Direct observation of oxidative stress on the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with atomic force microscopy

We imaged pores on the surface of the cell wall of three different industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using atomic force microscopy. The pores could be enlarged using 10 mM diamide, an SH residue oxidant that attacks surface proteins. We found that two strains showed signs of oxidative damage via changes in density and diameter of the surface pores. We found that the German strain was resistant to diamide induced oxidative damage, even when the concentration of the oxidant was increased to 50 mM. The normal pore size found on the cell walls of American strains had diameters of about 200nm. Under conditions of oxidative stress the diameters changed to 400nm.This method may prove to be a useful rapid screening process (45-60 min) to determine which strains are oxidative resistant, as well as being able to screen for groups of yeast that are sensitive to oxidative stress. This rapid screening tool may have direct applications in molecular biology (transference of the genes to inside of living cells) and biotechnology (biotransformations reactions to produce chiral synthons in organic chemistry.

Surface energy increase of oxygen-plasma-treated PET

Prosthetic composite is a widely used biomaterial that satisfies the criteria for application as an organic implant without adverse reactions. Polyethylene therephthalate (PET) fiber-reinforced composites have been used because of the excellent cell adhesion, biodegradability and biocompatibility. The chemical inertness and low surface energy of PET in general are associated with inadequate bonds for polymer reinforcements. It is recognized that the high strength of composites, which results from the interaction between the constituents, is directly related to the interfacial condition or to the interphase. A radio frequency plasma reactor using oxygen was used to treat PET fibers for 5, 20, 30 and 100 s. The treatment conditions were 13.56 MHz, 50 W, 40 Pa and 3.33 x 10(-7) m(3)/s. A Rame-Hart goniometer was used to measure the contact angle and surface energy variation of fibers treated for different times. The experimental results showed contact angle values from 47degrees to 13degrees and surface energies from 6.4 x 10(-6) to 8.3 x 10(-6) J for the range of 5 to 100 s, respectively. These results were confirmed by the average ultimate tensile strength of the PET fiber/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix composite tested in tensile mode and by scanning electron microscopy. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface modification of siloxane containing polyurethane polymer by dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Quantitative fractography under light microscopy: A digital image processing approach

This work is an example of the improvement on quantitative fractography by means of digital image processing and light microscopy. Two techniques are presented to investigate the quantitative fracture behavior of Ti-4Al-4V heat-treated alloy specimens, under Charpy impact testing. The first technique is the Minkowski method for fractal dimension measurement from surface profiles, revealing the multifractal character of Ti-4Al-4V fracture. It was not observed a clear positive correlation of fractal values against Charpy energies for Ti-4Al-4V alloy specimens, due to their ductility, microstructural heterogeneities and the dynamic loading characteristics at region near the V-notch. The second technique provides an entire elevation map of fracture surface by extracting in-focus regions for each picture from a stack of images acquired at successive focus positions, then computing the surface roughness. Extended-focus reconstruction has been used to explain the behavior along fracture surface. Since these techniques are based on light microscopy, their inherent low cost is very interesting for failure investigations.

The surface treatment influence on the fatigue crack propagation of Al 7050-T7451 alloy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Surface Modification of Polycarbonate by Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Jets

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Surface characteristics analysis of polypropylene treated by dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

Polypropylene (PP) samples were treated by Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) in order to modify their surface characteristics. The XPS analysis reveals that the DBD treatment added oxygen atoms to the PP surface. These polar groups cause increase in the wettability as shown by water contact angle measurements. The formation of low-molecular-weight oxidized materials (LMWOMs) in the form of small nodules on the PP surface was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The presence of oxygen polar groups on the PP surface was also confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). All analysis were performed before and after rinsing the treated samples in water and showed that the LMWOM can be removed from the surface by polar solvents.

SURFACE MODIFICATION of SUGARCANE BAGASSE CELLULOSE and ITS EFFECT on MECHANICAL and WATER ABSORPTION PROPERTIES of SUGARCANE BAGASSE CELLULOSE HDPE COMPOSITES

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Surface Corrosion of Ti-16Si-4B Powder Alloy Implanted With Nitrogen by Plasma-Based Technique

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Mechanical removal of necrotic periodontal ligament by either Robinson bristle brush with pumice or scalpel blade. Histomorphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy

One of the important factors accounting for successful delayed replantation of avulsed teeth is seemingly the type of root surface treatment. Removal of necrotic cemental periodontal ligament remnants may prevent the occurrence of external root resorption, which is the major cause of loss of teeth replanted in such conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two mechanical techniques for removal of root-adhered periodontal ligament. Preservation or removal of the cementum layer concomitantly with these procedures was also assessed. Forty-five roots of healthy premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were selected. After extraction, the teeth were kept dry at room temperature for 1 h and then immersed in saline for rehydration for an additional 10 min. Thereafter, the roots were assigned to three groups, as follows: group 1 (control) - the cemental periodontal ligament was preserved; group 2 - removal of the periodontal ligament by scraping root surface with a scalpel blade (SBS); group 3 - periodontal ligament remnants were removed using a Robinson bristle brush at low-speed with pumice/water slurry (RBP). The specimens were analysed histomorphometrically and examined by scanning electron microscopy. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of the results showed that the RBP technique was significantly more effective than the SBS technique for removal of the periodontal ligament remnants adhered to root surface. Both techniques preserved the cementum layer.

Analyse titanium surface irradiated with laser, with and without deposited of durapatite

OBJETIVO: Estudar a superfície de implantes osseointegráveis utilizando discos de titânio irradiados com feixe de laser. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi irradiada com feixes de laser de alta intensidade (Nd-YAG), posteriormente depositado hidróxiapatita e submetido a tratamento térmico. Foi analisada sob MEV (Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura) e realizada análise morfológica qualitativa com microfotografias em vários aumentos. RESULTADOS: A superfície irradiada com laser apresentou deformidade superficial e característica isomórfica; a aplicação de hidroxiapatita pelo método de biomimético aumentou quantitativamente a área da superfície de titânio. CONCLUSÃO: A deposição de hidroxiapatita apresentou melhor característica isomórfica e aumento quantitativo da área superficial estudada, a amostra demonstrou características não encontradas nos implantes disposto no mercado.

Surface and Biomechanical Study of Titanium Implants Modified by Laser With and Without Hydroxyapatite Coating, in Rabbits

Surface and biomechanical analysis of titanium implant surfaces modified by laser beam with and without hydroxyapatite. Titanium implants with 3 different surfaces were inserted into the tibias of 30 rabbits: group I (GI) machined surface (control group), group II irradiated with laser (GII), and group III irradiated with laser and hydroxyapatite coating applied-biomimetic method (GIII). Topographical analysis with scanning electron microscopy was made before surgery in the tibia. These rabbits were distributed into 2 periods of observation: 4 and 8 weeks postsurgery, after which biomechanical analysis (removal torque) was conducted. Statistical analysis used the Student-Newman-Keuls method. Surface showed roughness in GII and GIII. Biomechanical analysis demonstrated values with significant differences in GII and GIII. Titanium implants modified by laser irradiation can increase osseointegration during the initial phase.

Evaluation of enamel surface after bracket debonding and polishing

INTRODUÇÃO: a preservação da estrutura de esmalte após a remoção dos acessórios ortodônticos é obrigação do clínico. Portanto, procura-se um protocolo de descolagem com bases científicas. OBJETIVO: objetivou-se avaliar por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) a influência de quatro protocolos de remoção de braquetes e polimento da superfície do esmalte e propor um protocolo que minimize os danosà superfície do esmalte. MÉTODOS: doze incisivos permanentes bovinos foram divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com os instrumentos utilizados para a descolagem dos braquetes e remoção do remanescente adesivo. Os braquetes foram descolados com o alicate de descolagem reto (Ormco Corp.) nos grupos 1 e 2, e com o instrumento de descolagem Lift-Off (3M Unitek) nos grupos 3 e 4. Os remanescentes adesivos dos grupos 1 e 3 foram removidos com o alicate removedor de resina longo (Ormco Corp.) e dos grupos 2 e 4 com broca de carboneto de tungstênio (Beavers Dental) em alta-rotação. As superfícies, após cada etapa da descolagem e polimento, foram avaliadas em réplicas de resina epóxica e foram obtidas eletromicrografias com aumento de 50 e 200X. RESULTADOS: os quatro protocolos de remoção de acessórios ortodônticos e polimento ocasionaram irregularidades no esmalte. Conclusão: a remoção do braquete com o alicate de descolagem reto, seguido da remoção do remanescente adesivo com broca de carboneto de tungstênio e polimento final com pasta de pedra-pomes foi o procedimento que ocasionou menores danos ao esmalte, sendo o protocolo sugerido para a remoção dos acessórios ortodônticos.

Effect of Er : YAG and diode laser irradiation on the root surface: Morphological and thermal analysis

Background: the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of Er:YAG and diode laser treatments of the root surface on intrapulpal temperature after scaling and root planing with hand instruments.Methods: Fifteen extracted single-rooted teeth were scaled and root planed with hand instruments. The teeth were divided into 3 groups of 5 each and irradiated on their buccal and lingual surfaces: group A: Er:YAG laser, 2.94 mum/100 mJ/10 Hz/ 30 seconds; group B: diode laser, 810 nm/1.0 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds; group C: diode laser, 810 nm/1.4 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds. The temperature was monitored by means of a type T thermocouple (copper-constantan) positioned in the pulp chamber to assess pulpal temperature during and before irradiation. Afterwards, the specimens were longitudinally sectioned, and the buccal and lingual surfaces of each root were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.Results: In the Er:YAG laser group, the thermal analysis revealed an average temperature of -2.2 +/- 1.5degreesC, while in the diode laser groups, temperatures were 1.6 +/- 0.8degreesC at 1.0 W and 3.3 +/- 1.0degreesC at 1.4 W. Electronic micrographs revealed that there were no significant morphological changes, such as charring, melting, or fusion, in any group, although the specimens were found to be more irregular in the Er:YAG laser group.Conclusions: the application of Er:YAG and diode lasers at the utilized parameters did not induce high pulpal temperatures. Root surface irregularities were more pronounced after irradiation with an Er:YAG laser than with a diode laser.

Analysis of failed commercially pure titanium dental implants: A scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometer X-ray study

Background: the failure of osseointegration in oral rehabilitation has gained importance in current literature and in clinical practice. The integration of titanium dental implants in alveolar bone has been partly ascribed to the biocompatibility of the implant surface oxide layer. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the surface topography and composition of failed titanium dental implants in order to determine possible causes of failure.Methods: Twenty-one commercially pure titanium (cpTi) implants were retrieved from 16 patients (mean age of 50.33 +/- 11.81 years). Fourteen implants were retrieved before loading (early failures), six after loading (late failures), and one because of mandibular canal damage. The failure criterion was lack of osseointegration characterized as dental implant mobility. Two unused implants were used as a control group. All implant surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometer x-ray (EDS) to element analysis. Evaluations were performed on several locations of the same implant.Results: SEM showed that the surface of all retrieved implants consisted of different degrees of organic residues, appearing mainly as dark stains. The surface topography presented as grooves and ridges along the machined surface similar to control group. Overall, foreign elements such as carbon, oxygen, sodium, calcium, silicon, and aluminum were detected in failed implants. The implants from control group presented no macroscopic contamination and clear signs of titanium.Conclusion: These preliminary results do not suggest any material-related cause for implant failures, although different element composition was assessed between failed implants and control implants.