Mechanical Enhancement of the Gelatin/Poly(zinc acrylate) Hydrogel Stent in Bile.

Hydrogels with the features of softness, biocompatibility, and modifiability have emerged as excellent materials in the biomedical field. However, the poor mechanical properties of the hydrogels limit their further practical applications. Double-network and metal ion coordination, such as Cu2+ and Zn2+, have achieved a significant reinforcement of the mechanical strength of the hydrogels. Herein, we report a Zn2+-enhanced polyelectrolyte double-network hydrogel stent with a mechanical enhancement phenomenon in bile. The gelatin/poly(zinc acrylate) (PZA) stent was constructed by dip-coating and UV irradiation. Although the mechanical strength of the as-prepared stent was quite weak, it was discovered to be mechanically enhanced by the natural bile. After exploring the effect of different components on the stents according to the components of bile, we found that Ca2+ in bile made a contribution to the mechanical enhancement of the stent. It is envisioned that this bile-enhanced gelatin/PZA stent provides a train of thought for the potential application of hydrogels in the biliary environment.

[Microscope observation of the microbial distribution on the wall of different pipe material in water supply system].

Scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope were used to observe the microbial distribution and biofilm structure on the surface of stainless steel plugs and the wall of PPR pipe in the water distribution system. The results show that, it is not easy for microbial to attach on the surface of stainless steel plugs. Little bacteria was observed in a short period of time (less than 3 months). Bacteria can be easily observed in the sediment of the PPR pipe wall at the end of water supply system. Bacteria was tightly adhered to the surface of the PPR pipe wall. Combination of scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope is a practical way to observe the surface structure of discontinuous biofilm in the pipeline. The inner and three-dimensional structure of the pipe biofilm can be simultaneously observed by confocal laser scanning microscope.