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Magneto-optical borogermanate glasses were developed by incorporating electro-electronic waste recovered from fluorescent lamps. Glasses with a composition of (41GeO₂-25B₂O₃-4Al₂O₃-10Na₂O-20BaO)-x%wst, (x = 0, 10, 20, 30, and 50 wt% of waste) were prepared. The final chemical composition was determined, and the glasses were characterized through thermal, structural, morphological, optical, and magneto-optical analyses. The addition of lamp waste to the glass matrix did not induce crystallization and stable glass materials were obtained, as confirmed by thermal analysis. Raman spectroscopy has shown that the addition of different amounts of waste into the vitreous matrix induces structural rearrangements as evidenced by the vibration bands of non-bridging B-O⁻ bonds. Regarding optical properties, the transmittance of the glasses slightly decreased with waste incorporation. Photoluminescence showed electronic transitions attributed to the Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions and non-radiative energy transfer from the host to both Ln³⁺ ions and between them was observed. Finally, a Verdet constant value of -40.9 rad. T⁻¹.m⁻¹ at 632.8 nm was obtained, highlighting the potential of these sustainable glasses as Faraday rotators., (© 2025 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Alloplastic materials based on biopolymers such as silk fibroin (SF) have provided the synthesis of excellent biomaterials for bone repair. The aim of the present study was to produce SF membranes associated to hydroxyapatite (HA) and evaluate their physicochemical characteristics and the toxicity potential. After obtaining the SF, the HPLC was executed to verify the elimitation of serecin, a toxic protein of the silk, and the cytotoxicity assay was assessed in the subtances from the SF processing. SF and SF-HA membranes were evaluated by SEM, EDS, FTIR, mechanical properties and toxicity (cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenic effects). The serecin was elimined in the SF process, and its cytotoxicity was confirmed. SF and SF-HA membranes presented interesting results based on the physicochemical characterization. SF membrane showed cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects. In conclusion, SF and SF-HA membranes presented adequate mechanical resistance to act respectively as wound healing or bone filling materials, and they were hydrophilic. SF-HA membrane did not present any toxic potential and allowed cell adhesion and proliferation. The unexpected cyto/genotoxicity and mutagenic effect of SF evidenced the importance of investigating the toxic potential of biomaterials, mainly those in contact with human body for prolonged time., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic contact lenses were developed from bacterial cellulose (BC) by the Institute of Chemistry at Brazil's São Paulo State University (UNESP). In a previous study, cyclodextrins (CD) and medications such as ciprofloxacin (CP) and diclofenac sodium (DS) were incorporated into the lenses to provide therapeutic properties and control drug release. However, significant opacity was seen in the material inherent to cellulose. In order to achieve full material transparency, the lenses were coated with an organic-inorganic hybrid compound containing aluminum alkoxide and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS)(H), or chitosan (Q) nanoparticles. This study evaluated the toxicity of these contact lenses to ensure the safety of these materials for future availability to the medical device industry. Lenses composed of BC and coated with either GPTS (H) or chitosan (Q), incorporating ciclodextrin (CD) to release diclofenac sodium (DS) or ciprofloxacin (CP), were submitted to cytotoxicity assays (XTT and Clonogenic Survival), genotoxicity (Comet Assay) and mutagenicity (Cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay) directly in cell culture. Statistical analyses were performed using the Tukey and Dunnett or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. All of the nanoparticles used in the lense coatings did not show cytotoxic effects by the XTT test (p > 0.05; Dunnett). Only materials associated with diclofenac sodium (BC-H-CD-DS and BC-Q-CD-DS) presented significantly different survival fractions compared to negative control (p < 0.001; Dunnett). Genotoxicity evaluation revealed a genotoxic effect in BC-H-CD-DS (p < 0.05; Dunn). All tested lenses did not present any mutagenic effect. These results indicate that improvements in DS incorporation are needed to eliminate toxicity. We demonstrated promising results in the safety of employing BC lenses functionalized with a drug delivery system permitting the bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs. Further studies utilizing other specific tests, such as corneal lineage are required before safe and efficient ophthalmologic use., (Copyright © 2019 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: It has been suggested that the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could be useful as a non-pharmacological treatment for spasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and neurophysiological effects of high-frequency intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on lower limb spasticity in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis in a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial., Patients and Methods: Seventeen patients in the remitting phase of the disease were randomly allocated to sham or magnetic therapy group and underwent iTBS over contralateral motor cortex of the most affected leg once a day for two weeks. Each session consisted of 10 bursts containing three pulses at 50 Hz repeated at 200 ms intervals (5 Hz) every 10 s for a total of 600 stimuli. The iTBS effect was assessed by using clinical (such as the Modified Ashworth Scale) and neuro-physiological (H/M amplitude ratio and cortical silent period duration) parameters., Results: Two-week iTBS over motor cortex of the most affected leg did not produce any significant clinical effect on spasticity. However, it decreases the H/M amplitude ratio and increases duration of cortical silent period but not significantly, in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis., Conclusion: The stimulation protocol used in this study does not have significant therapeutic effect. Therefore, we do recommend further studies as neurophysiological changes were evident.

Silica aerogel is a lightweight material, well known for its good mechanical and thermal characteristics, but its optical properties have received less attention, because it is weakly scattering. Here we present for the first time the lasing properties and their complex dynamics of silica aerogel doped with R6G. It is shown that the Q factors of the lasing modes determine the operation of the laser, being either resonant or ASE-lasing. For resonant lasing, the number of resonators is easily varied and the number of modes in a single resonator and their emission frequency can be dynamically adjusted, making this a truly versatile photonics material., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Objectives: To describe the development of the bacterial cellulose coating with anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen (BC/Ibu) and to evaluate the cicatrization process with its use in patients with chronic wounds of venous and diabetic etiology., Methods: Longitudinal descriptive study. The cellulose membrane, cultivated with bacteria Gluconacetobacter xylinus and with incorporation of Ibuprofen, was used in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds in public health services in a Brazilian municipality. The ideal coverage characteristics were evaluated through physical, chemical and cell proliferation tests., Results: The sample consisted of 14 patients (10 women and 4 men), 8 with venous ulcer, 5 with diabetic foot and one with mixed wound. There was reduction of area and pain in 9 lesions; total healing of 3 wounds; and debridement of the devitalized tissue in 5 wounds with increased area. The use of the membrane was important in the reduction of pain, exudation and ease in the accomplishment of the curative., Conclusions: BC/Ibu favored the cicatrization process of patients with chronic vasculogenic wounds., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Universidad de Antioquia.)

The determination of temperature is essential in many applications in the biomedical, technological, and industrial fields. Optical thermometry appears to be an excellent alternative for conventional electric temperature sensors because it is a non-contact method that offers a fast response, electromagnetic passivity, and high temperature sensitivity. In this paper, we propose an optical thermometer probe comprising an Er 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped tellurite glass attached to the tip of an optical fibre and optically coupled to a laser source and a portable USB spectrometer. The ratio of the up-conversion green emission integrated peak areas when excited at 980 nm was temperature dependent, and it was used to calibrate the thermometer. The thermometer was operated in the range of 5-50 °C and 50-200 °C, and it revealed excellent linearity (r 2  > 0.99), suitable accuracy, and precisions of ±0.5 and ±1.1 °C, respectively. By optimizing Er 3+ concentration, we could obtain the high green emission intensity, and in turn, high thermal sensitivity for the probe. The probe fabricated in the study exhibited suitable properties for its application as a temperature sensor and superior performance compared to other Er 3+ -based optical thermometers in terms of thermal sensitivity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

In this paper, we show that chitosan may induce conformation changes in silk fibroin (SF) in layer-by-layer (LbL) films, which were used as matrix for immobilization of the enzyme phytase to detect phytic acid. Three chitosan (CH) samples possessing distinct molecular weights were used to build CH/SF LbL films, and a larger change in conformation from random coils to β-sheets for SF was observed for high molecular weight chitosan (CHH). The CHH/SF LbL films deposited onto interdigitated gold electrodes were coated with a layer of phytase, with which phytic acid could be detected down to 10 -9 M using impedance spectroscopy as the principle of detection and treating the data with a multidimensional projection technique. This high sensitivity may be ascribed to the suitability of the CHH/SF matrix, thus indicating that the molecular-level interactions between chitosan and SF may be exploited in other biosensors and biodevices., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The treatment of leishmaniasis still relies on drugs with potentially serious adverse effects. Herein, we tested a topical formulation of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes containing Diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC), a superoxide dismutase 1 inhibitor. Leishmania-infected macrophages exposed to BC-DETC resulted in parasite killing, without pronounced toxic effects to host cells. This outcome was associated with lower SOD1 activity and higher production of superoxide and cytokine mediators. Topical application of BC-DETC significantly decreased lesion size, parasite load and the inflammatory response at the infection site, as well as the production of both IFN-γ and TNF. Combination of topical BC-DETC plus intraperitoneal Sb v also significantly reduced disease development and parasite load. The leishmanicidal effect of BC-DETC was extended to human macrophages infected with L. braziliensis, highlighting the feasibility of BC-DETC as a topical formulation for chemotherapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis.

Essentially all of the Ag nanowires reported in the literature have sizes larger than 30 nm in diameter. In this article, we report a simple and robust approach to the synthesis of Ag nanowires with diameters below 20 nm and aspect ratios over 1000 using a one-pot polyol method. The Ag nanowires took a penta-twinned structure, and they could be obtained rapidly (<35 min) and in high morphology purity (>85% of the as-obtained solid product) under atmospheric pressure. The key to the success of this synthesis is to restrain the nanowires from lateral growth by employing both Br(-) ions and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) with a high molecular weight of 1 300 000 g/mol to cap the {100} side faces, together with the use of a syringe pump to slowly introduce AgNO3 into the reaction solution. By optimizing the ratios between the capping agents and AgNO3, we were able to slow down the reduction kinetics and effectively direct the Ag nanowires to grow along the longitudinal direction only. The nanowires showed great mechanical flexibility and could be bent with acute angles without breaking. Because of their small diameters, the transverse localized surface plasmon resonance peak of the Ag nanowires could be pushed down to the ultraviolet region, below 400 nm, making them ideal conductive elements for the fabrication of touch screens, solar cells, and smart windows.

Three different low molecular weight nematic liquid crystals (LCs) were used to impregnate bacterial cellulose (BC) film. This simple fabrication pathway allows to obtain highly transparent BC based films. The coating of BC film with different liquid crystals changed transmittance spectra in ultraviolet-visible region and allows to design UVC and UVB shielding materials. Atomic force microscopy results confirmed that liquid crystals coated BC films maintain highly interconnected three-dimensional network characteristic of BC film and simultaneously, transversal cross-section scanning electron microscopy images indicated penetration of liquid crystals through the three-dimensional network of BC nanofibers. Investigated BC films maintain nematic liquid crystal properties being switchable photoluminiscence as a function of temperature during repeatable heating/cooling cycles. Conductive response of the liquid crystal coated BC films was proved by tunneling atomic force microscopy measurement. Moreover, liquid crystal coated BC films maintain thermal stability and mechanical properties of the BC film. Designed thermoresponsive materials possessed interesting optical and conductive properties opening a novel simple pathway of fabrication liquid crystal coated BC films with tuneable properties., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Regenerated cellulose scaffolds (RCS) may be used as alloplastic materials for tissue repair. In this work, the RCS were obtained by viscose process and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry analysis (TG). In vitro enzymatic degradation assay and toxicological assays were also evaluated. The physicochemical characterizations revealed the formation of a porous material with distinct thermal profile and crystallinity compared to pristine cellulose pulp. Enzymatic degradation assay revealed that lysozyme showed a mildest catalytic action when compared to cellulase, Tricoderma reesei (Tr). Nevertheless, both enzymes were efficient for degrading the RCS. RCS did not show cytotoxicity, mutagenic or genotoxic effects. The systematically characterization of this work suggests that RCS presented distinct features that make it a viable material for future studies related to the development of scaffolds for biological applications., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Komagataeibacter intermedius strain AF2, which was isolated from Kombucha tea and is capable of producing cellulose, although at lower levels compared to another bacterium from the same environment, K. rhaeticus strain AF1., (Copyright © 2015 dos Santos et al.)

Toxic effects of copper (Cu) were analyzed in young plants of Inga subnuda subs. luschnathiana, a species that is highly tolerant to flooding and found in Brazil in wetlands contaminated with Cu. Plants were cultivated in fully nutritive solution, containing different concentrations of Cu (from 0.08 μmol to 0.47 mmol L(-1)). Symptoms of Cu toxicity were observed in both leaves and roots of plants cultivated from 0.16 mmol Cu L(-1). In the leaves, Cu clearly induced alterations in the thickness of the epidermis, mesophyll, palisade parenchyma, and intercellular space of the lacunose parenchyma. Also, this metal induced disorganization in thylakoid membranes, internal and external membrane rupture in chloroplasts, mitochondrial alterations, and electrodense material deposition in vacuoles of the parenchyma and cell walls. The starch grains disappeared; however, an increase of plastoglobule numbers was observed according to Cu toxicity. In the roots, destruction of the epidermis, reduction of the intercellular space, and modifications in the format of initial cells of the external cortex were evident. Cell walls and endoderm had been broken, invaginations of tonoplast and vacuole retractions were found, and, again, electrodense material was observed in these sites. Mineral nutrient analysis revealed higher Cu accumulation in the roots and greater macro- and micronutrients accumulation into shoots. Thus, root morphological and ultrastructural changes induced differential nutrients uptake and their translocations from root toward shoots, and this was related to membrane and endoderm ruptures caused by Cu toxicity.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite (BC-HA) composites associated with osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) or pentapeptide OGP(10-14) in bone regeneration in critical-size calvarial defects in mice. In this study, the BC-HA, BC-HA-OGP, and BC-HA-OGP(10-14) membranes were analyzed at 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. In each period, the specimens were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (µCT), descriptive histology, gene expression of bone biomarkers by qPCR and VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor) quantification by ELISA. Three days post-operative, Runx2, Tnfrsf11b and Bglap bone biomarkers were upregulated mainly by BC-HA OGP and BC-HA OGP(10-14) membranes, suggesting an acceleration of the osteoblast differentiation/activity with the use of these biomaterials. At 60 and 90 days, a high percentage of bone formation was observed by µCT for BC-HA and BC-HA OGP(10-14) membranes. High expression of some bone biomarkers, such as Alpl, Spp1, and Tnfrsf11b, was also observed for the same membranes on days 60 and 90. In conclusion, the BC-HA membrane promoted a better bone formation in critical-size mice calvarial defects. Nevertheless, incorporation of the peptides at the concentration of 10(-9) mol L(-1) did not improve bone regeneration potential in the long-term., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Bacterial cellulose (BC) and silk fibroin (SF) are natural biopolymers successfully applied in tissue engineering and biomedical fields. In this work nanocomposites based on BC and SF were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the investigation of cytocompatibility was done by MTT, XTT and Trypan Blue dye technique. Cellular adhesion and proliferation were detected additionally. The evaluation of genotoxicity was realized by micronucleus assay. In vitro tests showed that the material is non-cytotoxic or genotoxic. SEM images revealed a greater number of cells attached at the BC/SF:50% scaffold surface than the pure BC one, suggesting that the presence of fibroin improved cell attachment. This could be related to the SF amino acid sequence that acts as cell receptors facilitating cell adhesion and growth. Consequently, BC/SF:50% scaffolds configured an excellent option in bioengineering depicting its potential for tissue regeneration and cultivation of cells on nanocomposites., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ordered mesoporous, highly luminescent SiO2 particles have been synthesized by spray pyrolysis from solutions containing tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), Eu(NO3)3.6H2O, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as structure-directing agents. The 1,10-phenantroline (Phen) molecules were coordinated in a post-synthesis step by a simple wet impregnation method. In addition, other matrices were also prepared by the encapsulation of europium complex Eu(fod)3 (where fod = 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato) into mesoporous silica, and then the Phen molecules were encapsulated by different impregnation steps, after which the luminescence properties were investigated. The obtained materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Powders with polydisperse spherical grains were obtained, displaying an ordered hexagonal array of mesochannels. Luminescence results revealed that Phen molecules had been successfully coordinated as an additional ligand in the Eu(fod)3 complex into the channels of the mesoporous particles without disrupting the structure.

Highly transparent biocomposite based on bacterial cellulose (BC) mat modified with poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) block copolymer (EPE) were fabricated in situ during biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose in a static culture from Gluconacetobacter xylinum. The effect of the addition to the culture medium of water-soluble EPE block copolymer on structure, morphology, crystallinity, and final properties of the novel biocomposites was investigated at nano- and macroscale. High compatibility between components was confirmed by ATR-FTIR indicating hydrogen bond formation between the OH group of BC and the PEO block of EPE block copolymer. Structural properties of EPE/BC biocomposites showed a strong effect of EPE block copolymer on the morphology of the BC mats. Thus, the increase of the EPE block copolymer content lead to the generation of spherulites of PEO block, clearly visualized using AFM and MO technique, changing crystallinity of the final EPE/BC biocomposites investigated by XRD. Generally, EPE/BC biocomposites maintain thermal stability and mechanical properties of the BC mat being 1 wt % EPE/BC biocomposite material with the best properties. Biosynthesis of EPE/BC composites open new strategy to the utilization of water-soluble block copolymers in the preparation of BC mat based biocomposites with tunable properties.

Zidovudine (AZT) is the antiretroviral drug most frequently used for the treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Its low oral bioavailability demands the development of innovative strategies to overcome the first pass metabolism. The nasal route is an option for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and to reduce the extent of the first-pass effect. In this article, AZT loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by a modified ionotropic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate. The increase proportion of CS (NP1 10:01 (w/w)) promoted the formation of smaller nanoparticles (260 nm), while raising the proportion of TPP (NP2 5:1 w/w) increased the nanoparticles size (330 nm). The incorporation of AZT increased the nanoparticles size for both AZT-loaded nanoparticles AZT-loaded NP1 (406 nm) and AZT-loaded NP2 (425 nm). The incorporation of AZT into NP1 did not change the electrophoretic mobility, however, in AZT-loaded NP2 there was a significant increase. The positive surface of the nanoparticles is very important for the mucoadhesive properties due interaction with the sialic groups of the mucin. Nuclear resonance magnetic data showed that the higher concentration of chitosan in the nanoparticles favored the interaction of few phosphate units (pyrophosphate) by ionic interaction Scanning electron microscopy, revealed that the nanoparticles are nearly spherical shape with porous surface. The entrapment efficiency of AZT, was 17.58% ± 1.48 and 11.02% ± 2.05 for NP1 and NP2, respectively. The measurement of the mucoadhesion force using mucin discs and nasal tissue obtained values of NP1 = 2.12 and NP2 = 4.62. In vitro permeation study showed that the nanoparticles promoted an increase in the flux of the drug through the nasal mucosa. In view of these results, chitosan nanoparticles were found to be a promising approach for the incorporation of hydrophilic drugs and these results suggest that the CS-containing nanoparticles have great potential for nasal AZT administration.

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Komagatabaeicter rhaeticus strain AF1, which was isolated from Kombucha tea and is capable of producing high levels of cellulose., (Copyright © 2014 dos Santos et al.)

Background: Shark liver oil (SLOil) and fish oil (FOil), which are respectively rich in alkylglycerols (AKGs) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are able to reduce the growth of some tumors and the burden of cachexia. It is known that FOil is able to reduce proliferation rate and increase apoptotic cells and lipid peroxidation of tumor cells efficiently. However, there are few reports revealing the influence of SLOil on these parameters. In the current study, effects of FOil chronic supplementation on tumor growth and cachexia were taken as reference to compare the results obtained with SLOil supplementation. Also, we evaluated if the association of SLOil and FOil was able to promote additive effects., Methods: Weanling male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: fed regular chow (C), supplemented (1 g/kg body weight) with SLOil (CSLO), FOil (CFO) and both (CSLO + FO). After 8 weeks half of each group was inoculated with Walker 256 cells originating new groups (W, WSLO, WFO and WSLO + FO). Biochemical parameters of cachexia, tumor weight, hydroperoxide content, proliferation rate and percentage of apoptotic tumor cells were analysed. Fatty acids and AKG composition of tumor and oils were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc Tukey test., Results: Fourteen days after inoculation, SLOil was able to restore cachexia parameters to control levels, similarly to FOil. WSLO rats presented significantly lower tumor weight (40%), greater tumor cell apoptosis (~3-fold), decreased tumor cell proliferation (35%), and higher tumor content of lipid hydroperoxides (40%) than observed in W rats, but FOil showed more potent effects. Supplementation with SLOil + FOil did not promote additive effects. Additionally, chromatographic results suggested a potential incorporation competition between the n-3 fatty acids and the AKGs in the tumor cells' membranes., Conclusions: SLOil is another marine source of lipids with similar FOil anti-cachectic capacity. Furthermore, despite being less potent than FOil, SLOil presented significant in vivo antitumor effects. These results suggest that the chronic supplementation with SLOil may be adjuvant of the anti-cancer therapy.

This investigation reports the first application of admicellar polymerization to cellulose nanofibers in the form of bacterial cellulose, microfibrillated cellulose, and cellulose nanowhiskers using styrene and ethyl acrylate. The success of this physical sleeving was assessed by SEM, FTIR, and contact angle measurements, providing an original and simple approach to the modification of cellulose nanofibers in their pristine aqueous environment., (Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Flexible magnetic membranes with high proportion of magnetite were successfully prepared by previous impregnation of the never dried bacterial cellulose pellicles with ferric chloride followed by reduction with sodium bisulfite and alkaline treatment for magnetite precipitation. Membranes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating magnetometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) and impedance spectroscopy. Microwave properties of these membranes were investigated in the X-band (8.2 to 12.4 GHz). FEG-SEM micrographs show an effective coverage of the BC nanofibers by Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Membranes with up to 75% in weight of particles have been prepared after 60 min of reaction. Magnetite nanoparticles in the form of aggregates well adhered to the BC fibers were observed by SEM. The average crystal sizes of the magnetic particles were in the range of 10±1 to 13±1 nm (estimated by XRD). The magnetic particles in the BC pellicles presented superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization in the range of 60 emu g(-1) and coercive force around 15 Oe. These magnetic pellicles also displayed high electrical permittivity and a potential application as microwave absorber materials., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Natural rubber (NR) is a renewable polymer with a wide range of applications, which is constantly tailored, further increasing its utilizations. The tensile strength is one of its most important properties susceptible of being enhanced by the simple incorporation of nanofibers. The preparation and characterization of natural-rubber based nanocomposites reinforced with bacterial cellulose (BC) and bacterial cellulose coated with polystyrene (BCPS), yielded high performance materials. The nanocomposites were prepared by a simple and green process, and characterized by tensile tests, dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and swelling experiments. The effect of the nanofiber content on morphology, static, and dynamic mechanical properties was also investigated. The results showed an increase in the mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus and tensile strength, even with modest nanofiber loadings.

Objective: Methylphenidate (MPD) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and its therapeutic effect is attributed to the inhibition of dopamine., Methods: Young male Wistar rats were administered MPD (1, 2, 5, or 10 mg/kg) once a day or an intraperitoneal injection of saline for 28 days (chronic treatment) or for 1 day (acute treatment). Two hours after the last administration the animals were decapitated and their striatum was dissected., Results: In this work, we show that continued treatment with MPD is capable of modifying the levels of phosphorylation of proteins JNK1/2 (c-Jun amino-terminal kinases 1 and 2) and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2). Whereas the level of phosphorylation of protein ERK increased significantly, that of proteins JNK1/2 diminished., Conclusion: The alteration in the level of activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases can be a molecular mechanism through which MPD exerts its therapeutic effect.

A new highly luminescent europium complex with the formula [Eu(TTA)3(Bpy-Si)], where TTA stands for the thenoyltrifluoroacetone, (C4H3S)COCH2COCF3, chelating ligand and Bpy-Si, Bpy-CH2NH(CH2)3Si(OEt)3, is an organosilyldipyridine ligand displaying a triethoxysilyl group as a grafting function has been synthesized and fully characterized. This bifunctional complex has been grafted onto the surface of dense silica nanoparticles (NPs) and on mesoporous silica microparticles as well. The covalent bonding of [Eu(TTA)3(Bpy-Si)] inside uniform Stöber silica nanoparticles was also achieved. The general methodology proposed could be applied to any silica matrix, allowed high grafting ratios that overcome chelate release and the tendency to agglomerate. Luminescent silica-based nanoparticles SiO2-[Eu(TTA)3(Bpy-Si)], with a diameter of 28 ± 2 nm, were successfully tested as a luminescent labels for the imaging of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. They were also functionalized by a specific monoclonal antibody and subsequently employed for the selective imaging of Escherichia coli bacteria.

The peptide NS5A-1 (PPLLESWKDPDYVPPWHG), derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A protein, was immobilized into layer-by-layer (LbL) silk fibroin (SF) films. Deposition was monitored by UV-vis absorption measurements at each bilayer deposited. The interaction SF/peptide film induced secondary structure in NS5A-1 as indicated by fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) measurements. Voltammetric sensor (SF/NS5A-1) properties were observed when the composite film was tested in the presence of anti-HCV. The peptide-silk fibroin interaction studied here showed new architectures for immunosensors based on antigenic peptides and SF as a suitable immobilization matrix.

Glasses in the ternary system (70 - x)NaPO(3)-30WO(3)-xBi(2)O(3), with x = 0-30 mol %, were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to confirm the noncrystalline nature of the samples. The influence of the Bi(2)O(3) on the thermal, structural, and optical properties was investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the glass transition temperature, T(g), increases from 405 to 440 °C for 0 ≤ x ≤ 15 mol % and decreases to 417 °C for x = 30 mol %. The thermal stability against devitrification decreases from 156 to 67 °C with the increase of the Bi(2)O(3) content. The structural modifications were studied by Raman scattering, showing a bismuth insertion into the phosphate chains by Bi-O-P linkage. Furthermore, up to 15 mol % of Bi(2)O(3) formation of BiO(6) clusters is observed, associated with Bi-O-Bi linkage, resulting in a progressive break of the linear phosphate chains that leads to orthophosphate Q(0) units. The linear refractive index, n(0), was measured using the prism-coupler technique at 532, 633, and 1550 nm, whereas the nonlinear (NL) refractive index, n(2) was measured at 1064 nm using the Z-scan technique. Values of 1.58 ≤ n(0) ≤ 1.88, n(2) ≥ 10(-15) cm(2)/W and NL absorption coefficient, α(2) ≤ 0.01 cm/GW, were determined. The linear and NL refractive indices increase with the increase of the Bi(2)O(3) concentration. The large values of n(0) and n(2), as well as the very small α(2), indicate that these materials have large potential for all-optical switching applications in the near-infrared.

Luminescent silica nanoparticles are frequently employed for biotechnology applications mainly because of their easy functionalization, photo-stability, and biocompatibility. Bifunctional silica nanoparticles (BSNPs) are described here as new efficient tools for investigating complex biological systems such as biofilms. Photoluminescence is brought about by the incorporation of a silylated ruthenium(II) complex. The surface properties of the silica particles were designed by reaction with amino-organosilanes, quaternary ammonium-organosilanes, carboxylate-organosilanes and hexamethyldisilazane. BSNPs were characterized extensively by DRIFT, (13)C and (29)Si solid state NMR, XPS, and photoluminescence. Zeta potential and contact angle measurements exhibited various surface properties (hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and electric charge) according to the functional groups. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) measurements showed that the spatial distribution of these nanoparticles inside a biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 depends more on their hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics than on their size. CLSM observations using two nanosized particles (25 and 68 nm) suggest that narrow diffusion paths exist through the extracellular polymeric substances matrix.

Among remarkable discoveries concerning propolis, such as antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant activities, its anti-inflammatory, and mainly its antibacterial, properties deserve special attention when skin wound healing is concerned. Based on this and knowing the distinctive performance of bacterial (BC) membranes on wound healing, in this work it is proposed to demonstrate the potent antimicrobial activity and wound healing properties of a novel propolis containing biocellulose membrane. The obtained propolis/BC membrane was able to adsorb propolis not only on the surface, but also in its interstices demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravidimetric assays. Additionally, the polyphenolic compounds determination and the prominent antibacterial activity in the membrane are demonstrated to be dose dependent, supporting the possibility of obtaining propolis/BC membranes at the desired concentrations, taking into consideration its application and its skin residence time. Finally, it could be suggested that propolis/BC membrane may favor tissue repair in less time and more effectively in contaminated wounds.

This study investigated the effect of Cordyceps sinensis biomass supplementation obtained from submerged fermentation on blood lipid and low testosterone induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The experiments were carried out using a long-term intake of HFD and HFD plus Simvastatin or C. sinensis (4 months). Our results show that plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL were decreased by Cordyceps sinensis biomass supplementation (CSBS). A long-term intake of HFD caused a significant liver damage which has been reverted by CSBS. CSBS normalized decreasing testosterone levels observed in high-fat diet feed rats. All these findings lead us to suggest that C. sinensis was able to decrease blood lipid concentration, increase hepatoprotective activity and normalize testosterone levels.

We demonstrate the potential application of silver-pectin nanoparticles on photodynamic therapy, on a solution-base platform. Photodynamic therapy is a medical technique which uses a combination of photosensitizing drugs and light to induce selective damage on the target tissue, by electronically excited and highly reactive singlet state of oxygen. Metal enhanced singlet oxygen generation in riboflavin water solution with silver-pectin nanoparticles was observed and quantified. Here 13 nm silver nanospheres enclosed by a pectin layer were synthesized and it interaction with riboflavin molecule was analyzed. Pectin, a complex carbohydrate found in plants primary cell walls, was used to increase the biocompatibility of the silver nanoparticles and to improve metal enhanced singlet oxygen generation (28.5 %) and metal-enhanced fluorescence (30.7 %) processes at room temperature. The singlet oxygen sensor fluorescent green reagent was used to quantify the enhancement of the riboflavin singlet oxygen production induced by the silver colloid. We report a 1.7-fold increase of riboflavin emission and a 1.8-fold enhancement of singlet oxygen production.

The aim of this study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes functionalized with osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) and its C-terminal pentapeptide OGP[10-14], and to evaluate in vitro osteoinductive potential in early osteogenesis, besides, to evaluate cytotoxic, genotoxic and/or mutagenic effects. Peptide incorporation into the BC membranes did not change the morphology of BC nanofibers and BC crystallinity pattern. The characterization was complemented by Raman scattering, swelling ratio and mechanical tests. In vitro assays demonstrated no cytotoxic, genotoxic or mutagenic effects for any of the studied BC membranes. Culture with osteogenic cells revealed no difference in cell morphology among all the membranes tested. Cell viability/proliferation, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization assays indicated that BC-OGP membranes enabled the highest development of the osteoblastic phenotype in vitro. In conclusion, the negative results of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity indicated that all the membranes can be employed for medical supplies, mainly in bone tissue engineering/regeneration, due to their osteoinductive properties.

Europium-doped lanthanide oxide RE(2)O(3):Eu(3+) (RE = Y or Gd) luminescent beads, with a spherical shape and a diameter of 150 ± 15 nm, have been modified by reaction with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), in order to introduce reactive amine groups at their surfaces. The direct silanation has resulted in the formation of a nanometric layer at the surface of the beads, with an optimum grafting rate of 0.055 ± 0.005 mol APTES/mol RE(2)O(3). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies confirmed the condensation of an organosilane layer, made of cross-linked -O-Si-O-Si- and of groups -O-Si-R (with R = (CH(2))(3)NH(2) or O-Et). Titration of the accessible amine groups has been performed by simultaneously measuring the luminescence of grafted fluorescein isothiocyanate and that of core particles: there are about 2.3 × 10(4) (2.8 × 10(4)) -NH(2) per Y(2)O(3):Eu(3+) (Gd(2)O(3):Eu(3+)) bead. The isoelectronic point was shifted by one pH unit after APTES modification. The surface modification by APTES at least preserved (for Gd(2)O(3):Eu(3+)) or improved (for Y(2)O(3):Eu(3+)) the red emission of the beads., (© 2012 American Chemical Society)

An Er(3+)-doped SiO2:Ta2O5 optical channel waveguide and nanocomposite were prepared by the sol-gel route at a Si:Ta 50:50 molar ratio. Channels with an excellent surface profile were easily and quickly fabricated by focusing a femtosecond laser onto the surface of multilayered films deposited on SiO2/Si substrates. In parallel, the same sol used to prepare the film was annealed at 900, 1000, and 1100 degrees C for 2 h, to get the nanocomposite materials. A broadband NIR emission around 1538 nm, assigned to the 4I13/2 --> 4I15/2 transition of the Er3+ ions was observed in the nanocomposites of amorphous SiO2 containing dispersed Ta2O5 nanocrystals. The 4I13/2 lifetime and emission bandwidth depend on the annealing temperature. In conclusion, Er(3+)-doped SiO2:Ta2O5 channel waveguides and nanocomposites are promising materials for photonic applications.

Luminescent Eu3+ and Er3+ doped SnO2 powders have been prepared by Sn4+ hydrolysis followed by a controlled growth reaction using a particle's surface modifier in order to avoid particles aggregation. The powders so obtained doped with up to 2 mol% rare earth ions are fully redispersable in water at pH > 8 and present the cassiterite structure. Particles size range from 3 to 10 nm as determined by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy. Rare earth ions were found to be essentially incorporated into the cassiterite structure, substituting for Sn4+, for doping concentration smaller than 0.05 mol%. For higher concentration they are also located at the particles surface. The presence of Eu3+ ions at the surface of the particles hinder their growth and has therefore allowed the preparation of new materials consisting of water redispersable powders coated with Eu(3+)-beta diketonate complexes. Enhanced UV excited photoluminescence was observed in water. SnO2 single layers with thickness up to 200 nm and multilayer coatings were spin coated on borosilicate glass substrates from the colloidal suspensions. Waveguiding properties were evaluated by the prism coupling technique. For a 0.3 microm planar waveguide single propagating mode was observed with attenuation coefficient of 3.5 dB/cm at 632.8 nm.

Background K2P channels play a key role in stabilizing the resting membrane potential, thereby modulating cell excitability in the central and peripheral somatic nervous system. Whole-cell experiments revealed a riluzole-activated current (I(RIL)), transported by potassium, in mouse superior cervical ganglion (mSCG) neurons. The activation of this current by riluzole, linoleic acid, membrane stretch, and internal acidification, its open rectification and insensitivity to most classic potassium channel blockers, indicated that I(RIL) flows through channels of the TREK [two-pore domain weak inwardly rectifying K channel (TWIK)-related K channel] subfamily. Whole-ganglia and single-cell reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated the presence of TREK-1, TREK-2, and TRAAK (TWIK-related arachidonic acid-activated K(+) channel) mRNA, and the expression of these three proteins was confirmed by immunocytochemistry in mSCG neurons. I(RIL) was enhanced by zinc, inhibited by barium and fluoxetine, but unaffected by quinine and ruthenium red, strongly suggesting that it was carried through TREK-1/2 channels. Consistently, a channel with properties identical with the heterologously expressed TREK-2 was recorded in most (75%) cell-attached patches. These results provide the first evidence for the expression of K2P channels in the mammalian autonomic nervous system, and they extend the impact of these channels to the entire nervous system.

The aim of this study was to develop and to evaluate the biological properties of bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite (BC-HA) nanocomposite membranes for bone regeneration. Nanocomposites were prepared from bacterial cellulose membranes sequentially incubated in solutions of CaCl(2) followed by Na(2)HPO(4). BC-HA membranes were evaluated in noncritical bone defects in rat tibiae at 1, 4, and 16 weeks. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that the amount of the mineral phase was 40%-50% of the total weight. Spectroscopy, electronic microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analyses, and X-ray diffraction showed formation of HA crystals on BC nanofibres. Low crystallinity HA crystals presented Ca/P a molar ratio of 1.5 (calcium-deficient HA), similar to physiological bone. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis showed bands assigned to phosphate and carbonate ions. In vivo tests showed no inflammatory reaction after 1 week. After 4 weeks, defects were observed to be completely filled in by new bone tissue. The BC-HA membranes were effective for bone regeneration.

Luminescent Eu(3+)-containing polyphosphate-tungstate aqueous colloidal systems were prepared and studied as a function of the relative polyphosphate-tungstate content. In polyphosphate-rich solutions, Eu(3+) ions occupy cagelike sites composed of phosphate groups from the metaphosphate chains. In these sites, an average number of 0.5 water molecule coordinates to an Eu(3+) ion and the (5)D(0) emission quantum efficiency is 0.22. Tungstate addition leads to important modifications in neighboring Eu(3+) leading to coordination sites in the aqueous medium where metal ions are completely hidden from interactions with solvent molecules. Transmission electron microscopy results clearly show W-rich nanoparticles with sizes between 5 and 10 nm for all tungstate relative concentrations. For high tungstate relative contents (above 30 mol %), spectroscopic results suggest the presence of Eu(3+) in polyoxometalate (POM)-like sites by comparison with the well-known decatungstoeuropate [EuW(10)O(36)](9-) structure. These new aqueous colloids display surprisingly high (5)D(0) emission quantum efficiencies of ca 80% because of the strong ligand field provided by tungstate POM ligands and the complete absence of water molecules from the Eu(3+) first coordination shell.

Ordered mesoporous highly luminescent SiO2 particles have been synthesized by spray pyrolysis from solutions containing tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and either cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or the block copolymer Pluronic F-68 as structure-directing agents. Rhodamine B (RhB)-containing samples were prepared by using a simple wet impregnation method followed by the growing of a second silica shell in order to prevent leaching of the dye. The obtained materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL). Powders with polydisperse spherical grains were obtained displaying an ordered hexagonal array of mesochannels. Luminescence results reveal that RhB molecules have been successfully encapsulated into the channels of mesoporous particles as monomeric species and that a well-defined silica coating hindered dye leaching.

Non-adapting superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurones with a clustering activity and sub-threshold membrane potential oscillations were occasionally recorded, suggesting the presence of a persistent sodium current (I(NaP)). The perforated-patch technique was used to establish its properties and physiological role. Voltage-clamp experiments demonstrated that all SCG cells have a TTX-sensitive I(NaP) activating at about -60 mV and with half-maximal activation at about -40 mV. The mean maximum I(NaP) amplitude was around -40 pA at -20 mV. Similar results were achieved when voltage steps or voltage ramps were used to construct the current-voltage relationships, and the general I(NaP) properties were comparable in mouse and rat SCG neurons. I(NaP) was inhibited by riluzole and valproate with an IC(50) of 2.7 and 3.8 microM, respectively, while both drugs inhibited the transient sodium current (I (NaT)) with a corresponding IC(50) of 34 and 150 microM. It is worth noting that 30 microM valproate inhibited the I(NaP) by 70% without affecting the I(NaT). In current clamp, valproate (30 microM) hyperpolarised resting SCG membranes by about 2 mV and increased the injected current necessary to evoke an action potential by about 20 pA. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time that a persistent sodium current exists in the membrane of SCG sympathetic neurones which could allow them to oscillate in the sub-threshold range. This current also contributes to the resting membrane potential and increases cellular excitability, so that it is likely to play an important role in neuronal behaviour.

Interest in lanthanide-containing organic-inorganic hybrids has grown considerably during the last decade, with the concomitant fabrication of materials with tunable attributes offering modulated properties. The potential of these materials relies on exploiting the synergy between the intrinsic characteristics of sol-gel derived hosts (highly controlled purity, versatile shaping and patterning, excellent optical quality, easy control of the refractive index, photosensitivity, encapsulation of large amounts of isolated emitting centers protected by the host) and the luminescence features of trivalent lanthanide ions (high luminescence quantum yield, narrow bandwidth, long-lived emission, large Stokes shifts, ligand-dependent luminescence sensitization). Promising applications may be envisaged, such as light-emitting devices, active waveguides in the visible and near-IR spectral regions, active coatings, and bio-medical actuators and sensors, opening up exciting directions in materials science and related technologies with significant implications in the integration, miniaturization, and multifunctionalization of devices. This review provides an overview of the latest advances in Ln(3+)-containing siloxane-based hybrids, with emphasis on the different possible synthetic strategies, photoluminescence features, empirical determination.

This paper investigated the effect of jump training on blood biochemical parameters and neutrophil responses of diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, trained, diabetic and trained-diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by i.v. injection of streptozotocin. Jump training consisted of six sets of ten jumps in water with overload of 50% of body mass with 1-min of resting, four times per week during 6 weeks. Plasma glucose, lactate, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol concentrations, differential leukocyte count, phagocytosis and anion superoxide production by neutrophils were evaluated. Diabetes caused hyperglycemia, hypertriacylglycerolemia, and body weight loss. Physical training reversed hypertriacylglycerolemia. Jump training increased phagocytosis and anion superoxide production by blood neutrophils from trained and trained-diabetic rats. Neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia occur in diabetic and trained-diabetic rats. Anaerobic jump training in diabetic rats reduced hypertriacylglycerolemia and increased neutrophil anion superoxide production. Phagocytosis was not altered in trained-diabetic rats.

Photopolymerized sol-gel monolithic columns for use in capillary electrochromatography were prepared in 125 microm i.d. polyacrylate-coated fused-silica capillaries. The polyacrylate-coating, unlike the polyimide one, is transparent to the radiation used (approximately 370 nm), and thus, no coating removal is necessary. This is a very important particularity since intrinsic capillary column characteristics, such as flexibility and mechanical resistance, are unchanged. A mixture containing metacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as the polymeric precursor, hydrochloric acid as the catalyst, toluene as the porogen and bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide (Irgacure 819) as the photoinitiator was irradiated at 370 nm for 20 min inside the capillaries to prepare the columns through sol-gel approach. The versatility and viability of the use of polyacrilate as a new capillary external coating were shown through preparation of two columns under different conditions, which were tested in electrochromatography for separation of standard mixture containing thiourea (marker compound), propylbenzene, phenanthrene and pyrene.

Erbium L(3)-edge extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements were performed on rare earth doped fluorosilicate and fluoroborate glasses and glass ceramics. The well known nucleating effects of erbium ions for the crystallization of cubic lead fluoride (based on x-ray diffraction measurements) and the fact that the rare earth ions are present in the crystalline phase (as indicated by Er(3+) emission spectra) seem in contradiction with the present EXAFS analysis, which indicates a lack of medium range structural ordering around the Er(3+) ions and suggests that the lead fluoride crystallization does not occur in the nearest neighbor distance of the rare earth ion. Molecular dynamics simulations of the devitrification process of a lead fluoride glass doped with Er(3+) ions were performed, and results indicate that Er(3+) ions lower the devitrification temperature of PbF(2), in good agreement with the experimental results. The genuine role of Er(3+) ions in the devitrification process of PbF(2) has been investigated. Although Er(3+) ions could indeed act as seeds for crystallization, as experiments suggest, molecular dynamics simulation results corroborate the experimental EXAFS observation that the devitrification does not occur at its nearest neighbor distance.

Glasses having the composition (100 - x)As2P2S8-xGa2S3 with x ranging from 0 to 50% were investigated to determine the compositional effect on properties and local structure. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and the stability parameter against crystallization (Tx - Tg) increased with the addition of Ga2S3. The structure of these glasses was probed by Raman scattering, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance. On the basis of the observed vibrations and the strength of the 31P-31P homonuclear magnetic dipolar coupling, two scenarios can be proposed for the structural evolution induced by the addition of Ga2S3. For x or= 30% we have depolymerization of the As2P2S8 units and the formation of a network of GaPS4 units with each PS 4/2 unit (Q4) species carrying a single positive formal charge.

In this work, vitreous samples were prepared in the binary system (100 - x)NaPO3-xMO3 with M = Mo and W and x varying from 10 to 60. The transmittance properties in the UV, visible, and near-infrared were monitored as a function of MO3 concentration. In both cases, an increase in the amount of transition metal results in an intense and broad absorption band in the visible and near-infrared attributed to metal reduction under synthesis conditions. It was shown that this large absorption can be partially or totally removed using specific oxidizing agents or by improving synthesis parameters such as melting temperature or cooling rate of the melt. In addition, structural investigations by Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggest that reduction only occurs when the metal cation is in octahedral geometry and that the transmittance improvement is not related with any structural changes. These results were explained in terms of thermodynamic equilibrium of redox species in the melt and allowed to obtain for the first time transparent and chemically stable glasses containing high concentrations of MO3 with transition metals in octahedral geometry inside the glass network.