Experimental comparison of meshes for rectal prolapse surgery.

AIM: The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the foreign body tissue created by the meshes that are used for rectopexy. METHOD: Sixty rats were divided equally into 5 groups. Four mesh types (Surgipro, Ivalon, Gore-Tex and Vypro) were implanted into the retroperitoneal area except for the sham group. After a 5-week follow-up period, all animals were sacrificed. Specimens were evaluated macroscopically by using scoring systems and biochemically by determining tissue hydroxyproline and nitric oxide levels. RESULTS: The most evident foreign body reaction was observed in the Ivalon group, which showed higher 'macroscopic adhesion' scores (p < 0.005), although there were no significant differences in tissue hydroxyproline and nitric oxide levels between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In rectal prolapse surgery, selecting the ideal mesh type is unclear, depending on evidence-based results. In the present study, we could not prove which mesh was definitely superior to the other, macroscopically, histologically and biochemically. The findings of this experimental rat model suggest that implantation of all 4 types of meshes are suitable for posterior rectopexy.

Molecular recognition based iron removal from human plasma with imprinted membranes.

The aim of this study is to prepare ion-imprinted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (HEMA) based membranes which can be used for the selective removal of Fe3+ ions from Fe3+-overdosed human plasma. N-methacryloyl-(L)-glutamic acid (MAGA) was chosen as the ion-complexing monomer. In the first step, Fe3+ was complexed with MAGA and then, the Fe3+-imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) membranes were prepared by UV-initiated photo-polymerization of HEMA and MAGA-Fe3+ complex in the presence of an initiator (benzoyl peroxide). After that, the template (i.e., Fe3+ ions) was removed by using 0.1 M EDTA solution at room temperature. The specific surface area of the Fe3+-imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) membranes was found to be 49.2 m2/g and the swelling ratio was 92%. According to the elemental analysis results, the polymeric membranes contained 145.7 micromol MAGA/g polymer. The maximum adsorption capacity was 164.2 micromol Fe3+/g membrane. The relative selectivity coefficients of ion-imprinted membranes for Fe3+/Zn2+ and Fe3+/Cr3+ were 12.6 and 62.5 times greater than the non-imprinted matrix, respectively. The Fe3+-imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) membranes could be used many times without decreasing their Fe3+ adsorption capacities significantly.

Subcutaneous polymeric matrix system poly(HEMA-BGA) for controlled release of an anticancer drug (5-fluorouracil). I. Synthesis and structure.

The present study was an attempt to design a new polymer-drug composite system for local chemotherapy. Poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate-bisglycolacrylate) carriers containing an anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil, were prepared by low temperature radiation polymerization technique. By changing the relative amounts and the types of ingredients, drug loading and radiation dosage, polymer-drug composites with different structural properties were obtained. This paper presents the preparation procedure and analyses some of the structural properties of these novel composites.

Subcutaneous polymeric matrix system p(HEMA-BGA) for controlled release of an anticancer drug (5-fluorouracil). II: Release kinetics.

A subcutaneous polymeric drug delivery system, which consists of a polymeric matrix of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-bisglycol acrylate), was developed. 5-fluorouracil was used as the model anticancer drug. Polymer-drug beads with a diameter of 3 mm were prepared by low-temperature radiation polymerization. In order to modify the release rate, polymeric beads with different composition, drug loading and crosslinking density were obtained. The kinetics of drug release were described by the expression Mt/M infinity = ktn. The diffusional release exponent 'n', which was calculated from the release curves, indicated that the mechanism of drug release from the polymeric matrix is due to the anomalous (non-Fickian) type of diffusion.

Hepatocyte immobilization on PHEMA microcarriers and its biologically modified forms.

Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA) based microcarriers with different bulk structures were prepared by a phase inversion polymerization technique. PHEMA surfaces were further modified chemically by glow-discharge treatment, and biologically by covalent attachment of fibrinogen and collagen. Hepatocytes were isolated from young male Wistar rats using an in situ portal vein collagenase perfusion technique. Freshly isolated hepatocytes were seeded at 6 x 10(5) cells/mL and microcarrier concentration was 10 g/L. Stationary microcarrier cultures were carried out in standard (nontissue culture) polystyrene petri dishes in a humidified 5% CO2 incubator at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Cell attachment was followed by light microscopy by taking samples from the culture medium every 30 min. Urea and protein syntheses by microcarrier-attached hepatocytes were determined by standard techniques. Nonswellable (highly cross-linked) hydrophilic PHEMA microcarriers did not support cell attachment and viability. However, swellable (low cross-linked) PHEMA microcarriers (pretreated in FBS) allowed high attachment and cell spreading. PHEMA microcarriers treated in dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) glow-discharge plasma also improved the cell attachment characteristics of the PHEMA microcarriers. The highest attachment efficiencies (immobilization yields) were observed with the biologically modified PHEMA microcarriers, especially modified with fibronectin. Metabolic activity, as estimated by urea and protein syntheses, was also higher in these microcarriers.

Dye-ligand and metal chelate poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) membranes for affinity separation of proteins.

Cibacron Blue F3GA was covalently immobilized onto poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) pHEMA) membranes via the nucleophilic reaction between the chloride of its triazine ring and the hydroxyl group of pHEMA. Then, Fe3+ ions were complexed by chelation with the immobilized Cibacron Blue F3GA molecules. Different amounts of Fe3+ ions were loaded on the membranes by changing the concentration of Fe3+ ions and pH of the reaction medium. Membranes with or without Fe3+ were used in the adsorption of glucose oxidase, catalase and bovine serum albumin. The adsorption capacities of these membranes were determined by changing pH and the concentration of the proteins in the adsorption medium. The adsorption phenomena appeared to follow a typical Langmuir isotherm. The maximum capacities (qm) of the Fe3+ complexed membranes for glucose oxidase, catalase and bovine serum albumin (8.70 x 10(-3) mumol m-2, 2.15 x 10(-3) mumol m-2 and 2.21 x 10(-3) mumol m-2) were greater than those of the untreated membranes (6.79 x 10(-3) mumol m-2, 1.34 x 10(-3) mumol m-2 and 1.94 x 10(-3) mumol m-2) respectively. The nonspecific adsorption of the enzymes and the protein on the pHEMA membranes was negligible.

Dye-ligand affinity systems.

Dye-ligands have been considered as one of the important alternatives to natural counterparts for specific affinity chromatography. Dye-ligands are able to bind most types of proteins, in some cases in a remarkably specific manner. They are commercially available, inexpensive, and can easily be immobilized, especially on matrices bearing hydroxyl groups. Although dyes are all synthetic in nature, they are still classified as affinity ligands because they interact with the active sites of many proteins mimicking the structure of the substrates, cofactors, or binding agents for those proteins. A number of textile dyes, known as reactive dyes, have been used for protein purification. Most of these reactive dyes consist of a chromophore (either azo dyes, anthraquinone, or phathalocyanine), linked to a reactive group (often a mono- or dichlorotriazine ring). The interaction between the dye ligand and proteins can be by complex combination of electrostatic, hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding. Selection of the supporting matrix is the first important consideration in dye-affinity systems. There are several methods for immobilization of dye molecules onto the support matrix, in which usually several intermediate steps are followed. Both the adsorption and elution steps should carefully be optimized/designed for a successful separation. Dye-affinity systems in the form of spherical sorbents or as affinity membranes have been used in protein separation.

Adsorption of heavy metal ions onto dithizone-anchored poly (EGDMA-HEMA) microbeads.

The dithizone-anchored poly (EGDMA-HEMA) microbeads were prepared for the removal of heavy metal ions (i.e. cadmium, mercury, chromium and lead) from aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (25-500 ppm) and at different pH values (2.0-8.0). The maximum adsorptions of heavy metal ions onto the dithizone-anchored microbeads from their solutions was 18.3, Cd(II); 43.1, Hg(II); 62.2, Cr(III) and 155.2 mg g(-1) for Pb(II). Competition between heavy metal ions (in the case of adsorption from mixture) yielded adsorption capacities of 9.7, Cd(II); 28.7, Hg(II); 17.6, Cr(III) and 38.3 mg g(-1) for Pb(II). The same affinity order was observed under non-competitive and competitive adsorption, i.e. Cr(III)>Pb(II)>Hg(II)>Cd(II). The adsorption of heavy metal ions increased with increasing pH and reached a plateaue value at around pH 5.0. Heavy metal ion adsorption from artificial wastewater was also studied. The adsorption capacities are 4.3, Cd(II); 13.2, Hg(II); 7.2, Cr(III) and 16.4 mg g(-1) for Pb(II). Desorption of heavy metal ions was achieved using 0.1 M HNO(3). The dithizone-anchored microbeads are suitable for repeated use (for more than five cycles) without noticeable loss of capacity.

Novel dye-attached macroporous films for cadmium, zinc and lead sorption: Alkali Blue 6B-attached macroporous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

Alkali Blue 6B-attached poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) microporous films were investigated as chelate forming sorbents for heavy metal removal. Poly(HEMA) microporous films were prepared by UV-initiated photo-polymerization of HEMA in the presence of an initiator (azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)). Alkali Blue 6B was attached covalently. These films with a swelling ratio of 58%, and carrying 14.8 mmol Alkali Blue 6B m(-2) which were then used in the removal of Cd(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous media. Adsorption rates were very high, equilibrium was achieved in about 30 min. The maximum adsorption of heavy metal ions onto the Alkali Blue 6B-attached films were 41.4 mmol m(-2) for Cd(II), 52.4 mmol m(-2) for Zn(II), and 64.5 mmol m(-2) for Pb(II). When the heavy metal ions competed during the adsorption from a mixture the adsorption values for Cd(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) were quite close. Heavy metal ions were desorbed by using 0.1 M HNO(3). A significant amount of the adsorbed heavy metal ions (up to 95%) could be desorbed in 30 min. Repeated adsorption/desorption cycles showed the feasibility of these novel dye-attached microporous films for heavy metal removal.

Biosorption of cadmium(II), lead (II) and copper(II) with the filamentous fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

The biosorption from artificial wastewaters of heavy metals (Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II)) onto the dry fungal biomass of Phanerochaete chryosporium was studied in the concentration range of 5-500 mg l(-1). The maximum absorption of different heavy metal ions on the fungal biomass was obtained at pH 6.0 and the biosorption equilibrium was established after about 6 h. The experimental biosorption data for Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions were in good agreement with those calculated by the Langmuir model.

Comparative biosorption of mercuric ions from aquatic systems by immobilized live and heat-inactivated Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus sajur-caju.

Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus sajur-caju mycelia immobilized in Ca-alginate beads were used for the removal of mercuric ions from aqueous solutions. The sorption of Hg(II) ions by alginate beads and both immobilized live and heat-killed fungal mycelia of T. versicolor and P. sajur-caju was studied in the concentration range of 0.150-3.00 mmol dm(-3). The biosorption of Hg(II) increased as the initial concentration of Hg(II) ions increased in the medium. Maximum biosorption capacities for plain alginate beads were 0.144+/-0.005 mmol Hg(II)/g; for immobilized live and heat-killed fungal mycelia of T. versicolor were 0.171+/-0.007 mmol Hg(II)/g and 0.383+/-0.012 mmol Hg(II)/g respectively; whereas for live and heat-killed P. sajur-caju, the values were 0.450+/-0.014 mmol Hg(II)/g and 0.660+/-0.019 mmol Hg(II)/g respectively. Biosorption equilibrium was established in about 1 h and the equilibrium adsorption was well described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Between 15 and 45 degrees C the biosorption capacity was not affected and maximum adsorption was observed between pH 4.0 and 6.0. The alginate-fungus beads could be regenerated using 10 mmol dm(-3) HCl solution, with up to 97% recovery. The biosorbents were reused in five biosorption-desorption cycles without a significant loss in biosorption capacity. Heat-killed T. versicolor and P. sajur-caju removed 73% and 81% of the Hg(II) ions, respectively, from synthetic wastewater samples.

Collagen and fibronectin immobilization on PHEMA microcarriers for hepatocyte attachment.

Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA) microcarriers in a size range of 150-250 microns were prepared by a suspension polymerization in an aqueous phase containing magnesium oxide. The hydroxyl groups on the PHEMA microcarriers were activated by cyanogen bromide. In order to improve cell attachment, cell-adhesive proteins, namely, collagen and fibronectin were immobilized onto PHEMA microcarriers. The nonspecific adsorption values for collagen and fibronectin were 0.10 mg collagen/g PHEMA and 0.044 mg fibronectin/g PHEMA, respectively. Collagen and fibronectin immobilization on PHEMA microcarriers were studied at different pH by using single protein solutions containing different amounts of proteins, at a constant temperature of 20 degrees C. The maximum immobilizations were 0.85 mg collagen/g PHEMA (at pH: 9.5) and 0.52 mg fibronectin/g PHEMA (at pH: 7.4). Hepatocyte attachment onto these biologically modified PHEMA microcarriers was studied. Hydrophilic PHEMA microcarriers did not support cell attachment. High hepatocyte attachment yields (up to 75% surface coverage) were observed on collagen and fibronectin immobilized PHEMA microcarriers.

Designing of MIP based QCM sensor having thymine recognition sites based on biomimicking DNA approach.

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors coated with molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) have been developed for the determination of thymine. In this method, methacryloylamidoadenine (MA-Ade) have used as a new monomer and thymine template for inspiration of DNA nucleobases interaction. The thymine can be simultaneously hydrogen binding to MA-Ade and fit into the shape-selective cavities. Thus, the interaction between nucleobases has an effect on the binding ability of the QCM sensors. The binding affinity of the thymine imprinted sensors has investigated by using the Langmuir isotherm. The thymine imprinted QCM electrodes have shown homogeneous binding sites for thymine (K(a): 1.0 x 10(5)M(-1)) while heterogeneous binding sites for uracil. On the other hand, recognition selectivity of the QCM sensor based on thymine imprinted polymer toward to uracil, ssDNA and ssRNA has been reported in this work.

Preparation of magnetic dye affinity adsorbent and its use in the removal of aluminium ions.

Aluminium has recently been considered as a causative agent in dialysis encephalopathy, osteodystrophy, and anemia occuring in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study is to prepare magnetic poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (mPHEMA) adsorbent and to investigate it's useability for the removal of Al(III) ions from drinking and dialysis water. Magnetic PHEMA beads in a size range 80-120 microm were produced by a dispersion polymerization technique. Then Alizarin Red was covalenlty attached onto the mPHEMA beads. Al(III) adsorption from aqueous solutions was examined by batch system. mPHEMA beads were characterized by swelling tests, electron spin resonance (ESR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis. Important results obtained in this study are as follows: the swelling ratio of mPHEMA beads was 34%. The presence of magnetite in the polymeric structure was confirmed by ESR. The mPHEMA beads have a spherical shape and porous structure. Alizarin Red loading was 135.8 micromol g(-1) polymer. The maximum Al(III) adsorption was 722 micromol g(-1) polymer at pH 5.0. Non-specific Al(III) adsorption was about 23 micromol g(-1) polymer under the same conditions. High desorption ratios (98%) were achieved by using 0.1 M HNO3. It was possible to reuse the beads without significant loss of Al(III) adsorption capacity.

DNA-immobilized polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate microbeads for affinity sorption of human immunoglobulin G and anti-DNA antibodies.

Polyhydroxymethacrylate (PHEMA) microbeads were prepared by a suspension polymerization technique and activated by CNBr in an alkaline medium (pH 11.5). DNA molecules were immobilized onto CNBr-activated PHEMA beads. The amount of immobilized DNA was controlled by changing the medium pH and the initial concentrations of CNBr and DNA. The maximum DNA immobilization was observed at pH 5.0. Non-specific adsorption on the plain PHEMA microbeads was less than 0.1 mg/g. Much higher values, up to 2.75 mg/g, were achieved with the CNBr-activated PHEMA microbeads. Human immunoglobulin G (HIgG) adsorption onto PHEMA microbeads containing different amounts of DNA on their surfaces from aqueous solutions containing different amounts of HIgG at different pH values was investigated. The maximum HIgG adsorption was observed at pH 7.0. Non-specific HIgG adsorption onto the plain PHEMA microbeads was low (about 0.167 mg/g). Higher adsorption values, up to 7.5 mg/g, were obtained with the DNA-PHEMA beads. HIgG and anti-DNA antibody removal from the blood plasma obtained from a healthy donor and a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were also investigated. The maximum amounts of HIgG adsorbed from aqueous solution and human plasma onto the DNA-PHEMA microbeads were 7.35 and 23.46 mg/g, respectively. Anti-DNA antibody adsorption value was 40 mg/g.

Heparin-immobilized polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate microbeads for cholesterol removal: a preliminary report.

Heparin-attached polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA) microbeads were investigated for specific removal of cholesterol from human and rabbit plasma. PHEMA microbeads were prepared by a suspension polymerization technique and activated by cyanogen bromide (CNBr) in an alkaline medium (pH 11.5). Heparin was then immobilized by covalent binding onto these microbeads. Cholesterol adsorption onto PHEMA microbeads containing two different amounts of immobilized heparin, i.e., 57.3 and 122.7 mg/g, from both hypercholesterolaemic human and rabbit plasma was investigated. The non-specific cholesterol adsorptions on the plain PHEMA microbeads were 0.47 mg/g and 0.30 mg/g from human and rabbit plasmas, respectively. About 35% and 32% of the cholesterol was removed from human and rabbit plasmas, respectively, when the heparin-immobilized PHEMA microbeads were used.

Protein A-immobilized microporous polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate affinity membranes for selective sorption of human-immunoglobulin-G from human plasma.

Microporous membranes made of poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] carrying protein A were used for selective sorption of human-IgG from human plasma. Poly(HEMA) membranes were prepared by a photo-polymerization technique, and activated by cyanogen bromide (CNBr) in an alkaline medium (pH 11.5). Bioligand protein A was then immobilized by covalent binding onto these CNBr-activated membranes. The amount of immobilized protein A was controlled by changing pH and the initial concentrations of CNBr and protein A. The non-specific adsorption of protein A on the plain poly(HEMA) membranes was 2.9 microg cm(-2). Maximum protein A immobilization was observed at pH 9.5. Up to 186 microg cm(-2) was immobilized on the CNBr-activated poly(HEMA) membranes. The maximum adsorption of human-IgG on the protein A-immobilized poly(HEMA) membranes was observed at pH 8.0. The non-specific adsorption of human-IgG onto the plain poly(HEMA) membranes was low (about 4.4 microg cm(-2)). Higher human-IgG adsorption values (up to 394 microg cm(-2)) were obtained in which the protein A-immobilized poly(HEMA) membranes were used. Much higher amounts of human-IgG (up to 489 microg cm(-2)) were adsorbed from human plasma. Up to 91% of the adsorbed human-IgG was desorbed by using 0.1 M aminoacetic acid as elution agent. The adsorption-desorption cycle was repeated ten times using the same polymeric membranes. There was no remarkable reduction in the adsorption capacity of the protein A-immobilized poly(HEMA) membranes.

Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate-based magnetic DNA-affinity beads for anti-DNA antibody removal from systemic lupus erythematosus patient plasma.

The aim of this study is to prepare magnetic poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (mPHEMA) beads and to investigate their utility for the removal of anti-DNA antibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient plasma. mPHEMA beads, in the size range of 80-120 microm, were produced by a modified suspension technique. Then, DNA was coupled onto mPHEMA beads by carbodiimide activation. The amount of ligand coupled was changed by changing the initial concentrations of carbodiimide and DNA. Human immunoglobulin G (HIgG) and anti-DNA antibody adsorption from aqueous solutions and human plasma were examined in a batch system. mPHEMA beads were characterized by swelling tests, electron spin resonance (ESR) and scanning electron microscopy. Important results obtained in this study are as follows: the swelling ratio of mPHEMA beads was 34%. The presence of magnetite particles in the polymeric structure was confirmed by ESR. The mPHEMA beads have a spherical shape and porous structure. Maximum DNA coupling of carbodiimide activated mPHEMA beads was 4.4 mg/g. Maximum HIgG adsorption from an aqueous solution was 47.5 mg/g. Anti-DNA antibody adsorption from SLE plasma was observed as 87.6 mg/g. Non-specific HIgG adsorption was 0.1 mg/g. More than 90% of the adsorbed HIgG molecules and anti-DNA antibodies were desorbed succesfully by using NaSCN solution. It was possible to reuse these DNA-affinity beads without significant losses in the antibody adsorption capacities.

Nonspecific adsorption and covalent coupling of heparin on polyacrylate based microbeads.

Polyacrylate based microbeads were prepared by copolymerization of four different acrylate monomers, namely 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA), methylmethacrylate (MMA) and dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (DMEAMA). These beads were further activated with CNBr at alkaline pH. The extend of nonspecific adsorption and covalent coupling of heparin on these beads were investigated in a batch reactors at different temperatures. The effects of initial concentrations of activation agent and heparin were also studied. Nonspecific heparin adsorption on the microbeads containing DMAEMA was significantly higher than the others. Nonspecific adsorption decreased with increasing temperature. Heparin was covalently coupled on CNBr activated microbeads. The amount of coupled heparin increased by increasing concentration of CNBr.

New chelate-forming polymer microspheres carrying dyes as chelators for iron overload.

Dye-incorporated [poly(EGDMA-HEMA)] microspheres were investigated as a new chelate-forming polymer for iron overload. Poly(EGDMA-HEMA) microspheres, in the size range of 150-200 microm, were produced by a modified suspension polymerization of EGDMA and HEMA. The reactive dye-ligands (i.e. Cibacron Blue F3GA, Alkali Blue 6B and Congo Red) were covalently incorporated to the microspheres. The maximum dye incorporations were 16.5 micromol Cibacron Blue F3GA g(-1), 23.7 micromol Alkali Blue 6B g(-1), and 14.5 micromol Congo Red g(-1). The maximum Fe(III) adsorptions on the dye-incorporated microspheres from aqueous solutions containing different amounts of Fe(III) ions were 51.0, 37.3, and 25.1 mg g(-1) for the Cibacron Blue F3GA, Alkali Blue 6B, and Congo Red carrying microspheres, respectively. The maximum Fe(III) adsorptions were observed at pH 4.0 in all cases. Fe(III) removal from human plasma was also investigated. The maximum adsorption capacities of Fe(III) ions from human plasma for Cibacron Blue F3GA, Alkali Blue 6B, and Congo Red, were of 12.0, 7.5, and 3.8 mg g(-1) polymer, respectively. It was observed that Fe(III) could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed without significant loss in adsorption capacity.