Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 983 in total

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  1. Fulltext Application of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope-Nanomanipulation System on Spheroplast Yeast Cells Surface Observation
    Rad MA, Ahmad MR, Nakajima M, Kojima S, Homma M, Fukuda T
    Scanning, 2017;2017:8393578.
    PMID: 29109826 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8393578
    The preparation and observations of spheroplast W303 cells are described with Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM). The spheroplasting conversion was successfully confirmed qualitatively, by the evaluation of the morphological change between the normal W303 cells and the spheroplast W303 cells, and quantitatively, by determining the spheroplast conversion percentage based on the OD800 absorbance data. From the optical microscope observations as expected, the normal cells had an oval shape whereas spheroplast cells resemble a spherical shape. This was also confirmed under four different mediums, that is, yeast peptone-dextrose (YPD), sterile water, sorbitol-EDTA-sodium citrate buffer (SCE), and sorbitol-Tris-Hcl-CaCl2 (CaS). It was also observed that the SCE and CaS mediums had a higher number of spheroplast cells as compared to the YPD and sterile water mediums. The OD800 absorbance data also showed that the whole W303 cells were fully converted to the spheroplast cells after about 15 minutes. The observations of the normal and the spheroplast W303 cells were then performed under an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The normal cells showed a smooth cell surface whereas the spheroplast cells had a bleb-like surface after the loss of its integrity when removing the cell wall.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning*
  2. Application of freeze-drying technology in manufacturing orally disintegrating films
    Liew KB, Odeniyi MA, Peh KK
    Pharm Dev Technol, 2016;21(3):346-53.
    PMID: 25597618 DOI: 10.3109/10837450.2014.1003657
    Freeze drying technology has not been maximized and reported in manufacturing orally disintegrating films. The aim of this study was to explore the freeze drying technology in the formulation of sildenafil orally disintegrating films and compare the physical properties with heat-dried orally disintegrating film. Central composite design was used to investigate the effects of three factors, namely concentration of carbopol, wheat starch and polyethylene glycol 400 on the tensile strength and disintegration time of the film. Heat-dried films had higher tensile strength than films prepared using freeze-dried method. For folding endurance, freeze-dried films showed improved endurance than heat-dried films. Moreover, films prepared using freeze-dried methods were thicker and had faster disintegration time. Formulations with higher amount of carbopol and starch showed higher tensile strength and thickness whereas formulations with higher PEG 400 content showed better flexibility. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the freeze-dried films had more porous structure compared to the heat-dried film as a result of the release of water molecule from the frozen structure when it was subjected to freeze drying process. The sildenafil film was palatable. The dissolution profiles of freeze-dried and heat-dried films were similar to Viagra® with f2 of 51.04 and 65.98, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  3. Application of polymerized multiporous nanofiber of SnO2 for designing a bienzyme glucose biosensor based on HRP/GOx
    Alim S, Kafi AKM, Rajan J, Yusoff MM
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2019 Feb 15;123:1028-1034.
    PMID: 30465828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.171
    This work reports on a novel glucose biosensor based on co-immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase with polymerized multiporous nanofiber (MPNFs) of SnO2 onto glassy carbon electrode with chitosan. Multiporous nanofibers of SnO2 were synthesized by electrospinning method from the tin precursor which possesses high surface area good electrical conductivity, and the nanofibers were polymerized with polyaniline (PANI). GOx and HRP were then co-immobilized with the nanofibers on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode by using chitosan. The polymerized nanofibers play a significant role in facilitating the direct electron transfer between the electroactive center of the immobilized enzyme and the electrode surface. The morphology of the nanofiber and polymerized nanofiber has been evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Cyclic Voltammetry and amperometry were employed to study and optimize the performance of the fabricated biosensor. The PANI/SnO2-NF/GOx-HRP/Ch/GC biosensor displayed a linear amperometric response towards the glucose concentration range from 5 to 100 μM with a detection limit of 1.8 μM (S/N = 3). Also, the anti-interference study and real sample analysis was investigated. Furthermore, the biosensor reported in this work exhibited excellent stability, reproducibility, and repeatability.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  4. Application of zeolite-activated carbon macrocomposite for the adsorption of Acid Orange 7: isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
    Lim CK, Bay HH, Neoh CH, Aris A, Abdul Majid Z, Ibrahim Z
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2013 Oct;20(10):7243-55.
    PMID: 23653315 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1725-7
    In this study, the adsorption behavior of azo dye Acid Orange 7 (AO7) from aqueous solution onto macrocomposite (MC) was investigated under various experimental conditions. The adsorbent, MC, which consists of a mixture of zeolite and activated carbon, was found to be effective in removing AO7. The MC were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray, point of zero charge, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. A series of experiments were performed via batch adsorption technique to examine the effect of the process variables, namely, contact time, initial dye concentration, and solution pH. The dye equilibrium adsorption was investigated, and the equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tempkin isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm model fits the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm model. For the kinetic study, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion model were used to fit the experimental data. The adsorption kinetic was found to be well described by the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectral and high performance liquid chromatography analysis were carried out before and after the adsorption process. For the phytotoxicity test, treated AO7 was found to be less toxic. Thus, the study indicated that MC has good potential use as an adsorbent for the removal of azo dye from aqueous solution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  5. Arginine Complexes with Simvastatin: Apparent Solubility, In Vitro Dissolution and Solid State Characterization
    Affandi MMRMM, Tripathy M, Majeed ABA
    Curr Drug Deliv, 2018;15(1):77-86.
    PMID: 28322162 DOI: 10.2174/1567201814666170320144259
    BACKGROUND: Categorized as a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class II drugs, statin exhibit low aqueous solubility and bioavailability thus presenting an obstacle and great challenge to formulation researchers. This paper describes a de novo approach to enhance the aqueous solubility of one of the most commonly prescribed statins i.e., simvastatin (SMV) by forming a complex (SMV-ARG) with cosolute arginine (ARG).

    METHODS: The complex has been characterized for its apparent solubility and in vitro dissolution. The solid state characterization has been carried out using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Elemental Analysis, X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

    RESULTS: Simvastatin-Arginine (SMV-ARG) complex exhibited massive solubility enhancement by 12,000 fold and significant improvement in both acidic and alkaline dissolution media. A conversion of coherent crystalline to non-coherent pattern, and certain extent of amorphization in SMV-ARG complex, fully justifies the enhanced solubility, and hence the dissolution profile.

    CONCLUSION: The present study provides a significant evidence that ARG molecules are capable to form a complex with small molecules and increase their aqueous solubility which prove to be beneficial in drug formulation and development.

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  6. Arsenic toxicity on Ludwigia octovalvis in spiked sand
    Titah HS, Abdullah SR, Mushrifah I, Anuar N, Basri H, Mukhlisin M
    Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2013 Jun;90(6):714-9.
    PMID: 23595348 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-013-0996-5
    Wilting, especially of the leaves, was observed as an initial symptom of arsenate [As(V)] to Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P. H. Raven. The plants tolerated As(V) levels of 39 mg kg⁻¹ for as long as 35 days of exposure. After 91 days, the maximum concentration of As uptake in the plant occurred at As(V) concentration of 65 mg kg⁻¹ while As concentration in the stems, roots and leaves were 6139.9 ± 829.5, 1284.5 ± 242.9 and 1126.1 ± 117.2 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. In conclusion, As(V) could cause toxic effects in L. octovalvis and the plants could uptake and accumulate As in plant tissues.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  7. Fulltext Artificial weathering as a function of CO2 injection in Pahang Sandstone Malaysia: investigation of dissolution rate in surficial condition
    Jalilavi M, Zoveidavianpoor M, Attarhamed F, Junin R, Mohsin R
    Sci Rep, 2014;4:3645.
    PMID: 24413195 DOI: 10.1038/srep03645
    Formation of carbonate minerals by CO2 sequestration is a potential means to reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions. Vast amount of alkaline and alkali earth metals exist in silicate minerals that may be carbonated. Laboratory experiments carried out to study the dissolution rate in Pahang Sandstone, Malaysia, by CO2 injection at different flow rate in surficial condition. X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and weight losses measurement were performed to analyze the solid and liquid phase before and after the reaction process. The weight changes and mineral dissolution caused by CO2 injection for two hours CO2 bubbling and one week' aging were 0.28% and 18.74%, respectively. The average variation of concentrations of alkaline earth metals in solution varied from 22.62% for Ca(2+) to 17.42% for Mg(2+), with in between 16.18% observed for the alkali earth metal, potassium. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test is performed to determine significant differences of the element concentration, including Ca, Mg, and K, before and after the reaction experiment. Such changes show that the deposition of alkali and alkaline earth metals and the dissolution of required elements in sandstone samples are enhanced by CO2 injection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  8. Ash of palm empty fruit bunch as a natural catalyst for promoting the CO₂ gasification reactivity of biomass char
    Lahijani P, Zainal ZA, Mohamed AR, Mohammadi M
    Bioresour Technol, 2013 Mar;132:351-5.
    PMID: 23195653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.092
    Palm empty fruit bunch ash (EFB-ash) was used as a natural catalyst, rich in potassium to enhance the CO2 gasification reactivity of palm shell char (PS-char). Various EFB-ash loadings (ranging from 0 to 12.5wt.%) were implemented to improve the reactivity of PS-char during CO2 gasification studies using thermogravimetric analysis. The achieved results explored that the highest gasification reactivity was devoted to 10% EFB-ash loaded char. The SEM-EDS and XRD analyses further confirmed the successful loading of EFB-ash on PS-char which contributed to promoting the gasification reactivity of char. Random pore model was applied to determine the kinetic parameters in catalytic gasification of char at various temperatures of 800-900°C. The dependence of char reaction rate on gasification temperature resulted in a straight line in Arrhenius-type plot, from which the activation energy of 158.75kJ/mol was obtained for the catalytic char gasification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  9. Assessment of Pb uptake, translocation and immobilization in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for phytoremediation of sand tailings
    Ho WM, Ang LH, Lee DK
    J Environ Sci (China), 2008;20(11):1341-7.
    PMID: 19202874
    The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for phytoremediation of lead (Pb) on sand tailings was investigated. A pot experiment employing factorial design with two main effects of fertilizer and lead was conducted in a nursery using sand tailings from an ex-tin mine as the growing medium. Results showed that Pb was found in the root, stem, and seed capsule of kenaf but not in the leaf. Application of organic fertilizer promoted greater biomass yield as well as higher accumulation capacity of Pb. In Pb-spiked treatments, roots accumulated more than 85% of total plant Pb which implies that kenaf root can be an important sink for bioavailable Pb. Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) X-ray microanalysis confirmed that electron-dense deposits located along cell walls of kenaf roots were Pb precipitates. The ability of kenaf to tolerate Pb and avoid phytotoxicity could be attributed to the immobilization of Pb in the roots and hence the restriction of upward movement (translocation factor < 1). With the application of fertilizer, kenaf was also found to have higher biomass and subsequently higher bioaccumulation capacity, indicating its suitability for phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated site.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Transmission
  10. Fulltext Assessments of Secondary Reinforcement of Epoxy Matrix-Glass Fibre Composite Laminates through Nanosilica (SiO₂)
    Lazar PJL, Sengottuvelu R, Natarajan E
    Materials (Basel), 2018 Nov 05;11(11).
    PMID: 30400592 DOI: 10.3390/ma11112186
    The principal objective of this research work was to investigate the results of impregnating epoxy matrix-glass fibre composite laminates with nanosilica as secondary reinforcement. 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 3 wt% nanosilica was used and thereafter properties of composites were assessed through tensile, three point bending, quasi static indentation tests and dynamic mechanical analysis. Scanning electron microscope examinations were done on fracture surfaces and failure modes were analyzed. The internal failures of the composite due to quasi-static indentation were evaluated through C-Scan. Among samples of different weight fractions, 0.75 wt% nanosilica reinforced composite laminates exhibited substantial increase of 42% in tensile strength and 39.46% in flexural strength. The reduction in glass transition temperature (Tg), increase in storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E″) and damping factor (tan δ) were also observed. Quasi-static indentation assessments revealed that energy absorption property was enhanced significantly by 53.97%. Hence nanosilica up to 0.75 wt% can be used as a potential candidate for secondary reinforcement in epoxy composite laminates.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  11. Fulltext Association of some Campylobacter jejuni with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms increases attachment under conditions mimicking those in the environment
    Teh AHT, Lee SM, Dykes GA
    PLoS One, 2019;14(4):e0215275.
    PMID: 30970009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215275
    Campylobacter jejuni is a microaerophilic bacterial species which is a major food-borne pathogen worldwide. Attachment and biofilm formation have been suggested to contribute to the survival of this fastidious bacteria in the environment. In this study the attachment of three C. jejuni strains (C. jejuni strains 2868 and 2871 isolated from poultry and ATCC 33291) to different abiotic surfaces (stainless steel, glass and polystyrene) alone or with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on them, in air at 25°C and under static or flow conditions, were investigated using a modified Robbins Device. Bacteria were enumerated and scanning electron microscopy was carried out. The results indicated that both C. jejuni strains isolated from poultry attached better to Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on abiotic surfaces than to the surfaces alone under the different conditions tested. This suggests that biofilms of other bacterial species may passively protect C. jejuni against shear forces and potentially oxygen stress which then contribute to their persistence in environments which are detrimental to them. By contrast the C. jejuni ATCC 33291 strain did not attach differentially to P. aeruginosa biofilms, suggesting that different C. jejuni strains may have alternative strategies for persistence in the environment. This study supports the hypothesis that C. jejuni do not form biofilms per se under conditions they encounter in the environment but simply attach to surfaces or biofilms of other species.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  12. Fulltext Attachment of Salmonella strains to a plant cell wall model is modulated by surface characteristics and not by specific carbohydrate interactions
    Tan MS, Moore SC, Tabor RF, Fegan N, Rahman S, Dykes GA
    BMC Microbiol, 2016 09 15;16:212.
    PMID: 27629769 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0832-2
    BACKGROUND: Processing of fresh produce exposes cut surfaces of plant cell walls that then become vulnerable to human foodborne pathogen attachment and contamination, particularly by Salmonella enterica. Plant cell walls are mainly composed of the polysaccharides cellulose, pectin and hemicelluloses (predominantly xyloglucan). Our previous work used bacterial cellulose-based plant cell wall models to study the interaction between Salmonella and the various plant cell wall components. We demonstrated that Salmonella attachment was favoured in the presence of pectin while xyloglucan had no effect on its attachment. Xyloglucan significantly increased the attachment of Salmonella cells to the plant cell wall model only when it was in association with pectin. In this study, we investigate whether the plant cell wall polysaccharides mediate Salmonella attachment to the bacterial cellulose-based plant cell wall models through specific carbohydrate interactions or through the effects of carbohydrates on the physical characteristics of the attachment surface.

    RESULTS: We found that none of the monosaccharides that make up the plant cell wall polysaccharides specifically inhibit Salmonella attachment to the bacterial cellulose-based plant cell wall models. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that Salmonella cells can penetrate and attach within the tightly arranged bacterial cellulose network. Analysis of images obtained from atomic force microscopy revealed that the bacterial cellulose-pectin-xyloglucan composite with 0.3 % (w/v) xyloglucan, previously shown to have the highest number of Salmonella cells attached to it, had significantly thicker cellulose fibrils compared to other composites. Scanning electron microscopy images also showed that the bacterial cellulose and bacterial cellulose-xyloglucan composites were more porous when compared to the other composites containing pectin.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that the attachment of Salmonella cells to cut plant cell walls was not mediated by specific carbohydrate interactions. This suggests that the attachment of Salmonella strains to the plant cell wall models were more dependent on the structural characteristics of the attachment surface. Pectin reduces the porosity and space between cellulose fibrils, which then forms a matrix that is able to retain Salmonella cells within the bacterial cellulose network. When present with pectin, xyloglucan provides a greater surface for Salmonella cells to attach through the thickening of cellulose fibrils.

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  13. Autoregressive Wiener filtering in a scanning electron microscopy imaging system
    Sim KS, Kamel NS, Chuah HT
    Scanning, 2005 6 7;27(3):147-53.
    PMID: 15934507
    In this paper, we propose to use the autoregressive (AR)-based interpolator with Wiener filter and apply the idea to scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The concept for combining the AR-based interpolator with Wiener filtering comes from the essential requirement of Wiener filtering for accurate and consistent estimation of the power of the noise in images prior to filter implementation. The resultant filter is called AR-Wiener filter. The proposed filter is embedded onto the frame grabber card of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) for real-time image processing. Different images are captured using SEM and used to compare the performances of the conventional Wiener and the proposed AR-Wiener technique.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  14. Bacillus cereus as a biotemplating agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide with raspberry- and plate-like structures
    Hussein MZ, Azmin WH, Mustafa M, Yahaya AH
    J Inorg Biochem, 2009 Aug;103(8):1145-50.
    PMID: 19577306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2009.05.016
    Currently the development of green chemistry approach with the use of biomaterial-based activities of microbial cells in the synthesis of various nanostructures has attracted a great attention. In this study, we report on the use of bacterium, Bacillus cereus as a biotemplating agent for the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles with raspberry- and plate-like structures through a simple thermal decomposition of zinc acetate by maintaining the original pH of the reaction mixtures. Possible mechanism on the formation of the nanostructures is proposed based on the surface chemistry and biochemistry processes involved organic-inorganic interactions between zinc oxide and the microbial cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  15. Bacillus thuringiensis parasporal proteins induce cell-cycle arrest and caspase-dependant apoptotic cell death in leukemic cells
    Chan KK, Wong RS, Mohamed SM, Ibrahim TA, Abdullah M, Nadarajah VD
    J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 2012;31(1):75-86.
    PMID: 22591286
    Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) parasporal proteins with selective anticancer activity have recently garnered interest. This study determines the efficacy and mode of cell death of Bt 18 parasporal proteins against 3 leukemic cell lines (CEM-SS, CCRF-SB and CCRF-HSB-2).Cell-based biochemical analysis aimed to determine cell viability and the percentage of apoptotic cell death in treated cell lines; ultrastructural analysis to study apoptotic changes and Western blot to identify the parasporal proteins' binding site were performed. Bt 18 parasporal proteins moderately decreased viability of leukemic cells but not that of normal human T lymphocytes. Further purification of the proteins showed changes in inhibition selectivity. Phosphatidylserine externalization, active caspase-3, cell cycle, and ultrastructural analysis confirmed apoptotic activity and S-phase cell-cycle arrest. Western blot analysis demonstrated glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a binding protein. We suggest that Bt 18 parasporal proteins inhibit leukemic cell viability by cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis and that glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase binding initiates apoptosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  16. Bacterial cellulose/acrylic acid hydrogel synthesized via electron beam irradiation: accelerated burn wound healing in an animal model
    Mohamad N, Mohd Amin MCI, Pandey M, Ahmad N, Rajab NF
    Carbohydr Polym, 2014 Dec 19;114:312-320.
    PMID: 25263896 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.08.025
    Natural polymer-based hydrogels are of interest to health care professionals as wound dressings owing to their ability to absorb exudates and provide hydration for healing. The aims of this study were to develop and characterize bacterial cellulose/acrylic acid (BC/AA) hydrogels synthesized by electron beam irradiation and investigate its wound healing potential in an animal model. The BC/AA hydrogels were characterized by SEM, tensile strength, water absorptivity, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The cytotoxicity of the hydrogels was investigated in L929 cells. Skin irritation and wound healing properties were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. BC/AA hydrogels had a macroporous network structure, high swelling ratio (4000-6000% at 24h), and high WVTR (2175-2280 g/m(2)/day). The hydrogels were non-toxic in the cell viability assay. In vivo experiments indicated that hydrogels promoted faster wound-healing, enhanced epithelialization, and accelerated fibroblast proliferation compared to that in the control group. These results suggest that BC/AA hydrogels are promising materials for burn dressings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  17. Fulltext Behavior of schmutzdecke with varied filtration rates of slow sand filter to remove total coliforms
    Matuzahroh N, Fitriani N, Ardiyanti PE, Kuncoro EP, Budiyanto WD, Isnadina DRM, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Apr;6(4):e03736.
    PMID: 32280804 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03736
    The previous research showed that slow sand filtration (SSF) can remove the total coli by approximately 99% because of the schmutzecke layer in the filter. The presented study aimed to complete the previous research on SSF, especially on the schmuztdecke layer mechanism, to remove total coli. Total coli is a parameter of water quality standard in Indonesia, and the behavior of schmutzdecke affects the total coli removal. In the present study, the raw water from Amprong River was treated using horizontal roughing filter (HRF) and SSF. The variations in SSF rate used were 0.2 and 0.4 m/h. Total coliforms were analyzed using the most probable number test, and schmutzdecke visualization was conducted through scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The best coliform concentration in water treated by the combination of HRF and SSF was 4,386 colonies per 100 mL of sample using the filtration rate of 0.2 m/h, and its removal efficiency was 99.60%. However, the quality of water treated by the combination of HRF and SSF did not meet the drinking water quality standard because the removal of total coli must be 100%. The SEM-EDX visualization results in schmutzdecke showed that the average bacteria in the schmutzdecke layer were small, white, opaque, and circular, with entire edge and flat elevation. The Gram test results showed that the schmutzdecke bacteria consisted of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with basil as the common cell form.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  18. Fulltext Berberine nanoparticles with enhanced in vitro bioavailability: characterization and antimicrobial activity
    Sahibzada MUK, Sadiq A, Faidah HS, Khurram M, Amin MU, Haseeb A, et al.
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2018;12:303-312.
    PMID: 29491706 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S156123
    BACKGROUND: Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses such as hypertension and inflammatory conditions, and as an anticancer and hepato-protective agent. Berberine has low oral bioavailability due to poor aqueous solubility and insufficient dissolution rate, which can reduce the efficacy of drugs taken orally. In this study, evaporative precipitation of nanosuspension (EPN) and anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump (APSP) were used to address the problems of solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability of berberine.

    METHODS: Semi-crystalline nanoparticles (NPs) of 90-110 nm diameter for APSP and 65-75 nm diameter for EPN were prepared and then characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD). Thereafter, drug content solubility and dissolution studies were undertaken. Berberine and its NPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activity.

    RESULTS: The results indicate that the NPs have significantly increased solubility and dissolution rate due to conversion of the crystalline structure to a semi-crystalline form.

    CONCLUSION: Berberine NPs produced by both APSP and EPN methods have shown promising activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts, with NPs prepared through the EPN method showing superior results compared to those made with the APSP method and the unprocessed drug.

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  19. Fulltext Bimetallic PMMA@Alloy (Au-Ag) in 3D hot spots as highly sensitive substrate for high performance Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)
    Kassim, S., Tahrin, R.A.A., Rusdi, N.F., Harun, N.A.
    ASM Science Journal, 2018;11(101):86-95.
    MyJurnal
    A feasible production of poly (methyl methacrylate)@alloy (gold-silver) core shell has
    been presented as candidate in enhanced detection of surface enhanced Raman scattering
    (SERS). Free emulsifier- emulsion synthesised PMMA sphere with average size of 419 nm in
    diameter were used as core material for incorporation of alloy nanoparticles (6 nm) resulting
    a core-shell structure. The fabrication of PMMA@alloy SERS substrate was successfully
    done via self-assembly thus the produced SERS substrate that comprise of unique optical
    properties combination arising from periodic core arrangement and plasmonic activity of
    alloy nanoparticles. Alloy is bimetallic nanoparticles in which the combination of silver
    (Ag) and gold (Au) present an absolutely improved light resistance as compared to single
    metal alone with great surface plasmon resonance. Morphology and elemental analysis was
    performed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the analysis showing species of
    both Au and Ag in single alloy nanoparticles. The alloy nanoparticles were also observed to
    homogenously coating the PMMA sphere. Surface plasmon resonance activity was maximum
    at 476 nm obtained from UV-Visible spectroscopy. High surface production was observed
    to have periodically arranged PMMA@alloy core -shell and potentially to be used as SERS
    substrate.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  20. Bio-corrosion behavior and mechanical characteristics of magnesium-titania-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites coated by magnesium-oxide flakes and silicon for use as resorbable bone fixation material
    Khalajabadi SZ, Abu ABH, Ahmad N, Yajid MAM, Hj Redzuan NB, Nasiri R, et al.
    J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2018 Jan;77:360-374.
    PMID: 28985616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.09.032
    This study was aimed to improve of the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of Mg/15TiO2/5HA nanocomposite by silicon and magnesium oxide coatings prepared using a powder metallurgy method. The phase evolution, chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of uncoated and coated samples were characterized. Electrochemical and immersion tests used to investigate the in vitro corrosion behavior of the fabricated samples. The adhesion strength of ~36MPa for MgO and ~32MPa for Si/MgO coatings to substrate was measured by adhesion test. Fabrication a homogenous double layer coating with uniform thicknesses consisting micro-sized particles of Si as outer layer and flake-like particles of MgO as the inner layer on the surface of Mg/15TiO2/5HA nanocomposite caused the corrosion resistance and ductility increased whereas the ultimate compressive stress decreased. However, after immersion in SBF solution, Si/MgO-coated sample indicates the best mechanical properties compared to those of the uncoated and MgO-coated samples. The increase of cell viability percentage of the normal human osteoblast (NHOst) cells indicates the improvement in biocompatibility of Mg/15TiO2/5HA nanocomposite by Si/MgO coating.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
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