RESUMO
The isotopomeric complexes trans-W(Cmesityl)[(C(H,D)3)2PCH2CH2P(C(H,D)3)2]2(H,D) 1-4 were prepared. 2 (W(Cmesityl)(dmpe)2D) was used to study the Deuterium Quadrupole Coupling Constant (DQCC) and the ionicity of the W-D bond (DQCC=34.1 kHz; ionicity 85%). 1 (W(Cmesityl)(dmpe)2H) shows several dynamic exchange processes in solution, such as HW/HW, HW/ortho-Memesityl, and HW/H2 exchanges observed by NMR in combination with deuterium labeling studies and double label crossover experiments. Except for the HW/H2, these reactions comprise elementary steps, which also appear along the isomerization pathway of 1 into (2,3,5-trimethylphenylcarbyne)(dmpe)2WH (5) at 60 degrees C. 5 was characterized by an X-ray diffraction study. In the solid state only an HW/Mep exchange process prevails appearing at higher temperatures, which was identified by NMR and by Quasielastic Neutron Scattering. The latter also provided an activation barrier of 5 kcal/mol and a "jump width" for the moving H nucleus in agreement with the HW...Mep distance of the X-ray diffraction study of 1.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Implantable devices are major risk factors for hospital-acquired infection. Biomaterials coated with silver oxide or silver alloy have all been used in attempts to reduce infection, in most cases with controversial or disappointing clinical results. We have developed a completely new approach using supercritical carbon dioxide to impregnate silicone with nanoparticulate silver metal. This study aimed to evaluate the impregnated polymer for antimicrobial activity. METHODS: After impregnation the nature of the impregnation was determined by transmission electron microscopy. Two series of polymer discs were then tested, one washed in deionized water and the other unwashed. In each series, half of the discs were coated with a plasma protein conditioning film. The serial plate transfer test was used as a screen for persisting activity. Bacterial adherence to the polymers and the rate of kill, and effect on planktonic bacteria were measured by chemiluminescence and viable counts. Release rates of silver ions from the polymers in the presence and absence of plasma was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: Tests for antimicrobial activity under various conditions showed mixed results, explained by the modes and rates of release of silver ions. While washing removed much of the initial activity there was continued release of silver ions. Unexpectedly, this was not blocked by conditioning film. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology allows for the first time silver impregnation (as opposed to coating) of medical polymers and promises to lead to an antimicrobial biomaterial whose activity is not restricted by increasing antibiotic resistance.