Subcutaneous tissue reaction and cytotoxicity of polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene blends associated with natural polymers

Cytotoxicity and subcutaneous tissue reaction of innovative blends composed by polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene associated with natural polymers (natural rubber and native starch) forming membranes were evaluated, aiming its applications associated with bone regeneration. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in mouse fibroblasts culture cells (NIH3T3) using trypan blue staining. Tissue response was in vivo evaluated by subcutaneous implantation of materials in rats, taking into account the presence of necrosis and connective tissue capsule around implanted materials after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 60, and 100 days of surgery. The pattern of inflammation was evaluated by histomorphometry of the inflammatory cells. Chemical and morphological changes of implanted materials after 60 and 100 days were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Cytotoxicity tests indicated a good tolerance of the cells to the biomaterial. The in vivo tissue response of all studied materials showed normal inflammatory pattern, characterized by a reduction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and an increase in mononuclear leukocytes over the time (p < 0.05 Kruskal-Wallis). On day 60, microscopic analysis showed regression of the chronic inflammatory process around all materials. FTIR showed no changes in chemical composition of materials due to implantation, whereas SEM demonstrated the delivery of starch in the medium. Therefore, the results of the tests performed in vitro and in vivo show that the innovative blends can further be used as biomaterials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 1284-1293, 2013. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Caracterização físico-química e avaliação toxicológica preliminar do copolímero sulfato de condroitina-co-N-isopropilacrilamida para uso farmacêutico

A Indústria Farmacêutica utiliza polímeros em forma de nanopartículas em formulações de liberação controlada e vetorizada por possuírem baixo custo em relação a demais métodos de preparações de formas farmacêuticas, aparentemente não serem reconhecidos pelo sistema de defesa do organismo, proporcionar melhora da eficácia, diminuição da toxicidade e da dose de fármaco administrado. O sulfato de condroitina-co-Nisopropilacrilamida (SCM + NIPAAm) é um copolímero proposto para este fim, a partir da reação de um polímero sintético, o poli N-isopropilacrilamida (PNIPAAm), com características termossensíveis, com um natural, o Sulfato de Condroitina (SC), com características bioadesivas. Assim, a copolimerização pode ser capaz de somar estas propriedades e aperfeiçoar o seu uso como um veículo para liberação controlada. Este trabalho objetivou, portanto, realizar a caracterização fisico-quimica das partículas de sulfato de condroitina e Nisopropilacrilamida e do copolímero SCM+NIPAAm (2,5 % e 5%) e do SCM+PNIPAAm 2,5% e uma avaliação toxicológica parcial de um destes copolímeros que apresentar as melhores propriedades de um eficiente carreador de fármacos, selecionado a partir dos ensaios de caracterização físico-química. Para determinar a estrutura química dos sistemas particulados e analisar os seus componentes químicos, foi realizada a Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) e Espectroscopia do Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourrier (FTIR); Para analisar a morfologia das partículas, foi usado a Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV); A Termogravimetria/ Termogravimetria Derivada e Análise Térmica Diferencial (TG/DTG) foi usada para avaliar o comportamento térmico dos sistemas particulados, bem como auxiliar na análise de Cinética de Degradação (CD, método de Flynn-Wall-Ozawa); Foi ainda realizado a técnica de degradação in vitro e a determinação carga superficial e tamanho de partículas (análise do Potencial Zeta, PZ). Para avaliar a toxicidade, foi realizado o bioensaio em microcrustáceo Artemia salina (24 e 48 h), viabilidade celular (citotoxicidade) em células PC-12 (método do MTT) e também a toxicidade aguda oral em camundongos. As análises de RMN, FTIR e MEV demonstraram semelhança quanto ao aspecto estrutural e morfológico entre os copolímeros estudados. As análises de TG demonstraram que o SCM+NIPAAm 5% apresentou maior estabilidade térmica em relação aos demais copolímeros avaliados, uma vez que sua decomposição polimérica ocorre em temperaturas superiores, em torno de 233ºC. O DTA demonstrou valores de temperaturas concordantes com os eventos térmicos de decomposição apresentados pelas curvas das análises TG. Sua estabilidade foi confirmada através da CD e estudo de degradação in vitro, apresentando, respectivamente, Ea > 100 kJ mol^-1 e perda de 48% da sua massa inicial após três meses. Além disso, SCM+NIPAAm 5% apresentou diâmetro de partícula inferior a 200 nm e índice de polidispersão de 0,35, além do PZ > -30mV, caracteristicas de um promissor candidato a carreador de fármacos. Em relação às avaliações toxicológicas, o SCM+NIPAAm 5% não apresentou toxicidade no bioensaio de A. salina (CL₅₀ > 1000) e no modelo celular avaliado, dentro das concentrações e circunstâncias de exposição estudadas. O SCM+NIPAAm 5%, na dose oral de 2000 mg/kg, não apresentou nenhum sinal evidente de toxicidade em camundongos, o que foi corroborado pela ausência de alterações anatomo-histopatológicas. A copolimerização do Sulfato de Condroitina e N-isopropilacrilamida na concentração estudada, dada suas características físico-químicas e toxicológicas preliminares, apresenta propriedades que contribuem para a proposta de um sistema que constitui uma nova forma de liberação controlada, especialmente de fármacos.

Production and evaluation of recycled polymers from açaí fibers

The possibility of recycling and the favorable mechanical properties of the products have encouraged the study and production of thermoplastic composites from natural fibrous waste. Açaí (cabbage palm) fiber, which is removed from the seed, has been slightly investigated, as compared to what is already known about the fruit pulp. In this study, the influence of açaí fiber as an element of reinforcement in recycled everyday usage thermoplastics using simple, low cost methodology was evaluated. Recycled matrixes of high impact polystyrene and polypropylene were molded by hot compression from which the fiber composites were obtained. The FTIR technique showed that the process was efficient in preventing degradation of the açaí fibers. The influence of the fiber on the mechanical behavior of the recycled matrixes was investigated by microscopic images of compression and impact tests. The results showed better impact performance for the fiber combined with the polymeric matrixes.

Structural and optical properties of brominated plasma polymers

Novel brominated amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H:Br) films were produced by the plasma polymerization of acetylene-bromoform mixtures. The main parameter of interest was the degree of bromination, which depends on the partial pressure of bromoform in the plasma feed, expressed as a percentage of the total pressure, R-B. When bromoform is present in the feed, deposition rates of up to about 110 nm min(-1) may be obtained. The structure and composition of the films were characterized by Transmission Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (IRRAS) and X-ray Photo-electron Spectroscopy (XPS). The latter revealed that films with atomic ratios Br:C of up to 0.58 may be produced. Surface contact angles, measured using goniometry, could be increased from similar to 63 degrees (for an unbrominated film) to similar to 90 degrees for R-B of 60 to 80%. Film surface roughness, measured using a profilometer, does not depend strongly on R-B. Optical properties the refractive index, n, absorption coefficient, alpha(E), where E is the photon energy, and the optical gap, E-g, were determined from film thicknesses and data obtained by Transmission Ultraviolet-Visible Near Infrared Spectroscopy (UVS). Control of n was possible via selection of R-B. The measured optical gap increases with increasing F-BC, the atomic ratio of Br to C in the film, and semi-empirical modeling accounts for this tendency. A typical hardness of the brominated films, determined via nano-indentation, was similar to 0.5 GPa. (C), 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of the length of alkyl side chains in the electronic structure of conjugated polymers

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

Suitability of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers as power cable cores: Galvanic corrosion and thermal stability evaluation

The increasing demand for electrical energy and the difficulties involved in installing new transmission lines presents a global challenge. Transmission line cables need to conduct more current, which creates the problem of excessive cable sag and limits the distance between towers. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new cables that have low thermal expansion coefficients, low densities, and high resistance to mechanical stress and corrosion. Continuous fiber-reinforced polymers are now widely used in many industries, including electrical utilities, and provide properties that are superior to those of traditional ACSR (aluminum conductor steel reinforced) cables. Although composite core cables show good performance in terms of corrosion, the contact of carbon fibers with aluminum promotes galvanic corrosion, which compromises mechanical performance. In this work, three different fiber coatings were tested (phenol formaldehyde resin, epoxy-based resin, and epoxy resin with polyester braiding), with measurements of the galvanic current. The use of epoxy resin combined with polyester braiding provided the best inhibition of galvanic corrosion. Investigation of thermal stability revealed that use of phenol formaldehyde resin resulted in a higher glass transition temperature. On the other hand, a post-cure process applied to epoxy-based resin enabled it to achieve glass transition temperatures of up to 200 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Beverages and Mouthwashes on the Hardness of Polymers Used in Intraoral Prostheses

PurposeThe mechanical properties of acrylic resins used in intraoral prostheses may be altered by frequent exposure to liquids such as beverages and mouthwashes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermocycling and liquid immersion on the hardness of four brands of acrylic resins commonly used in removable prostheses (Onda Cryl, QC-20, Classico, Lucitone).Materials and MethodsFor each brand of resin, seven specimens were immersed in each of six solutions (coffee, cola, red wine, Plax-Colgate, Listerine [LI], Oral B), and seven more were placed in artificial saliva (control). The hardness was tested using a microhardness tester before and after 5000 thermocycles and after 1, 3, 24, 48, and 96 hours of immersion. The results were analyzed using three-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05).ResultsThe hardness of the resins decreased following thermocycling and immersion in the solutions. Specimens immersed in cola and wine exhibited significant decreases in hardness after immersion for 96 hours, although the greatest significant decrease in hardness occurred in specimens immersed in LI. However, according to American Dental Association specification 12, the Knoop hardness of acrylic resins for intraoral prostheses should not be below 15. Thus, the median values of superficial hardness observed in most of the acrylic resins in this study are considered clinically acceptable.ConclusionsThe microhardness of polymers used for intraoral prostheses decreases following thermocycling. Among specimens immersed in beverages, those immersed in cola or wine experienced the greatest decrease in microhardness. Immersion of acrylic resins in LI significantly decreased the microhardness in relation to the initial value. Among the resins assessed, QC-20 exhibited the lowest initial hardness.

Comparison of polymers and ceramics in new and discarded electrical insulators: reuse and recycling possibilities

The expansion and maintenance of electricity distribution networks generates large amounts of waste, much of it in the form of discarded insulators that are not reused or recycled. This paper describes the results of tests on used and new ceramic and polymeric insulators to verify if their exposure to weathering justifies their replacement. In new and used ceramic insulators, properties such as contact angle, relative density, porosimetry, dilatometry and X-ray diffraction patterns showed no differences or the differences that were found could not be related to their use. The discarded ceramic material showed high thermal stability, an interesting characteristic for application as chamotte. It can also be reused to replace gravel used in substations. In polymeric insulators, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and relative density test results suggest degradation of used material compared to new. This would justify their replacement and discard as waste, but they show little recycling potential.

A new biomimetic sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers for highly sensitive and selective determination of hexazinone herbicide

A new selective sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was developed for the determination of hexazinone (HXZ) in environmental samples. MIPs were synthesized using a non-covalent approach, and selection of the monomers employed in the polymerization reaction was carried out by molecular modeling. Three functional monomers with high (2-vinylpyridine (MP17)) and intermediate (methacrylic acid (MP12) and acrylamide (MP5)) energies of binding to the template (HXZ) were selected for preparation of the MIPs, in order to conduct comparative studies and validate the theoretical data. For sensor construction, carbon pastes were modified with each MIP or NIP (non-imprinted polymer), and HXZ determination was performed using differential pulse adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPAdCSV). All parameters affecting the sensor response were optimized. In HCl at pH 2.5, the sensor prepared with MP17 (5% w/w in the paste) showed a dynamic linear range between 1.9 × 10−11 and 1.1 × 10−10 mol L−1, and a detection limit of 2.6 × 10−12 mol L−1, under the following conditions: accumulation time of 200 s at a potential of −0.5V, scan rate of 50 mVs−1, pulse amplitude of 60 mV, and pulse width of 50 ms. The sensor was selective in the presence of other similar compounds, and was successfully applied to the analysis of HXZ in river water samples.

Effect of mucoadhesive polymers on the in vitro performance of insulin-loaded silica nanoparticles: Interactions with mucin and biomembrane models

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

Development of a Yellow Pigment Based on Bismuth and Molybdenum-Doped TiO2 for Coloring Polymers

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Polyacrylic acid polymers hydrogels intended to topical drug delivery: preparation and characterization

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efficiency comparison of hyperbranched polymers as toughening agents for a one-part epoxy resin

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

Escape depth of secondary electrons from electron-irradiated polymers

Measurements on polymers (Teflon FEP and Mylar) have shown that the secondary electron emission from uncharged surfaces exceeds that from surfaces containing a positive surface charge. The reduced emission of charged surfaces is due to recombination between electrons undergoing emission and trapped holes within the charged layer. During the experiments the surface of the material was kept at a negative potential to assure that all secondary electrons reaching the surface from within the material are actually emitted. An analysis of the results yielded the maximum escape depth of the secondary electrons, and showed that the ratio of the maximum escape depth of the secondaries from Mylar to the maximum escape depth from Teflon is almost the same as the ratio of the corresponding second crossover energies of this polymers.

Improvement of the alcohol dehydrogenase from baker's yeast using polymers and salts for alcohol determinations in beverages

An alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was purified from dry baker’s yeast. This is a key enzyme of the primary short-chain alcohol metabolism in many organisms. In the present study, the obtained enzymatic preparation of baker’s yeast, containing 2.7 U/mg of ADH, was used in the reactions. The purified extract of the ADH obtained from Fermix commercial dry yeast, presented the highest activity and purification factor when ammonium sulfate was added in the precipitation of protein, in the range 35-60% (w/v). The enzymatic preparation was maintained for 2 months in the lyophilized form at 4ºC (retention of 96.2% of activity) in the presence of 1 mmol/L of sodium azide, and it maintained 47% of activity for 30 days at 30°C in the presence of 15% PEG. The assays of ethanol (detection range 5 mM -150 mM or 2.3 x 10-4 – 6.91 x 10-3g/L) in different samples in alcoholic beverages, presented a maximum deviation of only 2.1%. Assays of recovery of the substrate (99.25%) added in the wine showed that the methodology is viable for this sample type. The standard curve and the analytic curve of this method meet the conditions of precision, sensitivity, simplicity, and low cost, required for a useable analytical method.