Search

Despite the promising prospects of nanoparticles in oral drug delivery, the process of oral administration involves a complex transportation pathway that includes cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and exocytosis by intestinal epithelial cells, which are necessary steps for nanoparticles to enter the bloodstream and exert therapeutic effects. Current researchers have identified several crucial factors that regulate the interaction between nanoparticles and intestinal epithelial cells, including surface properties such as ligand modification, surface charge, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, intestinal protein corona formation, as well as holistic properties like particle size, shape, and rigidity. Understanding these properties is essential for enhancing transepithelial transport efficiency and designing effective oral drug delivery systems. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the surface and holistic properties that influence the transepithelial transport of nanoparticles, elucidating the underlying principles governing their impact on transepithelial transport. The review also outlines the chosen of parameters to be considered for the subsequent design of oral drug delivery systems. This review summarizes the crucial factors that influence the transepithelial transport of nanoparticles from the perspective of surface and holistic property modulation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the surface properties and bacterial adhesion of computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CADCAM) restorative materials. Methods: Four CAD-CAM resin-based blocks (Vita Enamic, Shofu block HC, Cerasmart [CS] and Lava Ultimate [LU]) and a leucite-reinforced glass ceramic block (IPS Empress CAD) were used in the present study. Specimens prepared with dimensions of 10 × 10 × 1 mm were polished. Surface characteristics were assessed with hydrophobicity and surface free energy (SFE) analysis. Surface roughness was measured using a profilometer, and elemental and topographic evaluations were performed with SEM-EDX analysis. After being kept in artificial saliva for 1 h, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis) were incubated separately in 5% CO2 atmosphere at 37°C for 24 h. The adhered bacteria were counted as ×108 CFU/mL. Results: Surface roughness, contact angle and SFE measurement values were found to be in the range of 0.144-0.264 Ra, 28.362°-70.074° and 39.65-63.62 mN/m, respectively. The highest adhered amount of S. mutans was found in CS and the lowest in LU, while there was no significant difference between the amounts of adhered S. mitis. Conclusion: Despite differences in the surface properties of the materials used for the study, the materials exhibited identical properties with respect to bacterial adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wood Industry / Drvna Industrija is the property of Drvna Industrija and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Biopolymer fibers have great potential for technical applications in biomaterials. The surface properties of fibers are of importance in these applications. In this study, electrospun poly (L-lactide) (PLLA)/poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL) membranes were modified by cold plasma treatment and coating gelatin to improve the surface hydrophilic properties. The morphologies of the fibers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to show the surface characteristics of the fibers. The chemical feature of the fibrous membrane surfaces was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface wettability of the fibrous membrane was also characterized by water contact angle measurements. All these results show that plasma treatment can have profound effects on the surface properties of fibrous membranes by changing their surface physical and chemical features · Gelatin-PLLA/PCL membrane has great potential in applications of tissue engineering scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether the fingertip could feel the features of the other fabric through a fabric. Samples were 13 types of fabrics with different properties. Combining samples in various ways, a sensory test was performed by a pair test method to see if the object fabric could be recognized through a fabric by three methods: touch, slide and touch-sack tests. As a result, the characteristics of the fabric including thickness, the compressional property, the surface property and the combined effect of the two fabrics affected the recognition of the object fabric. Among the test methods, the touch-sack test tended to be the most difficult to recognize the object fabric, while the touch test and the slide test were more likely to recognize the object fabric in this order. Using fabric data such as compressional properties and surface properties as explanatory variables, a discriminant analysis was performed in three groups: the group that can recognize the object fabric (G1), the group unable to recognize it (G2), and the group not belong to either (G3). By the analysis, the good discriminant equations were introduced. The analysis results also showed that the important parameters to recognize the object fabric were the thickness and its balance of the two fabrics, the compressional energy (WC) of the object fabric, SMD and the wavelength corresponding to the peak of the power spectrum obtained from the SMD signal wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Dalian University of Technology / Dalian Ligong Daxue Xuebao is the property of Journal of Dalian University of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The tactile evaluation was performed on 16 cotton towel samples that had been washed different numbers of times. Twenty-seven female and 24 male university students (20-24 years old) participated in the assessment. The surface and compression properties of fabrics were measured with the KES system. The tactile feels of softness and of smoothness were related to the geometrical roughness (SMD) and compression linearity (LC). The tactile feel was worse for washed towels with higher SMD and LC values. For washed towel fabrics, we found no significant correlation between the tactile feel and compression energy (WC). The results were related to the changes that occurred in the pile loop geometry during washing and caused matting of the pile. The changes were characterized by the ratio of ground fabric area observed in microscope images. To evaluate the initial resistance of the matted pile, we measured the frictional force (Ff) during movement of a friction contactor on the pile. The slope of the peak (S-FfP) was a useful indicator for investigating the tactile change in towel fabrics after washing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sorption behavior of phosphorus onto sediment was investigated with the addition of BC derived from incomplete biomass combustion (PC). The sorption kinetic curves of phosphorus onto PC and sediment could be described by a two-compartment first order equation, and the sorption isotherms fit the Freundlich model well. With increasing amounts of PC added, the sorption capacity increased while the HI did not change much. The distribution of phosphorus forms showed that Ca P (ACa-P plus DAP) constituted the highest fraction in the sediment samples. Throughout the sorption process, Ca P and OP changed very little, but the Ex-P and Fe P increased obviously, and the presence of PC made this increase more significantly. The high specific area and the presence of iron and aluminum, as well as the modification of the sediments surface properties, make the addition of PC be favorable for the sorption of phosphorus onto sediments. • The effects of BC on the sorption character of sediment were investigated. • The sorption and desorption isotherms show BC enhanced phosphorus sorption. • Ex-P and Fe P increased more obviously after sorption with BC added. • The BC addition has little effects on Ca P and OP contents. • The metal residual in PC may affect the combination of sediment and phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micromorphology, surface property, chemical structure and size distribution of self-healing microcapsules were characterized by ESEM, surface plasmon resonance analyzer, FTIR and standard sieve shaker. The yield and core content of self-healing microcapsules were determinated. The results showed that chemical reaction between resorcinol and UF resin shell materials could promote the polymerization of UF resin shell particles and enhance the degree of cross-linking of the UF resin shell materials. Particle size and microcapsule surface roughness increase with increasing degrees of cross-linking in the UF resin. The yield and core content of the microcapsules initially rose and then decreased with continued increases in the ratio of resorcinol to urea. When the ratio of resorcinol to urea was 12%, the microcapsules achieved the maximum particle size and had favorable micromorphology. Moreover, the yield and core content of the microcapsules were at their highest, at 75.49% and 69.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local climate of the city is modulated by not only land surface properties and climate background but also urban morphology. While the modulations of the former two have been extensively studied, there is still a lack of understanding of the importance of urban morphology, especially the three-dimensional (3D) morphology at a global scale. Here we examine the surface urban heat island (SUHI) intensities in 688 urban agglomerations worldwide and explore their driving factors in terms of surface properties, climate background, and 2D/3D urban morphologies, by using stepwise multiple linear regression and interpretable machine learning method. The results show that the interpretable machine learning method performs better in modeling SUHIs than traditional linear regression. Notably, urban morphologies, particularly its 3D pattern, have significant impacts on SUHIs. The overall contribution of urban morphology is comparable to that of surface property, and even surpasses the latter during the daytime in autumn and winter. Specifically, increased urban patch size or higher urban density can significantly amplify the SUHI intensities, while urban expansion characterized by scattered or multi-centered development exhibits the potential in mitigating SUHIs. In terms of 3D urban morphology, building height emerges as a crucial factor in shaping SUHIs. A rougher urban surface characterized by high-rise buildings can yield a cooling effect during the daytime while exacerbating the warming effect at night. Overall, our research provides valuable insights into the role of urban morphology in shaping SUHIs, offering guidance for urban planning strategies that promote sustainable and resilient cities. • The impacts of surface property, climate background and urban morphology on global SUHIs are systematically investigated. • Interpretable machine learning method performs better in modeling SUHIs than traditional linear regression. • The urban morphologies, particularly its 3D pattern, have significant impacts on SUHIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics of phosphorus sorption onto the sediments of the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent waters, as well as the sediments' compositions and physicochemical properties. The process could be described well by a two-compartment first order equation. The sorbed phosphorus mainly consisted of Ex-P and Fe-P, with Ex-P being the dominant. The equilibrium isotherms could be fitted well with a modified Langmuir equation. The calculations of the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process was spontaneous and exothermic. The CEC and the fractions of clay, calcite and organic matter were correlated with the sorption parameters, while the surface proton charge of the sediments was significantly negatively correlated with them. Considering the kinetics and phosphorus forms changes during the process, the sorption in our study could be considered that the physical process plays an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cyclic impact loading (CIL) on the surface properties of flowable resin composites for posterior restorations. Cavities were filled with one of four flowable resin composites--Clearfil Majesty LV, Estelite Flow Quick, Beautifil Flow Plus F00, or Unifil Loflow Plus--and photo-polymerized. Clearfil Majesty was used as a control. Specimens were subjected to in vitro CIL testing with a mechanical loading device. The CIL-generated defect in the resin composite was scanned and traced at 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 cycles with a profilometer (n=5). An image scanner and computer program were used to calculate the mean defect depth on each resin composite restoration. Data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and the post-hoc Tukey test. All tested flowable resin composites showed more surface degradation than the control after 40,000 CIL cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, living Chlorella sorokiniana FK with an elevated concentration of cell envelop sulfur sites, induced by adding excess sulfate to the medium, was used as biosorbents for the removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solution. The cellular surface sulfur-based sites density of the obtained biosorbents was determined through selective sulfhydryl site-blocking and potentiometric titration. The sorption was conducted as terms of pH and initial Hg(II) concentration, and characterized by SEM, AFM, HRTEM, FT-IR, XRD and XPS. The results showed that Chlorella possessed the highest sulfhydryl site concentration and showed the largest capacity for Hg(II) detoxification in the 40 mg/L sulfur culture (termed B-40) with 74.2% sulfate consumption for the growth of algae. The equilibrium data for the studied biosorbents was adequately represented by the Langmuir isotherm and B-40 exhibited the highest sorption capacity for Hg(II), 2 times greater than that of no sulfate culture Chlorella at the optimized pH 6. Mercury biomineral particles (HgS, HgSO4 and Hg2SO5) were formed on the cellular envelop which induced mainly by sulfur-based groups (-SH, -OSO3-) for enhanced Hg(II) immobilization. These results suggested that surface sites concentration of algae can be manipulated by the available nutrients, and therefore cells with induced high densities of sulfhydryl sites represented a promising and low cost biosorbent for the effective removal and immobilization of Hg and possibly other heavy metals. [Display omitted] • Sulfur-based groups on algae surface manipulated by excess sulfate in culture medium. • Excess sulfate can be degraded during the growth of alga. • High sulfur modification enhance the Hg immobilization ability of algae. • Biomineralized HgS, HgSO 4 and Hg 2 SO 5 generated in high-sulfur cultured algae after adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Alloying with Au causes the Pd d band to be more localized below Fermi energy. [•] Acetic acid physically adsorbs on the series surfaces with similar configurations. [•] Electronic effect is the chief factor that affects the bonding of ethylene. [•] Geometric effect strongly affects the chemisorption of acetate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Influence of pulse discharge on pore structure and surface properties of granular activated carbon (GAC) were investigated with the combination of pulsed streamer discharge in the non equilibrium plasma water treatment reactor. The results showed that the textural properties of all three GAC were modified only slightly in pulse streamer discharge; however, their chemistry surface properties were influenced strongly. Both the acid and basic functional groups on the carbon surface could be increased. The results of repeated use indicated that GAC can be efficiently regenerate in situ during combined treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Taixi anthracite was used as a precursor to prepare microporous activated carbons for SO2 adsorption from flue gas. In this work the activated carbons were prepared by physical activation with carbon dioxide and steam, respectively. Specifically, the effects of activation temperature and burn-off degree on the physico-chemical properties of two series were comparatively studied. The physical properties of the AC samples on the SO2 adsorption were also investigated. The surface area and porosity of sample was studied by N2 adsorption at 77K. The surface chemistry was evaluated by FTIR. The BET surface areas and micropore volumes of steam-activated carbons are always larger than those by CO2 activation except the samples with burn-off above 70%. The CO2 activation leads to samples with continuous evolution of ultramicropore volumes. At higher activation temperature, the decrease of micropore volume is attributed to an external burn-off for both series. All the activated carbons show basic properties, which makes these samples suitable for SO2 adsorption. It is observed that a large micropore volume does not necessarily assure an optimal adsorption of SO2; rather, the pore size and pore size distribution should be considered as important parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sheepskin refers to the hide taken from a sheep and is composed of a layer of skin and the attached hair. It has unique fabric handle properties, and sheepskin quality assessments generally depend on a subjective hand evaluation via sensory test. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the fabric handle of sheepskin mechanically. For this study, we focused on KEGOMI-KAN (Feeling of Denseness, Richness, and Fullness of Hair) which is one of the evaluation terms for the fabric handle of sheepskins, and attempted to clarify the relationship between the tactile sensation and the mechanical properties of sheepskin. Also, a new three dimensional tactile sensation measurement system (3D TSMS), which was composed of a capacitance three-axis force sensor and a three dimensional cartesian - manipulator, was developed to measure the surface friction coefficient. For surface testing, the surface characteristic parameters were calculated as follows: mean of friction coefficient (MIU) and mean deviation of friction coefficient (MMD). As a result of the statistical comparison analysis, it was determined that MIU was an appropriate parameter for the quantitative evaluation of KEGOMI-KAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Textile & Apparel / Tekstil ve Konfeksiyon is the property of Tekstil ve Konfeksiyon and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Compression hosiery (CH) is one kind of mechanical therapeutic approach for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous disorders in the lower limbs. Their compression functional performance and comfort sensations are largely related to their material properties. The objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the mechanical and surface properties of CH fabrics and their effects on corresponding skin pressure magnitudes in practical application. The mechanical testing of the material and skin pressure objective measurements applied to different kinds of CHs with four pressure levels were carried out using the Kawabata Standard Evaluation System and Multichannel skin pressure measuring system. This study shows that significant differences in material properties existed in CH fabrics with different pressure levels. Tensile energy (WT), tensile strain (EM), shearing stiffness (G) and bending rigidity (B) are key mechanical material indices, significantly correlative to skin pressure magnitudes; CHs fabrics with higher levels of pressure were rougher, stiffer and had less extensibility, but they had better dimensional stability. Significant differences in tensile, compression and surface properties existed between CHs fabrics in series A and those in B. The hosieries in series A produced more linear correlations between the key material indices and skin pressure magnitudes, which can be attributed to their fabrics having a smoother surface, greater elasticity, resilience and better dimensional stability. Moreover, proper surface properties of the material and hose design may enhance the pressure functional performance of compression hosiery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, a novel process of dissolving polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices in glacial acetic acid was explored in which matrices spontaneously formed upon contact with water. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed rough architecture and holes on the self-assembled matrix relative to matrices formed after dissolving in chloroform. Immersion in the gelatin solution reduced its roughness and number of micropores. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis confirmed the increased roughness of the self-assembled matrices. The roughness of the matrices decreased after incubation in 1N NaOH for 10min. AFM analysis also revealed that the self-assembled matrix had a net positive surface charge, whereas chloroform–cast matrix had a negative surface charge. The surface charge of self-assembled matrix after immersion in gelatin changed to negative. However, incubation in NaOH did not affect the surface charge. The tensile properties were tested in both the dry state (25°C) and the wet state (37°C) by immersion in phosphate-buffered saline. Self-assembled matrix had lower elastic modulus, break stress and break strain than chloroform–cast matrix in both states. The elastic modulus in the wet condition was reduced by half in self-assembled matrix but tensile strain increased. Samples were further analyzed by ramp-hold test for assessing stress relaxation behavior. Both self-assembled and chloroform–cast matrices had similar trends in stress relaxation behavior. However, stress accumulation in self-assembled matrix was half that of chloroform–cast matrix. In vitro cell cultures were conducted using human foreskin fibroblast (HFF-1) in serum-free medium. Cytoskeletal actin staining showed cell adhesion and spreading on all matrices. Cell retention was significantly increased in self-assembled matrix compared to chloroform–cast matrix. Addition of gelatin improved the retention of seeded cells on the surface. In summary, PCL matrices generated using this novel technique show significant promise in biomedical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Analyzes the influences to gas discharge according to changes in the surface property in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The discharge characteristics of DBD in atmosphere is investigated experimentally whether the dielectric surface is covered with a metallic film. The spatio-temporal behavior of the discharge filament was recorded. The results showed that the DBD changes from a typical filamentary mode to a discharge with very few number of filament which moves slowly in the gap with time. The metallic film makes the dielectric an equipotential surface and it is possible for surface charge to move so that just a few discharge filaments exist in the discharge area. The reduced spatial electric field grads and the self-avoiding effect resulting from the localized heating make the discharge filaments move continuously and randomly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A special sensor, like human finger tips, to measure the surface friction of various carpets with cut or loop pile has been developed. The main body of the instrument is the KES multiple device and the attachments covered with the fake skin are appropriately attached to it. This instrument provides quick and easy testing for carpets and fabrics. This rapid method would be useful for quantifying friction and for designing high quality pile products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of a novel aromatic diamine compound containing phosphorylcholine (PC) group was carried out to prepare aromatic polyamides with PC moiety, in order to develop durable biocompatible polymer materials. The desired diamine compound, 2-(3,5-diaminophenylcarbonyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (DAPC), was prepared from a reaction of 2-[2-(3,5-dinitrophenylcarbonyloxy)ethyl]-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane with trimethylamine, followed by the reduction of the dinitro group by H2/Pd. The starting phospholane compound was synthesized by a condensation reaction of 2-hydroxyethyl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate with 2-chloro-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane. The polycondensation of DAPC with 4,4′-diamino-3,3′-dimethyldiphenylmethane and isophthaloyl chloride gave the copolyamides with different PC contents. From the results of contact angle of water and XPS analysis on the surface of the copolyamide coating films, it was found that PC units were concentrated on the surface after immersed in water. In addition, by using 2,2-bis[4-(aminophenyloxy)phenyl]propane or 2,2-bis[4-(aminophenyloxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane as a diamine comonomer with DAPC, high molecular weight copolyamides containing PC moiety were obtained to prepare homogeneous coating films. The obtained copolyamides exhibited the high thermal stability, and also the excellent biocompatibility even though the content of PC monomer unit in the copolymer was around 20 mol %, which was confirmed by the platelet adhesion test. Therefore, the introduction of PC group in the side chain of aromatic polyamide was effective to develop the biocompatibility, which would be due to the surface property covered with polar PC units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-carriers (NCs) provide drugs with protective and oriented strategies. Despite their success in parenteral administration, NCs still need to be optimized to meet the more serious obstacles encountered in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The main defense mechanisms include renewing mucus, epithelial obstacles and digestion by GIT segments. These hurdles pose challenges even before NCs target molecules or proteins, which has often led to unsatisfactory delivery efficiency. Therefore, a critical focus is the exemption from negative effects of GIT. A series of adapted NCs have been designed based on surface strategies to form an expected distribution and increase gastrointestinal utilization. In this paper, we review the strategies and efforts of NCs to adapt to gastrointestinal defense components, including the mucus, epithelium and gastrointestinal segments; the related gastrointestinal mechanisms and functions are also summarized synchronously. Last, we discuss the delivery challenges in terms of physiopathological GIT and surface properties of the NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]