[en] Due to their low cost and possible green synthesis, high stability and resistance to photobleaching, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can be considered as one of the class of carbon nanomaterials which may have great potential as an agent for photosensitized oxygen activation. In such a way, GQDs can be used as a theranostic agent in photodynamic therapy. In this work pristine GQDs, GQDs irradiated with gamma rays and GQDs doped with N and N, S atoms are produced using a simple, green approach. By using different techniques (AFM, HR-TEM, SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD, PL and UV–Vis) we investigated structural and optical properties of the new types of GQDs. We showed that GQDs functionalized with thiourea (GQDs-TU) completely lost the ability to produce singlet oxygen (1O2) upon photoexcitation while functionalization with urea (GQDs-U) improves the capability of GQDs to produce 1O2 upon the same conditions. Thus, presented GQDs modification with urea seems like a promising approach for the production of the efficient photosensitizer. On the opposite, GQDs-TU are efficient [rad]OH quencher. Due to high singlet oxygen production and low cytotoxicity below 100 μg/mL against HeLa cells, GQDs-U is a good candidate as an agent in photodynamic therapy at this concentration. © 2019

[en] A simple, highly sensitive and selective carbon nanocomposite electrode has been developed for the electrochemical trace determination of cadmium. This sensor was designed by incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and a new synthesized Schiff base into the carbon paste ionic liquid electrode (CPE_IL) which provides remarkably improved sensitivity and selectivity for the electrochemical stripping assay of Cd(II). The detection limit of the method was found to be 0.08 μg L⁻¹ (S/N = 3) that is lower than the maximum contaminant level of Cd(II) allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in standard drinking waters. The proposed electrode exhibits good applicability for monitoring Cd(II) in various real samples. - Highlights: • A new nanocomposite was prepared and applied to the modification of CPE. • The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. • The electrode was used to the rapid and selective determination of Cd(II)

[en] In order to obtain biodegradable Fe-based materials with similar mechanical properties as 316L stainless steel and faster degradation rate than pure iron, Fe-5 wt.%Pd and Fe-5 wt.%Pt composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering with powders of pure Fe and Pd/Pt, respectively. The grain size of Fe-5 wt.%Pd and Fe-5 wt.%Pt composites was much smaller than that of as-cast pure iron. The metallic elements Pd and Pt were uniformly distributed in the matrix and the mechanical properties of these materials were improved. Uniform corrosion of Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites was observed in both electrochemical tests and immersion tests, and the degradation rates of Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites were much faster than that of pure iron. It was found that viabilities of mouse fibroblast L-929 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV304) cultured in extraction mediums of Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites were close to that of pure iron. After 4 days' culture, the viabilities of L-929 and ECV304 cells in extraction medium of experimental materials were about 80%. The result of direct contact cytotoxicity also indicated that experimental materials exhibited no inhibition on vascular endothelial process. Meanwhile, iron ions released from experimental materials could inhibit proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), which may be beneficial for hindering vascular restenosis. Furthermore, compared with that of as-cast pure iron, the hemolysis rates of Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites were slightly higher, but still within the range of 5%, which is the criteria for good blood compatibility. The numbers of platelet adhered on the surface of Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites were lower than that of pure iron, and the morphology of platelets kept spherical. To sum up, the Fe-5wt.%Pd and Fe-5wt.%Pt composites exhibited good mechanical properties and degradation behavior, closely approaching the requirements for biodegradable metallic stents. - Highlights: • The Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites prepared by spark plasma sintering have small grain size. • The addition of Pd or Pt greatly accelerated the degradation rate of pure iron. • Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites uniformly corroded in Hank's solution. • Fe–Pd and Fe–Pt composites both exhibited excellent in vitro biocompatibility

[en] The synthesis and characterization of sol–gel derived hydroxyapatite (HAp) were investigated with the effects of the addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to the structural and material in vitro behavior. All samples were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 and 28 days. The characterization of bioceramics before and after immersing in SBF was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. After the simulated body fluid period, the crystal structure and phase of HAp samples did not change significantly. The characteristic bands of hydroxyl, phosphate and carbonate groups were detected. HAp exhibited a thermal stability of room temperature to 1000 °C. The surface morphologies of the samples show an evident change with the soaking period in SBF. - Highlights: • The soaking period in SBF affects the surface morphology. • The Ca/P molar ratios change with the immersion time. • The as-prepared samples thermally stable from ∼ 25 to 1000 °C

[en] A modified, selective, highly sensitive and accurate procedure for the determination of trace amounts of manganese and iron ions is established in the presented work. 3-(1-Methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid (MPPC) and graphene oxide (GO) were used in a glass column as chelating reagent and as adsorbent respectively prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The adsorption mechanism of titled metals complexes on GO was investigated by using computational chemistry approach based on PM6 semi-empirical potential energy surface (PES). The effect of some parameters including pH, flow rate and volume of sample and type, volume and concentration of eluent, as well as the adsorption capacity of matrix ions on the recovery of Mn(II) and Fe(III) was investigated. The limit of detection was 145 and 162 ng L⁻¹ for Mn(II) and Fe(III), respectively. Calibration was linear over the range of 0.31–355 μg L⁻¹ for Mn(II) and 0.34–380 μg L⁻¹ for Fe(III) ions. The method was successfully applied for the determination of understudied ions in water, food and biological samples. - Highlights: • We use synthesized graphene oxide as adsorbent for SPE of Mn(II) and Fe(III) ions. • Adsorption mechanism was investigated by PM6 semi-empirical potential energy surface. • Detection limits were 145 and 162 ng L⁻¹ for Mn and Fe, respectively. • The preconcentration factor was 325 and sample flow rate is 8 mL min⁻¹. • It was successfully applied to the determination of Mn and Fe ions in real samples

[en] We are reporting highly economical plant-based hydrothermal method for one-pot green synthesis of water-dispersible fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) by using Saccharum officinarum juice as precursor. The synthesized CDs were characterized by UV-visible, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM), and laser scanning confocal microscopic techniques. The CDs are well dispersed in water with an average size of ∼ 3 nm and showed bright blue fluorescence under UV-light (λ_ex = 365 nm). These CDs acted as excellent fluorescent probes in cellular imaging of bacteria (Escherichia coli) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). - Highlights: • One-pot green synthesis was used for fluorescent CDs. • FT-IR, DLS, and TEM were used for the characterization of CDs. • The CDs are well dispersed in water with an average size of ∼ 3 nm. • The CDs acted as fluorescent probes for imaging of bacteria and yeast cells

[en] In the present study, composite scaffolds made with different weight ratios (0.5:1, 1:1 and 2:1) of bioactive glass (15Ca:80Si:5P) (BG)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (PVABG) and chitosan (Chi)/collagen (Col) (ChiCol) were prepared by three mechanical freeze–thaw followed by freeze-drying to obtain the porous scaffolds. The mechanical properties and the in vitro biocompatibility of the composite scaffolds to simulated body fluid (SBF) and to rat osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells were investigated. The results from the studies indicated that the porosity and compressive strength were controlled by the weight ratio of PVABG:ChiCol. The highest compressive modulus of the composites made was 214.64 MPa which was for the 1:1 weight ratio PVABG:ChiCol. Mineralization study in SBF showed the formation of apatite crystals on the PVABG:ChiCol surface after 7 days of incubation. In vitro cell availability and proliferation tests confirmed the osteoblast attachment and growth on the PVABG:ChiCol surface. MTT and ALP tests on the 1:1 weight ratio PVABG:ChiCol composite indicated that the UMR-106 cells were viable. Alkaline phosphatase activity was found to increase with increasing culturing time. In addition, we showed the potential of PVABG:ChiCol drug delivery through PBS solution studies. 81.14% of BSA loading had been achieved and controlled release for over four weeks was observed. Our results indicated that the PVABG:ChiCol composites, especially the 1:1 weight ratio composite exhibited significantly improved mechanical, mineral deposition, biological properties and controlled release. This made them potential candidates for bone tissue engineering applications. - Graphical abstract: Mechanical properties, biological activity and protein controlled release by poly(vinyl alcohol)–bioglass/chitosan–collagen composite scaffolds: A bone tissue engineering applications. - Highlights: • Preparation of PVABG:ChiCol hybrid composites and their bioactivities • Mechanical properties could be adjusted by controlling BG in ChiCol matrix. • In vitro cell availability tests confirmed the osteoblast growth on the PVABG:ChiCol surface. • The BSA release profile was slow from the PVABG:ChiCol composite scaffold

[en] It is widely accepted that magnetic fields have an influence on cell behaviors, but the effects are still not very clear since the magnetic field's type, intensity and exposure time are different. In this study, a static magnetic field (SMF) in moderate intensity (10 mT) was employed to investigate its effect on osteoblast and 3T3 fibroblast cell behaviors cultured respectively with magnetic polymer nanofiber mats. The magnetic mats composed of random oriented or aligned polymer nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning the mixed solution of poly-D, L-lactide (PLA) and iron oxide nanoparticles. The fiber morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the nanoparticle distribution in fiber matrix was measured with transmission electron microscope (TEM). Mechanical properties of nanofiber mats are studied by uniaxial tensile test. The results showed the nanofibers loaded with magnetic nanoparticles displayed excellent magnetic responsibility and biodegradability. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that the osteoblast proliferation of all fiber mats stimulated with or without SMF was increased with the increase of the culturing days. Furthermore, in the horizontal SMFs, cell orientation tended to deviate from nanofiber orientation to field direction while the nanofiber orientation is perpendicular to the field direction, while the horizonal direction of SMFs could also direct the cell growth orientation. The magnetic nanofiber mats provide a potential platform to explore the cell behaviors under the stimulation of external magnetic field. - Highlights: • The random oriented and aligned magnetic electrospun nanofibers were prepared. • The nanofibers displayed excellent magnetic responsibility and biodegradability. • The horizonal direction of SMFs could also direct the cell growth orientation

[en] This paper presents the results of an experimental study to understand the dominant mechanism in bond strength between dental resin agent and zirconia ceramic by investigating the effects of different surface treatments. Effects of two major mechanisms of chemical and micromechanical adhesion were evaluated on bond strength of zirconia to luting agent. Specimens of yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia blocks were fabricated. Seven groups of specimens with different surface treatment were prepared. 1) zirconia specimens after airborne particle abrasion (SZ), 2) zirconia specimens after etching (ZH), 3) zirconia specimens after airborne particle abrasion and simultaneous etching (HSZ), 4) zirconia specimens coated with a layer of a Fluorapatite-Leucite glaze (GZ), 5) GZ specimens with additional acid etching (HGZ), 6) zirconia specimens coated with a layer of salt glaze (SGZ) and 7) SGZ specimens after etching with 2% HCl (HSGZ). Composite cylinders were bonded to airborne-particle-abraded surfaces of ZirkonZahn specimens with Panavia F2 resin luting agent. Failure modes were examined under 30 × magnification and the effect of surface treatments was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). SZ and HSZ groups had the highest and GZ and SGZ groups had the lowest mean shear bond strengths among all groups. Mean shear bond strengths were significantly decreased by applying a glaze layer on zirconia surfaces in GZ and SGZ groups. However, bond strengths were improved after etching process. Airborne particle abrasion resulted in higher shear bond strengths compared to etching treatment. Modes of failure varied among different groups. Finally, it is concluded that micromechanical adhesion was a more effective mechanism than chemical adhesion and airborne particle abrasion significantly increased mean shear bond strengths compared with another surface treatments. - Highlights: • Understanding the dominant mechanism of bonding between zirconia ceramic and dental resin agent • Understanding the corresponding mode of fracture for each of the seven types of surface treatment presented • A comparison of surface roughness resulted from various surface treatments for zirconia • Ranking of the surface treatment methods in bond strength between zirconia and dental resin agent

[en] Regenerated silk fibroin (SF) materials are increasingly used for tissue engineering applications. In order to explore the feasibility of a novel biomimetic silk fibroin tubular scaffold (SFTS) crosslinked by poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEG-DE), biocompatibility with cells was evaluated. The novel biomimetic design of the SFTS consisted of three distinct layers: a regenerated SF intima, a silk braided media and a regenerated SF adventitia. The SFTS exhibited even silk fibroin penetration throughout the braid, forming a porous layered tube with superior mechanical, permeable and cell adhesion properties that are beneficial to vascular regeneration. Cytotoxicity and cell compatibility were tested on L929 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926). DNA content analysis, scanning electron and confocal microscopies and MTT assay showed no inhibitory effects on DNA replication. Cell morphology, viability and proliferation were good for L929 cells, and satisfactory for EA.hy926 cells. Furthermore, the suture retention strength of the SFTS was about 23 N and the Young's modulus was 0.2–0.3 MPa. Collectively, these data demonstrate that PEG-DE crosslinked SFTS possesses the appropriate cytocompatibility and mechanical properties for use as vascular scaffolds as an alternative to vascular autografts. - Highlights: • A PEG-DE cross-linked small caliber porous silk fibroin tubular scaffold (SFTS) • PEG-DE cross-linked SF film had no inhibitory effect on DNA replication of cells. • Cells cultured on the SFTS showed good morphology, cell viability and proliferative activity. • SFTS would be beneficial to endothelialization. • SFTS had good suture retention strength and flexibility