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Large Surface Area (large + surface_area)
Selected AbstractsUnlocking the opportunity of tight glycaemic controlDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2005Innovative delivery of insulin via the lung As the incidence of diabetes reaches epidemic proportions, the use of new, alternative routes of insulin delivery to manage glycaemic control is becoming an ever more active area of research. The high permeability and large surface area of the lung make it an attractive alternative to subcutaneous (SC) insulin injections. This review discusses the technical factors that influence the efficacy of pulmonary drug delivery and describes how an appreciation of these issues has enabled the design of Exubera®, a novel, non-invasive, pulmonary dry-powder human insulin delivery system currently in development by Pfizer and the sanofi-aventis Group in collaboration with Nektar Therapeutics. While clinical trials of this novel aerosol delivery of insulin are still ongoing in patients with diabetes, the results so far suggest it is simple to use and can provide reproducible doses of insulin in therapeutic amounts with only a few inhalations per dose. In addition, it has been shown to be comparable in terms of efficacy and safety to a conventional SC insulin injection regimen. Delivering aerosolized drugs via the lungs avoids the necessity for SC injections and thereby may increase the patient's acceptability of an insulin-based therapeutic regimen. [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] Damping Properties of Nanoporous Carbon-Cyclohexane Mixtures,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 3 2007K. Punyamurtula When functionalized by a nanoporous carbon, cyclohexane exhibits a pronounced energy absorption characteristic under cyclic loadings, which can be applied for advanced protection or damping systems. The energy absorption mechanism is related to the pressure induced infiltration, with the solid-liquid interfacial tension being amplified by the large surface area of the nanoporous phase. [source] Pumping-Induced Drawdown and Stream Depletion in a Leaky Aquifer SystemGROUND WATER, Issue 2 2007James J. Butler Jr The impact of ground water pumping on nearby streams is often estimated using analytic models of the interconnected stream-aquifer system. A common assumption of these models is that the pumped aquifer is underlain by an impermeable formation. A new semianalytic solution for drawdown and stream depletion has been developed that does not require this assumption. This solution shows that pumping-induced flow (leakage) through an underlying aquitard can be an important recharge mechanism in many stream-aquifer systems. The relative importance of this source of recharge increases with the distance between the pumping well and the stream. The distance at which leakage becomes the primary component of the pumping-induced recharge depends on the specific properties of the aquifer, aquitard, and streambed. Even when the aquitard is orders of magnitude less transmissive than the aquifer, leakage can be an important recharge mechanism because of the large surface area over which it occurs. Failure to consider aquitard leakage can lead to large overestimations of both the drawdown produced by pumping and the contribution of stream depletion to the pumping-induced recharge. The ramifications for water resources management and water rights adjudication can be significant. A hypothetical example helps illustrate these points and demonstrates that more attention should be given to estimating the properties of aquitards underlying stream-aquifer systems. The solution presented here should serve as a relatively simple but versatile tool for practical assessments of pumping-induced stream-aquifer interactions. However, this solution should not be used for such assessments without site-specific data that indicate pumping has induced leakage through the aquitard. [source] In Situ Growth of Mesoporous SnO2 on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: A Novel Composite with Porous-Tube Structure as Anode for Lithium Batteries,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 15 2007Z. Wen Abstract A novel mesoporous-nanotube hybrid composite, namely mesoporous tin dioxide (SnO2) overlaying on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), was prepared by a simple method that included in situ growth of mesoporous SnO2 on the surface of MWCNTs through hydrothermal method utilizing Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as structure-directing agents. Nitrogen adsorption,desorption, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis techniques were used to characterize the samples. It was observed that a thin layer tetragonal SnO2 with a disordered porous was embedded on the surface of MWCNTs, which resulted in the formation of a novel mesoporous-nanotube hybrid composite. On the base of TEM analysis of products from controlled experiment, a possible mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of the mesoporous-nanotube structure. The electrochemical properties of the samples as anode materials for lithium batteries were studied by cyclic voltammograms and Galvanostatic method. Results showed that the mesoporous-tube hybrid composites displayed higher capacity and better cycle performance in comparison with the mesoporous tin dioxide. It was concluded that such a large improvement of electrochemical performance within the hybrid composites may in general be related to mesoporous-tube structure that possess properties such as one-dimensional hollow structure, high-strength with flexibility, excellent electric conductivity and large surface area. [source] Inorganic Nanoparticles for MRI Contrast AgentsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 21 2009Hyon Bin Na Abstract Various inorganic nanoparticles have been used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents due to their unique properties, such as large surface area and efficient contrasting effect. Since the first use of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) as a liver contrast agent, nanoparticulate MRI contrast agents have attracted a lot of attention. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been extensively used as MRI contrast agents due to their ability to shorten T2* relaxation times in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. More recently, uniform ferrite nanoparticles with high crystallinity have been successfully employed as new T2 MRI contrast agents with improved relaxation properties. Iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with targeting agents have been used for targeted imaging via the site-specific accumulation of nanoparticles at the targets of interest. Recently, extensive research has been conducted to develop nanoparticle-based T1 contrast agents to overcome the drawbacks of iron oxide nanoparticle-based negative T2 contrast agents. In this report, we summarize the recent progress in inorganic nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents. [source] Novel Structural Modulation in Ceramic Sensors Via Redox Processing in Gas BuffersINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Abdul-Majeed Azad High selectivity, enhanced sensitivity, short response time, and long shelf-life are some of the key features sought in the solid-state ceramic-based chemical sensors. As the sensing mechanism and catalytic activity are predominantly surface-dominated, benign surface features in terms of small grain size, large surface area, high aspect ratio and, open and connected porosity, are required to realize a successful material. In order to incorporate these morphological features, a technique based on rigorous thermodynamic consideration of the metal/metal oxide coexistence is described. By modulating the oxygen partial pressure across the equilibrium M/MO proximity line, formation and growth of new oxide surface on an atomic/submolecular level under conditions of "oxygen deprivation," with exotic morphological features, has been achieved in potential sensor materials. This paper describes the methodology and discusses the results obtained in the case of potential semiconducting ceramic oxide-based carbon monoxide and hydrogen sensors with enhanced characteristics. [source] Continuous bioremediation of phenol-polluted air in an external loop airlift bioreactor with a packed bed,JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Hossein Nikakhtari Abstract An external loop airlift bioreactor with a small amount (99% porosity) of stainless steel mesh packing inserted in the riser section was used for bioremediation of a phenol-polluted air stream. The packing enhanced volatile organic chemical and oxygen mass transfer rates and provided a large surface area for cell immobilization. Using a pure strain of Pseudomonas putida, fed-batch and continuous runs at three different dilution rates were completed with phenol in the polluted air as the only source of growth substrate. 100% phenol removal was achieved at phenol loading rates up to 33 120 mg h,1 m,3 using only one-third of the column, superior to any previously reported biodegradation rates of phenol-polluted air with 100% efficiency. A mathematical model has been developed and is shown to accurately predict the transient and steady-state data. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Kinetic behaviour of the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid in aqueous TiO2 microsphere suspensionJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2004XZ Li Abstract A new photocatalyst, named TiO2 microspheres, prepared by a sol-spraying-calcination method, can freely suspend with air bubbling in its aqueous suspension and easily settle down from a water phase under gravity. The experimental results demonstrated that TiO2 microspheres had better adsorption capacity than conventional TiO2 powders, due to large surface area, large pore volume, and also a porous structure. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 microspheres in aqueous suspension was evaluated using salicylic acid (SA) as a model substrate. It was found that the Langmuir,Hinshelwood model in its integral form described the kinetics of SA photocatalytic degradation in the TiO2 microsphere suspensions better than its simplified form as a first-order reaction model, since the significant substrate adsorption on the catalysts was not negligible. The kinetics of SA photocatalytic degradation with different initial concentrations and pH was further investigated. The experiments demonstrated that the change of pH could significantly affect the adsorption of SA in the TiO2 microsphere suspensions. The effects of substrate adsorption rate and photoreaction rate on the overall performance of photocatalytic degradation is also discussed on the basis of experimental data. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Tongue coating and salivary bacterial counts in healthy/gingivitis subjects and periodontitis patientsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 10 2001S. Mantilla Gómez Abstract Background: The papillary structure of the dorsum of the tongue forms a unique ecological site that provides a large surface area favoring the accumulation of oral debris and microorganisms. These micro-organisms of the tongue may be of influence on the flora of the entire oral cavity. The normal appearance of the dorsum of the tongue is either pinkish or has a thin white coating. For the present study a scoring method was developed to describe the appearance of the dorsum of the tongue in relation to the extent of color and thickness of tongue coating. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the discoloration and coating of the tongue in healthy/gingivitis subjects and periodontitis patients. Furthermore, to determine the relationship between the appearance of the tongue and the bacterial load in salivary samples. Material and Methods: 2 groups of patients were studied, 70 healthy/gingivitis subjects and 56 periodontitis patients. After scoring of the tongue a salivary sample of each patient was taken and analyzed using a phase-contrast microscope. Results: This investigation showed that most discoloration was found on the distal part of the tongue. The mean number of bacteria per ml sample in relation to a pink, white and yellow appearance of the tongue was 948, 855 and 900 (×106) respectively. The mean number of bacteria per ml sample in relation to no, thin and thick coating was 948, 863, and 895 (×106), respectively. Analysis did not reveal a relationship between discoloration, coating thickness and total bacterial load. The mean number of bacteria per ml in healthy/gingivitis subjects was 860 and in periodontitis patients 918 (×106). Conclusion: No relationship between the appearance of the tongue and salivary bacterial load could be detected. There was no difference in bacterial load between the healthy/gingivitis and the periodontitis group within the present study population. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die papilläre Struktur des Zungenrückens bildet eine einheitliche ökologische Oberfläche, die eine große Oberfläche vermittelt, was die Akkumulation von oralem Belag und Mikroorganismen favorisiert. Diese Mikroorganismen der Zunge können die Flora der gesamten Mundhöhle beeinflussen. Die normale Erscheinung des Zungenrückens ist eher pinkfarben oder hat einen dünnen, weißen Belag. Für die vorliegende Studie wurde eine Meßmethode entwickelt, um die Erscheinung des Zungenrückens in Beziehung zum Ausmaß der Farbe und der Dicke des Zungenbelags zu beschrieben. Ziel: Der Zweck der Studie war die Untersuchung der Verfärbung und der Belagbildung auf der Zunge bei gesunden bzw. Gingivitis-Personen und Parodontitis-Patienten. Weiterhin sollte die Beziehung zwischen der Erscheinung der Zunge und dem bakteirellen Gehalt in Speichelproben bestimmt werden. Material und Methoden: 2 Gruppen von Patienten wurden untersucht, 70 gesunde bzw. Gingivitis-personen und 56 Parodontitis-Patienten. Nach der Beurteilung der Zunge wurde von jedem Patienten eine Speichelprobe genommen und mit einem Phasenkontrastmikroskop untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigten, daß die meiste Verfärbung der Zunge am distalen Teil gefunden wurde. Die mittlere Anzahl der Bakterien pro ml Speichel in Beziehung zu einer pinkfarbigen, weißen und gelben Erscheinung der Zunge was 948, 855 oder 900 (×106). Die mittlere Anzahl der Bakterien pro ml Speichel in Beziehung zu keinem, zu dünnem oder zu dickem Belag war 948, 863 oder 895 (×106). Die Analyse zeigte keine Beziehung zwischen Verfärbung, Belagsdicke und totalem Bakteriengehalt. Die mittlere Anzahl von Bakterien pro ml bei gesunden bzw. Gingivitis-Personen war 860 und bei Parodontitis-Patienten 918 (×106). Zusammenfassung: Es konnte kein Beziehung zwischen der Erscheinung der Zunge und dem bakteriellen Gehalt entdeckt werden. Es gab keine Differenzen im bakteriellen Gehalt zwischen den gesunden bzw. Gingivitis-Personen und den Parodontitis-Patienten innerhalb der vorliegenden Studienpopulation. Résumé Origine: La structure papillaire du dos de la langue forme un site écologique unique qui comporte une large surface favorisant l'accumulation de débris buccaux et de micro-organismes. Ces derniers peuvent avoir une influence sur la flore de l'ensemble de la cavité buccale. L'apparence normale du dos de la langue est rosée ou possède un très fin recouvrement blanc. Une méthode d'échellonnage a été développée afin de décrire l'apparence du dos de la langue en relation avec l'ampleur de la couleur et l'épaisseur du recouvrement de la langue. But: Le but de cette étude a été d'étudier la décoloration et le recouvrement de la langue chez des sujets sains/avec gingivite et parodontite. De plus la relation entre l'apparence de la langue et la charge bactérienne dans les échantillons salivaires a été déterminée. Matériaux et méthodes: 2 groupes de patients ont étéétudiés, 70 sujets sains ou avec gingivite et 56 patients avec parodontite. Après avoir évalué la langue, un échantillon salivaire de chaque patient a été prélevé et analysé en utilisant un microscope à contraste de phase. Résultats: Les résultats ont montré que la plupart de la décoloration était trouvée dans la partie distale de la langue. Le nombre moyen de bactéries par ml d'échantillon en relation avec la couleur rose, blanche ou jaune était respectivement de 948, 855 et 900 (×106). Le nombre moyen de bactéries par ml d'échantillon en relation avec un recouvrement inexistant, fin ou épais était respectivement de 948, 863 et 895 (×106). L'analyse n'a pas mis en évidence une relation entre la décoloration, l'épaisseur de recouvrement et la charge bactérienne totale. Le nombre moyen de bactéries par ml chez des sujets sains/gingivite était de 860 et chez les patients avec parodontite de 918 (×106). Conclusion: Aucune relation entre l'apparence de la langue et la charge bactérienne salivaire n'a donc pûêtre détectée. Il n'y avait aucune différence dans la charge bactérienne entre le groupe sain/gingivite et le groupe parodontite dans la population étudiée. [source] A quantitative morphological analysis of nanostructured ceria,silica composite catalystsJOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY, Issue 2 2008M. MOREAUD Summary This study aims at examining the morphology of different catalysts, which are based on a dispersion of ceria nanoparticles embedded in a high surface area mesoporous silica framework. In order to fully describe the mesostructured composite material, we propose here a quantitative description of the microstructure based on a quantitative analysis of micrographs that were obtained via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. We have therefore developed an automatic image analysis process in order to automatically and efficiently extract all the components of the catalyst images. A statistical and a morphological analysis of the spatial arrangement of the components of the catalyst are also presented. The study shows clear differences between the materials analysed in terms of the spatial arrangement and the total surface area of the ceria phase emerging into the pores, parameters of prime importance for the catalytic properties. Thus, the silica,ceria nanostructured composite materials, displaying large surface area up to 300 m2 g,1 are shown to exhibit highly rugged surfaces resulting from ceria nanoparticles emerging in the pores. [source] Hydrogen generation from photoelectrochemical water splitting based on nanomaterialsLASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS, Issue 4 2010Y. Li Abstract Hydrogen is potentially one of the most attractive and environmentally friendly fuels for energy applications. Safe and efficient generation, storage, and utilization of hydrogen present major challenges in its widespread use. Hydrogen generation from water splitting represents a holy grail in energy science and technology, as water is the most abundant hydrogen source on the Earth. Among different methods, hydrogen generation from photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using semiconductors as photoelectrodes is one of the most scalable and cost-effective approaches. Compared to bulk materials, nanostructured semiconductors offer potential advantages in PEC application due to their large surface area and size-dependent properties, such as increased absorption coefficient, increased band-gap energy, and reduced carrier-scattering rate. This article provides a brief overview of some recent research activities in the area of hydrogen generation from PEC water splitting based on nanostructured semiconductor materials, with a particular emphasis on metal oxides. Both scientific and technical issues are critically analyzed and reviewed. [source] A Beam-splitting Device for Use with Fiber-coupled Laser Light Sources for Photodynamic Therapy,PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Leroy M. Wood ABSTRACT A device that divides light into eight, four or two beams of equivalent power with only minor total power loss was designed, built and tested. The apparatus accepts light from a 200 ,m diameter, 0.16 numerical aperture, silica,silica multimode optical fiber connected to one of several laser light sources for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. The incorporation of a variable iris diaphragm into the optical couplers allows the power of the beams to be independently set. Each of the beams can be coupled to a 400 or 600 ,m diameter optical fiber to deliver the therapeutic light to the patient. This device is used in our institute for PDT of patients with either numerous small malignant tumors or single tumors with large surface area. [source] Nanofiller-reinforced polymer nanocompositesPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 8 2008J. Njuguna Abstract In this work, the technology of nano- and micro-scale particle reinforcement concerning various polymeric fiber-reinforced systems including polyamides (PAs), polyesters, polyurethanes (PUs), polypropylenes (pps), and high-performance/temperature engineering polymers such as polyimide (PI), poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), polyarylacetylene (PAA), and poly p -phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) is reviewed. When the diameters of polymer fiber materials are shrunk from micrometers to submicrons or nanometers, there appear several unique characteristics such as very large surface area to volume ratio (this ratio for a nanofiber can be as large as 103 times of that of a microfiber), flexibility in surface functionalities and superior mechanical performance (such as stiffness and tensile strength) compared to any other known form of the material. While nanoparticle reinforcement of fiber-reinforced composites has been shown to be a possibility, much work remains to be performed in order to understand how nanoreinforcement results in dramatic changes in material properties. The understanding of these phenomena will facilitate their extension to the reinforcement of more complicated anisotropic structures and advanced polymeric composite systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Reconstruction and Morphometric Analysis of the Nasal Airway of the Dog (Canis familiaris) and Implications Regarding Olfactory AirflowTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Brent A. Craven Abstract The canine nasal airway is an impressively complex anatomical structure, having many functional roles. The complicated branching and intricate scrollwork of the nasal conchae provide large surface area for heat, moisture, and odorant transfer. Of the previous anatomical studies of the canine nasal airway, none have included a detailed rendering of the maxilloturbinate and ethmoidal regions of the nose. Here, we present a high-resolution view of the nasal airway of a large dog, using magnetic resonance imaging scans. Representative airway sections are shown, and a three-dimensional surface model of the airway is reconstructed from the image data. The resulting anatomic structure and detailed morphometric data of the airway provide insight into the functional nature of canine olfaction. A complex airway network is revealed, wherein the branched maxilloturbinate and ethmoturbinate scrolls appear structurally distinct. This is quantitatively confirmed by considering the fractal dimension of each airway, which shows that the maxilloturbinate airways are more highly contorted than the ethmoidal airways. Furthermore, surface areas of the maxilloturbinate and ethmoidal airways are shown to be much different, despite having analogous physiological functions. Functionally, the dorsal meatus of the canine nasal airway is shown to be a bypass for odorant-bearing inspired air around the complicated maxilloturbinate during sniffing for olfaction. Finally, nondimensional analysis is used to show that the airflow within both the maxilloturbinate and ethmoturbinate regions must be laminar. This work has direct relevance to biomimetic sniffer design, chemical trace detector development, intranasal drug delivery, and inhalation toxicology. Anat Rec, 290:1325,1340, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Molecular-selective adsorption property of chemically surface modified nanoporous alumina membrane by di(1-naphthyl)silanediol to anthracenesAPPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2010Kenji Kakiage Abstract Nano-porous alumina membrane (NPAM) formed by the anodic oxidation of aluminum is an attractive composite as the base material for a functional filter, because of its honeycombed ordered structure with large surface area per weight and also high shape stability. In this work, we investigated the adsorption properties of the NPAM possessing ,-electron systems on the surface, which were produced through chemical surface modification by di(1-naphthyl)silanediol, to aromatic compounds using anthracenes as typical aromatic compounds. The chemically surface-modified NPAM exhibited strong affinity to anthracene molecules and the affinity was observed to be weakened remarkably with the introduction of methyl and phenyl substituents to anthracene, indicating a molecular-selective adsorption property of the NPAM. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hemocompatibility Assessment of Carbonic Anhydrase Modified Hollow Fiber Membranes for Artificial LungsARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 5 2010Heung-Il Oh Abstract Hollow fiber membrane (HFM)-based artificial lungs can require a large blood-contacting membrane surface area to provide adequate gas exchange. However, such a large surface area presents significant challenges to hemocompatibility. One method to improve carbon dioxide (CO2) transfer efficiency might be to immobilize carbonic anhydrase (CA) onto the surface of conventional HFMs. By catalyzing the dehydration of bicarbonate in blood, CA has been shown to facilitate diffusion of CO2 toward the fiber membranes. This study evaluated the impact of surface modifying a commercially available microporous HFM-based artificial lung on fiber blood biocompatibility. A commercial poly(propylene) Celgard HFM surface was coated with a siloxane, grafted with amine groups, and then attached with CA which has been shown to facilitate diffusion of CO2 toward the fiber membranes. Results following acute ovine blood contact indicated no significant reduction in platelet deposition or activation with the siloxane coating or the siloxane coating with grafted amines relative to base HFMs. However, HFMs with attached CA showed a significant reduction in both platelet deposition and activation compared with all other fiber types. These findings, along with the improved CO2 transfer observed in CA modified fibers, suggest that its incorporation into HFM design may potentiate the design of a smaller, more biocompatible HFM-based artificial lung. [source] Heterometal Alkoxides as Precursors for the Preparation of Porous Fe, and Mn,TiO2 Photocatalysts with High EfficienciesCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 35 2008Xiao-Xin Zou Abstract Transition-metal-doped titanium glycolates (M,TG, with M=Fe, Mn), which are the first non-stoichiometric heterometal alkoxides, have been synthesised through a solvothermal doping approach. X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance and ESR spectroscopy revealed that the dopant ion (Fe3+ or Mn2+) is substituted for Ti4+ in the TG lattice. Fe3+ prolongs the crystallisation time of Fe,TG, whereas Mn2+ has a smaller effect on the crystallisation time in comparison with Fe3+. The as-synthesised M,TG materials were used directly as single-source precursors for the preparation of metal-doped titania (M,TiO2) through a simple thermal treatment process. The as-prepared M,TiO2 materials maintain the rod-like morphology of the precursors and possess a mesoporous structure with high crystallinity. It has been proved that the dopant ions are incorporated into the TiO2 lattice at the Ti4+ positions. The photocatalytic activities of the M,TiO2 materials obtained were evaluated by testing the degradation of phenol under UV irradiation. From the photocatalytic results, it was concluded that high crystallinity, a large surface area and appropriate transition-metal-doping are all beneficial to the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of the doped TiO2 material. In addition, it was noted that in comparison with Mn,TiO2, Fe,TiO2 shows higher photocatalytic activity due to the better inhibition effect of Fe3+ on recombination of photogenerated electron,hole pairs. In contrast to the conventional nanosized TiO2 photocatalyst, the micrometre-sized M,TiO2 particles we obtained can be easily separated and recovered after the photocatalytic reactions. [source] Protease Immobilization on ,-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Synthesis of Oligopeptides in Organic SolventsCHEMISTRY - AN ASIAN JOURNAL, Issue 6 2010Bao-juan Xin Abstract The use of nanobiocatalysts, with the combination of nanotechnology and biotechnology, is considered as an exciting and rapidly emerging area. The use of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, as enzyme immobilization carriers, has drawn great attention because of their unique properties, such as controllable particle size, large surface area, modifiable surface, and easy recovery. In this study, various ,-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles with immobilized proteases were successfully prepared by three different immobilization strategies including A),direct binding, B),with thiophene as a linker, and C),with triazole as a linker. The oligopeptides syntheses catalyzed by these magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with immobilized proteases were systematically studied. Our results show that i),for magnetic nanoparticles immobilized ,-chymotrypsin, both immobilization strategies A and B furnished good reusability for the Z-Tyr-Gly-Gly-OEt synthesis, the MNPs enzymes can be readily used at least five times without significant loss of its catalytic performance: ii),In the case of Z-Asp-Phe-OMe synthesis catalyzed by magnetic nanoparticles immobilized thermolysin, immobilization Strategy,B provided the best recyclability: iii),For the immobilized papain, although Strategy,A or B afforded an immobilized enzyme for the first cycle of Z-Ala-Leu-NHNHPh synthesis in good yield, their subsequent catalytic activity decreased rapidly. In general, the ,-Fe2O3 MNPs were better for use as an immobilization matrix, rather than the Fe3O4 MNPs, owing to their smaller particle size and higher surface area. [source] Amino Acids Analysis by MALDI Mass Spectrometry Using Carbon Nanotube as MatrixCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2005Zhang Jing Abstract Twenty common amino acids have been analyzed successfully by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) using carbon nanotubes as matrix. From the spectra, little or no background interference or fragmentation of the analytes has been observed. This method was also applied to the analysis of amino acid mixture successfully. Carbon nanotubes have some features such as large surface area to disperse the analyte molecules sufficiently and prevent the sample aggregation and strong ultraviolet absorption to transfer energy easily to the analyte molecules. The present method has potential application for the rapid and sensitive analysis of amino acids and their mixture [source] Non-Corrosive, Non-Absorbing Organic Redox Couple for Dye-Sensitized Solar CellsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010Dongmei Li Abstract A new colorless electrolyte containing an organic redox couple, tetramethylthiourea (TMTU) and its oxidized dimer tetramethylformaminium disulfide dication ([TMFDS]2+), is applied to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Advantages of this redox couple include its non-corrosive nature, low cost, and easy handling. More impressively, it operates well with carbon electrodes. The DSCs fabricated with a lab-made HCS-CB carbon counter-electrode can present up to 3.1% power conversion efficiency under AM 1.5 illumination of 100 mW·cm,2 and 4.5% under weaker light intensities. This result distinctly outperforms the identical DSCs with a Pt electrode. Corrosive experiments reveal that Al and stainless steel (SS) sheets are stable in the [TMFDS]2+/TMTU-based electrolyte. Its electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) is used to evaluate the influence of different counter-electrodes on the cell performance, and preliminary investigations reveal that carbon electrodes with large surface areas and ideal corrosion-inertness toward the sulfur-containing [TMFDS]2+/TMTU redox couple exhibit promise for application in iodine-free DSCs. [source] Templated Synthesis of Mesoporous Superparamagnetic Polymers,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 14 2007B. Fuertes Abstract We present a novel synthetic strategy for fabricating superparamagnetic nanoparticles randomly dispersed in a mesoporous polymeric matrix. This method is based on the use of mesoporous silica materials as templates. The procedure used to obtain these mesoporous magnetic polymers consisted in: a),generating iron oxide ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (FMNP) of size ,,7,8,nm within the pores of the silica, b),loading the porosity of the silica/FMNP composite with a polymer (Polydivinylbenzene), c),selectively removing the silica framework from the resulting silica/FMNP/polymer composite. Such magnetic porous polymeric materials exhibit large surface areas (up to 630,m2,g,1), high pore volumes (up to 0.73,cm3,g,1) and a porosity made up of mesopores. In this way, it is possible to obtain superparamagnetic mesoporous hybrid nanocomposites that are easily manipulated by an external magnetic field and display different magnetic behaviours depending on the textural properties of the template employed. [source] Progress in the Field of Electrospinning for Tissue Engineering ApplicationsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 32-33 2009Seema Agarwal Abstract Electrospinning is an extremely promising method for the preparation of tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds. This technique provides nonwovens resembling in their fibrillar structures those of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and offering large surface areas, ease of functionalization for various purposes, and controllable mechanical properties. The recent developments toward large-scale productions combined with the simplicity of the process render this technique very attractive. Progress concerning the use of electrospinning for TE applications has advanced impressively. Different groups have tackled the problem of electrospinning for TE applications from different angles. Nowadays, electrospinning of the majority of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, either synthetic or natural, for TE applications is straightforward. Different issues, such as cell penetration, incorporation of growth and differentiating factors, toxicity of solvents used, productivity, functional gradient, etc. are main points of current considerations. The progress in the use of electrospinning for TE applications is highlighted in this article with focus on major problems encountered and on various solutions available until now. [source] Evaluation of rayon swab surface sample collection method for Bacillus spores from nonporous surfacesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007G.S. Brown Abstract Aim:, To evaluate US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended swab surface sample collection method for recovery efficiency and limit of detection for powdered Bacillus spores from nonporous surfaces. Methods and Results:, Stainless steel and painted wallboard surface coupons were seeded with dry aerosolized Bacillus atrophaeus spores and surface concentrations determined. The observed mean rayon swab recovery efficiency from stainless steel was 0·41 with a standard deviation (SD) of ±0·17 and for painted wallboard was 0·41 with an SD of ±0·23. Evaluation of a sonication extraction method for the rayon swabs produced a mean extraction efficiency of 0·76 with an SD of ±0·12. Swab recovery quantitative limits of detection were estimated at 25 colony forming units (CFU) per sample area for both stainless steel and painted wallboard. Conclusions:, The swab sample collection method may be appropriate for small area sampling (10 ,25 cm2) with a high agent concentration, but has limited value for large surface areas with a low agent concentration. The results of this study provide information necessary for the interpretation of swab environmental sample collection data, that is, positive swab samples are indicative of high surface concentrations and may imply a potential for exposure, whereas negative swab samples do not assure that organisms are absent from the surfaces sampled and may not assure the absence of the potential for exposure. Significance and Impact of the Study:, It is critical from a public health perspective that the information obtained is accurate and reproducible. The consequence of an inappropriate public health response founded on information gathered using an ineffective or unreliable sample collection method has the potential for undesired social and economic impact. [source] Sediment dynamics and pollutant mobility in rivers: An interdisciplinary approachLAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2004Ulrich Förstner Abstract Characteristic dynamic features of sediment-related processes in rivers include dramatic effects of stormwater events on particle transport, rapid and far-reaching effects of sulphide oxidation during resuspension, and biological accumulation and potential release of toxic chemicals. Pollutant mobility is the net result of the stabilizing and mobilizing effects in both hydraulic and chemical fields. In practice, emphasis has to be given to fine-grained sediments and suspended matter as these materials exhibit large surface areas and high sorption capacities. Organic materials are highly reactive. Degradation of organic matter will induce oxygen depletion and might enhance formation of flocs and biofilms. Study of variations of sediment and water chemistry should predominantly include changes of pH and redox conditions, competition of dissolved ions and processes such as complexation by organic substances. Major questions relate to the potential reduction of sorption sites on minerals and degradation of organic carrier materials. All these processes will influence solution/solid equilibrium conditions and have to be studied prior to modelling the overall effects of pollutants on the water body and aquatic ecosystems. With respect to handling and remediation of contaminated river sediments, either in-place or excavated, a chemical and biological characterization of the material, of the (disposal) site and of the long-term processes is crucial. Passive techniques (e.g. in situ stabilization, subaqueous capping) provide economic advantages as there are no operation costs following their installation. However, the success of these ecological and geochemical engineering approaches is mainly based on an in-depth knowledge of the underlying processes. [source] Electrospinning functional nanoscale fibers: a perspective for the futurePOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2008Matthew T Hunley Abstract Over the past decade, electrospinning has grown from a small niche process to a widely used fiber formation technique. Applying a strong electric potential on a polymer solution or melt produces nanoscale fibers. These nanofibers form non-woven textile mats, oriented fibrous bundles and even three-dimensional structured scaffolds, all with large surface areas and high porosity. Major applications of electrospun membranes include tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, sensing, separations, filtration, catalysis and nanowires. This perspective article highlights many recent advances in electrospun fibers for functional applications, with an emphasis on the advantages and proposed technologies for these non-woven fibrous scaffolds. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Rational shape engineering of the filamentous protein , prefoldin through incremental gene truncationBIOPOLYMERS, Issue 6 2009Timothy A. Whitehead Abstract An enticing possibility in nanotechnology is to use proteins as templates for the positioning of molecules in regular patterns with nanometer precision over large surface areas. However, the ability to redesign protein quaternary structure to construct new shapes remains underdeveloped. In the present work, we have engineered the dimensions of a filamentous protein, the , prefoldin (, PFD) from the hyperthermophile Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, and have achieved controllable attachment of filaments in a specific orientation on a carbon surface. Four different constructs of , PFD were generated in which the coiled coils extending from the association domain are progressively truncated. Three of the truncation constructs form well-defined filaments with predictable dimensions according to transmission electron microscopy. Two of these constructs had 2D persistence lengths similar to that of , PFD at 300,740 nm. In contrast, the 2D persistence length of the shortest truncation mutant was 3500 nm, indicating that the filament adsorbs along a different axis than the other constructs with its two rows of coiled coils facing out from the surface. The elastic moduli of the filaments range from 0.7,2.1 GPa, similar to rigid plastics and within the lower limit for proteins whose primary intermolecular interaction is hydrogen bonding. These results demonstrate a versatile approach for controlling the overall dimensions and surface orientation of protein filaments, and expand the toolbox by which to tune two overall dimensions in protein space for the creation of templated materials over a wide variety of conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 496,503, 2009. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The "Published Online" date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||