Europium luminescent polymeric microspheres fabricated by spray drying process

The spray drying method was used to prepare luminescent microspheres. These microspheres were prepared by spraying an aqueous solution of dextrin and an europium(III) complex with subsequent drying in a hot medium. The spray dried powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Particle size distribution was estimated from SEM images. The ultrasonic spray drying technique was successfully applied to yield a microparticulated and red luminescent powder composed by the [Eu(dpa)(3)](3-) stop (dpa = dipicolinic acid) complex incorporated in dextrin microspheres.

Spray layer-by-layer films based on phospholipid vesicles aiming sensing application via e-tongue system

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

Gelatin microparticles containing propolis obtained by spray-drying technique: preparation and characterization

Gelatin microparticles containing propolis extractive solution (PES) were prepared by spray-drying technique. The optimization of the spray-drying operating conditions and the proportions of gelatin and mannitol were investigated. Regular particle morphology was obtained when mannitol was used, whereas mannitol absence produced a substantial number of coalesced and agglomerated microparticles. Microparticles had a mean diameter of 2.70 mum without mannitol and 2.50 mum with mannitol. The entrapment efficiency for propolis of the microparticles was upto 41 % without mannitol and 39% with mannitol. The microencapsulation by spray-drying technique maintained the activity of propolis against Staphylococcus aureus. These gelatin microparticles containing propolis would be useful for developing intermediary or eventual propolis dosage form without the PES' strong and unpleasant taste, aromatic odour, and presence of ethanol. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal behavior and stability of biodegradable spray-dried microparticles containing triamcinolone

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

Thermal analysis of biodegradable microparticles containing ciprofloxacin hydrochloride obtained by spray drying technique

Thermal analysis has been extensively used to obtain information about drug-polymer interactions and to perform pre-formulation studies of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In this work, biodegradable microparticles of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) containing ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CP) in various drug:polymer ratios were obtained by spray drying. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the spray drying process on the drug-polymer interactions and on the stability of microparticles using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The results showed that the high levels of encapsulation efficiency were dependant on drug:polymer ratio. DSC and TG/DTG analyses showed that for physical mixtures of the microparticles components the thermal profiles were different from those signals obtained with the pure substances. Thermal analysis data disclosed that physical interaction between CP and PLGA in high temperatures had occurred. The DSC and TG profiles for drug-loaded microparticles were very similar to the physical mixtures of components and it was possible to characterize the thermal properties of microparticles according to drug content. These data indicated that the spray dryer technique does not affect the physicochemical properties of the microparticles. In addition, the results are in agreement with IR data analysis demonstrating that no significant chemical interaction occurs between CP and PLGA in both physical mixtures and microparticles. In conclusion, we have found that the spray drying procedure used in this work can be a secure methodology to produce CP-loaded microparticles. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of WC-17Co thermal spray coating by HVOF and hard chromium electroplating on the fatigue life and abrasive wear resistance of AISI 4340 high strength steel

One of the most interesting alternatives for replacement of hard chrome plating is tungsten carbide thermal spray coating applied by the high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process which presents a safer, cleaner and less expensive alternative to chromium plating. The objective of this research is to compare the influence of the tungsten carbide-17cobalt (WC- 17Co) coating applied by high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) process with that of hard-chromium electroplating on the fatigue strength and abrasive wear of AISI 4340 steel.

Evaluation of WC-17Co and WC-10Co-4Cr thermal spray coatings by HVOF on the fatigue and corrosion strength of AISI 4340 steel

It is known that chromium electroplating is related to the reduction in the fatigue strength of base metal. However, chromium results in protection against wear and corrosion combined with chemical resistance and good lubricity. Environmental requirements are an important point to be considered in the search for possible alternatives to hard chrome plating. Aircraft landing gear manufactures are considering WC thermal spray coating applied by the high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) process an alternative candidate, which shows performance at least comparable to results, obtained for hard chrome plating. The aim of this study is to compare the influence of WC-17Co and WC-10Co-4Cr coatings applied by HVOF process and hard chromium electroplating on the fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel, with and without shot peening. S-N curves were obtained in axial fatigue test for base material, chromium plated and tungsten carbide coated specimens. Tungsten carbide thermal spray coating results in higher fatigue strength when compared to hard chromium electroplated. Shot peening prior to thermal spraying showed to be an excellent alternative to increase fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel. Experimental data showed higher axial fatigue and corrosion resistance in salt fog exposure for samples WC-10Co-4Cr HVOF coated when compared with WC-17Co. Fracture surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the existence of a uniform coverage of nearly all substrates. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of WC-10Ni thermal spray coating with shot peening on the fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel

Fatigue failure is a result of a crack initiation and propagation, in consequence of a cyclical load. In aeronautical components as landing gear the fatigue strength is an important parameter to be considered in project, as well as the corrosion and wear resistance.The thermal sprayed HVOF technology it's normally used to protect components against wear and corrosion, and are being considerate an alternative to replace chromium by the aeronautical industry. With respect to fatigue life, the HVOF technique induces residual stress on the interface. In the case of tensile residual stresses, the initiation and propagation phases of fatigue process are accelerated; on the other hand, compressive residual stresses close to the surface may increase fatigue life. The technique to improve the coated materials fatigue strength is the shot peening process, which induces residual stress in the surface in order to delay the nucleation and propagation process.The aim of present study is to compare the influence of WC-10 Ni coating applied by HVOF on the fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel, with and without shot peening. S-N curves were obtained in axial fatigue tests for material base, and tungsten carbide coated specimens. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Fatigue in AISI 4340 steel thermal spray coating by HVOF for aeronautic application

Currently, high-strength materials, particularly AISI 4340 steel, are used in several landing gear components. Due to the high resistance to wear and corrosion required, the components are usually coating by hard chromium. This treatment produces waste, such as Cr+ 6 (hexavalent chromium), generally after applying the coating of hard chromium which is harmful to health and the environment. The process HVOF (High-velocity-oxygen-fuel) is considered a promising technique for deposition of hard chromium alternative coatings, for example, coatings based on tungsten carbide. This technique provides high hardness and good wear strength and more resistance to fatigue when compared to AISI 4340 hard chromium coated. To minimize loss fatigue due to the process of deposition, shot peening is used to obtain a compressive residual stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the tungsten carbide thermal spray coating applied by the HVOF, in comparison to the conventional hard chromium electroplating on the AISI 4340 high strength steel behavior in fatigue. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe crack origin sites, thickness and adhesion of the coating. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Secagem de misturas de polpa de frutas tropicais em leito de jorro

Drying of fruit pulps in spouted beds of inert particles has been indicated as a viable technique to produce fruit powders. Most of the processes employed to produce dried fruit pulps and juices, such as Foam Mat, encapsulation by co-crystallization and spray drying utilize adjuvant and additives (such as thickeners, coating materials, emulsifiers, acidulants, flavors and dyes), which is not always desirable. The fruit pulp composition exerts an important effect on the fruit powder production using a spouted bed. In the study by Medeiros (2001) it was concluded that lipids, starch and pectin contents play an important role on the process performance, enhancing the powder production; however, the drying of fruit pulps containing high content of reducing sugars (glucose and fructose) is practically unviable. This work has the objective of expanding the studies on drying of fruit pulps in spouted bed with aid of adjuvant (lipids, starch and pectin) aiming to enhance the dryer performance without jeopardizing the sensorial quality of the product. The optimum composition obtained by Medeiros (2001) was the basis for preparing the mixtures of pulps. The mixture formulations included pulps of mango (Mangifera indica), umbu (Spondias tuberosa) and red mombin (Spondia purpurea) with addition of cornstarch, pectin and lipids. Different products were used as lipids source: olive and Brazil nut oils, coconut milk, heavy milk, powder of palm fat and palm olein. First of all, experiments were conducted to define the best formulation of the fruit pulps mixture. This definition was based on the drying performance obtained for each mixture and on the sensorial characteristics of the dry powder. The mixture formulations were submitted to drying at fixed operating conditions of drying and atomizing air flow rate, load of inert particles, temperature and flow rate of the mixture. The best results were obtained with the compositions having powder of palm fat and palm olein in terms of the drying performance and sensorial analysis. Physical and physicochemical characteristics were determined for the dry powders obtained from the mixtures formulations. Solubility and reconstitution time as well as the properties of the product after reconstitution were also evaluated. According to these analyses, the powder from the mixtures formulations presented similar characteristics and compatible quality to those produced in other types of dryers. Considering that the palm olein is produced in Brazil and that it has been used in the food industry substituting the palm fat powder, further studies on drying performance were conducted with the composition that included the palm olein. A complete factorial design of experiments 23, with three repetitions at the central point was conducted to evaluate the effects of the air temperature, feeding flow rate and intermittence time on the responses related to the process performance (powder collection efficiency, material retained in the bed and angle of repose of the inert particles after the process) and to the product quality (mean moisture content, loss of vitamin C and solubility). Powder production was uniform for the majority of the experiments and the higher efficiency with lower retention in the bed (59.2% and 1.8g, respectively) were obtained for the air temperature of 80°C, mixture feed rate of 5ml/min in intervals of 10 min. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the process variables had individual or combined significant influences on the powder collection efficiency, material retention in the bed, powder moisture content and loss of vitamin C. At the experimental ranges of this work, the angle of repose and solubility were not influenced by the operating variables. From the results of the experimental design, statistical models were obtained for the powder moisture content and loss of vitamin C

Effects of adding a spray-dried polyclonal antibody preparation on ruminal fermentation patterns and digestibility of cows fed high concentrate diets

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

Retention of oral microorganisms on conventional and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements

A cárie secundária representa problema de saúde pública e socioeconômico no mundo. A restauração de dentes acometidos por cárie pode criar condições favoráveis à proliferação microbiana na superfície do material restaurador ou na interface dente/restauração, criando ambiente propício para o estabelecimento de cárie secundária. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade de retenção de placa bacteriana em cimentos de ionômero de vidro convencionais (Chelon-Fil e Vidrion R) e modificados por resina (Vitremer e Fuji II LC) e de resina composta híbrida (Z100), utilizada como controle. Nos testes de retenção de microrganismos, in situ, 12 voluntários utilizaram, por 7 dias, placa de Hawley contendo corpos-de-prova de todos os materiais. A seguir, os corpos-de-prova foram transferidos para tubos contendo 2,0 ml de Ringer-PRAS e os microrganismos presentes em sua superfície foram cultivados em placa com ágar-sangue e ágar Mitis Salivarius Bacitracina, os quais foram incubados, a 37ºC, em anaerobiose (90% N2, 10% CO2), por 10 e 2 dias, respectivamente. Os ionômeros modificados por resina retiveram quantidade de bactérias similar àquela mostrada pela resina testada. Os ionômeros modificados por resina também apresentaram menor número de estreptococos do grupo mutans do que a resina e os cimentos ionoméricos convencionais. Os ionômeros de vidro convencionais apresentaram menor número de estreptococos do grupo mutans que a resina, sendo que essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa.

Photoelastic Analysis of Stress Distribution in Different Retention Systems for Facial Prosthesis

The aim of this study was to assess the behavior and stress distribution of 3 retention systems associated with implant for facial prosthesis by using the photoelasticity method. A photoelastic model was made from the replica of the orbital region on the left side of a dry skull with two 4-mm implants fixed in the superior orbital region. Three facial prosthetic retention systems were made for this study: O'ring, bar-clip, and magnets. The set (model/retention systems/prosthesis) was placed in a polariscope, and then traction began to be applied to the retention systems. The limit values for removal of the retention system were obtained by tests performed in an EMIC Universal test machine. The results were obtained by observation during the experiments and by photographic record of the stress behavior in the photoelastic model, resulting from the traction of the retention systems. In the magnet system, a lowest formation of fringes was verified both around and between the implants; in the O'ring system, the formation of photoelastic fringes was noted between the implants in the apical region; and in the bar-clip system, there was a greater concentration of colored fringes in the regions between the implants and cervical area. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that the retention systems produced different stress distribution characteristics that, in general, were concentrated in the area around the implants, and the highest concentration of fringes, in increasing order, occurred ill the retention systems of the magnets, O'ring, and bar-clip.

Retention Systems to Implant-Supported Craniofacial Prostheses

Osseointegrated implants in craniofacial reconstructions improve prostheses retention and stability and comfort and safety for a patient. According to biomechanical principles, the treatment success regarding osseointegration maintenance depends on an adequate surgical technique associated to a retention system that provides favorable tension distribution to implants. Furthermore, patient expectation, esthetics, function, and anatomic limitations must be evaluated during treatment planning. Therefore, the aims of this study were to present available retention systems to implant-supported craniofacial prosthesis and to highlight the advantages, indications, and limitations. A literature review was conducted through a MEDLINE search. Sixteen articles and 2 textbooks met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. It was concluded that the success of craniofacial rehabilitation with implants depends on an adequate surgical technique and an adequate selection of a retention system.

Evaluation of the Effect of Retightening and Mechanical Cycling on Preload Maintenance of Retention Screws

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