Simple and promising paper-based electrochemical platform for serological detection of American tegumentary leishmaniasis

BACKGROUND American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is an endemic neglected tropical disease (NTD), its conventional treatment is toxic, slow, and invasive. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for the clinical management of suspected patients, so the development and use of low-cost, miniaturised and portable devices could be the key. OBJECTIVES This work aimed to develop a simple paper-based electrochemical platform for the serological detection of ATL. METHODS Platform was fabricated in Whatman N°1 paper, contains a hydrophobic zone generated by wax printing, two pencil graphite electrodes, and uses specific crude extracts (CA) antigens for ATL immuno-determination. The platform performance was analysed by measuring the relative impedance change for different antigen-antibody combinations. Then, 10 serum human samples previously diagnosed by the gold standard (five positive ATL cases and five non-ATL cases) were evaluated. FINDINGS The platform presented a linear response for the charge transfer resistance (ΔRct) and the interface reactance (ΔXc). Also, optimal working conditions were established (1/60 serum dilution and 180 µg/mL CA concentration). Then, the platform permits to distinguish between ATL and non-ATL (p < 0.05) human serum samples. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our platform could allow the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of leishmaniasis while being an extremely simple and environmentally friendly technology.

Drogas emergentes: detección mediante sensores electroquímicos

La cantidad de nuevas sustancias psicoactivas (NSP) aumenta en el mercado global cada año. El uso de tecnologías para la producción y la comercialización de las sustancias sintéticas y una demanda exigente de efectos psicotrópicos más potentes son algunos de los factores que contribuyen al incremento de una oferta más variada, así como a la cantidad de consumidores de algún tipo de droga. El desarrollo de herramientas analíticas fiables con capacidad de respuesta in situ para una evaluación preliminar contribuye, significativamente, con la generación de información para atender casos de intoxicaciones, aplicar correctamente la legislación de los países e, inclusive, aportar datos reales para una reclasificación más objetiva de las drogas basada en criterios científicos. Los sensores electroquímicos han ganado terreno en áreas de las ciencias forenses como la toxicología. El uso de tecnologías especializadas para crear electrodos miniaturizados con modificaciones, principalmente con materiales nanoestructurados, guía el desarrollo de dispositivos portátiles de fácil manipulación, altamente versátiles y que requieren micro-cantidades de la muestra. Asimismo, algunos sensores electroquímicos presentan parámetros de desempeño -como límites de detección (LOD) de hasta 0,608 pg/mL, sensibilidad y precisión- que son analíticamente comparables, bajo ciertas condiciones, con las metodologías convencionales acopladas con la espectrometría de masas, las cuales muestran LOD del orden de magnitud entre 10-9 g/mL y 10-12 g/mL para la determinación de algunas drogas. Esta revisión se enfoca en la aplicación y comparación analítica de los sensores electroquímicos voltamperométricos para la determinación de bencilpiperazina (BZP), meta-clorofenilpiperazina (mCPP), 25B-NBO-Me, dimetiltriptamina (DMT), mefedrona (4-MMC), 4-metiletcatinona (4-MEC) y fentanilo (FYL) en representación de las drogas emergentes que se pueden conseguir actualmente en el mercado de las sustancias psicoactivas.

The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing on the drug global market every year. New technologies for the production and marketing of synthetic substances, along with a rigorous demand for more powerful psychotropic effects, are some of the factors that contribute to the increase in a more varied supply, as well as the number of drug users. The development of reliable analytical tools with an on-site response capacity for a preliminary determination contributes significantly to the generation of data for the proper care of situations such as poisoning, the correct application of the country's legislation, and even the provision of objective criteria for the reclassification of the substances. Electrochemical sensors have gained ground in areas of forensic science. The use of specialized technologies to manufacture miniaturized electrodes based on modifications, mainly with nanostructured materials, guides the development of versatile easy-to-handle portable devices that require microquantities of the sample. Likewise, some electrochemical sensors have performance parameters such as detection limits (LOD) up to 0.608 pg/mL, sensitivity and precision that are analytically comparable, under certain conditions, with conventional methodologies coupled with mass detection, which show LOD of the order of magnitude between 10-9 g/mL and 10-12 g/mL for drug determination. This review focuses on the application and comparison of voltammetric electrochemical sensors for the determination of benzylpiperazine (BZP), meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), 25B-NBO-Me, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mephedrone (4-MMC), 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) and fentanyl (FYL) representing the emerging drugs available to date on the psychoactive substances market.

A quantidade de novas substâncias psicoativas (NSP) sintéticas aumenta a cada ano no mercado global. A utilização de novas tecnologias de produção e comercialização de substâncias, combinado com uma demanda exigente de efeitos psicotrópicos mais potentes, são alguns dos fatores que contribuem para o aumento de uma oferta mais ampla, assim como a quantidade dos números de consumidores de algum tipo de droga. O desenvolvimento de ferramentas analíticas confiáveis e com uma capacidade de resposta in situ para uma avaliação preliminar, contribuem significativamente para a geração de informações científicas para cuidar casos de envenenamento, aplicar corretamente a lei, e até fornecer dados reais para uma reclassificação mais objetiva de drogas com base em critérios científicos. Sensores eletroquímicos ganharam espaço em áreas da ciência forense. A utilização de tecnologias especializadas para criação de eletrodos miniaturizados com modificações, principalmente com materiais nanoestruturados, norteiam o desenvolvimento de dispositivos portáteis altamente versáteis, de fácil manuseio e que necessitam de microquantidades da amostra. Da mesma forma, alguns sensores eletroquímicos apresentam parâmetros de desempenho -como limites de detecção (LOD) até 0.608 pg/mL, sensibilidade e precisão- que são analiticamente comparáveis, sob certas condições, com metodologias convencionais com detecção de massa -mostram LOD de a ordem de grandeza entre 10-9g/mL e 10-12g/mL para a determinação de determinados medicamentos-. Esta revisão tem como foco a aplicação e comparação analítica de sensores eletro-químicos voltamétricos para determinação de benzilpiperazina (BZP), meta-clorofenilpiperazina (mCPP), 25B-NBOMe, dimetiltriptamina (DMT), mefedrona (4-MMC), 4-metilethcatinona (4-MEC) e fentanilo (FYL), que representam os drogas emergentes disponíveis até o momento no mercado de substâncias psicoativas.

Design of a New Type of Electrochemical Ceramic Membrane Oxygen Production System / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#In order to solve the problem that the existing oxygen production technology cannot simultaneously produce pure oxygen, high-purity oxygen, ultra-pure oxygen, and the modular expansion of oxygen production capacity, a new type of electrochemical ceramic membrane oxygen production system was discussed and developed.@*METHODS@#Through the design of the ceramic membrane stack, airflow distributor, heater, double spiral exchanger, thermal insulation sleeve, control panel, control box and auxiliary system in the electrochemical ceramic membrane oxygen generator, a modular oxygen production system is formed.@*RESULTS@#The modular design can produce pure oxygen, high-purity oxygen and ultra-pure oxygen to meet various oxygen consumption needs.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The electrochemical ceramic membrane oxygen production system is a new type of oxygen production technology. The main components have no moving parts, no noise, and no pollution. It can produce pure oxygen, high-purity oxygen and ultra-pure oxygen on site, with small size, light weight, and module combination which is suitable for convenient expansion and installation of oxygen consumption.

Electrochemical sensor for sweat monitoring / Sensor eletroquímico para monitoramento de suor / Sensor electroquímico para el control del sudor

ABSTRACT Introduction: Attention is given to developing electrochemical sensors for the rapid and real-time measurement of lactate levels. The synthesis of electrochemical sensors is based on an electrode modified with a nanocomposite. Objective: Analyze an electrochemical sensor's feasibility for sports monitoring sweat in lactate. The Au@CNTs were the main focus of this study. Methods: The Au@CNTs composite was synthesized on the GCE surface and tested under pre-established protocols as a sensor. Results: The shape and structure of the modified electrodes were analyzed using SEM. The results showed that the Au@CNTs nanoparticles in the Au@CNTs nanocomposite were evenly distributed throughout the porous CNTs network. The performance of the developed sensor was measured using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The electrochemical biosensor responded linearly to lactate over phosphate buffer solution with a low detection limit and sensitivity. Conclusion: The experiment of this sensor evaluated lactate concentrations in real sweat samples that were exceptionally close to the injection amount, enabling it as an effective biosensor for the detection of lactate in sweat samples. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Studies - Outcome Investigation.

RESUMO Introdução: É dada atenção ao desenvolvimento de sensores eletroquímicos para a medição rápida e em tempo real dos níveis de lactato. A síntese de sensores eletroquímicos é baseada em um eletrodo modificado com um nanocomposto. Objetivo: Analisar a viabilidade de um sensor eletroquímico para monitoramento esportivo de suor em lactato. O Au@CNTs foi o foco principal deste estudo. Métodos: O composto Au@CNTs foi sintetizado na superfície GCE, e testado sob protocolos preestabelecidos como sensor. Resultados: A forma e estrutura dos eletrodos modificados foram analisadas usando SEM, e os resultados mostraram que as nanopartículas de Au@CNTs no nanocomposto Au@CNTs foram distribuídas uniformemente por toda a rede porosa de CNTs. O desempenho do sensor desenvolvido foi medido usando voltametria cíclica e amperometria. O biosensor eletroquímico respondeu linearmente ao lactato sobre solução tampão fosfato com um limite de detecção e sensibilidade reduzidos. Conclusão: O experimento deste sensor avaliou as concentrações de lactato em amostras de suor real que estavam excepcionalmente próximas à quantidade de injeção, habilitando-o como um biosensor efetivo para detecção de lactato em amostras de suor. Nível de evidência: Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción: Se presta atención al desarrollo de sensores electroquímicos para la medición rápida y en tiempo real de los niveles de lactato. La síntesis de los sensores electroquímicos se basa en un electrodo modificado con un nanocompuesto. Objetivo: Analizar la viabilidad de un sensor electroquímico para la monitorización esporádica del sudor en el lactato. Los Au@CNTs fueron el objetivo principal de este estudio. Métodos: El compuesto de Au@CNTs se sintetizó sobre la superficie de GCE, y se probó bajo protocolos preestablecidos como sensor. Resultados: La forma y la estructura de los electrodos modificados se analizaron mediante SEM, y los resultados mostraron que las nanopartículas de Au@CNTs en el nanocompuesto de Au@CNTs estaban distribuidas uniformemente en la red porosa de CNTs. El rendimiento del sensor desarrollado se midió mediante voltamperometría cíclica y amperometría. El biosensor electroquímico respondió linealmente al lactato sobre la solución tampón de fosfato con un bajo límite de detección y sensibilidad. Conclusión: El experimento de este sensor evaluó las concentraciones de lactato en muestras reales de sudor que eran excepcionalmente cercanas a la cantidad inyectada, lo que le permite ser un biosensor eficaz para la detección de lactato en muestras de sudor. Nivel de evidencia: Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Electrochemical immunosensing of low-density lipoprotein based on sol-gel encapsulation

Abstract Lipoprotein monitoring is desirable in the management of medical conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease, in which controlling the concentration of these chylomicrons is crucial. Current clinical methods are complex and present poor reproducibility between laboratories. For these reasons, recent guidelines discard the assessment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a routine analysis during lipid-lowering therapies. Concerning the importance of monitoring this parameter, the authors present an electrochemical immunosensor constructed from a simple and easy-to-reproduce platform that allows detecting and quantifying LDL nanoparticles directly from human serum samples. The performance of the biosensor was studied by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The biosensing platform displays good stability and linearity between 30 mg dL-1 and 135 mg dL-1 with a detection limit of 20 mg dL-1. The proposed biosensor can be easily employed for monitoring LDL concentration in clinical treatments.

Evaluación del desempeño de una celda de combustible microbiana con electrodo de grafito modificado para el tratamiento de agua residual del procesamiento del café / Evaluation of the performance of a microbial fuel cell with modified graphite electrode for the treatment of wastewater from coffee processing / Avaliação do desempenho de uma célula combustível microbial com eletrodo de grafite modificado para o tratamento de águas residuais do processamento de café

Resumen La actividad cafetalera en Costa Rica procesa aproximadamente 69.000 toneladas de café mediante la técnica de beneficiado húmedo. Esta actividad conlleva un alto impacto ambiental debido a la generación de8Lde agua residual/kg de café oro producido. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo utilizar el agua residual del procesamiento de café como sustrato en celdas combustibles microbianas (CCM), con el propósito de generar energía eléctrica a través de su uso y, a la vez, disminuir la carga orgánica del residuo. La CCM empleó un cátodo modificado con ftalocianinas de hierro (FePc), generó una eficiencia coulómbica de 0,7% y una densidad de potencia de 89 UW/ cm2 en un ciclo de operación de cinco días. Además, se determinó que la CCM disminuye la demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) del residuo hasta en 27% bajo las condiciones de operación nativas del sustrato, a temperatura ambiente, sin mediadores químicos para la reacción anódica y con el uso de electrodos de platino para el cátodo. El estudio confirma la oportunidad de emplear el sustrato con una flora microbiana nativa apta para la operación de la tecnología de la CCM, y así perfilar el dispositivo como una opción novedosa para el tratamiento de este residuo en Costa Rica.

Abstract In Costa Rica coffee production is the most traditional agroindustrial activity, each year approximately 69,000 tons of coffee are processed through the technique of wet processing. The process has a high environmental impact since it generates eight liters of wastewater/kg of produced coffee. Consequently, the main goal of this research was to evaluate the electric generation of a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) with two chambers, using coffee wastewater as a substrate, which would generate a sustainable solution with an added economic value to this waste in Costa Rica. The MFC with a cathode modified with iron phthalocyanines (FePc) generated a coulombic efficiency of 0.7% and a power density of 89 -uW/cm2 in a 5-day operation cycle. In addition, it was determined that the MFC decreases the COD of the waste by up to 27% under native substrate conditions, without the use of high temperatures, or chemical mediators for the anodic reaction and platinum electrodes for the cathode chamber. The efficiency of the device can be improved with changes at design level that reduce the ohmic internal resistance and improve electrical generation, the study confirms the potential of the substrate with a native microorganism suitable for the use of MFC technology, shaping the device as a novelty option for the treatment of the waste in Costa Rica.

Resumo A indústria do café na Costa Rica processa cerca de 69 000 toneladas de café por meio da técnica de moagem úmida, o que acarreta um alto impacto ambiental devido à geração de 8 L de água residual / kg de café dourado. O objetivo deste trabalho era usar águas residuais do processamento do café como substrato em Células de Combustível Microbianas (CCM) a fim de gerar energia elétrica por meio do seu aproveitamento e ao mesmo tempo reduzir a carga orgânica do resíduo. CCM usando cátodo modificado com ftalocianinas de ferro (FePc) gerou uma eficiência coulômbica de 0,7% e uma densidade de potência de 89 uW/cm2 em um ciclo operacional de cinco dias. Além disso, foi determinado que o CCM reduz a Demanda Química de Oxigénio (DQO) do resíduo em até 27% nas condições nativas de operação do substrato, à temperatura ambiente, sem mediadores químicos para a reação anódica e com a utilização de eletrodos de platina para o cátodo. O estudo confirma a oportunidade de utilizar o substrato com flora microbiana nativa adequada para o funcionamento da tecnologia CCM e, assim, delinear o dispositivo como uma nova opção para o tratamento desses resíduos na Costa Rica.

Environmental Biotechnology: Challenges and perspectives in applying combined technologies to enhance remediation and renewable energy generation / Biotecnología ambiental: desafíos y perspectivas en la aplicación de tecnologías combinadas para mejorar la remediación y la generación

Abstract The various industrial sectors, as well as livestock and agricultural activities, are increasing the production of inputs to meet the demand of the worldwide demographic explosion, making a challenge the clean maintenance of water, soil, and air. Therefore, the search for solutions for a pollutant-free environment without compromising economic development has become extremely important. Thereby, biotechnological studies in order to solve environmental issues have been gaining extensive attention through the coupling of technology procedures to biological systems as sustainable solutions to remediate contaminated areas. In this sense, this review covers topics such as the role of Omics era in microbial environmental biotechnology for pollution control as well as the microbial fuel cell use in energy production. Moreover, phytoremediation and the perspective of applying chemical methods are approached as environmentally friendly tools for the pollutant control to improve remediation processes.

Resumen Los diversos sectores industriales, así como las actividades ganaderas y agrícolas, están aumentando la producción de insumos para satisfacer la demanda de la explosión demográfica mundial, lo cual dificulta el mantenimiento limpio del agua, el suelo y el aire. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de soluciones para un medio ambiente libre de contaminantes sin comprometer el desarrollo económico se ha vuelto extremadamente importante. De este modo, los estudios biotecnológicos para resolver problemas ambientales han recibido una gran atención a través del acoplamiento de procedimientos tecnológicos a sistemas biológicos como soluciones sostenibles para remediar áreas contaminadas. En este sentido, esta revisión cubre temas como el papel de la era Ómica en la biotecnología ambiental microbiana para el control de la contaminación, así como el uso de celdas de combustible microbianas en la producción de energía. Además, la fitorremediación y la perspectiva de aplicar métodos químicos se abordan como herramientas ecológicas para el control de contaminantes y mejorar los procesos de remediación.

Electrochemical and in silico approaches for liver metabolic oxidation of antitumor-active triazoloacridinone C-1305 / 药物分析学报

5-Dimethylaminopropylamino-8-hydroxytriazoloacridinone (C-1305) is a promising antitumor com-pound developed in our laboratory. A better understanding of its metabolic transformations is still needed to explain the multidirectional mechanism of pharmacological action of triazoloacridinone de-rivatives at all. Thus, the aim of the current work was to predict oxidative pathways of C-1305 that would reflect its phase Ⅰ metabolism. The multi-tool analysis of C-1305 metabolism included electrochemical conversion and in silico sites of metabolism predictions in relation to liver microsomal model. In the framework of the first approach, an electrochemical cell was coupled on-line to an electrospray ioni-zation mass spectrometer. The effluent of the electrochemical cell was also injected onto a liquid chromatography column for the separation of different products formed prior to mass spectrometry analysis. In silico studies were performed using MetaSite software. Standard microsomal incubation was employed as a reference procedure. We found that C-1305 underwent electrochemical oxidation pri-marily on the dialkylaminoalkylamino moiety. An unknown N-dealkylated and hydroxylated C-1305 products have been identified. The electrochemical system was also able to simulate oxygenation re-actions. Similar pattern of C-1305 metabolism has been predicted using in silico approach. Both proposed strategies showed high agreement in relation to the generated metabolic products of C-1305. Thus, we conclude that they can be considered as simple alternatives to enzymatic assays, affording time and cost efficiency.

Micro-arc oxidation and osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability on titanium surface / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Electrochemical method based nanoscale hydroxyapatite coating has slow degradation speed (8-12 weeks). Micro-arc oxidation based method could form homogeneous coating on complex surfaces, and this coating promotes cell adhesion and ingrowth in bone tissues. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of micro-arc oxidation hydroxyapatite coating titanium alloy on osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability. METHODS: Hydroxyapatite coating titanium alloy materials were prepared by electrochemical method and micro-arc oxidation method. The contact angles of the two materials were detected. Osteoblasts (hFOB1.19) were incubated on the hydroxyapatite coating titanium alloy materials for 48 hours. The morphological changes of osteoblasts on the materials were observed under scanning electron microscope. The cell proliferation was detected by MTT method at 1, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The cell count and alkaline phosphatase activity were detected at 1, 3 and 5 days of culture. At 5 days, the expression levels of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4 were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The contact angle in the micro-arc oxidation group was smaller than that in the electrochemical group [(66.5±2.2)°, (52.8±2.1)°, P=0.001 5)]. (2) Scanning electron microscope revealed that the osteoblasts in the electrochemical group had an irregular and shrunken shape, and adhered loosely to the material surface. The osteoblasts in the micro-arc oxidation had a fully outstretched and flat shape, and adhered tightly to the material surface. (3) From 12 to 72 hours, the cell proliferation in the micro-arc oxidation group was faster than that in the electrochemical group (P < 0.05). At 3 and 5 days after culture, the cell proliferation in the micro-arc oxidation group was faster than that in the electrochemical group (P < 0.05). (4) At 1, 3 and 5 days, the alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts in the micro-arc oxidation group was higher than that in the electrochemical group (P < 0.05). (5) The expression levels of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4 were significantly up-regulated in the micro-arc oxidation group compared with the electrochemical group (P < 0.05). (6) These results indicate that micro-arc oxidation hydroxyapatite coated titanium alloy increases osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability.

Advances in metabolic engineering of heterotrophic microorganisms for CO₂ fixation: a review / 生物工程学报

Environmental protection and energy supply are our two major concerns. Greenhouse gases released from energy consumption have serious impact on the environment. CO₂ fixation can be used to convert CO₂ into fuels or chemicals. However, natural carbon-fixing organisms usually have some disadvantages such as slow growth and low carbon fixation efficiency. Enhancing or remodeling CO₂ fixation pathways in model microorganisms can realize CO₂ recycling, which can further increase fuel or chemical production and reduce greenhouse gas emission. This review describes in detail metabolic engineering of CO₂ fixation pathways to improve chemical production and sugar synthesis, elaborates the role of relevant metabolic pathways and key enzymes in CO₂ fixation, introduces the application of electro-biochemical synthesis system, shows the great potential of CO₂ fixation, and prospects the future research direction of CO₂ fixation.

Stress and electrochemical corrosion of titanium produced by laser rapid forming / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the stress corrosion and electrochemical corrosion resistance of titanium produced through laser rapid forming (LRF), and to provide a basis for their clinical application.@*Methods@#Forged commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) was used as control group and LRF pure titanium was used as LRF group. All samples were placed in acidic artificial saliva containing fluorine (pH=7), and loaded with a stress of 1.2 × σ0.2 Pa (σ0.2 represents the yield strength of material). Stress corrosion resistance of specimens that have been soaked for 30 days was analyzed by naked eye observation, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. For samples placed in artificial saliva, neutral fluoride solution (pH=7) and acidic fluoride solution (pH=3) (4 test pieces in each corrosive medium), and their electrochemical corrosion resistance was evaluated by free corrosion potential (Ecorr) measurements, corrosion current (Icorr), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and anodic polarization curves.@*Results@#With the prolongation of immersion time, the corrosion products gradually increased. The stress corrosion of CP-Ti group was significantly more than that of LRF-Ti group, and the pit diameter was significantly larger than that of LRF-Ti group. The electrochemical corrosion results showed that the Ecorr (-469 mV) of LRF-Ti in artificial saliva was higher than that of CP-Ti (-555 mV), and the Ecorr (-925 mV) of LRF-Ti was higher than that of CP-Ti (-943 mV) in neutral fluoride solution. In acid fluoride solution, the Ecorr (-943 mV) of LRF-Ti was higher than that of CP-Ti (-956 mV). The Ecorr of the same metal was the highest in artificial saliva and the lowest in acid fluoride solution; the Icorr of the same metal was the lowest in artificial saliva and the highest in acid fluoride solution.@*Conclusions@#Under the same corrosion conditions, LRF Ti demonstrated better stress and electrochemical corrosion resistance than CP-Ti.

Mechanism of electrocoagulation thrombosis and its application in intracranial aneurysms / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Electrocoagulation technology has excellent effect for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, the pathophysiological mechanism, safety and long-term recurrence of intravascular electrocoagulation are still controversial. The mechanism of electrocoagulation thrombosis and the advancements of its application in treatment of intracranial aneurysms were reviewed in this article.

Titanium Dioxide and Polyethylmethacrylate electrospun nanofibers: assessing the technique parameters and morphological characterization / Nanofibras eletrofiadas de dióxido de titânio e polietilmetacrilato: avaliação dos parâmetros da técnica e caracterização morfológica

This work studied the synthetization and morphological characterization of Polyethylmethacrylate (PEMA) nanofibers (NFs) containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) produced by the electrospinning technique. The solution to produce the nanofibers was prepared by dissolving 2.5g PEMA in 6.75mL of 1.1.2.2- tetrachloroethane and 3.375mL of dimethylformamide (DMF), and 0.405g of TiO2 was added to the solution. The nanofiber production used different distances between the tip of the needle to the collector (10, 12 and 15 cm) and two flow rates (0.05 mLh-1 and 0.08 mLh-1) were employed, while the applied voltage was 17kV. The NF morphology was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Image J software. We used Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to evaluate the structural properties. All parameters were effective in the NF production, however it was shown that the distance of 12 cm produced the best NFs. The mean diameters showed no statistically significant difference between the samples. The FTIR analysis showed characteristic peaks of PEMA and TiO2 . It was concluded that the employed method was efficient for NF production containing PEMA and TiO2 , and the morphological characteristics of the NFs were influenced by the voltage and distance. (AU)

O presente trabalho estudou a sintetização e a caracterização morfologica de nanofibras (NFs) de polietilmetacrilato (PEMA) contendo dióxido de titânio (TiO2) produzidas pela técnica da eletrofiação. A solução para o preparo das nanofibras utilizou 2,5 g de PEMA dissolvidos em 6,75 mL de 1,1,2,2 - tetracloroetano (TCE) e 3,337 mL de dimetilformamida (DMF), em sequência foi adicionado 0, 405g de TiO2 à solução. Para eletrofiação, o equipamento foi constituído por uma fonte de alta tensão, uma seringa plástica com agulha de ponta reta e as NFs obtidas foram coletadas em anteparo metálico a 10, 12 e 15 cm de distância da ponta da agulha. A tensão aplicada foi de 17 kV e o fluxo de ejecção variou de 0.05 mLh-1 e 0.08 mLh1. O diâmetro e a morfologia das NFs foram avaliados por meio de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e pelo software Image J. A Espectroscopia por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e a Spectroscopia por energia dispersiva de raios X (EDS) avaliaram as propriedades estruturais. A análise morfológica das micrografias mostrou que a distância de 12cm da ponta da agulha até o coletor produziu as melhores NFs. O FTIR demonstrou picos característicos de PEMA e TiO2 . Diante dos resultados obtidos podemos concluir que o método empregado foi eficiente para a produção de NFs contendo PEMA e TiO2 e a variação da tensão e distancia influenciaram na morfologias das NFs.(AU)

Electronic and electrochemical properties of grid-type metal ion complexes (Fe 2+ and Co 2+ ) with a pyridine-pyrimidine-pyridine based bis(hydrazone) / Propiedades electrónicas y electroquímicas de complejos metálicos (Fe 2+ y Co 2+ ) tipo rejilla con una bis(hidrazona) con estructura piridina-pirimidina-piridina) / Propriedades eletrônicas e eletroquímicas dos complexos metálicos (Fe 2+ e Co 2+ ) tipo grelha com uma bis(hidrazona) baseada em uma estrutura de piridina-pirimidina-piridina

Abstract The synthesis of new grid-type complexes of Co2+ and Fe2+ based on a highly soluble double hydrazone framework is reported. The data obtained from 1H NMR, FT-IR, and elemental analysis indicate that the complexes adopted a grid-like structure. Electronic properties of the metallogrids were analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy in chloroform, methanol, and dichloromethane. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry were carried out in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). These compounds exhibited two oxidation processes corresponding to the organic ligand and several reductions events, comprising the ligand and metal centers. Furthermore, the interplay between the metal nature and the ligand framework was also studied in detail. These results represent an advancement in the chemistry of metallogrids not only because of the few reports concerning to the electrochemical properties found in the literature, but also for the design of novel hydrazone ligands of high solubility and easy preparation.

Resumen Se reporta la síntesis de nuevos complejos metálicos de Co2+ y Fe2+ tipo rejilla que contienen como ligando orgánico una doble hidrazona altamente soluble en solventes orgánicos. Los datos obtenidos de resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN 1H), espectroscopía infrarroja con transformada de Fourier (FT-IR) y análisis elemental indican que los complejos adoptaron una estructura de tipo rejilla. Las propiedades electrónicas de las metalo-rejillas fueron analizadas a través de espectroscopía UV-Vis en cloroformo, metanol y diclorometano. Adicionalmente, se realizaron medidas de voltamperometría cíclica y voltametría de onda cuadrada en DMF. Los complejos exhibieron dos procesos de oxidación atribuidos al ligando orgánico y a varios eventos reductivos que comprometían al ligando y a los centros metálicos, por tanto, la interacción entre la naturaleza del ion metálico y la estructura del ligando fue analizada en detalle. Estos resultados representan un avance en la química de metalo-rejillas no solo por los escasos reportes de propiedades electroquímicas encontrados en la literatura, sino también por el diseño de nuevos ligandos hidrazónicos de alta solubilidad y fácil preparación.

Resumo Neste trabalho relata-se a síntese de novos complexos de Co2+ e Fe2+ tipo grelha baseados na estrutura de uma hidrazona dupla altamente solúvel em solventes orgânicos. Os dados obtidos de ressonância magnética nuclear (1H RMN), espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FT-IR), e análise elementar indicam que os complexos adotaram a estrutura tipo grelha. As propriedades eletrônicas das grelhas metálicas foram analisadas por espectroscopia UV-Vis em clorofórmio, metanol e diclorometano. Adicionalmente, foram realizadas medidas de voltametria cíclica e voltametria de onda quadrada em DMF. Os compostos estudados exibiram dois processos de oxidação correspondentes ao ligando orgânico, e a vários eventos redutivos que envolvem o ligando orgânico e os centros metálicos. Além disso, a interação entre a natureza do metal e a estrutura do ligando foi estudada em detalhe. Estes resultados representam um avanço na química de metalo-grelhas não somente pelos escassos relatos de propriedades eletroquímicas encontrados na literatura, mas também pelo design de novos ligandos hidrazônicos de alta solubilidade e fácil preparação.

Structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical analysis of a molecular system based on 2-((2-(4-chlorophenylhydrazone) methyl)quinolone / Análisis estructural, espectroscópico y teórico de un sistema molecular basado en la 2-((2-(4-clorofenilhidrazono) metil)quinolina / Análise estrutural, espectroscópico, e teórico de um sistema molecular com base na 2-((2-(4-Clorofenilhidrazona) metil)quinolina

Abstract A novel molecular system based on 2-((2-(4-chlorophenylhydrazone)methyl)quinoline (1-E ) was synthesized. Interconversion of 1-E to its configurational isomer 1-Z was achieved using UV radiation (250 W Hg lamp). Such isomerization was monitored by ¹H-NMR. The results suggest that the hydrazone derivative can act as a chemical brake in solution. This molecular system was structurally (Single Crystal X-Ray diffraction and DFT calculations) and spectroscopically (NMR, UV, and IR) characterized. Electrochemical measurements showed that configurational changes induce differential redox behavior. In this regard, the reported quinoline system exhibits different dynamic absorption and electrochemical properties that are modulated by UV-light. Therefore, 1-E can be regarded as a potential photo-electrochemical switch.

Resumen Se sintetizó un nuevo sistema molecular basado en 2-((2-(4-chlorofenilhidrazona)metil)quinolina. Del mismo modo, se evaluó la respuesta dinámica de este compuesto a radiación ultravioleta y formación de un enlace de hidrógeno intramolecular. Los resultados muestran que este derivado de hidrazona puede actuar como freno en solución. El sistema en mención es descrito estructural (Cristalografía de Rayos X y cálculos DFT) y espectroscópicamente (RMN, UV e IR). La interconversión de este sistema entre las configuraciones 1-E y 1-Z fue mediada por radiación UV y monitoreada a través de RMN-¹H. El estudio electroquímico mostró un comportamiento diferencial en función de su configuración, aspecto fundamental en el desarrollo de sistemas foto- y electroquímicamente modulados.

Resumo Neste trabalho é apresentado um novo sistema molecular baseado na 2-((2-(4-clorofenilhidrazona)metil)quinolina, capaz de responder dinamicamente à radiação ultravioleta formando uma ligação de hidrogénio intramolecular que atua como um freio na solução. Este sistema é descrito estruturalmente (cristalografia de raios-X e DFT) e por diferentes técnicas espectroscópicas (RMN, de UV e de IV). Radiação UV foi usada para fazer a interconversão da hidrazona 1-E no seu isômero configuracional 1-Z . Este processo foi monitorado pelo RMN. As medidas eletroquímicas mostraram que as mudanças configuracionais entre os isômeros induzem a comportamentos redox diferentes, o que é uma caraterística chave no desenvolvimento de interruptores fotoelectroquímicos.

Adaption and Optimization of Universal Hairpin Transduction in Gene Diagnostics Based on Nucleic Acid Circuits / 分析化学

Isothermal nucleic acid amplifications, as powerful as polymerase chain reaction but functioning at a constant temperature, are considered to be very promising technique in achieving point-of-care gene diagnostics. However, until now, their practical applications are still seriously lagged by the bad reliability resulting from the problems such as false positive amplification and low signal amplitude. In this work, a universal transduction method in which any sequence ( including loop-mediated isothermal amplification products) could be transduced via a hairpin transducer into a catalyst of a well-engineered circuit (catalytic hairpin assembly, CHA) was established. Because CHA circuit could amplify tens to hundreds fold with especially high sequence specificity, it could provide both accuracy and high amplitude for sequence detection. And for a new targeting sequence, the only sequence needed to be changed was the hairpin transducer. Due to the importance of the transducer, we provided and verified a universal designing rule-set to guarantee the transducing efficiency ( signal to background ratio) of the transducer. Transducers designed following this rule set were then proved to be very efficient in detecting pathogen gene targets. As less as near single molecule ( 20 copies ) of pathogen genes could be detected with significant fluorescent and electrochemical signals.

Selective Determination of Hydrazine Hydrate on Palladium Hydrogels-modified Electrochemical Sensor / 分析化学

Palladium hydrogel capped by β-cyclodextrins (Pdβ-CD) was prepared by a facile method with β-cyclodextrins and palladium(II) chloride,which were then modified onto the surface of gold electrode. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared palladium hydrogel were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while the electrochemistry behaviors of gold electrode modified by Pdβ-CDwere investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry(DPV). The results indicated the sensor had high electrochemistry response to hydrazine hydrate in the presence of K+,Na+,Mg2+,NH+4,Ni+2,Mn2+,Cl-,NO-3,SO2-4,PO3-4,HCOO-, C6H5O-3. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidized peak current showed linear relationship with the concentration of hydrazine hydrate in the concentration range of 25-950 μmol/L and the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.6 μmol/L(S/N=3).Owing to the facile preparation,high sensitivity and selectivity,the sensor has potential applications in determination of hydrazine hydrate in real water samples

Determination of Uric Acid Based on Active Copper-Containing Carbon Nanodots-modified Electrochemical Biosensor / 分析化学

The active copper-containing carbon nanodots were prepared by hydrothermal method, and then characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy.Subsequently, a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical biosensor was fabricated on the basis of this synthesized carbon nanodots with electro-deposition technique.The electrode behavior was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry.Furthermore, the catalysis mechanism was studied.The experimental results indicated that the biosensor exhibited a strong electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of uric acid (UA).What′s more, the interference from ascorbic acid and dopamine was eliminated effectively.Under the optimum conditions, there were linear relationships between the anodic peak current and the concentration of UA (1.00-300.0 μmol/L), and the limit detection was 0.30 μmol/L (S/N=3).The prepared biosensor had advantages such as easy fabrication, strong anti-interference ability, high sensitivity, and wide detection range, and could be used for real sample detection.

Estudio voltamétrico de la inmovilización de anticuerpos anti-escherichia coli atcc 25922 en electrodos de oro desnudos y modificados con tiourea / Voltammetric study of antibody immobilization anti-escherichia coli atcc 25922 on naked gold electrodes and modified with thiourea

Se realizó el estudio voltamétrico de la inmovilización de anticuerpos anti-Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 en electrodos de oro desnudos y electrodos de oro modificados con tiourea. Las cepas de Escherichia coli fueron cultivadas durante 24 horas en medio tripticasa de soya, provenientes del Laboratorio de Microbiología del Agua de la Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis de la Universidad de Los Andes en Mérida-Venezuela. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que ocurre la inmovilización de los anticuerpos anti-E. coli tanto en la superficie de los electrodos de oro desnudos, así como en los modificados con tiourea, ya que en ambos casos ocurre la detección de Escherichia coli. Al comparar ambos resultados, podemos decir que en oro desnudo el potencial de pico anódico es menor que en oro modificado con tiourea, +0,158V y +0,251V respectivamente; igual comportamiento ocurre con las corrientes de pico anódicas, 0,127x10-4A y 0,156x10-4A respectivamente. Un mayor potencial implica que la presencia de la monocapa de tiourea en el electrodo, hace que se dificulte la transferencia de electrones desde el anticuerpo al electrodo. Así mismo, los resultados obtenidos permiten sugerir un método para la inmovilización de moléculas biológicas en superficies de oro modificadas. De igual forma, el método utilizado permitió demostrar la especificidad de la unión anticuerpo-antígeno (anticuerpo-E.coli), al agregar volúmenes de Klebsiella pneumoneae, demostrando que el inmunosensor tiene la capacidad de reconocer la presencia o ausencia de E. coli en un medio, así como conocer si un anticuerpo es específico o no para un determinado antígeno

The voltammetric study of immobilization of anti-Escherichia coli antibodies ATCC 25922 was carried out on naked gold electrodes and gold electrodes modified with thiourea. The strains of Escherichia coli were cultivated for 24 hours in trypticase soybean medium, from the Laboratory of Microbiology of Water of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis of the University of Los Andes in Merida-Venezuela. The results obtained show that the immobilization of the anti-E. coli antibodies occurs on both the surface of the naked gold electrodes as well as those modified with thiourea, since in both cases the detection of Escherichia coli occurs. When comparing both results, we can say that in naked gold the anodic peak potential is lower than in gold modified with thiourea, +0.158V and +0.251V respectively; similar behavior occurs with the anodic peak currents, 0.127x10-4A and 0.156x10-4A respectively. Higher potential implies that the presence of the thiourea monolayer in the electrode makes it difficult to transfer electrons from the antibody to the electrode. Likewise, the results obtained suggest a method for the immobilization of biological molecules on modified gold surfaces. Likewise, the method used demonstrated the specificity of antibody-antigen (antibody-E.coli) binding, by adding volumes of Klebsiella pneumoneae, demonstrating that the immunosensor has the ability to recognize the presence or absence of E. coli in a medium, as well as to know if an antibody is specific or not for a certain antigen

Design and Implementation of Embedded Telemetry System for Amperometric Detection / 分析化学

A new micro embedded telemetry system was developed for the amperometric sensing detection. Its output voltage range was ±0. 5 V and resolution was<1 mV. The current acquisition range was ±1μA and the minimum resolution was 0. 2 nA. This telemetry system was designed based on microprocessor ADuCM360, including a potentiostat, a current detection module and a radio module. And the size was only 24 mm × 13 mm × 11 mm. The computer software written in LabVIEW language was used for data storage and display. In order to verify the accuracy and reliability of this system, an electrical performance test was performed. The current response for ascorbic acid with different concentration was recorded by using the telemetry system. The potential of working electrode was set as 30 mV, and the current response of ascorbic acid electrode had a good linear relationship with its concentration within the concentration range of 50-300 μmol/L. Linear equation was I(nA) = 2. 98CAA(μmol/L)-137. 39, and linear correlation coefficient R2=0. 984. Moreover, the applicability of the instrument in the study for living animals was explored by using the cerebral ischemia as model.