Atom transfer radical-polymerized cationic shells on gold nanoparticles for near infrared-triggered photodynamic therapy of tumor-bearing animals.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were surface-engineered with a cationic corona to enhance the incorporation of photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The cationic corona composed of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) was atom transfer radical-polymerized on the surface of the AuNPs. The cationic corona of the engineered surface was characterized by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy. Chlorin-e6 (Ce6) incorporated onto the surface-engineered AuNPs exhibited higher cell incorporation efficiency than bare AuNPs. Ce6-incorporated AuNPs were confirmed to release singlet oxygen upon NIR irradiation. Compared to Ce6, Ce6-incorporated AuNPs exhibited higher cellular uptake and cytotoxicity against cancer cells in an irradiation time-dependent manner. Near-infrared-irradiated animals administered Ce6-incorporated AuNPs exhibited higher levels of tumor suppression without noticeable body weight loss. This result was attributed to the higher localization of Ce6 at the tumor sites to induce cancer cell apoptosis. Thus, we envision that engineered AuNPs with cationic corona can be tailored to effectively deliver photosensitizers to tumor sites for photodynamic therapy.

Long-term microwaving of denture base materials: effects on dimensional, color and translucency stability

Abstract While the combined effect of microwave irradiation with cleansing solutions on denture base materials has been investigated, the effects of only using microwave irradiation and, more importantly, in a long-term basis, was not studied yet. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a long-term repeated microwaving on the dimensional, color and translucency stability of acrylic and polyamide denture base materials. Material and Methods Thirty two specimens (32 mm x 10 mm x 2.5 mm) from polyamide (Valplast) and PMMA (Vertex Rapid Simplified) denture base materials were made. Eight specimens from each material were immersed in distilled water (control) and 8 were subjected to microwave exposure at 450 W for 3 minutes for a period simulating 224 days of daily disinfection. Linear dimension, color change (ΔE*) and translucency parameter (TP) were measured at baseline and after certain intervals up to 224 cycles of immersion, using a digital calliper and a portable colorimeter. The results were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA to estimate possible differences among predetermined cycles and material type. Regression analysis was also performed to estimate the trend of changes with time. Statistical evaluations performed at a significance level of 5%. Results Data analysis showed significant changes in length at baseline with an increasing number of cycles (p<0.05) and a significant interaction of cycle-material (p<0.001). The ΔΕ* parameter was significantly higher with a higher number of cycles (p<0.001), but it did not vary between materials (p>0.05). TP decreased similarly in both materials following microwave action but in a significantly higher level for Valplast (p<0.001). Conclusions The results indicated that long-term repeated microwaving affects linear dimensional, color and translucency changes of both materials. Differences between PMMA and polyamide material were noted only in dimension and translucency changes.

Evaluation of the migration of chemicals from baby bottles under standardised and duration testing conditions.

After the prohibition of bisphenol-A-containing polycarbonate baby bottles in the European Union (EU), alternative materials, such as polypropylene, polyethersulphone, Tritan™ copolyester, etc., have appeared on the market. Based on an initial screening and in vitro toxicity assessment, the most toxic migrating compounds were selected to be monitored and quantified using validated GC- and LC-QqQ-MS methods. The effect of several 'real-life-use conditions', such as microwave, sterilisation and dishwasher, on the migration of different contaminants was evaluated by means of duration tests. These results were compared with a reference treatment (filling five times with pre-heated simulant at 40°C) and with the legal EU 'repetitive-use conditions' (three migrations, 2 h at 70°C). Analysis of the third migration step of the EU repetitive-use conditions (which has to comply with the EU legislative migration limits) showed that several non-authorised compounds were observed in some baby bottles exceeding 10 µg kg(-1). However, all authorised compounds were detected well below their respective specific migration limits (SMLs). The reference experiment confirmed the migration of some of the compounds previously detected in the EU repetitive-use experiment, though at lower concentrations. Analysis of extracts from the microwave and dishwasher experiments showed a reduction in the migration during the duration tests. In general, the concentrations found were low and comparable with the reference experiment. Similar observations were made for the two sterilisation types: steam and cooking sterilisation. However, steam sterilisation seems to be more recommended for daily use of baby bottles, since it resulted in a lower release of substances afterwards. Repeated use of baby bottles under 'real-life' conditions showed no increase in the migration of investigated compounds and, after some time, the migration of these compounds even became negligible.

Removal of acidic indigo carmine textile dye from aqueous solutions using radiation induced cationic hydrogels.

This study examined the removal of acidic indigo carmine dyes from aqueous solutions using cationic hydrogels. Irradiated hydrogels were investigated as a new sorbent for dye removal from aqueous solution. Poly(N,N-Diethylamino ethyl methacrylate) [poly(DEAEMA)] hydrogels were prepared by radiation polymerisation of N,N-diethylamino ethyl methacrylate [DEAEMA] monomer in the presence of cross-linking agent, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate [EGDMA], and used for the removal of acidic indigo carmine textile dye. The adsorption of dyes was examined using a batch sorption technique. The effects of pH, time and initial dye concentration on the adsorption capacity of hydrogels were investigated. Maximum gelation ratio was 98.2% at irradiation dose of 5.3 kGy. Maximum equilibrium volume swelling, V/V(0), value was 21.3 at pH 2.8. Maximum amount of adsorbed indigo carmine onto hydrogels was 96.7 mg dye/g gel at pH 2.8, 21 h of adsorption time and 120 mg/L initial dye solution. Swelling and adsorption capacity increased with decreasing of pH. Compared with Congo red, amounts of adsorbed indigo carmine are much higher than those of Congo red. Langmuir isotherm model was the best fit for these poly(DEAEMA) hydrogels-indigo carmine systems.

The effect of artificial accelerated weathering on the mechanical properties of maxillofacial polymers PDMS and CPE.

The effect of UVA-UVB irradiation on the mechanical properties of three different industrial types of polydimethylsiloxane and chlorinated polyethylene samples, used in maxillofacial prostheses, was investigated in this study. Mechanical properties and thermal analysis are commonly used to determine the structural changes and mechanical strength. An aging chamber was used in order to simulate the solar radiation and assess natural aging. Compression and tensile tests were conducted on a Zwick testing machine. Durometer Shore A hardness measurements were carried out in a CV digital Shore A durometer according to ASTM D 2240. Glass transition temperature was evaluated with a differential scanning calorimeter. Simple mathematical models were developed to correlate the measured properties with irradiation time. The effect of UVA-UVB irradiation on compressive behavior affected model parameters. Significant deterioration seems to occur due to irradiation in samples.