Nanostructured Glass-Ceramic Materials from Glass Waste with Antimicrobial Activity.

Modern consumption patterns have led to a surge in waste glass accumulating in municipal landfills, contributing to environmental pollution, especially in countries that do not have well-established recycling standards. While glass itself is 100% recyclable, the logistics and handling involved present significant challenges. Flint and amber-colored glass, often found in high quantities in municipal waste, can serve as valuable sources of raw materials. We propose an affordable route that requires just a thermal treatment of glass waste to obtain glass-based antimicrobial materials. The thermal treatment induces crystallized nanoregions, which are the primary factor responsible for the bactericidal effect of waste glass. As a result, coarse particles of flint waste glass that undergo thermal treatment at 720 °C show superior antimicrobial activity than amber waste glass. Glass-ceramic materials from flint waste glass, obtained by thermal treatment at 720 °C during 2 h, show antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli after just 30 min of contact time. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed to monitor the elemental composition of the glass waste. The obtained glass-ceramic material was structurally characterized by transmission electron microscopy, enabling the confirmation of the presence of nanocrystals embedded within the glass matrix.

Polyphosphates can stabilize but also aggregate colloids.

Phosphates are well known as dispersants for a variety of colloidal particles. Here however we use rheological measurements to show that high molecular weight polyphosphates (PP) can instead act as a flocculant for LAPONITE® clay platelets. The proposed mechanism is bridging of PP between clay particle edges, leading to highly charged clusters forming a Wigner glass. Dynamic light scattering shows a bimodal cluster size distribution, independent of PP molecular weight, but the highest molecular weight gave the highest viscous and loss moduli for the PP-clay solid. These unique all-inorganic solids may have application in solid-state ionic conducting materials, controlled release fertilizers and biomedical applications.

N-acetylcysteine Prevents Alcohol Related Neuroinflammation in Rats.

Alcoholism has been characterized as a systemic pro-inflammatory condition and alcohol withdrawal has been linked to various changes in the brain homeostasis, including oxidative stress and glutamate hyperactivity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant multi-target drug with promising results in psychiatry, including drug addiction. We assessed the effects of NAC on the serum and brain inflammatory cytokines after cessation of chronic alcohol treatment in rats. Male Wistar rats received 2 g/kg alcohol or vehicle twice a day by oral gavage for 30 days. Rats were treated, from day 31 to 34, with NAC (60 or 90 mg/kg) or saline, intraperitoneally, once daily. Rats were sacrificed at day 35, trunk blood was collected and the frontal cortex and hippocampus dissected for assessment of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18, IL-10. NAC prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the decrease of anti-inflammatory cytokine in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. No changes were observed on serum cytokines. We conclude that NAC protects against inflammation induced by chronic (30 days) alcohol ingestion followed by 5 days cessation in two rat brain areas. Because inflammation has been documented and associated with craving and relapse in alcoholics, the data revealed by this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxification and withdrawal.

Effect of Alcohol and Tobacco Smoke on Long-Term Memory and Cell Proliferation in the Hippocampus of Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions between these two drugs of abuse. Here, we evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol administration and concomitant exposure to tobacco smoke on long-term memory and on cell proliferation in the hippocampus of rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups and treated with alcohol (2g/kg by gavage) and/or exposed to tobacco smoke (from six cigarettes, by inhalation) twice a day (at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM) for 30 days. Long-term memory was evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test and hippocampal cell proliferation was analyzed for bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Our results showed that alcohol, tobacco smoke, or their combination improved the long-term memory evaluated by the memory index in rats. Moreover, alcohol and tobacco coadministration decreased bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells by 60% when compared to the control group, while alcohol treatment decreased labeled cells by 40%. The tobacco group showed a nonsignificant 26% decrease in labeled cells compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic alcohol and tobacco coadministration improves the long-term memory in rats in the inhibitory avoidance test. However, coadministration decreases the cell proliferation in the hippocampus of rats, suggesting a deleterious effect by the combined use of these drugs of abuse.

Hypolipemic effect of Garcinia cambogia in obese women.

Garcinia cambogia seems to promote weight reduction and improvement on lipid profile by its major compound, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), blocking ATP-citratelyase, potentially inhibiting lipogenesis. Furthermore, it is suggested that its extract is able to change the adipokine levels. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the effect of G. cambogia on the lipid profile, endocrine, calorimetric and anthropometric parameters of obese women. The women (BMI > 25 kg/m(2) ; age 25-60 years), divided in treated (n = 30) and control (n = 13) groups, received 2.4 g (800 mg 3×/day) of garcinia extract (50% of HCA) or placebo during 60 days, respectively, as well as dietary control. Weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio and percentage of fat mass, resting metabolic rate, respiratory coefficient, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, leptin and insulin serum levels were evaluated. TG was significantly reduced in the treated group (p = 0.0002) and the post-treatment variation was different compared to the placebo group (p = 0.04). No significant response was observed on other variables of the lipid profile, or on the anthropometric and calorimetric parameters. Leptin and insulin levels did not change significantly after the treatment. The short-term treatment with G. cambogia demonstrated a hypotriglyceridemic effect, which does not appear to be related to changes in leptinemia.

The Impact of Polyphosphates on the Colloidal Stability of Laponite Particles.

The effect of polyphosphate (polyP) adsorption on the colloidal properties of disc-shaped laponite (LRD) particles was examined in aqueous dispersions with a focus on elucidating the interparticle forces that govern the colloidal stability of the systems. The charge and aggregation rate data of bare LRD exhibited an ionic strength-dependent trend, confirming the presence of double-layer repulsion and van der Waals attraction as major surface interactions. The charge of LRD particles significantly increased in magnitude at elevated polyP concentrations as a result of polyP adsorption and subsequent overcharging of the positively charged sites on the edges of the LRD discs. A transition from stable to unstable LRD colloids was observed with increasing polyP doses indicating the formation of aggregates in the latter systems due to depletion forces and/or bridging interactions induced by dissolved or adsorbed polyP, respectively. The degree of phosphate polymerization influenced neither the charge nor the aggregation mechanism. The findings clearly confirm that polyP adsorption was the driving phenomenon to induce particle aggregation in contrast to other clay types, where phosphate derivatives act as dispersion stabilizing agents. This study provides valuable insights into the early stages of aggregation in colloidal systems involving LRD and polyPs, which have a crucial role in predicting further material properties that are important to designing LRD-polyP composites for applications such as potential phosphate sources in chemical fertilizers.

Formulation and Characterization of Nanoemulsion Incorporating Chamomilla recutita L. Extract Stabilized with Hyaluronic Acid.

Skin lesions are an important health concern, exposing the body to infection risks. Utilizing natural products containing chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) holds promise for curative purposes. Additionally, hyaluronic acid (HA), an active ingredient known for its tissue regeneration capacity, can expedite healing. In this study, we prepared and characterized an extract of C. recutita and integrated it into a nanoemulsion system stabilized with HA, aiming at harnessing its healing potential. We assessed the impact of alcoholic strength on flavonoid extraction and chemically characterized the extract using UHPLC/MS while quantifying its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. We developed a nanoemulsion loaded with C. recutita extract and evaluated the effect of HA stabilization on pH, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and viscosity. Results indicated that 70% hydroalcoholic extraction yielded a higher flavonoid content. The extract exhibited antioxidant capacity in vitro, a desirable trait for skin regeneration, and demonstrated efficacy against key microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) associated with skin colonization and infections. Flavonoids spireoside and apiin emerged as the most abundant bioactives. The addition of HA led to increased viscosity while maintaining a suitable pH for topical application. Zeta potential, droplet size, and PDI met acceptable criteria. Moreover, incorporating C. recutita extract into the nanoemulsion enhanced its antimicrobial effect. Hence, the nanoemulsion system loaded with C. recutita and HA stabilization exhibits favorable characteristics for topical application, showing promise in aiding the healing processes.

Borophosphate glasses as active agents for antimicrobial hydrogels.

Herein we report the synthesis of transition-metal-free potassium borophosphate glasses and their application as bactericidal and bacteriostatic material. The antimicrobial activity was achieved through a simple change in the molar ratio of boron and phosphorus atoms, making borophosphate glass soluble in water. The glasses were analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and water absorption. The addition of a boron compound is required to obtain potassium-based phosphate glasses. Moreover, the change in the phosphorus and boron molar ratio (P/B), 2, 1 or 0.5 affects the glass solubilization in water, which increases with the phosphorus content. The glass materials were submitted to tests of biological activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These water-soluble borophosphate glasses were employed in the development of hydrogel formulations using Carbopol®. Phosphorous-rich samples at a concentration of 15 % (w/w) in hydrogel showed better antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, when compared to other samples, including commercial alcohol hand sanitizer gel, with an average size of the inhibition halo of 24.02±1.43 and 19.24±1.63mm, respectively.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in Bolivia.

BACKGROUND: The subfamily Triatominae, which comprises 157 species, carries the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This short communication reports for the first time the occurrence of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Bolivia. METHODS: Active searches were carried out on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus in Beni district, Bolivia. RESULTS: Fifteen R. montenegrensis specimens were collected from a rural area of the Beni district, Bolivia, and tested positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: This new report expands the geographic distribution of the species in Latin America. Due to their ability to transmit trypanosomatids, the species deserves the attention of vector control programs.

Seed Priming with Glass Waste Microparticles and Red Light Irradiation Mitigates Thermal and Water Stresses in Seedlings of Moringa oleifera.

The association between population increase and the exploitation of natural resources and climate change influences the demand for food, especially in semi-arid regions, highlighting the need for technologies that could provide cultivated species with better adaptation to agroecosystems. Additionally, developing cultivation technologies that employ waste materials is highly desirable for sustainable development. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate whether seed priming with glass waste microparticles used as a silicon source under red light irradiation mitigates the effects of thermal and water stress on seedlings of Moringa oleifera. The experimental design was set up in randomized blocks using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of seed priming (NSP-no seed priming, and SPSi-seed priming with glass microparticles under red light irradiation), soil water replenishment (W50-50%, and W100-100% of crop evapotranspiration-ETc), and temperature change (TC30°-30 °C day/25 °C night and TC40°-40 °C day/35 °C night). Seed priming with glass microparticles under red light irradiation mitigated the effects of thermal and water stress on seedlings of Moringa oleifera seedlings through the homeostasis of gas exchange, leaf water status, osmotic adjustment, and the antioxidant mechanism.

Simple borophosphate glasses for on-demand growth of self-supported copper nanoparticles in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Herein, we demonstrate a single-step synthesis of simple copper-doped borophosphate glasses and their unusual use for catalytic reduction of nitro groups from the aromatic nitro compounds. The copper-doped glasses were evaluated as an affordable heterogeneous catalytic glass-based material for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride. The glass matrix acts as a host and support material for in situ self-growth of zero-valent copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) on the glass surface. Thus, zero-valent CuNPs are produced in situ on the glass surface that is accomplished by the interaction of copper ions with hydride ions. Using an intrinsic reaction kinetic constant, we find a catalytic activity of 0.144 L s-1 g-1 for a glass-based catalyst doped with a non-noble metal, which is an order of magnitude higher when compared to the values observed elsewhere. Furthermore, the reuse of glass catalyst after six successive cycles demonstrates an outstanding performance compared to that of the parent material. A mathematical model based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism related to an empirical growth rate of the zero-valent CuNPs was proposed to describe the kinetic of the 4-nitrophenol catalytic hydrogenation.

Borophosphate glass as an active media for CuO nanoparticle growth: an efficient catalyst for selenylation of oxadiazoles and application in redox reactions.

Herein, we report the preparation of CuO@ borophosphate nanoparticles (CuOnano@glass) and their wide catalytic applications. The glass annealing, under a controlled atmosphere, enables the growth of copper nanoparticles on the glass surface (not within) by an uncommon bottom-up process. Following the thermal annealing of metallic nanoparticles under air atmosphere, supported copper oxide nanoparticles CuONPs on the glass surface can be obtained. The approach enables the glass matrix to be explored as a precursor and a route for the synthesis of supported copper-based nanoparticles in a solvent-free process without immobilization steps or stabilizing agents. In order to demonstrate the wide synthetic utility of this CuONPs glass-based catalyst, one-pot three-component domino reactions were performed under an air atmosphere, affording the desired selenylated oxadiazoles in good to excellent yields. We also extended the application of these new materials as a glass-based catalyst in the phenol hydroxylation and the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Self-supported nickel nanoparticles on germanophosphate glasses: synthesis and applications in catalysis.

The development of supported catalysts based on simple procedures without waste products and time-consuming steps is highly desirable. In this paper, self-supported nickel-based nanoparticles were obtained at the surface of the germanophosphate glasses by bottom-up process and evaluated as potential catalysts for the benzyl alcohol oxidation and bis(indolyl)methanes synthesis. A classical melt-quenching technique was used for preparing the nickel-doped germanophosphate glasses, followed by annealing under a hydrogen atmosphere at 400 °C for two different times. The approach enabled the synthesis of self-supported nanoparticles as a homogeneous film, covering the glass surface. The physical and chemical properties of synthesized glasses were characterized by UV-vis and Raman spectroscopies and thermal analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to monitor the growth process, morphology and chemical bonding structure of the nanoparticles surface.

Acute intraperitoneal administration of taurine decreases the glycemia and reduces food intake in type 1 diabetic rats.

Taurine, an amino acid with antioxidant and osmoregulatory properties, has been studied for its possible antidiabetic properties in type 1 and type 2 diabetic animals. In type 2 diabetic mice, taurine decreases blood glucose through increased insulin secretion and insulin receptor sensitization. However, insulin is absent in type 1 diabetic individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of taurine on parameters related to the energy balance that could explain the metabolic action of this amino acid in type 1 diabetic rats. Control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received saline or taurine (100 mg/kg/day), intraperitoneally, for 30 days. Parameters such as palatable food intake, gastrointestinal transit rate, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and glucagon levels were measured 60 min after the last taurine administration. Liver, kidneys, heart, and retroperitoneal fat were dissected and weighted. Glycogen levels were measured in the liver and soleus muscle. Our results showed that acute taurine administration decreased glycemia. It also decreased food intake in diabetic rats, without affecting other metabolic parameters. Altogether, our results suggest that in type 1 diabetic rats, taurine decreases blood glucose by a non-insulin-dependent mechanism. Due to the safety profile of taurine, and its effect on glycemia, this amino acid may help to design new drugs to add benefit to insulin therapy in type 1 diabetic individuals.

Taurine restores the exploratory behavior following alcohol withdrawal and decreases BDNF mRNA expression in the frontal cortex of chronic alcohol-treated rats.

Alcohol use disorder is an alarming health problem, and the withdrawal symptoms increase the risk of relapse. We have hypothesized that taurine, a multitarget substance acting as a gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) positive modulator and a partial inhibitor of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors, may reduce the withdrawal symptoms or modify behaviors when combined with alcohol. Therefore, we investigated the effects of taurine on behavior in the open field test (OFT), the GABAAR α2 subunit and BDNF mRNA expression in the frontal cortex of rats after chronic alcohol treatment or upon withdrawal. Rats received alcohol 2g/kg (alcohol and withdrawal groups) or water (control group) twice daily by oral gavage for 28days. On day 29, the withdrawal rats received water instead of alcohol, and all groups were reallocated to receive 100mg/kg taurine or vehicle intraperitoneally, once a day for 5days. On day 33, the rats were exposed to OFT; 18h later, they were euthanized, and the frontal cortex was dissected for GABAAR α2 subunit detection and BDNF mRNA expression determination by real-time quantitative PCR. Taurine administration restored rearing behavior to the control levels in the withdrawal rats. Taurine also showed anxiolytic-like effects in control rats and did not change the behaviors in the chronic alcohol group. Chronic alcohol treatment or withdrawal did not change the GABAAR α2 subunit or BDNF mRNA expression in the frontal cortex, but taurine decreased the α2 subunit level in control rats and to the BDNF levels in the alcohol rat group. We conclude that taurine restored exploratory behavior after alcohol withdrawal but that this effect was not related to the GABAAR α2 subunit or BDNF mRNA expression in the frontal cortex of the rats.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in Bolivia

ABSTRACT Background: The subfamily Triatominae, which comprises 157 species, carries the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This short communication reports for the first time the occurrence of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Bolivia. Methods: Active searches were carried out on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus in Beni district, Bolivia. Results: Fifteen R. montenegrensis specimens were collected from a rural area of the Beni district, Bolivia, and tested positive for T. cruzi. Conclusions: This new report expands the geographic distribution of the species in Latin America. Due to their ability to transmit trypanosomatids, the species deserves the attention of vector control programs.

N-acetylcysteine prevents behavioral and biochemical changes induced by alcohol cessation in rats.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate-modulating agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been considered as a potential anti-addictive drug. Beneficial effects were reported for cocaine, cannabis, and tobacco addicts, but the effect of NAC in alcoholics or in alcohol animal models is unknown. The aggravation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, has been associated with increased levels of serum corticosterone and leptin. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of NAC on anxiety, as well as corticosterone and leptin serum levels, after cessation of chronic alcohol treatment in rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with 2 g/kg ethanol, twice daily, by gavage for 30 days; control animals received an appropriate dose of glucose to balance caloric intake. Rats were treated for 4 days with NAC (60 and 90 mg/kg, intra-peritoneally [i.p.]) or saline after alcohol cessation. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, rats were exposed to a 5-min session in the open-field test (OF). Corticosterone and leptin serum levels were determined by ELISA in samples collected within 30 min after the OF. Results showed that rats were hypoactive (decreased rearing, peripheral, and total crossings), and that corticosterone and leptin levels were increased 5 days after alcohol cessation. Four days of NAC prevented the behavioral and biochemical changes brought about by alcohol cessation. We suggest that, in addition to the anti-addictive properties reported for other drugs of abuse, NAC is potentially useful in the management of alcohol withdrawal.

Temperament and character traits associated with the use of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens: evidence from a large Brazilian web survey.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how personality traits are associated with occasional use, abuse, and dependence of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens in a large availability sample of adults via online questionnaires. METHODS: The sample consisted of 8,646 individuals (24.7% men and 75.3% women) who completed an anonymous web survey. Involvement with drugs and temperament/character traits were assessed through the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the Temperament and Character Inventory - Revised (TCI-R), respectively. Interactions among variables were analyzed using MANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Novelty seeking was the trait most associated with increased involvement with alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. There was a significant association between harm avoidance and benzodiazepine use. Persistence was lower in cannabis-, benzodiazepine-, and cocaine-dependent subjects, as well as in hallucinogen abusers. Self-directedness was reduced in dependents of all drug classes. No strong relationships were found between other temperament or character dimensions and the severity of drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Novelty seeking was associated with increased involvement with all drugs studied in this sample, although to a lesser extent with benzodiazepines and hallucinogens. The temperament and character profile for benzodiazepine use was different from that of other drugs due to the relationship with higher harm avoidance and self-transcendence and lower self-directedness.

ZnO-coated glass fibers for the analysis of trihalomethanes by headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography.

Li(2)O-ZrO(2)-BaO-SiO(2) glass fibers were produced and their surfaces were coated with zinc oxide. The fibers' surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy and the zinc oxide layer was characterized by mapping the K(α) and L(α) lines of zinc by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results indicated that a homogeneous and porous layer of ZnO was formed on the fibers' surface. This layer was subjected to a simultaneous determination of trihalomethanes using headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography. The study was conducted after evaluating the ideal time of incubation (15 min), extraction (15 min) and desorption (10 min), as well as the effect of the addition of salt (15%, m/v) on the analytical response. A good linear dynamic range was observed individually for trihalomethanes aqueous solutions containing 20 µg L(-1) and 500 µg L(-1) of trichloromethane, 15 µg L(-1) and 250 µg L(-1) of dichlorobromomethane and dibromochloromethane and 10 µg L(-1) and 100 µg L(-1) of tribromomethane, with all the compounds showing correlation coefficients higher than 0.9900.

Eficácia do AlCl3 e etanol na prevenção da calcificação de fragmentos da parede aórtica porcina fixados em GDA / Efficacy of AlCl3 and ethanol in the prevention of calcification of fragments of porcine aortic wall fixed in GDA

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do cloreto de alumínio, isoladamente ou em associação com o etanol, na prevenção da calcificação e da resposta inflamatória de fragmentos de parede aórtica porcina fixada em glutaraldeído (GDA), implantados no tecido subcutâneo de ratos jovens. MÉTODO: Utilizaram-se 15 ratos da linhagem Sprague-Dawley, em cujas telas subcutâneas foram implantados fragmentos de parede aórtica porcina, submetidos a três diferentes métodos de tratamento [grupos: I (GDA), II (GDA+alumínio), III (GDA+etanol+alumínio)]. Os explantes foram realizados com 15, 30 e 60 dias após as operações. Foram realizadas análises histológicas pelas colorações de hematoxilina & eosina (HE) e de alizarina, nos pHs de 4,2 e 7,0, e a dosagem de cálcio feita por espectroscopia de absorção atômica. RESULTADOS: Pelo HE, constatou-se que a matriz extracelular das paredes aórticas ficaram melhor preservadas nos explantes do grupo III. A intensidade da reação inflamatória intensa foi menor nesse grupo. Pela alizarina pH 4,2, o grupo II e III tiveram menores índices de calcificação comparado ao controle. Pela alizarina pH 7,0, o grupo III teve menor índice de calcificação comparado aos grupos I e II. Pela espectroscopia de absorção atômica, os níveis de cálcio foram semelhantes para os grupos II e III, mas significativamente menores do que os do grupo I. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com cloreto de alumínio diminuiu a calcificação dos fragmentos de parede aórtica porcina. O uso combinado do etanol com cloreto de alumínio foi ainda mais eficiente em inibir a calcificação, e também em diminuir a reação inflamatória.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of aluminum chloride in isolation or associated with ethanol to prevent calcification and inflammatory reaction with fragments of porcine aortic wall fixed in glutaraldehyde (GDA) and subdermally implanted in young rats. METHOD: Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Three fragments of porcine aortic wall were implanted in the subdermal tissue. The fragments were previously subjected to three different methods of treatment: I (GDA), II (GDA + aluminum), III (GDA + ethanol + aluminum). Explantation was performed after fifteen, thirty and sixty days. Histological analysis was achieved using hematoxylin & eosin (HE) and alizarin-red at pHs of 4.2 and 7.0. Calcium content was determined by atomic absorbance spectroscopy. RESULTS: HE and alizarin red staining showed that the aortic wall extracellular matrix was best preserved in the fragments of Group III. The intensity of the inflammatory reaction was lower in this group. When stained with alizarin red at pH 4.2, Groups II and III had lower degrees of calcification compared with Group I. With alizarin red staining at pH 7.0, Group III demonstrated less calcification compared with Groups I and II. Atomic absorbance spectroscopy showed similar calcium levels for both Groups II and III, but significantly less than in Group I. CONCLUSION: Treatment with aluminum chloride inhibits calcification of fragments of aortic wall after implantation and reduces inflammatory reaction. The combined use of ethanol with aluminum chloride is more efficient to inhibit calcification and also to diminish inflammatory reaction.