Effects of methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate on bonding of tri-n-butylborane-initiated resin to human enamel.

This study investigated the effect of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) in methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer on the adhesion of tri-n-butylborane (TBB)-initiated resins (MDP/MMA-TBB resins) to human enamel. Enamel surface conditions were either polished only or phosphatized surfaces. The 1.0, 1.7, and 2.0 mol% MDP/MMA-TBB resins, 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META)/MMA-TBB resin and MMA-TBB resin were prepared as luting materials. The shear bond strength was determined before and after thermocycles, and the results were compared using non-parametric statistical analyses (each, n=15). The MDP/MMA-TBB resins showed significantly better bond durability to enamel than other resins with or without etching. The 1.7 and 2.0 mol% MDP/MMA-TBB resins were suggested to be the optimum MDP concentrations from pre- and post-thermocycling results for the non-etched specimens. The TBB initiator resin including MDP was shown to be effective in bonding to human enamel, and this effect was enhanced in combination with phosphate treatment.

Electrochemical Investigation of Iron-Catalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.

Use of iron-based catalysts in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is very interesting because of the abundance of the metal and its biocompatibility. Although the mechanism of action is not well understood yet, iron halide salts are usually used as catalysts, often in the presence of nitrogen or phosphorous ligands (L). In this study, electrochemically mediated ATRP (eATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) catalyzed by FeCl3, both in the absence and presence of additional ligands, was investigated in dimethylformamide. The electrochemical behavior of FeCl3 and FeCl3/L was deeply investigated showing the speciation of Fe(III) and Fe(II) and the role played by added ligands. It is shown that amine ligands form stable iron complexes, whereas phosphines act as reducing agents. eATRP of MMA catalyzed by FeCl3 was investigated in different conditions. In particular, the effects of temperature, catalyst concentration, catalyst-to-initiator ratio, halide ion excess and added ligands were investigated. In general, polymerization was moderately fast but difficult to control. Surprisingly, the best results were obtained with FeCl3 without any other ligand. Electrogenerated Fe(II) effectively activates the dormant chains but deactivation of the propagating radicals by Fe(III) species is less efficient, resulting in dispersity > 1.5, unless a high concentration of FeCl3 is used.

Effects of two methyl methacrylate-tributylborane-based luting agents with a silane-phosphate primer on bonding of four different CAD/CAM resin composite materials.

PURPOSE: This study compared the bond strengths of four adhesive systems and four different resin composite block materials: Gradia Block (GR), Shofu Block HC (SH), Estelite Block (ES), and KZR-CAD HR2 (KZ). METHODS: A primer (PZ-AB) containing a silane (γ-MPTS) with 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) was applied to ground surfaces of the resin composite block specimens, and the specimens were then bonded to stainless-steel rods using two methyl methacrylate-tributylborane (MMA-TBB)-based luting agents (SB and MT), designated as the PZ-AB/SB and PZ-AB/MT adhesive systems, respectively. The SB resin contained 4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META), whereas the MT resin did not. The SB resin without primer (No primer/SB) and a dual-curing composite-type adhesive system (UPA/RelyX) were used as controls. The 24-h tensile bond strengths were determined and analyzed using the Tukey-Kramer HSD test (α = 0.05, n = 8). RESULTS: The highest bond strengths were obtained for the GR/PZ-AB/MT, GR/PZ-AB/SB, KZ/PZ-AB/MT, ES/PZ-AB/SB, and KZ/No primer/SB groups, whereas the KZ/UPA/RelyX, ES/UPA/RelyX, SH/UPA/RelyX, and SH/No primer/SB groups exhibited the lowest bond strengths. CONCLUSION: For each resin composite block material primed with γ-MPTS and MDP, the MMA-TBB-based luting agents, irrespective of the presence of 4-META, provided higher bond strengths than the dual-curing composite-type adhesive system.

Influence of Thermocycling and Surface Treatments on the Flexural Strength of Denture Base Resin: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength of heat polymerized denture base resin after thermocycling and different surface treatments done prior to repair or relining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 80 specimens were made with heat-polymerized denture base resin and thermocycled (500 cycles between 5 and 55 °C). The specimens were divided in four groups based on different types of surface treatment: group I (control group: without surface treatment), group II (chloroform for 30 seconds), group III [methyl methacrylate (MMA) for 180 seconds], and group IV (dichloromethane for 15 seconds). The flexural strength was assessed using a Universal testing machine with three-point bending test. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. RESULTS: The values of average flexural strength of denture base resin measured were as follows: group I: 111.1 MPa, group II: 86.9 MPa, group III: 73.1 MPa, and group IV: 78.8 MPa. Groups II and IV possessed superior flexural strength than group III. The maximum values were observed with the control group. CONCLUSION: The flexural strength of heat-polymerized denture base resin gets affected by different surface treatments done prior to relining procedures. Lowest flexural strength was obtained when treated with MMA monomer for 180 seconds as compared to the other etchants used. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prior to denture repair procedures, operators must choose the chemical surface treatment judiciously. It should not affect the mechanical properties such as flexural strength of denture base resins. Reduction in flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base can predispose the prosthesis to deteriorated performance when in function.

Preparation and characterization of a water-resistant polyamide-oxidized starch-methyl methacrylate eco-friendly wood adhesive.

A water-resistant polyamide-oxidized starch-methyl methacrylate (P-OS-M) adhesive with zero formaldehyde-emission was successfully synthesized, using natural corn starch, KMnO4, polyamide and methyl methacrylate as raw material, oxidant, crosslinking agent and comonomer, respectively. The P-OS-M25 adhesive synthesized with the optimal amount of methyl methacrylate (25 ml) could reach wet shear strength of 1.04 MPa, which was far greater than natural starch (NS) and oxidized starch (OS). Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that polyamide and methyl methacrylate were successfully cross-linked and copolymerized with oxidized starch. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheology, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact angle respectively indicated that P-OS-M adhesive was suitable for wood adhesives in terms of thermal stability, viscosity, morphological and water resistence. These advantages increased the possibility of P-OS-M adhesive instead of petroleum-based wood adhesives.

Adhesión a dentina parte I: características del sustrato y sistemas adhesivos / Dentin bonding part I: substrate characteristics and bonding systems

La Odontología Restauradora contemporánea no puede concebirse sin la adhesión de los materiales restauradores a las estructuras dentarias. En mu-chos procedimientos restauradores, no sólo el esmal-te sino también la dentina se encuentra involucrada, por lo tanto, la adhesión a esta última juega un rol cla-ve en el éxito clínico. No obstante, todavía supone un gran desafío lograr una adhesión estable y predeci-ble en el tiempo. El propósito del presente artículo es analizar las características principales de la dentina como sustrato adhesivo y describir los sistemas ad-hesivos actuales y sus mecanismos de acción (AU)

Contemporary Restorative Dentistry cannot be conceived without the adhesion of restorative materials to dental structures. In many restorative procedures not only the enamel, but also the dentin is involved, therefore dentin bonding plays a key role in their success. However, it is still a great challenge to achieve stable and predictable dentin bonding over time. The aim of this article is to analyze the main characteristics of dentin as an adhesive substrate and to describe current adhesive systems and their bonding mechanisms (AU)

Effect of processing methods on the cytotoxicity of methyl methacrylate-based ocular prostheses: An in vitro study.

The study evaluated the influence of cycles and methods of an ocular prosthesis resin on cytotoxicity toward human conjunctival cells. Resins were polymerized by water bath (WB, 74 °C or 100 °C for 30 min to 9 h), microwave (MW, 1200 W, 3 to 14 min and 30 s at 0 to 720 W), or autopolymerization (AP, room temperature for 20 min ± 60 °C for 30 min). Degree of conversion (DC), cytotoxicity, level of inflammatory mediators, gene expression of different markers, and apoptosis were evaluated. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). WB with longer processing time at higher temperature had highest DC (85.6%) and higher TGF ß1-gene expression (1.39); long cycle low power MW showed lowest DC (69.6%), lower cell proliferation (85.4%, MTT), and large IL-2 release (39,297 ng/mL). AP with additional processing time showed lower cell proliferation (75.3%, Alamar Blue), and AP polymerized at room temperature showed higher CASP 9-gene expression (1.21). AP methods showed higher IL-6 release (>277 pg/mL). Short cycle medium power MW had higher IL-23 release (534.2 pg/mL). MW (long and short cycles) and AP polymerizations have triggered a more intense inflammatory response. Among methods recommended by the manufacturer, WB showed high DC and less cytotoxicity.

Through-pore polymerization in polar high-performance liquid chromatography columns allowing scanning electron microscopy based imaging of the packing order.

To allow an enhanced understanding of the order in packed HPLC columns, in this work a methodology for immobilizing native polar silica particles is developed based on the polymerization of a methyl methacrylate (MMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker in the interstitial pores of HPLC columns. Subsequent mechanical cutting then allows scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based imagery of cross-sections of the packed bed. In this way, the packing efficiency of home-made and commercial HPLC columns with 4.6 mm inner diameter and 150 mm length comprising the same packing material of 5 µm silica particles are compared. The methodology is developed for native silica used in e.g. hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and in normal phase LC. In order to confirm the feasibility of the developed methodology, the conventional methods for the evaluation of column, efficiency and porosity, are also employed. The obtained porosity information is compared and showed the same trend with the external porosity measurements obtained via inverse size exclusion approach, illustrating its potential application to study the micro-heterogeneity of packed HPLC columns and to guide the optimization of the packing process of HPLC columns.

Insight into carbohydrate polymers (chitosan and 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate) intercalated bentonite-based nanocomposites as multifunctional and environmental adsorbents for methyl parathion pesticide.

Two-hybrid products of bentonite intercalated carbohydrate polymers (chitosan (BE.P.CH) and 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymer (BE/P.HEMA/MMA)) were synthesized as enhanced adsorbents for methyl parathion pesticide (MPP). The intercalation processes induced the affinity and the capacity of bentonite achieving the best value at pH 8. The maximum MPP adsorption capacities of BE (287.3 mg/g), BE/P.CH (634.5 mg/g), and BE/P.HEMA-MMA (868.5 mg/g) obtained after 300 min, 240 min, and 360 min, respectively. The kinetic properties of BE follow the Pseudo-second order behavior (R2 = 0.93) while BE/P.CH and BE/P.HEMA-MMA are of Pseudo-First order behavior (R2 > 0.92). Based on the equilibrium studies, the three products are of Freundlich isotherm behavior (R2 > 0.9) and the uptake is of multilayer forms on heterogeneous surfaces. The Gaussian energies (>8 KJ/mol), Gibbs free energies (>20 to <40 KJ/mol), and enthalpies (>40 to <80 KJ/mol) give an indication about adsorption mechanism involved chemical and physical reactions. The thermodynamics of MPP uptake reactions by the three products are of endothermic and spontaneous behaviors. The MPP uptake in the presence of NH+4, PO4-3, Mn+2, and Pb+2 competitive ions reflects enhancement in the affinity of BE after the integration between it and the selected polymers.

The Effect of TBB, as an Initiator, on the Biological Compatibility of PMMA/MMA Bone Cement.

Acrylic bone cement is widely used in orthopedic surgery for treating various conditions of the bone and joints. Bone cement consists of methyl methacrylate (MMA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and benzoyl peroxide (BPO), functioning as a liquid monomer, solid phase, and polymerization initiator, respectively. However, cell and tissue toxicity caused by bone cement has been a concern. This study aimed to determine the effect of tri-n-butyl borane (TBB) as an initiator on the biocompatibility of bone cement. Rat spine bone marrow-derived osteoblasts were cultured on two commercially available PMMA-BPO bone cements and a PMMA-TBB experimental material. After a 24-h incubation, more cells survived on PMMA-TBB than on PMMA-BPO. Cytomorphometry showed that the area of cell spread was greater on PMMA-TBB than on PMMA-BPO. Analysis of alkaline phosphatase activity, gene expression, and matrix mineralization showed that the osteoblastic differentiation was substantially advanced on the PMMA-TBB. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy revealed that polymerization radical production within the PMMA-TBB was 1/15-1/20 of that within the PMMA-BPO. Thus, the use of TBB as an initiator, improved the biocompatibility and physicochemical properties of the PMMA-based material.

3D Micro/Nanopatterning of a Vinylferrocene Copolymer.

In nanoimprint lithography (NIL), a pattern is created by mechanical deformation of an imprint resist via embossing with a stamp, where the adhesion behavior during the filling of the imprint stamp and its subsequent detachment may impose some practical challenges. Here we explored thermal and reverse NIL patterning of polyvinylferrocene and vinylferrocene-methyl methacrylate copolymers to prepare complex non-spherical objects and patterns. While neat polyvinylferrocene was found to be unsuitable for NIL, freshly-prepared vinylferrocene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, for which identity and purity were established, have been structured into 3D-micro/nano-patterns using NIL. The cross-, square-, and circle-shaped columnar structures form a 3 × 3 mm arrangement with periodicity of 3 µm, 1 µm, 542 nm, and 506 nm. According to our findings, vinylferrocene-methyl methacrylate copolymers can be imprinted without further additives in NIL processes, which opens the way for redox-responsive 3D-nano/micro-objects and patterns via NIL to be explored in the future.

Novel Osteogenic Behaviors around Hydrophilic and Radical-Free 4-META/MMA-TBB: Implications of an Osseointegrating Bone Cement.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based bone cement, which is widely used to affix orthopedic metallic implants, is considered bio-tolerant but lacks osteoconductivity and is cytotoxic. Implant loosening and toxic complications are significant and recognized problems. Here we devised two strategies to improve PMMA-based bone cement: (1) adding 4-methacryloyloxylethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META) to MMA monomer to render it hydrophilic; and (2) using tri-n-butyl borane (TBB) as a polymerization initiator instead of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to reduce free radical production. Rat bone marrow-derived osteoblasts were cultured on PMMA-BPO, common bone cement ingredients, and 4-META/MMA-TBB, newly formulated ingredients. After 24 h of incubation, more cells survived on 4-META/MMA-TBB than on PMMA-BPO. The mineralized area was 20-times greater on 4-META/MMA-TBB than PMMA-BPO at the later culture stage and was accompanied by upregulated osteogenic gene expression. The strength of bone-to-cement integration in rat femurs was 4- and 7-times greater for 4-META/MMA-TBB than PMMA-BPO during early- and late-stage healing, respectively. MicroCT and histomorphometric analyses revealed contact osteogenesis exclusively around 4-META/MMA-TBB, with minimal soft tissue interposition. Hydrophilicity of 4-META/MMA-TBB was sustained for 24 h, particularly under wet conditions, whereas PMMA-BPO was hydrophobic immediately after mixing and was unaffected by time or condition. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy revealed that the free radical production for 4-META/MMA-TBB was 1/10 to 1/20 that of PMMA-BPO within 24 h, and the substantial difference persisted for at least 10 days. The compromised ability of PMMA-BPO in recruiting cells was substantially alleviated by adding free radical-scavenging amino-acid N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) into the material, whereas adding NAC did not affect the ability of 4-META/MMA-TBB. These results suggest that 4-META/MMA-TBB shows significantly reduced cytotoxicity compared to PMMA-BPO and induces osteoconductivity due to uniquely created hydrophilic and radical-free interface. Further pre-clinical and clinical validations are warranted.

Impact of the Cathode Pt Loading on PEMFC Contamination by Several Airborne Contaminants.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with 0.1 and 0.4 mg Pt cm-2 cathode catalyst loadings were separately contaminated with seven organic species: Acetonitrile, acetylene, bromomethane, iso-propanol, methyl methacrylate, naphthalene, and propene. The lower catalyst loading led to larger cell voltage losses at the steady state. Three closely related electrical equivalent circuits were used to fit impedance spectra obtained before, during, and after contamination, which revealed that the cell voltage loss was due to higher kinetic and mass transfer resistances. A significant correlation was not found between the steady-state cell voltage loss and the sum of the kinetic and mass transfer resistance changes. Major increases in research program costs and efforts would be required to find a predictive correlation, which suggests a focus on contamination prevention and recovery measures rather than contamination mechanisms.

Drug-loaded and Blue-ray Filtered Hydrogel as a Potential Intraocular Lens for Cataract Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Indomethacin (IND) is a class of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, which is used to treat various kinds of ocular inflammation, and has been reported to prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO) by inhibiting the mitosis and collagen synthesis of human lens epithelial cells (LECs). In addition, the specific absorption spectrum of indomethacin shows the effect of absorbing short-wavelength blue-violet light. OBJECTIVE: We prepared an indomethacin-loaded hydrogel as a potential intraocular lens (IOLs) material to prevent endophthalmitis, PCO and filter harmful blue light. METHODS: Indomethacin prodrugs (HEMA-IND) (HI) were prepared by esterification of indomethacin and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and poly (HEMA-co-MAA-co-MMA-co- HI) (HAMI) hydrogels were prepared by free-radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), methacrylic acid (MAA) and HI. The physical and chemical properties of obtained hydrogel were detected, including optical, morphology, thermomechanical and surface properties, equilibrium water content, drug release behaviors and cytotoxicity. RESULTS: HAMI hydrogels can filter harmful short-wavelength blue light and show other necessary properties like visible light transparency, glass transition temperatures, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility for making intraocular lenses. Meanwhile, MAA increases the hydrophilicity of the hydrogels, resulting in a lower water contact angle and controllable drug release from the hydrogels. CONCLUSION: In summary, HAMI hydrogels show a great potential as IOL biomaterials that can maintain the sustained release of indomethacin and filter harmful blue light after cataract surgery. Lay Summary: People with cataract surgery can be at high risk of postoperative complications, such as PCO and postoperative endophthalmitis. Moreover, early IOLs allowed all ultraviolet (UV) and visible light to pass through retina without restriction, thus to damage the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, which may lead to retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Herein, we sought to design and prepare a kind of IOLs loaded with indomethacin to mitigate those postoperative complications and filter harmful blue light to improve the treatment prognosis.

Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and oxidative stress in arthroplasty.

The interplay between implant design, biomaterial characteristics, and the local microenvironment adjacent to the implant is of utmost importance for implant performance and success of the joint replacement surgery. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are among the various factors affecting the host as well as the implant components. Excessive formation of ROS and RNS can lead to oxidative stress, a condition that is known to damage cells and tissues and also to affect signaling pathways. It may further compromise implant longevity by accelerating implant degradation, primarily through activation of inflammatory cells. In addition, wear products of metallic, ceramic, polyethylene, or bone cement origin may also generate oxidative stress themselves. This review outlines the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress in arthroplasty and provides a conceptual framework on its implications for soft tissue remodeling and bone resorption (osteolysis) as well as implant longevity. Key findings derived from cell culture studies, animal models, and patients' samples are presented. Strategies to control oxidative stress by implant design and antioxidants are explored and areas of controversy and challenges are highlighted. Finally, directions for future research are identified. A better understanding of the host-implant interplay and the role of free radicals and oxidative stress will help to evaluate therapeutic approaches and will ultimately improve implant performance in arthroplasty.

The effect of initiator encapsulation on methyl methacrylate polymerization by isothermal differential scanning calorimetry.

Microcapsules containing initiator of cumene hydroperoxide or tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate as core material and polyurea as shell material were prepared by condensation polymerisation in oil-in-water emulsion at different agitation speeds. And their effects on the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate were investigated by isothermal differential scanning calorimetry. In comparison to unencapsulated initiators, the use of encapsulated initiators significantly delayed the reaction, reduced the maximum heat flow, relatively reduced the maximum reaction rate, and made the conversion smaller. In addition, the encapsulated initiator shortened the time lag, increased the heat flow at the maximum point as the reaction temperature increased, and further delayed the appearance time of the maximum reaction point as the agitation speed decreased. The theoretical values calculated by the modified Kamal model, including the nth-order reaction formula and the autoacceleration reaction, were in good agreement with our experimental data. We observed the more prominent autoacceleration reaction at a higher conversion.

Thermosensitive molecularly imprinted poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone/methyl methacrylate/N-vinylcaprolactam) for selective extraction of imatinib mesylate in human biological fluid.

The efficiency of a molecularly imprinted polymer as a selective packing material for the solid-phase extraction of imatinib mesylate sorption was investigated. The molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared using N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as a cross-linker agent, N-vinylcaprolactam as a thermo-sensitive monomer, 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and methyl methacrylate as functional monomers, azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator and imatinib mesylate as a template. The drug-imprinted polymer was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that this polymer can be used for determination of trace levels of imatinib mesylate with a recovery percentage that could reach over 90%. Furthermore, the synthesized molecularly imprinted polymer indicated higher selectivity towards imatinib mesylate than other compounds. From isotherm study, the equilibrium adsorption data of imatinib mesylate by imprinted polymer were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The developed method was used for determination of imatinib mesylate in human fluid samples by high performance liquid chromatography with excellent results.

Fracture toughness and crack resistance curves of acrylic bone cements.

The fracture toughness KIc of 11 clinically used acrylic bone cements was studied in air at room temperature with single edge V-notched beam specimens. By driving the crack step-wise through the specimens, crack resistance curves ("R-curves") were recorded. One group of bone cements showed an increase of the fracture toughness with increasing crack length (including CMW1+G and several Palacos bone cements) whereas another group (including Simplex, SmartSet, Copal and some Palacos bone cements) did not exhibit an R-curve behavior. The plateau values for KIc ranged from 0.93 MPa√m (Simplex P) to 1.98 MPa√m (Palacos R+G). The observation of the crack growth with an optical microscope revealed some mechanisms influencing the crack growth like the formation of microcracks in the extended damage zone of the crack tip, the attraction of the crack by inclusions or the shielding of the crack tip by bridges in the wake of the crack. Furthermore, bone cements could be distinguished by the pattern of the path the crack followed during propagation. The crack pattern of CMW1+G provides a possible explanation of the distinct R-curve behavior of this cement.

Ultrasensitive peptide-based electrochemical detection of protein kinase activity amplified by RAFT polymerization.

Since the oversecretion of protein kinases is indicative of multiple human diseases, the screening of their activities is quite important to clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy. In this work, an ultrasensitive peptide-based electrochemical biosensor was presented for the detection of protein kinase activity by using the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique as a signal amplification strategy. First, the substrate peptides were tethered to a gold electrode surface via the thiol terminals. After the phosphorylation of substrate peptides by protein kinases, the carboxyl group-containing dithiobenzoates were labeled to the phosphorylated sites via the robust phosphate-Zr4+-carboxylate linkages. Finally, the RAFT polymerization was initiated using ferrocenylmethyl methacrylates (FcMMAs) and dithiobenzoates as the monomers and the RAFT agents, respectively. The grafting of ferrocenyl polymer chains efficiently recruits a great number of electro-active Fc probes to each phosphorylated site, leading to a drastic amplification of the electrochemical signal. With PKA (protein kinase A) as the target, the detection limit of the peptide-based biosensor can be as low as 1.05 mU mL-1. Moreover, it can selectively differentiate the target from other interferents and is applicable for the screening of potential inhibitors as well as the detection of protein kinase activity in complex cell lysates. Therefore, the peptide-based biosensor shows great promise as a universal tool for protein kinase activity detection and inhibitor screening.

Solventless-mixing tablet coating technique using a V-shaped blender; investigation using methyl methacrylate and diethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer powder.

Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of a tablet coating mixing technique using a V-shaped blender to produce coated tablets by mixing only tablets and polymer powder. Tablet coating was achieved as follows. First, polymethacrylate latex was freeze-dried to prepare a coating powder. Second, tablets and polymer powder were mixed using the blender, yielding coated tablets. Two types of coating powder, composed of colloidal or non-colloidal particles of the same polymer, were prepared and used in the mixing treatment. Colloidal powder was rapidly pulverized due to impact by falling tablets in the blender and adhered to tablet surface. The powder on tablets was easily consolidated due to compression by tumbling tablets, yielding a polymer layer that can suppress drug release after curing. In contrast, non-colloidal powder was insufficiently pulverized and densified, and its deposition did not occur. Therefore, tablets are mechanically coated using a V-shaped blender by using colloidal polymer powder with high grindability and compactability. The impact rose by increasing rotation speed of the blender and promoted deposition of the polymer. Appropriate collision impacts of tablet-tablet and tablet-wall are required for successful tablet coating, although too intense impacts lead to tablet breakage and removal of the membrane.