation. This review considers recent dynamic observations of protein adsorption at various interfaces and their implications for the kinetics of protein unfolding at interfaces.

  2. Quartz Microbalance Study of 400-angstrom Thick Films near the lambda Point

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chan, Moses H. W.

    2003-01-01

    In a recent measurement we observed the thinning of an adsorbed helium film induced by the confinement of critical fluctuations a few millikelvin below the lambda point. A capacitor set-up was used to measure this Casimir effect. In this poster we will present our measurement of an adsorbed helium film of 400 angstroms near the lambda point with a quartz microbalance. For films this thick, we must take into account the non-linear dynamics of the shear waves in the fluid. In spite of the added complications, we were able to confirm the thinning of the film due to the Casimir effect and the onset of the superfluid transition. In addition, we observe a sharp anomaly at the bulk lambda point, most likely related to critical dissipation of the first sound. This work is carried out in collaboration with Rafael Garcia, Stephen Jordon and John Lazzaretti. This work is funded by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research under grant.

  3. Nanofiber adsorbents for high productivity continuous downstream processing.

    PubMed

    Hardick, Oliver; Dods, Stewart; Stevens, Bob; Bracewell, Daniel G

    2015-11-10

    demonstrate the productivity of nanofiber adsorbents through rapid bind-elute cycle times of 7s which resulted in a 15-fold increase in productivity compared with packed bed resins. Reproducible performance of BSA purification was demonstrated using a 2-component protein solution of BSA and cytochrome c. The SMB system exploits the advantageous convective mass transfer properties of nanofiber adsorbents to provide productivities much greater than those achievable with conventional chromatography media. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Effect of Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, and Urea on the Molecular Interactions and Properties of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Films

    PubMed Central

    Schmid, Markus; Prinz, Tobias K.; Stäbler, Andreas; Sängerlaub, Sven

    2017-01-01

    Whey protein coatings and cast films are promising for use as food packaging materials. Ongoing research is endeavoring to reduce their permeability. The intention of this study was to evaluate the effect of the reactive additives sodium sulfite, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and urea on the oxygen barrier, water vapor barrier, and protein solubility of whey protein cast films. The concentration of the reactive additives was 1 to 20 wt.-%. Dried whey protein cast films were used as substrate materials. The water vapor transmission rate, the oxygen permeability, and the protein solubility were measured. Effective diffusion coefficients and effective sorption coefficients were calculated from the results of the water vapor sorption experiments. The presence of sodium sulfite resulted in an increased number of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds and a slightly decreased number of disulfide bonds. The oxygen permeability decreased from 68 to 46 cm3 (STP/standard temperature and pressure) 100 μm (m2 d bar)−1 for 1 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The water vapor transmission rate decreased from 165 to 44 g 100 μm (m2 d)−1 measured at 50 to 0% r. h. for 20 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The reduction in the water vapor transmission rate correlated with the lower effective diffusion coefficient. PMID:28149835

  5. Effect of sodium sulfite, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and urea on the molecular interactions and properties of whey protein isolate-based films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmid, Markus; Prinz, Tobias K.; Stäbler, Andreas; Sängerlaub, Sven

    2016-12-01

    Whey protein coatings and cast films are promising for use as food packaging materials. Ongoing research is endeavoring to reduce their permeability. The intention of this study was to evaluate the effect of the reactive additives sodium sulfite, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and urea on the oxygen barrier, water vapor barrier, and protein solubility of whey protein cast films. The concentration of the reactive additives was 1 to 20 wt.-%. Dried whey protein cast films were used as substrate materials. The water vapor transmission rate, the oxygen permeability, and the protein solubility were measured. Effective diffusion coefficients and effective sorption coefficients were calculated from the results of the water vapor sorption experiments. The presence of sodium sulfite resulted in an increased number of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds and a slightly decreased number of disulfide bonds. The oxygen permeability decreased from 68 to 46 cm³ (STP / standard temperature and pressure) 100 µm (m² d bar)-1 for 1 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The water vapor transmission rate decreased from 165 to 44 g 100 µm (m² d)-1 measured at 50 to 0 % r. h. for 20 wt.-% SDS in the whey protein cast film. The reduction in the water vapor transmission rate correlated with the lower effective diffusion coefficient.

  6. The effect of adsorbates on the electrical stability of graphene studied by transient photocurrent spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalkan, S. B.; Aydın, H.; Özkendir, D.; ćelebi, C.

    2018-01-01

    Adsorbate induced variations in the electrical conductivity of graphene layers with two different types of charge carriers are investigated by using the Transient Photocurrent Spectroscopy (TPS) measurement technique. In-vacuum TPS measurements taken for a duration of 5 ks revealed that the adsorption/desorption of atmospheric adsorbates leads to more than a 110% increment and a 45% decrement in the conductivity of epitaxial graphene (n-type) and chemical vapor deposition graphene (p-type) layers on semi-insulating silicon carbide (SiC) substrates, respectively. The graphene layers on SiC are encapsulated and passivated with a thin SiO2 film grown by the Pulsed Electron Deposition method. The measurements conducted for short periods and a few cycles showed that the encapsulation process completely suppresses the time dependent conductivity instability of graphene independent of its charge carrier type. The obtained results are used to construct an experimental model for identifying adsorbate related conductivity variations in graphene and also in other 2D materials with an inherently high surface-to-volume ratio.

  7. Controlled enzymatic cutting of DNA molecules adsorbed on surfaces using soft lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Auerbach, Alyssa; Budassi, Julia; Shea, Emily; Zhu, Ke; Sokolov, Jonathan

    2013-03-01

    The enzyme DNase I was applied to adsorbed and aligned DNA molecules (Lamda, 48.5 kilobase pairs (kbp), and T4, 165.6 kbp), stretched linearly on a surface, by stamping with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) grating. The DNAs were cut by the enzyme into separated, micron-sized segments along the length of the molecules at positions determined by the grating dimensions (3-20 microns). Ozone-treated PDMS stamps were coated with DNase I solutions and placed in contact with surface-adsorbed DNA molecules deposited on a 750 polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) film spun-cast onto a silicon substrate. The stamps were applied under pressure for times up to 15 minutes at 37 C. The cutting was observed by fluorescence microscopy imaging of DNA labeled with YOYO dye. Cutting was found to be efficient despite the steric hindrance due to surface attachment of the molecules. Methods for detaching and separating the cut segments for sequencing applications will be discussed. Supported by NSF-DMR program.

  8. A theoretical and experimental approach toward the development of affinity adsorbents for GFP and GFP-fusion proteins purification.

    PubMed

    Fernandes, Cláudia S M; Pina, Ana Sofia; Dias, Ana M G C; Branco, Ricardo J F; Roque, Ana Cecília Afonso

    2014-09-30

    The green fluorescent protein (GFP) is widely employed to report on a variety of molecular phenomena, but its selective recovery is hampered by the lack of a low-cost and robust purification alternative. This work reports an integrated approach combining rational design and experimental validation toward the optimization of a small fully-synthetic ligand for GFP purification. A total of 56 affinity ligands based on a first-generation lead structure were rationally designed through molecular modeling protocols. The library of ligands was further synthesized by solid-phase combinatorial methods based on the Ugi reaction and screened against Escherichia coli extracts containing GFP. Ligands A4C2, A5C5 and A5C6 emerged as the new lead structures based on the high estimated theoretical affinity constants and the high GFP binding percentages and enrichment factors. The elution of GFP from these adsorbents was further characterized, where the best compromise between mild elution conditions, yield and purity was found for ligands A5C5 and A5C6. These were tested for purifying a model GFP-fusion protein, where ligand A5C5 yielded higher protein recovery and purity. The molecular interactions between the lead ligands and GFP were further assessed by molecular dynamics simulations, showing a wide range of potential hydrophobic and hydrogen-bond interactions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. The possible magnetoelectric coupling induced by adsorption in SnTe films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Zhaoming; Liu, Meng; Zhang, Na; An, Yipeng; Yang, Zongxian

    2018-01-01

    Based on the recent discovery of the stable in-plane spontaneous polarization in SnTe films. We report the possible magnetoelectric (ME) coupling induced by adsorption in SnTe films by performing density functional calculations. Firstly, we investigate the adsorption-induced magnetic behaviors on the two-dimensional SnTe monolayer. Five kinds of adatoms (H, B, C, N and O) are taken into account. It is found that the SnTe with adsorbing H and B have nonzero magnetic moments and good stability. Secondly, the coexistence of the ferromagnetism and ferroelectrics (i.e. multiferroics) is observed in H-adsorbed SnTe. The magnetoelectric coupling in this system is studied by calculating the poralazition in different magnetic structures (antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric). According to our study, we propose that it is a possible method obtaining the multiferroicity and ME coupling to modify the SnTe films by chemical adsorption of single atoms.

  10. Cytokine adsorbing columns.

    PubMed

    Taniguchi, Takumi

    2010-01-01

    Sepsis induces the activation of complement and the release of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. The inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide induced by sepsis can decrease systemic vascular resistance, resulting in profound hypotension. The combination of hypotension and microvascular occlusion results in tissue ischemia and ultimately leads to multiple organ failure. Recently, several experimental and clinical studies have reported that treatment for adsorption of cytokines is beneficial during endotoxemia and sepsis. Therefore, the present article discusses cytokine adsorbing columns. These columns, such as CytoSorb, CYT-860-DHP, Lixelle, CTR-001 and MPCF-X, the structures of which vary significantly, have excellent adsorption rates for inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL8. Many studies have demonstrated that treatment with cytokine adsorbing columns has beneficial effects on the survival rate and inflammatory responses in animal septic models. Moreover, several cases have been reported in which treatment with cytokine adsorbing columns is very effective in hemodynamics and organ failures in critically ill patients. Although further investigations and clinical trials are needed, in the future treatment with cytokine adsorbing columns may play a major role in the treatment of hypercytokinemia such as multiple organ failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  11. Resistance to protein adsorption and adhesion of fibroblasts on nanocrystalline diamond films: the role of topography and boron doping.

    PubMed

    Alcaide, María; Papaioannou, Stavros; Taylor, Andrew; Fekete, Ladislav; Gurevich, Leonid; Zachar, Vladimir; Pennisi, Cristian Pablo

    2016-05-01

    Boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (BNCD) films exhibit outstanding electrochemical properties that make them very attractive for the fabrication of electrodes for novel neural interfaces and prosthetics. In these devices, the physicochemical properties of the electrode materials are critical to ensure an efficient long-term performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative contribution of topography and doping to the biological performance of BNCD films. For this purpose, undoped and boron-doped NCD films were deposited on low roughness (LR) and high roughness (HR) substrates, which were studied in vitro by means of protein adsorption and fibroblast growth assays. Our results show that BNCD films significantly reduce the adsorption of serum proteins, mostly on the LR substrates. As compared to fibroblasts cultured on LR BNCD films, cells grown on the HR BNCD films showed significantly reduced adhesion and lower growth rates. The mean length of fibronectin fibrils deposited by the cells was significantly increased in the BNCD coated substrates, mainly in the LR surfaces. Overall, the largest influence on protein adsorption, cell adhesion, proliferation, and fibronectin deposition was due to the underlying sub-micron topography, with little or no influence of boron doping. In perspective, BNCD films displaying surface roughness in the submicron range may be used as a strategy to reduce the fibroblast growth on the surface of neural electrodes.

  12. Spectroscopic interaction studies of substituted and unsubstituted copper phthalocyanine with adsorbed organic vapours

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ridhi, R.; Kang, Jasmeen; Saini, G. S. S.; Tripathi, S. K.

    2018-05-01

    The present study deals with comparing the interaction mechanism of adsorbed organic vapours with Copper Phthalocyanine thin films in its substituted and unsubstituted forms. For this purpose, the variations in vibrational levels of substituted CuPc (CuPcS) functionalized with tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt and unsubstituted CuPc after exposure with methanol and benzene vapours is analyzed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) is used to study the interaction behaviour. The bulkier group tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt added to CuPc leads to occupation of more space in the molecular arrangement as compared to unsubstituted CuPc and hence alteration of its properties. FTIR spectra of CuPc and CuPcS before and after vapours exposures highlighted the effect of these vapours on the various bonds and the role of functional group in altering the molecular structure of CuPcS during interaction with adsorbed vapours.

  13. Milestone Report - Complete New Adsorbent Materials for Marine Testing to Demonstrate 4.5 g-U/kg Adsorbent

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Janke, Christopher James; Das, Sadananda; Oyola, Yatsandra

    2014-08-01

    This report describes work on the successful completion of Milestone M2FT-14OR03100115 (8/20/2014) entitled, “Complete new adsorbent materials for marine testing to demonstrate 4.5 g-U/kg adsorbent”. This effort is part of the Seawater Uranium Recovery Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, and involved the development of new adsorbent materials at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and marine testing at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). ORNL has recently developed two new families of fiber adsorbents that have demonstrated uranium adsorption capacities greater than 4.5 g-U/kg adsorbent after marine testing at PNNL. One adsorbent wasmore » synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of itaconic acid and acrylonitrile onto high surface area polyethylene fibers followed by amidoximation and base conditioning. This fiber showed a capacity of 4.6 g-U/kg adsorbent in marine testing at PNNL. The second adsorbent was prepared by atom-transfer radical polymerization of t-butyl acrylate and acrylonitrile onto halide-functionalized round fibers followed by amidoximation and base hydrolysis. This fiber demonstrated uranium adsorption capacity of 5.4 g-U/kg adsorbent in marine testing at PNNL.« less

  14. Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of heme proteins immobilised in carbon-coated nickel magnetic nanoparticle-chitosan-dimethylformamide composite films in room-temperature ionic liquids.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ting; Wang, Lu; Tu, Jiaojiao; Xiong, Huayu; Wang, Shengfu

    2013-12-01

    The direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of heme proteins entrapped in carbon-coated nickel magnetic nanoparticle-chitosan-dimethylformamide (CNN-CS-DMF) composite films were investigated in the hydrophilic ionic liquid [bmim][BF4]. The surface morphologies of a representative set of films were characterised via scanning electron microscopy. The proteins immobilised in the composite films were shown to retain their native secondary structure using UV-vis spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of the heme proteins-CNN-CS-DMF films was evaluated via cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. A pair of stable and well-defined redox peaks was observed for the heme protein films at formal potentials of -0.151 V (HRP), -0.167 V (Hb), -0.155 V (Mb) and -0.193 V (Cyt c) in [bmim][BF4]. Moreover, several electrochemical parameters of the heme proteins were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis of the square-wave voltammetry. The addition of CNN significantly enhanced not only the electron transfer of the heme proteins but also their electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of H2O2. Low apparent Michaelis-Menten constants were obtained for the heme protein-CNN-CS-DMF films, demonstrating that the biosensors have a high affinity for H2O2. In addition, the resulting electrodes displayed a low detection limit and improved sensitivity for detecting H2O2, which indicates that the biocomposite film can serve as a platform for constructing new non-aqueous biosensors for real detection. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Recyclability of PET/WPI/PE Multilayer Films by Removal of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Coatings with Enzymatic Detergents

    PubMed Central

    Cinelli, Patrizia; Schmid, Markus; Bugnicourt, Elodie; Coltelli, Maria Beatrice; Lazzeri, Andrea

    2016-01-01

    Multilayer plastic films provide a range of properties, which cannot be obtained from monolayer films but, at present, their recyclability is an open issue and should be improved. Research to date has shown the possibility of using whey protein as a layer material with the property of acting as an excellent barrier against oxygen and moisture, replacing petrochemical non-recyclable materials. The innovative approach of the present research was to achieve the recyclability of the substrate films by separating them, with a simple process compatible with industrial procedures, in order to promote recycling processes leading to obtain high value products that will beneficially impact the packaging and food industries. Hence, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET)/polyethylene (PE) multi-layer film was prepared based on PET coated with a whey protein layer, and then the previous structure was laminated with PE. Whey proteins, constituting the coating, can be degraded by enzymes so that the coating films can be washed off from the plastic substrate layer. Enzyme types, dosage, time, and temperature optima, which are compatible with procedures adopted in industrial waste recycling, were determined for a highly-efficient process. The washing of samples based on PET/whey and PET/whey/PE were efficient when performed with enzymatic detergent containing protease enzymes, as an alternative to conventional detergents used in recycling facilities. Different types of enzymatic detergents tested presented positive results in removing the protein layer from the PET substrate and from the PET/whey/PE multilayer films at room temperature. These results attested to the possibility of organizing the pre-treatment of the whey-based multilayer film by washing with different available commercial enzymatic detergents in order to separate PET and PE, thus allowing a better recycling of the two different polymers. Mechanical properties of the plastic substrate, such as stress at yield, stress and

  16. Recyclability of PET/WPI/PE Multilayer Films by Removal of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Coatings with Enzymatic Detergents.

    PubMed

    Cinelli, Patrizia; Schmid, Markus; Bugnicourt, Elodie; Coltelli, Maria Beatrice; Lazzeri, Andrea

    2016-06-14

    Multilayer plastic films provide a range of properties, which cannot be obtained from monolayer films but, at present, their recyclability is an open issue and should be improved. Research to date has shown the possibility of using whey protein as a layer material with the property of acting as an excellent barrier against oxygen and moisture, replacing petrochemical non-recyclable materials. The innovative approach of the present research was to achieve the recyclability of the substrate films by separating them, with a simple process compatible with industrial procedures, in order to promote recycling processes leading to obtain high value products that will beneficially impact the packaging and food industries. Hence, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET)/polyethylene (PE) multi-layer film was prepared based on PET coated with a whey protein layer, and then the previous structure was laminated with PE. Whey proteins, constituting the coating, can be degraded by enzymes so that the coating films can be washed off from the plastic substrate layer. Enzyme types, dosage, time, and temperature optima, which are compatible with procedures adopted in industrial waste recycling, were determined for a highly-efficient process. The washing of samples based on PET/whey and PET/whey/PE were efficient when performed with enzymatic detergent containing protease enzymes, as an alternative to conventional detergents used in recycling facilities. Different types of enzymatic detergents tested presented positive results in removing the protein layer from the PET substrate and from the PET/whey/PE multilayer films at room temperature. These results attested to the possibility of organizing the pre-treatment of the whey-based multilayer film by washing with different available commercial enzymatic detergents in order to separate PET and PE, thus allowing a better recycling of the two different polymers. Mechanical properties of the plastic substrate, such as stress at yield, stress and

  17. Mechanical, Optical, and Barrier Properties of Soy Protein Film As Affected by Phenolic Acid Addition.

    PubMed

    Insaward, Anchana; Duangmal, Kiattisak; Mahawanich, Thanachan

    2015-11-04

    This study aimed to explore the effect of phenolic acid addition on properties of soy protein film. Ferulic (FE), caffeic (CA), and gallic (GA) acids as well as their oxidized products were used in this study. Phenolic acid addition was found to have a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the mechanical properties of the film. GA-containing films exhibited the highest tensile strength and elongation at break, followed by those with added CA and FE, respectively. Oxidized phenolic acids were shown to produce a film with higher tensile strength and elongation at break than their unoxidized counterparts. Phenolic acid addition also affected film color and transparency. As compared to the control, phenolic-containing film samples demonstrated reduced water vapor permeability and water solubility and increased contact angle, especially at high concentrations of oxidized phenolic acid addition.

  18. Protein-resistant cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) micropatterns via photolithography using removable polyoxometalate photocatalyst.

    PubMed

    Pavli, Pagona; Petrou, Panagiota S; Douvas, Antonios M; Dimotikali, Dimitra; Kakabakos, Sotirios E; Argitis, Panagiotis

    2014-10-22

    In the last years, there has been an increasing interest in controlling the protein adsorption properties of surfaces because this control is crucial for the design of biomaterials. On the other hand, controlled immobilization of proteins is also important for their application as solid surfaces in immunodiagnostics and biosensors. Herein we report a new protein patterning method where regions of the substrate are covered by a hydrophilic film that minimizes protein adsorption. Particularly, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) cross-linked structures created by an especially developed photolithographic process are proved to prevent protein physisorption and they are used as a guide for selective protein adsorption on the uncovered areas of a protein adsorbing substrate such as polystyrene. The PVA cross-linking is induced by photo-oxidation using, as a catalyst, polyoxometalate (H3PW12O40 or α-(NH4)6P2W18O62), which is removed using a methyl alcohol/water mixed solvent as the developer. We demonstrate that the polystyrene and the cross-linked PVA exhibit dramatically different performances in terms of protein physisorption. In particular, the polystyrene areas presented up to 130 times higher protein binding capacity than the PVA ones, whereas the patterning resolution could easily reach dimensions of a few micrometers. The proposed approach can be applied on any substrate where PVA films can be coated for controlling protein adsorption onto surface areas custom defined by the user.

  19. Changes in the quaternary structure of amelogenin when adsorbed onto surfaces

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tarasevich, Barbara J.; Lea, Alan S.; Bernt, William

    The amelogenin protein is involved in the formation of highly controlled and anisotropic hydroxyapatite crystals in tooth enamel. Amelogenin is unique in that it self assembles to form supramolecular quaternary structures called “nanospheres,” spherical aggregates of amelogenin monomers typically 20-60 nm in diameter. Although nanospheres have been observed in solution, the quaternary structure of amelogenin adsorbed onto surfaces is not well known. A better understanding of the surface structure is of great importance, however, because the function of amelogenin depends on it. We report studies of the adsorption of amelogenin onto self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) containing COOH and CH3 end groupmore » functionality as well as single crystal fluoroapatite (FAP), a biologically relevant surface. The supramolecular structures of the protein in solution as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) were compared with the supramolecular structures of the protein physisorbed onto surfaces as studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found that although our solutions contained only nanospheres of narrow size distribution, smaller structures such as monomers and dimers were observed onto both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. This suggests that amelogenin can adsorb onto surfaces as small structures that peel away or “shed” from the nanospheres that are present in solution.« less

  20. Adsorption and conformational modification of fibronectin and fibrinogen adsorbed on hydroxyapatite. A QCM-D study.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Montes Moraleda, Belén; San Román, Julio; Rodríguez-Lorenzo, Luís M

    2016-10-01

    Hydroxyapatite is a bioactive ceramic frequently used for bone engineering/replacement. One of the parameters that influence the biological response to implanted materials is the conformation of the first adsorbed protein layer. In this work, the adsorption and conformational changes of two fibroid serum proteins; fibronectin and fibrinogen adsorbed onto four different hydroxyapatite powders are studied with a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D). Each of the calcined apatites adsorbs less protein than their corresponding synthesized samples. Adsorption on synthesized samples yields always an extended conformation whereas a reorganization of the layer is observed for the calcined samples. Fg acquires a "Side on" conformation in all the samples at the beginning of the experiment except for one of the synthesized samples where an "End-on" conformation is obtained during the whole experiment. The Extended conformation is the active conformation for Fn. This conformation is favored by apatites with large specific surface area (SSA) and on highly concentrated media. Apatite surface features should be considered in the selection or design of materials for bone regeneration, since it is possible to control the conformation mode of attachment of Fn and Fg by an appropriate selection of them. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2585-2594, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Method And Apparatus For Regenerating Nox Adsorbers

    DOEpatents

    Driscoll, J. Joshua; Endicott, Dennis L.; Faulkner, Stephen A.; Verkiel, Maarten

    2006-03-28

    Methods and apparatuses for regenerating a NOx adsorber coupled with an exhaust of an engine. An actuator drives a throttle valve to a first position when regeneration of the NOx adsorber is desired. The first position is a position that causes the regeneration of the NOx adsorber. An actuator drives the throttle valve to a second position while regeneration of the NOx adsorber is still desired. The second position being a position that is more open than the first position and operable to regenerate a NOx adsorber.

  2. A comparative study of the refractive index of silk protein thin films towards biomaterial based optical devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bucciarelli, A.; Mulloni, V.; Maniglio, D.; Pal, R. K.; Yadavalli, V. K.; Motta, A.; Quaranta, A.

    2018-04-01

    Over the last two decades, silk fibroin has been exploited as a versatile optical material in biological applications due to a combination of unique properties. Recently, protocols have been developed to produce a silk fibroin negative tone resist that is UV crosslinkable, thereby allowing micro and nanoscale patterning of the protein using traditional photolithographic tools. The same protocol has been applied to the silk protein sericin to develop a sericin resist. Despite the immense potential of these biomaterials to develop micro optical patterns on silicon and glass surfaces, as well as self-standing components, their refractive indexes are not well characterized. In this work, optimizing a method to obtain extremely smooth, thin films, the refractive index (RI) of fibroin and sericin proteins and resists were characterized using ellipsometry. The parameters of the Sellmeier and Cauchy dispersion laws have been determined to obtain the RI over a large wavelength range. A complete morphological study of the films has been conducted. In addition, the effect of solvent on the optical properties of silk fibroin and sericin thin films are reported, with differences in values explained by examining the change in the protein secondary structure.

  3. Effect of replacement of corn starch by whey protein isolate in biodegradable film blends obtained by extrusion.

    PubMed

    Azevedo, Viviane Machado; Borges, Soraia Vilela; Marconcini, José Manoel; Yoshida, Maria Irene; Neto, Alfredo Rodrigues Sena; Pereira, Tamara Coelho; Pereira, Camila Ferreira Gonçalves

    2017-02-10

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing corn starch by whey protein isolated (WPI) in biodegradable polymer blends developed by extrusion. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of a Vh-type crystalline arrangement. The films were homogeneous, indicating strong interfacial adhesion between the protein and the thermoplastic starch matrix (TPS) as observed in scanning electron microscopy. The addition of WPI on TPS matrix promoted an increase in the thermal stability of the materials. It was observed 58.5% decrease in the water vapor permeability. The effect of corn starch substitution by WPI on mechanical properties resulted in a more resistant and less flexible film when compared the TPS film. The addition of WPI caused greenish yellow color and less transparent films. The substitution of corn starch by WPI made it possible to obtain polymer blends with improved properties and represents an innovation for application as a packaging material. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  4. Structure and Reactivity of Alkyl Ethers Adsorbed on CeO2(111) Model Catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    F Calaza; T Chen; D Mullins

    2011-12-31

    The effect of surface hydroxyls on the adsorption of ether on ceria was explored. Adsorption of dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE) on oxidized and reduced CeO{sub 2}(111) films was studied and compared with Ru(0001) using RAIRS and sXPS within a UHV environment. On Ru(0001) the ethers adsorb weakly with the molecular plane close to parallel to the surface plane. On the ceria films, the adsorption of the ethers was stronger than on the metal surface, presumably due to stronger interaction of the ether oxygen lone pair electrons with a cerium cation. This interaction causes the ethers to tiltmore » away from the surface plane compared to the Ru(0001) surface. No pronounced differences were found between oxidized (CeO{sub 2}) and reduced (CeOx) films. The adsorption of the ethers was found to be perturbed by the presence of OH groups on hydroxylated CeOx. In the case of DEE, the geometry of adsorption resembles that found on Ru, and in the case of dimethyl ether DME is in between that one found on clean CeOx and the metal surface. Decomposition of the DEE was observed on the OH/CeOx surface following high DEE exposure at 300 K and higher temperatures. Ethoxides and acetates were identified as adsorbed species on the surface by means of RAIRS and ethoxides and formates by s-XPS. No decomposition of dimethyl ether was observed on the OH/CeOx at these higher temperatures, implying that the dissociation of the C-O bond from ethers requires the presence of {beta}-hydrogen.« less

  5. Structure and Reactivity of Alkyl Ethers Adsorbed on CeO(2)(111) Model Catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Calaza, Florencia C; Chen, Tsung-Liang; Mullins, David R

    2011-01-01

    The effect of surface hydroxyls on the adsorption of ether on ceria was explored. Adsorption of dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE) on oxidized and reduced CeO{sub 2}(111) films was studied and compared with Ru(0001) using RAIRS and sXPS within a UHV environment. On Ru(0001) the ethers adsorb weakly with the molecular plane close to parallel to the surface plane. On the ceria films, the adsorption of the ethers was stronger than on the metal surface, presumably due to stronger interaction of the ether oxygen lone pair electrons with a cerium cation. This interaction causes the ethers to tiltmore » away from the surface plane compared to the Ru(0001) surface. No pronounced differences were found between oxidized (CeO{sub 2}) and reduced (CeOx) films. The adsorption of the ethers was found to be perturbed by the presence of OH groups on hydroxylated CeOx. In the case of DEE, the geometry of adsorption resembles that found on Ru, and in the case of dimethyl ether DME is in between that one found on clean CeOx and the metal surface. Decomposition of the DEE was observed on the OH/CeOx surface following high DEE exposure at 300 K and higher temperatures. Ethoxides and acetates were identified as adsorbed species on the surface by means of RAIRS and ethoxides and formates by s-XPS. No decomposition of dimethyl ether was observed on the OH/CeOx at these higher temperatures, implying that the dissociation of the C-O bond from ethers requires the presence of {beta}-hydrogen.« less

  6. Detailed Study of BSA Adsorption on Micro- and Nanocrystalline Diamond/β-SiC Composite Gradient Films by Time-Resolved Fluorescence Microscopy.

    PubMed

    Handschuh-Wang, Stephan; Wang, Tao; Druzhinin, Sergey I; Wesner, Daniel; Jiang, Xin; Schönherr, Holger

    2017-01-24

    The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on micro- and nanocrystalline diamond/β-SiC composite films synthesized using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) technique has been investigated by confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. BSA labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was employed as a probe. The BSA FITC conjugate was found to preferentially adsorb on both O-/OH-terminated microcrystalline and nanocrystalline diamond compared to the OH-terminated β-SiC, resulting in an increasing amount of BSA adsorbed to the gradient surfaces with an increasing diamond/β-SiC ratio. The different strength of adsorption (>30 times for diamond with a grain size of 570 nm) coincides with different surface energy parameters and differing conformational changes upon adsorption. Fluorescence data of the adsorbed BSA FITC on the gradient film with different diamond coverage show a four-exponential decay with decay times of 3.71, 2.54, 0.66, and 0.13 ns for a grain size of 570 nm. The different decay times are attributed to the fluorescence of thiourea fluorescein residuals of linked FITC distributed in BSA with different dye-dye and dye-surface distances. The longest decay time was found to correlate linearly with the diamond grain size. The fluorescence of BSA FITC undergoes external dynamic fluorescence quenching on the diamond surface by H- and/or sp 2 -defects and/or by amorphous carbon or graphite phases. An acceleration of the internal fluorescence concentration quenching in BSA FITC because of structural changes of albumin due to adsorption, is concluded to be a secondary contributor. These results suggest that the micro- and nanocrystalline diamond/β-SiC composite gradient films can be utilized to spatially control protein adsorption and diamond crystallite size, which facilitates systematic studies at these interesting (bio)interfaces.

  7. Effect of montmorillonite clay addition on the morphological and physical properties of Jatropha curcas L. and Glycine max L. protein concentrate films

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Protein concentrates from jatropha (JPC) and soy seeds (SPC) were obtained by solubilization and acid precipitation of proteins. Films from JPC and SPC were prepared by the casting method, using two different montmorillonite (MMT) clay concentrations and plasticized with glycerol. Film properties we...

  8. Bioavailability of Carbon Nanomaterial-Adsorbed Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Pimphales promelas: Influence of Adsorbate Molecular Size and Configuration.

    PubMed

    Linard, Erica N; Apul, Onur G; Karanfil, Tanju; van den Hurk, Peter; Klaine, Stephen J

    2017-08-15

    Despite carbon nanomaterials' (CNMs) potential to alter the bioavailability of adsorbed contaminants, information characterizing the relationship between adsorption behavior and bioavailability of CNM-adsorbed contaminants is still limited. To investigate the influence of CNM morphology and organic contaminant (OC) physicochemical properties on this relationship, adsorption isotherms were generated for a suite of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and exfoliated graphene (GN) in conjunction with determining the bioavailability of the adsorbed PAHs to Pimphales promelas using bile analysis via fluorescence spectroscopy. Although it appeared that GN adsorbed PAHs indiscriminately compared to MWCNTs, the subsequent bioavailability of GN-adsorbed PAHs was more sensitive to PAH morphology than MWCNTs. GN was effective at reducing bioavailability of linear PAHs by ∼70%, but had little impact on angular PAHs. MWCNTs were sensitive to molecular size, where bioavailability of two-ringed naphthalene was reduced by ∼80%, while bioavailability of the larger PAHs was reduced by less than 50%. Furthermore, the reduction in bioavailability of CNM-adsorbed PAHs was negatively correlated with the amount of CNM surface area covered by the adsorbed-PAHs. This study shows that the variability in bioavailability of CNM-adsorbed PAHs is largely driven by PAH size, configuration and surface area coverage.

  9. Properties and Antioxidant Capacity of Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) By-Product Protein Films Containing Thyme Essential Oil.

    PubMed

    Tural, Serpil; Turhan, Sadettin

    2017-03-01

    In this study, some properties and antioxidant capacity of anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicholus ) by-product protein films with added 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of thyme essential oil were investigated. The films with thyme essential oil had higher elongation at break, water vapour permeability and oxygen permeability, lower solubility and tensile strength than control film (p<0.05). The incorporation of thyme essential oil affected transparency values of the films, but only the addition of 1.5% of thyme essential oil significantly reduced the transparency (p<0.05). In the film matrix, molecular organisation and intermolecular interaction were changed by thyme essential oil addition. The films with thyme essential oil had a heterogeneous surface and a relatively smooth cross-section structure. Slightly higher phase transition and lower glass transition temperatures were observed in films with thyme essential oil. The antioxidant capacity of the films was improved by incorporating thyme essential oil depending on its volume fraction.

  10. Properties and Antioxidant Capacity of Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) By-Product Protein Films Containing Thyme Essential Oil

    PubMed Central

    Tural, Serpil

    2017-01-01

    Summary In this study, some properties and antioxidant capacity of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) by-product protein films with added 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of thyme essential oil were investigated. The films with thyme essential oil had higher elongation at break, water vapour permeability and oxygen permeability, lower solubility and tensile strength than control film (p<0.05). The incorporation of thyme essential oil affected transparency values of the films, but only the addition of 1.5% of thyme essential oil significantly reduced the transparency (p<0.05). In the film matrix, molecular organisation and intermolecular interaction were changed by thyme essential oil addition. The films with thyme essential oil had a heterogeneous surface and a relatively smooth cross-section structure. Slightly higher phase transition and lower glass transition temperatures were observed in films with thyme essential oil. The antioxidant capacity of the films was improved by incorporating thyme essential oil depending on its volume fraction. PMID:28559736

  11. Fibronectin and bovine serum albumin adsorption and conformational dynamics on inherently conducting polymers: a QCM-D study.

    PubMed

    Molino, Paul J; Higgins, Michael J; Innis, Peter C; Kapsa, Robert M I; Wallace, Gordon G

    2012-06-05

    Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was employed to characterize the adsorption of the model proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibronectin (FN), to polypyrrole doped with dextran sulfate (PPy-DS) as a function of DS loading and surface roughness. BSA adsorption was greater on surfaces of increased roughness and was above what could be explained by the increase in surface area alone. Furthermore, the additional mass adsorbed on the rough films was concomitant with an increase in the rigidity of the protein layer. Analysis of the dynamic viscoelastic properties of the protein adlayer reveal BSA adsorption on the rough films occurs in two phases: (1) arrival and initial adsorption of protein to the polymer surface and (2) postadsorption molecular rearrangement to a more dehydrated and compact conformation that facilitates further recruitment of protein to the polymer interface, likely forming a multilayer. In contrast, FN adsorption was independent of surface roughness. However, films prepared from solutions containing the highest concentration of DS (20 mg/mL) demonstrated both an increase in adsorbed mass and adlayer viscoelasticity. This is attributed to the higher DS loading in the conducting polymer film resulting in presentation of a more hydrated molecular structure indicative of a more unfolded and bioactive conformation. Modulating the redox state of the PPy-DS polymers was shown to modify both the adsorbed mass and viscoelastic nature of FN adlayers. An oxidizing potential increased both the total adsorbed mass and the adlayer viscoelasticity. Our findings demonstrate that modification of polymer physicochemical and redox condition alters the nature of protein-polymer interaction, a process that may be exploited to tailor the bioactivity of protein through which interactions with cells and tissues may be controlled.

  12. Influence of surface charge on the rate, extent, and structure of adsorbed Bovine Serum Albumin to gold electrodes.

    PubMed

    Beykal, Burcu; Herzberg, Moshe; Oren, Yoram; Mauter, Meagan S

    2015-12-15

    The objective of this work is to investigate the rate, extent, and structure of amphoteric proteins with charged solid surfaces over a range of applied potentials and surface charges. We use Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (E-QCM-D) to investigate the adsorption of amphoteric Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) to a gold electrode while systematically varying the surface charge on the adsorbate and adsorbent by manipulating pH and applied potential, respectively. We also perform cyclic voltammetry-E-QCM-D on an adsorbed layer of BSA to elucidate conformational changes in response to varied applied potentials. We confirm previous results demonstrating that increasing magnitude of applied potential on the gold electrode is positively correlated with increasing mass adsorption when the protein and the surface are oppositely charged. On the other hand, we find that the rate of BSA adsorption is not governed by simple electrostatics, but instead depends on solution pH, an observation not well documented in the literature. Cyclic voltammetry with simultaneous E-QCM-D measurements suggest that BSA protein undergoes a conformational change as the surface potential varies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Effect of otoconial proteins fetuin A, osteopontin, and otoconin 90 on the nucleation and growth of calcite

    DOE PAGES

    Hong, Mina; Moreland, K. Trent; Chen, Jiajun; ...

    2014-10-30

    Here, we investigated the roles of three proteins associated with the formation of otoconia including fetuin A, osteopontin (OPN), and otoconin 90 (OC90). In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies of the effects of these proteins on the growth of atomic steps on calcite surfaces were performed to obtain insight into their effects on the growth kinetics. We also used scanning electron microscopy to examine the effects of these proteins on crystal morphology. All three proteins were found to be potent inhibitors of calcite growth, although fetuin A promoted growth at concentrations below about 40 nM and only became anmore » inhibitor at higher concentrations. We then used in situ optical microscopy to observe calcite nucleation on films of these proteins adsorbed onto mica surfaces. By measuring the calcite nucleation rate as a function of supersaturation, the value of the interfacial energy that controls the free energy barrier to heterogeneous nucleation was determined for each protein. OPN and OC90 films led to significantly reduced interfacial energies as compared to the value for homogeneous calcite nucleation in bulk solution. The value for fetuin A was equal to that for bulk solution within experimental error. Zeta potential measurements showed all of the proteins possessed negative surface charge and varied in magnitude according to sequence fetuin A > OC90 > OPN. In addition, the interfacial energies exhibited an inverse scaling with the zeta potential. In analogy to previous measurements on polysaccharide films, this scaling indicates the differences between the proteins arise from the effect of protein surface charge on the solution–substrate interfacial energy.« less

  14. Organic and Inorganic Dyes in Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films

    PubMed Central

    Ball, Vincent

    2012-01-01

    Polyelectrolyte multilayer films are a versatile functionalization method of surfaces and rely on the alternated adsorption of oppositely charged species. Among such species, charged dyes can also be alternated with oppositely charged polymers, which is challenging from a fundamental point of view, because polyelectrolytes require a minimal number of charges, whereas even monovalent dyes can be incorporated during the alternated adsorption process. We will not only focus on organic dyes but also on their inorganic counterparts and on metal complexes. Such films offer plenty of possible applications in dye sensitized solar cells. In addition, dyes are massively used in the textile industry and in histology to stain textile fibers or tissues. However, the excess of non bound dyes poses serious environmental problems. It is hence of the highest interest to design materials able to adsorb such dyes in an almost irreversible manner. Polyelectrolyte multilayer films, owing to their ion exchange behavior can be useful for such a task allowing for impressive overconcentration of dyes with respect to the dye in solution. The actual state of knowledge of the interactions between charged dyes and adsorbed polyelectrolytes is the focus of this review article.

  15. Enhanced growth and osteogenic differentiation of human osteoblast-like cells on boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond thin films.

    PubMed

    Grausova, Lubica; Kromka, Alexander; Burdikova, Zuzana; Eckhardt, Adam; Rezek, Bohuslav; Vacik, Jiri; Haenen, Ken; Lisa, Vera; Bacakova, Lucie

    2011-01-01

    Intrinsic nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films have been proven to be promising substrates for the adhesion, growth and osteogenic differentiation of bone-derived cells. To understand the role of various degrees of doping (semiconducting to metallic-like), the NCD films were deposited on silicon substrates by a microwave plasma-enhanced CVD process and their boron doping was achieved by adding trimethylboron to the CH(4):H(2) gas mixture, the B∶C ratio was 133, 1000 and 6700 ppm. The room temperature electrical resistivity of the films decreased from >10 MΩ (undoped films) to 55 kΩ, 0.6 kΩ, and 0.3 kΩ (doped films with 133, 1000 and 6700 ppm of B, respectively). The increase in the number of human osteoblast-like MG 63 cells in 7-day-old cultures on NCD films was most apparent on the NCD films doped with 133 and 1000 ppm of B (153,000 ± 14,000 and 152,000 ± 10,000 cells/cm(2), respectively, compared to 113,000 ± 10,000 cells/cm(2) on undoped NCD films). As measured by ELISA per mg of total protein, the cells on NCD with 133 and 1000 ppm of B also contained the highest concentrations of collagen I and alkaline phosphatase, respectively. On the NCD films with 6700 ppm of B, the cells contained the highest concentration of focal adhesion protein vinculin, and the highest amount of collagen I was adsorbed. The concentration of osteocalcin also increased with increasing level of B doping. The cell viability on all tested NCD films was almost 100%. Measurements of the concentration of ICAM-1, i.e. an immunoglobuline adhesion molecule binding inflammatory cells, suggested that the cells on the NCD films did not undergo significant immune activation. Thus, the potential of NCD films for bone tissue regeneration can be further enhanced and tailored by B doping and that B doping up to metallic-like levels is not detrimental for cells.

  16. Enhanced Growth and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Osteoblast-Like Cells on Boron-Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Thin Films

    PubMed Central

    Grausova, Lubica; Kromka, Alexander; Burdikova, Zuzana; Eckhardt, Adam; Rezek, Bohuslav; Vacik, Jiri; Haenen, Ken; Lisa, Vera; Bacakova, Lucie

    2011-01-01

    Intrinsic nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films have been proven to be promising substrates for the adhesion, growth and osteogenic differentiation of bone-derived cells. To understand the role of various degrees of doping (semiconducting to metallic-like), the NCD films were deposited on silicon substrates by a microwave plasma-enhanced CVD process and their boron doping was achieved by adding trimethylboron to the CH4:H2 gas mixture, the B∶C ratio was 133, 1000 and 6700 ppm. The room temperature electrical resistivity of the films decreased from >10 MΩ (undoped films) to 55 kΩ, 0.6 kΩ, and 0.3 kΩ (doped films with 133, 1000 and 6700 ppm of B, respectively). The increase in the number of human osteoblast-like MG 63 cells in 7-day-old cultures on NCD films was most apparent on the NCD films doped with 133 and 1000 ppm of B (153,000±14,000 and 152,000±10,000 cells/cm2, respectively, compared to 113,000±10,000 cells/cm2 on undoped NCD films). As measured by ELISA per mg of total protein, the cells on NCD with 133 and 1000 ppm of B also contained the highest concentrations of collagen I and alkaline phosphatase, respectively. On the NCD films with 6700 ppm of B, the cells contained the highest concentration of focal adhesion protein vinculin, and the highest amount of collagen I was adsorbed. The concentration of osteocalcin also increased with increasing level of B doping. The cell viability on all tested NCD films was almost 100%. Measurements of the concentration of ICAM-1, i.e. an immunoglobuline adhesion molecule binding inflammatory cells, suggested that the cells on the NCD films did not undergo significant immune activation. Thus, the potential of NCD films for bone tissue regeneration can be further enhanced and tailored by B doping and that B doping up to metallic-like levels is not detrimental for cells. PMID:21695172

  17. Modulating surface rheology by electrostatic protein/polysaccharide interactions.

    PubMed

    Ganzevles, Renate A; Zinoviadou, Kyriaki; van Vliet, Ton; Cohen, Martien A; de Jongh, Harmen H

    2006-11-21

    There is a large interest in mixed protein/polysaccharide layers at air-water and oil-water interfaces because of their ability to stabilize foams and emulsions. Mixed protein/polysaccharide adsorbed layers at air-water interfaces can be prepared either by adsorption of soluble protein/polysaccharide complexes or by sequential adsorption of complexes or polysaccharides to a previously formed protein layer. Even though the final protein and polysaccharide bulk concentrations are the same, the behavior of the adsorbed layers can be very different, depending on the method of preparation. The surface shear modulus of a sequentially formed beta-lactoglobulin/pectin layer can be up to a factor of 6 higher than that of a layer made by simultaneous adsorption. Furthermore, the surface dilatational modulus and surface shear modulus strongly (up to factors of 2 and 7, respectively) depend on the bulk -lactoglobulin/pectin mixing ratio. On the basis of the surface rheological behavior, a mechanistic understanding of how the structure of the adsorbed layers depends on the protein/polysaccharide interaction in bulk solution, mixing ratio, ionic strength, and order of adsorption to the interface (simultaneous or sequential) is derived. Insight into the effect of protein/polysaccharide interactions on the properties of adsorbed layers provides a solid basis to modulate surface rheological behavior.

  18. Dynamic interfacial properties of human tear-lipid films and their interactions with model-tear proteins in vitro.

    PubMed

    Svitova, Tatyana F; Lin, Meng C

    2016-07-01

    This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding interfacial properties of very complex biological colloids, specifically, human meibum and tear lipids, and their interactions with proteins similar to the proteins found in aqueous part of human tears. Tear lipids spread as thin films over the surface of tear-film aqueous and play crucial roles in tear-film stability and overall ocular-surface health. The vast majority of papers published to date report interfacial properties of meibum-lipid monolayers spread on various aqueous sub-phases, often containing model proteins, in Langmuir trough. However, it is well established that natural human ocular tear lipids exist as multilayered films with a thickness between 30 and 100nm, that is very much disparate from 1 to 2nm thick meibum monolayers. We employed sessile-bubble tensiometry to study the dynamic interfacial and rheological properties of reconstituted multilayered human tear-lipid films. Small amounts (0.5-1μg) of human tear lipids were deposited on an air-bubble surface to produce tear-lipid films in thickness range 30-100nm corresponding to ocular lipid films. Thus, we were able to overcome major Langmuir-trough method limitations because ocular tear lipids can be safely harvested only in minute, sub-milligram quantities, insufficient for Langmuir through studies. Sessile-bubble method is demonstrated to be a versatile tool for assessing conventional synthetic surfactants adsorption/desorption dynamics at an air-aqueous solution interface. (Svitova T., Weatherbee M., Radke C.J. Dynamics of surfactant sorption at the air/water interface: continuous-flow tensiometry. J. Colloid Interf. Sci. 2003;261:1170-179). The augmented flow-sessile-bubble setup, with step-strain relaxation module for dynamic interfacial rheological properties and high-precision syringe pump to generate larger and slow interfacial area expansions-contractions, was developed and employed in our studies. We established that

  19. Developing of a magnetite film of carboxymethyl cellulose grafted carboxymethyl polyvinyl alcohol (CMC-g-CMPVA) for copper removal.

    PubMed

    Dahlan, Nuraina Anisa; Veeramachineni, Anand Kumar; Langford, Steven James; Pushpamalar, Janarthanan

    2017-10-01

    Crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose grafted carboxymethyl polyvinyl alcohol (CMC-g-CMPVA) was loaded with modified magnetite iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles to synthesise a new and easily separable adsorbent for the removal of copper (II) ions from water. The novel adsorbents were characterised by the presence of the functional group, surface morphology, crystallinity and magnetic property. The equilibrium time from the adsorption studies was found to be less than 240min for both film and bead forms while the rate of Cu 2+ removal decreased as the initial Cu 2+ concentration increased. In addition, CMC-g-CMPVA film loaded with Fe 3 O 4 /SiO 2 nanoparticles was the best adsorbent with maximum adsorption capacity of 35.34mg/g and exhibited a reusable potential. The properties exhibited by the new heterogeneous material is a promising adsorbent for the removal and recovery of copper (II) from wastewater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Adsorbent Alkali Conditioning for Uranium Adsorption from Seawater. Adsorbent Performance and Technology Cost Evaluation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tsouris, Costas; Mayes, Richard T.; Janke, Christopher James

    The Fuel Resources program of the Fuel Cycle Research and Development program of the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) is focused on identifying and implementing actions to assure that nuclear fuel resources are available in the United States. An immense source of uranium is seawater, which contains an estimated amount of 4.5 billion tonnes of dissolved uranium. This unconventional resource can provide a price cap and ensure centuries of uranium supply for future nuclear energy production. NE initiated a multidisciplinary program with participants from national laboratories, universities, and research institutes to enable technical breakthroughs related to uranium recovery from seawater.more » The goal is to develop advanced adsorbents to reduce the seawater uranium recovery technology cost and uncertainties. Under this program, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a new amidoxime-based adsorbent of high surface area, which tripled the uranium capacity of leading Japanese adsorbents. Parallel efforts have been focused on the optimization of the physicochemical and operating parameters used during the preparation of the adsorbent for deployment. A set of parameters that need to be optimized are related to the conditioning of the adsorbent with alkali solution, which is necessary prior to adsorbent deployment. Previous work indicated that alkali-conditioning parameters significantly affect the adsorbent performance. Initiated in 2014, this study had as a goal to determine optimal parameters such as base type and concentration, temperature, and duration of conditioning that maximize the uranium adsorption performance of amidoxime functionalized adsorbent, while keeping the cost of uranium production low. After base-treatment at various conditions, samples of adsorbent developed at ORNL were tested in this study with batch simulated seawater solution of 8-ppm uranium concentration, batch seawater spiked with uranium nitrate at 75-100 ppb uranium, and

  1. Reorientational Dynamics of Enzymes Adsorbed on Quartz: A Temperature-Dependent Time-Resolved TIRF Anisotropy Study

    PubMed Central

    Czeslik, C.; Royer, C.; Hazlett, T.; Mantulin, W.

    2003-01-01

    The preservation of enzyme activity and protein binding capacity upon protein adsorption at solid interfaces is important for biotechnological and medical applications. Because these properties are partly related to the protein flexibility and mobility, we have studied the internal dynamics and the whole-body reorientational rates of two enzymes, staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) and hen egg white lysozyme, over the temperature range of 20–80°C when the proteins are adsorbed at the silica/water interface and, for comparison, when they are dissolved in buffer. The data were obtained using a combination of two experimental techniques, total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements in the frequency domain, with the protein Trp residues as intrinsic fluorescence probes. It has been found that the internal dynamics and the whole-body rotation of SNase and lysozyme are markedly reduced upon adsorption over large temperature ranges. At elevated temperatures, both protein molecules appear completely immobilized and the fractional amplitudes for the whole-body rotation, which are related to the order parameter for the local rotational freedom of the Trp residues, remain constant and do not approach zero. This behavior indicates that the angular range of the Trp reorientation within the adsorbed proteins is largely restricted even at high temperatures, in contrast to that of the dissolved proteins. The results of this study thus provide a deeper understanding of protein activity at solid surfaces. PMID:12668461

  2. Method for continuous control of composition and doping of pulsed laser deposited films

    DOEpatents

    Lowndes, Douglas H.; McCamy, James W.

    1995-01-01

    A method for growing a deposit upon a substrate of semiconductor material involves the utilization of pulsed laser deposition techniques within a low-pressure gas environment. The substrate and a target of a first material are positioned within a deposition chamber and a low-pressure gas atmosphere is developed within the chamber. The substrate is then heated, and the target is irradiated, so that atoms of the target material are ablated from the remainder of the target, while atoms of the gas simultaneously are adsorbed on the substrate/film surface. The ablated atoms build up upon the substrate, together with the adsorbed gas atoms to form the thin-film deposit on the substrate. By controlling the pressure of the gas of the chamber atmosphere, the composition of the formed deposit can be controlled, and films of continuously variable composition or doping can be grown from a single target of fixed composition.

  3. Mercury adsorption to gold nanoparticle and thin film surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morris, Todd Ashley

    Mercury adsorption to gold nanoparticle and thin film surfaces was monitored by spectroscopic techniques. Adsorption of elemental mercury to colloidal gold nanoparticles causes a color change from wine-red to orange that was quantified by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The wavelength of the surface plasmon mode of 5, 12, and 31 nm gold particles blue-shifts 17, 14, and 7.5 nm, respectively, after a saturation exposure of mercury vapor. Colorimetric detection of inorganic mercury was demonstrated by employing 2.5 nm gold nanoparticles. The addition of low microgram quantities of Hg 2+ to these nanoparticles induces a color change from yellow to peach or blue. It is postulated that Hg2+ is reduced to elemental mercury by SCN- before and/or during adsorption to the nanoparticle surface. It has been demonstrated that surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPRS) is sensitive to mercury adsorption to gold and silver surfaces. By monitoring the maximum change in reflectivity as a function of amount of mercury adsorbed to the surface, 50 nm Ag films were shown to be 2--3 times more sensitive than 50 nm Au films and bimetallic 15 nm Au/35 nm Ag films. In addition, a surface coverage of ˜40 ng Hg/cm2 on the gold surface results in a 0.03° decrease in the SPR angle of minimum reflectivity. SPRS was employed to follow Hg exposure to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au. The data indicate that the hydrophilic or hydrophobic character of the SAM has a significant effect on the efficiency of Hg penetration. Water adsorbed to carboxylic acid end group of the hydrophilic SAMs is believed to slow the penetration of Hg compared to methyl terminated SAMs. Finally, two protocols were followed to remove mercury from gold films: immersion in concentrated nitric acid and thermal annealing up to 200°C. The latter protocol is preferred because it removes all of the adsorbed mercury from the gold surface and does not affect the morphology of the gold surface.

  4. Characterization of casein and poly-l-arginine multilayer films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Szyk-Warszyńska, Lilianna; Kilan, Katarzyna; Socha, Robert P.

    2014-06-01

    Thin films containing casein appear to be a promising material for coatings used in the medical area to promote biomineralization. alfa- and beta-casein and poly-L-arginine multilayer films were formed by the layer-by layer technique and their thickness and mass were analyzed by ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). We investigated the effect of the type of casein used for the film formation and of the polyethyleneimine anchoring layer on the thickness and mass of adsorbed films. The analysis of the mass of films during their post-treatment with the solutions of various ionic strength and pH provided the information concerning films stability, while the XPS elemental analysis confirmed binding of calcium ions by the casein embedded in the multilayers.

  5. Delineating the roles of the GPIIb/IIIa and GP-Ib-IX-V platelet receptors in mediating platelet adhesion to adsorbed fibrinogen and albumin.

    PubMed

    Sivaraman, Balakrishnan; Latour, Robert A

    2011-08-01

    Platelet adhesion to adsorbed plasma proteins, such as fibrinogen (Fg), has been conventionally thought to be mediated by the GPIIb/IIIa receptor binding to Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-like motifs in the adsorbed protein. In previous studies, we showed that platelet adhesion response to adsorbed Fg and Alb was strongly influenced by the degree of adsorption-induced protein unfolding and that platelet adhesion was only partially blocked by soluble RGD, with RGD-blocked platelets adhering without activation. Based on these results, we hypothesized that in addition to the RGD-specific GPIIb/IIIa receptor, which mediates both adhesion and activation, a non-RGD-specific receptor set likely also plays a role in platelet adhesion (but not activation) to both Fg and albumin (Alb). To identify and elucidate the role of these receptors, in addition to GPIIb/IIIa, we also examined the GPIb-IX-V receptor complex, which has been shown to mediate platelet adhesion (but not activation) in studies by other groups. The platelet suspension was pretreated with either a GPIIb/IIIa-antagonist drug Aggrastat(®) or monoclonal antibodies 6B4 or 24G10 against GPIb-IX-V prior to adhesion on Fg- and Alb-coated OH- and CH(3)-functionalized alkanethiol self-assembled monolayer surfaces. The results revealed that GPIIb/IIIa is the primary receptor set involved in platelet adhesion to adsorbed Fg and Alb irrespective of their degree of adsorption-induced unfolding, while the GPIb-IX-V receptor complex plays an insignificant role. Overall, these studies provide novel insights into the molecular-level mechanisms mediating platelet interactions with adsorbed plasma proteins, thereby assisting the biomaterials field develop potent strategies for inhibiting platelet-protein interactions in the design of more hemocompatible cardiovascular biomaterials and effective anti-thrombotic therapies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Effects of protein inter-layers on cell-diamond FET characteristics.

    PubMed

    Rezek, Bohuslav; Krátká, Marie; Kromka, Alexander; Kalbacova, Marie

    2010-12-15

    Diamond is recognized as an attractive material for merging solid-state and biological systems. The advantage of diamond field-effect transistors (FET) is that they are chemically resistant, bio-compatible, and can operate without gate oxides. Solution-gated FETs based on H-terminated nanocrystalline diamond films exhibiting surface conductivity are employed here for studying effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS) proteins and osteoblastic SAOS-2 cells on diamond electronic properties. FBS proteins adsorbed on the diamond FETs permanently decrease diamond conductivity as reflected by the -45 mV shift of the FET transfer characteristics. Cell cultivation for 2 days results in a further shift by another -78 mV. We attribute it to a change of diamond material properties rather than purely to the field-effect. Increase in gate leakage currents (by a factor of 4) indicates that the FBS proteins also decrease the diamond-electrolyte electronic barrier induced by C-H surface dipoles. We propose a model where the proteins replace ions in the very vicinity of the H-terminated diamond surface. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Saliva and Serum Protein Exchange at the Tooth Enamel Surface

    PubMed Central

    Heller, D.; Helmerhorst, E.J.; Oppenheim, F.G.

    2016-01-01

    The acquired enamel pellicle is an oral, fluid-derived protein layer that forms on the tooth surface. It is a biologically and clinically important integument that protects teeth against enamel demineralization, and abrasion. Tooth surfaces are exposed to different proteinaceous microenvironments depending on the enamel location. For instance, tooth surfaces close to the gingival sulcus contact serum proteins that emanate via this sulcus, which may impact pellicle composition locally. The aims of this study were to define the major salivary and serum components that adsorb to hydroxyapatite, to study competition among them, and to obtain preliminary evidence in an in vivo saliva/serum pellicle model. Hydroxyapatite powder was incubated with saliva and serum, and the proteins that adsorbed were identified by mass spectrometry. To study competition, saliva and serum proteins were labeled with CyDyes, mixed in various proportions, and incubated with hydroxyapatite. In vivo competition was assessed using a split-mouth design, with half the buccal tooth surfaces coated with serum and the other half with saliva. After exposure to the oral environment for 0 min, 30 min and 2 h, the pellicles were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. In pure saliva- or serum-derived pellicles, 82 and 84 proteins were identified, respectively. When present concomitantly, salivary protein adsorbers effectively competed with serum protein adsorbers for the hydroxyapatite surface. Specifically, acidic proline-rich protein, cystatin, statherin and protein S100-A9 proteins competed off apolipoproteins, complement C4-A, haptoglobin, transthyretin and serotransferrin. In vivo evidence further supported the replacement of serum proteins by salivary proteins. In conclusion, although significant numbers of serum proteins emanate from the gingival sulcus, their ability to participate in dental pellicle formation is likely reduced in the presence of strong salivary protein adsorbers. The functional properties of the

  8. Database of Novel and Emerging Adsorbent Materials

    National Institute of Standards and Technology Data Gateway

    SRD 205 NIST/ARPA-E Database of Novel and Emerging Adsorbent Materials (Web, free access)   The NIST/ARPA-E Database of Novel and Emerging Adsorbent Materials is a free, web-based catalog of adsorbent materials and measured adsorption properties of numerous materials obtained from article entries from the scientific literature. Search fields for the database include adsorbent material, adsorbate gas, experimental conditions (pressure, temperature), and bibliographic information (author, title, journal), and results from queries are provided as a list of articles matching the search parameters. The database also contains adsorption isotherms digitized from the cataloged articles, which can be compared visually online in the web application or exported for offline analysis.

  9. Degradable polymeric nano-films and particles as delivery platforms for vaccines and immunotherapeutics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Su, Xingfang

    Degradable polymeric materials provide opportunities for the development of improved vaccines and immunotherapies by acting as platforms that facilitate the delivery of molecules to appropriate tissue and cellular locations to achieve therapeutic outcomes. To this end, we have designed and characterized nano-films and particles employing a hydrolytically degradable polymer for the delivery of vaccine antigens and immunotherapeutics. We first describe protein- and oligonucleotide-loaded layer-by-layer (LbL)-assembled multilayer thin films constructed based on electrostatic interactions between a cationic poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE, denoted Poly-1) with a model protein antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), and/or immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides for transcutaneous delivery. Linear growth of nanoscale Poly-I/OVA bilayers was observed. Dried OVA protein-loaded films rapidly deconstructed when rehydrated in saline solutions, releasing OVA as non-aggregated/non-degraded protein, suggesting that the structure of biomolecules integrated into these multilayer films are preserved during release. Using confocal fluorescence microscopy and an in vivo murine ear skin model, we demonstrated delivery of OVA from LbL films into barrier-disrupted skin, uptake of the protein by skin-resident antigen-presenting cells (Langerhans cells), and transport of the antigen to the skin-draining lymph nodes. Dual incorporation of OVA and CpG oligonucleotides into the nanolayers of LbL films enabled dual release of the antigen and adjuvant with distinct kinetics for each component; OVA was rapidly released while CpG was released in a relatively sustained manner. Applied as skin patches, these films delivered OVA and CpG to Langerhans Cells in the skin. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of LbL films applied for the delivery of biomolecules into skin. This approach provides a new route for storage of vaccines and other immunotherapeutics in a solid-state thin film for subsequent

  10. The characterization of protein release from sericin film in the presence of an enzyme: towards fibroblast growth factor-2 delivery.

    PubMed

    Nishida, Ayumu; Naganuma, Tsuyoshi; Kanazawa, Takanori; Takashima, Yuuki; Yamada, Masaki; Okada, Hiroaki

    2011-07-29

    Aqueous preparations of silk protein (sericin) films were prepared to evaluate their biodegradation properties. In the absence of trypsin, sericin film swelled rapidly, kept its shape, and remained unaltered for 28 days or longer due to form β-sheet structures. In the presence of trypsin, sericin film gradually degraded; since the rate depended on the concentration of trypsin, the films likely underwent enzymatic hydrolysis. Sericin film incorporating the model protein drug fluorescein isothiocyanate-albumin (FA) also gradually degraded in the presence of trypsin and resulted in the sustained release of FA for 2 weeks or longer; in contrast, FA release was quite slow in the absence of trypsin. It is expected that sericin film has potential as a biodegradable and drug-releasing carrier. To evaluate the practical applicability of sericin film for the repair of defective tissues, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) was incorporated into sericin films and the films were implanted on skull defects in rats. Whereas FGF-2 release was suppressed in the absence of trypsin in vitro, it appears that FGF-2, immobilized by ionic interactions between sericin and FGF-2, can be sustained-released in vivo from films incorporating 2500 or 250 ng of FGF-2 to support the growth of tissue around wounds. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Mercury adsorption properties of sulfur-impregnated adsorbents

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hsi, N.-C.; Rood, M.J.; Rostam-Abadi, M.; Chen, S.; Chang, R.

    2002-01-01

    Carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous adsorbents were impregnated with elemental sulfur to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of the adsorbents and their equilibrium mercury adsorption capacities. Simulated coal combustion flue gas conditions were used to determine the equilibrium adsorption capacities for Hg0 and HgCl2 gases to better understand how to remove mercury from gas streams generated by coal-fired utility power plants. Sulfur was deposited onto the adsorbents by monolayer surface deposition or volume pore filling. Sulfur impregnation increased the total sulfur content and decreased the total and micropore surface areas and pore volumes for all of the adsorbents tested. Adsorbents with sufficient amounts of active adsorption sites and sufficient microporous structure had mercury adsorption capacities up to 4,509 ??g Hg/g adsorbent. Elemental sulfur, organic sulfur, and sulfate were formed on the adsorbents during sulfur impregnation. Correlations were established with R2>0.92 between the equilibrium Hg0/HgCl2 adsorption capacities and the mass concentrations of elemental and organic sulfur. This result indicates that elemental and organic sulfur are important active adsorption sites for Hg0 and HgCl2.

  12. Method for modifying trigger level for adsorber regeneration

    DOEpatents

    Ruth, Michael J.; Cunningham, Michael J.

    2010-05-25

    A method for modifying a NO.sub.x adsorber regeneration triggering variable. Engine operating conditions are monitored until the regeneration triggering variable is met. The adsorber is regenerated and the adsorbtion efficiency of the adsorber is subsequently determined. The regeneration triggering variable is modified to correspond with the decline in adsorber efficiency. The adsorber efficiency may be determined using an empirically predetermined set of values or by using a pair of oxygen sensors to determine the oxygen response delay across the sensors.

  13. Mechanical and water barrier properties of isolated soy protein composite edible films as affected by carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde micro and nanoemulsions

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Edible films may be used in food packaging, for which they must deliver good barrier and mechanical properties. Films based on proteins have good gas barrier and mechanical properties, but poor water barrier properties. Films made from lipids have good water barrier properties, but poor mechanical p...

  14. 'All-solid-state' electrochemistry of a protein-confined polymer electrolyte film

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Parthasarathy, Meera; Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.; Mulla, Imtiaz S.

    2007-12-07

    Interfacial redox behavior of a heme protein (hemoglobin) confined in a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, Nafion (a perfluoro sulfonic acid ionomer) is investigated using a unique 'all-solid-state' electrochemical methodology. The supple phase-separated structure of the polymer electrolyte membrane, with hydrophilic pools containing solvated protons and water molecules, is found to preserve the incorporated protein in its active form even in the solid-state, using UV-visible, Fluorescence (of Tryptophan and Tyrosine residues) and DRIFT (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform) spectroscopy. More specifically, solid-state cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance of the protein-incorporated polymer films reveal that the Fe{sup 2+}-form of the entrapped proteinmore » is found to bind molecular oxygen more strongly than the native protein. In the 'all-solid-state' methodology, as there is no need to dip the protein-modified electrode in a liquid electrolyte (like the conventional electrochemical methods), it offers an easier means to study a number of proteins in a variety of polymer matrices (even biomimetic assemblies). In addition, the results of the present investigation could find interesting application in a variety of research disciplines, in addition to its fundamental scientific interest, including protein biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomimetic chemistry.« less

  15. Imaging the molecular dimensions and oligomerization of protein molecules at the solid-liquid interface by surface oriented molecular sizing (SOMS) microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Waner, Mark Joseph

    The structure and behavior of proteins at the solid/liquid interface is of great scientific interest. It has application both to fundamental biochemical understanding, as well as to biotechnological purposes. Interfaces play a critical role in many physiological processes. The mechanism of protein adsorption to surfaces is not very well understood. The current model put forth in much of the literature assumes a two step model. In the first step of this model the protein collides with the surface and adsorbs if its energy is sufficient to overcome the free energy of desorption of surface adsorbed solvent. The second step is often assumed to involve significant conformational change of the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein or enzyme, akin to denaturation. This unfolding of the protein would tend to indicate that loss of function would occur concomitantly, but studies have found very little loss in activity upon adsorption for a number of different protein systems. The recent development of the atomic force microscope (AFM) offers another tool for the examination of protein structure at liquid/solid interfaces. For atomically flat crystals the AFM has been used to determine atomic positions to <1 A resolution. In the case of samples with topographic features larger than atoms, the probe tip of the AFM 'convolutes' with the size and shape of surface features. This has hindered the use of AFM for molecular level structural determination of proteins at the liquid/solid interface. The work presented in this dissertation covers the development of the surface oriented molecular sizing (SOMS) technique which makes use of the angstrom height resolution of the AFM and a physically based mathematical framework for the analysis of the height distribution of adsorbed protein molecules. The surface adsorption and orientation (SAO) model is developed using statistical thermodynamics to model the expected height distributions for molecules adsorbed on a surface. The

  16. Preparation and characterization of soy protein films with a durable water resistance-adjustable and antimicrobial surface.

    PubMed

    Li, Shuzhao; Donner, Elizabeth; Xiao, Huining; Thompson, Michael; Zhang, Yachuan; Rempel, Curtis; Liu, Qiang

    2016-12-01

    A water resistant surface was first obtained by immobilizing hydrophobic copolymers, poly (styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PSG), with functional groups on soy protein isolate (SPI) films. XPS and AFM results showed that PSG copolymers were immobilized on the film by chemical bonding, and formed a rough surface with some bumps because of the segregation of two different phases on PSG copolymers. Water resistance of the modified films could be adjusted dramatically by further immobilizing different amounts of guanidine-based antimicrobial polymers, poly (hexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride) (PHMG) on the resulting hydrophobic surface. The introduction of hydrophilic PHMG on the resulting surface generated many micropores, which potentially increased the water uptake of the modified films. Furthermore, the modified SPI films showed higher thermostability compared to native SPI film and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by contact killing, attributed to the presence of PHMG on the surface. The modified SPI film with a multi-functional surface showed potential for applications in the packaging and medical fields. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Analysis and comparison of inertinite-derived adsorbent with conventional adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Gangupomu, Roja Haritha; Kositkanawuth, Ketwalee; Sattler, Melanie L; Ramirez, David; Dennis, Brian H; MacDonnell, Frederick M; Billo, Richard; Priest, John W

    2012-05-01

    To increase U.S. petroleum energy-independence, the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) has developed a coal liquefaction process that uses a hydrogenated solvent and a proprietary catalyst to convert lignite coal to crude oil. This paper reports on part of the environmental evaluation of the liquefaction process: the evaluation of the solid residual from liquefying the coal, called inertinite, as a potential adsorbent for air and water purification. Inertinite samples derived from Arkansas and Texas lignite coals were used as test samples. In the activated carbon creation process, inertinite samples were heated in a tube furnace (Lindberg, Type 55035, Arlington, UT) at temperatures ranging between 300 and 850 degrees C for time spans of 60, 90, and 120 min, using steam and carbon dioxide as oxidizing gases. Activated inertinite samples were then characterized by ultra-high-purity nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77 K using a high-speed surface area and pore size analyzer (Quantachrome, Nova 2200e, Kingsville, TX). Surface area and total pore volume were determined using the Brunauer Emmet, and Teller method, for the inertinite samples, as well as for four commercially available activated carbons (gas-phase adsorbents Calgon Fluepac-B and BPL 4 x 6; liquid-phase adsorbents Filtrasorb 200 and Carbsorb 30). In addition, adsorption isotherms were developed for inertinite and the two commercially available gas-phase carbons, using methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) as an example compound. Adsorption capacity was measured gravimetrically with a symmetric vapor sorption analyzer (VTI, Inc., Model SGA-100, Kingsville, TX). Also, liquid-phase adsorption experiments were conducted using methyl orange as an example organic compound. The study showed that using inertinite from coal can be beneficially reused as an adsorbent for air or water pollution control, although its surface area and adsorption capacity are not as high as those for commercially available activated

  18. Solution-based Syntheses of Iron Pyrite Thin Films for Photovoltaic and Protein Foot-printing Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    El Makkaoui, Mohammed

    Iron pyrite (cubic FeS2) is a non-toxic, earth abundant semiconductor possessing a set of excellent optical/electronic properties for serving as an absorber layer in PV devices. Additionally, pyrite is a very efficient hydroxyl radical generator via Fenton chemistry and has shown promise in oxidative protein and DNA foot-printing application. The main focus of this thesis is on fabricating phase and elementally pure iron pyrite thin films using a solution-based approach that employs hydrazine as a solvent. A precursor ink is formed at room temperature by mixing elemental iron and sulfur in anhydrous hydrazine and then deposited on Mo-coated glass substrates, via spin coating, to yield amorphous iron sulfide films that are then annealed in H2S (340°C) and sulfur gas (≤ 500 °C) to form uniform, polycrystalline and phase pure pyrite films with densely packed grains. This approach is likely to yield the most elementally pure pyrite thin films made to date, through a very simple and scalable process. The ink has shown to be very sensitive to environmental conditions and has a very short shelf life (˜1 day). Additionally, the film microstructure is greatly influenced by the S:Fe concentration ratio that when tuned to 3:1, yielded uniform, robust and optically flat iron sulfide thin films with an optimal thickness (˜320 nm) for PV application. The results however were not reproducible, mainly due to failure in applying multiple layers without compromising film morphology. Thinner (< 100 nm) iron sulfide films, on the other hand, are reproducibly produced, but are too thin to be employed in PV devices. Direct annealing in sulfur gas at 475°C for 4 hours, bypassing the > 12 hour H2S annealing step, yielded phase pure pyrite films, with good morphology, at lower processing time and annealing temperatures (< 500°C). The latter part of this thesis regards the use of pyrite nano-crystals in conjunction with high surface area polymer laminates for protein foot

  19. Thin Film Phase Transition Materials Development Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-04-01

    and ̂ from f are consistent with a real, positive film thickness d. These conditions are written IP( td /4) = 0, d > 0, (49) where IP denotes...surface of the substrate of the form . aAC(a) + bBD (a) >< cAB(a) + dCD(a) where (a) represents a phase adsorbed on the substrate surface, and the

  20. NOx adsorber and method of regenerating same

    DOEpatents

    Endicott, Dennis L [Peoria, IL; Verkiel, Maarten [Metamora, IL; Driscoll, James J [Dunlap, IL

    2007-01-30

    New technologies, such as NOx adsorber catalytic converters, are being used to meet increasingly stringent regulations on undesirable emissions, including NOx emissions. NOx adsorbers must be periodically regenerated, which requires an increased fuel consumption. The present disclosure includes a method of regenerating a NOx adsorber within a NOx adsorber catalytic converter. At least one sensor positioned downstream from the NOx adsorber senses, in the downstream exhaust, at least one of NOx, nitrous oxide and ammonia concentrations a plurality of times during a regeneration phase. The sensor is in communication with an electronic control module that includes a regeneration monitoring algorithm operable to end the regeneration phase when a time rate of change of the at least one of NOx, nitrous oxide and ammonia concentrations is after an expected plateau region begins.

  1. Understanding Protein-Interface Interactions of a Fusion Protein at Silicone Oil-Water Interface Probed by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Li, Yaoxin; Pan, Duohai; Nashine, Vishal; Deshmukh, Smeet; Vig, Balvinder; Chen, Zhan

    2018-02-01

    Protein adsorbed at the silicone oil-water interface can undergo a conformational change that has the potential to induce protein aggregation on storage. Characterization of the protein structures at interface is therefore critical for understanding the protein-interface interactions. In this article, we have applied sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy for studying the secondary structures of a fusion protein at interface and the surfactant effect on protein adsorption to silicone oil-water interface. SFG and chiral SFG spectra from adsorbed protein in the amide I region were analyzed. The presence of beta-sheet vibrational band at 1635 cm -1 implies the protein secondary structure was likely perturbed when protein adsorbed at silicone oil interface. The time-dependent SFG study showed a significant reduction in the SFG signal of preadsorbed protein when polysorbate 20 was introduced, suggesting surfactant has stronger interaction with the interface leading to desorption of protein from the interface. In the preadsorbed surfactant and a mixture of protein/polysorbate 20, SFG analysis confirmed that surfactant can dramatically prevent the protein adsorption to silicone oil surface. This study has demonstrated the potential of SFG for providing the detailed molecular level understanding of protein conformation at interface and assessing the influence of surfactant on protein adsorption behavior. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Development of edible films obtained from submicron emulsions based on whey protein concentrate, oil/beeswax and brea gum.

    PubMed

    Cecchini, Juan Pablo; Spotti, María J; Piagentini, Andrea M; Milt, Viviana G; Carrara, Carlos R

    2017-06-01

    Edible films with whey protein concentrate (WPC) with a lipid component, sunflower oil (O) or beeswax (W), to enhance barrier to water vapor were obtained. Brea gum was used as emulsifier and also as matrix component. In order to achieve emulsion with small and homogeneous droplet size, an ultrasonicator equipment was used after obtaining a pre-emulsion using a blender. The films were made by casting. Effects of lipid fraction on droplet size, zeta potential, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, and optical properties were determined. The droplet size of emulsions with BG decreased when decreasing the lipid content in the formulation. The zeta potential was negative for all the formulations, since the pH was close to 6 for all of them and pI of BG is close to 2.5, and pI of ß-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin (main proteins in WPC) are 5.2 and 4.1, respectively. Increasing W or SO content in blended films reduced the tensile strength and puncture resistance significantly. BG and WPC films without lipid presented better mechanical properties. The presence of lipids decreased the WVP, as expected, and those films having BG improved this property. BG films were slightly amber as a result of the natural color of the gum. BG has shown to be a good polysaccharide for emulsifying the lipid fraction and improving the homogeneity and mechanical properties of the films with WPC and beeswax or oil.

  3. Resistance to moist conditions of whey protein isolate and pea starch biodegradable films and low density polyethylene nondegradable films: a comparative study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mehyar, G. F.; Bawab, A. Al

    2015-10-01

    Biodegradable packaging materials are degraded under the natural environmental conditions. Therefore using them could alleviate the problem of plastics accumulation in nature. For effective replacement of plastics, with biodegradable materials, biodegradable packages should keep their properties under the high relative humidity (RH) conditions. Therefore the objectives of the study were to develop biodegradable packaging material based on whey protein isolate (WPI) and pea starch (PS). To study their mechanical, oxygen barrier and solubility properties under different RHs compared with those of low density polyethylene (LDPE), the most used plastic in packaging. Films of WPI and PS were prepared separately and conditioned at different RH (30-90%) then their properties were studied. At low RHs (<50%), WPI films had 2-3 times lower elongation at break (E or stretchability) than PS and LDPE. Increasing RH to 90% significantly (P<0.01) increased the elongation of PS but not WPI and LDPE films. LDPE and WPI films kept significantly (P<0.01) higher tensile strength (TS) than PS films at high RH (90%). Oxygen permeability (OP) of all films was very low (<0.5 cm3 μm m-2 d-1 kPa-1) below 40% RH but increased for PS films and became significantly (P<0.01) different than that of LDPE and WPI at > 40% RH. Oxygen permeability of WPI and LDPE did not adversely affected by increasing RH to 65%. Furthermore, WPI and LDPE films had lower degree of hydration at 50% and 90% RH and total soluble matter than PS films. These results suggest that WPI could be successfully replacing LDPE in packaging of moist products.

  4. Enhanced Wang Landau sampling of adsorbed protein conformations.

    PubMed

    Radhakrishna, Mithun; Sharma, Sumit; Kumar, Sanat K

    2012-03-21

    Using computer simulations to model the folding of proteins into their native states is computationally expensive due to the extraordinarily low degeneracy of the ground state. In this paper, we develop an efficient way to sample these folded conformations using Wang Landau sampling coupled with the configurational bias method (which uses an unphysical "temperature" that lies between the collapse and folding transition temperatures of the protein). This method speeds up the folding process by roughly an order of magnitude over existing algorithms for the sequences studied. We apply this method to study the adsorption of intrinsically disordered hydrophobic polar protein fragments on a hydrophobic surface. We find that these fragments, which are unstructured in the bulk, acquire secondary structure upon adsorption onto a strong hydrophobic surface. Apparently, the presence of a hydrophobic surface allows these random coil fragments to fold by providing hydrophobic contacts that were lost in protein fragmentation. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

  5. Optimizing heterosurface adsorbent synthesis for liquid chromatography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bogoslovskii, S. Yu.; Serdan, A. A.

    2016-03-01

    The structural and geometric parameters of a silica matrix (SM) for the synthesis of heterosurface adsorbents (HAs) are optimized. Modification is performed by shielding the external surfaces of alkyl-modified silica (AS) using human serum albumin and its subsequent crosslinking. The structural and geometric characteristics of the SM, AS, and HA are measured via low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. It is found that the structural characteristics of AS pores with diameters D < 6 nm do not change during HA synthesis, while the volume of pores with diameters of 6 nm < D < 9 nm shrinks slightly due to the adsorption of albumin in the pore orifices. It is established that the volume of pores with diameters D > 9 nm reduces significantly due to adsorption of albumin. It is concluded that silica gel with a maximum pore size distribution close to 5 nm and a minimal proportion of pores with D > 9 nm is optimal for HA synthesis; this allows us to achieve the greatest similarity between the chromatographic retention parameters for HA and AS. The suitability of the synthesized adsorbents for analyzing drugs in biological fluids through direct sample injection is confirmed by chromatography. It was found that the percentage of the protein fraction detected at the outlet of the chromatographic column is 98%.

  6. Conformational changes of the amyloid beta-peptide (1-40) adsorbed on solid surfaces.

    PubMed

    Giacomelli, Carla E; Norde, Willem

    2005-05-23

    The conformational change of the 39-43 residues of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) toward a beta-sheet enriched state promotes self-aggregation of the peptide molecules and constitutes the major peptide component of the amyloid plaques in Alzheimer patients. The crucial question behind the self-aggregation of Abeta is related to the different pathways the peptide may take after cleavage from the amyloid precursor proteins at cellular membranes. This work is aiming at determining the conformation of the Abeta (1-40) adsorbed on hydrophobic Teflon and hydrophilic silica particles, as model sorbent surfaces mimicking the apolar transmembrane environment and the polar, charged membrane surface, respectively. The mechanism by which the Abeta interacts with solid surfaces strongly depends on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the particles. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions contribute differently in each case, causing a completely different conformational change of the adsorbed molecules on the two surfaces. When hydrophobic interactions between the peptide and the sorbent prevail, the adsorbed Abeta (1-40) mainly adopts an alpha-helix conformation due to H-bonding in the apolar part of the peptide that is oriented towards the surface. On the other hand, when the peptide adsorbs by electrostatic interactions beta-sheet formation is promoted due to intermolecular association between the apolar parts of the adsorbed peptide. Irrespective of the characteristics of the solid sorbent, crowding the surface results in intermolecular association between adsorbed molecules leading to a strong aggregation tendency of the Abeta (1-40). [Diagram: see text] CD spectra of Abeta (1-40) at pH 7: A) in solution ([Abeta]=0.2 mg.ml(-1)) freshly prepared (line) and after overnight incubation (symbols);B) on Teflon (Gamma=0.5 mg.m(-2)).

  7. Surface Roughness of Various Diamond-Like Carbon Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Dongping; Liu, Yanhong; Chen, Baoxiang

    2006-11-01

    Atomic force microscopy is used to estimate and compare the surface morphology of hydrogenated and hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. The films were prepared by using DC magnetron sputtering of a graphite target, pulsed cathodic carbon arcs, electron cyclotron resonance (ECR), plasma source ion implantation and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The difference in the surface structure is presented for each method of deposition. The influences of various discharge parameters on the film surface properties are discussed based upon the experimental results. The coalescence process via the diffusion of adsorbed carbon species is responsible for the formation of hydrogen-free DLC films with rough surfaces. The films with surface roughness at an atomic level can be deposited by energetic ion impacts in a highly ionized carbon plasma. The dangling bonds created by atomic hydrogen lead to the uniform growth of hydrocarbon species at the a-C:H film surfaces of the ECR or DBD plasmas.

  8. Electrochemical Analysis of Conducting Polymer Thin Films

    PubMed Central

    Vyas, Ritesh N.; Wang, Bin

    2010-01-01

    Polyelectrolyte multilayers built via the layer-by-layer (LbL) method has been one of the most promising systems in the field of materials science. Layered structures can be constructed by the adsorption of various polyelectrolyte species onto the surface of a solid or liquid material by means of electrostatic interaction. The thickness of the adsorbed layers can be tuned precisely in the nanometer range. Stable, semiconducting thin films are interesting research subjects. We use a conducting polymer, poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV), in the preparation of a stable thin film via the LbL method. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have been used to characterize the ionic conductivity of the PPV multilayer films. The ionic conductivity of the films has been found to be dependent on the polymerization temperature. The film conductivity can be fitted to a modified Randle’s circuit. The circuit equivalent calculations are performed to provide the diffusion coefficient values. PMID:20480052

  9. DNA Molecules Adsorbed on Rippled Supported Cationic Lipid Membranes -- A new way to stretch DNAs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golubovic, Leonardo

    2005-03-01

    We discuss a novel approach to control to shapes of DNA molecules. We elucidate the recent experimental work of M. Hochrein, L. Golubovic and J. Raedler, on the conformational behavior of DNA molecules adsorbed on lipid membranes that are supported on grooved micro-structured surfaces. We explain the striking ability of the edges formed on these supported membranes to adsorb and completely orient (stretch) very long DNA molecules. Here we explain the experimentally observed DNA stretching effect in terms of the surface curvature dependent electrostatic potential seen by the adsorbed DNA molecules. On the curved, rippled membrane, we show that the DNA molecules undergo localization transitions causing them to stretch by binding to the ripple edges of the supported membrane. In the future, this stretching will allow to directly image, by the common fluorescence microscopy, fundamental biological processes of the interactions between DNA and single protein molecules.

  10. Adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles and methods of using the same

    DOEpatents

    Slowing, Igor Ivan; Kandel, Kapil

    2017-01-31

    The present invention provides an adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle including a mesoporous silica nanoparticle having at least one adsorbent functional group bound thereto. The adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle also includes at least one catalytic material. In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using and making the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles. In some examples, the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles can be used to selectively remove fatty acids from feedstocks for biodiesel, and to hydrotreat the separated fatty acids.

  11. Antimicrobial activity and hydrophobicity of edible whey protein isolate films formulated with nisin and/or glucose oxidase.

    PubMed

    Murillo-Martínez, María M; Tello-Solís, Salvador R; García-Sánchez, Miguel A; Ponce-Alquicira, Edith

    2013-04-01

    The use of edible antimicrobial films has been reported as a means to improve food shelf life through gradual releasing of antimicrobial compounds on the food surface. This work reports the study on the incorporation of 2 antimicrobial agents, nisin (N), and/or glucose oxidase (GO), into the matrix of Whey protein isolate (WPI) films at pH 5.5 and 8.5. The antimicrobial activity of the edible films was evaluated against Listeria innocua (ATCC 33090), Brochothrix thermosphacta (NCIB10018), Escherichia coli (JMP101), and Enterococcus faecalis (MXVK22). In addition, the antimicrobial activity was related to the hydrophobicity and water solubility of the WPI films. The greatest antibacterial activity was observed in WPI films containing only GO. The combined addition of N and GO resulted in films with lower antimicrobial activity than films with N or GO alone. In most cases, a pH effect was observed as greater antimicrobial response at pH 5.5 as well as higher film matrix hydrophobicity. WPI films supplemented with GO can be used in coating systems suitable for food preservation. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

  12. Preparation and Characterization of All-Biomass Soy Protein Isolate-Based Films Enhanced by Epoxy Castor Oil Acid Sodium and Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

    PubMed Central

    Wang, La; Li, Jianzhang; Zhang, Shifeng; Shi, Junyou

    2016-01-01

    All-biomass soy protein-based films were prepared using soy protein isolate (SPI), glycerol, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and epoxy castor oil acid sodium (ECOS). The effect of the incorporated HPC and ECOS on the properties of the SPI film was investigated. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of the resultant films increased from 2.84 MPa (control) to 4.04 MPa and the elongation at break increased by 22.7% when the SPI was modified with 2% HPC and 10% ECOS. The increased tensile strength resulted from the reaction between the ECOS and SPI, which was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). It was found that ECOS and HPC effectively improved the performance of SPI-based films, which can provide a new method for preparing environmentally-friendly polymer films for a number of commercial applications. PMID:28773320

  13. Preparation and Characterization of All-Biomass Soy Protein Isolate-Based Films Enhanced by Epoxy Castor Oil Acid Sodium and Hydroxypropyl Cellulose.

    PubMed

    Wang, La; Li, Jianzhang; Zhang, Shifeng; Shi, Junyou

    2016-03-15

    All-biomass soy protein-based films were prepared using soy protein isolate (SPI), glycerol, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and epoxy castor oil acid sodium (ECOS). The effect of the incorporated HPC and ECOS on the properties of the SPI film was investigated. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of the resultant films increased from 2.84 MPa (control) to 4.04 MPa and the elongation at break increased by 22.7% when the SPI was modified with 2% HPC and 10% ECOS. The increased tensile strength resulted from the reaction between the ECOS and SPI, which was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). It was found that ECOS and HPC effectively improved the performance of SPI-based films, which can provide a new method for preparing environmentally-friendly polymer films for a number of commercial applications.

  14. Ellipsometric measurement of liquid film thickness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chang, Ki Joon; Frazier, D. O.

    1989-01-01

    The immediate objective of this research is to measure liquid film thickness from the two equilibrium phases of a monotectic system in order to estimate the film pressure of each phase. Thus liquid film thicknesses on the inside walls of the prism cell above the liquid level have been measured elliposmetrically for the monotectic system of succinonitrile and water. The thickness varies with temperature and composition of each plane. The preliminary results from both layers at 60 deg angle of incidence show nearly uniform thickness from about 21 to 23 C. The thickness increases with temperature but near 30 C the film appears foggy and scatters the laser beam. As the temperature of the cell is raised beyond room temperature it becomes increasingly difficult to equalize the temperature inside and outside the cell. The fogging may also be an indication that solution, not pure water, is adsorbed onto the substrate. Nevertheless, preliminary results suggest that ellipsometric measurement is feasible and necessary to measure more accurately and rapidly the film thickness and to improve thermal control of the prism walls.

  15. Fabrication of Semiordered Nanopatterned Diamond-like Carbon and Titania Films for Blood Contacting Applications.

    PubMed

    Nandakumar, Deepika; Bendavid, Avi; Martin, Philip J; Harris, Kenneth D; Ruys, Andrew J; Lord, Megan S

    2016-03-23

    Biomaterials with the ability to interface with, but not activate, blood components are essential for a multitude of medical devices. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) and titania (TiO2) have shown promise for these applications; however, both support platelet adhesion and activation. This study explored the fabrication of nanostructured DLC and TiO2 thin film coatings using a block copolymer deposition technique that produced semiordered nanopatterns with low surface roughness (5-8 nm Rrms). These surfaces supported fibrinogen and plasma protein adsorption that predominantly adsorbed between the nanofeatures and reduced the overall surface roughness. The conformation of the adsorbed fibrinogen was altered on the nanopatterned surfaces as compared with the planar surfaces to reveal higher levels of the platelet binding region. Planar DLC and TiO2 coatings supported less platelet adhesion than nanopatterned DLC and TiO2. However, platelets on the nanopatterned DLC coatings were less spread indicating a lower level of platelet activation on the nanostructured DLC coatings compared with the planar DLC coatings. These data indicated that nanostructured DLC coatings may find application in blood contacting medical devices in the future.

  16. Extracellular matrix proteins as temporary coating for thin-film neural implants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ceyssens, Frederik; Deprez, Marjolijn; Turner, Neill; Kil, Dries; van Kuyck, Kris; Welkenhuysen, Marleen; Nuttin, Bart; Badylak, Stephen; Puers, Robert

    2017-02-01

    Objective. This study investigates the suitability of a thin sheet of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as a resorbable coating for temporarily reinforcing fragile or ultra-low stiffness thin-film neural implants to be placed on the brain, i.e. microelectrocorticographic (µECOG) implants. Approach. Thin-film polyimide-based electrode arrays were fabricated using lithographic methods. ECM was harvested from porcine tissue by a decellularization method and coated around the arrays. Mechanical tests and an in vivo experiment on rats were conducted, followed by a histological tissue study combined with a statistical equivalence test (confidence interval approach, 0.05 significance level) to compare the test group with an uncoated control group. Main results. After 3 months, no significant damage was found based on GFAP and NeuN staining of the relevant brain areas. Significance. The study shows that ECM sheets are a suitable temporary coating for thin µECOG neural implants.

  17. Differential capacity of kaolinite and birnessite to protect surface associated proteins against thermal degradation [Fate of protein at mineral surfaces: influence of protein characteristics mineralogy, pH, and energy input

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chacon, Stephany S.; Garcia-Jaramillo, Manuel; Liu, Suet Yi

    We report it is widely accepted that soil organic carbon cycling depends on the presence and catalytic functionality of extracellular enzymes. Recent reports suggest that combusted and autoclaved soils may have the capacity to degrade organic test substrates to a larger extent than the living, enzyme-bearing soils. In search of the underlying mechanisms, we adsorbed Beta-Glucosidase (BG) and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) on the phyllosilicate kaolinite and the manganese oxide birnessite at pH 5 and pH 7. The protein-mineral samples were then subjected to gradual energy inputs of a magnitude equivalent to naturally occurring wildfire events. The abundance and molecularmore » masses of desorbed organic compounds were recorded after ionization with tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet radiation (VUV). The mechanisms controlling the fate of proteins varied with mineralogy. Kaolinite adsorbed protein largely through hydrophobic interactions and, even at large energy inputs, produced negligible amounts of desorption fragments compared to birnessite. Acid birnessite adsorbed protein through coulombic forces at low energy levels, became a hydrolyzing catalyst at low energies and low pH, and eventually turned into a reactant involving disintegration of both mineral and protein at higher energy inputs. Fragmentation of proteins was energy dependent and did not occur below an energy threshold of 0.20 MW cm -2 . Neither signal abundance nor signal intensity were a function of protein size. Above the energy threshold value, BG that had been adsorbed to birnessite at pH 7 showed an increase in signal abundance with increasing energy applications. Signal intensities differed with adsorption pH for BSA but only at the highest energy level applied. Our results indicate that proteins adsorbed to kaolinite may remain intact after exposure to such energy inputs as can be expected to occur in natural ecosystems. Protein fragmentation and concomitant loss of functionality must be

  18. Electrospun polystyrene/oxidized carbon nanotubes film as both sorbent for thin film microextraction and matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    He, Xiao-Mei; Zhu, Gang-Tian; Yin, Jia; Zhao, Qin; Yuan, Bi-Feng; Feng, Yu-Qi

    2014-07-18

    In the current study, polystyrene/oxidized carbon nanotubes (PS/OCNTs) film was prepared and applied as both an adsorbent of thin film microextraction (TFME) and matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for the first time. The uniform size of PS/OCNTs film with OCNTs evenly and firmly immobilized in PS was obtained by electrospinning. And a novel TFME device was developed using the prepared PS/OCNTs film to enrich benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) from water, and also BaP and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) from urine sample. Then the extracted analytes on the PS/OCNTs film were directly applied to MALDI-MS analysis with PS/OCNTs film as the MALDI matrix. Our results show that PS/OCNTs film is a good TFME adsorbent toward the analytes and an excellent matrix for the sensitive determination of BaP and 1-OHP using MALDI-TOF-MS. The employment of PS/OCNTs as the matrix for MALDI can effectively avoid the large variation of signal intensity normally resulting from heterogeneous distribution of the adsorbed analyte on matrix layer, which therefore significantly improve spot-to-spot reproducibility. The introduction of PS in the film can prevent OCNTs from flying out of MALDI plate to damage the equipment. In addition, PS/OCNTs film also largely extended the duration of ion signal of target analyte compared to OCNTs matrix. The developed method was further successfully used to quantitatively determine BaP in environmental water and 1-OHP in urine samples. The results show that BaP and 1-OHP could be easily detected at concentrations of 50pgmL(-1) and 500pgmL(-1), respectively, indicating the high detection sensitivity of this method. For BaP analysis, the linear range was 0.1-20ngmL(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9970 and the recoveries were in the range of 81.3 to 123.4% with the RSD≤8.5% (n=3); for urinary 1-OHP analysis, the linear range was 0.5-20ngmL(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9937 and the recoveries

  19. Antimicrobial activity of biodegradable polysaccharide and protein-based films containing active agents.

    PubMed

    Kuorwel, Kuorwel K; Cran, Marlene J; Sonneveld, Kees; Miltz, Joseph; Bigger, Stephen W

    2011-04-01

    Significant interest has emerged in the introduction of food packaging materials manufactured from biodegradable polymers that have the potential to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional packaging materials. Current technologies in active packaging enable effective antimicrobial (AM) packaging films to be prepared from biodegradable materials that have been modified and/or blended with different compatible materials and/or plasticisers. A wide range of AM films prepared from modified biodegradable materials have the potential to be used for packaging of various food products. This review examines biodegradable polymers derived from polysaccharides and protein-based materials for their potential use in packaging systems designed for the protection of food products from microbial contamination. A comprehensive table that systematically analyses and categorizes much of the current literature in this area is included in the review.

  20. Mucosal immunization with PspA (Pneumococcal surface protein A)-adsorbed nanoparticles targeting the lungs for protection against pneumococcal infection

    PubMed Central

    Rodrigues, Tasson C.; Oliveira, Maria Leonor S.; Soares-Schanoski, Alessandra; Chavez-Rico, Stefanni L.; Figueiredo, Douglas B.; Gonçalves, Viviane M.; Ferreira, Daniela M.; Kunda, Nitesh K.; Saleem, Imran Y.

    2018-01-01

    Burden of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae remains high despite the availability of conjugate vaccines. Mucosal immunization targeting the lungs is an attractive alternative for the induction of local immune responses to improve protection against pneumonia. Our group had previously described the development of poly(glycerol adipate-co-ω-pentadecalactone) (PGA-co-PDL) polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) adsorbed with Pneumococcal surface protein A from clade 4 (PspA4Pro) within L-leucine microcarriers (nanocomposite microparticles—NCMPs) for mucosal delivery targeting the lungs (NP/NCMP PspA4Pro). NP/NCMP PspA4Pro was now used for immunization of mice. Inoculation of this formulation induced anti-PspA4Pro IgG antibodies in serum and lungs. Analysis of binding of serum IgG to intact bacteria showed efficient binding to bacteria expressing PspA from clades 3, 4 and 5 (family 2), but no binding to bacteria expressing PspA from clades 1 and 2 (family 1) was observed. Both mucosal immunization with NP/NCMP PspA4Pro and subcutaneous injection of the protein elicited partial protection against intranasal lethal pneumococcal challenge with a serotype 3 strain expressing PspA from clade 5 (PspA5). Although similar survival levels were observed for mucosal immunization with NP/NCMP PspA4Pro and subcutaneous immunization with purified protein, NP/NCMP PspA4Pro induced earlier control of the infection. Conversely, neither immunization with NP/NCMP PspA4Pro nor subcutaneous immunization with purified protein reduced bacterial burden in the lungs after challenge with a serotype 19F strain expressing PspA from clade 1 (PspA1). Mucosal immunization with NP/NCMP PspA4Pro targeting the lungs is thus able to induce local and systemic antibodies, conferring protection only against a strain expressing PspA from the homologous family 2. PMID:29360883

  1. Method for continuous control of composition and doping of pulsed laser deposited films by pressure control

    DOEpatents

    Lowndes, Douglas H.; McCamy, James W.

    1996-01-01

    A method for growing a deposit upon a substrate of semiconductor material involves the utilization of pulsed laser deposition techniques within a low-pressure gas environment. The substrate and a target of a first material are positioned within a deposition chamber and a low-pressure gas atmosphere is developed within the chamber. The substrate is then heated, and the target is irradiated, so that atoms of the target material are ablated from the remainder of the target, while atoms of the gas simultaneously are adsorbed on the substrate/film surface. The ablated atoms build up upon the substrate, together with the adsorbed gas atoms to form the thin-film deposit on the substrate. By controlling the pressure of the gas of the chamber atmosphere, the composition of the formed deposit can be controlled, and films of continuously variable composition or doping can be grown from a single target of fixed composition.

  2. Incorporating water-release and lateral protein interactions in modeling equilibrium adsorption for ion-exchange chromatography.

    PubMed

    Thrash, Marvin E; Pinto, Neville G

    2006-09-08

    The equilibrium adsorption of two albumin proteins on a commercial ion exchanger has been studied using a colloidal model. The model accounts for electrostatic and van der Waals forces between proteins and the ion exchanger surface, the energy of interaction between adsorbed proteins, and the contribution of entropy from water-release accompanying protein adsorption. Protein-surface interactions were calculated using methods previously reported in the literature. Lateral interactions between adsorbed proteins were experimentally measured with microcalorimetry. Water-release was estimated by applying the preferential interaction approach to chromatographic retention data. The adsorption of ovalbumin and bovine serum albumin on an anion exchanger at solution pH>pI of protein was measured. The experimental isotherms have been modeled from the linear region to saturation, and the influence of three modulating alkali chlorides on capacity has been evaluated. The heat of adsorption is endothermic for all cases studied, despite the fact that the net charge on the protein is opposite that of the adsorbing surface. Strong repulsive forces between adsorbed proteins underlie the endothermic heat of adsorption, and these forces intensify with protein loading. It was found that the driving force for adsorption is the entropy increase due to the release of water from the protein and adsorbent surfaces. It is shown that the colloidal model predicts protein adsorption capacity in both the linear and non-linear isotherm regions, and can account for the effects of modulating salt.

  3. Unraveling the Dynamics of Nanoscopically Confined PVME in Thin Films of a Miscible PVME/PS Blend.

    PubMed

    Madkour, Sherif; Szymoniak, Paulina; Radnik, Jörg; Schönhals, Andreas

    2017-10-25

    Broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) was employed to investigate the glassy dynamics of thin films (7-200 nm) of a poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME)/polystyrene (PS) blend (50:50 wt %). For BDS measurements, nanostructured capacitors (NSCs) were employed, where films are allowed a free surface. This method was applied for film thicknesses up to 36 nm. For thicker films, samples were prepared between crossed electrode capacitors (CECs). The relaxation spectra of the films showed multiple processes. The first process was assigned to the α-relaxation of a bulklike layer. For films measured by NSCs, the rates of α-relaxation were higher compared to those of the bulk blend. This behavior was related to the PVME-rich free surface layer at the polymer/air interface. The second process was observed for all films measured by CECs (process X) and the 36 nm film measured by NSCs (process X2). This process was assigned to fluctuations of constraint PVME segments by PS. Its activation energy was found to be thickness-dependent because of the evidenced thickness dependency of the compositional heterogeneity. Finally, a third process with an activated temperature dependence was observed for all films measured by NSCs (process X1). It resembled the molecular fluctuations in an adsorbed layer found for thin films of pure PVME, and thus, it is assigned accordingly. This process undergoes an extra confinement because of frozen adsorbed PS segments at the polymer/substrate interface. To our knowledge, this is the first example where confinement-induced changes were observed by BDS for blend thin films.

  4. Functionalized Nano-adsorbent for Affinity Separation of Proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zou, Xueyan; Yang, Fengbo; Sun, Xin; Qin, Mingming; Zhao, Yanbao; Zhang, Zhijun

    2018-05-01

    Thiol-functionalized silica nanospheres (SiO2-SH NSs) with an average diameter of 460 nm were synthesized through a hydrothermal route. Subsequently, the prepared SiO2-SH NSs were modified by SnO2 quantum dots to afford SnO2/SiO2 composite NSs possessing obvious fluorescence, which could be used to trace the target protein. The SnO2/SiO2 NSs were further modified by reduced glutathione (GSH) to obtain SnO2/SiO2-GSH NSs, which can specifically separate glutathione S-transferase-tagged (GST-tagged) protein. Moreover, the peroxidase activity of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) separated from SnO2/SiO2-GSH NSs in vitro was evaluated. Results show that the prepared SnO2/SiO2-GSH NSs exhibit negligible nonspecific adsorption, high concentration of protein binding (7.4 mg/g), and good reused properties. In the meantime, the GST-tagged GPX3 separated by these NSs can retain its redox state and peroxidase activity. Therefore, the prepared SnO2/SiO2-GSH NSs might find promising application in the rapid separation and purification of GST-tagged proteins.

  5. Interaction of native and apo-carbonic anhydrase with hydrophobic adsorbents: A comparative structure-function study.

    PubMed

    Salemi, Zahra; Hosseinkhani, Saman; Ranjbar, Bijan; Nemat-Gorgani, Mohsen

    2006-09-30

    Our previous studies indicated that native carbonic anhydrase does not interact with hydrophobic adsorbents and that it acquires this ability upon denaturation. In the present study, an apo form of the enzyme was prepared by removal of zinc and a comparative study was performed on some characteristic features of the apo and native forms by far- and near-UV circular dichroism (CD), intrinsic fluorescent spectroscopy, 1-anilino naphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) binding, fluorescence quenching by acrylamide, and Tm measurement. Results indicate that protein flexibility is enhanced and the hydrophobic sites become more exposed upon conversion to the apo form. Accordingly, the apo structure showed a greater affinity for interaction with hydrophobic adsorbents as compared with the native structure. As observed for the native enzyme, heat denaturation of the apo form promoted interaction with alkyl residues present on the adsorbents and, by cooling followed by addition of zinc, catalytically-active immobilized preparations were obtained.

  6. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy studies of membrane proteins: transducin binding and activation by rhodopsin monitored in thin membrane films.

    PubMed Central

    Salamon, Z; Wang, Y; Soulages, J L; Brown, M F; Tollin, G

    1996-01-01

    Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy can provide useful information regarding average structural properties of membrane films supported on planar solid substrates. Here we have used SPR spectroscopy for the first time to monitor the binding and activation of G-protein (transducin or Gt) by bovine rhodopsin incorporated into an egg phosphatidylcholine bilayer deposited on a silver film. Rhodopsin incorporation into the membrane, performed by dilution of a detergent solution of the protein, proceeds in a saturable manner. Before photolysis, the SPR data show that Gt binds tightly (Keq approximately equal to 60 nM) and with positive cooperativity to rhodopsin in the lipid layer to form a closely packed film. A simple multilayer model yields a calculated average thickness of about 57 A, in good agreement with the structure of Gt. The data also demonstrate that Gt binding saturates at a Gt/rhodopsin ratio of approximately 0.6. Moreover, upon visible light irradiation, characteristic changes occur in the SPR spectrum, which can be modeled by a 6 A increase in the average thickness of the lipid/protein film caused by formation of metarhodopsin II (MII). Upon subsequent addition of GTP, further SPR spectral changes are induced. These are interpreted as resulting from dissociation of the alpha-subunit of Gt, formation of new MII-Gt complexes, and possible conformational changes of Gt as a consequence of complex formation. The above results clearly demonstrate the ability of SPR spectroscopy to monitor interactions among the proteins associated with signal transduction in membrane-bound systems. Images FIGURE 1 PMID:8804611

  7. Investigations Into the Reusability of Amidoxime-Based Polymeric Uranium Adsorbents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kuo, Li-Jung; Gill, Gary A.; Strivens, Jonathan E.

    Significant advancements in amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents to extract uranium from seawater are achieved in recent years. The success of uranium adsorbent development can help provide a sustainable supply of fuel for nuclear reactors. To bring down the production cost of this new technology, in addition to the development of novel adsorbents with high uranium capacity and manufacture cost, the development of adsorbent re-using technique is critical because it can further reduce the cost of the adsorbent manufacture. In our last report, the use of high concentrations of bicarbonate solution (3M KHCO3) was identified as a cost-effective, environmental friendly method tomore » strip uranium from amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents. This study aims to further improve the method for high recovery of uranium capacity in re-uses and to evaluate the performance of adsorbents after multiple re-use cycles. Adsorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the uranium adsorbents during seawater exposure can hinder the uranium adsorption and slow down the adsorption rate. An additional NaOH rinse (0.5 M NaOH, room temperature) was applied after the 3 M KHCO3 elution to remove natural organic matter from adsorbents. The combination of 3 M KHCO3 elution and 0.5 M NaOH rinse significantly improves the recovery of uranium adsorption capacity in the re-used adsorbents. In the first re-use, most ORNL adsorbents tested achieve ~100% recovery by using 3 M KHCO3 elution + 0.5 M NaOH rinse approach, in comparison to 54% recovery when only 3 M KHCO3 elution was applied. A significant drop in capacity was observed when the adsorbents went through more than one re-use. FTIR spectra revealed that degradation of amidoxime ligands occurs during seawater exposure, and is more significant the longer the exposure time. Significantly elevated ratios of Ca/U and Mg/U in re-used adsorbents support the decrease in abundance of amidoxime ligands and increase carboxylate group from FT

  8. Alkyl Chain Ordering of Asymmetric Phosphatidyicholines Adsorbed at a Liquid-Liquid Interface

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-05-30

    the blood bind to the PL surface and begin to hydrolyze the triglyceride core and only a small fraction of the phospholipids, such that the core...which surface-adsorbed proteins are able to hydrolyze the triglyceride core has been shown to depend on the acyl chain composition of monolayer PCs...in the commercial use of natural phosphatidylcholines (or lecithins ) as emulsifiers, including their use in delivery of water-insoluble drugs (Davis

  9. Interfacial layers from the protein HFBII hydrophobin: dynamic surface tension, dilatational elasticity and relaxation times.

    PubMed

    Alexandrov, Nikola A; Marinova, Krastanka G; Gurkov, Theodor D; Danov, Krassimir D; Kralchevsky, Peter A; Stoyanov, Simeon D; Blijdenstein, Theodorus B J; Arnaudov, Luben N; Pelan, Eddie G; Lips, Alex

    2012-06-15

    The pendant-drop method (with drop-shape analysis) and Langmuir trough are applied to investigate the characteristic relaxation times and elasticity of interfacial layers from the protein HFBII hydrophobin. Such layers undergo a transition from fluid to elastic solid films. The transition is detected as an increase in the error of the fit of the pendant-drop profile by means of the Laplace equation of capillarity. The relaxation of surface tension after interfacial expansion follows an exponential-decay law, which indicates adsorption kinetics under barrier control. The experimental data for the relaxation time suggest that the adsorption rate is determined by the balance of two opposing factors: (i) the barrier to detachment of protein molecules from bulk aggregates and (ii) the attraction of the detached molecules by the adsorption layer due to the hydrophobic surface force. The hydrophobic attraction can explain why a greater surface coverage leads to a faster adsorption. The relaxation of surface tension after interfacial compression follows a different, square-root law. Such behavior can be attributed to surface diffusion of adsorbed protein molecules that are condensing at the periphery of interfacial protein aggregates. The surface dilatational elasticity, E, is determined in experiments on quick expansion or compression of the interfacial protein layers. At lower surface pressures (<11 mN/m) the experiments on expansion, compression and oscillations give close values of E that are increasing with the rise of surface pressure. At higher surface pressures, E exhibits the opposite tendency and the data are scattered. The latter behavior can be explained with a two-dimensional condensation of adsorbed protein molecules at the higher surface pressures. The results could be important for the understanding and control of dynamic processes in foams and emulsions stabilized by hydrophobins, as well as for the modification of solid surfaces by adsorption of such

  10. Calcinated tea and cellulose composite films and its dielectric and lead adsorption properties.

    PubMed

    Jayaramudu, Tippabattini; Varaprasad, Kokkarachedu; Kim, Hyun Chan; Kafy, Abdullahil; Kim, Jung Woong; Kim, Jaehwan

    2017-09-01

    In this paper, calcinated tea and cellulose composite (CTCC) films were fabricated via solution casting method. Chemical structure, morphology, crystallinity and thermal stability of the fabricated films were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of calcinated tea loading on the properties of the prepared CTCC films was studied. The results suggest that the prepared CTCC films show higher mechanical properties, thermal stability and dielectric constant than the neat cellulose film. In addition, the CTCC films adsorb Pb 2+ ions and its adsorption performance depends on the calcinated tea content and pH level. The CTCC films are useful for sensors, flexible capacitor as well as lead adsorption applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Regenerative adsorbent heat pump

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Jack A. (Inventor)

    1991-01-01

    A regenerative adsorbent heat pump process and system is provided which can regenerate a high percentage of the sensible heat of the system and at least a portion of the heat of adsorption. A series of at least four compressors containing an adsorbent is provided. A large amount of heat is transferred from compressor to compressor so that heat is regenerated. The process and system are useful for air conditioning rooms, providing room heat in the winter or for hot water heating throughout the year, and, in general, for pumping heat from a lower temperature to a higher temperature.

  12. Intervalence transfer of ferrocene moieties adsorbed on electrode surfaces by a conjugated linkage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Wei; Brown, Lauren E.; Konopelski, Joseph P.; Chen, Shaowei

    2009-03-01

    Effective intervalence transfer occurred between the metal centers of ferrocene moieties that were adsorbed onto a ruthenium thin film surface by ruthenium-carbene π bonds, a direct verification of Hush's four-decade-old prediction. Electrochemical measurements showed two pairs of voltammetric peaks where the separation of the formal potentials suggested a Class II behavior. Additionally, the potential spacing increased with increasing ferrocene surface coverage, most probably as a consequence of the enhanced contribution from through-space electronic interactions between the metal centers. In contrast, the incorporation of a sp 3 carbon spacer into the ferrocene-ruthenium linkage led to the diminishment of interfacial electronic communication.

  13. Antibody Protein Array Analysis of the Tear Film Cytokines

    PubMed Central

    Li, Shimin; Sack, Robert; Vijmasi, Trinka; Sathe, Sonal; Beaton, Ann; Quigley, David; Gallup, Marianne; McNamara, Nancy A.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Many bioactive proteins including cytokines are reported to increase in dry eye disease although the specific profile and concentration of inflammatory mediators varies considerably from study to study. In part this variability results from inherent difficulties in quantifying low abundance proteins in a limited sample volume using relatively low sensitivity dot ELISA methods. Additional complexity comes with the use of pooled samples collected using a variety of techniques and intrinsic variation in the diurnal pattern of individual tear proteins. The current study describes a recent advance in the area of proteomics that has allowed the identification of dozens of low abundance proteins in human tear samples. Methods Commercially available stationary phase antibody protein arrays were adapted to improve suitability for use in small volume biological fluid analysis with particular emphasis on tear film proteomics. Arrays were adapted to allow simultaneous screening for a panel of inflammatory cytokines in low volume tear samples collected from individual eyes. Results A preliminary study comparing tear array results in a small population of Sjögren’s syndrome patients was conducted. The multiplex microplate array assays of cytokines in tear fluid present an unanticipated challenge due to the unique nature of tear fluid. The presence of factors that exhibit an affinity for plastic, capture antibodies and IgG and create a complex series of matrix effects profoundly impacting the reliability of dot ELISA, including with elevated levels of background reactivity and reduction in capacity to bind targeted protein. Conclusions Preliminary results using tears collected from patients with Sjögren’s syndrome reveal methodological advantages of protein array technology and support the concept that autoimmune-mediated dry eye disease has an inflammatory component. They also emphasize the inherent difficulties one can face when interpreting the results of micro

  14. Whey protein isolate edible films with essential oils incorporated to improve the microbial quality of poultry.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Pan, Idoya; Mendoza, Mauricio; Maté, Juan I

    2013-09-01

    Whey protein isolate edible films with oregano or clove essential oils (EOs) incorporated as natural antimicrobials have been developed, with the aim of enhancing the microbial quality of poultry. The effectiveness of the films was determined against both the whole and selected microbiota developed during different periods of cold storage on the surface of skinless chicken breast. Tests were conducted by using both turbidimetric and agar disc diffusion methods. The antimicrobial edible films developed showed high effectiveness against the main spoilers developed on the surface of skinless chicken breasts cold-stored for 8 days. The films based on oregano EO showed greater effectiveness than those based on clove EO. Still, clove EO could be part of an effective antimicrobial edible film. Enterobacteriaceae was the most susceptible to the effect of the films when lower concentrations of EO were incorporated. The largest inhibition surfaces obtained were provoked by films with the highest concentration of oregano EO incorporated against lactic acid bacteria. The antimicrobial edible films developed in this study inhibited the growth of the microbial populations that developed through storage of the chicken breast and caused its spoilage. The results of this research have direct application in the food industry to enhance the control of the development of spoilers such as Pseudomonas spp. or lactic acid bacteria. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

  15. Electrospun polystyrene/graphene nanofiber film as a novel adsorbent of thin film microextraction for extraction of aldehydes in human exhaled breath condensates.

    PubMed

    Huang, Jing; Deng, Hongtao; Song, Dandan; Xu, Hui

    2015-06-09

    In the current study, we introduced a novel polystyrene/graphene (PS/G) composite nanofiber film for thin film microextraction (TFME) for the first time. The PS/G nanofiber film was fabricated on the surface of filter paper by a facile electrospinning method. The morphology and extraction performance of the resultant composite film were investigated systematically. The PS/G nanofiber film exhibited porous fibrous structure, large surface area and strong hydrophobicity. A new thin film microextraction-high performance liquid chromatography (TFME-HPLC) method was developed for the determination of six aldehydes in human exhaled breath condensates. The method showed high enrichment efficiency and fast analysis speed. Under the optimal conditions, the linear ranges of the analytes were in the range of 0.02-30 μmol L(-1) with correlation coefficients above 0.9938, and the recoveries were between 79.8% and 105.6% with the relative standard deviation values lower than 16.3% (n=5). The limits of quantification of six aldehydes ranged from 13.8 to 64.6 nmol L(-1). The established method was successfully applied for the quantification of aldehyde metabolites in exhaled breath condensates of lung cancer patients and healthy people. Taken together, the TFME-HPLC method provides a simple, rapid, sensitive, cost-effective, non-invasion approach for the analysis of linear aliphatic aldehydes in human exhaled breath condensates. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Nanofiber adsorbents for high productivity downstream processing.

    PubMed

    Hardick, Oliver; Dods, Stewart; Stevens, Bob; Bracewell, Daniel G

    2013-04-01

    Electrospun polymeric nanofiber adsorbents offer an alternative ligand support surface for bioseparations. Their non-woven fiber structure with diameters in the sub-micron range creates a remarkably high surface area. To improve the purification productivity of biological molecules by chromatography, cellulose nanofiber adsorbents were fabricated and assembled into a cartridge and filter holder format with a volume of 0.15 mL, a bed height of 0.3 mm and diameter of 25 mm. The present study investigated the performance of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) derivatized regenerated cellulose nanofiber adsorbents based on criteria including mass transfer and flow properties, binding capacity, and fouling effects. Our results show that nanofibers offer higher flow and mass transfer properties. The non-optimized DEAE-nanofiber adsorbents indicate a binding capacity of 10% that of packed bed systems with BSA as a single component system. However, they operate reproducibly at flowrates of a hundred times that of packed beds, resulting in a potential productivity increase of 10-fold. Lifetime studies showed that this novel adsorbent material operated reproducibly with complex feed material (centrifuged and 0.45 µm filtered yeast homogenate) and harsh cleaning-in-place conditions over multiple cycles. DEAE nanofibers showed superior operating performance in permeability and fouling over conventional adsorbents indicating their potential for bioseparation applications. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Adsorption of quantum dots onto polymer and Gemini surfactant films: a quartz crystal microbalance study.

    PubMed

    Alejo, T; Merchán, M D; Velázquez, M M

    2014-08-26

    We used quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation to study the mechanical properties, the kinetics of adsorption, and the amount of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) adsorbed onto a SiO2 sensor, referred as bare sensor, onto the sensor modified with a film of the polymer poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene), PMAO, or with a film of the Gemini surfactant ethyl-bis(dimethyl octadecyl ammonium bromide), abbreviated as 18-2-18. Results showed that when the sensor is coated with polymer or surfactant molecules, the coverage increases compared with that obtained for the bare sensor. On the other hand, rheological properties and kinetics of adsorption of QDs are driven by QD nanoparticles. Thus, the QD films present elastic behavior, and the elasticity values are independent of the molecule used as coating and similar to the elasticity value obtained for QDs films on the bare sensor. The QD adsorption is a two-step mechanism in which the fastest process is attributed to the QD adsorption onto the solid substrate and the slowest one is ascribed to rearrangement movements of the nanoparticles adsorbed at the surface.

  18. Chitin Adsorbents for Toxic Metals: A Review

    PubMed Central

    Anastopoulos, Ioannis; Bhatnagar, Amit; Bikiaris, Dimitrios N.; Kyzas, George Z.

    2017-01-01

    Wastewater treatment is still a critical issue all over the world. Among examined methods for the decontamination of wastewaters, adsorption is a promising, cheap, environmentally friendly and efficient procedure. There are various types of adsorbents that have been used to remove different pollutants such as agricultural waste, compost, nanomaterials, algae, etc., Chitin (poly-β-(1,4)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) is the second most abundant natural biopolymer and it has attracted scientific attention as an inexpensive adsorbent for toxic metals. This review article provides information about the use of chitin as an adsorbent. A list of chitin adsorbents with maximum adsorption capacity and the best isotherm and kinetic fitting models are provided. Moreover, thermodynamic studies, regeneration studies, the mechanism of adsorption and the experimental conditions are also discussed in depth. PMID:28067848

  19. An in situ XPS study of L-cysteine co-adsorbed with water on polycrystalline copper and gold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jürgensen, Astrid; Raschke, Hannes; Esser, Norbert; Hergenröder, Roland

    2018-03-01

    The interactions of biomolecules with metal surfaces are important because an adsorbed layer of such molecules introduces complex reactive functionality to the substrate. However, studying these interactions is challenging: they usually take place in an aqueous environment, and the structure of the first few monolayers on the surface is of particular interest, as these layers determine most interfacial properties. Ideally, this requires surface sensitive analysis methods that are operated under ambient conditions, for example ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS). This paper focuses on an AP-XPS study of the interaction of water vapour and l-Cysteine on polycrystalline copper and gold surfaces. Thin films of l-Cysteine were characterized with XPS in UHV and in a water vapour atmosphere (P ≤ 1 mbar): the structure of the adsorbed l-Cysteine layer depended on substrate material and deposition method, and exposure of the surface to water vapour led to the formation of hydrogen bonds between H2O molecules and the COO- and NH2 groups of adsorbed l-Cysteine zwitterions and neutral molecules, respectively. This study also proved that it is possible to investigate monolayers of biomolecules in a gas atmosphere with AP-XPS using a conventional laboratory Al-Kα x-ray source.

  20. Controllable degradation of medical magnesium by electrodeposited composite films of mussel adhesive protein (Mefp-1) and chitosan.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Ping-Li; Hou, Rui-Qing; Chen, Cheng-Dong; Sun, Lan; Dong, Shi-Gang; Pan, Jin-Shan; Lin, Chang-Jian

    2016-09-15

    To control the degradation rate of medical magnesium in body fluid environment, biocompatible films composed of Mussel Adhesive Protein (Mefp-1) and chitosan were electrodeposited on magnesium surface in cathodic constant current mode. The compositions and structures of the films were characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). And the corrosion protection performance was investigated using electrochemical measurements and immersion tests in simulated body fluid (Hanks' solution). The results revealed that Mefp-1 and chitosan successfully adhered on the magnesium surface and formed a protective film. Compared with either single Mefp-1 or single chitosan film, the composite film of chitosan/Mefp-1/chitosan (CPC (chitosan/Mefp-1/chitosan)) exhibited lower corrosion current density, higher polarization resistance and more homogenous corrosion morphology and thus was able to effectively control the degradation rate of magnesium in simulated body environment. In addition, the active attachment and spreading of MC3T3-E1 cells on the CPC film coated magnesium indicated that the CPC film was significantly able to improve the biocompatibility of the medical magnesium. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion to hydroxyapatite with adsorbed bone sialoprotein, bone osteopontin, and bovine serum albumin.

    PubMed

    Bernards, Matthew T; Qin, Chunlin; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2008-07-15

    Native bone tissue is composed of a complex matrix of collagen, non-collagenous proteins, and hydroxyapatite (HAP). Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and bone osteopontin (OPN) are members of the non-collagenous protein family termed the SIBLING (small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins) proteins, which are primarily found in mineralized tissues. Previously, OPN was shown to exhibit a preferential orientation for MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion when it was specifically bound to collagen, while the MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion was shown to be dependant on the conformational flexibility of BSP specifically bound to collagen. Additionally, OPN was shown to play a greater role than BSP for cell binding to collagen. In this work, the orientations and conformations of BSP and OPN specifically bound to HAP are probed under similar conditions. Radiolabeled adsorption isotherms were obtained for BSP and OPN on HAP formed from a simulated body fluid, and the results show that HAP has the capacity to bind significantly more BSP than OPN. An in vitro MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion assay was then performed to compare the cell binding ability of adsorbed BSP and OPN specifically bound to HAP. It was found that there is a preference for cell binding to HAP with adsorbed BSP as compared to OPN, but not to a statistically significant level. However, the maximum cell binding was observed on HAP substrates with adsorbed heat denatured bovine serum albumin (BSA). The influence of BSA on cell binding was shown to be concentration dependant and it is believed that the adsorbed BSA modulates the proliferation state of the bound cells.

  2. MC3T3-E1 Cell Adhesion to Hydroxyapatite with Adsorbed Bone Sialoprotein, Bone Osteopontin, and Bovine Serum Albumin

    PubMed Central

    Bernards, Matthew T.; Qin, Chunlin; Jiang, Shaoyi

    2008-01-01

    Native bone tissue is composed of a complex matrix of collagen, non-collagenous proteins, and hydroxyapatite (HAP). Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and bone osteopontin (OPN) are members of the non-collagenous protein family termed the SIBLING (small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins) proteins, which are primarily found in mineralized tissues. Previously, OPN was shown to exhibit a preferential orientation for MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion when it was specifically bound to collagen, while the MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion was shown to be dependant on the conformational flexibility of BSP specifically bound to collagen. Additionally, OPN was shown to play a greater role than BSP for cell binding to collagen. In this work, the orientations and conformations of BSP and OPN specifically bound to HAP are probed under similar conditions. Radiolabeled adsorption isotherms were obtained for BSP and OPN on HAP formed from a simulated body fluid, and the results show that HAP has the capacity to bind significantly more BSP than OPN. An in vitro MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion assay was then performed to compare the cell binding ability of adsorbed BSP and OPN specifically bound to HAP. It was found that there is a preference for cell binding to HAP with adsorbed BSP as compared to OPN, but not to a statistically significant level. However, the maximum cell binding was observed on HAP substrates with adsorbed heat denatured bovine serum albumin (BSA). The influence of BSA on cell binding was shown to be concentration dependant and it is believed that the adsorbed BSA modulates the proliferation state of the bound cells. PMID:18420388

  3. Adsorption, aggregation, and desorption of proteins on smectite particles.

    PubMed

    Kolman, Krzysztof; Makowski, Marcin M; Golriz, Ali A; Kappl, Michael; Pigłowski, Jacek; Butt, Hans-Jürgen; Kiersnowski, Adam

    2014-10-07

    We report on adsorption of lysozyme (LYS), ovalbumin (OVA), or ovotransferrin (OVT) on particles of a synthetic smectite (synthetic layered aluminosilicate). In our approach we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to study the protein-smectite systems in water solutions at pH ranging from 4 to 9. The AFM provided insights into the adhesion forces of protein molecules to the smectite particles, while the QCM measurements yielded information about the amounts of the adsorbed proteins, changes in their structure, and conditions of desorption. The binding of the proteins to the smectite surface was driven mainly by electrostatic interactions, and hence properties of the adsorbed layers were controlled by pH. At high pH values a change in orientation of the adsorbed LYS molecules and a collapse or desorption of OVA layer were observed. Lowering pH to the value ≤ 4 caused LYS to desorb and swelling the adsorbed OVA. The stability of OVT-smectite complexes was found the lowest. OVT revealed a tendency to desorb from the smectite surface at all investigated pH. The minimum desorption rate was observed at pH close to the isoelectric point of the protein, which suggests that nonspecific interactions between OVT and smectite particles significantly contribute to the stability of these complexes.

  4. Methane Recovery from Gaseous Mixtures Using Carbonaceous Adsorbents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buczek, Bronisław

    2016-06-01

    Methane recovery from gaseous mixtures has both economical and ecological aspect. Methane from different waste gases like mine gases, nitrogenated natural gases and biogases can be treated as local source for production electric and heat energy. Also occurs the problem of atmosphere pollution with methane that shows over 20 times more harmful environmental effect in comparison to carbon dioxide. One of the ways utilisation such gases is enrichment of methane in the PSA technique, which requires appropriate adsorbents. Active carbons and carbon molecular sieve produced by industry and obtained in laboratory scale were examined as adsorbent for methane recuperation. Porous structure of adsorbents was investigated using densimetry measurements and adsorption of argon at 77.5K. On the basis of adsorption data, the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation parameters, micropore volume (Wo) and characteristics of energy adsorption (Eo) as well as area micropores (Smi) and BET area (SBET) were determined. The usability of adsorbents in enrichment of the methane was evaluated in the test, which simulate the basic stages of PSA process: a) adsorbent degassing, b) pressure raise in column by feed gas, c) cocurrent desorption with analysis of out flowing gas. The composition of gas phase was accepted as the criterion of the suitability of adsorbent for methane separation from gaseous mixtures. The relationship between methane recovery from gas mixture and texture parameters of adsorbents was found.

  5. Protein Corona in Response to Flow: Effect on Protein Concentration and Structure.

    PubMed

    Jayaram, Dhanya T; Pustulka, Samantha M; Mannino, Robert G; Lam, Wilbur A; Payne, Christine K

    2018-04-09

    Nanoparticles used in cellular applications encounter free serum proteins that adsorb onto the surface of the nanoparticle, forming a protein corona. This protein layer controls the interaction of nanoparticles with cells. For nanomedicine applications, it is important to consider how intravenous injection and the subsequent shear flow will affect the protein corona. Our goal was to determine if shear flow changed the composition of the protein corona and if these changes affected cellular binding. Colorimetric assays of protein concentration and gel electrophoresis demonstrate that polystyrene nanoparticles subjected to flow have a greater concentration of serum proteins adsorbed on the surface, especially plasminogen. Plasminogen, in the absence of nanoparticles, undergoes changes in structure in response to flow, characterized by fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The protein-nanoparticle complexes formed from fetal bovine serum after flow had decreased cellular binding, as measured with flow cytometry. In addition to the relevance for nanomedicine, these results also highlight the technical challenges of protein corona studies. The composition of the protein corona was highly dependent on the initial mixing step: rocking, vortexing, or flow. Overall, these results reaffirm the importance of the protein corona in nanoparticle-cell interactions and point toward the challenges of predicting corona composition based on nanoparticle properties. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Utility of adsorbents in the purification of drinking water: a review of characterization, efficiency and safety evaluation of various adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Dubey, Shashi Prabha; Gopal, Krishna; Bersillon, J L

    2009-05-01

    Clean drinking water is one of the implicit requisites fora healthy human population. However the growing industrialization and extensive use of chemicals for various concerns, has increased the burden of unwanted pollutants in the drinking water of developing countries like India. The entry of potentially hazardous substances into the biota has been magnifying day by day. In the absence of a possible stoppage of these, otherwise, useful chemicals, the only way to maintain safer water bodies is to develop efficient purifying technologies. One such immensely beneficial procedure that has been in use is that of purification of water using 'adsorbents'. Indigenous minerals and natural plants products have potential for removing many pollutants viz. fluoride, arsenic, nitrate, heavy metals, pesticides as well as trihalomethanes. Adsorbents which are derived from carbon, alumina, zeolite, clay minerals, iron ores, industrial by products, and natural products viz. parts of the plants, herbs and algal biomass offer promising potential of removal. In the recent years attention has been paid to develop process involving screening/pretreatment/activation/impregnation using alkalies, acids, alum, lime, manganese dioxide, ferric chloride and other chemicals which are found to enhance their adsorbing efficiency. Chemical characterization of these adsorbents recapitulates the mechanism of the process. It is imperative to observe that capacities of the adsorbents may vary depending on the characteristics, chemical modifications and concentration of the individual adsorbent. Removal kinetics is found to be based on the experimental conditions viz. pH, concentration of the adsorbate, quantity of the adsorbent and temperature. It is suggested that isotherm model is suitable tool to assess the adsorption capacities in batch and column modes. Safety evaluation and risk assessment of the process/products may be useful to provide guidelines for its sustainable disposal.

  7. Evaluation of an adsorbent based on agricultural waste (corn cobs) for removal of tyrosine and phenylalanine from aqueous solutions.

    PubMed

    Alves, Cibele C O; Franca, Adriana S; Oliveira, Leandro S

    2013-01-01

    Adsorption of phenolic amino acids, such as phenylalanine and tyrosine, is quite relevant for the production of protein hydrolysates used as dietary formulations for patients suffering from congenital disorders of amino acid metabolism, such as phenylketonuria. In this study, an adsorbent prepared from corn cobs was evaluated for the removal of tyrosine (Tyr) from both a single component solution and a binary aqueous solution with phenylalanine (Phe). The adsorption behavior of tyrosine was similar to that of phenylalanine in single component solutions, however, with a much lower adsorption capacity (14 mg g(-1) for Tyr compared to 109 mg g(-1) for Phe). Tyr adsorption kinetics was satisfactorily described by a pseudosecond-order model as it was for Phe. In adsorption equilibrium studies for binary mixtures, the presence of Tyr in Phe solutions favored Phe faster adsorption whereas the opposite behavior was observed for the presence of Phe in Tyr solutions. Such results indicate that, in binary systems, Phe will be adsorbed preferably to Tyr, and this is a welcome feature when employing the prepared adsorbent for the removal of Phe from protein hydrolysates to be used in dietary formulations for phenylketonuria treatment.

  8. Characteristics of activated carbon and carbon nanotubes as adsorbents to remove annatto (norbixin) in cheese whey.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yue; Pan, Kang; Zhong, Qixin

    2013-09-25

    Removing annatto from cheese whey without bleaching has potential to improve whey protein quality. In this work, the potential of two activated carbon products and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) was studied for extracting annatto (norbixin) in aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were studied for the effects of solution pH, adsorbent mass, contact duration, and ionic strength. The equilibrium adsorption data were observed to fit both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The thermodynamic parameters estimated from adsorption isotherms demonstrated that the adsorption of norbixin on three adsorbents is exothermic, and the entropic contribution differs with adsorbent structure. The adsorption kinetics, with CNT showing a higher rate than activated carbon, followed the pseudo first order and second order rate expressions and demonstrated the significance of intraparticle diffusion. Electrostatic interactions were observed to be significant in the adsorption. The established adsorption parameters may be used in the dairy industry to decolorize cheese whey without applying bleaching agents.

  9. The fate of a designed protein corona on nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Bargheer, Denise; Nielsen, Julius; Gébel, Gabriella; Heine, Markus; Salmen, Sunhild C; Stauber, Roland; Weller, Horst; Heeren, Joerg; Nielsen, Peter

    2015-01-01

    A variety of monodisperse superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) was designed in which the surface was modified by PEGylation with mono- or bifunctional poly(ethylene oxide)amines (PEG). Using (125)I-labeled test proteins (transferrin, albumin), the binding and exchange of corona proteins was studied first in vitro. Incubation with (125)I-transferrin showed that with increasing grade of PEGylation the binding was substantially diminished without a difference between simply adsorbed and covalently bound protein. However, after incubation with excess albumin and subsequently whole plasma, transferrin from the preformed transferrin corona was more and more lost from SPIOs in the case of adsorbed proteins. If non-labeled transferrin was used as preformed corona and excess (125)I-labeled albumin was added to the reaction mixtures with different SPIOs, a substantial amount of label was bound to the particles with initially adsorbed transferrin but little or even zero with covalently bound transferrin. These in vitro experiments show a clear difference in the stability of a preformed hard corona with adsorbed or covalently bound protein. This difference seems, however, to be of minor importance in vivo when polymer-coated (59)Fe-SPIOs with adsorbed or covalently bound (125)I-labeled mouse transferrin were injected intravenously in mice. With both protein coronae the (59)Fe/(125)I-labelled particles were cleared from the blood stream within 30 min and appeared in the liver and spleen to a large extent (>90%). In addition, after 2 h already half of the (125)I-labeled transferrin from both nanodevices was recycled back into the plasma and into tissue. This study confirms that adsorbed transferrin from a preformed protein corona is efficiently taken up by cells. It is also highlighted that a radiolabelling technique described in this study may be of value to investigate the role of protein corona formation in vivo for the respective nanoparticle uptake.

  10. Molecular sieve adsorbents and membranes for applications in the production of renewable fuels and chemicals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ranjan, Rajiv

    Metal organic frameworks (MOF), a new class of porous materials, have emerged as promising candidate for gas storage, separation membrane and chemical sensors. We used secondary growth method to grow microporous metal organic framework (MMOF) films on porous alumina supports. Examination of the film using SEM and XRD showed that the crystals were well inter-grown and preferentially oriented. Gas permeation study showed that membranes were defect free and moderate selectivity was achieved for H2/N2 gas pairs. The next project had to do with ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass as an alternate energy source. However, toxic inhibitors produced from the hydrolysis of biomass decrease ethanol yield during the fermentation process. We demonstrated the use of zeolites for the pretreatment of hydrolyzate in order to remove inhibitors like 5-Hydroxymethylfurfuraldehyde (HMF) and furfural from aqueous solution. Zeolites exhibit preferential adsorption of the inhibitors and in effect improve the ethanol yield during fermentation. Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) was also used to predict adsorption isotherms for HMF-furfural mixtures using single component adsorption data. We also studied production of HMF, a potential substitute as a building block for plastic and chemical production, from renewable biomass resources. Catalytic dehydration of fructose for HMF production faces problems like low conversion and yield. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can be used as the solvent as well as the catalyst resulting in high HMF yield. We studied a reaction-separation system for this dehydration reaction where the product (HMF) could be recovered by selective adsorption on solid adsorbents from the reaction mixture.

  11. Modifying Surface Fluctuations of Polymer Melt Films with Substrate Modification

    DOE PAGES

    Zhou, Yang; He, Qiming; Zhang, Fan; ...

    2017-08-14

    Deposition of a plasma polymerized film on a silicon substrate substantially changes the fluctuations on the surface of a sufficiently thin, melt polystyrene (PS) film atop the substrate. Surface fluctuation relaxation times measured with X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) for ca. 4R g thick melt films of 131 kg/mol linear PS on silicon and on a plasma polymer modified silicon wafer can both be described using a hydrodynamic continuum theory (HCT) that assumes the film is characterized throughout its depth by the bulk viscosity. However, when the film thickness is reduced to ~3R g, confinement effects are evident. The surfacemore » fluctuations are slower than predicted using the HCT, and the confinement effect for the PS on silicon is larger than that for the PS on the plasma polymerized film. This deviation is thus due to a difference in the thicknesses of the strongly adsorbed layers at the substrate which are impacted by the substrate surface energy.« less

  12. Modifying Surface Fluctuations of Polymer Melt Films with Substrate Modification

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhou, Yang; He, Qiming; Zhang, Fan

    Deposition of a plasma polymerized film on a silicon substrate substantially changes the fluctuations on the surface of a sufficiently thin, melt polystyrene (PS) film atop the substrate. Surface fluctuation relaxation times measured with X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) for ca. 4R g thick melt films of 131 kg/mol linear PS on silicon and on a plasma polymer modified silicon wafer can both be described using a hydrodynamic continuum theory (HCT) that assumes the film is characterized throughout its depth by the bulk viscosity. However, when the film thickness is reduced to ~3R g, confinement effects are evident. The surfacemore » fluctuations are slower than predicted using the HCT, and the confinement effect for the PS on silicon is larger than that for the PS on the plasma polymerized film. This deviation is thus due to a difference in the thicknesses of the strongly adsorbed layers at the substrate which are impacted by the substrate surface energy.« less

  13. Effect of whey protein isolate films incorporated with montmorillonite and citric acid on the preservation of fresh-cut apples.

    PubMed

    Azevedo, Viviane Machado; Dias, Marali Vilela; de Siqueira Elias, Heloisa Helena; Fukushima, Katia Lumi; Silva, Eric Keven; de Deus Souza Carneiro, João; de Fátima Ferreira Soares, Nilda; Borges, Soraia Vilela

    2018-05-01

    The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of bioactive whey protein isolate/montmorillonite films containing citric acid on the inhibition of enzymatic browning and physicochemical properties in minimally processed apples. Whey protein isolate films incorporated with montmorillonite (3 g/100 g) and citric acid (5 and 10 g/100 g) were applied to the apples slices. All samples were packaged in polypropylene trays (14.6 cm × 11.4 cm × 6.5 cm) and stored at 5 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 3% RH for eight days. Every two days, the apples samples were evaluated for color, acidity, pH, soluble solids, water activity and polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzyme activity. The enzymatic browning of the apples slices was reduced for all films during storage. However, the films containing citric acid maintained the color characteristics, reducing the loss of quality associated the maintenance of acidity, soluble solids, water activity, reduction of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity, thus prolonging the shelf life of the apples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Flow boundary conditions for chain-end adsorbing polymer blends.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xin; Andrienko, Denis; Delle Site, Luigi; Kremer, Kurt

    2005-09-08

    Using the phenol-terminated polycarbonate blend as an example, we demonstrate that the hydrodynamic boundary conditions for a flow of an adsorbing polymer melt are extremely sensitive to the structure of the epitaxial layer. Under shear, the adsorbed parts (chain ends) of the polymer melt move along the equipotential lines of the surface potential whereas the adsorbed additives serve as the surface defects. In response to the increase of the number of the adsorbed additives the surface layer becomes thinner and solidifies. This results in a gradual transition from the slip to the no-slip boundary condition for the melt flow, with a nonmonotonic dependence of the slip length on the surface concentration of the adsorbed ends.

  15. Nano-sized Adsorbate Structure Formation in Anisotropic Multilayer System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kharchenko, Vasyl O.; Kharchenko, Dmitrii O.; Yanovsky, Vladimir V.

    2017-05-01

    In this article, we study dynamics of adsorbate island formation in a model plasma-condensate system numerically. We derive the generalized reaction-diffusion model for adsorptive multilayer system by taking into account anisotropy in transfer of adatoms between neighbor layers induced by electric field. It will be found that with an increase in the electric field strength, a structural transformation from nano-holes inside adsorbate matrix toward separated nano-sized adsorbate islands on a substrate is realized. Dynamics of adsorbate island sizes and corresponding distributions are analyzed in detail. This study provides an insight into details of self-organization of adatoms into nano-sized adsorbate islands in anisotropic multilayer plasma-condensate systems.

  16. Reusable hydroxyapatite nanocrystal sensors for protein adsorption.

    PubMed

    Tagaya, Motohiro; Ikoma, Toshiyuki; Hanagata, Nobutaka; Chakarov, Dinko; Kasemo, Bengt; Tanaka, Junzo

    2010-08-01

    The repeatability of the adsorption and removal of fibrinogen and fetal bovine serum on hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocrystal sensors was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring technique. The HAp nanocrystals were coated on a gold-coated quartz sensor by electrophoretic deposition. Proteins adsorbed on the HAp sensors were removed by (i) ammonia/hydrogen peroxide mixture (APM), (ii) ultraviolet light (UV), (iii) UV/APM, (iv) APM/UV and (v) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatments. FTIR spectra of the reused surfaces revealed that the APM and SDS treatments left peptide fragments or the proteins adsorbed on the surfaces, whereas the other methods successfully removed the proteins. The QCM-D measurements indicated that in the removal treatments, fibrinogen was slowly adsorbed in the first cycle because of the change in surface wettability revealed by contact angle measurements. The SDS treatment was not effective in removing proteins. The APM or UV treatment decreased the frequency shifts for the reused HAp sensors. The UV/APM treatment did not induce the frequency shifts but decreased the dissipation shifts. Therefore, we conclude that the APM/UV treatment is the most useful method for reproducing protein adsorption behavior on HAp sensors.

  17. Optical monitoring of proteins at solid interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dunne, G.; McDonnell, L.; Miller, R.; McMillan, N. D.; O'Rourke, B.; Mitchell, C. I.

    2005-06-01

    The adsorption properties of polymers are of great importance for implant studies. A better understanding of these properties can lead to improved implant materials. In this study the surface energy of different polymers was derived from contact angle measurements taken using profile analysis tensiometry (PAT) of sessile drops of water. The contact angles were measured for advancing and receding water drops on polished polymer surfaces and also on polymer surfaces modified by adsorbing protein to the surface prior to analysis of the sessile drop. The protein used was bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the surfaces were poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA), poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and stainless steel. The polymer surfaces were also studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Images of the surfaces were taken in different states: rough, smooth and with albumin adsorbed. As a method to identify the proteins on the surface easier, anti-albumin antibodies with 30nm nano gold particles attached were adsorbed to the albumin on the surfaces. Using nano gold particles made the imaging more straightforward and thus made identification of the protein on the surface easier. The results from this work show the differing hydrophobicities of polymer surfaces under different conditions and a new nanotechnological method of protein identification.

  18. Reusable hydroxyapatite nanocrystal sensors for protein adsorption

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tagaya, Motohiro; Ikoma, Toshiyuki; Hanagata, Nobutaka; Chakarov, Dinko; Kasemo, Bengt; Tanaka, Junzo

    2010-08-01

    The repeatability of the adsorption and removal of fibrinogen and fetal bovine serum on hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocrystal sensors was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring technique. The HAp nanocrystals were coated on a gold-coated quartz sensor by electrophoretic deposition. Proteins adsorbed on the HAp sensors were removed by (i) ammonia/hydrogen peroxide mixture (APM), (ii) ultraviolet light (UV), (iii) UV/APM, (iv) APM/UV and (v) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatments. FTIR spectra of the reused surfaces revealed that the APM and SDS treatments left peptide fragments or the proteins adsorbed on the surfaces, whereas the other methods successfully removed the proteins. The QCM-D measurements indicated that in the removal treatments, fibrinogen was slowly adsorbed in the first cycle because of the change in surface wettability revealed by contact angle measurements. The SDS treatment was not effective in removing proteins. The APM or UV treatment decreased the frequency shifts for the reused HAp sensors. The UV/APM treatment did not induce the frequency shifts but decreased the dissipation shifts. Therefore, we conclude that the APM/UV treatment is the most useful method for reproducing protein adsorption behavior on HAp sensors.

  19. Combination of rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent to adsorb Pb(II) ionic metal and it’s analysis using solid-phase spectrophotometry (sps)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rohmah, D. N.; Saputro, S.; Masykuri, M.; Mahardiani, L.

    2018-03-01

    The purpose of this research was to know the effect and determine the mass comparation which most effective combination between rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent to adsorb Pb (II) ion using SPS method. This research used experimental method. Technique to collecting this datas of this research is carried out by several stages, which are: (1) carbonization of rice husk and coconut shell adsorbent using muffle furnace at a temperature of 350°C for an hour; (2) activation of the rice husk and coconut shell adsorbent using NaOH 1N and ZnCl2 15% activator; (3) contacting the adsorbent of rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent with liquid waste simulation of Pb(II) using variation comparison of rice husk and coconut shell, 1:0; 0:1; 1:1; 2:1; 1:2; (4) analysis of Pb(II) using Solid-Phase Spectrophotometry (SPS); (5) characterization of combination rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent using FTIR. The result of this research show that the combined effect of combination rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent can increase the ability of the adsorbent to absorb Pb(II) ion then the optimum adsorbent mass ratio required for absorbing 20 mL of Pb(II) ion with a concentration of 49.99 µg/L is a ratio of 2:1 with the absorption level of 97,06%Solid-Phase Spectrophotometry (SPS) is an effective method in the level of µg/L, be marked with the Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.03 µg/L.

  20. Mobility of adsorbed Cry1Aa insecticidal toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on montmorillonite measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Helassa, Nordine; Daudin, Gabrielle; Noinville, Sylvie; Janot, Jean-Marc; Déjardin, Philippe; Staunton, Siobhán; Quiquampoix, Hervé

    2010-06-01

    The insecticidal toxins produced by genetically modified Bt crops are introduced into soil through root exudates and tissue decomposition and adsorb readily on soil components, especially on clays. This immobilisation and the consequent concentration of the toxins in "hot spots" could increase the exposure of soil organisms. Whereas the effects on non-target organisms are well documented, few studies consider the migration of the toxin in soil. In this study, the residual mobility of Bt Cry1Aa insecticidal toxin adsorbed on montmorillonite was assessed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). This technique, which is usually used to study dynamics of cytoplasmic and membrane molecules in live cells, was applied for the first time to a protein adsorbed on a finely divided swelling clay mineral, montmorillonite. No mobility of adsorbed toxin was observed at any pH and at different degrees of surface saturation.

  1. Shelf-life extension of refrigerated sea bass slices wrapped with fish protein isolate/fish skin gelatin-ZnO nanocomposite film incorporated with basil leaf essential oil.

    PubMed

    Arfat, Yasir Ali; Benjakul, Soottawat; Vongkamjan, Kitiya; Sumpavapol, Punnanee; Yarnpakdee, Suthasinee

    2015-10-01

    Microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of sea bass slices wrapped with fish protein isolate (FPI)/fish skin gelatin (FSG) films incorporated with 3 % ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONP) (w/w, based on protein content) and 100 % basil leaf essential oil (BEO) (w/w, based on protein content) during storage of 12 days at 4 °C were investigated. Sea bass slices wrapped with FPI/FSG-ZnONP-BEO film had the lowest growth of psychrophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and spoilage microorganisms including Pseudomonas , H2S-producing bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae throughout storage of 12 days in comparison with those wrapped with FPI/FSG-BEO, FPI/FSG-ZnONP, FPI/FSG film, polypropylene film (PP film) and the control (without wrapping), respectively (P < 0.05). Lowered increases in pH, total volatile base, peroxide value and TBARS value were found in FPI/FSG-ZnO-BEO film wrapped samples, compared with others (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluation revealed that shelf-life of sea bass slices was longest for samples wrapped with FPI/FSG-ZnONP-BEO film (12 days), as compared to the control (6 days) (P < 0.05).

  2. Drainage and Stratification Kinetics of Foam Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yiran; Sharma, Vivek

    2014-03-01

    Baking bread, brewing cappuccino, pouring beer, washing dishes, shaving, shampooing, whipping eggs and blowing bubbles all involve creation of aqueous foam films. Foam lifetime, drainage kinetics and stability are strongly influenced by surfactant type (ionic vs non-ionic), and added proteins, particles or polymers modify typical responses. The rate at which fluid drains out from a foam film, i.e. drainage kinetics, is determined in the last stages primarily by molecular interactions and capillarity. Interestingly, for certain low molecular weight surfactants, colloids and polyelectrolyte-surfactant mixtures, a layered ordering of molecules, micelles or particles inside the foam films leads to a stepwise thinning phenomena called stratification. Though stratification is observed in many confined systems including foam films containing particles or polyelectrolytes, films containing globular proteins seem not to show this behavior. Using a Scheludko-type cell, we experimentally study the drainage and stratification kinetics of horizontal foam films formed by protein-surfactant mixtures, and carefully determine how the presence of proteins influences the hydrodynamics and thermodynamics of foam films.

  3. Poly(l-glutamic acid)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) external layer in polyelectrolyte multilayer films: Characterization and resistance to serum protein adsorption.

    PubMed

    Szczepanowicz, Krzysztof; Kruk, Tomasz; Świątek, Wiktoria; Bouzga, Aud M; Simon, Christian R; Warszyński, Piotr

    2018-06-01

    Formation of protein-resistant surfaces is a major challenge in the design of novel biomaterials and an important strategy to prevent protein adsorption is the formation of protein-resistant coatings. It can be achieved by proper modification of surfaces, e.g., by immobilization of hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). An appropriate method to immobilize PEG at charged surfaces is the adsorption of copolymers with PEG chains grafted onto polyelectrolyte backbone. The growing interest in the use of polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings in biomedical applications to improve biocompatibility and/or to prepare coating with antiadhesive properties has been the main reason for these studies. Therefore the aim was to produce protein resistant polyelectrolyte multilayer films. They were formed via the layer-by-layer approach, while their pegylation by the deposition of pegylated polyanion, PGA-g-PEG, as an external layer. The influence of PEG chain length and grafting density of PGA-g-PEG copolymers on the protein antiadhesive properties of pegylated polyelectrolyte multilayer films was investigated. To monitor the formation of pegylated and non-pegylated multilayer films, adsorption of the following proteins: HSA, Fibrinogen, and FBS were measured by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM - D). We found that protein adsorption onto all pegylated polyelectrolyte multilayers was significantly reduced in comparison to non-pegylated ones. Long-term performance tests confirmed the stability and the durability of the protein resistant properties of the pegylated multilayers. Antiadhesive properties of tested surfaces pegylated by PGA-g-PEG were compared to the available data for pegylated polycation PLL-g-PEG. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Protein corona: Opportunities and challenges

    PubMed Central

    Zanganeh, Saeid; Spitler, Ryan; Erfanzadeh, Mohsen; Alkilany, Alaaldin M.; Mahmoudi, Morteza

    2017-01-01

    In contact with biological fluids diverse type of biomolecules (e.g., proteins) adsorb onto nanoparticles forming protein corona. Surface properties of the coated nanoparticles, in terms of type and amount of associated proteins, dictate their interactions with biological systems and thus biological fate, therapeutic efficiency and toxicity. In this perspective, we will focus on the recent advances and pitfalls in the protein corona field. PMID:26783938

  5. Carbon dioxide pressure swing adsorption process using modified alumina adsorbents

    DOEpatents

    Gaffney, Thomas Richard; Golden, Timothy Christopher; Mayorga, Steven Gerard; Brzozowski, Jeffrey Richard; Taylor, Fred William

    1999-01-01

    A pressure swing adsorption process for absorbing CO.sub.2 from a gaseous mixture containing CO.sub.2 comprising introducing the gaseous mixture at a first pressure into a reactor containing a modified alumina adsorbent maintained at a temperature ranging from 100.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. to adsorb CO.sub.2 to provide a CO.sub.2 laden alumina adsorbent and a CO.sub.2 depleted gaseous mixture and contacting the CO.sub.2 laden adsorbent with a weakly adsorbing purge fluid at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure to desorb CO.sub.2 from the CO.sub.2 laden alumina adsorbent. The modified alumina adsorbent which is formed by depositing a solution having a pH of 3.0 or more onto alumina and heating the alumina to a temperature ranging from 100.degree. C. and 600.degree. C., is not degraded by high concentrations of water under process operating conditions.

  6. Carbon dioxide pressure swing adsorption process using modified alumina adsorbents

    DOEpatents

    Gaffney, T.R.; Golden, T.C.; Mayorga, S.G.; Brzozowski, J.R.; Taylor, F.W.

    1999-06-29

    A pressure swing adsorption process for absorbing CO[sub 2] from a gaseous mixture containing CO[sub 2] comprises introducing the gaseous mixture at a first pressure into a reactor containing a modified alumina adsorbent maintained at a temperature ranging from 100 C and 500 C to adsorb CO[sub 2] to provide a CO[sub 2] laden alumina adsorbent and a CO[sub 2] depleted gaseous mixture and contacting the CO[sub 2] laden adsorbent with a weakly adsorbing purge fluid at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure to desorb CO[sub 2] from the CO[sub 2] laden alumina adsorbent. The modified alumina adsorbent which is formed by depositing a solution having a pH of 3.0 or more onto alumina and heating the alumina to a temperature ranging from 100 C and 600 C, is not degraded by high concentrations of water under process operating conditions. 1 fig.

  7. Oil palm biomass as an adsorbent for heavy metals.

    PubMed

    Vakili, Mohammadtaghi; Rafatullah, Mohd; Ibrahim, Mahamad Hakimi; Abdullah, Ahmad Zuhairi; Salamatinia, Babak; Gholami, Zahra

    2014-01-01

    Many industries discharge untreated wastewater into the environment. Heavy metals from many industrial processes end up as hazardous pollutants of wastewaters.Heavy metal pollution has increased in recent decades and there is a growing concern for the public health risk they may pose. To remove heavy metal ions from polluted waste streams, adsorption processes are among the most common and effective treatment methods. The adsorbents that are used to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous media have both advantages and disadvantages. Cost and effectiveness are two of the most prominent criteria for choosing adsorbents. Because cost is so important, great effort has been extended to study and find effective lower cost adsorbents.One class of adsorbents that is gaining considerable attention is agricultural wastes. Among many alternatives, palm oil biomasses have shown promise as effective adsorbents for removing heavy metals from wastewater. The palm oil industry has rapidly expanded in recent years, and a large amount of palm oil biomass is available. This biomass is a low-cost agricultural waste that exhibits, either in its raw form or after being processed, the potential for eliminating heavy metal ions from wastewater. In this article, we provide background information on oil palm biomass and describe studies that indicate its potential as an alternative adsorbent for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater. From having reviewed the cogent literature on this topic we are encouraged that low-cost oil-palm-related adsorbents have already demonstrated outstanding removal capabilities for various pollutants.Because cost is so important to those who choose to clean waste streams by using adsorbents, the use of cheap sources of unconventional adsorbents is increasingly being investigated. An adsorbent is considered to be inexpensive when it is readily available, is environmentally friendly, is cost-effective and be effectively used in economical processes. The

  8. Protein Structural Perturbation and Aggregation on Homogeneous Surfaces

    PubMed Central

    Sethuraman, Ananthakrishnan; Belfort, Georges

    2005-01-01

    We have demonstrated that globular proteins, such as hen egg lysozyme in phosphate buffered saline at room temperature, lose native structural stability and activity when adsorbed onto well-defined homogeneous solid surfaces. This structural loss is evident by α-helix to turns/random during the first 30 min and followed by a slow α-helix to β-sheet transition. Increase in intramolecular and intermolecular β-sheet content suggests conformational rearrangement and aggregation between different protein molecules, respectively. Amide I band attenuated total reflection/Fourier transformed infrared (ATR/FTIR) spectroscopy was used to quantify the secondary structure content of lysozyme adsorbed on six different self-assembled alkanethiol monolayer surfaces with –CH3, –OPh, –CF3, –CN, –OCH3, and –OH exposed functional end groups. Activity measurements of adsorbed lysozyme were in good agreement with the structural perturbations. Both surface chemistry (type of functional groups, wettability) and adsorbate concentration (i.e., lateral interactions) are responsible for the observed structural changes during adsorption. A kinetic model is proposed to describe secondary structural changes that occur in two dynamic phases. The results presented in this article demonstrate the utility of the ATR/FTIR spectroscopic technique for in situ characterization of protein secondary structures during adsorption on flat surfaces. PMID:15542559

  9. An ESEM investigation of latex film formation in cement pore solution

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gretz, M.; Plank, J., E-mail: sekretariat@bauchemie.ch.tum.d

    2011-02-15

    Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and complementary methods were employed to study the time dependent film formation of a latex dispersion in water and cement pore solution. First, a model carboxylated styrene/n-butyl acrylate latex dispersion possessing a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) of 18 {sup o}C was synthesized in aqueous media via emulsion polymerization. Its film forming property was at a temperature of 40 {sup o}C, studied under an ESEM. The analysis revealed that upon removal of water, film formation occurs as a result of particle packing, particle deformation and finally particle coalescence. Film formation is significantly retarded when themore » latex dispersion is present in cement pore solution. This effect can be ascribed to adsorption of Ca{sup 2+} ions onto the surface of the anionic latex particles and to interfacial secondary phases. This layer of adsorbed Ca{sup 2+} ions hinders interdiffusion of the macromolecules and subsequent film formation of the latex polymer.« less

  10. Contrasting Drainage and Stratification in Horizontal Vs Vertical Micellar Foam Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wojcik, Ewelina; Yilixiati, Subinuer; Zhang, Yiran; Sharma, Vivek

    Understanding and controlling the drainage kinetics of thin films is an important problem that underlies the stability, lifetime and rheology of foams and emulsions. In foam films formed with micellar solutions, the surfactant is present as interfacially-adsorbed layer at both liquid-air interfaces, as well as in bulk as self-assembled supramolecular structures called micelles. Ultrathin micellar films exhibit stratification due to confinement-induced structuring and layering of micelles. Stratification in micellar foam films is manifested as stepwise thinning over time, and it leads to the coexistence of flat domains with discretely different thicknesses. In this contribution we use Interferometry Digital Imaging Optical Microscopy (IDIOM) protocols to visualize and analyze thickness transitions and variations associated with stratification in micellar foam films made with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). We contrast the drainage and stratification dynamics in horizontal and vertical foam films, and investigate the role played by gravitational, viscous, interfacial and surface forces.

  11. Interaction of alkanes with an amorphous methanol film at 15-180 K

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Souda, Ryutaro

    2005-09-15

    The hydrogen-bond imperfections and glass-liquid transition of the amorphous methanol film have been investigated on the basis of the film dewetting and the incorporation/desorption of alkane molecules adsorbed on the surface. The butane is incorporated completely in the bulk of the porous methanol film up to 70 K. At least two distinct states exist for the incorporated butane; one is assignable to solvated molecules in the bulk and the other is weakly bound species at the surface or in the subsurface site. For the nonporous methanol film, the uptake of butane in the bulk is quenched but butane forms amore » surface complex with methanol above 80 K. The butane incorporated in the bulk of the glassy methanol film is released at 120 K, where dewetting of the methanol film occurs simultaneously due to evolution of the supercooled liquid phase.« less

  12. Influence of the extent of disruption of Bakers' yeast on protein adsorption in expanded beds.

    PubMed

    Balasundaram, B; Harrison, S T L

    2008-02-01

    Expanded bed adsorption chromatography is used to capture the protein product of interest from a crude biological suspension directly, thereby eliminating the need for the removal of the cell debris. While this technique may replace three or four unit operations in a typical downstream process for biological product recovery, the adsorption process is influenced by the interaction between the microbial cells or cell debris and the adsorbent as well as the presence of contaminating solutes. The influence of the extent and nature of disruption of Bakers' yeast on the adsorption of the total soluble protein and alpha-glucosidase was investigated in this study. Two different techniques were used for cell disruption: high pressure homogenisation and hydrodynamic cavitation. Two different adsorbents were chosen: anionic Streamline DEAE and cationic Streamline SP. The settled bed height and the superficial velocity were constant across all experiments. The feedstock was characterised in terms of viscosity, pH, conductivity, particle size distribution of the cell debris and the extent of protein and alpha-glucosidase released. The performance of the adsorption process was found to be influenced by the electrostatic interactions of cell debris with the anionic adsorbent Streamline DEAE and the intraparticle diffusional resistance inside the pores of the adsorbent matrix. The increase in the intensity of disruption resulted in an increase in the dynamic binding capacity (10% feed) of both the total soluble protein and the alpha-glucosidase. However, the increase in the DBC of protein and alpha-glucosidase were not proportional. The amount of protein that could be adsorbed per ml of adsorbent from the samples subjected to a lower intensity of disruption was found to exceed that obtained at a higher disruption intensity on increasing the volume of feed suggesting multilayer adsorption. In this case, selective adsorption of the model protein alpha-glucosidase was reduced

  13. Hydrolysis of mixed monomolecular films of triglyceride/lecithin by pancreatic lipase.

    PubMed

    Pieroni, G; Verger, R

    1979-10-25

    The main purpose of this study was to describe the influence of lecithin upon lipolysis of mixed monomolecular films of trioctanoylglycerol/didodecanoylphosphatidycholine by pancreatic lipase in order to mimic some physiological situations. The quantity of enzyme adsorbed to the interface was simultaneously determined using 5-thio-2-nitro[14C]benzoyl lipase. Lipolytic activity was enhanced 3- to 4-fold in the presence of colipase, an effect which is attributed to increased enzyme turnover number. When a pure triglyceride film was progressively diluted with lecithin, the minimum specific activity of lipase exhibited a bell-shaped curve: a mixed film containing only 20% trioctanoylglycerol was hydrolyzed at the same rate as a monolayer of pure triglyceride.

  14. Development and characterization of the kefiran-whey protein isolate-TiO2 nanocomposite films.

    PubMed

    Zolfi, Mohsen; Khodaiyan, Faramarz; Mousavi, Mohammad; Hashemi, Maryam

    2014-04-01

    Biodegradable kefiran-whey protein isolate (WPI)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) blend films were developed and characterized as a function of incorporating amount of TiO2 nanoparticles (1, 3 and 5% wt.). Results showed that the water vapor permeability, moisture content, moisture absorption and water solubility decreased by increasing the nano-TiO2 content. Mechanical tests revealed the plasticizing effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the kefiran-WPI-TiO2 film. Addition of TiO2 nanoparticles to kefiran-WPI films significantly decreased tensile strength and Young's modulus, while increased its elongation at break. Differential scanning calorimetry data indicated that the glass transition temperature significantly changed by adding nano-TiO2. X-ray diffraction analysis also demonstrated that crystal type in kefiran-WPI was not affected by incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles. A uniform distribution at 1 and 3% wt. loading levels of TiO2 nanoparticles was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Water adsorbate phases on ZnO and impact of vapor pressure on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kenmoe, Stephane; Biedermann, P. Ulrich

    2018-02-01

    ZnO nanoparticles are used as catalysts and have potential applications in gas-sensing and solar energy conversion. A fundamental understanding of the exposed crystal facets, their surface chemistry, and stability as a function of environmental conditions is essential for rational design and improvement of synthesis and properties. We study the stability of water adsorbate phases on the non-polar low-index (10 1 ¯ 0 ) and (11 2 ¯ 0 ) surfaces from low coverage to multilayers using ab initio thermodynamics. We show that phonon contributions and the entropies due to a 2D lattice gas at low coverage and multiple adsorbate configurations at higher coverage have an important impact on the stability range of water adsorbate phases in the (T,p) phase diagram. Based on this insight, we compute and analyze the possible growth mode of water films for pressures ranging from UHV via ambient conditions to high pressures and the impact of water adsorption on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles in a humid environment. A 2D variant of the Wulff construction shows that the (10 1 ¯ 0 ) and (11 2 ¯ 0 ) surfaces coexist on 12-faceted prismatic ZnO nanoparticles in dry conditions, while in humid environment, the (10 1 ¯ 0 ) surface is selectively stabilized by water adsorption resulting in hexagonal prisms.

  16. Thin Film Stability of Polystyrene with a Functional End Group

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanaka, Keiji; Shimomura, Shinichiro; Inutsuka, Manabu; Tajima, Koichiro; Nabika, Masaaki; Moritomi, Satoru; Matsuno, Hisao; Kyushu Univ. Team; Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. Collaboration

    The thin film stability of omega- N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)propylamide-terminated polystyrene (PS-N) and its mixture with conventional polystyrene (PS-H) spin-coated on silicon wafers with a native oxide layer was studied. While a 20 nm-thick film of PS-H with a number-average molecular weight of approximately 50k was broken at 423 K, a comparable PS-N film and blend films with a PS-N fraction higher than 40 wt% were stable. Although the local conformation of chains at the substrate interface was not the same for PS with/without the functionalized terminal group, the glass transition temperature at the interface was identical for PS-H and PS-N. The residual adsorbed layer on the substrate after washing the films with toluene was thicker for PS-N than for PS-H. This implies that the end functionalization impacts chain movement on a large scale rather than via segmental dynamics.

  17. Development of Eco-friendly Soy Protein Isolate Films with High Mechanical Properties through HNTs, PVA, and PTGE Synergism Effect

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Xiaorong; Song, Ruyuan; Zhang, Wei; Qi, Chusheng; Zhang, Shifeng; Li, Jianzhang

    2017-01-01

    This study was to develop novel soy protein isolate-based films for packaging using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA), and 1,2,3-propanetriol-diglycidyl-ether (PTGE). The structural, crystallinity, opacity, micromorphology, and thermal stability of the resultant SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film were analyzed by the Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film illustrated that HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the SPI matrix and the thermal stability of the film was enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile strength (TS) of the SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film was increased by 329.3% and the elongation at the break (EB) remained unchanged. The water absorption (WA) and the moisture content (MC) were decreased by 5.1% and 10.4%, respectively, compared to the unmodified film. The results highlighted the synergistic effects of SPI, HNTs, PVA, and PTGE on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of SPI films, which showed excellent strength and flexibility. In short, SPI films prepared from HNTs, PVA, and PTGE showed considerable potential as packaging materials. PMID:28281634

  18. Development of Eco-friendly Soy Protein Isolate Films with High Mechanical Properties through HNTs, PVA, and PTGE Synergism Effect

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xiaorong; Song, Ruyuan; Zhang, Wei; Qi, Chusheng; Zhang, Shifeng; Li, Jianzhang

    2017-03-01

    This study was to develop novel soy protein isolate-based films for packaging using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA), and 1,2,3-propanetriol-diglycidyl-ether (PTGE). The structural, crystallinity, opacity, micromorphology, and thermal stability of the resultant SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film were analyzed by the Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film illustrated that HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the SPI matrix and the thermal stability of the film was enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile strength (TS) of the SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film was increased by 329.3% and the elongation at the break (EB) remained unchanged. The water absorption (WA) and the moisture content (MC) were decreased by 5.1% and 10.4%, respectively, compared to the unmodified film. The results highlighted the synergistic effects of SPI, HNTs, PVA, and PTGE on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of SPI films, which showed excellent strength and flexibility. In short, SPI films prepared from HNTs, PVA, and PTGE showed considerable potential as packaging materials.

  19. Extracting Uranium from Seawater: Promising AF Series Adsorbents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Das, S.; Oyola, Y.; Mayes, Richard T.

    A new family of high-surface-area polyethylene fiber adsorbents named the AF series was recently developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The AF series adsorbents were synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid (at different monomer/comonomer mol ratios) onto high surface area polyethylene fibers. The degree of grafting (%DOG) of AF series adsorbents was found to be 154-354%. The grafted nitrile groups were converted to amidoxime groups by treating with hydroxylamine. The amidoximated adsorbents were then conditioned with 0.44 M KOH at 80 °C followed by screening at ORNL with sodium-based synthetic aqueous solution, spiked withmore » 8 ppm uranium. The uranium adsorption capacity in simulated seawater screening ranged from 170 to 200 g-U/kg-ads irrespective of %DOG. A monomer/comonomer molar ratio in the range of 7.57-10.14 seemed to be optimum for highest uranium loading capacity. Subsequently, the adsorbents were also tested with natural seawater at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using flow-through column experiments to determine uranium loading capacity with varying KOH conditioning times at 80 °C. The highest adsorption capacity of AF1 measured after 56 days of marine testing was demonstrated as 3.9 g-U/kg-adsorbent and 3.2 g-U/kg-adsorbent for 1 and 3 h of KOH conditioning at 80 °C, respectively. Based on capacity values of several AF1 samples, it was observed that changing KOH conditioning from 1 to 3 h at 80 °C resulted in a 22-27% decrease in uranium adsorption capacity in seawater.« less

  20. Structural Features of a Hyperthermostable Endo-β-1,3-glucanase in Solution and Adsorbed on “Invisible” Particles

    PubMed Central

    Koutsopoulos, Sotirios; van der Oost, John; Norde, Willem

    2005-01-01

    Conformational characteristics and the adsorption behavior of endo-β-1,3-glucanase from the hyperthermophilic microorganism Pyrococcus furiosus were studied by circular dichroism, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and calorimetry in solution and in the adsorbed state. The adsorption isotherms were determined on two types of surfaces: hydrophobic Teflon and hydrophilic silica particles were specially designed so that they do not interact with light and therefore do not interfere with spectroscopic measurements. We present the most straightforward method to study structural features of adsorbed macromolecules in situ using common spectroscopic techniques. The enzyme was irreversibly adsorbed and immobilized in the adsorbed state even at high temperatures. Adsorption offered further stabilization to the heat-stable enzyme and in the case of adsorption on Teflon its denaturation temperature was measured at 133°C, i.e., the highest experimentally determined for a protein. The maintenance of the active conformation and biological function particularly at high temperatures is important for applications in biocatalysis and biotechnology. With this study we also suggest that nature may employ adsorption as a complementary mode to maintain structural integrity of essential biomolecules at extreme conditions of temperature. PMID:15516527

  1. Preparation and characterization of bio-nanocomposite films based on soy protein isolate and montmorillonite using melt extrusion

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The non-biodegradable and non-renewable nature of plastic packaging has led to a renewed interest in packaging materials based on bio-nanocomposites (biopolymer matrix reinforced with nanoparticles such as layered silicates). Bio-nanocomposite films based on soy protein isolate (SPI) and montmorillo...

  2. Evidence for protein conformational change at a Au(110)/protein interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Messiha, H. L.; Smith, C. I.; Scrutton, N. S.; Weightman, P.

    2008-07-01

    Evidence is presented that reflection anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) can provide real-time measurements of conformational change in proteins induced by electron transfer reactions. A bacterial electron transferring flavoprotein (ETF) has been modified so as to adsorb on an Au(110) electrode and enable reversible electron transfer to the protein cofactor in the absence of mediators. Reversible changes are observed in the RAS of this protein that are interpreted as arising from conformational changes accompanying the transfer of electrons.

  3. Selectivity of β-Sitosterol Imprinted Polymers as Adsorbent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fauziah, St.; Hariani Soekamto, Nunuk; Taba, Paulina; Bachri Amran, Muh

    2018-03-01

    Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are smart materials that have been used as adsorbents in separation processes of compounds because they have a memorial effect to a certain compound. In this research, MIP synthesized was used as adsorbent for β-sitosterol. The objective of the research was to know the selectivity of MIP in adsorbing β-sitosterol. The concentrations of β-sitosterol after adsorption and desorption were analyzed by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the selectivity test was analyzed by HPLC. Result showed that the MIP had high adsorption ability ( qe ). The recovery of β-sitosterol from MIP for the adsorption-desorption process was 68.48%. The MIP was very selective to β-sitosterol compared to cholesterol because it can adsorb β-sitosterol as many as 100%, whereas the adsorption of cholesterol was only 30.27 %.

  4. Adsorption of the natural protein surfactant Rsn-2 onto liquid interfaces.

    PubMed

    Brandani, Giovanni B; Vance, Steven J; Schor, Marieke; Cooper, Alan; Kennedy, Malcolm W; Smith, Brian O; MacPhee, Cait E; Cheung, David L

    2017-03-22

    To stabilize foams, droplets and films at liquid interfaces a range of protein biosurfactants have evolved in nature. Compared to synthetic surfactants, these combine surface activity with biocompatibility and low solution aggregation. One recently studied example is Rsn-2, a component of the foam nest of the frog Engystomops pustulosus, which has been predicted to undergo a clamshell-like opening transition at the air-water interface. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and surface tension measurements we study the adsorption of Rsn-2 onto air-water and cyclohexane-water interfaces. The protein adsorbs readily at both interfaces, with adsorption mediated by the hydrophobic N-terminus. At the cyclohexane-water interface the clamshell opens, due to the favourable interaction between hydrophobic residues and cyclohexane molecules and the penetration of cyclohexane molecules into the protein core. Simulations of deletion mutants showed that removal of the N-terminus inhibits interfacial adsorption, which is consistent with the surface tension measurements. Deletion of the hydrophilic C-terminus also affects adsorption, suggesting that this plays a role in orienting the protein at the interface. The characterisation of the interfacial behaviour gives insight into the factors that control the interfacial adsorption of proteins, which may inform new applications of this and similar proteins in areas including drug delivery and food technology and may also be used in the design of synthetic molecules showing similar changes in conformation at interfaces.

  5. Protein Adsorption onto Nanomaterials for the Development of Biosensors and Analytical Devices: A Review

    PubMed Central

    Bhakta, Samir A.; Evans, Elizabeth; Benavidez, Tomás E.; Garcia, Carlos D.

    2014-01-01

    An important consideration for the development of biosensors is the adsorption of the bio recognition element to the surface of a substrate. As the first step in the immobilization process, adsorption affects most immobilization routes and much attention is given into the research of this process to maximize the overall activity of the bio sensor. The use of nanomaterials, specifically nanoparticles and nanostructured films, offers advantageous properties that can be fine-tuned for interaction with specific proteins to maximize activity, minimize structural changes, and enhance the catalytic step. In the biosensor field, protein-nanomaterial interactions are an emerging trend that span across many disciplines. This review addresses recent publications about the proteins most frequently used, their most relevant characteristics, and the conditions required to adsorb them to nanomaterials. When relevant and available, subsequent analytical figures of merits are discussed for selected biosensors. The general trend amongst the research papers allows concluding that the use of nanomaterials has already provided significant improvements in the analytical performance of many biosensors and that this research field will continue to grow. PMID:25892065

  6. Scale-up of water-based spider silk film casting using a film applicator.

    PubMed

    Agostini, Elisa; Winter, Gerhard; Engert, Julia

    2017-10-30

    Spider silk proteins for applications in drug delivery have attracted an increased interest during the past years. Some possible future medical applications for this biocompatible and biodegradable material are scaffolds for tissue engineering, implantable drug delivery systems and coatings for implants. Recently, we reported on the preparation of water-based spider silk films for drug delivery applications. In the current study, we describe the development of a manufacturing technique for casting larger spider silk films from aqueous solution employing a film applicator. Films were characterized in terms of morphology, water solubility, protein secondary structure, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. Different post-treatments were evaluated (phosphate ions, ethanol, steam sterilization and water vapor) to increase the content of β-sheets thereby achieving water insolubility of the films. Finally, the mechanical properties of the spider silk films were improved by incorporating 2-pyrrolidone as plasticizer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Biodegradable metal adsorbent synthesized by graft polymerization onto nonwoven cotton fabric

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sekine, Ayako; Seko, Noriaki; Tamada, Masao; Suzuki, Yoshio

    2010-01-01

    A fibrous adsorbent for Hg ions was synthesized by radiation-induced emulsion graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto a nonwoven cotton fabric and subsequent chemical modification. The optimal pre-irradiation dose for initiation of the graft polymerization of GMA, which minimized the effects of radiation damage on the mechanical strength of the nonwoven cotton fabric, was found to be 10 kGy. The GMA-grafted nonwoven cotton fabric was subsequently modified with ethylenediamine (EDA) or diethylenetriamine (DETA) to obtain a Hg adsorbent. The resulting amine-type adsorbents were evaluated for batch and continuous adsorption of Hg. In batch adsorption, the distribution coefficients of Hg reached 1.9×10 5 and 1.0×10 5 for EDA- and DETA-type adsorbents, respectively. A column packed with EDA-type adsorbent removed Hg from 1.8 ppm Hg solution at a space velocity of 100 h -1, which corresponds to 16,000 times the volume of the packed adsorbent. The adsorbed Hg on the EDA-type adsorbent could be completely eluted by 1 M HCl solution. A microbial oxidative degradation test revealed that the EDA-type adsorbent is biodegradable.

  8. Nanopore reactive adsorbents for the high-efficiency removal of waste species

    DOEpatents

    Yang, Arthur Jing-Min; Zhang, Yuehua

    2005-01-04

    A nanoporous reactive adsorbent incorporates a relatively small number of relatively larger reactant, e.g., metal, enzyme, etc., particles (10) forming a discontinuous or continuous phase interspersed among and surrounded by a continuous phase of smaller adsorbent particles (12) and connected interstitial pores (14) therebetween. The reactive adsorbent can effectively remove inorganic or organic impurities in a liquid by causing the liquid to flow through the adsorbent. For example, silver ions may be adsorbed by the adsorbent particles (12) and reduced to metallic silver by reducing metal, such as ions, as the reactant particles (10). The column can be regenerated by backwashing with the liquid effluent containing, for example, acetic acid.

  9. Gold recovery from low concentrations using nanoporous silica adsorbent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aledresse, Adil

    The development of high capacity adsorbents with uniform porosity denoted 5%MP-HMS (5% Mercaptopropyl-Hexagonal Mesoporous Structure) to extract gold from noncyanide solutions is presented. The preliminary studies from laboratory simulated noncyanide gold solutions show that the adsorption capacities of these materials are among the highest reported. The high adsorption saturation level of these materials, up to 1.9 mmol/g (37% of the adsorbent weight) from gold chloride solutions (potassium tetrachloroaurate) and 2.9 mmol/g (57% of the adsorbent weight) from gold bromide solutions (potassium tetrabromoaurate) at pH = 2, is a noteworthy feature of these materials. This gold loading from [AuC4]- and [AuBr4 ]- solutions corresponds to a relative Au:S molar ratio of 2.5:1 and 3.8:1, respectively. These rates are significantly higher than the usual 1:1 (Au:S) ratio expected for metal ion binding with the material. The additional gold ions loaded have been spontaneously reduced to metallic gold in the mesoporous material. Experimental studies indicated high maximum adsorptions of gold as high as 99.9% recovery. Another promising attribute of these materials is their favourable adsorption kinetics. The MP-HMS reaches equilibrium (saturation) in less than 1 minute of exposure in gold bromide and less than 10 minutes in gold chloride. The MP-HMS materials adsorption is significantly improved by agitation and the adsorption capacity of Au (III) ions increases with the decrease in pH. The recovery of adsorbed gold and the regeneration of spent adsorbent were investigated for MP-HMS adsorbent. The regenerated adsorbent (MP-HMS) maintained its adsorption capacity even after repeated use and all the gold was successfully recovered from the spent adsorbent. For the fist time, a promising adsorbent system has been found that is capable of effectively concentrating gold thiosulphate complexes, whereas conventional carbon-inpulp (CIP) and carbon-in-leach (CIL) systems fail. The

  10. [Spectroscopic study on film formation mechanism and structure of composite silanes-V-Zr passive film].

    PubMed

    Wang, Lei; Liu, Chang-sheng; Shi, Lei; An, Cheng-qiang

    2015-02-01

    A composite silanes-V-Zr passive film was overlayed on hot-dip galvanized steel. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (rf-GD-OES) were used to characterize the molecular structure of the silanes-V-Zr passive film. The mechanism of film formation was discussed: The results show that the silane molecules are crosslinked as the main film former and inorganic inhibitor is even distributed in the film. The fitting peak of 100.7 eV in XPS single Si2p energy range spectra of the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film and the widening and strengthening of the Si--O infrared absorption peak at 1100 cm(-1) indicate that the silanes were adsorbed on the surface of zinc with chemical bond of Si--O--Zn, and the silane molecules were connected with each other by bond of Si--O--Si. Two characteristic absorption peaks of amide at 1650 and 1560 cm(-1) appear in the infrared spectroscopy of the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film, and a characteristic absorption peak of epoxy groups at 910 cm(-1) disappears in the infrared spectroscopy of the passive film. The results indicate that gamma-APT can be prepared through nucleophilic ring-opening of ethylene oxide in gamma-GPT molecule to form C--N covalent bonds. The rf-GD-OES results indicate that there is a oxygen enriched layer in 0.3 microm depth of the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film. Moreover, ZrF4, ZrO2 and some inorganic matter obtained by the reaction during the forming processof the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film are distributed evenly throughout the film. According to the film composition, the physical processes and chemical reactions during the film forming process were studied by using ATR-FTIR. Based on this, the film forming mechanism was proposed.

  11. Active nanocomposite films based on soy proteins-montmorillonite- clove essential oil for the preservation of refrigerated bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) fillets.

    PubMed

    Echeverría, Ignacio; López-Caballero, María Elvira; Gómez-Guillén, María Carmen; Mauri, Adriana Noemi; Montero, María Pilar

    2018-02-02

    This manuscript evaluates the potential application of active nanocomposite films based on soy protein isolate (SPI)-montmorillonite (MMT)-clove essential oil (CEO) to the preservation of muscle fillets of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) during refrigerated storage, and furthermore analyzes whether the clay diffuses from the package to food. SPI films with: CEO (SPI-CEO), MMT (SPI-MMT), or both CEO and MMT (SPI-MMT-CEO), were prepared and used to cover tuna fillets during 17days of storage at 2°C. Polyethylene films were also used as control. Protein films nanoreinforced with 10g MMT/100g SPI and activated with CEO were able to decrease microbial growth (evaluated by TVBN and microorganism counts) and lipid autooxidation (evaluated according to the TBA index, FTIR and color parameters) of tuna fillets during the storage period studied. The presence of clay seemed to favor the release of the active principles of clove oil by prolonging its antimicrobial (especially effective to inhibit Pseudomonas spp.) and antioxidant activity over time without observing the diffusion of the clay's own metals (Si and Al) from the nanocomposite materials to the muscle of fish. These results are encouraging for the use of nanocomposite films in food packaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Effect of proteins and their conformation change during brushite transformation to hydroxyapatite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Jing

    2000-10-01

    Hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca5(PO4)3OH) coatings on metallic orthopedic implant are being used to achieve implant integration. However, HA is stable in physiological solutions, other more reactive calcium phosphate ceramics (CPC) such as brushite (CaHPO4·2H 2O) have been found to release calcium and phosphate ions during their transformation to HA. The release of these ions may induce faster bone growth and enhance implant integration. This work examines the biocompatibility of the CPC phases that form during the transformation process. Since biocompatibility is associated with cellular response, which in turn is initiated by protein adsorption, this work focuses on the mutual effect between protein adsorption and CPC transformation. The first part of the study is focused on the influence of protein adsorption on transformation kinetics and chemistry. Brushite coated samples immersed in protein free and proteinaceous physiological solutions were retrieved after different exposures times. These were examined using XRD, EDS and FTIR/reflectance. Results show that the presence of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) in physiological solution retards the transformation, but the presence of Fibronectin (FN) accelerates the transformation to HA. Interestingly, neither BSA nor FN alters the transformation chemistry. Due to the limitations of the techniques used, this part of the work does not monitor the effect of transformation on adsorbed proteins but only the effect of adsorbed protein on the transforming calcium phosphate coating. The second part of the work examines in situ conformational changes of adsorbed proteins during the CPC transformation using FTIR/ATR. Protein adsorbed on different surfaces such as germanium, CPC, zinc selenide and titanium shows different conformation indicated by the Amide I and II absorption bands in the infrared spectra. During the transformation of brushite to HA, both BSA and FN show a continuous change in conformation, which suggests that the

  13. In situ study of the electronic structure of atomic layer deposited oxide ultrathin films upon oxygen adsorption using ambient pressure XPS

    DOE PAGES

    Mao, Bao-Hua; Crumlin, Ethan; Tyo, Eric C.; ...

    2016-07-21

    In this work, ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) was used to investigate the effect of oxygen adsorption on the band bending and electron affinity of Al 2O 3, ZnO and TiO 2 ultrathin films (~1 nm in thickness) deposited on a Si substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Upon exposure to oxygen at room temperature (RT), upward band bending was observed on all three samples, and a decrease in electron affinity was observed on Al 2O 3 and ZnO ultrathin films at RT. At 80°C, the magnitude of the upward band bending decreased, and the change in the electronmore » affinity vanished. These results indicate the existence of two surface oxygen species: a negatively charged species that is strongly adsorbed and responsible for the observed upward band bending, and a weakly adsorbed species that is polarized, lowering the electron affinity. Based on the extent of upward band bending on the three samples, the surface coverage of the strongly adsorbed species exhibits the following order: Al 2O 3 > ZnO > TiO 2. This finding is in stark contrast to the trend expected on the surface of these bulk oxides, and highlights the unique surface activity of ultrathin oxide films with important implications, for example, in oxidation reactions taking place on these films or in catalyst systems where such oxides are used as a support material.« less

  14. Protein-Containing Lipid Bilayers Intercalated with Size-Matched Mesoporous Silica Thin Films

    DOE PAGES

    Isaksson, Simon; Watkins, Erik Benjamin; Browning, Kathryn L.; ...

    2016-11-23

    Here, proteins are key components in a multitude of biological processes, of which the functions carried out by transmembrane (membrane-spanning) proteins are especially demanding for investigations. This is because this class of protein needs to be incorporated into a lipid bilayer representing its native environment, and in addition, many experimental conditions also require a solid support for stabilization and analytical purposes. The solid support substrate may, however, limit the protein functionality due to protein–material interactions and a lack of physical space. We have in this work tailored the pore size and pore ordering of a mesoporous silica thin film tomore » match the native cell-membrane arrangement of the transmembrane protein human aquaporin 4 (hAQP4). Using neutron reflectivity (NR), we provide evidence of how substrate pores host the bulky water-soluble domain of hAQP4, which is shown to extend 7.2 nm into the pores of the substrate. Complementary surface analytical tools, including quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and fluorescence microscopy, revealed successful protein-containing supported lipid bilayer (pSLB) formation on mesoporous silica substrates, whereas pSLB formation was hampered on nonporous silica. Additionally, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), light scattering (DLS and stopped-flow), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were employed to provide a comprehensive characterization of this novel hybrid organic–inorganic interface, the tailoring of which is likely to be generally applicable to improve the function and stability of a broad range of membrane proteins containing water-soluble domains.« less

  15. Protein-Containing Lipid Bilayers Intercalated with Size-Matched Mesoporous Silica Thin Films

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Isaksson, Simon; Watkins, Erik Benjamin; Browning, Kathryn L.

    Here, proteins are key components in a multitude of biological processes, of which the functions carried out by transmembrane (membrane-spanning) proteins are especially demanding for investigations. This is because this class of protein needs to be incorporated into a lipid bilayer representing its native environment, and in addition, many experimental conditions also require a solid support for stabilization and analytical purposes. The solid support substrate may, however, limit the protein functionality due to protein–material interactions and a lack of physical space. We have in this work tailored the pore size and pore ordering of a mesoporous silica thin film tomore » match the native cell-membrane arrangement of the transmembrane protein human aquaporin 4 (hAQP4). Using neutron reflectivity (NR), we provide evidence of how substrate pores host the bulky water-soluble domain of hAQP4, which is shown to extend 7.2 nm into the pores of the substrate. Complementary surface analytical tools, including quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and fluorescence microscopy, revealed successful protein-containing supported lipid bilayer (pSLB) formation on mesoporous silica substrates, whereas pSLB formation was hampered on nonporous silica. Additionally, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), light scattering (DLS and stopped-flow), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were employed to provide a comprehensive characterization of this novel hybrid organic–inorganic interface, the tailoring of which is likely to be generally applicable to improve the function and stability of a broad range of membrane proteins containing water-soluble domains.« less

  16. Metalloporphyrin-based porous polymers prepared via click chemistry for size-selective adsorption of protein.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Dailian; Qin, Cunqi; Ao, Shanshi; Su, Qiuping; Sun, Xiying; Jiang, Tengfei; Pei, Kemei; Ni, Huagang; Ye, Peng

    2018-08-01

    Zinc porphyrin-based porous polymers (PPs-Zn) with different pore sizes were prepared by controlling the reaction condition of click chemistry, and the protein adsorption in PPs-Zn and the catalytic activity of immobilized enzyme were investigated. PPs-Zn-1 with 18 nm and PPS-Zn-2 with 90 nm of pore size were characterized by FTIR, NMR and nitrogen absorption experiments. The amount of adsorbed protein in PPs-Zn-1 was more than that in PPs-Zn-2 for small size proteins, such as lysozyme, lipase and bovine serum albumin (BSA). And for large size proteins including myosin and human fibrinogen (HFg), the amount of adsorbed protein in PPs-Zn-1 was less than that in PPs-Zn-2. The result indicates that the protein adsorption is size-selective in PPs-Zn. Both the protein size and the pore size have a significant effect on the amount of adsorbed protein in the PPs-Zn. Lipase and lysozyme immobilized in PPs-Zn exhibited excellent reuse stability.

  17. Chitosan-based ultrathin films as antifouling, anticoagulant and antibacterial protective coatings.

    PubMed

    Bulwan, Maria; Wójcik, Kinga; Zapotoczny, Szczepan; Nowakowska, Maria

    2012-01-01

    Ultrathin antifouling and antibacterial protective nanocoatings were prepared from ionic derivatives of chitosan using layer-by-layer deposition methodology. The surfaces of silicon, and glass protected by these nanocoatings were resistant to non-specific adsorption of proteins disregarding their net charges at physiological conditions (positively charged TGF-β1 growth factor and negatively charged bovine serum albumin) as well as human plasma components. The coatings also preserved surfaces from the formation of bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) biofilm as shown using microscopic studies (SEM, AFM) and the MTT viability test. Moreover, the chitosan-based films adsorbed onto glass surface demonstrated the anticoagulant activity towards the human blood. The antifouling and antibacterial actions of the coatings were correlated with their physicochemical properties. The studied biologically relevant properties were also found to be dependent on the thickness of those nanocoatings. These materials are promising for biomedical applications, e.g., as protective coatings for medical devices, anticoagulant coatings and protective layers in membranes.

  18. Adsorption of β-galactosidase on silica and aluminosilicate adsorbents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Atyaksheva, L. F.; Dobryakova, I. V.; Pilipenko, O. S.

    2015-03-01

    It is shown that adsorption of β-galactosidase of Aspergillus oryzae fungi on mesoporous and biporous silica and aluminosilicate adsorbents and the rate of the process grow along with the diameter of the pores of the adsorbent. It is found that the shape of the adsorption isotherms changes as well, depending on the texture of the adsorbent: the Michaelis constant rises from 0.3 mM for the enzyme in solution to 0.4-0.5 mM for the enzyme on a surface in the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside. It is concluded that β-galactosidase displays its maximum activity on the surface of biporous adsorbents.

  19. Carbonaceous adsorbent regeneration and halocarbon displacement by hydrocarbon gases

    DOEpatents

    Senum, G.I.; Dietz, R.N.

    1994-04-05

    This invention describes a process for regeneration of halocarbon bearing carbonaceous adsorbents through which a carbonaceous adsorbent is contacted with hydrocarbon gases, preferably propane, butane and pentane at near room temperatures and at atmospheric pressure. As the hydrocarbon gases come in contact with the adsorbent, the hydrocarbons displace the halocarbons by physical adsorption. As a result of using this process, the halocarbon concentration and the hydrocarbon eluant is increased thereby allowing for an easier recovery of pure halocarbons. By using the process of this invention, carbonaceous adsorbents can be regenerated by an inexpensive process which also allows for subsequent re-use of the recovered halocarbons. 8 figures.

  20. Carbonaceous adsorbent regeneration and halocarbon displacement by hydrocarbon gases

    DOEpatents

    Senum, Gunnar I.; Dietz, Russell N.

    1994-01-01

    This invention describes a process for regeneration of halocarbon bearing carbonaceous adsorbents through which a carbonaceous adsorbent is contacted with hydrocarbon gases, preferably propane, butane and pentane at near room temperatures and at atmospheric pressure. As the hydrocarbon gases come in contact with the adsorbent, the hydrocarbons displace the halocarbons by physical adsorption. As a result of using this process, the halocarbon concentration and the hydrocarbon eluant is increased thereby allowing for an easier recovery of pure halocarbons. By using the process of this invention, carbonaceous adsorbents can be regenerated by an inexpensive process which also allows for subsequent re-use of the recovered halocarbons.

  1. Competitive adsorption in model charged protein mixtures: Equilibrium isotherms and kinetics behavior

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fang, F.; Szleifer, I.

    2003-07-01

    The competitive adsorption of proteins of different sizes and charges is studied using a molecular theory. The theory enables the study of charged systems explicitly including the size, shape, and charge distributions in all the molecular species in the mixture. Thus, this approach goes beyond the commonly used Poisson-Boltzmann approximation. The adsorption isotherms of the protein mixtures are studied for mixtures of two proteins of different size and charge. The amount of proteins adsorbed and the fraction of each protein is calculated as a function of the bulk composition of the solution and the amount of salt in the system. It is found that the total amount of proteins adsorbed is a monotonically decreasing function of the fraction of large proteins on the bulk solution and for fixed protein composition of the salt concentration. However, the composition of the adsorbed layer is a complicated function of the bulk composition and solution ionic strength. The structure of the adsorb layer depends upon the bulk composition and salt concentration. In general, there are multilayers adsorbed due to the long-range character of the electrostatic interactions. When the composition of large proteins in bulk is in very large excess it is found that the structure of the adsorb multilayer is such that the layer in contact with the surface is composed by a mixture of large and small proteins. However, the second and third layers are almost exclusively composed of large proteins. The theory is also generalized to study the time-dependent adsorption. The approach is based on separation of time scales into fast modes for the ions from the salt and the solvent and slow for the proteins. The dynamic equations are written for the slow modes, while the fast ones are obtained from the condition of equilibrium constrained to the distribution of proteins given by the slow modes. Two different processes are presented: the adsorption from a homogeneous solution to a charged surface at

  2. Thermal properties of adsorbed molecule in external field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Devi, Sumana; Vidhani, Bhavna; Prasad, Vinod

    2018-05-01

    Thermodynamic properties such as free energy, internal energy, entropy and specific heat of an adsorbed molecule are systematically investigated in static electric field for four different confinements. The confined potentials taken are suitable for different experimental conditions and are very useful in determining properties of molecules adsorbed under different environments. The time independent Schrödinger equation is solved numerically using accurate 9-point finite difference method. The Energy spectrum thus obtained is used to find thermal properties of the adsorbed molecule. Interesting results are obtained and explained.

  3. Pulmonary surfactant protein C containing lipid films at the air-water interface as a model for the surface of lung alveoli.

    PubMed

    Post, A; Nahmen, A V; Schmitt, M; Ruths, J; Riegler, H; Sieber, M; Galla, H J

    1995-01-01

    The pulmonary surfactant lines as a complex monolayer of lipids and proteins the alveolar epithelial surface. The monolayer dynamically adapts the surface tension of this interface to the varying surface areas during inhalation and exhalation. Its presence in the alveoli is thus a prerequisite for a proper lung function. The lipid moiety represents about 90% of the surfactant and contains mainly dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The surfactant proteins involved in the surface tension adaption are called SP-A, SP-B and SP-C. The aim of the present investigation is to analyse the properties of monolayer films made from pure SP-C and from mixtures of DPPC, DPPG and SP-C in order to mimic the surfactant monolayer with minimal compositional requirement. Pressure-area diagrams were taken. Ellipsometric measurements at the air-water interface of a Langmuir film balance allowed measurement of the changes in monolayer thickness upon compression. Isotherms of pure SP-C monolayers exhibit a plateau between 22 and 25 mN/m. A further plateau is reached at higher compression. Structures of the monolayer formed during compression are reversible during expansion. Together with ellipsometric data which show a stepwise increase in film thickness (coverage) during compression, we conclude that pure SP-C films rearrange reversibly into multilayers of homogenous thickness. Lipid monolayers collapse locally and irreversibly if films are compressed to approximately 0.4 nm2/molecule. In contrast, mixed DPPG/SP-C monolayers with less than 5 mol% protein collapse in a controlled and reversible way. The pressure-area diagrams exhibit a plateau at 20 mN/m, indicating partial demixing of SP-C and DPPG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  4. Function of membrane protein in silica nanopores: incorporation of photosynthetic light-harvesting protein LH2 into FSM.

    PubMed

    Oda, Ippei; Hirata, Kotaro; Watanabe, Syoko; Shibata, Yutaka; Kajino, Tsutomu; Fukushima, Yoshiaki; Iwai, Satoshi; Itoh, Shigeru

    2006-01-26

    A high amount of functional membrane protein complex was introduced into a folded-sheet silica mesoporous material (FSM) that has nanometer-size pores of honeycomb-like hexagonal cylindrical structure inside. The photosynthetic light-harvesting complex LH2, which is a typical membrane protein, has a cylindrical structure of 7.3 nm diameter and contains 27 bacteriochlorophyll a and nine carotenoid molecules. The complex captures light energy in the anoxygenic thermophilic purple photosynthetic bacterium Thermochromatium tepidum. The amount of LH2 adsorbed to FSM was determined optically and by the adsorption isotherms of N2. The FSM compounds with internal pore diameters of 7.9 and 2.7 nm adsorbed LH2 at 1.11 and 0.24 mg/mg FSM, respectively, suggesting the high specific affinity of LH2 to the interior of the hydrophobic nanopores with a diameter of 7.9 nm. The LH2 adsorbed to FSM showed almost intact absorption bands of bacteriochlorophylls, and was fully active in the capture and transfer of excitation energy. The LH2 complex inside the FSM showed increased heat stability of the exciton-type absorption band of bacteriochlorophylls (B850), suggesting higher circular symmetry. The environment inside the hydrophobic silica nanopores can be a new matrix for the membrane proteins to reveal their functions. The silica-membrane protein adduct will be useful for the construction of new probes and reaction systems.

  5. Membrane Perturbation Induced by Interfacially Adsorbed Peptides

    PubMed Central

    Zemel, Assaf; Ben-Shaul, Avinoam; May, Sylvio

    2004-01-01

    The structural and energetic characteristics of the interaction between interfacially adsorbed (partially inserted) α-helical, amphipathic peptides and the lipid bilayer substrate are studied using a molecular level theory of lipid chain packing in membranes. The peptides are modeled as “amphipathic cylinders” characterized by a well-defined polar angle. Assuming two-dimensional nematic order of the adsorbed peptides, the membrane perturbation free energy is evaluated using a cell-like model; the peptide axes are parallel to the membrane plane. The elastic and interfacial contributions to the perturbation free energy of the “peptide-dressed” membrane are evaluated as a function of: the peptide penetration depth into the bilayer's hydrophobic core, the membrane thickness, the polar angle, and the lipid/peptide ratio. The structural properties calculated include the shape and extent of the distorted (stretched and bent) lipid chains surrounding the adsorbed peptide, and their orientational (C-H) bond order parameter profiles. The changes in bond order parameters attendant upon peptide adsorption are in good agreement with magnetic resonance measurements. Also consistent with experiment, our model predicts that peptide adsorption results in membrane thinning. Our calculations reveal pronounced, membrane-mediated, attractive interactions between the adsorbed peptides, suggesting a possible mechanism for lateral aggregation of membrane-bound peptides. As a special case of interest, we have also investigated completely hydrophobic peptides, for which we find a strong energetic preference for the transmembrane (inserted) orientation over the horizontal (adsorbed) orientation. PMID:15189858

  6. Development and characterization of ultra-porous silica films made by the sol-gel method. Application to biosensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Desfours, Caroline; Calas-Etienne, Sylvie; Horvath, Robert; Martin, Marta; Gergely, Csilla; Cuisinier, Frédéric; Etienne, Pascal

    2014-02-01

    The aim of this work is to demonstrate the sensing ability of reverse-symmetry waveguides to investigate adsorption of casein and build-up of poly-L-lysine mediated casein multilayers. A first part of this study is dedicated to the elaboration and characterization of ultra-porous thin films with very low refractive indices by an appropriate sol-gel method. This will form the basis of our planar optical sensors. Optical waveguide light mode spectroscopy is a real-time and sensitive method to study protein adsorption kinetics and lipid bilayers. We used it to test the obtained waveguides for in-situ monitoring of biomolecule adsorption. As a result, significant changes in the incoupling peak position were observed during the layer-by-layer adsorption. Finally, refractive index and thickness of the adsorbed layers were established.

  7. Thermotropic phase transition in an adsorbed melissic acid film at the n-hexane-water interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tikhonov, A. M.

    2017-06-01

    A reversible thermotropic phase transition in an adsorption melissic acid film at the interface between n-hexane and an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (pH ≈ 10) is investigated by X-ray reflectometry and diffuse scattering using synchrotron radiation. The experimental data indicate that the interface "freezing" transition is accompanied not only by the crystallization of the Gibbs monolayer but also by the formation of a planar smectic structure in the 300-Å-thick adsorption film; this structure is formed by 50-Å-thick layers.

  8. Unique surface adsorption behaviors of serum proteins on chemically uniform and alternating surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Sheng

    With increasing interests of studying proteins adsorption on the surfaces with nanoscale features in biomedical field, it is crucial to have fundamental understandings on how the proteins are adsorbed on such a surface and what factors contribute to the driving forces of adsorption. Besides, exploring more available nanoscale templates would greatly offer more possibilities one could design surface bio-detection methods with favorable protein-surface interactions. Thus, to fulfill the purpose, the work in this dissertation has been made into three major sections. First, to probe the intermediate states which possibly exist between stable and unstable phases described in mean-field theory diagram, a solvent vapor annealing method is chosen to slowly induce the copolymer polystyrene-block-polyvinylpyridine (PS-b-PVP)'s both blocks undergoing micro-phase separations from initial spherical nanodomains into terminal cylindrical nanodomains. During this process, real time atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been conducted to capture other six intermediate states with different morphologies on the polymeric film surfaces. Secondly, upon recognizing each intermediate state, the solution of immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) proteins has been deposited on the surface and been rinsed off with buffer solution before the protein-bounded surface is imaged by AFM. It has been found IgG showing a strong adsorption preference on PS over P4VP block. Among all the six intermediate states, the proteins are almost exclusively adsorbed on PS nanodomains regardless the concentration and deposition time. Thirdly, a trinodular shape protein fibrinogen (Fg) is selected for investigating how geometry and surface charge of proteins would interplay with cylindrical nanodomains on a surface developed from Polystyrene -block-Poly-(methyl methacrylate) PS-b-PMMA. Also, Fg adsorptions on chemically homogeneous surfaces are included here to have a better contrast of showing how much difference it can make

  9. Verification of chloride adsorption effect of mortar with salt adsorbent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoshina, T.; Nakajima, N.; Sudo, H.; Date, S.

    2017-11-01

    In order to investigate the chloride adsorption effect of mortar mixed with chloride adsorbent, electrophoresis test using mortar specimen and immersion dry repeated test were conducted to evaluate chloride adsorption effect. As a result, it was confirmed that soluble salt content that causes corrosion of rebar in the specimen was reduced by the chloride adsorbent and corrosion inhibiting effect of the rebar was also obtained. It was also confirmed that by increasing dosage of the chloride adsorbent, the chloride adsorbing effect becomes larger as well..

  10. Adsorption characteristics of benzene on biosolid adsorbent and commercial activated carbons.

    PubMed

    Chiang, Hung-Lung; Lin, Kuo-Hsiung; Chen, Chih-Yu; Choa, Ching-Guan; Hwu, Ching-Shyung; Lai, Nina

    2006-05-01

    This study selected biosolids from a petrochemical waste-water treatment plant as the raw material. The sludge was immersed in 0.5-5 M of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) solutions and pyrolyzed at different temperatures and times. Results indicated that the 1-M ZnCl2-immersed biosolids pyrolyzed at 500 degrees C for 30 min could be reused and were optimal biosolid adsorbents for benzene adsorption. Pore volume distribution analysis indicated that the mesopore contributed more than the macropore and micropore in the biosolid adsorbent. The benzene adsorption capacity of the biosolid adsorbent was 65 and 55% of the G206 (granular-activated carbon) and BPL (coal-based activated carbon; Calgon, Carbon Corp.) activated carbons, respectively. Data from the adsorption and desorption cycles indicated that the benzene adsorption capacity of the biosolid adsorbent was insignificantly reduced compared with the first-run capacity of the adsorbent; therefore, the biosolid adsorbent could be reused as a commercial adsorbent, although its production cost is high.

  11. Radiation grafted adsorbents for newly emerging environmental applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahmoud Nasef, Mohamed; Ting, T. M.; Abbasi, Ali; Layeghi-moghaddam, Alireza; Sara Alinezhad, S.; Hashim, Kamaruddin

    2016-01-01

    Radiation induced grafting (RIG) is acquired to prepare a number of adsorbents for newly emerging environmental applications using a single route involving RIG of glycidymethacrylate (GMA) onto polyethylene-polypropylene (PE-PP) non-woven fabric. The grafted fabric was subjected to one of three functionalization reactions to impart desired ionic characters. This included treatment with (1) N-dimethyl-D-glucamine, (2) triethylamine and (3) triethylamine and alkalisation with KOH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to study the changes in chemical and physical structures of the obtained fibrous adsorbents. The potential applications of the three adsorbents for removal of boron from solutions, capturing CO2 from CO2/N2 mixtures and catalysing transesterification of triacetin/methanol to methyl acetate (biodiesel) were explored. The obtained fibrous adsorbents provide potential alternatives to granular resins for the investigated applications and require further development.

  12. Atomic scale friction of molecular adsorbates during diffusion.

    PubMed

    Lechner, B A J; de Wijn, A S; Hedgeland, H; Jardine, A P; Hinch, B J; Allison, W; Ellis, J

    2013-05-21

    Experimental observations suggest that molecular adsorbates exhibit a larger friction coefficient than atomic species of comparable mass, yet the origin of this increased friction is not well understood. We present a study of the microscopic origins of friction experienced by molecular adsorbates during surface diffusion. Helium spin-echo measurements of a range of five-membered aromatic molecules, cyclopentadienyl, pyrrole, and thiophene, on a copper(111) surface are compared with molecular dynamics simulations of the respective systems. The adsorbates have different chemical interactions with the surface and differ in bonding geometry, yet the measurements show that the friction is greater than 2 ps(-1) for all these molecules. We demonstrate that the internal and external degrees of freedom of these adsorbate species are a key factor in the underlying microscopic processes and identify the rotation modes as the ones contributing most to the total measured friction coefficient.

  13. A biomolecule friendly photolithographic process for fabrication of protein microarrays on polymeric films coated on silicon chips.

    PubMed

    Petrou, Panagiota S; Chatzichristidi, Margarita; Douvas, Antonios M; Argitis, Panagiotis; Misiakos, Konstantinos; Kakabakos, Sotirios E

    2007-04-15

    The last years, there is a steadily growing demand for methods and materials appropriate to create patterns of biomolecules for bioanalytical applications. Here, a photolithographic method for patterning biomolecules onto a silicon surface coated with a polymeric layer of high protein binding capacity is presented. The patterning process does not affect the polymeric film and the activity of the immobilized onto the surface biomolecules. Therefore, it permits sequential immobilization of different biomolecules on spatially distinct areas on the same solid support. The polymeric layer is based on a commercially available photoresist (AZ5214) that is cured at high temperature in order to provide a stable substrate for creation of protein microarrays by the developed photolithographic process. The photolithographic material consists of a (meth)acrylate copolymer and a sulfonium salt as a photoacid generator, and it is lithographically processed by thermal treatment at temperatures protein spots with diameters ranging from 2 to 50 microm were created. The proposed methodology provided good intra-spot homogeneity (CV proteins with their respective fluorescently labeled binding counterparts. Moreover, the polymeric film selected for immobilization of biomolecules presented high protein binding capacity, which was at least three folds higher than that obtained using aminosilanized surfaces. The proposed methodology is expected to facilitate considerably the fabrication of dense protein microarrays for bioanalytical applications.

  14. Effect of pectin charge density on formation of multilayer films with chitosan.

    PubMed

    Kamburova, Kamelia; Milkova, Viktoria; Petkanchin, Ivana; Radeva, Tsetska

    2008-04-01

    The effect of pectin charge density on the formation of multilayer films with chitosan (PEC/CHI) is studied by means of electro-optics. Pectins of low (21%) and high (71%) degrees of esterification, which are inversely proportional to the pectin charge density, are used to form films on colloidal beta-FeOOH particles at pH 4.0 when the CHI is fully ionized. We find that, after deposition of the first 3-4 layers, the film thickness increases linearly with the number of adsorbed layers. However, the increase in the film thickness is larger when the film is terminated with CHI. Irregular increase of the film thickness is more marked for the PEC with higher density of charge. Oscillation in the electrical polarizability of the film-coated particles with the number of deposited layers is also registered in the PEC/CHI films. The charge balance of the multilayers, calculated from electrical polarizability of the film-coated particles, is positive, with larger excess of positive charge within the film constructed from CHI and less charged PEC. This is attributed to the ability of CHI to diffuse into the film at each deposition step. Despite the CHI diffusion, the film thickness increases linearly due to the dissolution of unstable PEC/CHI complexes from the film surface.

  15. TiO2/porous adsorbents: Recent advances and novel applications.

    PubMed

    MiarAlipour, Shayan; Friedmann, Donia; Scott, Jason; Amal, Rose

    2018-01-05

    This article reviews two interrelated areas of research: the first is the use of TiO 2 -supported adsorbent materials as enhanced heterogeneous photocatalysts and their application to various reactions for organic pollutant removal from air and water; the second is the combination of adsorbent materials with TiO 2 photocatalysts which aims to efficiently regenerate adsorbent materials using illumination. By reviewing both areas of research, the following topics are covered; (i) photocatalytic activation of TiO 2; (ii) related properties of photocatalytic TiO 2; (iii) shortcomings of photocatalytic processes; (iv) preparation methods of composite TiO 2 /adsorbent materials and their photocatalytic performance; (v) properties of common adsorbents and their applications for pollutant removal from air and water; (vi) adsorbent regeneration methods and their economic and operational issues; (vii) conclusions and future outlooks. This topic has not been previously reviewed to such an extent, and considerable knowledge can be gained from assembling the large number of studies on adsorption-photocatalysis combinations. As such, this review provides guidance for researchers working in the fields of environmental and chemical engineering focussing on organic pollutant removal and the engineering of new high performance photocatalytic TiO 2 -supported porous adsorbent materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Fabricating pH-stable and swellable very thin hyperbranched poly(ethylene imine)-oligosaccharide films fabricated without precoating: first view on protein adsorption.

    PubMed

    Warenda, Monika; Richter, Anne; Schmidt, Diana; Janke, Andreas; Müller, Martin; Simon, Frank; Zimmermann, Ralf; Eichhorn, Klaus-Jochen; Voit, Brigitte; Appelhans, Dietmar

    2012-09-14

    For using successful (ultra)thin dendritic macromolecule films in (bio)sensing and microfluidic devices and for obtaining reproducible film properties, alteration effects arising from precoatings have to be avoided. Here, oligosaccharide-modified hyperbranched poly(ethylene imine)s (PEI-OS) were used to fabricate very thin PEI-OS films (15-20 nm in dry state), cross-linked with citric acid under condensation, and vacuum condition. However, no reactive precoating is necessary to obtain stable films, which allows very simple film preparation and avoids alteration of the PEIS-OS film properties arising from precoating. Several methods [(in situ) ellipsometry, AFM, XPS, (in situ) ATR-IR, streaming potential measurements] were applied to characterize homogeneity, surface morphology, and stability of these PEI-OS films between pH 2 and pH 10, but also the low protein adsorption behavior. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Black Molecular Adsorber Coatings for Spaceflight Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abraham, Nithin Susan; Hasegawa, Mark Makoto; Straka, Sharon A.

    2014-01-01

    The molecular adsorber coating is a new technology that was developed to mitigate the risk of on-orbit molecular contamination on spaceflight missions. The application of this coating would be ideal near highly sensitive, interior surfaces and instruments that are negatively impacted by outgassed molecules from materials, such as plastics, adhesives, lubricants, epoxies, and other similar compounds. This current, sprayable paint technology is comprised of inorganic white materials made from highly porous zeolite. In addition to good adhesion performance, thermal stability, and adsorptive capability, the molecular adsorber coating offers favorable thermal control characteristics. However, low reflectivity properties, which are typically offered by black thermal control coatings, are desired for some spaceflight applications. For example, black coatings are used on interior surfaces, in particular, on instrument baffles for optical stray light control. Similarly, they are also used within light paths between optical systems, such as telescopes, to absorb light. Recent efforts have been made to transform the white molecular adsorber coating into a black coating with similar adsorptive properties. This result is achieved by optimizing the current formulation with black pigments, while still maintaining its adsorption capability for outgassing control. Different binder to pigment ratios, coating thicknesses, and spray application techniques were explored to develop a black version of the molecular adsorber coating. During the development process, coating performance and adsorption characteristics were studied. The preliminary work performed on black molecular adsorber coatings thus far is very promising. Continued development and testing is necessary for its use on future contamination sensitive spaceflight missions.

  18. Development and Testing of Molecular Adsorber Coatings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abraham, Nithin; Hasegawa, Mark; Straka, Sharon

    2012-01-01

    The effect of on-orbit molecular contamination has the potential to degrade the performance of spaceflight hardware and diminish the lifetime of the spacecraft. For example, sensitive surfaces, such as optical surfaces, electronics, detectors, and thermal control surfaces, are vulnerable to the damaging effects of contamination from outgassed materials. The current solution to protect these surfaces is through the use of zeolite coated ceramic adsorber pucks. However, these pucks and its additional complex mounting hardware requirements result in several disadvantages, such as size, weight, and cost related concerns, that impact the spacecraft design and the integration and test schedule. As a result, a new innovative molecular adsorber coating was developed as a sprayable alternative to mitigate the risk of on-orbit molecular contamination. In this study, the formulation for molecular adsorber coatings was optimized using various binders, pigment treatment methods, binder to pigment ratios, thicknesses, and spray application techniques. The formulations that passed coating adhesion and vacuum thermal cycling tests were further tested for its adsorptive capacity. Accelerated molecular capacitance tests were performed in an innovatively designed multi-unit system containing idealized contaminant sources. This novel system significantly increased the productivity of the testing phase for the various formulations that were developed. Work performed during the development and testing phases has demonstrated successful application of molecular adsorber coatings onto metallic substrates, as well as, very promising results for the adhesion performance and the molecular capacitance of the coating. Continued testing will assist in the qualification of molecular adsorber coatings for use on future contamination sensitive spaceflight missions.

  19. Black molecular adsorber coatings for spaceflight applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abraham, Nithin S.; Hasegawa, Mark M.; Straka, Sharon A.

    2014-09-01

    The molecular adsorber coating is a new technology that was developed to mitigate the risk of on-orbit molecular contamination on spaceflight missions. The application of this coating would be ideal near highly sensitive, interior surfaces and instruments that are negatively impacted by outgassed molecules from materials, such as plastics, adhesives, lubricants, epoxies, and other similar compounds. This current, sprayable paint technology is comprised of inorganic white materials made from highly porous zeolite. In addition to good adhesion performance, thermal stability, and adsorptive capability, the molecular adsorber coating offers favorable thermal control characteristics. However, low reflectivity properties, which are typically offered by black thermal control coatings, are desired for some spaceflight applications. For example, black coatings are used on interior surfaces, in particular, on instrument baffles for optical stray light control. Similarly, they are also used within light paths between optical systems, such as telescopes, to absorb light. Recent efforts have been made to transform the white molecular adsorber coating into a black coating with similar adsorptive properties. This result is achieved by optimizing the current formulation with black pigments, while still maintaining its adsorption capability for outgassing control. Different binder to pigment ratios, coating thicknesses, and spray application techniques were explored to develop a black version of the molecular adsorber coating. During the development process, coating performance and adsorption characteristics were studied. The preliminary work performed on black molecular adsorber coatings thus far is very promising. Continued development and testing is necessary for its use on future contamination sensitive spaceflight missions.

  20. The improvement of characteristics of biodegradable films made from kefiran-whey protein by nanoparticle incorporation.

    PubMed

    Zolfi, Mohsen; Khodaiyan, Faramarz; Mousavi, Mohammad; Hashemi, Maryam

    2014-08-30

    Biodegradable kefiran-whey protein isolate (WPI) nanocomposites were produced using montmorillonite (MMT) and nano-TiO2 as nanoparticles in the percentage of 1, 3, and 5% (w/w) by a casting and solvent-evaporation method. Physical, mechanical, and water-vapor permeability (WVP) properties were determined as a function of nanoparticle concentration. The results revealed that the effect of these nanoparticles was different according to their nature and percentage. The films incorporated with 5% (w/w) MMT showed the highest tensile strength, Young's modulus, puncture strength, and the lowest WVP compared with the control and TiO2 added films. In contrast to MMT, addition of TiO2 nanoparticles due to the plasticizing effect led to a significant change in color and transparency of nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations demonstrated the films' properties in relation to their microstructures. The surface topography results also showed a considerable increase in roughness parameters by incorporating the nanoparticles in kefiran-WPI matrix. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Trace contaminant studies of HSC adsorbent. M.S. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yieh, D. T. N.

    1978-01-01

    The adsorption and desorption of fifteen trace contaminants on HSC (polyethylenimine coated acrylic ester) adsorbent were experimentally investigated with the following two objectives: to test the removal potential and the adsorption reversibility of the selected trace contaminants, and to test the effect a preadsorbed trace contaminant has on the CO2 adsorption capacity. The experimental method for acquiring the adsorption equilibrium data used is based on the volumetric (or displacement) concept of vacuum adsorption. From the experimental results, it was found that the HSC adsorbent has good adsorption potential for contaminants of alcohol compounds, esters, and benzene compounds; whereas, adsorption of ketone compounds, oxidizing and reducing agents are detrimental to the adsorbent. In addition, all liquid contaminants reduce the CO2 capacity of HSC adsorbent.

  2. Long-Wavelength Infrared Sensing by Cytochrome C Protein Thin Film Deposited by the Spin Coating Method

    PubMed Central

    Lai, Bo-Yu; Chu, Chung-Hao; Su, Guo-Dung John

    2013-01-01

    High infrared absorption, large temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and small 1/f noise are preferred characteristics for sensing materials used in bolometers. In this paper, we discuss a cytochrome c protein as a potential sensing material for long-wavelength bolometers. We simulated and experimentally proved high infrared absorption of cytochrome c in the wavelength between 8 μm and 14 μm. Cytochrome c thin films were deposited on a hydrophilic surface using the spin coating method. The resistance variation with temperature is measured and we show that the TCR of cytochrome c thin films is consistently higher than 20%. The measured values of 1/f noise were as low as 2.33 × 10−13 V2/Hz at 60 Hz. Finally, we test the reliability of cytochrome c by measuring the resistance changes over time under varying conditions. We found that cytochrome c thin films deteriorated significantly without appropriate packaging. PMID:24264331

  3. Regenerable activated bauxite adsorbent alkali monitor probe

    DOEpatents

    Lee, S.H.D.

    1992-12-22

    A regenerable activated bauxite adsorber alkali monitor probe for field applications to provide reliable measurement of alkali-vapor concentration in combustion gas with special emphasis on pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (PFBC) off-gas. More particularly, the invention relates to the development of a easily regenerable bauxite adsorbent for use in a method to accurately determine the alkali-vapor content of PFBC exhaust gases. 6 figs.

  4. Morphological phase diagrams of C60 and C70 films on graphite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sato, Kazuma; Tanaka, Tomoyasu; Akaike, Kouki; Kanai, Kaname

    2017-10-01

    The morphologies of C60 and C70 fullerene films vacuum-deposited onto graphite at various deposition rates and grown at several temperatures were investigated using atomic force microscopy. These fullerene films on graphite are model systems of physisorption of organic molecules that likely exhibit little chemical interaction with the graphite's surface. The morphologies of C60 and C70 films grown on graphite can be understood well from growth models previously reported. Comparison of the morphological phase diagrams obtained for C60 and C70 indicate that the diffusion properties of the adsorbed molecule are key in determining the morphology of the obtained film. The low diffusion rate of C70 resulted in various film morphologies for all deposition conditions tested. Also, the obtained phase diagrams can be understood by the results of fractal dimension analysis on the C60 and C70 islands. The fundamental understanding of film growth obtained using these ideal physisorption systems will aid in understanding film growth by other molecular adsorption systems.

  5. Dissolution of a metal oxide film during titanium carbide synthesis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bloshenko, V.N.; Bokii, V.A.; Borovinskaya, I.P.

    1985-05-01

    Oxygen is most difficult to remove during combustion of the mixture Ti + C. Its fundamental mass is in two states in the initial charge: part of the oxygen is dissolved in the titanium particles; the rest is bound in the metal oxide film (an insignificant part of the oxygen is in the adsorbed state in the carbon and titanium particles). On the basis of the results of vacuum annealing of specimens from a Ti + C mixture, the possibility is shown in this paper for dissolution of the intrinsic oxide film by titanium particles during residency of these particlesmore » in the heating zone of the combustion wave.« less

  6. Ion plasma deposition of oxide films with graded-stoichiometry composition: Experiment and simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Volpyas, V. A.; Tumarkin, A. V.; Mikhailov, A. K.; Kozyrev, A. B.; Platonov, R. A.

    2016-07-01

    A method of ion plasma deposition is proposed for obtaining thin multicomponent films with continuously graded composition in depth of the film. The desired composition-depth profile is obtained by varying the working gas pressure during deposition in the presence of an additional adsorbing screen in the drift space between a sputtered target and substrate. Efficiency of the proposed method is confirmed by Monte Carlo simulation of the deposition of thin films of Ba x Sr1- x TiO3 (BSTO) solid solution. It is demonstrated that, during sputtering of a Ba0.3Sr0.7TiO3 target, the parameter of composition stoichiometry in the growing BSTO film varies in the interval of x = 0.3-0.65 when the gas pressure is changed within 2-60 Pa.

  7. Antioxidant activities of distiller dried grains with solubles as protein films containing tea extracts and their application in the packaging of pork meat.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hyun-Ju; Lee, Ji-Hyeon; Won, Misun; Song, Kyung Bin

    2016-04-01

    Distiller dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as protein (DP) films were prepared. Additionally, to prepare anti-oxidant films, green tea extract (GTE), oolong tea extract (OTE), and black tea extract (BTE) were incorporated into the DP films. Consequently, the incorporation of the tea extracts did not alter the physical properties of the films much, whereas the antioxidant activities, such as ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities were observed. To apply the DP films containing tea extracts to food packaging, pork meat was wrapped with the films and stored at 4 °C for 10 d. During storage, the pork meat wrapped with the DP films containing GTE, OTE, and BTE had less lipid oxidation than did the control. Among the tea extracts, the DP film containing GTE had the greatest antioxidant activity. These results indicate that the DP films containing green tea extracts can be utilized as an anti-oxidative packaging material for pork meat. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Extracting uranium from seawater: Promising AF series adsorbents

    DOE PAGES

    Das, Sadananda; Oyola, Y.; Mayes, Richard T.; ...

    2015-11-02

    Here, a new family of high surface area polyethylene fiber adsorbents (AF series) was recently developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The AF series of were synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid (at different monomer/co-monomer mol ratios) onto high surface area polyethylene fibers. The degree of grafting (%DOG) of AF series adsorbents was found to be 154 354%. The grafted nitrile groups were converted to amidoxime groups by treating with hydroxylamine. The amidoximated adsorbents were then conditioned with 0.44M KOH at 80 C followed by screening at ORNL with simulated seawater spiked with 8more » ppm uranium. Uranium adsorption capacity in simulated seawater screening ranged from 170-200 g-U/kg-ads irrespective of %DOG. A monomer/co-monomer mol ratio in the range of 7.57-10.14 seemed to be optimum for highest uranium loading capacity. Subsequently, the adsorbents were also tested with natural seawater at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using flow-through exposure uptake experiments to determine uranium loading capacity with varying KOH conditioning time at 80 C. The highest adsorption capacity of AF1 measured after 56 days of marine testing was demonstrated as 3.9 g-U/kg-adsorbent and 3.2 g-U/kg-adsorbent for 1hr and 3hrs of KOH conditioning at 80 C, respectively. Based on capacity values of several AF1 samples, it was observed that changing KOH conditioning from 3hrs to 1hr at 80 C resulted in 22-27% increase in uranium loading capacity in seawater.« less

  9. Extracting uranium from seawater: Promising AF series adsorbents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Das, Sadananda; Oyola, Y.; Mayes, Richard T.

    Here, a new family of high surface area polyethylene fiber adsorbents (AF series) was recently developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The AF series of were synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid (at different monomer/co-monomer mol ratios) onto high surface area polyethylene fibers. The degree of grafting (%DOG) of AF series adsorbents was found to be 154 354%. The grafted nitrile groups were converted to amidoxime groups by treating with hydroxylamine. The amidoximated adsorbents were then conditioned with 0.44M KOH at 80 C followed by screening at ORNL with simulated seawater spiked with 8more » ppm uranium. Uranium adsorption capacity in simulated seawater screening ranged from 170-200 g-U/kg-ads irrespective of %DOG. A monomer/co-monomer mol ratio in the range of 7.57-10.14 seemed to be optimum for highest uranium loading capacity. Subsequently, the adsorbents were also tested with natural seawater at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using flow-through exposure uptake experiments to determine uranium loading capacity with varying KOH conditioning time at 80 C. The highest adsorption capacity of AF1 measured after 56 days of marine testing was demonstrated as 3.9 g-U/kg-adsorbent and 3.2 g-U/kg-adsorbent for 1hr and 3hrs of KOH conditioning at 80 C, respectively. Based on capacity values of several AF1 samples, it was observed that changing KOH conditioning from 3hrs to 1hr at 80 C resulted in 22-27% increase in uranium loading capacity in seawater.« less

  10. Adsorbed radioactivity and radiographic imaging of surfaces of stainless steel and titanium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jung, Haijo

    1997-11-01

    Type 304 stainless steel used for typical surface materials of spent fuel shipping casks and titanium were exposed in the spent fuel storage pool of a typical PWR power plant. Adsorption characteristics, effectiveness of decontamination by water cleaning and by electrocleaning, and swipe effectiveness on the metal surfaces were studied. A variety of environmental conditions had been manipulated to stimulate the potential 'weeping' phenomenon that often occurs with spent fuel shipping casks during transit. In a previous study, few heterogeneous effects of adsorbed contamination onto metal surfaces were observed. Radiographic images of cask surfaces were made in this study and showed clearly heterogeneous activity distributions. Acquired radiographic images were digitized and further analyzed with an image analysis computer package and compared to calibrated images by using standard sources. The measurements of activity distribution by using the radiographic image method were consistent with that using a HPGe detector. This radiographic image method was used to study the effects of electrocleaning for total and specified areas. The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of a film-screen system in contact with a radioactive metal surface was studied with neutron activated gold foils and showed more broad resolution properties than general diagnostic x-ray film-screen systems. Microstructure between normal areas and hot spots showed significant differences, and one hot spot appearing as a dot on the film image consisted of several small hot spots (about 10 μm in diameter). These hot spots were observed as structural defects of the metal surfaces.

  11. Effect of a low-density polyethylene film containing butylated hydroxytoluene on lipid oxidation and protein quality of Sierra fish (Scomberomorus sierra) muscle during frozen storage.

    PubMed

    Torres-Arreola, Wilfrido; Soto-Valdez, Herlinda; Peralta, Elizabeth; Cardenas-López, José Luis; Ezquerra-Brauer, Josafat Marina

    2007-07-25

    Fresh sierra fish (Scomberomorus sierra) fillets were packed in low-density polyethylene films with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT-LDPE) added. Fillets packed in LDPE with no BHT were used as controls (LDPE). The packed fillets were stored at -25 degrees C for 120 days in which the film released 66.5% of the antioxidant. The influence of the antioxidant on lipid and protein quality, lipid oxidation, muscle structure changes, and shear-force resistance was recorded. As compared to LDPE films, fillets packed in BHT-LDPE films showed lower lipid oxidation, thiobarbituric acid values (4.20 +/- 0.52 vs 11.95 +/- 1.06 mg malonaldehyde/kg), peroxide values (7.20 +/- 1.38 vs 15.15 +/- 1.48 meq/kg), and free fatty acids (7.98 +/- 0.43 vs 11.83 +/- 1.26% of oleic acid). Fillets packed in BHT-LDPE films showed less tissue damage and lost less firmness than fillets packed in LDPE. A significant relationship between lipid oxidation and texture was detected (R2 adjusted, 0.70-0.73). BHT-LDPE films may be used not only to prevent lipid oxidation but also to minimize protein damage to prolong the shelf life of sierra fish.

  12. Morphological evolution of thin polymer film on chemically patterned substrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Satya Pal

    2018-05-01

    In this paper work, pattern formation in ultra thin polymer film, adsorbed on chemically patterned substrates, is reported under strong confinement. The observations indicate for the strong influence of the surface attraction over evolution of spindoal waves, leading to the flattening of the film. But, the film appears to be torn apart in strip or nano fiber like structures, because of coalescences of the monomers at the free ends of the chains. The beads at the free ends of the chain are relatively more mobile. The chain diffusion towards attractive part of the chemically patterned surfaces is clearly seen. Prewetting or crystallization like phenomena seems to appear resulting into formation of strips with coexistence of molten phase drops at the top of the ruptured film. The investigation mimics spindoal dewetting because of the fact that the rupturing occurs in case of strong attractive surface. The investigation is of technical importance as it highlights the formation of nano scale strips and fibers though in a quasi equilibrium case.

  13. The immunogenicity of thin-film freeze-dried, aluminum salt-adjuvanted vaccine when exposed to different temperatures.

    PubMed

    Thakkar, Sachin G; Ruwona, Tinashe B; Williams, Robert O; Cui, Zhengrong

    2017-04-03

    Insoluble aluminum salts such as aluminum oxyhydroxide have been used for decades as adjuvants in human vaccines, and many vaccines contain aluminum salts as adjuvants. Aluminum salt-adjuvanted vaccines must be managed in cold-chain (2-8° C) during transport and storage, as vaccine antigens in general are too fragile to be stable in ambient temperatures, and unintentional slowing freezing causes irreversible aggregation and permanent damage to the vaccines. Previously, we reported that thin-film freeze-drying can be used to convert vaccines adjuvanted with an aluminum salt from liquid suspension into dry powder without causing particle aggregation or decreasing in immunogenicity following reconstitution. In the present study, using ovalbumin (OVA)-adsorbed Alhydrogel® (i.e. aluminum oxyhydroxide, 2% w/v) as a model vaccine, we showed that the immunogenicity of thin-film freeze-dried OVA-adsorbed Alhydrogel® vaccine powder was not significantly changed after it was exposed for an extended period of time in temperatures as high as 40° C or subjected to repeated slow freezing-and-thawing. It is expected that immunization programs can potentially benefit by integrating thin-film freeze-drying into vaccine preparations.

  14. The immunogenicity of thin-film freeze-dried, aluminum salt-adjuvanted vaccine when exposed to different temperatures

    PubMed Central

    Thakkar, Sachin G.; Ruwona, Tinashe B.; Williams, Robert O.; Cui, Zhengrong

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Insoluble aluminum salts such as aluminum oxyhydroxide have been used for decades as adjuvants in human vaccines, and many vaccines contain aluminum salts as adjuvants. Aluminum salt-adjuvanted vaccines must be managed in cold-chain (2–8° C) during transport and storage, as vaccine antigens in general are too fragile to be stable in ambient temperatures, and unintentional slowing freezing causes irreversible aggregation and permanent damage to the vaccines. Previously, we reported that thin-film freeze-drying can be used to convert vaccines adjuvanted with an aluminum salt from liquid suspension into dry powder without causing particle aggregation or decreasing in immunogenicity following reconstitution. In the present study, using ovalbumin (OVA)-adsorbed Alhydrogel® (i.e. aluminum oxyhydroxide, 2% w/v) as a model vaccine, we showed that the immunogenicity of thin-film freeze-dried OVA-adsorbed Alhydrogel® vaccine powder was not significantly changed after it was exposed for an extended period of time in temperatures as high as 40° C or subjected to repeated slow freezing-and-thawing. It is expected that immunization programs can potentially benefit by integrating thin-film freeze-drying into vaccine preparations. PMID:28051903

  15. Electrical potential modulation of dynamic film properties of aqueous surfactant solutions through a nanogap

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Guoxin; Luo, Jianbin; Liu, Shuhai; Guo, Dan

    2011-01-01

    The effect of external electrical potentials (EEPs) on aqueous surfactant films nanoconfined in a ball-plate configuration has been investigated by measuring the dynamic film thickness with an interferometer. Experimental results indicate that the film formation properties of the surfactant solutions in the nanogap under applied EEPs are strongly dependent on the interfacial adsorbed surfactant structure. Effective control over the film formation properties by applying EEPs depends on the signs of the charges on the solid surface and the surfactant headgroups, the surfactant concentration, and the magnitude of EEPs. Remarkable alterations of the film formation properties in the nanogap by EEPs can be observed except when the surface charge is the same in sign as the headgroups and the surfactant concentration is above the critical micelle concentration. Mechanisms of these phenomena have been discussed in this work.

  16. EMERGING TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY: DEMONSTRATION OF AMBERSORB 563 ADSORBENT TECHNOLOGY

    EPA Science Inventory

    A field pilot study was conducted to demonstrate the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of Ambersorb® 5631 carbonaceous adsorbent for remediating groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Ambersorb adsorbent technology demonstration consist...

  17. Fabrication of Nanometer- and Micrometer-Scale Protein Structures by Site-Specific Immobilization of Histidine-Tagged Proteins to Aminosiloxane Films with Photoremovable Protein-Resistant Protecting Groups

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    The site-specific immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins to patterns formed by far-field and near-field exposure of films of aminosilanes with protein-resistant photolabile protecting groups is demonstrated. After deprotection of the aminosilane, either through a mask or using a scanning near-field optical microscope, the amine terminal groups are derivatized first with glutaraldehyde and then with N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl)iminodiacetic acid to yield a nitrilo-triacetic-acid-terminated surface. After complexation with Ni2+, this surface binds histidine-tagged GFP and CpcA-PEB in a site-specific fashion. The chemistry is simple and reliable and leads to extensive surface functionalization. Bright fluorescence is observed in fluorescence microscopy images of micrometer- and nanometer-scale patterns. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study quantitatively the efficiency of photodeprotection and the reactivity of the modified surfaces. The efficiency of the protein binding process is investigated quantitatively by ellipsometry and by fluorescence microscopy. We find that regions of the surface not exposed to UV light bind negligible amounts of His-tagged proteins, indicating that the oligo(ethylene glycol) adduct on the nitrophenyl protecting group confers excellent protein resistance; in contrast, exposed regions bind His-GFP very effectively, yielding strong fluorescence that is almost completely removed on treatment of the surface with imidazole, confirming a degree of site-specific binding in excess of 90%. This simple strategy offers a versatile generic route to the spatially selective site-specific immobilization of proteins at surfaces. PMID:26820378

  18. Removal of arsenic from water using nano adsorbents and challenges: A review.

    PubMed

    Lata, Sneh; Samadder, S R

    2016-01-15

    Many researchers have used nanoparticles as adsorbents to remove water pollutants including arsenic after modifying the properties of nanoparticles by improving reactivity, biocompatibility, stability, charge density, multi-functionalities, and dispersibility. For arsenic removal, nano adsorbents emerged as the potential alternatives to existing conventional technologies. The present study critically reviewed the past and current available information on the potential of nano adsorbents for arsenic removal from contaminated water and the challenges involved in that. The study discussed the separation and regeneration techniques of nano adsorbents and the performance thereof. The study evaluated the adsorption efficiency of the various nanoparticles based on size of nanoparticles, types of nano adsorbents, method of synthesis, separation and regeneration of the nano adsorbents. The study found that more studies are required on suitable holding materials for the nano adsorbents to improve the permeability and to make the technology applicable at the field condition. The study will help the readers to choose suitable nanomaterials and to take up further research required for arsenic removal using nano adsorbents. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. The influence of adsorbent microstructure upon adsorption equilibria: Investigations of a model system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaminsky, R. D.; Monson, P. A.

    1991-08-01

    We present a theoretical study of the influence of the microstructure of a porous adsorbent upon associated adsorption behavior. A model is developed which describes the interactions of adsorbed molecules with an adsorbent treated as a matrix of particles each of which is a continuum of interaction centers. The model leads to an analytic expression for the adsorbate-adsorbent particle potential which is an analog of the 9-3 potential model for adsorption on planar solid surfaces. To illustrate the utility of the approach, an application to methane adsorbed in a microporous silica gel is presented. Several adsorbent microstructures are investigated, including a variety of crystal lattices as well as structures derived from equilibrium configurations of hard spheres. Adsorption in these structures is studied through calculation of Henry's law constants and by using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation to determine adsorption isotherms and the structure of adsorbed fluids. The results obtained are related to details of the adsorbent microstructure.

  20. Carbon/Attapulgite Composites as Recycled Palm Oil-Decoloring and Dye Adsorbents

    PubMed Central

    Tian, Guangyan; Zhu, Yongfeng; Zong, Li; Kang, Yuru; Wang, Aiqin

    2018-01-01

    Activated clay minerals have been widely used in the edible oil refining industry for decolorization of crude oil by adsorption, and so far many methods have been used to improve their decolorization efficiency. Herein, we successfully prepared a series of carbon/attapulgite (C/APT) composite adsorbents by a one-step in-situ carbonization process with natural starch (St) as the carbon source. It has been revealed that the adsorbent had better decolorization efficiency for crude palm oil than acid-activated APT. However, more than a million tons of decolorized waste is produced every year in the oil-refining industry, which was often treated as solid waste and has not yet been reutilized effectively. In order to explore a viable method to recycle and reuse the decolorant, the waste decolorant was further prepared into new C/APT adsorbents for the removal of dyes from wastewater, and then the dyes adsorbed on the adsorbent were used as the carbon sources to produce new C/APT adsorbents by a cyclic carbonization process. The results showed that the adsorbents prepared from the decolorized waste could remove more than 99.5% of the methylene blue (MB), methyl violet (MV), and malachite green (MG) dyes from the simulated wastewater with the dye concentration of 200 mg/L, and the C/APT–Re adsorbent consecutively regenerated five times using the adsorbed dyes as a carbon source still exhibit good adsorption efficiency for dyes. As a whole, this process opens a new avenue to develop efficient decolorants of palm oil and achieves recyclable utilization of decolored waste. PMID:29316634

  1. TFOS DEWS II Tear Film Report.

    PubMed

    Willcox, Mark D P; Argüeso, Pablo; Georgiev, Georgi A; Holopainen, Juha M; Laurie, Gordon W; Millar, Tom J; Papas, Eric B; Rolland, Jannick P; Schmidt, Tannin A; Stahl, Ulrike; Suarez, Tatiana; Subbaraman, Lakshman N; Uçakhan, Omür Ö; Jones, Lyndon

    2017-07-01

    The members of the Tear Film Subcommittee reviewed the role of the tear film in dry eye disease (DED). The Subcommittee reviewed biophysical and biochemical aspects of tears and how these change in DED. Clinically, DED is characterized by loss of tear volume, more rapid breakup of the tear film and increased evaporation of tears from the ocular surface. The tear film is composed of many substances including lipids, proteins, mucins and electrolytes. All of these contribute to the integrity of the tear film but exactly how they interact is still an area of active research. Tear film osmolarity increases in DED. Changes to other components such as proteins and mucins can be used as biomarkers for DED. The Subcommittee recommended areas for future research to advance our understanding of the tear film and how this changes with DED. The final report was written after review by all Subcommittee members and the entire TFOS DEWS II membership. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Antimicrobial effectiveness of oregano and sage essential oils incorporated into whey protein films or cellulose-based filter paper.

    PubMed

    Royo, Maite; Fernández-Pan, Idoya; Maté, Juan I

    2010-07-01

    In this study the antimicrobial effectiveness of oregano and sage essential oils (EOs) incorporated into two different matrices, whey protein isolate (WPI) and cellulose-based filter paper, was analysed. Antimicrobial properties of WPI-based films containing oregano and sage EOs were tested against Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis. Oregano EO showed antimicrobial activity against all three micro-organisms. The highest inhibition zones were against L. innocua. However, sage EO did not show antimicrobial activity against any of the micro-organisms. Antimicrobial activity was confirmed for both EOs using cellulose-based filter paper as supporting matrix, although it was significantly more intense for oregano EO. Inhibition surfaces were significantly greater when compared with those of the WPI films. This finding is likely due to the higher porosity and diffusivity of the active compounds in the filter paper. The interactions between the EOs and the films have a critical effect on the diffusivity of the active compounds and therefore on the final antimicrobial activity. As a result, to obtain active edible films, it is necessary to find the equilibrium point between the nature and concentration of the active compounds in the EO and the formulation of the film.

  3. Methotrexate-loaded porous polymeric adsorbents as oral sustained release formulations.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiuyan; Yan, Husheng

    2017-09-01

    Methotrexate as a model drug with poor aqueous solubility was adsorbed into porous polymeric adsorbents, which was used as oral sustained release formulations. In vitro release assay in simulated gastrointestinal fluids showed that the methotrexate-loaded adsorbents showed distinct sustained release performance. The release rate increased with increase in pore size of the adsorbents. In vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that the maximal plasma methotrexate concentrations after oral administration of free methotrexate and methotrexate-loaded DA201-H (a commercial porous polymeric adsorbent) to rats occurred at 40min and 5h post-dose, respectively; and the plasma concentrations decreased to 22% after 5h for free methotrexate and 44% after 24h for methotrexate-loaded DA201-H, respectively. The load of methotrexate into the porous polymeric adsorbents not only resulted in obvious sustained release, but also enhanced the oral bioavailability of methotrexate. The areas under the curve, AUC 0-24 and AUC 0-inf , for methotrexate-loaded DA201-H increased 3.3 and 7.7 times, respectively, compared to those for free methotrexate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Factors influencing antibiotics adsorption onto engineered adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Xia, Mingfang; Li, Aimin; Zhu, Zhaolian; Zhou, Qin; Yang, Weiben

    2013-07-01

    The study evaluated the adsorption of two antibiotics by four engineered adsorbents (hypercrosslinked resin MN-202, macroporous resin XAD-4, activated carbon F-400, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)) from aqueous solutions. The dynamic results demonstrated the dominant influence of pore size in adsorption. The adsorption amounts of antibiotics on XAD-4 were attributed to the hydrophobic effect, whereas steric hindrance or micropore-filling played a main role in the adsorption of antibiotics by F-400 because of its high microporosity. Aside from F-400, similar patterns of pH-dependent adsorption were observed, implying the importance of antibiotic molecular forms to the adsorption process for adsorbents. Increasing the ionic concentration with CaC12 produced particular adsorption characteristics on MWCNT at pH 2.0 and F-400 at pH 8.0, which were attributed to the highly available contact surfaces and molecular sieving, respectively. Its hybrid characteristics incorporating a considerable portion of mesopores and micropores made hypercross linked MN-202 a superior antibiotic adsorbent with high adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of MWCNT on the basis of surface area was more advantageous than that of the other adsorbents because MWCNT has a much more compact molecular arrangement.

  5. Influence of Irreversible Adsorption on the Glass Transition Temperature of Polymer Thin Films as Measured by Fluorescence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burroughs, Mary; Priestley, Rodney

    2014-03-01

    Polymers confined to the nanometer length scale have been shown to exhibit deviations in the glass transition temperature (Tg) from the bulk. With the increasing use of confined polymers in nanotechnology, understanding and predicting this behavior is extremely relevant to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to organic electronics. Recent work (Napolitano, Wübbenhorst, Nature Communications, 2, 260 (2011)) has connected deviations in Tg under confinement with irreversible physical adsorption of polymer chains at substrate interfaces. Here we investigate the influence of irreversibly adsorbed layers on the Tg of polystyrene (PS) thin films supported on silica via fluorescence. We examine the Tg of the brushes as a function of annealing time and irreversibly adsorbed layer thickness. By incorporating fluorescently labeled polymer layers into multilayered films of unlabeled polymer, we will examine the influence of brushes on adjacent layers dynamics. Finally, we will compare the results on PS with those of poly(methyl methacrylate).

  6. Equilibrium and heat of adsorption of diethyl phthalate on heterogeneous adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Weiming; Xu, Zhengwen; Pan, Bingcai; Hong, Changhong; Jia, Kun; Jiang, Peijuan; Zhang, Qingjian; Pan, Bingjun

    2008-09-01

    Removal of phthalate esters from water has been of considerable concern recently. In the present study, the adsorptive removal performance of diethyl phthalate (DEP) from water was investigated with the aminated polystyrene resin (NDA-101) and oxidized polystyrene resin (NDA-702). In addition, the commercial homogeneous polystyrene resin (XAD-4) and acrylic ester resin (Amberlite XAD-7) as well as coal-based granular activated carbon (AC-750) were chosen for comparison. The corresponding equilibrium isotherms are well described by the Freundlich equation and the adsorption capacities for DEP followed the order NDA-702 > NDA-101 > AC-750 > XAD-4 > XAD-7. Analysis of adsorption mechanisms suggested that these adsorbents spontaneously adsorb DEP molecules driven mainly by enthalpy change, and the adsorption process was derived by multiple adsorbent-adsorbate interactions such as hydrogen bonding, pi-pi stacking, and micropore filling. The information related to the adsorbent surface heterogeneity and the adsorbate-adsorbate interaction was obtained by Do's model. All the results indicate that heterogeneous resins NDA-702 and NDA-101 have excellent potential as an adsorption material for the removal of DEP from the contaminated water.

  7. Tear film proteome in age-related macular degeneration.

    PubMed

    Winiarczyk, Mateusz; Kaarniranta, Kai; Winiarczyk, Stanisław; Adaszek, Łukasz; Winiarczyk, Dagmara; Mackiewicz, Jerzy

    2018-06-01

    Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main reason for blindness in elderly people in the developed countries. Current screening protocols have limitations in detecting the early signs of retinal degeneration. Therefore, it would be desirable to find novel biomarkers for early detection of AMD. Development of novel biomarkers would help in the prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of AMD. Proteomic analysis of tear film has shown promise in this research area. If an optimal set of biomarkers could be obtained from accessible body fluids, it would represent a reliable way to monitor disease progression and response to novel therapies. Tear films were collected on Schirmer strips from a total of 22 patients (8 with wet AMD, 6 with dry AMD, and 8 control individuals). 2D electrophoresis was used to separate tear film proteins prior to their identification with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight spectrometer (MALDI-TOF/TOF) and matching with functional databases. A total of 342 proteins were identified. Most of them were previously described in various proteomic studies concerning AMD. Shootin-1, histatin-3, fidgetin-like protein 1, SRC kinase signaling inhibitor, Graves disease carrier protein, actin cytoplasmic 1, prolactin-inducible protein 1, and protein S100-A7A were upregulated in the tear film samples isolated from AMD patients and were not previously linked with this disease in any proteomic analysis. The upregulated proteins supplement our current knowledge of AMD pathogenesis, providing evidence that certain specific proteins are expressed into the tear film in AMD. As far we are aware, this is the first study to have undertaken a comprehensive in-depth analysis of the human tear film proteome in AMD patients.

  8. Adsorption Behavior of TBPS in the Process of Cu Electrodeposition on an Au Film.

    PubMed

    Chen, Liang-Huei; Liu, Yung-Fang; Krug, Klaus; Lee, Yuh-Lang

    2018-05-15

    The adsorption behavior of an Cu electroplating additive, 3,3 thiobis-(1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt) (TBPS) in a process of Cu deposition onto a single crystalline Au(111) surface is studied by an in-situ Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy (SEIRAS). The SEIRAS spectra of the TBPS adlayer on a Cu film is investigated first and compared to that on an Au film. These results are utilized to evaluate the characteristics of TBPS adlayer on the electrode surface during the Cu deposition and stripping processes. The results show that the SEIRAS spectra of TBPS adsorbed on the Cu film resembles closely to that on the Au film, and the most pronounced peaks are symmetric S-O (ss-SO) and asymmetric S-O (as-SO) stretching modes. However, the as-SO band is sharper with a higher intensity on the Cu film. Since the ss-SO and as-SO peaks correspond to the molecular with upright and lie-down orientations, respectively, it implies that the TBPS molecules have higher ratio of lie-down orientation on the Cu film. In the Cu electrodeposition process, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) result shows that the presence of the TBPS in the HClO 4 solution can decrease the inhibition effect of HClO 4 to the Cu deposition. For the spectra measured at various potential during cathodic and anodic sweeping, an obvious change of the spectra occurs at ca. 0.6 V, the initiation of Cu underpotential deposition (Cu-UPD). For potentials higher and lower than 0.6 V, the spectra are similar, respectively, to those measured for the Au and Cu films. This result indicates that the TBPS molecules originally adsorbing on the Au film transfer to the surface of deposited Cu layer. This inference is also confirmed by the variation in wavenumber and peak intensity of ss-SO and as-SO peaks during the potential sweeping.

  9. Mixed layers of sodium caseinate + dextran sulfate: influence of order of addition to oil-water interface.

    PubMed

    Jourdain, Laureline S; Schmitt, Christophe; Leser, Martin E; Murray, Brent S; Dickinson, Eric

    2009-09-01

    We report on the interfacial properties of electrostatic complexes of protein (sodium caseinate) with a highly sulfated polysaccharide (dextran sulfate). Two routes were investigated for preparation of adsorbed layers at the n-tetradecane-water interface at pH = 6. Bilayers were made by the layer-by-layer deposition technique whereby polysaccharide was added to a previously established protein-stabilized interface. Mixed layers were made by the conventional one-step method in which soluble protein-polysaccharide complexes were adsorbed directly at the interface. Protein + polysaccharide systems gave a slower decay of interfacial tension and stronger dilatational viscoelastic properties than the protein alone, but there was no significant difference in dilatational properties between mixed layers and bilayers. Conversely, shear rheology experiments exhibited significant differences between the two kinds of interfacial layers, with the mixed system giving much stronger interfacial films than the bilayer system, i.e., shear viscosities and moduli at least an order of magnitude higher. The film shear viscoelasticity was further enhanced by acidification of the biopolymer mixture to pH = 2 prior to interface formation. Taken together, these measurements provide insight into the origin of previously reported differences in stability properties of oil-in-water emulsions made by the bilayer and mixed layer approaches. Addition of a proteolytic enzyme (trypsin) to both types of interfaces led to a significant increase in the elastic modulus of the film, suggesting that the enzyme was adsorbed at the interface via complexation with dextran sulfate. Overall, this study has confirmed the potential of shear rheology as a highly sensitive probe of associative electrostatic interactions and interfacial structure in mixed biopolymer layers.

  10. Vibrational Studies of Adsorbate-Induced Reconstruction on Molybdenum Surfaces.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lopinski, Gregory Peter

    Adsorbate-induced rearrangement of the substrate structure strongly modifies the adsorbate-substrate and adsorbate-adsorbate interactions, leading to the complex behavior observed in many chemisorption systems. In this thesis the H/Mo(211), O/Mo(211) and Na/Mo(100) systems have been studied using high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) to observe vibrations of the adsorbed atoms. The vibrational data is correlated with observations of the long-range order probed by LEED as well as the work function changes induced by adsorption. Adsorbate -induced substrate reconstruction plays an important role in all three of these systems. Studies of the coadsorption systems O+H/Mo(211) and Na+O/Mo(100) indicate how these effects can influence interactions between adsorbates. For H/Mo(211), above 1ML a (1 x 1) to (1 x 2) transition is observed and attributed to modification of the substrate periodicity. Below 1ML, H atoms are bridge bonded and induce local distortions of the substrate. The transition to the (1 x 2) phase involves the ordering of these displacements and occupation of three-fold sites partially populated by conversion of the bridge bonded species. This conversion accounts for the sawtooth-like coverage dependence of the work function. The structural model proposed for this system is also supported by the desorption parameters and partial molar entropy extracted from adsorption isobars. Oxygen adsorption on Mo(211) involves the occupation of multiple binding sites, with both the long-range order and the local geometry of the adsorbate phases strongly temperature dependent. Coadsorption of low coverages of oxygen and hydrogen leads to segregation of the two adsorbates which can be understood in terms of a substrate-mediated repulsive interaction between O and H. For Na/Mo(100), the frequency of the Na-Mo symmetric stretch mode does not shift with coverage although the mode intensity is strongly coverage dependent. The absence of a frequency shift

  11. Sum frequency generation and solid-state NMR study of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of polystyrene-adsorbed peptides

    PubMed Central

    Weidner, Tobias; Breen, Nicholas F.; Li, Kun; Drobny, Gary P.; Castner, David G.

    2010-01-01

    The power of combining sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy to quantify, with site specificity and atomic resolution, the orientation and dynamics of side chains in synthetic model peptides adsorbed onto polystyrene (PS) surfaces is demonstrated in this study. Although isotopic labeling has long been used in ssNMR studies to site-specifically probe the structure and dynamics of biomolecules, the potential of SFG to probe side chain orientation in isotopically labeled surface-adsorbed peptides and proteins remains largely unexplored. The 14 amino acid leucine-lysine peptide studied in this work is known to form an α-helical secondary structure at liquid-solid interfaces. Selective, individual deuteration of the isopropyl group in each leucine residue was used to probe the orientation and dynamics of each individual leucine side chain of LKα14 adsorbed onto PS. The selective isotopic labeling methods allowed SFG analysis to determine the orientations of individual side chains in adsorbed peptides. Side chain dynamics were obtained by fitting the deuterium ssNMR line shape to specific motional models. Through the combined use of SFG and ssNMR, the dynamic trends observed for individual side chains by ssNMR have been correlated with side chain orientation relative to the PS surface as determined by SFG. This combination provides a more complete and quantitative picture of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of these surface-adsorbed peptides than could be obtained if either technique were used separately. PMID:20628016

  12. Spray deposited MnFe2O4 thin films for detection of ethanol and acetone vapors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nagarajan, V.; Thayumanavan, A.

    2018-01-01

    Spinel MnFe2O4 films were synthesized with the help of spray pyrolysis technique. The morphology study shows fine crushed sand grain morphology of the film. The structural investigation verifies the polycrystalline nature of prepared MnFe2O4 films, which possess the spinel structure. Crystalline size is found to be around 23.5 nm-37.4 nm morphology analyses. Energy dispersive spectroscopy validates the presence of oxygen, iron and manganese in MnFe2O4 film. The prepared MnFe2O4 film is extremely sensitive towards ethanol molecules at 300 K. The electrical resistance of MnFe2O4 thin film decreases quickly when ethanol and acetone vapor molecules are adsorbed on base material. The synthesized MnFe2O4 film is also highly sensitive towards acetone molecules at ambient temperature. The selectivity, sensing response, stability and recovery time of MnFe2O4 film towards acetone and ethanol detection are analyzed in the present work.

  13. Challenges and opportunities in the purification of recombinant tagged proteins.

    PubMed

    Pina, Ana Sofia; Lowe, Christopher R; Roque, Ana Cecília A

    2014-01-01

    The purification of recombinant proteins by affinity chromatography is one of the most efficient strategies due to the high recovery yields and purity achieved. However, this is dependent on the availability of specific affinity adsorbents for each particular target protein. The diversity of proteins to be purified augments the complexity and number of specific affinity adsorbents needed, and therefore generic platforms for the purification of recombinant proteins are appealing strategies. This justifies why genetically encoded affinity tags became so popular for recombinant protein purification, as these systems only require specific ligands for the capture of the fusion protein through a pre-defined affinity tag tail. There is a wide range of available affinity pairs "tag-ligand" combining biological or structural affinity ligands with the respective binding tags. This review gives a general overview of the well-established "tag-ligand" systems available for fusion protein purification and also explores current unconventional strategies under development. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Flexible free-standing TiO2/graphene/PVdF films as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, H. M.; Ding, Y. H.; Chang, F. H.; He, X.; Feng, J. Q.; Wang, C. F.; Jiang, Y.; Zhang, P.

    2012-12-01

    Graphene composites were prepared by hydrothermal method using titanium dioxide (TiO2) adsorbed graphene oxide (GO) sheets as precursors. Free-standing hybrid films for lithium-ion batteries were prepared by adding TiO2/graphene composites to the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF)/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution, followed by a solvent evaporation technique. These films were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and various electrochemical techniques. Flexible films show an excellent cycling performance, which was attributed to the interconnected graphene conducting network, which depressed the increasing of electric resistance during the cycling.

  15. Lotus Dust Mitigation Coating and Molecular Adsorber Coating

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    O'Connor, Kenneth M.; Abraham, Nithin S.

    2015-01-01

    NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed two unique coating formulations that will keep surfaces clean and sanitary and contain contaminants.The Lotus Dust Mitigation Coating, modeled after the self-cleaning, water-repellant lotus leaf, disallows buildup of dust, dirt, water, and more on surfaces. This coating, has been successfully tested on painted, aluminum, glass, silica, and some composite surfaces, could aid in keeping medical assets clean.The Molecular Adsorber Coating is a zeolite-based, sprayable molecular adsorber coating, designed to prevent outgassing in materials in vacuums. The coating works well to adsorb volatiles and contaminates in manufacturing and processing, such as in pharmaceutical production. The addition of a biocide would also aid in controlling bacteria levels.

  16. Characterization of casein and poly-L-arginine multilayer films.

    PubMed

    Szyk-Warszyńska, Lilianna; Kilan, Katarzyna; Socha, Robert P

    2014-06-01

    Thin films containing casein appear to be a promising material for coatings used in the medical area to promote biomineralization. α- and β-casein and poly-L-arginine multilayer films were formed by the layer-by layer technique and their thickness and mass were analyzed by ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). (PLArg/casein) films deposited in 0.15M NaCl exhibit fast (exponential-like) growth of the film thickness with the number of layers. The resulting films were c.a. 10 times thicker than obtained for poly-L-arginine and natural polyanions. We investigated the effect of the type of casein used for the film formation, finding that films with α-casein were slightly thicker than ones with β-casein. The effect of polyethylene imine anchoring layer on the thickness and mass of adsorbed films was similar as for linear polyelectrolyte pairs. Thickness of "wet" films was c.a. two times larger than measured after drying that suggests their large hydration. The analysis of the mass of films during their post-treatment with the solutions of various ionic strength and pH provided the information concerning films stability. Films remain stable in the neutral and weakly basic conditions that includes HEPES buffer, which is widely used in cell culture and biomedical experiments. At the conditions of high ionic strength films swell but their swelling is reversible. Films containing caseins as polyanion appear to be more elastic and the same time more viscous than one formed with polyelectrolyte pairs. XPS elemental analysis confirmed binding of calcium ions by the casein embedded in the multilayers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Complementary roles of benzylpiperazine and iodine 'vapor' in the strong enhancement of orange photoluminescence from CuI(1 1 1) thin film.

    PubMed

    Rawal, Takat B; Turkowski, Volodymyr; Rahman, Talat S

    2014-05-07

    We have employed density functional theory, corrected by the on-site electron-electron repulsion energy U, to clarify the mechanism behind the enhanced orange photoluminescence (PL) of a CuI(1 1 1) thin film conjugated with a benzylpiperazine (BZP) molecule in the presence of an iodine 'vapor' atom. Our results demonstrated that the adsorbed molecule and the 'vapor' atom play complementary roles in producing the PL. The latter, in attaching to the film surface, creates a hole-trapping surface state located ~0.25 eV above the valence band-edge of the film, in good agreement with ~0.2 eV reported in experiments. Upon photo-excitation of the BZP/CuI(1 1 1) system in the presence of surface iodine 'vapor' atoms, excited electrons are transferred into the conduction band of CuI, and holes are trapped by the 'vapor' atoms. These holes, in turn, quickly relax into the HOMO state of the BZP molecule, owing to the fact that the molecule adsorbs on the film surface in the immediate vicinity of a 'vapor' atom. Relaxed holes subsequently recombine with excited electrons in the conduction band of the CuI film, thereby producing a luminescence peak at ~2.1 eV, in qualitative agreement with experimental findings.

  18. Catalase-like activity studies of the manganese(II) adsorbed zeolites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    ćiçek, Ekrem; Dede, Bülent

    2013-12-01

    Preparation of manganese(II) adsorbed on zeolite 3A, 4A, 5A. AW-300, ammonium Y zeolite, organophilic, molecular sieve and catalase-like enzyme activity of manganese(II) adsorbed zeolites are reported herein. Firstly zeolites are activated at 873 K for two hours before contact manganese(II) ions. In order to observe amount of adsorption, filtration process applied for the solution. The pure zeolites and manganese(II) adsorbed zeolites were analysed by FT-IR. As a result according to the FT-IR spectra, the incorporation of manganese(II) cation into the zeolite structure causes changes in the spectra. These changes are expected particularly in the pseudolattice bands connected with the presence of alumino and silicooxygen tetrahedral rings in the zeolite structure. Furthermore, the catalytic activities of the Mn(II) adsorbed zeolites for the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide were investigated in the presence of imidazole. The Mn(II) adsorbed zeolites display efficiency in the disproportion reactions of hydrogen peroxide, producing water and dioxygen in catalase-like activity.

  19. Polymer-based adsorbent for heavy metals removal from aqueous solution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahmud, H. N. M. E.; Huq, A. K. O.; Yahya, R.

    2017-06-01

    A novel conducting polymer-based adsorbent, polypyrrole (PPy) fine powder has successfully been prepared as a new adsorbent and utilized in the adsorption of heavy metal ions like arsenic, zinc and cadmium ions from aqueous solution. PPy was chemically synthesized by using FeCl3.6H2O as an oxidant. The prepared PPy adsorbent was characterized by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared ATR-(FTIR) spectroscopy. The adsorption was conducted by varying different parameters such as, contact time, pH and adsorbent dosage. The concentrations of metal ions were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The results show that PPy acts as an effective sorbent for the removal of arsenic, zinc and cadmium ions from aqueous solution. The as-prepared PPy fine powder is easy to prepare and appeared as an effective adsorbent for heavy metal ions particularly arsenic in wastewater treatment.

  20. Monitoring of nanoclay-protein adsorption isotherms via fluorescence techniques.

    PubMed

    Felbeck, Tom; Moss, Sebastian; Botas, Alexandre M P; Lezhnina, Marina M; Ferreira, Rute A S; Carlos, Luís D; Kynast, Ulrich H

    2017-09-01

    The investigation of nanoparticles and their interaction with bio-macromolecules have become an important issue; the widely discussed protein corona around nanoparticles and their biological fate in general have drawn particular attention. Here, we focus on nanoclay dispersions and the use of solvatochromic fluorescent dyes (Dansyl and Coumarin 153) for monitoring the interaction with two model proteins, bovine serum albumin and β-lactoglobulin. On one hand, these dyes are poorly emissive in water, but experience a boost in their fluorescence when adsorbed into the hydrophobic domains of proteins. On the other hand, (nano)clays and clay minerals have previously been investigated in terms of their individual protein adsorption isotherms and their usefulness for the solubilization of water-insoluble dyes into an aqueous environment. In the following, we have combined all three individual parts (nanoclay, fluorophore and protein) in dispersions in a wide range of concentration ratios to systematically study the various adsorption processes via fluorescence techniques. In order to clarify the extent of dye diffusion and adsorption-desorption equilibria in the investigations, nanoclay hybrids with an adsorbed dye (Coumarin 153) and a covalently conjugated dye (Dansyl) were compared. The results suggest that the fluorescence progression of protein titration curves correlate with the amount of protein adsorbed, matching their reported adsorption isotherms on hectorite clays. Furthermore, experimental data on the protein monolayer formation around the nanoclays could be extracted due to only minor alterations of the dispersions' optical quality and transparency. In this manner, a fluorescence-based monitor for the formation of the globular protein layer around the nanoclay was realized. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Removal of acutely hazardous pharmaceuticals from water using multi-template imprinted polymer adsorbent.

    PubMed

    Venkatesh, Avinash; Chopra, Nikita; Krupadam, Reddithota J

    2014-05-01

    Molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbent has been prepared to remove a group of recalcitrant and acutely hazardous (p-type) chemicals from water and wastewaters. The polymer adsorbent exhibited twofold higher adsorption capacity than the commercially used polystyrene divinylbenzene resin (XAD) and powdered activated carbon adsorbents. Higher adsorption capacity of the polymer adsorbent was explained on the basis of high specific surface area formed during molecular imprinting process. Freundlich isotherms drawn showed that the adsorption of p-type chemicals onto polymer adsorbent was kinetically faster than the other reference adsorbents. Matrix effect on adsorption of p-type chemicals was minimal, and also polymer adsorbent was amenable to regeneration by washing with water/methanol (3:1, v/v) solution. The polymer adsorbent was unaltered in its adsorption capacity up to 10 cycles of adsorption and desorption, which will be more desirable in cost reduction of treatment compared with single-time-use activated carbon.

  2. Fractionation of whey proteins with high-capacity superparamagnetic ion-exchangers.

    PubMed

    Heebøll-Nielsen, Anders; Justesen, Sune F L; Thomas, Owen R T

    2004-09-30

    In this study we describe the design, preparation and testing of superparamagnetic anion-exchangers, and their use together with cation-exchangers in the fractionation of bovine whey proteins as a model study for high-gradient magnetic fishing. Adsorbents prepared by attachment of trimethyl amine to particles activated in sequential reactions with allyl bromide and N-bromosuccinimide yielded a maximum bovine serum albumin binding capacity of 156 mg g(-1) combined with a dissociation constant of 0.60 microM, whereas ion-exchangers created by linking polyethylene imine through superficial aldehydes bound up to 337 mg g(-1) with a dissociation constant of 0.042 microM. The latter anion-exchanger was selected for studies of whey protein fractionation. In these, crude bovine whey was treated with a superparamagnetic cation-exchanger to adsorb basic protein species, and the supernatant arising from this treatment was then contacted with the anion-exchanger. For both adsorbent classes of ion-exchanger, desorption selectivity was subsequently studied by sequentially increasing the concentration of NaCl in the elution buffer. In the initial cation-exchange step quantitative removal of lactoferrin (LF) and lactoperoxidase (LPO) was achieved with some simultaneous binding of immunoglobulins (Ig). The immunoglobulins were separated from the other two proteins by desorbing with a low concentration of NaCl (< or = 0.4 M), whereas lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase were co-eluted in significantly purer form, e.g. lactoperoxidase was purified 28-fold over the starting material, when the NaCl concentration was increased to 0.4-1 M. The anion-exchanger adsorbed beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) selectively allowing separation from the remaining protein.

  3. Structural and chemical characterization of terbia thin films grown on hexagonally close packed metal substrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cartas, William

    Rare earth oxides (REOs) exhibit favorable catalytic performance for a diverse set of chemical transformations, including both partial and complete oxidation reactions. I will discuss our efforts to develop thin film systems of terbia for model surface science investigations of a REO that is effectively reducible, and which is thus expected to promote complete oxidation chemistry of adsorbed species. The growth of terbia on Cu(111) is shown to produce a complex surface that exhibits multiple phases of the oxide as well as exposed substrate. Growing the film on Pt(111) results in more uniform, single phase, and closed film. We used low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to characterize the structural properties of terbia thin films grown on Pt(111) in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) using physical vapor deposition. We find that the REO grows as a high quality Tb2O 3(111) film, and adopts oxygen-deficient fluorite structures wherein the metal cations form a hexagonal lattice in registry with the Pt(111) substrate, while oxygen vacancies are randomly distributed within the film. The Tb 2O3(111) films are thermally stable when heated to 1000 K in UHV. LEED and STM show that a fraction of the Tb2O3 forms hexagonal islands when first deposited, and further depositions typically result in three dimensional growth of the film. The Tb2O3 (111) / Pt(111) system produces a coincidence structure, seen very clearly in LEED images. We have also found that Tb2O3(111) films can be oxidized in UHV by exposure to plasma-generated atomic oxygen beams. The oxidized films have an estimated TbO2 stoichiometry and decompose to Tb2O3 during heating, with O2 desorption starting at about 500 K. Terbia films oxidized at 90 K show a weakly bound state of oxygen that is likely chemisorbed. Temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) studies using methanol show that increased oxygen in the film does not modify the chemical selectivity of the film; however

  4. Framework for scalable adsorbate–adsorbate interaction models

    DOE PAGES

    Hoffmann, Max J.; Medford, Andrew J.; Bligaard, Thomas

    2016-06-02

    Here, we present a framework for physically motivated models of adsorbate–adsorbate interaction between small molecules on transition and coinage metals based on modifications to the substrate electronic structure due to adsorption. We use this framework to develop one model for transition and one for coinage metal surfaces. The models for transition metals are based on the d-band center position, and the models for coinage metals are based on partial charges. The models require no empirical parameters, only two first-principles calculations per adsorbate as input, and therefore scale linearly with the number of reaction intermediates. By theory to theory comparison withmore » explicit density functional theory calculations over a wide range of adsorbates and surfaces, we show that the root-mean-squared error for differential adsorption energies is less than 0.2 eV for up to 1 ML coverage.« less

  5. Methanol Adsorption and Reaction on Samaria Thin Films on Pt(111).

    PubMed

    Jhang, Jin-Hao; Schaefer, Andreas; Zielasek, Volkmar; Weaver, Jason F; Bäumer, Marcus

    2015-09-17

    We investigated the adsorption and reaction of methanol on continuous and discontinuous films of samarium oxide (SmO x ) grown on Pt(111) in ultrahigh vacuum. The methanol decomposition was studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), while structural changes of the oxide surface were monitored by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Methanol dehydrogenates to adsorbed methoxy species on both the continuous and discontinuous SmO x films, eventually leading to the desorption of CO and H₂ which desorbs at temperatures in the range 400-600 K. Small quantities of CO₂ are also detected mainly on as-prepared Sm₂O₃ thin films, but the production of CO₂ is limited during repeated TPD runs. The discontinuous film exhibits the highest reactivity compared to the continuous film and the Pt(111) substrate. The reactivity of methanol on reduced and reoxidized films was also investigated, revealing how SmO x structures influence the chemical behavior. Over repeated TPD experiments, a SmO x structural/chemical equilibrium condition is found which can be approached either from oxidized or reduced films. We also observed hydrogen absence in TPD which indicates that hydrogen is stored either in SmO x films or as OH groups on the SmO x surfaces.

  6. Methanol Adsorption and Reaction on Samaria Thin Films on Pt(111)

    PubMed Central

    Jhang, Jin-Hao; Schaefer, Andreas; Zielasek, Volkmar; Weaver, Jason F.; Bäumer, Marcus

    2015-01-01

    We investigated the adsorption and reaction of methanol on continuous and discontinuous films of samarium oxide (SmOx) grown on Pt(111) in ultrahigh vacuum. The methanol decomposition was studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), while structural changes of the oxide surface were monitored by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Methanol dehydrogenates to adsorbed methoxy species on both the continuous and discontinuous SmOx films, eventually leading to the desorption of CO and H2 which desorbs at temperatures in the range 400–600 K. Small quantities of CO2 are also detected mainly on as-prepared Sm2O3 thin films, but the production of CO2 is limited during repeated TPD runs. The discontinuous film exhibits the highest reactivity compared to the continuous film and the Pt(111) substrate. The reactivity of methanol on reduced and reoxidized films was also investigated, revealing how SmOx structures influence the chemical behavior. Over repeated TPD experiments, a SmOx structural/chemical equilibrium condition is found which can be approached either from oxidized or reduced films. We also observed hydrogen absence in TPD which indicates that hydrogen is stored either in SmOx films or as OH groups on the SmOx surfaces. PMID:28793562

  7. Complex thiolated mannose/quinone film modified on EQCM/Au electrode for recognizing specific carbohydrate-proteins.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Hongjuan; Yu, Junsheng; Jiang, Yadong; Zeng, Xiangqun

    2014-05-15

    A complex thiolated mannose (TM)/quinone functionalised polythiophene (QFPT) thin film was modified on EQCM/Au electrode for recognition of specific carbohydrate-proteins. Different lectins such as those from Sambucus nigra (elder berry), Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Ulex europaeus (gorse, furze), Triticum vulgaris and Concanavalin A (ConA) was used for probes to evaluate bio-sensing performance of the TM/QFPT film. A specific response was observed for ConA from lectins when using the TM/QFPT film as sensing material and employing either elelctrochemical or the QCM method. No response was detected between thiolated mannose and other lectins. The linear relationship between current and ConA concentration is in the range of 0.5-17.5 nM by the elelctrochemical method and the linear relationship between frequency change and ConA concentration is in the range of 0.5-4.5 nM by the QCM method. This shows that the TM/QFPT-modified EQCM biosensor presents a paralleled determination by using electrochemical and the QCM method. The elelctrochemical method of the biosensor can be applicable in a large concentration range and its frequency change can be more precise. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

  8. Trout skin gelatin-based edible film development.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dayeon; Min, Sea C

    2012-09-01

    Edible biopolymer films were developed from gelatin extracted from trout skin (TSG) using thermal protein denaturation conditions and plasticizer (glycerol) concentration as variables. The amino acid composition of the TSG, elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and the viscosity of film-forming solutions, and tensile properties, water vapor permeability, solubility in water, and color of TSG-based films were determined. A 6.8% (w/w, wet basis) trout skin-extracted gelatin solution containing 9, 17, or 23% (w/w, dry basis) glycerol was heated at 80, 90, or 100 °C for 30, 45, or 60 min to prepare a film-forming solution. TSG can be characterized as a gelatin containing high contents of methionine and aspartic acid. The gelation temperature of the film-forming solution was 7 °C and the solution was subjected to heating to form a stable matrix for a film. Increased heating time of the film-forming solution reduced the film solubility (P < 0.05). Heating at 90 °C for 30 min was suggested as the requirement for film formation. As the concentration of glycerol in the film increased, film strength and moisture barrier properties decreased, while film stretchability increased (P < 0.05). Trout skin by-products can be used as a natural protein source for fabricating biopolymer films stable at ambient conditions with certain physical and moisture barrier properties by controlling thermal treatment conditions and glycerol concentrations. The fishing industry produces a significant amount of waste, including fish skin, due to fish processing. Trout skin waste has potential value as a protein source that can be used to form biopolymer edible films for packaging low and intermediate water activity food products, and thus may have practical applications in the food industry, which could be one way to cut waste disposal in the trout processing industry. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

  9. Unraveling the charge transfer/electron transport in mesoporous semiconductive TiO2 films by voltabsorptometry.

    PubMed

    Renault, Christophe; Nicole, Lionel; Sanchez, Clément; Costentin, Cyrille; Balland, Véronique; Limoges, Benoît

    2015-04-28

    In this work, we demonstrate that chronoabsorptometry and more specifically cyclic voltabsorptometry are particularly well suited techniques for acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of electron transfer/charge transport within a transparent mesoporous semiconductive metal oxide film loaded with a redox-active dye. This is illustrated with the quantitative analysis of the spectroelectrochemical responses of two distinct heme-based redox probes adsorbed in highly-ordered mesoporous TiO2 thin films (prepared from evaporation-induced self-assembly, EISA). On the basis of a finite linear diffusion-reaction model as well as the establishment of the analytical expressions governing the limiting cases, it was possible to quantitatively analyse, predict and interpret the unusual voltabsorptometric responses of the adsorbed redox species as a function of the potential applied to the semiconductive film (i.e., as a function of the transition from an insulating to a conductive state or vice versa). In particular, we were able to accurately determine the interfacial charge transfer rates between the adsorbed redox species and the porous semiconductor. Another important and unexpected finding, inferred from the voltabsorptograms, is an interfacial electron transfer process predominantly governed by the extended conduction band states of the EISA TiO2 film and not by the localized traps in the bandgap. This is a significant result that contrasts those previously observed for dye-sensitized solar cells formed of randomly sintered TiO2 nanoparticles, a behaviour that was ascribed to a particularly low density of localized surface states in EISA TiO2. The present methodology also provides a unique and straightforward access to an activation-driving force relationship according to the Marcus theory, thus opening new opportunities not only to investigate the driving-force effects on electron recombination dynamics in dye-sensitized solar cells but also to study the

  10. Polymeric ionic liquid based on magnetic materials fabricated through layer-by-layer assembly as adsorbents for extraction of pesticides.

    PubMed

    He, Lijun; Cui, Wenhang; Wang, Yali; Zhao, Wenjie; Xiang, Guoqiang; Jiang, Xiuming; Mao, Pu; He, Juan; Zhang, Shusheng

    2017-11-03

    In this study, layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayer films on magnetic silica provided a convenient and controllable way to prepare polymeric ionic liquid-based magnetic adsorbents. The resulting particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The data showed that the magnetic particles had more homogeneous spherical shapes with higher saturation magnetization when compared to those obtained by free radical polymerization method. This facilitated the convenient collection of magnetic particles, with higher extraction repeatability. The extraction performance of the multilayer polymeric ionic liquid-based adsorbents was evaluated by magnetic solid-phase extraction of four pesticides including quinalphos, fenthion, phoxim, and chlorpropham. The data suggested that the extraction efficiency depended on the number of layers in the film. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized, and good linearity ranging from 2 to 250μgL -1 was obtained with correlation coefficients of 0.9994-0.9998. Moreover, the proposed method presented low limit of detection (0.5μgL -1 , S/N=3) and limit of quantification (1.5μgL -1 , S/N=10), and good repeatability expressed by the relative standard deviation (2.0%-4.6%, n=5). The extraction recoveries of four pesticides were found to range from 58.9% to 85.8%. The reliability of the proposed method was demonstrated by analyzing environmental water samples, and the results revealed satisfactory spiked recovery, relative standard deviation, and selectivity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Fabrication of nanometer- and micrometer-scale protein structures by site-specific immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins to aminosiloxane films with photoremovable protein-resistant protecting groups

    DOE PAGES

    Xia, Sijing; Cartron, Michael; Morby, James; ...

    2016-01-28

    The site-specific immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins to patterns formed by far-field and near-field exposure of films of aminosilanes with protein-resistant photolabile protecting groups is demonstrated. After deprotection of the aminosilane, either through a mask or using a scanning near-field optical microscope, the amine terminal groups are derivatized first with glutaraldehyde and then with N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl)iminodiacetic acid to yield a nitrilo-triacetic-acid-terminated surface. After complexation with Ni 2+, this surface binds histidine-tagged GFP and CpcA-PEB in a site-specific fashion. The chemistry is simple and reliable and leads to extensive surface functionalization. Bright fluorescence is observed in fluorescence microscopy images of micrometer- and nanometer-scalemore » patterns. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study quantitatively the efficiency of photodeprotection and the reactivity of the modified surfaces. The efficiency of the protein binding process is investigated quantitatively by ellipsometry and by fluorescence microscopy. We find that regions of the surface not exposed to UV light bind negligible amounts of His-tagged proteins, indicating that the oligo(ethylene glycol) adduct on the nitrophenyl protecting group confers excellent protein resistance; in contrast, exposed regions bind His-GFP very effectively, yielding strong fluorescence that is almost completely removed on treatment of the surface with imidazole, confirming a degree of site-specific binding in excess of 90%. As a result, this simple strategy offers a versatile generic route to the spatially selective site-specific immobilization of proteins at surfaces.« less

  12. Water-wettable polypropylene fibers by facile surface treatment based on soy proteins.

    PubMed

    Salas, Carlos; Genzer, Jan; Lucia, Lucian A; Hubbe, Martin A; Rojas, Orlando J

    2013-07-24

    Modification of the wetting behavior of hydrophobic surfaces is essential in a variety of materials, including textiles and membranes that require control of fluid interactions, adhesion, transport processes, sensing, etc. This investigation examines the enhancement of wettability of an important class of textile materials, viz., polypropylene (PP) fibers, by surface adsorption of different proteins from soybeans, including soy flour, isolate,glycinin, and β-conglycinin. Detailed investigations of soy adsorption from aqueous solution (pH 7.4, 25 °C) on polypropylene thin films is carried out using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). A significant amount of protein adsorbs onto the PP surfaces primarily due to hydrophobic interactions. We establish that adsorption of a cationic surfactant, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODA) onto PP surfaces prior to the protein deposition dramatically enhances its adsorption. The adsorption of proteins from native (PBS buffer, pH 7.4, 25 °C) and denatured conditions (PBS buffer, pH 7.4, 95 °C) onto DODA-treated PP leads to a high coverage of the proteins on the PP surface as confirmed by a significant improvement in water wettability. A shift in the contact angle from 128° to completely wettable surfaces (≈0°) is observed and confirmed by imaging experiments conducted with fluorescence tags. Furthermore, the results from wicking tests indicate that hydrophobic PP nonwovens absorb a significant amount of water after protein treatment, i.e., the PP-modified surfaces become completely hydrophilic.

  13. Adsorption enhancement of elemental mercury onto sulphur-functionalized silica gel adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Johari, Khairiraihanna; Saman, Norasikin; Mat, Hanapi

    2014-01-01

    In this study, elemental mercury (EM) adsorbents were synthesized using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane as silica precursors. The synthesized silica gel (SG)-TEOS was further functionalized through impregnation with elemental sulphur and carbon disulphide (CS2). The SG adsorbents were then characterized by using scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infra-red spectrophotometer, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and energy-dispersive X-ray diffractometer. The EM adsorption of the SG adsorbents was determined using fabricated fixed-bed adsorber. The EM adsorption results showed that the sulphur-functionalized SG adsorbents had a greater Hgo breakthrough adsorption capacity, confirming that the presence of sulphur in silica matrices can improve Hgo adsorption performance due to their high affinity towards mercury. The highest Hgo adsorption capacity was observed for SG-TEOS(CS2) (82.62 microg/g), which was approximately 2.9 times higher than SG-TEOS (28.47 microg/g). The rate of Hgo adsorption was observed higher for sulphur-impregnated adsorbents, and decreased with the increase in the bed temperatures.

  14. [Effects of various adsorbants on coagulation factors (author's transl)].

    PubMed

    Soulier, J P; Prou-Wartelle, O

    1975-01-01

    Adsorption of clotting factors by various adsorbants is studied (tricalcium phosphate, baryum sulfate or carbonate or citrate, calcium oxalate, aluminium hydroxyde and several silicate such as: kaolin, celite, bentonite, attapulgite, beidellite, asbestos). The main properties of each adsorbant are listed as well as several applications such as: selective adsorption of fibrinogen, separation between fibrinogen and factor VIII, separation of factor II from the other components of the prothrombin complex. Activation of factors XII and XI by the various silicates, as well as the activation of factor V by attapulgite are studied. Finally, the action of such adsorbants on the fibrinolytic system is summarized.

  15. Uptake of uranium from seawater by amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbent marine testing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tsouris, C.; Kim, J.; Oyola, Y.

    2013-07-01

    Amidoxime-based polymer adsorbents in the form of functionalized fibers were prepared at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and screened in laboratory experiments, in terms of uranium uptake capacity, using spiked uranium solution and seawater samples. Batch laboratory experiments conducted with 5-gallon seawater tanks provided equilibrium information. Based on results from 5-gallon experiments, the best adsorbent was selected for field-testing of uranium adsorption from seawater. Flow-through column tests have been performed at different marine sites to investigate the uranium uptake rate and equilibrium capacity under diverse biogeochemistry. The maximum amount of uranium uptake from seawater tests at Sequim, WA, wasmore » 3.3 mg U/g adsorbent after eight weeks of contact of the adsorbent with seawater. This amount was three times higher than the maximum adsorption capacity achieved in this study by a leading adsorbent developed by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), which was 1.1 mg U/g adsorbent at equilibrium. The initial uranium uptake rate of the ORNL adsorbent was 2.6 times higher than that of the JAEA adsorbent under similar conditions. A mathematical model derived from the mass balance of uranium was employed to describe the data. (authors)« less

  16. Normal and frictional interactions of purified human statherin adsorbed on molecularly-smooth solid substrata.

    PubMed

    Harvey, Neale M; Carpenter, Guy H; Proctor, Gordon B; Klein, Jacob

    2011-09-01

    Human salivary statherin was purified from parotid saliva and adsorbed to bare hydrophilic (HP) mica and STAI-coated hydrophobic (HB) mica in a series of Surface Force Balance experiments that measured the normal (F(n)) and friction forces (F(s)*) between statherin-coated mica substrata. Readings were taken both in the presence of statherin solution (HP and HB mica) and after rinsing (HP mica). F(n) measurements showed, for both substrata, monotonic steric repulsion that set on at a surface separation D ~20 nm, indicating an adsorbed layer whose unperturbed thickness was ca 10 nm. An additional longer-ranged repulsion, probably of electrostatic double-layer origin, was observed for rinsed surfaces under pure water. Under applied pressures of ~1 MPa, each surface layer was compressed to a thickness of ca 2 nm on both types of substratum, comparable with earlier estimates of the size of the statherin molecule. Friction measurements, in contrast with F(n) observations, were markedly different on the two different substrata: friction coefficients, μ ≡ ∂F(s)*/∂F(n), on the HB substratum (μ ≈ 0.88) were almost an order of magnitude higher than on the HP substratum (μ ≈ 0.09 and 0.12 for unrinsed and rinsed, respectively), and on the HB mica there was a lower dependence of friction on sliding speed than on the HP mica. The observations were attributed to statherin adsorbing to the mica in multimer aggregates, with internal re-arrangement of the protein molecules within the aggregate dependent on the substratum to which the aggregate adsorbed. This internal re-arrangement permitted aggregates to be of similar size on HP and HB mica but to have different internal molecular orientations, thus exposing different moieties to the solution in each case and accounting for the very different friction behaviour.

  17. Deformability of adsorbents during adsorption and principles of the thermodynamics of solid-phase systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tovbin, Yu. K.

    2017-09-01

    A microscopic theory of adsorption, based on a discrete continuum lattice gas model for noninert (including deformable) adsorbents that change their lattice parameters during adsorption, is presented. Cases of the complete and partial equilibrium states of the adsorbent are considered. In the former, the adsorbent consists of coexisting solid and vapor phases of adsorbent components, and the adsorbate is a mobile component of the vapor phase with an arbitrary density (up to that of the liquid adsorbate phase). The adsorptive transitioning to the bound state changes the state of the near-surface region of the adsorbent. In the latter, there are no equilibrium components of the adsorbent between the solid and vapor phases. The adsorbent state is shown to be determined by its prehistory, rather than set by chemical potentials of vapor of its components. Relations between the microscopic theory and thermodynamic interpretations are discussed: (1) adsorption on an open surface, (2) two-dimensional stratification of the adsorbate mobile phase on an open homogeneous surface, (3) small microcrystals in vacuum and the gas phase, and (4) adsorption in porous systems.

  18. Development of the Molecular Adsorber Coating for Spacecraft and Instrument Interiors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abraham, Nithin

    2011-01-01

    On-orbit Molecular Contamination occurs when materials outgas and deposit onto very sensitive interior surfaces of the spacecraft and instruments. The current solution, Molecular Adsorber Pucks, has disadvantages, which are reviewed. A new innovative solution, Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC), is currently being formulated, optimized, and tested. It is a sprayable alternative composed of Zeolite-based coating with adsorbing properties.

  19. Coverage-Dependent Anchoring of 4,4'-Biphenyl Dicarboxylic Acid to CoO(111) Thin Films.

    PubMed

    Mohr, Susanne; Schmitt, Tobias; Döpper, Tibor; Xiang, Feifei; Schwarz, Matthias; Görling, Andreas; Schneider, M Alexander; Libuda, Jörg

    2017-05-02

    We investigated the adsorption behavior of 4,4'-biphenhyl dicarboxylic acid (BDA) on well-ordered CoO(111) films grown on Ir(100) as a function of coverage and temperature using time-resolved and temperature-programmed infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (TR-IRAS, TP-IRAS) in combination with density functional theory (DFT) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. To compare the binding behavior of BDA as a function of the oxide film thickness, three different CoO(111) film thicknesses were explored: films of about 20 bilayers (BLs) (approximately 5 nm), 2 BLs, and 1 BL. The two carboxylic acid groups of BDA offer two potential anchoring points to the oxide surface. At 150 K, intact BDA adsorbs on 20 BL thick oxide films in planar geometry with the phenyl rings aligned parallel to the surface. With decreasing oxide film thickness, we observe an increasing tendency for deprotonation and the formation of flat-lying BDA molecules anchored as dicarboxylates. After saturation of the first monolayer, intact BDA multilayers grow with molecules aligned parallel to the surface. The BDA multilayer desorbs at around 360 K. Completely different growth behavior is observed if BDA is deposited above the multilayer desorption temperature. Initially, doubly deprotonated dicarboxylates are formed by adopting a flat-lying orientation. With increasing exposure, however, the adsorbate layer transforms into upright standing monocarboxylates. A sharp OH stretching band (3584 cm -1 ) and a blue-shifted CO stretching band (1759 cm -1 ) indicate weakly interacting apical carboxylic acid groups at the vacuum interface. The anchored monocarboxylate phase slowly desorbs in a temperature range of up to 470 K. At higher temperature, a flat-lying doubly deprotonated BDA is formed, which desorbs and decomposes in a temperature range of up to 600 K.

  20. Effect of adsorbed films on friction of Al2O3-metal systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pepper, S. V.

    1976-01-01

    The kinetic friction of polycrystalline Al2O3 sliding on Cu, Ni, and Fe in ultrahigh vacuum was studied as a function of the surface chemistry of the metal. Clean metal surfaces were exposed to O2, Cl2, C2H4, and C2H3Cl, and the change in friction due to the adsorbed species was observed. Auger electron spectroscopy assessed the elemental composition of the metal surface. It was found that the systems exposed to Cl2 exhibited low friction, interpreted as the van der Waals force between the Al2O3 and metal chloride. The generation of metal oxide by oxygen exposures resulted in an increase in friction, interpreted as due to strong interfacial bonds established by reaction of metal oxide with Al2O3 to form the complex oxide (spinel). The only effect of C2H4 was to increase the friction of the Fe system, but C2H3Cl exposures decreases friction in both Ni and Fe systems, indicating the dominance of the chlorine over the ethylene complex on the surface

  1. Investigations into Alternative Desorption Agents for Amidoxime-Based Polymeric Uranium Adsorbents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gill, Gary A.; Kuo, Li-Jung; Strivens, Jonathan E.

    2015-06-01

    Amidoxime-based polymeric braid adsorbents that can extract uranium (U) from seawater are being developed to provide a sustainable supply of fuel for nuclear reactors. A critical step in the development of the technology is to develop elution procedures to selectively remove U from the adsorbents and to do so in a manner that allows the adsorbent material to be reused. This study investigates use of high concentrations of bicarbonate along with targeted chelating agents as an alternative means to the mild acid elution procedures currently in use for selectively eluting uranium from amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents.

  2. Highly efficient non-biofouling coating of zwitterionic polymers: poly((3-(methacryloylamino)propyl)-dimethyl(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide).

    PubMed

    Cho, Woo Kyung; Kong, Bokyung; Choi, Insung S

    2007-05-08

    This work describes the formation of highly efficient non-biofouling polymeric thin films of poly((3-(methacryloylamino)propyl)-dimethyl(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide), (poly(MPDSAH)). The poly(MPDSAH) films were generated from the self-assembled monolayers terminating in an initiator of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) by the surface-initiated ATRP of MPDSAH. The poly(MPDSAH) films on a gold surface were characterized by ellipsometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, contact angle goniometery, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The copper complexes and unpolymerized monomers trapped inside the polymer brushes were completely washed out by soaking the poly(MPDSAH)-coated substrate in water at 40 degrees C for 4 days. The amount of proteins nonspecifically adsorbed onto the poly(MPDSAH) films was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy: the adsorption of proteins was <0.6 ng/cm(2) on the surfaces for all the model proteins. The ability of the poly(MPDSAH) films to resist the nonspecific adsorption of proteins was comparable to that of the best known systems.

  3. Spectroelectrochemical studies of hole percolation on functionalised nanocrystalline TiO2 films: a comparison of two different ruthenium complexes.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiaoe; Nazeeruddin, Mohammad K; Thelakkat, Mukundan; Barnes, Piers R F; Vilar, Ramón; Durrant, James R

    2011-01-28

    We report the application of spectroelectrochemical techniques to compare the hole percolation dynamics of molecular networks of two ruthenium bipyridyl complexes adsorbed onto mesoporous, nanocrystalline TiO(2) films. The percolation dynamics of the ruthenium complex cis-di(thiocyanato)(2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid)-(2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-tridecyl) ruthenium(II), N621, is compared with those observed for an analogous dye with an additional tri-phenyl amine (TPA) donor moiety, cis-di(thiocyanato)(2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid)-(2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-bis(vinyltriphenylamine)) ruthenium(II), HW456. The in situ oxidation of these ruthenium complexes adsorbed to the TiO(2) films is monitored by cyclic voltammetry and voltabsorptometry, whilst the dynamics of hole (cation) percolation between adsorbed ruthenium complexes is monitored by potentiometric spectroelectrochemistry and chronoabsorptometry. The hole diffusion coefficient, D(eff), is shown to be dependent on the dye loading on the nanocrystalline TiO(2) film, with a threshold observed at ∼60% monolayer surface coverage for both dyes. The hole diffusion coefficient of HW456 is estimated to be 2.6 × 10(-8) cm(2)/s, 20-fold higher than that obtained for the control N621, attributed to stronger electronic coupling between the TPA moieties of HW456 accelerating the hole percolation dynamics. The presence of mercuric ions, previously shown to bind to the thiocyanates of analogous ruthenium complexes, resulted in a quenching of the hole percolation for N621/TiO(2) films and an enhancement for HW456/TiO(2) films. These results strongly suggest that the hole percolation pathway is along the overlapped neighbouring -NCS groups for the N621 molecules, whereas in HW456 molecules cation percolation proceeds between intermolecular TPA ligands. These results are discussed in the context of their relevance to the process of dye regeneration in dye sensitised solar cells, and to the molecular wiring of wide

  4. Third Sound Generation in Superfluid 4He Films Adsorbed on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iaia, Vito; Menachekanian, Emin; Williams, Gary

    2014-03-01

    A technique is developed for generating third sound in superfluid 4He films coating the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes. Third sound is a thickness and temperature wave of the helium film, and in our case we detect the temperature oscillations with a carbon resistance bolometer. The nanotubes are packed in an annular resonator that is vibrated with a mechanical shaker assembly consisting of a permanent magnet mounted on springs, and surrounded by a superconducting coil. The coil is driven with an oscillating current, vibrating the cell at that frequency. Sweeping the drive frequency over the range 100-200 Hz excites the resonant third sound mode of the cell, seen as a high-Q signal in the FFT analysis of the bolometer signal. A problem with our original cell was that the mechanical drive would also shake the dilution refrigerator cooling the cell to low temperatures, and increasing the drive would start to heat up the refrigerator and the cell, which were rigidly coupled together. A new configuration now suspends the cell as a pendulum on a string, with thermal contact made by copper wires. Piezo sensor measurements show this reduces the vibration reaching the refrigerator by two orders of magnitude, which should allow measurements at lower temperatures.

  5. Voltammetric studies of hemoglobin-coated polystyrene latex bead films on pyrolytic graphite electrodes.

    PubMed

    Sun, Hong; Hu, Naifei

    2004-08-01

    A novel hemoglobin (Hb)-coated polystyrene (PS) latex bead film was deposited on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrode surface. In the first step, positively charged Hb molecules in pH 5.0 buffers were adsorbed on the surface of negatively charged, 500 nm diameter PS latex beads bearing sulfate groups by electrostatic interaction. The aqueous dispersion of Hb-coated PS particles was then deposited on the surface of PG electrodes and, after evaporation of the solvent, Hb-PS films were formed. The Hb-PS film electrodes exhibited a pair of well-defined, quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric (CV) peaks at about -0.36 V vs. SCE in pH 7.0 buffers, characteristic of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. Positions of Soret absorption band of Hb-PS films suggest that Hb retains its near-native structure in the films in its dry form and in solution at medium pH. The Hb in PS films was also acted as a catalyst to catalyze electrochemical reduction of various substrates such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), nitrite, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

  6. Bare and protected sputtered-noble-metal films for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Talaga, David; Bonhommeau, Sébastien

    2014-11-01

    Sputtered silver and gold films with different surface morphologies have been prepared and coated with a benzenethiol self-assembled monolayer. Rough noble metal films showed strong Raman features assigned to adsorbed benzenethiol molecules upon irradiation over a wide energy range in the visible spectrum, which disclosed the occurrence of a significant surface-enhanced Raman scattering with maximal enhancement factors as high as 6 × 106. In addition, the adsorption of ethanethiol onto silver surfaces hinders their corrosion over days while preserving mostly intact enhancement properties of naked silver. This study may be applied to develop stable and efficient metalized probes for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

  7. Thin Film Coating with Highly Dispersible Barium Titanate-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Li, Jinhui; Inukai, Koji; Takahashi, Yosuke; Tsuruta, Akihiro; Shin, Woosuck

    2018-05-01

    Thin BaTiO₃ (BT) coating layers are required in various multilayer ceramic technologies, and fine nanosized BT particles with good dispersion in solution are essential for this coating process. In this work, cubic and tetragonal phase monodispersed BT nanoparticles—which were referred to as LBT and HBT-PVP coated on their surface by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer—were prepared by low temperature synthesis (LTS) and hydrothermal method (HT) at 80 and 230 °C, respectively. They were applied for the thin film coating on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Si wafer substrates by a simple bar coating. The thickness of BT, LBT-PVP, and HBT-PVP films prepared by their 5 wt % coating agent on Si are around 268, 308, and 263 nm, and their surface roughness are 104.6, 91.6, and 56.1 nm, respectively. The optical transmittance of BT, LBT-PVP, and HBT-PVP films on PET are 55, 66, and 73% at 550 nm wavelength and the haze values are 34.89, 24.70, and 20.53% respectively. The mechanism of dispersant adsorbed on the BT surface for densification of thin film during the drying process of the film was discussed.

  8. Thin Film Coating with Highly Dispersible Barium Titanate-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Li, Jinhui; Inukai, Koji; Takahashi, Yosuke; Tsuruta, Akihiro; Shin, Woosuck

    2018-01-01

    Thin BaTiO3 (BT) coating layers are required in various multilayer ceramic technologies, and fine nanosized BT particles with good dispersion in solution are essential for this coating process. In this work, cubic and tetragonal phase monodispersed BT nanoparticles—which were referred to as LBT and HBT-PVP coated on their surface by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer—were prepared by low temperature synthesis (LTS) and hydrothermal method (HT) at 80 and 230 °C, respectively. They were applied for the thin film coating on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Si wafer substrates by a simple bar coating. The thickness of BT, LBT-PVP, and HBT-PVP films prepared by their 5 wt % coating agent on Si are around 268, 308, and 263 nm, and their surface roughness are 104.6, 91.6, and 56.1 nm, respectively. The optical transmittance of BT, LBT-PVP, and HBT-PVP films on PET are 55, 66, and 73% at 550 nm wavelength and the haze values are 34.89, 24.70, and 20.53% respectively. The mechanism of dispersant adsorbed on the BT surface for densification of thin film during the drying process of the film was discussed. PMID:29724007

  9. Nanoclay-Based Solid-Amine Adsorbents for Carbon Dioxide Capture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roth, Elliot A.

    The objective of this research was to develop an efficient, low cost, recyclable solid sorbent for carbon dioxide adsorption from large point sources, such as coal-fired power plants. The current commercial way to adsorb CO 2 is to use a liquid amine or ammonia process. These processes are used in industry in the "sweetening" of natural gas, but liquid based technologies are not economically viable in the adsorption of CO2 from power plants due to the extremely large volume of CO2 and the inherent high regeneration costs of cycling the sorbent. Therefore, one of the main objectives of this research was to develop a novel sorbent that can be cycled and uses very little energy for regeneration. The sorbent developed here is composed of a nanoclay (montmorillonite), commonly used in the production of polymer nanocomposites, grafted with commercially available amines. (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) was chemically grafted to the edge hydroxyl groups of the clay. While another amine, polyethylenimine (PEI), was attached to the surface of the clay by electrostatic interactions. To confirm the attachment of amines to the clay, the samples were characterized using FTIR and the corresponding peaks for amines were observed. The amount of amine loaded onto the support was determined by TGA techniques. The treated clay was initially analyzed for CO2 adsorption in a pure CO 2 stream. The adsorption temperatures that had the highest adsorption capacity were determined to be between 75°C and 100°C for all of the samples tested at atmospheric pressure. The maximum CO2 adsorption capacity observed was with nanoclay treated with both APTMS and PEI at 85°C. In a more realistic flue gas of 10% CO2 and 90% N2, the adsorbents had essentially the same overall CO2 adsorption capacity indicating that the presence of nitrogen did not hinder the adsorption of CO2. Adsorption studies in pure CO2 at room temperature under pressure from 40-300 PSI were also conducted. The average

  10. Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of Immunoglobulin G on a mixed-mode adsorbent in batch and packed bed configuration.

    PubMed

    Gomes, Pedro Ferreira; Loureiro, José Miguel; Rodrigues, Alírio E

    2017-11-17

    It is commonly accepted that efficient protein separation and purification to the desired level of purity is one bottleneck in pharmaceutical industries. MabDirect MM is a new type of mixed mode adsorbent, especially designed to operate in expanded bed adsorption (EBA) mode. In this study, equilibrium and kinetics experiments were carried out for the adsorption of Human Immunoglobulin G (hIgG) protein on this new adsorbent. The effects of ionic strength and pH are assessed. Langmuir isotherms parameters are obtained along with the estimation of the effective pore diffusion coefficient (D pe ) by fitting the batch adsorption kinetics experiments with the pore diffusion model. The maximum adsorption of the IgG protein on the MabDirect MM adsorbent, 149.7±7.1mg·g dry -1 , was observed from a pH 5.0 buffer solution without salt addition. Adding salt to the buffer solution, and/or increasing pH, decreases the adsorption capacity which is 4.7±0.4mg·g dry -1 for pH 7.0 with 0.4M NaCl in solution. Regarding the D pe estimation, a value of 15.4×10 -6 cm 2 ·min -1 was obtained for a pH 5.0 solution without salt. Increasing the salt concentration and/or the pH value will decrease the effective pore diffusion, the lowest D pe (0.16×10 -6 cm 2 ·min -1 ) value being observed for an IgG solution at pH 7.0 with 0.4M NaCl. Fixed bed experiments were conducted with the purpose to validate the equilibrium and kinetic parameters obtained in batch. For a feed concentration of 0.5 g·L -1 of IgG in pH 5.0 buffer solution with 0.4M NaCl, a dynamic binding capacity at 10% of breakthrough of 5.3mg·g wet -1 (15.4mg IgG ·mL resin -1 ) was obtained, representing 62% of the saturation capacity. As far as the authors know, this study is the first one concerning the adsorption of hIgG on this type of mixed mode chromatography adsorbent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Differential capacity of kaolinite and birnessite to protect surface associated proteins against thermal degradation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chacon, Stephany S.; Garcia-Jaramillo, Manuel; Liu, Suet Yi

    2018-02-28

    We report it is widely accepted that soil organic carbon cycling depends on the presence and catalytic functionality of extracellular enzymes. Recent reports suggest that combusted and autoclaved soils may have the capacity to degrade organic test substrates to a larger extent than the living, enzyme-bearing soils. In search of the underlying mechanisms, we adsorbed Beta-Glucosidase (BG) and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) on the phyllosilicate kaolinite and the manganese oxide birnessite at pH 5 and pH 7. The protein-mineral samples were then subjected to gradual energy inputs of a magnitude equivalent to naturally occurring wildfire events. The abundance and molecularmore » masses of desorbed organic compounds were recorded after ionization with tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet radiation (VUV). The mechanisms controlling the fate of proteins varied with mineralogy. Kaolinite adsorbed protein largely through hydrophobic interactions and, even at large energy inputs, produced negligible amounts of desorption fragments compared to birnessite. Acid birnessite adsorbed protein through coulombic forces at low energy levels, became a hydrolyzing catalyst at low energies and low pH, and eventually turned into a reactant involving disintegration of both mineral and protein at higher energy inputs. Fragmentation of proteins was energy dependent and did not occur below an energy threshold of 0.20 MW cm -2 . Neither signal abundance nor signal intensity were a function of protein size. Above the energy threshold value, BG that had been adsorbed to birnessite at pH 7 showed an increase in signal abundance with increasing energy applications. Signal intensities differed with adsorption pH for BSA but only at the highest energy level applied. Our results indicate that proteins adsorbed to kaolinite may remain intact after exposure to such energy inputs as can be expected to occur in natural ecosystems. Protein fragmentation and concomitant loss of functionality must be

  12. Protein adsorption on tailored substrates: long-range forces and conformational changes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bellion, M.; Santen, L.; Mantz, H.; Hähl, H.; Quinn, A.; Nagel, A.; Gilow, C.; Weitenberg, C.; Schmitt, Y.; Jacobs, K.

    2008-10-01

    Adsorption of proteins onto solid surfaces is an everyday phenomenon that is not yet fully understood. To further the current understanding, we have performed in situ ellipsometry studies to reveal the adsorption kinetics of three different proteins, lysozyme, α-amylase and bovine serum albumin. As substrates we offer Si wafers with a controlled Si oxide layer thickness and a hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface functionalization, allowing the tailoring of the influence of short- and long-range interactions. Our studies show that not only the surface chemistry determines the properties of an adsorbed protein layer but also the van der Waals contributions of a composite substrate. We compare the experimental findings to results of a colloidal Monte Carlo approach that includes conformational changes of the adsorbed proteins induced by density fluctuations.

  13. PERVAPORATION USING ADSORBENT-FILLED MEMBRANES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Membranes containing selective fillers, such as zeolites and activated carbon, can improve the separation by pervaporation. Applications of adsorbent-filled membranes in pervaporation have been demonstrated by a number of studies. These applications include removal of organic co...

  14. Sorption of lead from aqueous solution by chemically modified carbon adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Nadeem, Muhammad; Mahmood, A; Shahid, S A; Shah, S S; Khalid, A M; McKay, G

    2006-12-01

    An indigenously prepared, steam activated and chemically modified carbon from husk and pods of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), an agricultural waste, was comparatively examined as an adsorbent for the removal of lead from aqueous solutions. Studies were conducted as a function of contact time, initial metal concentration, dose of adsorbent, agitation speed, particle size and pH. Maximum uptake capacities were found to be, 98.89, 96.58, 91.8, 88.63, 79.43% for cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), phosphoric, sulfuric, hydrochloric acid treated and untreated carbon adsorbents, respectively. Bangham, pseudo-first- and second-order, intra-particle diffusion equations were implemented to express the sorption mechanism by utilized adsorbents. Adsorption rate of lead ions was found to be considerably faster for chemically modified adsorbents than unmodified. The results of adsorption were fitted to both the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Satisfactory agreement between the metal uptake capacities by the adsorbents at different time intervals was expressed by the correlation coefficient (R(2)). The Langmuir model represented the sorption process better than the Freundlich one, with R(2) values ranging from 0.994 to 0.998.

  15. Synergistic effects of fibronectin and bone morphogenetic protein on the bioactivity of titanium metal.

    PubMed

    Biao, M N; Chen, Y M; Xiong, S B; Wu, B Y; Yang, B C

    2017-09-01

    To improve the biological properties of bioactive titanium metal, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2(rhBMP-2) and fibronectin (Fn) were adsorbed on its surface solely or contiguously to modify the anodic oxidized titanium (AO-Ti), acid-alkali-treated titanium (AA-Ti), and polished titanium (P-Ti). It is found that the different bioactive titanium surface structures had great influence on protein adsorption. The adsorption amounts of BMP adsorbed solely and Fn/BMP adsorbed contiguously were AA-Ti > P-Ti > AO-Ti, and that for Fn adsorbed solely was AA-Ti ≈ P-Ti > AO-Ti. The conformation of proteins was changed remarkably after the adsorption. For BMP, the α-helix decreased on AA-Ti and stabilized on P-Ti and AO-Ti. For Fn, the β-sheet on PT-Ti and AA-Ti increased significantly. For Fn/BMP, the percentage of β-sheet on AA-Ti increased, and that of α-helix on all samples was stable. MSCs showed greater adhesion and spreading on Fn/BMP groups. MTT and Elisa tests showed that the synergistic effects of proteins made the cells proliferate and differentiate faster. It indicated both the surface structure and the synergistic effects of proteins could influence the biological properties of titanium metals. It provides research foundation for improving the biological properties of bioactive titanium metals by simultaneous application of several proteins. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2485-2498, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Water-based preparation of spider silk films as drug delivery matrices.

    PubMed

    Agostini, Elisa; Winter, Gerhard; Engert, Julia

    2015-09-10

    The main focus of this work was to obtain a drug delivery matrix characterized by biocompatibility, water insolubility and good mechanical properties. Moreover the preparation process has to be compatible with protein encapsulation and the obtained matrix should be able to sustain release a model protein. Spider silk proteins represent exceptional natural polymers due to their mechanical properties in combination with biocompatibility. As both hydrophobic and slowly biodegrading biopolymers, recombinant spider silk proteins fulfill the required properties for a drug delivery system. In this work, we present the preparation of eADF4(C16) films as drug delivery matrices without the use of any organic solvent. Water-based spider silk films were characterized in terms of protein secondary structure, thermal stability, zeta-potential, solubility, mechanical properties, and water absorption and desorption. Additionally, this study includes an evaluation of their application as a drug delivery system for both small molecular weight drugs and high molecular weight molecules such as proteins. Our investigation focused on possible improvements in the film's mechanical properties including plasticizers in the film matrix. Furthermore, different film designs were prepared, such as: monolayer, coated monolayer, multilayer (sandwich), and coated multilayer. The release of the model protein BSA from these new systems was studied. Results indicated that spider silk films are a promising protein drug delivery matrix, capable of releasing the model protein over 90 days with a release profile close to zero order kinetic. Such films could be used for several pharmaceutical and medical purposes, especially when mechanical strength of a drug eluting matrix is of high importance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Three-dimensionally porous graphene: A high-performance adsorbent for removal of albumin-bonded bilirubin.

    PubMed

    Ma, Chun Fang; Gao, Qiang; Xia, Kai Sheng; Huang, Zhi Yuan; Han, Bo; Zhou, Cheng Gang

    2017-01-01

    The development of bilirubin adsorbents with high adsorption efficiencies towards albumin-bonded bilirubin is still a considerable challenge. In this work, a three-dimensionally porous graphene (3D-pGR) has been fabricated through a simple carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) activation of thermally exfoliated graphite oxide (EGO). Intriguingly, the resultant 3D-pGR material showed hierarchically micro-meso-macroporous structure, high specific surface area of up to 843m 2 g -1 , and large pore volume as high as 2.71cm 3 g -1 . Besides, the large planar π-configuration structure of 3D-pGR made it possible to compete effectively with albumin for bilirubin binding. Taking advantages of these fantastic characteristics, the 3D-pGR was demonstrated to be extraordinarily efficient for bilirubin removal from a bovine serum albumin (BSA)-rich solution. Under optimized conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity of 3D-pGR for BSA-bonded bilirubin was up to 126.1mgg -1 , which is not only significantly higher than the adsorption capacities of currently available adsorbents towards albumin-bonded bilirubin, but also superior to those of many reported adsorbents towards free bilirubin. In addition, the hemolysis assay of 3D-pGR indicated that this material had negligible hemolysis effect. Findings from this study may open up important new possibilities for removal of protein-bonded toxins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Epithelial cell morphology and adhesion on diamond films deposited and chemically modified by plasma processes.

    PubMed

    Rezek, Bohuslav; Ukraintsev, Egor; Krátká, Marie; Taylor, Andrew; Fendrych, Frantisek; Mandys, Vaclav

    2014-09-01

    The authors show that nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films prepared by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition apparatus with a linear antenna delivery system are well compatible with epithelial cells (5637 human bladder carcinoma) and significantly improve the cell adhesion compared to reference glass substrates. This is attributed to better adhesion of adsorbed layers to diamond as observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) beneath the cells. Moreover, the cell morphology can be adjusted by appropriate surface treatment of diamond by using hydrogen and oxygen plasma. Cell bodies, cytoplasmic rims, and filopodia were characterized by Peakforce AFM. Oxidized NCD films perform better than other substrates under all conditions (96% of cells adhered well). A thin adsorbed layer formed from culture medium and supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) covered the diamond surface and played an important role in the cell adhesion. Nevertheless, 50-100 nm large aggregates formed from the RPMI medium without FBS facilitated cell adhesion also on hydrophobic hydrogenated NCD (increase from 23% to 61%). The authors discuss applicability for biomedical uses.

  19. Label-free optical detection of C-reactive protein by nanoimprint lithography-based 2D-photonic crystal film.

    PubMed

    Endo, Tatsuro; Kajita, Hiroshi; Kawaguchi, Yukio; Kosaka, Terumasa; Himi, Toshiyuki

    2016-06-01

    The development of high-sensitive, and cost-effective novel biosensors have been strongly desired for future medical diagnostics. To develop novel biosensor, the authors focused on the specific optical characteristics of photonic crystal. In this study, a label-free optical biosensor, polymer-based two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D-PhC) film fabricated using nanoimprint lithography (NIL), was developed for detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) in human serum. The nano-hole array constructed NIL-based 2D-PhC (hole diameter: 230 nm, distance: 230, depth: 200 nm) was fabricated on a cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) film (100 µm) using thermal NIL and required surface modifications to reduce nonspecific adsorption of target proteins. Antigen-antibody reactions on the NIL-based 2D-PhC caused changes to the surrounding refractive index, which was monitored as reflection spectrum changes in the visible region. By using surface modified 2D-PhC, the calculated detection limit for CRP was 12.24 pg/mL at an extremely short reaction time (5 min) without the need for additional labeling procedures and secondary antibody. Furthermore, using the dual-functional random copolymer, CRP could be detected in a pooled blood serum diluted 100× with dramatic reduction of nonspecific adsorption. From these results, the NIL-based 2D-PhC film has great potential for development of an on-site, high-sensitivity, cost-effective, label-free biosensor for medical diagnostics applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. A stochastic model of solid state thin film deposition: Application to chalcopyrite growth

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lovelett, Robert J.; Pang, Xueqi; Roberts, Tyler M.

    Developing high fidelity quantitative models of solid state reaction systems can be challenging, especially in deposition systems where, in addition to the multiple competing processes occurring simultaneously, the solid interacts with its atmosphere. In this work, we develop a model for the growth of a thin solid film where species from the atmosphere adsorb, diffuse, and react with the film. The model is mesoscale and describes an entire film with thickness on the order of microns. Because it is stochastic, the model allows us to examine inhomogeneities and agglomerations that would be impossible to characterize with deterministic methods. We demonstratemore » the modeling approach with the example of chalcopyrite Cu(InGa)(SeS){sub 2} thin film growth via precursor reaction, which is a common industrial method for fabricating thin film photovoltaic modules. The model is used to understand how and why through-film variation in the composition of Cu(InGa)(SeS){sub 2} thin films arises and persists. We believe that the model will be valuable as an effective quantitative description of many other materials systems used in semiconductors, energy storage, and other fast-growing industries.« less

  1. A stochastic model of solid state thin film deposition: Application to chalcopyrite growth

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lovelett, Robert J.; Pang, Xueqi; Roberts, Tyler M.

    Developing high fidelity quantitative models of solid state reaction systems can be challenging, especially in deposition systems where, in addition to the multiple competing processes occurring simultaneously, the solid interacts with its atmosphere. Here, we develop a model for the growth of a thin solid film where species from the atmosphere adsorb, diffuse, and react with the film. The model is mesoscale and describes an entire film with thickness on the order of microns. Because it is stochastic, the model allows us to examine inhomogeneities and agglomerations that would be impossible to characterize with deterministic methods. We also demonstrate themore » modeling approach with the example of chalcopyrite Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 thin film growth via precursor reaction, which is a common industrial method for fabricating thin film photovoltaic modules. The model is used to understand how and why through-film variation in the composition of Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 thin films arises and persists. Finally, we believe that the model will be valuable as an effective quantitative description of many other materials systems used in semiconductors, energy storage, and other fast-growing industries.« less

  2. A stochastic model of solid state thin film deposition: Application to chalcopyrite growth

    DOE PAGES

    Lovelett, Robert J.; Pang, Xueqi; Roberts, Tyler M.; ...

    2016-04-01

    Developing high fidelity quantitative models of solid state reaction systems can be challenging, especially in deposition systems where, in addition to the multiple competing processes occurring simultaneously, the solid interacts with its atmosphere. Here, we develop a model for the growth of a thin solid film where species from the atmosphere adsorb, diffuse, and react with the film. The model is mesoscale and describes an entire film with thickness on the order of microns. Because it is stochastic, the model allows us to examine inhomogeneities and agglomerations that would be impossible to characterize with deterministic methods. We also demonstrate themore » modeling approach with the example of chalcopyrite Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 thin film growth via precursor reaction, which is a common industrial method for fabricating thin film photovoltaic modules. The model is used to understand how and why through-film variation in the composition of Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 thin films arises and persists. Finally, we believe that the model will be valuable as an effective quantitative description of many other materials systems used in semiconductors, energy storage, and other fast-growing industries.« less

  3. Application of low-cost adsorbents for dye removal--a review.

    PubMed

    Gupta, V K; Suhas

    2009-06-01

    Dyes are an important class of pollutants, and can even be identified by the human eye. Disposal of dyes in precious water resources must be avoided, however, and for that various treatment technologies are in use. Among various methods adsorption occupies a prominent place in dye removal. The growing demand for efficient and low-cost treatment methods and the importance of adsorption has given rise to low-cost alternative adsorbents (LCAs). This review highlights and provides an overview of these LCAs comprising natural, industrial as well as synthetic materials/wastes and their application for dyes removal. In addition, various other methods used for dye removal from water and wastewater are also complied in brief. From a comprehensive literature review, it was found that some LCAs, in addition to having wide availability, have fast kinetics and appreciable adsorption capacities too. Advantages and disadvantages of adsorbents, favourable conditions for particular adsorbate-adsorbent systems, and adsorption capacities of various low-cost adsorbents and commercial activated carbons as available in the literature are presented. Conclusions have been drawn from the literature reviewed, and suggestions for future research are proposed.

  4. Preparation and characterization of a novel adsorbent from Moringa oleifera leaf

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bello, Olugbenga Solomon; Adegoke, Kayode Adesina; Akinyunni, Opeyemi Omowumi

    2017-06-01

    A new and novel adsorbent was obtained by impregnation of Moringa oleifera leaf in H2SO4 and NaOH, respectively. Prepared adsorbents were characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR, SEM, TGA and EDX analyses, respectively. The effects of operational parameters, such as pH, moisture content, ash content, porosity and iodine number on these adsorbents were investigated and compared with those of commercial activated carbon (CAC). EDX results of acid activated M. oleifera leaf have the highest percentage of carbon by weight (69.40 %) and (76.11 %) by atom, respectively. Proximate analysis showed that the fixed carbon content of acid activated M. oleifera leaf (69.14 ± 0.01) was the highest of all adsorbents studied. Conclusively, the present investigation shows that acid activated M. oleifera leaf is a good alternative adsorbent that could be used in lieu of CAC for recovery of dyes and heavy metal from aqueous solutions and other separation techniques.

  5. High enzymatic activity preservation with carbon nanotubes incorporated in urease-lipid hybrid Langmuir-Blodgett films.

    PubMed

    Caseli, Luciano; Siqueira, José Roberto

    2012-03-27

    The search for optimized architectures, such as thin films, for the production of biosensors has been challenged in recent decades, and thus, the understanding of molecular interactions that occur at interfaces is essential to improve the construction of nanostructured devices. In this study, we investigated the possibility of using carbon nanotubes in hybrid Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of lipids and urease to improve the catalytic performance of the immobilized enzyme. The molecular interactions were first investigated at the air-water interface with the enzyme adsorbed from the aqueous subphase onto Langmuir monolayers of dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA). The transfer to solid supports as LB films and the subsequent incorporation of carbon nanotubes in the hybrid film permitted us to evaluate how these nanomaterials changed the physical properties of the ultrathin film. Colorimetric measurments indicated that the presence of nanotubes preserved and enhanced the enzyme activity of the film, even after 1 month. These results show that the use of such hybrid films is promising for the development of biosensors with an optimized performance. © 2012 American Chemical Society

  6. Adsorption induced enzyme denaturation: the role of protein surface in adsorption induced protein denaturation on allyl glycidyl ether (AGE)-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) copolymers.

    PubMed

    Thudi, Lahari; Jasti, Lakshmi S; Swarnalatha, Y; Fadnavis, Nitin W; Mulani, Khudbudin; Deokar, Sarika; Ponrathnam, Surendra

    2012-02-01

    The effects of protein size on adsorption and adsorption-induced denaturation of proteins on copolymers of allyl glycidyl ether (AGE)-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) have been studied. Different responses were observed for the amount of protein adsorbed and denatured on the polymer surface for different proteins (trypsin, alchol dehydrogenase from baker's yeast (YADH), glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) from Gluconobacter cerinus, and alkaline phosphates from calf intestinal mucosa (CIAP). Protein adsorption on the copolymer with 25% crosslink density (AGE-25) was dependent not only on the size of the protein but also on the presence of glycoside residues on the protein surface. Adsorption and denaturation of proteins follows the order YADH>trypsin>GDH>CIAP although the molecular weights of the proteins follow the order YADH>CIAP>GDH>trypsin. The lack of correlation between amount of adsorbed protein and its molecular weight was due to the presence of glycoside residues on CIAP and GDH which protect the enzyme surface from denaturation. Enzyme stabilities in aqueous solutions of 1-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidinone (CHP) correlate well with the trend in denaturation by the copolymer, strongly suggesting that hydrophobic interactions play a major role in protein binding and the mechanism of protein denaturation is similar to that for water-miscible organic solvents. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. An innovative zinc oxide-coated zeolite adsorbent for removal of humic acid

    EPA Science Inventory

    Zinc oxide (ZnO)-coated zeolite adsorbents were developed by both nitric acid modification and Zn(NO3)2•6H2O functionalization of zeolite. The developed adsorbents were used for the removal of humic acid (HA) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbents at 21...

  8. Unusual Entropy of Adsorbed Methane on Zeolite-Templated Carbon

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stadie, Nicholas P.; Murialdo, Maxwell; Ahn, Channing C.

    2015-11-25

    Methane adsorption at high pressures and across a wide range of temperatures was investigated on the surface of three porous carbon adsorbents with complementary structural properties. The measured adsorption equilibria were analyzed using a method that can accurately account for nonideal fluid properties and distinguish between absolute and excess quantities of adsorption, and that also allows the direct calculation of the thermodynamic potentials relevant to adsorption. On zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC), a material that exhibits extremely high surface area with optimal pore size and homogeneous structure, methane adsorption occurs with unusual thermodynamic properties that are greatly beneficial for deliverable gas storage:more » an enthalpy of adsorption that increases with site occupancy, and an unusually low entropy of the adsorbed phase. The origin of these properties is elucidated by comparison of the experimental results with a statistical mechanical model. The results indicate that temperature-dependent clustering (i.e., reduced configurations) of the adsorbed phase due to enhanced lateral interactions can account for the peculiarities of methane adsorbed on ZTC.« less

  9. Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films

    PubMed Central

    Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

    2017-01-01

    The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from −1.62 GPa to −0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption. PMID:28233827

  10. Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

    2017-02-01

    The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from -1.62 GPa to -0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption.

  11. Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films.

    PubMed

    Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

    2017-02-24

    The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from -1.62 GPa to -0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption.

  12. The Role of Protein-Mineral Interactions for Protein Adsorption or Fragmentation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chacon, S. S.; Reardon, P.; Washton, N.; Kleber, M.

    2014-12-01

    Soil exo-enzymes (EE) are proteins with the capability to catalyze the depolymerization of soil organic matter (SOM). SOM must be disassembled by EEs in order to be transported through the microbial cell wall and become metabolized. One factor determining an EE's functionality is their affinity to mineral surfaces found in the soil. Our goal was to establish the range of protein modifications, either chemical or structural, as the protein becomes associated with mineral surfaces. We hypothesized that pedogenic oxides would generate more extensive chemical alterations to the protein structure than phyllosilicates. A well-characterized protein proxy (Gb1, IEP 4.0, 6.2 kDA) was adsorbed onto functionally different mineral surfaces (goethite, montmorillonite, kaolinite and birnesite) at pH 5 and pH 7. We used 1H 15N Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (HSQC NMR) to observe structural modifications in the unadsorbed Gb1 that was allowed to equilibrate during the adsorption process for kaolinite, goethite and birnessite. Solid state NMR was used to observe the structural modifications of Gb1 while adsorbed onto kaolinite and montmorillonite. Preliminary results in the HSQC NMR spectra observed no changes in the native conformation of Gb1 when allowed to interact with goethite and kaolinite while birnessite induced strong structural modification of Gb1 at an acidic pH. Our results suggest that not all mineral surfaces in soil act as sorbents for EEs and changes in their catalytic activity upon adsorption to minerals surfaces may not just be an indication of conformational changes but of fragmentation of the protein itself.

  13. Simulations of noble gases adsorbed on graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maiga, Sidi; Gatica, Silvina

    2014-03-01

    We present results of Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations of adsorption of Kr, Ar and Xe on a suspended graphene sheet. We compute the adsorbate-adsorbate interaction by a Lennard-Jones potential. We adopt a hybrid model for the graphene-adsorbate force; in the hybrid model, the potential interaction with the nearest carbon atoms (within a distance rnn) is computed with an atomistic pair potential Ua; for the atoms at r>rnn, we compute the interaction energy as a continuous integration over a carbon uniform sheet with the density of graphene. For the atomistic potential Ua, we assume the anisotropic LJ potential adapted from the graphite-He interaction proposed by Cole et.al. This interaction includes the anisotropy of the C atoms on graphene, which originates in the anisotropic π-bonds. The adsorption isotherms, energy and structure of the layer are obtained and compared with experimental results. We also compare with the adsorption on graphite and carbon nanotubes. This research was supported by NSF/PRDM (Howard University) and NSF (DMR 1006010).

  14. Using an Engineered Protein Model to Constrain Protein-Mineral Interactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chacon, S. S.; Reardon, P. N.; Washton, N.; Kleber, M.

    2015-12-01

    Exoenzymes are proteins that can catalyze the depolymerization of soil organic matter (SOM). Proteins can also be an important source of organic N for microorganisms, but must be fragmented into small peptides in order to be transported through their membranes. An exoenzyme's affinity to mineral surfaces found in soil affects their capacity to degrade SOM or other proteins. Our goal was to determine the range of modifications on proteins when they interact with a mineral surface. We hypothesized that pedogenic oxides would fragment or promote greater chemical modifications to a protein than phyllosilicates. A well-characterized protein proxy (Gb1, IEP 4.0, 6.2 kDA) was adsorbed onto functionally different mineral surfaces (goethite, montmorillonite, kaolinite and birnesite) at pH 5 and pH 7. We then generated three engineered proxies of Gb1 by inserting either negatively charged, positively charged or aromatic amino acids into the second loop. We used liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) and solution-state Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence Spectroscopy Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HSQC NMR) to observe modifications to Gb1 that was allowed to equilibrate during the adsorption process for kaolinite, goethite, birnessite, and montmorillonite. We also used Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM) to determine which surface archetypes Gb1 preferentially adsorbed to as a function of the mineral type. The three engineered proxies were used to determine how variation of the amino acid sequence affects a protein interaction with a mineral surface. Preliminary results in the LC-MS/MS indicate that birnessite hydrolytically fragments Gb1 into polypeptides. Our results suggest that not all mineral surfaces in soil may act as sorbents for EEs and that chemical modification of their structure should also be considered as an explanation for decrease in EE activity. Our results also indicate an abiotic pathway for the turnover of proteins, although its relative

  15. Development of porous structured polyvinyl alcohol/zeolite/carbon composites as adsorbent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laksmono, J. A.; Sudibandriyo, M.; Saputra, A. H.; Haryono, A.

    2017-05-01

    Adsorption is a separation process that has higher energy efficiency than others. Analyzing the nature of the adsorbate and the selection of suitable adsorbent are key success in adsorption. The performance of the adsorbent can be modified either physically or chemically to obtain the efficiency and effectiveness of the adsorption, this can be facilitated by using a composite adsorbent. In this study, we have conducted the preparation process of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/zeolite/carbon composites. The resulting adsorbent composites are dedicated for ethanol - water dehydration proposes. The composites were prepared using cross-linked polymerization method followed by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to obtain the porous structured upon drying process. The characterization of the functional groups and morphology were performed by using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The FTIR analysis showed that composite prepared by SFE method formed hydrogen bonding confirmed by the appearance of peaks at 2950 - 3000 cm-1 compared to composite without SFE method, whereas, the results of SEM study showed the formation of three layered structures. On basis of the obtained results, it can be shown that PVA/zeolite/carbon has high potential to be develop further as an adsorbent composite.

  16. Analysis of Adsorbate-Adsorbate and Adsorbate-Adsorbent Interactions to Decode Isosteric Heats of Gas Adsorption.

    PubMed

    Madani, S Hadi; Sedghi, Saeid; Biggs, Mark J; Pendleton, Phillip

    2015-12-21

    A qualitative interpretation is proposed to interpret isosteric heats of adsorption by considering contributions from three general classes of interaction energy: fluid-fluid heat, fluid-solid heat, and fluid-high-energy site (HES) heat. Multiple temperature adsorption isotherms are defined for nitrogen, T=(75, 77, 79) K, argon at T=(85, 87, 89) K, and for water and methanol at T=(278, 288, 298) K on a well-characterized polymer-based, activated carbon. Nitrogen and argon are subjected to isosteric heat analyses; their zero filling isosteric heats of adsorption are consistent with slit-pore, adsorption energy enhancement modelling. Water adsorbs entirely via specific interactions, offering decreasing isosteric heat at low pore filling followed by a constant heat slightly in excess of water condensation enthalpy, demonstrating the effects of micropores. Methanol offers both specific adsorption via the alcohol group and non-specific interactions via its methyl group; the isosteric heat increases at low pore filling, indicating the predominance of non-specific interactions. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Lysozyme adsorption onto mesoporous materials: effect of pore geometry and stability of adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Vinu, Ajayan; Miyahara, Masahiko; Hossain, Kazi Zakir; Takahashi, Motoi; Balasubramanian, Veerappan Vaithilingam; Mori, Toshiyuki; Ariga, Katsuhiko

    2007-03-01

    In this paper, adsorption of lysozyme onto two kinds of mesoporous adsorbents (KIT-5 and AISBA-15) has been investigated and the results on the effects of pore geometry and stability of the adsorbents are also discussed. The KIT-5 mesoporous silica materials possess cage-type pore geometry while the AISBA-15 adsorbent has mesopores of cylindrical type with rather large diameter (9.7 nm). Adsorption of lysozyme onto AISBA-15 aluminosilicate obeys a Langmuir isotherm, resulting in pore occupation of 25 to 30%. In contrast, the KIT-5 adsorbents showed very small adsorption capacities for the lysozyme adsorption, typically falling in 6 to 13% of pore occupation. The cage-type KIT-5 adsorbents have narrow channel (4 to 6 nm) where penetration of the lysozyme (3 x 3 x 4.5 nm) might be restricted. The KIT-5 adsorbent tends to collapse after long-time immersion in water, as indicated by XRD patterns, while the AISBA-15 adsorbent retains its regular structure even after immersion in basic water for 4 days. These facts confirm superiority of the AISBA-15 as an adsorbent as compared with the KIT-5 mesoporous silicates. This research strikingly demonstrates the selection of mesoporous materials is crucial to achieve efficient immobilization of biomaterials in aqueous environment.

  18. Interactions of hydroxyapatite surfaces: conditioning films of human whole saliva.

    PubMed

    Cárdenas, Marité; Valle-Delgado, Juan José; Hamit, Jildiz; Rutland, Mark W; Arnebrant, Thomas

    2008-07-15

    Hydroxyapatite is a very interesting material given that it is the main component in tooth enamel and because of its uses in bone implant applications. Therefore, not only the characterization of its surface is of high relevance but also designing reliable methods to study the interfacial properties of films adsorbed onto it. In this paper we apply the colloidal probe atomic force microscopy method to investigate the surface properties of commercially available hydroxyapatite surfaces (both microscopic particles and macroscopic discs) in terms of interfacial and frictional forces. In this way, we find that hydroxyapatite surfaces at physiological relevant conditions are slightly negatively charged. The surfaces were then exposed to human whole saliva, and the surface properties were re-evaluated. A thick film was formed that was very resistant to mechanical stress. The frictional measurements demonstrated that the film was indeed highly lubricating, supporting the argument that this system may prove to be a relevant model for evaluating dental and implant systems.

  19. Characterization of a Polyamine Microsphere and Its Adsorption for Protein

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Feng; Liu, Pei; Nie, Tingting; Wei, Huixian; Cui, Zhenggang

    2013-01-01

    A novel polyamine microsphere, prepared from the water-in-oil emulsion of polyethylenimine, was characterized. The investigation of scanning electron microscopy showed that the polyamine microsphere is a regular ball with a smooth surface. The diameter distribution of the microsphere is 0.37–4.29 μm. The isoelectric point of the microsphere is 10.6. The microsphere can adsorb proteins through the co-effect of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Among the proteins tested, the highest value of adsorption of microsphere, 127.8 mg·g−1 microsphere, was obtained with lipase. In comparison with other proteins, the hydrophobic force is more important in promoting the adsorption of lipase. The microsphere can preferentially adsorb lipase from an even mixture of proteins. The optimum temperature and pH for the selective adsorption of lipase by the microsphere was 35 °C and pH 7.0. PMID:23344018

  20. Complementary analysis of the hard and soft protein corona: sample preparation critically effects corona composition.

    PubMed

    Winzen, S; Schoettler, S; Baier, G; Rosenauer, C; Mailaender, V; Landfester, K; Mohr, K

    2015-02-21

    Here we demonstrate how a complementary analysis of nanocapsule-protein interactions with and without application media allows gaining insights into the so called hard and soft protein corona. We have investigated how both human plasma and individual proteins (human serum albumin (HSA), apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I)) adsorb and interact with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) nanocapsules possessing different functionalities. To analyse the hard protein corona we used sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and a protein quantitation assay. No significant differences were observed with regards to the hard protein corona. For analysis of the soft protein corona we characterized the nanocapsule-protein interaction with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). DLS and ITC measurements revealed that a high amount of plasma proteins were adsorbed onto the capsules' surface. Although HSA was not detected in the hard protein corona, ITC measurements indicated the adsorption of an HSA amount similar to plasma with a low binding affinity and reaction heat. In contrast, only small amounts of ApoA-I protein adsorb to the capsules with high binding affinities. Through a comparison of these methods we have identified ApoA-I to be a component of the hard protein corona and HSA as a component of the soft corona. We demonstrate a pronounced difference in the protein corona observed depending on the type of characterization technique applied. As the biological identity of a particle is given by the protein corona it is crucial to use complementary characterization techniques to analyse different aspects of the protein corona.