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AFM
Terms modified by AFM Selected AbstractsSynthesis and morphology of nanosized zeolite LCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010S. Sadegh Hassani Abstract AFM is a powerful tool for imaging nanoscale surface features; it provides two and three dimensional crystal structure images and other information about actual surface of zeolite crystallites. In this paper, nanosized zeolite L is synthesized in different crystallization times and a study of crystal growth of zeolite L is reported using atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques are used for characterization of the as synthesized samples. TEM and two-dimensional AFM images indicate that the zeolite particles are in a nano-range and they have hexagonal structure. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Properties of InAs co-doped ZnO thin films prepared by pulsed laser depositionCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009J. Elanchezhiyan Abstract InAs co-doped ZnO films were grown on sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The grown films have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Hall effect measurements, Atomic force microscope (AFM) and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) in order to investigate the structural, electrical, morphological and elemental properties of the films respectively. XRD analysis showed that all the films were highly orientated along the c-axis. It was observed from Hall effect measurements that InAs co-doped ZnO films were of n-type conductivity. In addition, the presence of In and As has been confirmed by Energy dispersive X-ray analysis. AFM images revealed that the surface roughness of the films was decreased upon the co-doping. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Effect of annealing on the structural, electrical and optical properties of nanostructured TiO2 thin filmsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2009S. Sankar Abstract Nanostructured titanium dioxide thin films were prepared using reactive pulsed laser ablation technique. Effects of annealing on the structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties are discussed. The structural, electrical and optical properties of TiO2 films are found to be sensitive to annealing temperature and are described with GIXRD, SEM, AFM, UV-Visible spectroscopy and electrical studies. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the as-deposited films were amorphous and at first changed to anatase and then to rutile phase with increase of annealing temperature. Optical constants of these films were derived from the transmission spectra and the refractive index dispersion of the films, subjected to annealing at different temperatures, is discussed in terms of the single oscillator-Wemple and Didomenico model. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Characterization of reactive DC magnetron sputtered TiAlN thin filmsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2008B. Subramanian Abstract Thin films of about 1,m Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) were deposited onto mild steel substrates by reactive direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering using a target consisting of equal segments of titanium and aluminum. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the TiAlN phase had preferred orientations along 111 and 200 with the face-centered cubic structure. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) analyses indicated that the films were uniform and compact. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal that TiAlN thin films are of good optical quality. Laser Raman studies revealed the presence of characteristic peaks of TiAlN at 312.5, 675, and 1187.5 cm,1. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Growth and characterisation of Zn:LiNbO3/Mg:LiNbO3 multilayer thin films grown by liquid phase epitaxyCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2006H. J. Lee Abstract 1, 3 and 5 mol% ZnO doped LiNbO3 film and 2 mol% MgO doped LiNbO3 multilayer films were grown on the LiNbO3 (001) substrate by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method with a Li2O-V2O5 system. We examined the optical transmission spectra of the Zn:LiNbO3 by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR). The crystallinity and the lattice mismatch between the Zn:LiNbO3 film and Mg:LiNbO3 film was confirmed by x-ray rocking curve (XRC) and observed the ZnO and MgO distribution in the cross-section of the multilayer thin films by electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA). Furthermore, the surface morphology of the films was observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Preparation and characterization of ZnO nanofibers by electrospinningCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2006R. Siddheswaran Abstract Electrospun ZnO nanofibers were obtained by calcinating PVA/Zinc Acetate composite fibers at various temperatures. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) revealed that the ZnO fibers have diameters in the range of 100-200 nm. The fibers were characterized by FT- IR, TGA-DTA, and XRD studies. The XRD results showed that the crystal structure and the morphology of the fibers were largely dependent on the calcination temperature (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Self-organized and highly ordered domain structures within swarms of Myxococcus xanthusCYTOSKELETON, Issue 3 2006Andrew E. Pelling Abstract Coordinated group movement (swarming) is a key aspect of Myxococcusxanthus' social behavior. Here we report observation of domain structures formed by multiple cells within large three-dimensional swarming groups grown on amorphous glass substrates, using the atomic force microscope (AFM). Novel analyses revealed that ,90% of the wild type swarms displayed some form of preferential cell alignment. In contrast, cells with mutations in the social and adventurous motility systems displayed a distinct lack of cell alignment. Video microscopy observations of domain features of in vivo swarming M.xanthus cells were also consistent with the AFM data. The results presented here reveal that unique domain formation within swarms of wild type cells is a biologically driven process requiring the social and adventurous motility systems and is not a statistical phenomenon or thermodynamic process arising from liquid crystal behavior. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 63, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Ionic Liquid and Application for the Detection of Dissolved OxygenELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 6 2010Tsung-Hsuan Tsai Abstract The electrochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) has been successfully carried out on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and indium tin oxide electrode (ITO) using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMT) as green electrolytes. Further the electrodeposited nano-Ag modified ITO electrode has been examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction studies (XRD). The electrodeposited Ag nanoparticles on ITO were found in the size range of 5 to 35,nm. The nano-Ag film modified GCE was further coated with nafion (Nf) and BMT (1,:,1 ratio) mixture and found to be stable in BMT and in pH,7 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The nano-Ag/BMT-Nf film modified GCE successfully applied for the oxygen reduction reaction in neutral pH (pH,7.0 PBS). The proposed film modified GCE successfully reduces the over potential and show well defined reduction peaks for the detection of dissolved oxygen using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disc voltammetry (RDE). The film also applied for the detection of dissolved oxygen using electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies (EIS). [source] Electrochemical Properties of Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Film Adsorbed onto a Self-Assembled Alkanethiol Monolayer on Gold ElectrodeELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 2 2009Dan Zheng Abstract A stable ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) film electrode was successfully constructed by adsorbing OMC onto a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of C18H37SH chemisorbed on the Au electrode. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrochemical methods were used to characterize the properties of the OMC film electrode. The adsorbed OMC can restore the heterogeneous electron transfer almost totally blocked by the alkanethiol monolayer. Nyquist plots show a sharply decrease of the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the Fe(CN) couple at the OMC film electrode. Furthermore, the OMC film electrode is found to possess a significantly reduced interfacial capacitance and largely enhanced current response of hydrogen peroxide. This novel approach to the fabrication of stable OMC film electrode with excellent electrochemical properties is believed to be very attractive for electrochemical studies and electroanalytical applications. [source] Detecting Biorecognition Events at Blocked Interface Polymeric Membrane Ion-Selective Electrodes Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Atomic Force MicroscopyELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 3 2008Marco, Roland De Abstract Immobilization of a biorecognition element onto a polymeric membrane ion-selective electrode (ISE) using a self-assembly approach may provide scope for a novel biosensor technology platform based on the altered potentiometric response at the blocked ISE interface. In this paper, the authors have investigated the influence of solution adsorption of the model biorecognition element, avidin-biotin, on the electrode kinetics of a conventional polymeric membrane Ca2+ ISE using atomic force microscopy (AFM) coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It is demonstrated that solution adsorption of avidin followed by biotin incorporation leads to a demonstrable biorecognition event characterized by an impediment in the Ca2+ ion transfer kinetics of the modified ISE surface. This kinetic principle is amenable to biosensing using pulsed chronopotentiometric polymeric ISEs, which is an established dynamic electrode technique for use with polymeric membrane ISEs. [source] Zinc Oxide/Zinc Hexacyanoferrate Hybrid Film-Modified Electrodes for Guanine DetectionELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 18 2007Hung-Wei Chu Abstract An electroactive polynuclear hybrid films of zinc oxide and zinc hexacyanoferrate (ZnO/ZnHCF) have been deposited on electrode surfaces from H2SO4 solution containing Zn(NO3)2 and K3[Fe(CN)6] by repetitive potential cycling method. Simultaneous cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) measurements demonstrate the steady growth of hybrid film. There are two redox couples present in the voltammograms of hybrid film and it is obvious in the case of pH,2. Surface morphology of hybrid film was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) data confirm existence of zinc oxide in the hybrid film. The effect of type of monovalent cations on the redox behavior of resulting film was investigated. In pure supporting electrolyte, electrochemical responses of modified electrode resemble with that of a surface immobilized redox couple. The electrocatalytic activity of ZnO/ZnHCF hybrid film was investigated towards guanine using cyclic voltammetry and rotating disc electrode (RDE) techniques. Finally, feasibility of using ZnO/ZnHCF hybrid film-coated electrodes for guanine estimation in flow injection analysis (FIA) was also investigated. [source] Fabrication and Properties of Conducting Polypyrrole/SWNT-PABS Composite Films and NanotubesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2006Abstract We report the electropolymerization and characterization of polypyrrole films doped with poly(m-aminobenzene sulfonic acid (PABS) functionalized single-walled nanotubes (SWNT) (PPy/SWNT-PABS). The negatively charged water-soluble SWNT-PABS served as anionic dopant during the electropolymerization to synthesize PPy/SWNT-PABS composite films. The synthetic, morphological and electrical properties of PPy/SWNT-PABS films and chloride doped polypyrrole (PPy/Cl) films were compared. Characterization was performed by cyclic voltammetry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. SEM and AFM images revealed that the incorporation of SWNT-PABS significantly altered the morphology of the PPy. Cyclic voltammetry showed improved electrochemical properties of PPy/SWNT-PABS films as compared to PPy/Cl films. Raman Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of SWNT-PABS within composite films. Field effect transistor (FET) and electrical characterization studies show that the incorporation of the SWNT-PABS increased the electronic performance of PPy/SWNT-PABS films when compared to PPy/Cl films. Finally, we fabricated PPy/SWNT-PABS nanotubes which may lead to potential applications to sensors and other electronic devices. [source] Direct Electrochemistry of Cytochrome c at Gold Electrode Modified with Fumed SilicaELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 20 2005Hongjun Chen Abstract Direct electrochemistry of horse heart cytochrome c (cytc) has been obtained at a gold electrode constructed by self-assembling fumed silica particles (FSPs) onto a silane monolayer. A pair of well-defined and nearly symmetrical redox peaks of cytc is obtained at the FSPs film modified gold electrode. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to characterize the FSPs film modified electrode, showing that the FSPs can provide a favorable microenvironment for cytc and facilitate the direct electron transfer between the cytc and the gold electrode, which may propose an approach to realize the direct electrochemistry of other proteins. [source] Fabrication and Characterization of DNA/QPVP-Os Redox-Active Multilayer FilmELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 23 2004Jianyun Liu Abstract Calf thymus DNA was immobilized on functionalized glassy carbon, gold and quartz substrates, respectively, by the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method with a polycation QPVP-Os, a quaternized poly(4-vinylpyridine) partially complexed with osmium bis(2,2,-bipyridine) as counterions. UV-visible absorption and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) showed that the resulting film was uniform with the average thickness 3.4,nm for one bilayer. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed that the total surface coverage of the polycations increases as each QPVP-Os/DNA bilayer added to the electrode surface, but the surface formal potential of Os-centered redox reaction shifts negatively, which is mainly attributed to the intercalation of redox-active complex to DNA chain. The electron transfer kinetics of electroactive QPVP-Os in the multilayer film was investigated by electrochemical impedance experiment for the first time. The permeability of Fe(CN) in the solution into the multilayer film depends on the number of bilayers in the film. It is worth noting that when the multilayer film is up to 4 bilayers, the CV curves of the multilayer films display the typical characteristic of a microelectrode array. The nanoporous structure of the multilayer film was further confirmed by the surface morphology analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM). [source] Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Native and Aggregated ,-Synuclein Protein Involved in Parkinson's DiseaseELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 13-14 2004Michal Masa Abstract The aggregation of ,-synuclein, a 14,kDa protein, is involved in several human neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease. We studied native and in vitro aggregated ,-synuclein by circular dichroism (CD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrochemical methods. We used constant current chronopotentiometric stripping analysis (CPSA) to measure hydrogen evolution catalyzed by ,-synuclein (peak H) at hanging mercury drop electrodes (HMDE) and square-wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) to monitor tyrosine oxidation at carbon paste electrodes (CPE). To decrease the volume of the analyte, most of the electrochemical measurements were performed by adsorptive transfer (medium exchange) from 3,6,,L drops of ,-synuclein samples. With both CPE and HMDE we observed changes in electrochemical responses of ,-synuclein corresponding to protein fibrillization detectable by CD, fluorescence and AFM. Aggregation-induced changes in peak H at HMDE were relatively large in strongly aggregated samples, suggesting that this electrochemical signal may find use in the analysis of early stages of ,-synuclein aggregation. This assumption was documented by marked changes in the peak H potential and height in samples withdrawn at the end of the lag and the beginning of the elongation phase. Native ,-synuclein can be detected down to subnanomolar concentrations by CPSA. [source] Fine surface processing of LiNbO3 single crystals by maskless etching using NF3 system gas plasma RIEELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 2 2010Teruaki Omata Abstract The possibility of deep etching by plasma reactive ion etching (RIE) without an etching-mask (maskless) for ,Z and +Z parts formed on the same surface of a partially polarization reversed LiNbO3 single crystal polarized in the direction of the c -axis is investigated. A NF3/H2 gas mixture was used. The etching rates and depths and the profiles of the etched surfaces were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy. The etching rate for the ,Z surface was larger than that for the +Z surface. Extension of the +Z domain by partial polarization reversal was observed. Applying the high voltage quickly for partial polarization reversal, the area of the +Z domain was extended compared with the result obtained by applying the voltage slowly. An apparent step at the boundary between ,Z and +Z parts formed on the same surface was observed. Using a NF3/H2 gas mixture, the segments were removed efficiently. It is concluded that RIE etching using a NF3/H2 gas mixture is suitable for processing of LiNbO3 crystal surfaces without an etching mask, in contrast with a CF4/H2 gas mixture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(2): 39,49, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10168 [source] Two Cobalt Compounds Based on Azide/Methoxy and Isonicotinate N -Oxide Ligands Exhibiting Ferromagnetic and Antiferromagnetic InteractionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 28 2010Fu-Chen Liu Abstract Two new CoII complexes, [Co(OCH3)L] (1) and [Co3(N3)4(OCH3)2L2] (2) (L = isonicotinate N -oxide), were synthesized by solvothermal reaction and magnetically characterized. The cobalt ions in 1 and 2 all exhibit distorted octahedral coordination geometry. In 1, there is a ,11 -methoxy/syn,syn -carboxylate mixed coordinated cobalt chain with mixed coordination, and a 3D structure is formed by the chains linked through the L ligands. In 2, the alternating CoII chains that are formed by linking the double end-on azide-bridged trimers are connected by the L ligands to form a 2D layer. Magnetic studies revealed that ferromagnetic coupling exists between the CoII ions in 1, and 1 undergoes a ferromagnetic transition at 2.5 K, whereas alternating ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions exist in the chain of 2. [source] Inorganic Analogues of GrapheneEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 27 2010C. N. R. Rao Abstract The discovery of graphene has aroused great interest in the properties and phenomena exhibited by two-dimensional inorganic materials, especially when they comprise only a single, two or a few layers. Graphene-like MoS2 and WS2 have been prepared by chemical methods, and the materials have been characterized by electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and other methods. Boron nitride analogues of graphene have been obtained by a simple chemical procedure starting with boric acid and urea and have been characterized by various techniques that include surface area measurements. A new layered material with the composition BCN possessing a few layers and a large surface area discovered recently exhibits a large uptake of CO2. [source] Multistep Anchoring Route of Luminescent (5-Amino-1,10-phenanthroline)tris(dibenzoylmethane)europium(III) on Si(100)EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 26 2010Guglielmo G. Condorelli Abstract A multistep route for the covalent anchoring of (5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline)tris(dibenzoylmethane)europium(III)molecules on silicon (100) has been developed. The anchoring route consists of Si functionalization with N -hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activated carboxylic acid, followed by nucleophilic substitution at the carboxylic acid sites. Characterization of the resulting Si based hybrid materials was achieved by using several complementary techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), AFM and fluorescence spectroscopy. Comparison of results obtained for NHS activated Si surfaces with those of inert alkyl functionalized Si surfaces proved the covalent anchoring of the Eu complex and ruled out the presence of physisorbed Eu species. The 1.8 nm thickness of the grafted layer, estimated by atomic-force lithography, is compatible with the presence of the anchored complex on the surface. Fluorescence measurements proved that luminescence properties are retained in the grafted complex. [source] Glucocorticoid receptors in the basolateral nucleus of amygdala are required for postreactivation reconsolidation of auditory fear memoryEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2007Xin-Chun Jin Abstract It is well known that initial consolidation requires de novo gene transcription and protein synthesis in order for memory to become stable. The consolidated memory again becomes labile and temporarily sensitive to disruption when retrieved, requiring a reconsolidation process to become permanent. Although it is well established that glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA) are required for consolidation of fear memory, little is known about their role in reconsolidation of fear memory. In the present study, we first examined the effect of a GR antagonist on postconditioning consolidation of auditory fear memory (AFM). Intra-BLA infusion of the GR antagonist RU486 0 h postconditioning impaired long-term AFM, leaving short-term AFM intact. RU486 had no effect if infusion was performed 6 h postconditioning. We then investigated the effect of the RU486 treatment on postretrieval reconsolidation of AFM. Severe amnesia took place when RU486 was infused into the BLA 0 h postretrieval (reactivation) of AFM, regardless of whether the retrieval was performed 1 day or 10 days postconditioning. RU486 produced no amnesia if the memory retrieval was omitted or if the drug was administered 6 h postretrieval. Treatment with RU486 0 h postretrieval produced no deficit in postretrieval short-term memory but impaired postretrieval long-term memory, and the amnesia exhibited no spontaneous recovery 6 days after retrieval. The present results provide strong evidence that glucocorticoid receptors in the BLA are required for reconsolidation as well as consolidation of AFM. [source] Inside Front Cover (Adv. Eng.ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Mater. Surface roughness is another important factor impacting cell behavior and AFM is utilized to determine the surface morphology. The Cover shows the surface morphology measured by AFM obtained from O2 PIII PTFE. More details can be found in the article of Paul K. Chu on p. B163. [source] Surface Structures and Osteoblast Activity on Biomedical Polytetrafluoroethylene Treated by Long-Pulse, High-Frequency Oxygen Plasma Immersion Ion ImplantationADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Liping Tong Abstract Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a biologically safe polymer used widely in clinical medicine including oral and orthopedic surgery. However, the high bio-inertness of PTFE has hampered wider applications in the biomedical fields. In this work, we extend the treatment time in long-pulse, high-frequency oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation of PTFE and a more superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 160° is created. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveal that the optimized long-pulse, high-frequency oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation process induces a rougher surface and to a lesser extent alters the surface oxygen concentration on the PTFE. Our data, especially long-term contact angles, suggest that the superhydrophobility stems from surface roughness alteration. Furthermore, the activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts cultured on the treated surfaces is promoted in terms of quantities and morphology. [source] Functionalized Poly(D,L -lactide) for Pulmonary Epithelial Cell CultureADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Yuan-Min Lin Functional groups on a material surface affect the response of many cell types. As part of our strategy aimed at engineering lung tissue, we introduced functional groups into the surface of Poly(D,L -lactide) (PDLLA) films to improve its suitability for the culture of mature pulmonary epithelial cells (A549 line) using two different methods. The first method, aminolysis, can introduce primary amines into PDLLA films by transesterification using 1,15% of ethylenediamine in isopropanol. The second method, a branching modification, can generate amine-terminated or carboxylic acid-terminated tree-like branched architectures. All modified PDLLA surfaces exhibited lower water contact angles, i.e. are more hydrophilic than unmodified PDLLA. PDLLA treated with 15% ethylenediamine exhibited a rougher surface than the control, and PDLLA with branching modification had a droplet-like surface topography as visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). PDLLA treated with 15% ethylenediamine and branching modification with two and three generations enhanced the attachment of pulmonary epithelial cells measured using Hoechst dye. Immunostaining demonsatrated that amine-terminated branched architectures allowed for better focal adhesion point formation than the control 24,h after cell seeding. Furthermore, they also induced higher A549 cell populations and levels of activity after 4 days in culture measured using Hoechst dye and WST1 cell proliferation reagents, respectively. In contrast, carboxylic acid-terminated branching architectures were found to reduce the cell population size after 4 days. It was concluded that the concentration, type and distribution of surface functional groups can affect significantly the behavior of pulmonary epithelial cells growing on a PDLLA surface, and PDLLA film modified with two or three generations of amine-terminated branched architectures is a suitable 2D scaffold for the culture of of pulmonary epithelial cells. [source] The effect of a self-etching primer on the continuous demineralization of dentin,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 4 2004Sofia S. A. Oliveira Self-etching primers (SEP), used for adhesion of resin restorations, contain an acidic monomer that is not rinsed off after application; therefore, residual acid could further demineralize dentin, jeopardizing adhesion. This study evaluated whether dentin demineralization continues after a 20-s application of a SEP and also after polymerization of the adhesive. Surface recession was measured, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), between the masked surface and dentin etched with SEP (Clearfil SE Bond) or phosphoric acid (pH 1.94) immediately, 5 min, 2 h or 12 h after application. AFM-based nanoindentations were performed to determine mechanical property profiles across resin-bonded interfaces of two sequence groups: SG 1, where the adhesive was applied and polymerized immediately after application of the primer and specimens were immersed in Hank's solution after 5 min, 2 h and 12 h; or SG 2, where specimens were placed in an incubator before the application of the adhesive, for the same time periods. Significant surface recession occurred over time for all groups, except for SEP before desiccation. Nanoindentations yielded decreased hardness and elastic modulus below the hybrid layer after application of the initial primer, even after polymerization of the adhesive. The results reveal a demineralized dentin zone below the hybrid layer formed by the SEP, not fully protected by the adhesive, which could jeopardize bond strength. [source] Influence of Treatment Conditions on the Chemical Oxidative Activity of H2SO4/H2O2 Mixtures for Modulating the Topography of Titanium,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009Fabio Variola Abstract Host-tissue integration of medical implants is governed by their surface properties. The capacity to rationally design the surface physico-chemical cues of implantable materials is thus a fundamental prerequisite to confer enhanced biocompatibility. Our previous work demonstrated that different cellular processes are elicited by the nanotexture generated on titanium (cpTi) and Ti6Al4V alloy by chemical oxidation with a H2SO4/H2O2 mixture. Here, we illustrate that by varying the etching parameters such as temperature, concentration, and treatment time, we can create a variety of surface features on titanium which are expected to impact its biological response. The modified submicron and nanotextured surfaces were characterized by scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopies. Contact angle measurements revealed the higher hydrophilicity of the modified surfaces compared to untreated samples and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) established that the etching generated a TiO2 layer with a thickness in the 40,60,nm range. [source] Formation and Topotactical Orientation of Fibrinogen Nanofibrils on Graphite Nanostructures,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 11 2009Jörg Reichert We studied the adsorption of human plasma fibrinogen and investigated the formation of amyloid-like fibrinogen nanofibrils and fibrinogen networks in the absence of thrombin and Ca·2+ with high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM). We propose a possible mechanisms for the surface nanostructure mediated self assembly of fibrinogen molecules and the formation of fibrinogen nanofibrils and nanofibril networks in the absence of thrombin. [source] Temperature-Responsive Substrates: Adhesion and Mechanical Properties of PNIPAM Microgel Films and Their Potential Use as Switchable Cell Culture Substrates (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010Mater. Abstract Thermoresponsive poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel films are shown to allow controlled detachment of adsorbed cells via temperature stimuli. Cell response occurs on the timescale of several minutes, is reversible, and allows for harvesting of cells in a mild fashion. The fact that microgels are attached non-covalently allows using them on a broad variety of (charged) surfaces and is a major advantage as compared to approaches relying on covalent attachment of active films. In the following, the microgels' physico-chemical parameters in the adsorbed state and their changes upon temperature variation are studied in order to gain a deeper understanding of the involved phenomena. By means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), the water content, mechanical properties, and adhesion forces of the microgel films are studied as a function of temperature. The analysis shows that these properties change drastically when crossing the critical temperature of the polymer film, which is the basis of the fast cell response upon temperature changes. Furthermore, nanoscale mechanical analysis shows that the films posses a nanoscopic gradient in mechanical properties. [source] Adhesion and Mechanical Properties of PNIPAM Microgel Films and Their Potential Use as Switchable Cell Culture SubstratesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010Stephan Schmidt Abstract Thermoresponsive poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel films are shown to allow controlled detachment of adsorbed cells via temperature stimuli. Cell response occurs on the timescale of several minutes, is reversible, and allows for harvesting of cells in a mild fashion. The fact that microgels are attached non-covalently allows using them on a broad variety of (charged) surfaces and is a major advantage as compared to approaches relying on covalent attachment of active films. In the following, the microgels' physico-chemical parameters in the adsorbed state and their changes upon temperature variation are studied in order to gain a deeper understanding of the involved phenomena. By means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), the water content, mechanical properties, and adhesion forces of the microgel films are studied as a function of temperature. The analysis shows that these properties change drastically when crossing the critical temperature of the polymer film, which is the basis of the fast cell response upon temperature changes. Furthermore, nanoscale mechanical analysis shows that the films posses a nanoscopic gradient in mechanical properties. [source] Contact Angle Analysis During the Electro-oxidation of Self-Assembled Monolayers Formed by n -OctadecyltrichlorosilaneADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010Nicole Herzer Abstract The electrochemical oxidation process of self-assembled monolayers formed by n -octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) molecules on silicon wafers has been studied in a droplet of water by means of in situ water contact angle measurements. The application of different bias voltages between the substrate and a counter electrode placed into the droplet resulted in changes of the chemical nature of the monolayer, which yielded a significant alteration of the surfaces properties. Due to the changes of the wetting properties of the monolayer during the electro-oxidation process a change in the contact angles of the water droplet is concomitantly observed. This allows the in situ monitoring of the electro-oxidation process for large modified areas of several millimeters in diameter. The chosen approach represents an easy way to screen the major parameters that influence the oxidation process. Afterwards, the oxidized regions are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations to obtain more information about the electro-oxidation process. The observations are correlated to experimental results obtained for oxidations performed on a smaller dimension range in the water meniscus of a conductive, biased AFM tip. A good correlation of the results in the different dimension ranges could be found. [source] Nanoscopic fatigue and stress corrosion crack growth behaviour in a high-strength stainless steel visualized in situ by atomic force microscopyFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 11 2005K. MINOSHIMA ABSTRACT In situ atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging of the fatigue and stress corrosion (SC) crack in a high-strength stainless steel was performed, under both static and dynamic loading. The AFM systems used were (1) a newly developed AFM-based system for analysing the nanoscopic topographies of environmentally induced damage under dynamic loads in a controlled environment and (2) an AFM system having a large sample stage together with a static in-plane loading device. By using these systems, in situ serial clear AFM images of an environmentally induced crack under loading could be obtained in a controlled environment, such as in dry air for the fatigue and in an aqueous solution for the stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The intergranular static SC crack at the free corrosion had a sharp crack tip when it grew straight along a grain boundary. The in situ AFM observations showed that the fatigue crack grew in a steady manner on the order of sub-micrometre. The same result was obtained for the static SC crack under the free corrosion, growing straight along a grain boundary. In these cases, the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) remained constant. However, as the static SC crack was approaching a triple grain junction, the growth rate became smaller, the CTOD value increased and the hollow ahead of the crack tip became larger. After the crack passed through the triple grain junction, it grew faster with a lower CTOD value; the changes in the CTOD value agreed with those of the crack growth rate. At the cathodic potential, the static SC crack grew in a zigzag path and in an unsteady manner, showing crack growth acceleration and retardation. This unsteady crack growth was considered to be due to the changes in the local hydrogen content near the crack tip. The changes in the CTOD value also agreed with those of the crack growth rate. The CTOD value in the corrosive environment was influenced by the microstructure of the material and the local hydrogen content, showing a larger scatter band, whereas the CTOD value of the fatigue crack in dry air was determined by the applied stress intensity factor, with a smaller scatter band. In addition, the CTOD value in the corrosive environment under both static and dynamic loading was smaller than that of the fatigue crack; the environmentally induced crack had a sharper crack tip than the fatigue crack in dry air. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||