Development of nanocomposite based on hydroxyethylmethacrylate and functionalized fumed silica: mechanical, chemico-physical and biological characterization

In this research work organic/inorganic nano composites were synthesized from poly-2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and properly modified silica nanoparticles by in situ polymerization. In particular, fumed nanosilica was functionalized with methacryloylpropyltrimetoxy silane (MPTMS) in order to obtain a more homogeneous, reliable and mechanically performing nano composite. For comparison, nano composites with non functionalized silica were also prepared. Scanning electron microscopy was performed in order to visualize the effects of functionalization on the mode and state of dispersion. This analysis demonstrated that MPTMS grafted onto silica surface acts as an effective coupling agent and assures a good dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles as well as a strong nano particle/matrix interfacial adhesion. As a result of strong interactions occurring between phases, a pronounced increase of the glass transition temperature and mechanical parameters were recorded. Finally, these novel nano composites were seeded with murine fibroblast and human mesenchymal stem cells, and observed in time-lapse experiments proving an effective biological response.

Fabrication and characterization of bioactive thiol-silicate nanoparticles

Here we describe a new method for the production of thiol-silicate particles and the entrapment of enzymes within the thiol particles as they are formed. When bio-inspired polymers (polyethyleneimine) are combined with a silicic acid source and phosphate buffer under pH neutral conditions, formation of silicate particles occurs. In the method presented here the silica source contains a thiol group and so therefore the silicate particles are pre-functionalized with thiol groups. We have termed the silicate particles produced "thiol particles" and the characterization of these thiol particles is also presented in this chapter. As enzymes can be entrapped during fabrication, it means that the thiol particles can not only attach to metal surfaces but also catalyse certain reactions depending on the enzyme used. This means that there are many future possibilities for the use of thiol particles containing enzymes, as they may be used in a wide range of processes and devices which require catalytic functionalized surfaces, such as biosensors and biocatalytic reactors.

Direct patterning of silanized-biomolecules on semiconductor surfaces

A novel approach to pattern silanized-biomolecules directly onto glass (SiO(x)) substrates via Dip-Pen nanolithography (DPN) and microcontact printing (μCP) is presented. Subsequent hybridization reactions of DPN patterned silanized-DNA with its complementary strands provide "proof-of-concept" that the patterned oligonucleotides maintain their biological activities. The fabrication strategy does not require premodification of substrates and offers a cheap and robust way to immobilize molecules on electronically important semiconductor surfaces.

Atomic hydrogen as high-precision field standard for high-field EPR

We introduce atomic hydrogen trapped in an octaisobutylsilsesquioxane nanocage (H@iBuT₈) as a new molecular high-precision magnetic field standard for high-field EPR spectroscopy of organic radicals and other systems with signals around g=2. Its solid-state EPR spectrum consists of two 0.2 mT wide lines separated by about 51 mT and centered at g≈2. The isotropic g factor is 2.00294(3) and essentially temperature independent. The isotropic ¹H hyperfine coupling constant is 1416.8(2) MHz below 70 K and decreases slightly with increasing temperature to 1413.7(1) MHz at room temperature. The spectrum of the standard does not overlap with those of most organic radicals, and it can be easily prepared and is stable at room temperature.

Biocompatibility of synthetic poly(ester urethane)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane matrices with embryonic stem cell proliferation and differentiation

Incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) into poly(ester urethanes) (PEU) as a building block results in a PEU/POSS hybrid polymer with increased mechanical strength and thermostability. An attractive feature of the new polymer is that it forms a porous matrix when cast in the form of a thin film, making it potentially useful in tissue engineering. In this study, we present detailed microscopic analysis of the PEU/POSS matrix and demonstrate its biocompatibility with cell culture. The PEU/POSS polymer forms a continuous porous matrix with open pores and interconnected grooves. From SEM image analysis, it is calculated that there are about 950 pores/mm(2) of the matrix area with pore diameter size in the range 1-15 µm. The area occupied by the pores represents approximately 7.6% of the matrix area. Using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we demonstrate that the PEU/POSS matrix provides excellent support for cell proliferation and differentiation. Under the cell culture condition optimized to maintain self-renewal, ESCs grown on a PEU/POSS matrix exhibit undifferentiated morphology, express pluripotency markers and have a similar growth rate to cells grown on gelatin. When induced for differentiation, ESCs underwent dramatic morphological change, characterized by the loss of clonogenecity and increased cell size, with well-expanded cytoskeleton networks. Differentiated cells are able to form a continuous monolayer that is closely embedded in the matrix. The excellent compatibility between the PEU/POSS matrix and ESC proliferation/differentiation demonstrates the potential of using PEU/POSS polymers in future ESC-based tissue engineering.

An inorganic-organic proton exchange membrane for fuel cells with a controlled nanoscale pore structure

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have the potential for applications in energy conversion and energy storage, but their development has been impeded by problems with the membrane electrode assembly. Here, we demonstrate that a silicon-based inorganic-organic membrane offers a number of advantages over Nafion--the membrane widely used as a proton exchange membrane in hydrogen fuel cells--including higher proton conductivity, a lack of volumetric size change, and membrane electrode assembly construction capabilities. Key to achieving these advantages is fabricating a silicon membrane with pores with diameters of approximately 5-7 nm, adding a self-assembled molecular monolayer on the pore surface, and then capping the pores with a layer of porous silica. The silica layer reduces the diameter of the pores and ensures their hydration, resulting in a proton conductivity that is two to three orders of magnitude higher than that of Nafion at low humidity. A membrane electrode assembly constructed with this proton exchange membrane delivered an order of magnitude higher power density than that achieved previously with a dry hydrogen feed and an air-breathing cathode.

Dual-column capillary microextraction (CME) combined with electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS) for the speciation of arsenic in human hair extracts

In this work, dual-column capillary microextraction (CME) system consisting of N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AAPTS)-silica coated capillary (C1) and 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS)-silica coated capillary (C2) was developed for sequential separation/preconcentration of arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)] in the extracts of human hair followed by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS) detection with iridium as permanent modifier. Various experimental parameters affecting the dual-column microextraction of different As species had been investigated in detail. It was found that at pH 9, As(V) and MMA could be quantitatively retained by C1 and only As(III) could be quantitatively retained by C2. With the aid of valve switching, As(V)/MMA(V) retained on C1 and As(III) retained on C2 could be sequentially desorbed by 10 microl of 0.01 mol l(-1) HNO(3) [for As(V)], 0.1 mol l(-1) HNO(3) [for MMA(V)] and 0.2 mol l(-1) HNO(3)-3% thiourea (m/v) [for As(III)], respectively, the eluents were immediately introduced into the Ir-coated graphite tubes for further ETV-ICP-MS detection. With two-step ETV pyrolysis program, Cl(-) in the sample matrix could be in situ removed, and the total As in the human hair extracts or digested solution could be interference-free, determined by ETV-ICP-MS. DMA(V) in the human hair extracts was obtained by subtraction of total As in the human hair extracts from other three As species. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits (3 sigma) of the method were 3.9 pg ml(-1) for As(III), 2.7 pg ml(-1) for As(V), 2.6 pg ml(-1) for MMA(V) and 124 pg ml(-1) for total As with the relative standard deviations less than 7.0% (C = 0.1 ng ml(-1), n = 7), and the enrichment factor was 286, 262 and 260 for As(III), As(V) and MMA(V), respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for the speciation of arsenic in the extracts of human hair.

Nitric oxide-releasing S-nitrosothiol-modified xerogels

The synthesis, material characterization, and in vitro biocompatibility of S-nitrosothiol (RSNO)-modified xerogels are described. Thiol-functionalized xerogel films were formed by hydrolysis and co-condensation of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) sol-gel precursors at varying concentrations. Subsequent thiol nitrosation via acidified nitrite produced RSNO-modified xerogels capable of generating nitric oxide (NO) for up to 2 weeks under physiological conditions. Xerogels also exhibited NO generation upon irradiation with broad-spectrum light or exposure to copper, with NO fluxes proportional to wattage and concentration, respectively. Xerogels were capable of storing up to approximately 1.31 micromol NO mg(-1), and displayed negligible fragmentation over a 2-week period. Platelet and bacterial adhesion to nitrosated films was reduced compared to non-nitrosated controls, confirming the antithrombotic and antibacterial properties of the NO-releasing materials. Fibroblast cell viability was maintained on the xerogel surfaces illustrating the promise of RSNO-modified xerogels as biomedical device coatings.

Studies of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxylsilane and bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane sol-gel coating on copper and aluminum

Bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane (BTMSE) and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) have been used as precursors to prepare sol-gels and hybrid sol-gel under acidic condition. From the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data on MPTMS sol-gel coated aluminum and copper, it has been shown that the silane film is covalently bonded to Al surface through the interfacial condensation. There is no evidence of bonding interaction between the thiol group and the Cu. The recorded reflection adsorption IR (RAIR) spectrum has provided evidence that the coating BTMSE film covalently interacts with Al. Vibrational assignments have been suggested for pure BTMSE, BTMSE sol-gel, BTMSE xerogel, and BTMSE coated Al panel based on the group frequencies and the variation of frequencies with the sample treatment conditions. The progression of condensation reaction has been observed from the IR spectra of the BTMSE sol-gel and the sol-gel coated film after the treatments at different temperatures with different lengths of time. The corrosion protection of the sol-gel coated Al and Cu has been characterized in NaCl solutions by cyclic voltammetric, potentiodynamic polarization and impedance spectroscopy methods. All these electrochemical measurements indicate that the sol-gel coated metals have better corrosion protection than the corresponding uncoated metals.

Development of extraction and analytical methods of nitrite ion from food samples: microchip electrophoresis with a modified electrode

Two simple and fast methods for the extraction of the nitrite ion (NO(2)(-)) from food samples have been developed. The methods were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, and their performance for NO(2)(-) extraction was compared with a standard method. The extraction methods yielded relative recoveries between 100 and 120% with good reproducibility of 3.9% (RSD, n = 4) in UV-visible experiments. Microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (MCE-ED) coupled with a copper (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane [Cu(II)-MPS] complex-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) has been employed to detect NO(2)(-) in extracted samples. The Cu(II)-MPS complex was synthesized and characterized by voltammetry, XPS, and FT-IR analyses. Experimental parameters affecting the separation and detection performances of the MCE-ED method were assessed and optimized. The potential for the electrocatalytic reduction of NO(2)(-) for MCE-ED was found to be -190 mV (vs Ag/AgCl). When extracted food samples were analyzed by the MCE-ED method, a reproducible response for the NO(2)(-) reduction (RSD of 4.3%) at the modified-CPE reflected the negligible electrode fouling. A wide dynamic range of 1.0-160 ppm was observed for analyzing standard NO(2)(-) with a sensitivity of 0.05106 ± 0.00141, and the detection limit, based on S/N = 3, was found to be 0.35 ± 0.05 ppm. No apparent interference from NO(3)(-), other inorganic ions, and biological compounds was observed under the optimal experimental conditions. A standard addition method for real samples showed wide concentration ranges of 1.10-155 and 1.2-150 ppm for analyzing NO(2)(-) in ham and sausage samples, respectively.

A highly selective, biofunctional surface for molecule/cell sorting

We report in this paper an approach to the effective capture of IgM antibodies from antisera and solutions based on the formation of a carpet of molecules exposing thiols off a surface. Surfaces of different nature, such as OH-exposing (glass, SiO(2), metal oxides, etc.) and noble metal ones (Au, Ag, etc.), have been first functionalized in the liquid phase by suitable chemistry [3-(mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane or 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol]. The resulting exposed SH moieties have been further used for binding anti-A, -B, and -D IgM molecules from goat sera via a thiol exchange reaction involving the J chain and other disulfide bonds present in the IgM molecular structure. Antibodies preserve their functional activity at the surface and appear to be able to bind specifically erythrocytes of the proper group in a fast and reliable way. These results can be generalized to the use of any kind of IgM antibody and can be valuable in surface biofunctionalization in the fields of biosensors and immunoassays.

Label-free, all-electrical, in situ human epidermal growth receptor 2 detection

Using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS)-coated (PbMg 1/3 Nb 2/3 O3)0.63-(PbTiO3)0.37 (PMN-PT)/tin and lead zirconate titanate/glass piezoelectric microcantilever sensors (PEMSs) with single-chain variable fragment (scFv) immobilized on the MPS surface, we have demonstrated real-time, label-free detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) in a background of 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin. Coupled with a scFv with a KD of 3.4 x 10(-8)M, the MPS-insulated PMN-PT/tin PEMS 560 microm long and 720 microm wide exhibited a Her2 concentration sensitivity of 5 ng/ml in a background of 1 mg/ml BSA.

Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of highly dispersed MoO3 nanospheres using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane

With ultrasonic irradiation as assistance, highly dispersed MoO(3) nanospheres were synthesized using silane coupling agent 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane HS-(CH(2))(3)Si(OCH(3))(3) (MPTS) as figuration agent. The results of X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) showed that the precursor was hexagonal molybdenum oxide hydrate (MoO(3).0.55H(2)O). It was converted into orthorhombic MoO(3) after annealed at 400 degrees C for 2h. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that MoO(3).0.55H(2)O and MoO(3) nanoparticles were spherical with particle-size distribution of ca. 30-80 nm and 25-75 nm, respectively. Results indicated that MPTS and ultrasonic irradiation played important role in formation of highly dispersed MoO(3) nanospheres. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also adopted to confirm the growth mechanism. The possible cause of formation was based on dispersion function of ultrasonic irradiation and figuration of MPTS.

The effect of five silane coupling agents on the bond strength of a luting cement to a silica-coated titanium

OBJECTIVES

The adhesive performance of five silane coupling agents in adhering resin composite cement (3M ESPE) to silica-coated titanium was evaluated. Titanium was tribochemically silica-coated by using the Rocatec system.

METHODS

Two volume percent solutions of 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (Toray Dow Corning Silicone), N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylethylenediamine] (Dow Corning), 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (Toray Dow Corning Silicone) and bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]polysulfide (Dow Corning) were prepared in 95 vol.% acidified ethanol and allowed to activate (hydrolyze). A pre-activated ca. 2 vol.% 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (ESPE Sil) was used as a control. The silanes were applied onto silica-coated titanium slides. Chemical activation reactions of the silanes were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (Perkin-Elmer Spectrum One). RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) resin composite cement stubs were applied and photo-polymerized onto silica-coated titanium. The specimens were thermo-cycled (6000 cycles, 5-55 degrees C).

RESULTS

Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed that the highest shear bond strength (n=8 per group) value after thermocycling, 14.8 MPa (S.D. 3.8 MPa), was obtained with 2.0 vol.% 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. Silanization and results with 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (control, ESPE Sil) did not statistically differ from 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 14.2 MPa (S.D. 5.8). The lowest shear bond strength was 7.5 (S.D. 1.9) MPa for N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylethylenediamine] and 7.5 (S.D. 2.5) MPa for bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]polysulfide. Both the type of silane (p<0.001) and storage conditions affected significantly the shear bond strength values (p<0.001). All silanes became activated according to the infrared spectroscopic analysis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Silanization with 3-acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane or 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane might offer an alternative for bonding a luting cement to silica-coated titanium.

Electrochemical biosensor based on integrated assembly of dehydrogenase enzymes and gold nanoparticles

Development of a highly sensitive nanostructured electrochemical biosensor based on the integrated assembly of dehydrogenase enzymes and gold (Au) nanoparticle is described. The Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been self-assembled on a thiol-terminated, sol-gel-derived, 3-D, silicate network and enlarged by hydroxylamine seeding. The AuNPs on the silicate network efficiently catalyze the oxidation of NADH with a decrease in overpotential of approximately 915 mV in the absence of any redox mediator. The surface oxides of AuNP function as an excellent mediator, and a special inverted "V" shape voltammogram at less positive potential was observed for the oxidation of NADH. The AuNP self-assembled sol-gel network behaves like a nanoelectrode ensemble. The nanostructured electrode shows high sensitivity (0.056 +/- 0.001 nA/nM) toward NADH with an amperometric detection limit of 5 nM. The electrode displays excellent operational and storage stability. A novel methodology for the fabrication of a NADH-dependent dehydrogenase biosensor based on the integration of dehydrogenase enzyme and AuNPs with the silicate network is developed. The enzymatically generated NADH is, in turn, electrocatalytically detected by the AuNPs on the silicate network. The integrated assembly has been successfully used for the amperometric biosensing of lactate and ethanol at a potential of -5 mV. The biosensor is very stable and highly sensitive, and it has a fast response time. The excellent performance validates the integrated assembly as an attractive sensing element for the development of new dehydrogenase biosensors.

3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane as insulating coating and surface for protein immobilization for piezoelectric microcantilever sensors

We have examined coating (PbMg(13)Nb(23)O(3))(0.63)-(PbTiO(3))(0.37) (PMN-PT)/tin and lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/glass piezoelectric microcantilever sensor (PEMS) with 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPS) by a simple solution method to electrically insulate the PEMS for in-water applications. In contrast to earlier methytrimethoxysilane insulation coating, the MPS coating also facilitated receptor immobilization on the sensor surface via bonding of its sulhydryl group to a bifunctional linker, sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate. We showed that a MPS coating of 21 nm in thickness is sufficient to electrically insulate and provide immobilization surface to the PEMS for in-liquid electrical self-excitation and self-sensing. The in-phosphate buffered saline solution resonance spectra were stable with Q values ranging from 41 to 55. The mass detection sensitivities were determined to be 5x10(-11) and 8x10(-12) gHz for the MPS-insulated PZT-glass and PMN-PT/tin PEMSs, respectively.

Color change evaluation of denture soft lining materials in coffee and tea

This study evaluated the color stability of soft denture liners after being exposed to coffee and tea solutions for different time periods. Four soft denture liners and a denture base polymer were tested. Five specimens of each material were immersed in either coffee or tea solution at 50 +/- 1 degrees C for one, three, nine, 24, 48, and 96 hours. Color measurements were made using a reflectance spectrophotometer before and after the specimens were exposed to the solutions. After 96 hours' immersion in coffee and tea solutions, coffee produced more marked color changes than did tea for all the materials tested. Surface roughness (Ra) of the materials after being cured against a stainless steel surface was also measured with a contact-type surface roughness measuring instrument. Due to the different surface structures, which thus accounted for the different Ra values, the materials behaved differently when immersed in different solutions.

Detection of DNA using cationic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanoparticles as the probe by resonance light scattering technique

A novel cationic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanoparticle (cationic POSS) was synthesized and successfully used as a new probe for the detection of DNA by resonance light scattering technique (RLS). It was found that the electrostatic interaction of cationic POSS and DNA could obviously enhance the RLS signal, the enhanced RLS intensity at 360 nm was proportional to the concentration of nucleic acids within the range of 0.35-42.82 microg ml-1 for calf thymus DNA, the determination limit (3sigma) was 0.32 ng ml-1. The results showed this method was very sensitive, convenient, rapid and reproducible.

Porcelain laminate veneer restorations bonded with a three-liquid silane bonding agent and a dual-activated luting composite

This clinical report describes the fabrication and bonding of porcelain laminate veneer restorations in a patient with anterior open spaces. Laminate veneer restorations made of feldspathic porcelain were etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid, rinsed under tap water, ultrasonically cleaned with methanol, and primed with a chemically activated three-liquid silane bonding agent (Clearfil Porcelain Bond). The enamel surfaces were etched with 40% phosphoric acid, rinsed with water, and primed with a two-liquid bonding agent (Clearfil New Bond) that contained a hydrophobic phosphate (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate; MDP). The restorations were bonded with a dual-activated luting composite (Clapearl DC). The veneers have been functioning satisfactorily for an observation period of one year. Combined use of the Clearfil bonding agents and Clapearl DC luting composite is an alternative to conventional materials for seating porcelain laminate veneer restorations, although the system is inapplicable to dentin bonding.

Physicochemically modified silicon as a substrate for protein microarrays

Reverse phase protein microarrays (RPMA) enable high throughput screening of posttranslational modifications of important signaling proteins within diseased cells. One limitation of protein-based molecular profiling is the lack of a PCR-like intrinsic amplification system for proteins. Enhancement of protein microarray sensitivities is an important goal, especially because many molecular targets within patient tissues are of low abundance. The ideal array substrate will have a high protein-binding affinity and low intrinsic signal. To date, nitrocellulose-coated glass has provided an effective substrate for protein binding in the microarray format when using chromogenic detection systems. As fluorescent systems, such as quantum dots, are explored as potential reporter agents, the intrinsic fluorescent properties of nitrocellulose-coated glass slides limit the ability to image microarrays for extended periods of time where increases in net sensitivity can be attained. Silicon, with low intrinsic autofluorescence, is being explored as a potential microarray surface. Native silicon has low binding potential. Through titrated reactive ion etching (RIE), varying surface areas have been created on silicon in order to enhance protein binding. Further, via chemical modification, reactive groups have been added to the surfaces for comparison of relative protein binding. Using this combinatorial method of surface roughening and surface coating, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) treatments were shown to transform native silicon into a protein-binding substrate comparable to nitrocellulose.

Simultaneous analysis of nitrate and nitrite in a microfluidic device with a Cu-complex-modified electrode

A CE microsystem coupled with a microchip and a copper-(3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (Cu-MPS) complex-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was developed for the simultaneous analysis of nitrite and nitrate. The method is based on the electrocatalytic reduction of both analytes with the modified electrode. The Cu-MPS complex was characterized by voltammetric, XPS, and FT-IR analyses. Experimental parameters affecting the sensitivity of the modified electrode were assessed and optimized. The best separation was achieved in a 60 mm separation channel filled with a 20 mM acetate buffer of pH 5.0 containing 3.0 mM CTAB at separation field strength of -250 V/cm within 90 s. The detection potential for the simultaneous analysis of nitrite and nitrate was found to be -225 mV versus Ag/AgCl. A reproducible response (RSD of 3.2% (nitrite) and 2.8% (nitrate), n = 8) for repetitive sample injections reflected the negligible electrode fouling at the modified CPE. The interference effect was examined for other inorganic ions and biological compounds. A wide hydrodynamic range between 0.25 and 120 microM was observed for analyzing nitrite and nitrate with the sensitivities of 0.069 +/- 0.003 and 0.065 +/- 0.002 nA/microM, and the detection limits, based on S/N = 3, were found to be 0.09 +/- 0.007 and 0.08 +/- 0.009 microM, respectively. The applicability of the method to water and urine samples analyses was demonstrated.

Characterization of acrylic resins used for restoration of artworks by pyrolysis-silylation-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with hexamethyldisilazane

A procedure based on the technique of the pyrolysis-GC/MS has been applied, in this work, in order to determine the composition of synthetic acrylic resins employed in artworks. The method is based on the on line derivatization of these resins using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). Results obtained have been compared with those others from direct pyrolysis and in situ thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). Sensitivity using HMDS as derivatising reagent is found similar to that from direct pyrolysis and methylation with TMAH. Better resolution of the most representative peaks has been also obtained. Additionally, this method reduces the formation of free acrylic acid molecules during the pyrolysis process and, in consequence, more simplified and well-resolved chromatograms are obtained. Finally, the reported procedure has been successfully used for characterizing several acrylic-based varnishes and binding media currently used in Fine Arts and real pictorial samples from graffiti performed on a Middle Ages bridge.

Microchip-Based Macroporous Silica Sol−Gel Monolith for Efficient Isolation of DNA from Clinical Samples

Effective microchip extraction of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from crude biological matrixes has been demonstrated using silica beads or hybrid phases composed of beads and sol-gel. However, the use of monolithic sol-gels alone for extraction of human genomic DNA has been more difficult to define. Here we describe, for the first time, the successful use of monolithic tetramethyl orthosilicate-based sol-gels for effective micro-solid-phase extraction (muSPE) of DNA in a glass microchip format. A functional monolithic silica phase with micrometer-scale pores in the silica matrix resulted from addition of poly(ethylene glycol), a poragen, to the precursor mixture. This allowed a monolithic sol-gel bed to be established in a microchip channel that provided large surface area for DNA extraction with little flow-induced back pressure. DNA extraction efficiencies for simple systems (lambda-phage DNA) were approximately 85%, while efficiencies for the reproducible extraction of human genomic DNA from complex biological matrixes (human blood) were approximately 70%. Blockage of the sol-gel pores by components in the lysed blood was observed in repeat extraction on a single device as a decrease in the extraction efficiency. The developed muSPE protocol was further evaluated to show applicability to clinical samples and bacterial cultures, through extraction of PCR-amplifiable DNA.