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1 – 10 of 124Zrinka Buhin Šturlić, Mirela Leskovac, Krunoslav Žižek and Sanja Lučić Blagojević
The purpose of this paper is to prepare stabile emulsions with 0–15% of colloidal silica and high monomer/water ratio and to investigate the influence of silica addition and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prepare stabile emulsions with 0–15% of colloidal silica and high monomer/water ratio and to investigate the influence of silica addition and surface modification on the polyacrylate properties.
Design/methodology/approach
Improving the properties of the composite can be achieved by optimizing the compatibility between the phases of the composite system with improving the interactions at the matrix/filler interface. Therefore, the silica surface was modified with nonionic emulsifier octylphenol ethoxylate, cationic initiator 2,2'-azobis-(amidinopropane dihydrochloride) and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and polyacrylate/silica nanocomposites were prepared via in situ emulsion polymerization. Particle size distribution, rheological properties of the emulsions and morphology, thermal properties and mechanical properties of the film prepared from the emulsions were investigated.
Findings
Polyacrylate/silica systems with unmodified silica, silica modified with nonionic emulsifier and cationic initiator have micrometer, while pure PA matrix and systems with silica modified with silane have nanometer particle sizes. Addition and surface modification of the filler increased emulsion viscosity. Agglomeration of silica particles in composites was reduced with silica surface modification. Silica filler improves thermal stability and tensile strength of polyacrylate.
Originality/value
This paper provides broad spectrum of information depending on filler surface modification and latex preparation via in situ emulsion polymerization and properties with high amount of filler and monomer/water ratio with the aim that prepared latex is suitable for film formation and final application.
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Belen Begines, Andrew L. Hook, Morgan R. Alexander, Christopher J. Tuck and Ricky D. Wildman
This paper aims to print 3D structures from polymers that resist bacterial attachment by reactive jetting of acrylate monomers.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to print 3D structures from polymers that resist bacterial attachment by reactive jetting of acrylate monomers.
Design/methodology/approach
The first step towards printing was ink development. Inks were characterised to carry out an estimation of their potential printability using the Z parameter to predict stable jetting conditions. Printability conditions were optimised for each ink using a Dimatix DMP-2800, which enabled 3D structures to be fabricated.
Findings
UV photo-initiated polymers, which resist bacterial attachment, were found to be printable using piezo-based inkjet printers. The waveform required for each ink depends on the value of the Z parameter. Once the waveform and the printability parameters were optimised, 3D objects were fabricated.
Research limitations/implications
This methodology has been confirmed as an effective method to 3D print materials that have been demonstrated to be bacteria resistant. However, ink curing depends on modification of some parameters (such as photoinitiator concentration or UV exposure time) which would result in an improvement of the curing process post jetting.
Social implications
The combination of inkjet based 3D printing with new materials resistant to bacterial attachment means the possibility of building customised medical devices with a high level of complexity and bespoke features can be fully realised. The scope and variability of the devices produced will exceed what can be achieved using standard fabrication methodologies and can be applied to reduce the incidence of device associated infections and to address increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs associated with nosocomial infections.
Originality/value
In this paper, the novel use of materials that resist bacterial attachment has been described to build 3D structures using material jetting. Its value lies on the potential impact this methodology could produce in the biomedical device and research fields.
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T.C Venkateswarulu, Vajiha, S. Krupanidhi, Indira Mikkili, Jacinth Angelina, D. John Babu and K. Abraham Peele
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) at outside of neuron cells and also due…
Abstract
Purpose
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) at outside of neuron cells and also due to tau aggregation inside the cell. Corosolic acid is aimed to be selected as a main active constituent of Lagerstroemia speciosa for the study.
Design/methodology/approach
In the present study, molecular docking of corosolic acid and tau protein was examined using PyRx-v.0.8 software. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties were described and a molecular dynamics study of the bound complex was performed using Desmond.
Findings
The docking score and interactions suggested that the corosolic acid (CID:6918774) could bind to tau protein to prevent the fibrillar network, to prevent AD. During simulation corosolic acid-bound protein root mean square deviation (RMSD) values showed more stability when compared to the Apo form of protein. Molecular dynamics study of tau protein and corosolic acid complex gave the insights to develop a drug-like candidate against AD.
Originality/value
The use of corosolic acid of Lagerstroemia speciosa to prevent AD is supported by preliminary analysis on a computational basis. This compound should explore in terms of experimental strategies for the further drug development process. However, in vitro and in vivo evaluation studies are required to suggest the use of corosolic acid against AD.
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