Search

Objective To reveal the effects and related mechanism of cisatracurium on colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Methods HCT116 and SW480 cells were treated with various concentrations of cisatracurium or transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Chemokine C-X-C-Motif Receptor 4 (CXCR4) was overexpressed and let-7a-5p was silenced in cells by transfection with pcDNA3.1-CXCR4 or let-7a-5p inhibitor. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay measured cell viability, and transwell and wound healing assays evaluated cell invasion and migration, respectively. The expression levels of let-7a-5p and CXCR4 were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blotting was conducted to test the levels of CXCR4, TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signalling and metastasis-related proteins. A tumour xenograft assay was performed to assess tumour growth. Results Cisatracurium treatment suppressed the viability and metastasis of HCT116 and SW480 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas activating TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signalling significantly reversed these effects. Cisatracurium treatment markedly reduced CXCR4 expression by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signalling. Besides, let-7a-5p was identified as a target of CXCR4 and could be upregulated by cisatracurium. Both CXCR4 overexpression and let-7a-5p knockdown alleviated the biological roles of cisatracurium in CRC cells. Moreover, a tumour xenograft assay further confirmed that cisatracurium inhibited tumour growth and metastasis by increasing let-7a-5p expression. Conclusion Cisatracurium suppressed the viability, metastasis and tumour growth of CRC by regulating the CXCR4/let-7a-5p axis via inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signalling. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the role of cisatracurium in the prognosis of CRC patients.

Three kinds of carbonaceous materials with different structural and chemical properties, Carbon Black (CB), Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs), and Graphene Oxide (GO), were well suspended in sodium alginate (SA) solutions, and the suspension rheological behaviors were investigated in details. Steady rheological results showed that the suspensions exhibited same shear-thinning behaviors as SA solution. Dynamic rheological results showed that the complex viscosity (η*) was similar to that of steady rheological measurement, and both SA solution and SA/carbonaceous materials suspensions exhibited liquid-like behaviors, confirmed by the loss modulus larger than the storage modulus. The loss factor tanδremarkably decreased for SA/GO solution compared with SA/CB and SA/MWNTs suspension at the same concentration, indicating the increase of elasticity via interactions between the GO and SA.

We have investigated the effect of zirconium oxide on the thermal degradation and flame retardancy of viscose fibers. ZrO2/cellulose fiber was prepared by wet spinning. Combustion behaviour and flammability were assessed using the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and thermogravimetric analysis from ambient temperature to 800°C and cone calorimetry. LOI results showed that the ZrO2 increased the LOI of viscose fiber from 20% to 26%, which showed that ZrO2 particles had a positive effect on cellulose flame-retardancy. Results from thermogravimetric analysis (TG) indicated that the ZrO2/cellulose fibers produced greater quantities of residues than viscose fibers. The combustion residues were examined using the scanning electron microscopy, indicating that ZrO2/cellulose fiber produced consistent, thick residues. Cone calorimetry indicated that heat release rate and total heat release values of ZrO2/cellulose fiber were less than those of viscose fibers.

Cellulose-insoluble silicate (talcum powder) hybrid fibers with 10%, 20%, 30% silica contents were prepared by wet spinning. The flammabilities and combustion processes were evaluated by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimetry. The LOI results suggested that the hybrid fibers were flame retandant with the LOI value of 22, 25 and 27, as compared to 20 of pure cellulose fibers. Cone calorimetry showed that the rate of heat release value and total heat release value of hybrid fibers decreased. Hybrid fibers with 20% SiO2 loading is the best flame retardant sample. SEM studies of residues after cone calorimetry indicated that the hybrid fibers produced tight and hard residue crusts.

Viscose fibers (VF) are widely used because of its good bio-compatibility and the adsorbent performance. In this paper, adsorbent fibers were obtained via wet spinning method with the mixed solution of activated carbon dispersion and viscose. The characterization of activated carbon/viscose fibers (ACVF) were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy (IR) scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Thermo gravimetric (TG). The results showed that activated carbon had already doped to the viscose. Benzene adsorbent performance research indicates that the adsorbent capacity of ACVFis better than VF.

Stable fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (FCNPs) with excellent water-solubility were prepared firstly by one-step ultrasonic treatment from the blending of glucose and sodium hydroxide. Then, the fluorescence calcium alginate fibers were successfully prepared through wet spinning, using the mixture of FCNPs and sodium alginate solution as the spinning dope. The fluorescent property of FCNPs and fibers were investigated using fluorescence spectrophotometer. Single fiber strength tester was used to measure the strength of the fluorescence fibers. The results showed that both FCNPs and fibers emitted bright blue color under 350nm wavelength UV irradiation. The strength of the fibers was improved when the content of FCNPs in the fibers achieved certain value.

A novel nanocomposite (MB/CRG) was fabricated by a simple and fast method. The method is as follows: graphene oxide (GO) was dispersed in methylene blue (MB), and then the MB/GO was chemically reduced to MB/chemically reduced graphene (MB/CRG) by hydrazine hydrate. MB can greatly improves the dispersity of CRG in water and at the same time, the electrochemical activity of MB/CRG nanocomposite increased. The MB/CRG nanocomposite was used to modify the glass carbon electrode (GCE), and the MB/CRG/GCE was obtained. We investigated the electrochemical behavior of uric acid, NaNO2, Quercetin and p-nitrophenol at MB/CRG/GCE and found that the modified electrode had the best catalysis towards these molecules compared with MB/GCE and CRG/GCE. The MB/CRG/GCE showed good reproducibility and stability.

A simple and efficient molecularly imprinted sensor (MIPs/GR/GCE) was firstly prepared by electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in an aqueous solution based on a graphene modified glassy carbon electrode for the selective recognition of bovine serum albumin. The prepared sensor was characterized by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), in which [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−was used as an electrochemical active probe. The results showed a wide linear range from 1.0 × 10-3to 1.0 × 10-9g/mL. And the imprinted biosensor indicated excellent selectivity and high sensitivity.

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) supported platinum electrocatalyst was successfully synthesized on the glass carbon electrode by the electrodeposition method. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry were used to evaluate the catalytic activity of the Pt/RGO modified electrode towards methanol oxidation. The results revealed that the as-prepared catalyst exhibited high electrocatalytic ability in methanol oxidation, which could be attributed to the excellent properties of the reduced graphene oxide as supporting materials.

Experimental research on calcium alginate fibers thermal degradation and flame retardancy under catalysis of metallic salts was done by limiting oxygen index (LOI), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) methods. LOI results show that with increasing calcium ions content, the flame retardant properties of the calcium alginate fibers improves further. The residues of calcium alginate fibers gradually retained fiber shape and on the surface of the residues the holes reduced, with the calcium ion content increasing. TG indicates temperature at maximum rate of weight loss (T-max) was clearly shifted from 246 °C for alginic acid fibers to 244°C, 236°C, 208°C, 205 °C and 203°C (SCa-1-1# calcium alginate fibers, SCa-2-2# calcium alginate fibers, SCa-3-3# calcium alginate fibers, SCa-4-4# calcium alginate fibers, SCa-5-5# calcium alginate fibers), respectively. The thermal degradation residues at 1000°C for different calcium alginate fibers are 13.7%, 16.1%, 17.2%, 18.2%, 18.4%, 19.2%, separately. Further discussion of the combustion process and flame retardant mechanism is presented.

Flame retardance and thermal degradation of CMC-Na fibers were investigated using limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermal gravimetry (TG), differential TG (DTG) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The LOI values of different CMC-Na fibers are 23, 26, 28.5, 31 and 34, compared with about 20 for viscose fiber. TG and DTG studies indicate that the temperature of maximum degradation rate and the maximum degradation rate for CMC-Na fibers are much lower than those of viscose fiber. However, CMC-Na fibers generate much more residues or carbonaceous char than does viscose fiber. The increase of sodium ion content, the carbon residual also increases. SEM studies of combustion residues after LOI testing indicate that all CMC-Na fibers produce intumescent, hard and brittle residue crusts.

Temperature-sensitive calcium alginate-based microspheres were prepared in two steps. Firstly, free-radical polymerization of temperature-sensitive N-vinylcaprolactam monomer was performed in aqueous solution of sodium alginate, yielding a mixed aqueous solution bearing temperature-sensitivity composed of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam), sodium alginate-graft- poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) and sodium alginate. Then temperature-sensitive composite microspheres were prepared by inverse emulsification-crosslinking using the as-prepared solution as water phase, n-hexane as oil phase, Span-85 and Tween-85 as emulsifiers and calcium chloride as crosslinker respectively. The morphology and temperature-sensitivity of the composite microspheres were investigated by scanning electron microscope and turbidity method respectively. The controlled release behavior of the microspheres towards temperature was investigated preliminarily using berberine as a model drug.

A novel Nafion/PMB/G/GCE was prepared by firstly electro-polymerization of MB to G/GCE and then coating Nafion on PMB/G/GCE. The as-prepared modified electrode combining the advantages of Nafion, methylene blue and G was employed for the sensitive detection of rutin. The results showed that the peak current of rutin obtained on Nafion/PMB/G/GCE was obviously high compared to bare electrode and G/GCE. Under the optimized value of pH, which was pH 3.0, peak current of rutin had good linear relation with the scan rate. At the same time, peak current increased linearly with increasing concentration of rutin. The linear range was from 5×10-7 mol/L to 1.2×10-5 mol/L, and the detection limit was 9.5×10-8 mol/L

A novel composite was firstly synthesized by compositing graphenes (G) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and then a new composite modified electrode (G/CNTs/GCE) was prepared by coating the resulting composite on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The composite modified electrode G/CNTs/GCE showed great electrochemical activities which were studied by sensitive determining the electrochemistry behaviors of uric acid (UA). It revealed when the concentration range of UA changed from 1×10-7 mol/L to 1×10-3 mol/L, the peak currents had linear relationship with the concentration of UA in the phosphate buffer solution (PBS) which the value of pH is 7.0. And the linear equation is ip (μA) = 21.55C+28.94 (C: mmol/L), with the related coefficient 0.9964.

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified using graphene (G), quercetin (Qu) and Nafion in this sequence to fabricate Nafion-Qu-G composite-modified GCE (Nafion/Qu/G/GCE). The as-prepared modified electrode combining the advantages of Nafion, Qu and G was employed for the selective and sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Compared with GCE, Qu/GCE, G/GCE and Qu/G/GCE, the Nafion/Qu/G/GCE was more electroactive and selective for DA. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used for electrochemical detection, the separations of the oxidation peak potentials for AA-DA and DA-UA were about 304 mV and 136 mV, which allowed selectively determining DA. In phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH 6.8, the Nafion/Qu/G/GCE provided a detection limit of 2.31×10-8 mol/L (S/N=3) for DA. Linearity (R=0.9963) of the peak currents against the concentration of DA was found over the range of 1.0×10-7 to 1.0×10-3 mol/L. Furthermore, the modified electrode exhibited good reproducibility and stability.

A zwitterionic copolymer has been synthesized and a common optimum concentration of dispersant for the stabilized Al2O3suspensions is found at 0.04wt%, which represents the adsorption saturation limit of polyelectrolytes at Al2O3–water interface at pH = 10. Based on the results from rheological measurements, involving the effect of dispersant concentration, a stable broader dispersant concentration range of 0.4wt% ~ 0.22wt% is observed for suspensions with solids loading ≤ 50vol%, a stable broader pH range of 7.0 ~ 11.2 for suspension with solids loading ≤ 50vol%, and a stable pH range of 1.2 ~ 2.0 for suspensions with solids loading ≤ 40vol%.

The effects of an anionic polyelectrolyte on the dispersion of 3Y-TZP suspensions in aqueous medium have been systematically investigated. The results of rheological experiments show that at CD = 0.5 wt% (CD : dispersant concentration), the dispersant could afford well-dispersed 3Y-TZP suspensions over a wider range of solids loading, owing to the stronger electrostatic repulsion between particles resulting from the monolayer coverage of the particle. But as CD ≤ 0.5 wt% or CD ≥0.5 wt%, the stable 3Y-TZP suspensions can only be achieved at a relatively lower solids loading, which are ascribed to the reduced repulsion barrier between particles owing to the lower ζ values of particles and the higher ionic strength in the system, respectively.

Zirconia-graphene composite (ZrO2-G) has been successfully synthesized via decomposition of ZrOCl2•6H2O in a water-isopropanol system with dispersed graphene oxide (GO) utilizing Na2S as a precursor could enable the occurrence of the deposition of Zr4+ and the deoxygenation of GO at the same time. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to characterize the samples. It was found that graphene were fully coated with ZrO2, and the ZrO2 existing in tetragonal phase, which resulted in the formation of two-dimensional composite.

A nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor was fabricated for glucose detection based on gold nanoparticles graphene/carbon nanotube nanohybrids (AuNPs-GH/CNT), which were synthesized through in situ reduction procedure. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry were used to evaluate the catalytic activity of the AuNPs-GH/CNT-Nafion modified electrode towards glucose. It was founded that AuNPs-GH/CNT-Nafion modified electrode showed remarkable enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose under optimized conditions. The sensors exhibited linear behavior in the concentration range from 5 μM to 1 mM for the quantification of glucose with a limit of detection of 1.5 μM.

A novel chitosan incorporating carbon nanotubes coated electrode was constructed and applied to the differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) anodic stripping voltammetric characteristics of iodine ion. The modified electrodes, exhibiting both of unique properties of CNT and chitosan, has excellent electrocatalytic effect of I-. The sensitive detection of iodine ion has been further improved. A linear calibration curve was obtained for 1×10-6 mol/L to 1×10-3 mol/L in 0.1 mol/L KH2PO4 buffer (pH = 4.0) with correlation coefficient of 0.998 and detection limit of 0.2 μmol/L. The practical analytical application was illustrated by a measurement of iodine ion in salt.

A new type of poly (sulfosalicylic acid)/graphene modified electrode (PSA/GH/GCE) was fabricated by dispensing graphene (GH) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and then electro-polymerized sulfosalicylic acid onto GH/GCE with cyclic voltammtry method. It can be used with composite properties of biochemical materials for highly selective and sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) even in the presence of mass ascorbic acid (AA). The linear response range for DA was 70 nM to 700 μM, and the detection limit was 20 nM (S/N = 3).

Copper (Cu) nanoparticles have been electrochemically deposited onto the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface by potentiostatic deposition method and then carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was dropped on the nano-Cu modified electrode surface to get a CNTs/nano-Cu/GCE electrode. The CNTs/nano-Cu/GCE has shown much higher electrocatalytic activity than the CNTs/GCE towards the oxidation of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.9). It can be applied to determine DA and UA with satisfactory results.

In this article, we proposed a new platinum (Pt) nanoparticles ensemble-on-graphene (G), a new electrode material, which was rapidly prepared by microwave-assisted reduction of PtCl62- on the poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-modified G. The Pt/G hybrid can be directly used as electrode materials. The microstructure and morphology of the prepared film samples are characterized by TEM, and the result showed that Pt nanoparticles with averaged diameter of 2~5 nm appear as dark dots on the surface of graphene. At the same time, the electrocatalytic activities of the Pt/G hybrid modified electrodes towards methanol oxidation is evaluated through cyclic voltammetry. The as-synthesized Pt/G hybrid exhibits high catalytic activity and good stability for the oxidation of methanol, which may be attributed to its excellent electrical conductivity and the high specific surface area of the graphene catalyst support.

A novel application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the field of chromogenic reactions for recognizing aminophenol isomers was described. Among the three of aminophenol isomers, only p-aminophenol could form the chromogenic system. Comparative experiments proved that the absorption of the complex increased by 23.9% in the presence of CNTs due to the presence of the intact conjugated system. A selective determination of p-aminophenol was obtained

A new functionalized composites (PPy/c-MWNT) by carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotube (c-MWNT) with polypyrrole (PPy) was studied. PPy/c-MWNT modified glassy carbon electrode (PPy/c-MWNT/GCE) for determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ was described by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). PPy/c-MWNT/GCE greatly improved the sensitivity of determining Cd2+ and Pb2+. The striping peak currents changed linearly with the concentration of Cd2+ from 1.0×10-4 to 2.0×10-7 mol/L for an accumulation time of 400 s, and Pb2+ from 1.0×10-4 to 1.0×10-7 mol/L. The high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of the PPy/c-MWNT/GCE demonstrated its practical application for a simple, rapid and economical determination of trace level of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in water samples

A novel film of overoxidized polypyrrole and carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (c-MWNTs) was fabricated with molecular imprinted technique for dopamine by a direct and facile electropolymerization method. The resulting modified electrode surface was characterized with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the modified electrode not only possessed a good sensitivity but also exhibited a high selectivity toward DA which making anodic potential difference of DA and AA is 318 mV in DPV. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of the dopamine biosensor ranges from 5.0×10−8 to 6.0×10−6 mol/L with a detection limit of 5.0×10−9 mol/L

A facile and efficient strategy for the synthesis of graphene-ZnS nanosheets composite (G-ZnS) is demonstrated for the first time. Firstly, functional graphite oxide (GO) was fabricated by the layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly of poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium) chloride (PDDA) and poly (styrene sulfonic acid) sodium salt (PSS) in proper order. Then, the functional GO dispersed in the water-Tween 20 system as substrate material, in which Tween 20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitol anhydride monolaurate) acts as growth template. Subsequently, G-ZnS nanosheets composite was obtained via hydrothermal homogeneous precipitation.

Graphene/Carbon Nanotube hybrid films modified glassy carbon electrode (GN-CNT/GC) was fabricated as electrochemical sensor for the sensitive and rapid determination of rutin. The electrochemical behaviors of rutin at the GN-CNT/GC have been investigated. Rutin can generate a pair of well-defined redox peaks at the GN-CNT/GC located at 0.450 V (Epa) and 0.409 V (Epc). Compared with graphene modified glassy carbon electrode (GN/GC) and carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (CNT/GC), GN-CNT/GC showed a higher catalytic activity toward rutin. This result indicates that the GN-CNT hybrid films as a modifier strengthens the adsorption of rutin. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), different pulse voltammetry (DPV) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the electrochemical sensor and hybrid films. Under the optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current is linear to the rutin concentration over the range of 2.0×10-7-6.0×10-5 M and the detection limits were 1.0×10-7 M.

A glycyrrhizin decorated graphene hybrid materials (GL-G) was synthesized, which is a layer-to-layer sandwich construction. The results of characterization indicate that a photo induced electron transfer process or efficient energy transferring along the GL-G interface. Furthermore, the as-made hybrid material was used as a modifier of the glassy carbon electrode to construct a sensor (GL-G/GCE). Using p-nitrophenol as a model compound, the novel sensor demonstrated a highly enhanced electrochemical activity for it. The peak current of p-nitrophenol was significantly improved at the sensor.

Zirconia/graphene (ZrO2/graphene) nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized by a simple method. The as-prepared nanocomposite was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FT-IR spectroscopy, power X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. It was found that tetragonal ZrO2was uniformly deposited on graphene, which resulted in the formation of two-dimensional nanocomposite, it showed a high surface area of 165 m2/g.

A well-defined graft copolymer poly(ethylene oxide-co-glycidol)-graft-Poly(lactide) [poly(EO-co-Gly)-g-PLA] of poly(ethylene oxide-co-glycidol) [(poly(EO-co-Gly)] as main chain and poly(lactide) (PLA) as the side chain was successfully prepared via combination of anionic polymerization and ring-opening polymerization. The glycidol was protected by ethyl vinyl ether first to form 2, 3-epoxypropyl-1-ethoxyethyl ether (EPEE), and then copolymerized with EO by initiation with the mixture of diphenylmethylpotassium and triethylene glycol to obtain the well-defined poly(EO-co-EPEE). The latter was hydrolyzed in the acidic conditions and then coordination-insertion ring-opening polymerization of lactide(LA) with poly(EO-co-Gly) was completed. The object products and intermediates were characterized by 1HNMR, MALDI-TOF-MS and GPC in detail. The experimental results confirmed that poly(EO-co-Gly)-g-PLA showed strong conjugation ability with the dyes.

Rheological properties of blend spinning solution of sodium alginate and TiO2 nanoparticles (SA/nano-TiO2) were investigated. The rheological parameters, structural viscosity index (Δη) and flow activation energy (Eη) of spinning solutions were calculated. The results reported that the blend spinning solutions were non-newtonian fluids. The apparent viscosity, consistency index (k) and Eη increased with increasing nano-TiO2 content in SA spinning solution, but the degradation degree of apparent viscosity decreased, flow behavior index (n) only slightly decreased and the Δη had no significantly change. The apparent viscosity (ηa) of spinning solutions could be regulated by changing temperature under 50oC. Blend spinning solution had good stability and practical applicability.

Rotational rheometer was employed to determine rheological properties of sodium alginate solutions of 3, 5 and 10wt.% concentrations. The results showed that temperature had a strong effect on the morphology of sodium alginate in aqueous solutions. To observe the anisotropic phase formation, Polarized optical microscopy (POM) experiments were performed. It revealed the presence of briefringence in 3, 5 and 10wt.% sodium alginate solutions.

Rheological properties of blend spinning solution of sodium alginate and carbon black (SA/CB) were investigated. The results reported that blend spinning solutions were non-newtonian fluids. The apparent viscosity and structural viscosity index increased with increasing CB content in SA spinning solution, but the non-newtonian index decreased, both demonstrated the blend solution was sensitive to shear rates. Blend spinning solution with 6% CB had large flow activation energy (Eη), so the temperature must be controlled exactly in spinning. Temperature had similar impact on sample spinning solutions: the apparent viscosity decreased when it increased. Study on dynamic rheological behavior shows SA/CB blend spinning solutions had greater die swell ratio and worse flowability than pure SA solution, but the flowability of blend solutions could be regulated by changing temperature.

As a natural polymer, alginic acid is widely used in medical fields for its biodegradability, low toxicity and immunogenicity. In this paper, four kinds of cavernous calcium alginate wound dressings were prepared, and physical properties were tested, providing fundamental basis for further study. The results indicate that glycerin is not suitable as a plasticizer for this cavernous wound dressing; a relatively uniform structure of the calcium alginate wound dressing would be obtained as the solution temperature increased; the mechanical properties decrease with the increase of the pre-freezing time.

Calcium alginate fibers and nano-silica/calcium alginate blend fibers were prepared by the mean of wet spinning at the same spinning condition. The effect of nano-particles SiO2 on the structure and properties of alginate fibers were studied via many tests. The results showed that the tenacity of blend fibers increased with the growth of the content of SiO2 ranging from 1% to 5%, however, the tenacity of fibers became worse when the content of SiO2 was more than 5%. The effect of SiO2 content on hardness and tribological properties of the calcium alginate fiber was studied. The morphologies of the fibers surfaces were examined with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The result showed that the surface of blend fibers was still smooth when the consent of SiO2 not up to 7%, the best surface was obtained when SiO2 content was 5%. The incorporation of SiO2 also affected the absorption property of alginate fiber and made it decrease with the increase of SiO2 content. The structures of calcium alginate fibers and nano-silica/calcium alginate blend fibers were studied by infrared spectrum.

In this paper, ferric alginate fibers was prepared by wet spinning of sodium alginate into a coagulating bath containing ferric chloride. The carbon-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron fibers (CSNZVIF) were obtained through thermal degradation of ferric alginate fiber at 900°Cunder N2atmosphere. The product was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray power diffractometer (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area. It was found that zerovalent iron particles were well dispersed in the amorphous carbon fibers. CSNZVIF has high surface areas of 352 m2/g. The existence of carboxylic group and hydroxyl group in ferric alginate structure unit plays key role in the formation of carbon-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron fibers. Fe3+was reduced to Fe0by hydroxyl group and as-formed amorphous carbon during heating under N2. This thermal degradation and self-reduction reaction of ferric alginate fiber is potentially scalable to large production and continuous processing for preparing CSNZVIF.

Schistose and aciculate CuO nanostructures have been synthesized by a novel ammonia assisted hydrothermal method of copper alginate. The conversion processes of copper alginate are investigated by thermogravimetrics (TG) analyses under N2and air atmosphere. The morphology, structure, and composition of the obtained CuO are investigated using SEM,TEM and XRD. It is found that different temperature and pH value resulted in the morphology and structure evolution of CuO. Ammonia was used as structure-directing agent in the hydrothermal system. The aggregation state of the nanostructures was controlled by the temperature. Dispersive schistose structures about 1μm in diameter were synthesized with 0.5mL ammonia at different temperatures. Dispersive microspheres of about 4 μm in diameter were also synthesized with 1 mL ammonia. Microspheres composed of nanoneedles and nanoplates were synthesized at 120°C and 160°C, respectively. Moreover, a possible growth mechanism governing the formation of such a nanomicrostructure was primarily discussed.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were successfully chemically modified (MWNT-COOH) and reacted with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to prepare nanocomposites. As- prepared kinds of functionalized MWNT (MWNT-g-PEG) were characterized with FTIR, TGA and TEM. Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of MWNT-g-PEG composites was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The kinetics was analyzed using the Ozawa and Avrami equation modified by Jeziorny. The results showed that the Ozawa approach failed to describe the crystallization behavior of nanocomposites, whereas the modified Avrami analysis could explain the behavior of MWNT-g-PEG nanocomposite only. It is observed that the presence of MWNT hindered the mobility of PEG chains and decreased the overall crystallization rate. It was found that the crystallization behavior of MWNT-g-PEG nanocomposite was strongly affected by the incorporation of MWNT. The data for the nonisothermal crystallization could be analyzed properly by the Avrami equation modified by Jeziorny. The results showed that the presence of MWNT decreased the overall nonisothermal crystallization rate of the PEG chains which were grafted onto the MWNT due to MWNT might act as physical hindrances retarding the mobility of PEG chains and decreased the crystallinity.

The target-substrate distance has a significant effect on the morphology and the relative deposition rate of fluorocarbon films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering. The films were deposited on regenerated cellulose substrate using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) target, with argon as the working gas. The surface and fracture cross-section morphologies of the deposited films were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average thickness of the fluorocarbon films and the relative deposition rates were calculated for varying target-substrate distances. The films had island-like structures composed of nanoscale particles, and the surfaces were not flat. The density of the particles increased and their size decreased with increase of the target-substrate distance in the range 30 to 80 mm. The relative deposition rate increased at first and then decreased with increased target-substrate distance: the optimal target-substrate distance was 50-60 mm.

Nanostructured composite fibers consisting of carbon coated Mn3O4 nanoparticles (Mn3O4@C) were prepared from thermal decomposition of manganese alginate fibers produced by wet-spinning technique, and investigated with SEM, TEM, XRD, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and electrochemical tests toward energy storage. It is found that the as-obtained Mn304@C fibers consist of plenty of nano-sized Mn3O4 crystals with even diameter of 10-15 nm and carbon coating layer with a thickness of 1-2 nm. The composite fibers exhibit also a porous structure consisting of both micropores and mesopores. The electrochemical performances of Mn3O4@C fibers were examined by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The results indicate that Mn3O4@C fibers possess a higher specific capacitance and superior rate capability when used as electrode materials for supercapacitor compared with commercial Mn3O@4. The improved performances of Mn3O4C fibers can be attributed to the nano-dimension of Mn3O4 particles, the thin carbon coating layer and the nanopores existing among Mn304@C nanoparticles.

To apply copper alginate fibers in medical as a new alginate fiber, copper alginate fibers were researched and evaluated against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus), using antibacterial zone and flash shaking method to analyze anti-bacterial mechanism by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that copper alginate fibers had antibacterial effects, the antibacterial rate against E.coli and S.aureus were 97.4% and 66.2%, respectively; SEM images indicated that bacteria obviously changed after contacting with fibers, the main reason was that copper ion had a damaging effect on pericellular and cell wall. Furthermore, bacterial osmotic pressure was changed and protein synthesis were impeded, and then the normal metabolism of bacteria was destroyed, and finally, bacteria died.

The cytotoxicity and anti-influenza virus (IFV) activity of calcium or zinc alginate fibers were investigated to explore the feasibility of them to be used as biomaterials. African Green Monkey kidney cell (Vero) and human cervical cancer cell (Hela) cultured with alginate fibres were used to screen cytotoxic effects. After 48 h, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide) assays were performed. Then cytotoxicity was evaluated with six grades according to cell relative growth rate (RGR). In anti-IFV activity assay, IFV were added to all fibers and the Vero cell survival were detected by MTT assays with calculating the percentage of protection. The cytotoxity of calcium alginate fibers on Vero were grade 0 or 1 in contrast to zinc alginate fibers which was grade 0. The cytotoxity of calcium or zinc alginate fibers on Hela were grade 0. Furthermore, partial calcium or zinc alginate fibers could promote Vero or Hela cell growth. In antiviral assay the highest percentage of protection of calcium alginate fibers was 34.42%, while that of zinc alginate fibers was 59.42%. The results showed that calcium or zinc alginate fibers had a good cellular biocompatibility and the large weight zinc alginate fibers had a better anti-IFV activity than calcium alginate fibers, which is potential for tissue engineering.

Alginate calcium fibers were prepared through wet spinning with good tensile strength which can be used for cloth materials. The morphology, mechanical property and combustion property of alginate calcium fibers were investigated. Blending yarns and textile of alginate calcium fibers and combed cotton was fabricated with good hand feeling and strength. Alginate salt fiber was prepared with wet spinning machine designed according to viscose fiber spinning machine. The diameter of alginate calcium fibers was about 10-15µm in diameter with smooth surface. The tensile strength of alginate salt fiber was larger than 4.8 cN in the dry state. The value of Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) of alginate calcium fibers was 34%. The average heat release rates (HRR) of the alginate fiber is about 21 kW/m2 which was much lower than that of most synthetic and natural fibers analysized with Cone. Alginate calcium fibers is an inherent flame-retardant fiber.

In this study, biocompatible polymer poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), gelation (denatured collagen) and nanometer silver colloid was added to the electrospinnning solution of alginate sodium to get anti-bacterial nanofiber mats. The morphology and mechanical properties of the electrospun mats have been investigated. Smooth fibers with diameters around 300 nm were obtained from 4.0 % solutions of varied alginate/PEO/gelation proportion. The anti-water property of the electrospun mats has been improved by crosslink with glutaraldehyde acetone solution and aqueous calcium chloride and ethanol.

Nanostructured composite fibers consisting of carbon coated Mn3O4 nanoparticles (Mn3O4@C) were prepared from thermal decomposition of manganese alginate fibers produced by wet-spinning technique, and investigated with SEM, TEM, XRD, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and electrochemical tests toward energy storage. It is found that the as-obtained Mn304@C fibers consist of plenty of nano-sized Mn3O4 crystals with even diameter of 10-15 nm and carbon coating layer with a thickness of 1-2 nm. The composite fibers exhibit also a porous structure consisting of both micropores and mesopores. The electrochemical performances of Mn3O4@C fibers were examined by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The results indicate that Mn3O4@C fibers possess a higher specific capacitance and superior rate capability when used as electrode materials for supercapacitor compared with commercial Mn3O@4. The improved performances of Mn3O4C fibers can be attributed to the nano-dimension of Mn3O4 particles, the thin carbon coating layer and the nanopores existing among Mn304@C nanoparticles.

One-dimensional (1D) hierarchical porous carbon fibers (HPCFs) have been prepared by controlled carbonization of alginic acid fibers and investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and electrochemical tests toward lithium storage. The as-obtained HPCFs consist of a 3D network of nanosized carbon particles with diameters less than 10 nm and exhibit a hierarchical porous architecture composed of both micropores and mesopores. Electrochemical measurements show that HPCFs exhibit excellent rate capability and capacity retention compared with commercial graphite when employed as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. At the discharge/charge rate of 45 C, the reversible capacity of HPCFs is still as high as 80 mA h g(-1) even after 1500 cycles, which is about five times larger than that of commercial graphite anode. The much improved electrochemical performances could be attributed to the nanosized building blocks, the hierarchical porous structure, and the 1D morphology of HPCFs.