pH-Induced Hysteretic Gating of Track-Etched Polycarbonate Membranes: Swelling/Deswelling Behavior of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers in Confined Geometry

pH-induced hysteretic gating of track-etched polycarbonate membranes (TEPC) has been achieved by depositing layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolyte multilayers comprising poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) at a high pH condition (pH > 9.0). Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the average bilayer thickness of multilayers was greater within the cylindrical pores of track-etched polycarbonate membranes compared to the multilayers on planar substrates (e.g., Si wafers and the face of TEPC membranes). Swelling/deswelling properties of multilayers and gating properties of the multilayer-modified TEPC membranes were studied by measuring the flux of pH-adjusted deionized water. Large discontinuous changes in the transmembrane flux were observed, indicating that the multilayers within the cylindrical pores of TEPC membranes exhibit the discontinuous swelling/deswelling behavior observed previously for planar systems. The degree of swelling as estimated by simple models, however, showed that (PAH/PSS) multilayers in the confined geometry swelled to smaller extents compared to the same multilayers on planar substrates under the same conditions. Multilayer-modified membranes showed reversible gating properties as the pH condition of feed solution was alternated between pH 2.5 and 10.5. In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to visualize the closing of the pores as a function of time. The hysteretic gating property of the multilayer-modified TEPC membrane was utilized to achieve either a "closed" or "open" state at one pH condition depending on the pretreatment history, thereby enabling either the retention or passage of high-molecular weight polymers by varying the membrane pretreatment condition.

The effect of EDTA in attachment gain and root coverage

Root surface biomodification using low pH agents such as citric acid and tetracycline has been proposed to enhance root coverage following connective tissue grafting. The authors hypothesized that root conditioning with neutral pH edetic acid would improve vertical recession depth, root surface coverage, pocket depth, and clinical attachment levels. Twenty teeth in 10 patients with Miller class I and II recession were treated with connective tissue grafting. The experimental sites received 24% edetic acid in sterile distilled water applied to the root surface for 2 minutes before grafting. Controls were pretreated with only sterile distilled water. Measurements were evaluated before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences between experimental and control groups. We found significant postoperative improvements in vertical recession depth, root surface coverage, and clinical attachment levels in test and control groups, compared to postoperative data. Pocket depth differences were not significant (P<.01).

Patterned superhydrophobic surfaces: toward a synthetic mimic of the Namib Desert beetle

The present study demonstrates a surface structure that mimics the water harvesting wing surface of the Namib Desert beetle. Hydrophilic patterns on superhydrophobic surfaces were created with water/2-propanol solutions of a polyelectrolyte to produce surfaces with extreme hydrophobic contrast. Selective deposition of multilayer films onto the hydrophilic patterns introduces different properties to the area including superhydrophilicity. Potential applications of such surfaces include water harvesting surfaces, controlled drug release coatings, open-air microchannel devices, and lab-on-chip devices.

Nanoporosity-driven superhydrophilicity: a means to create multifunctional antifogging coatings

Multifunctional nanoporous thin films have been fabricated from layer-by-layer assembled silica nanoparticles and a polycation. The resultant multilayer films were found to exhibit both antifogging and antireflection properties. The antifogging properties are a direct result of the development of superhydrophilic wetting characteristics (water droplet contact angle <5 degrees within 0.5 s or less). The nearly instantaneous sheetlike wetting promoted by the superhydrophilic multilayer prevents light scattering water droplets from forming on a surface. The low refractive index of the multilayer film (as low as 1.22) resulting from the presence of nanopores was found to impart excellent antireflection properties. Glass slides coated on both sides with a nanoporous multilayer film exhibited transmission levels as high as 99.8%. Stable superhydrophilic wetting characteristics were obtained only after a critical number of bilayers were deposited onto a surface. The assembly conditions (solution pH and nanoparticle concentration), as well as the choice of nanoparticle size, were found to strongly influence film properties. It is suggested that the superhydrophilic behavior is driven by the rapid infiltration of water into a 3D nanoporous network created under specific assembly conditions.

Controlled drug release from porous polyelectrolyte multilayers

Microporous and nanoporous polyelectrolyte multilayer films have been explored as ultrathin coatings for controlled drug release. Ketoprofen and cytochalasin D were successfully loaded into nanoporous films and showed zero-order release kinetics over a period of many days. In addition to homogeneous porous multilayers, heterostructures comprising porous regions stacked alternately with nonporous regions were assembled. The heterostructures behaved as dielectric mirrors, which made it possible to optically monitor the loading process. The effects of varying the number of layers in porous and nonporous regions as well as the pore size on the drug release properties were studied. Nonporous regions in the film had no effect on the release rate or duration of release. The amount of drug released could be tuned by varying the number of layers in the porous regions of films, and the release rate depended on the pore size in the films. Microporous multilayers exhibited a Fickian diffusion of drug that was approximately twice as fast as the corresponding nanoporous films. Finally, cell culture experiments with WT NR6 fibroblasts confirmed that cytochalasin D retained its ability to inhibit mitosis after release from the multilayers.

Wear reduction of orthopaedic bearing surfaces using polyelectrolyte multilayer nanocoatings

This work explores the use of conformal polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coatings for wear reduction of orthopedic bearing surfaces. These films, with easily tunable architectures, provide excellent adhesion to a wide variety of metallic, plastic, and ceramic substrates. For this study, PEM films, only a few hundred nanometers thick, were assembled by sequential adsorption of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride). It was observed that the pH of the polylectrolyte solutions used for film assembly needs careful consideration to avoid any adverse effects on film structure when exposed to physiological conditions of pH and ionic strength. The wear reducing capacity of these coatings in the presence of bovine calf serum-lubricant solution was established for metal/metal systems at the meso/microscale over 30 cycles of reciprocating motion, as well as for the commonly used metal/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) system over 500,000 cycles of bi-directional motion in a macroscale pin-on-disk test. In the latter case, the use of the films reduced UHMWPE wear by up to 33% when compared with the uncoated control. This is the first clinically relevant laboratory demonstration of the wear-reducing ability of these films. Further optimization will be needed before this novel class of materials can be used by the orthopedic community.

Ubiquitin-ovomucoid fusion proteins as model substrates for monitoring degradation and deubiquitination by proteasomes

Protein degradation by 26S proteasomes requires the coordinated action of multiple binding and catalytic activities to process ubiquitinated protein substrates. For the purpose of studying conjugate degradation independently of substrate targeting and unfolding steps, we have developed substrates based on an N-terminal fusion of ubiquitin to an irreversibly unfolded protein, the 83 amino acid HA epitope-tagged first domain of chicken ovomucoid. Fluorescent labeling of the six cysteines in the ovomucoid moiety (OM) with Lucifer Yellow iodoacetamide yields UbOM(LY); the ubiquitin in the fusion protein can be extended by the addition of a K48-linked polyubiquitin chain to form Ub(n)OM(LY). UbOM(LY) derivatives provide versatile substrates to monitor both protein degradation and deubiquitination by 26S proteasomes in vitro. Comparisons of polyubiquitin conjugates of unfolded OM(LY) with folded dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in degradation assays can help resolve and identify the rate-limiting steps in proteasome degradation.

Toothbrush abrasions and noncarious cervical lesions: evolving concepts

Toothbrush abrasion at the cervical areas of teeth is generally thought to be a result of frequent or forceful toothbrushing, faulty or vigorous technique, filament stiffness or design, dominant hand dexterity, or abrasive dentifrices. However, a review of the evidence-based literature cannot conclusively establish any one factor as the primary etiology of cervical abrasions because of inherent methodological limitations and conflicting results. Rather, a variety of factors related to toothbrushing may act in concert with dental erosion and, possibly, occlusal loading in the creation of noncarious cervical lesions. Individual variation also may make some individuals more susceptible to development and may modify the progression of those lesions. Individual variations may involve oral and dental anatomy, periodontal status or phenotype, and periodontal disease history and treatment. Further research is needed to clearly assess the interaction of all those factors in the development of cervical lesions. Therefore, awareness of a multifactorial etiology in noncarious cervical lesions may help the clinician to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

Antibacterial properties of Ag nanoparticle loaded multilayers and formation of magnetically directed antibacterial microparticles

Antibacterial coatings based on hydrogen-bonded multilayers containing in situ synthesized Ag nanoparticles were created on planar surfaces and on magnetic colloidal particles. We report the antibacterial properties of these coatings, determined using a disk-diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) test, as a function of the film thickness and the concentration of Ag nanoparticles in the hydrogen-bonded multilayers. The zone of inhibition (ZoI) determined by the disk-diffusion test increases as the thickness of the multilayer film is increased. Results obtained for the values of the ZoI as a function of film thickness can be described adequately with a simple diffusion model (i.e., the square of the zone of inhibition (ZoI) depended linearly on the logarithm of the thickness of the silver-loaded films). This observation suggests that, in order to incrementally increase the ZoI, an exponentially increasing amount of Ag is required within the multilayers. In general, there was no statistically significant correlation between the zone of inhibition and the number of Ag loading and reduction cycles. The duration of sustained release of antibacterial Ag ions from these coatings, however, could be prolonged by increasing the total supply of zerovalent silver in the films via multiple loading and reduction cycles. These results indicate that the release of silver is controlled by an oxidation mechanism at the surface of the nanoparticles and that repeated loading and reduction of silver leads preferentially to growth of the existing silver nanoparticles in the film as opposed to nucleation of new Ag nanoparticles. We also show that magnetic microspheres coated with silver nanoparticle loaded hydrogen-bonded multilayer thin films can be used to deliver antibacterial agents to specific locations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nanocomposite coated microspheres was determined by the agar dilution technique: antibacterial magnetic microspheres with higher concentrations of Ag nanoparticles exhibited lower MIC values.

Structure and mechanisms of the proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzyme USP14

The ubiquitin-specific processing protease (UBP) family of deubiquitinating enzymes plays an essential role in numerous cellular processes. Mammalian USP14 (Ubp6 in yeast) is unique among known UBP enzymes in that it is activated catalytically upon specific association with the 26S proteasome. Here, we report the crystal structures of the 45-kDa catalytic domain of USP14 in isolation and in a complex with ubiquitin aldehyde, which reveal distinct structural features. In the absence of ubiquitin binding, the catalytic cleft leading to the active site of USP14 is blocked by two surface loops. Binding by ubiquitin induces a significant conformational change that translocates the two surface loops thereby allowing access of the ubiquitin C-terminus to the active site. These structural observations, in conjunction with biochemical characterization, identify important regulatory mechanisms for USP14.

The deubiquitinating enzyme UCH37 interacts with Smads and regulates TGF-β signalling

Disruption of components in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signalling cascade is a common occurrence in human cancers. TGF-beta pathway activation is accomplished via serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular Smad transcription factors. A key regulatory step involves specific ubiquitination by Smurfs that mediate the proteasomal degradation of Smads and/or receptors. Here, we report a novel interaction between Smads and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase UCH37, a deubiquitinating enzyme that could potentially reverse Smurf-mediated ubiquitination. In GST pull down experiments, UCH37 bound weakly to Smad2 and Smad3, and bound very strongly to Smad7 in a region that is distinct from the -PY- motif in Smad7 that interacts with Smurf ubiquitin ligases. Endogenous Smad7 and UCH37 formed a stable complex in U4A/JAK1 cells, and FLAG-Smad7 co-immunoprecipitated with HA-UCH37 in transfected HEK-293 cells. In addition, we show that UCH37 can deubiquitinate and stabilize the type I TGF-beta receptor. Furthermore, overexpression of UCH37 upregulates TGF-beta-dependent transcription, and this effect is reversed in cells subject to RNAi-mediated knockdown of endogenous UCH37. These findings support a new role for deubiquitinating enzymes in the control of the TGF-beta signalling pathway, and provide a novel molecular target for the design of inhibitors with therapeutic potential in cancer.

Myosin V attachment to cargo requires the tight association of two functional subdomains

The myosin V carboxyl-terminal globular tail domain is essential for the attachment of myosin V to all known cargoes. Previously, the globular tail was viewed as a single, functional entity. Here, we show that the globular tail of the yeast myosin Va homologue, Myo2p, contains two structural subdomains that have distinct functions, namely, vacuole-specific and secretory vesicle–specific movement. Biochemical and genetic analyses demonstrate that subdomain I tightly associates with subdomain II, and that the interaction does not require additional proteins. Importantly, although neither subdomain alone is functional, simultaneous expression of the separate subdomains produces a functional complex in vivo. Our results suggest a model whereby intramolecular interactions between the globular tail subdomains help to coordinate the transport of multiple distinct cargoes by myosin V.

Large area two-dimensional B cell arrays for sensing and cell-sorting applications

Regular arrays of nonadherent B cells over large areas were produced with the use of micropatterned molecular templates consisting of a newly designed poly(allylamine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) polycation graft copolymer. Polymer-on-polymer stamping (POPS) techniques were applied successfully to create micron scale patterns of the graft copolymer on negatively charged multilayer surfaces without losing resistance to the nonspecific adsorption of proteins. To generate templates for B cell arrays, the characteristics of the patterned surface were modified via introduction of surface biotinylation and specific protein adsorption. The qualities of B cell arrays resulting from each template suggest the binding strength between nonadherent B cells and the template surface is the controlling factor in the fabrication of clean and regular arrays of immobilized lymphocytes over large areas, which is critical in many bio-technological and immunological applications.

Wedged cervical lesions produced by toothbrushing

PURPOSE

To compare the morphology of experimentally induced cervical toothbrush abrasion lesions to teeth demonstrating non-carious cervical lesions in vivo.

METHODS

Eighteen premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were each subjected to 80 hours (1.4 million strokes) of horizontal brushing in a custom fabricated toothbrushing machine. Toothpaste slurry was applied continuously and specimens were subjected to 300 gms of toothbrushing force. Denture base resin was used to simulate gingival recession of 1 mm and a sulcus width of 0.1 mm. Cervical abrasions were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy and classified as either V-shape/wedged vs. U-shape/rounded lesions. When lesions exhibited both shapes, they were classified as mixed. Shapes of experimentally induced lesions then were compared to naturally occurring ones found on extracted premolars. RESULTSts: Experimentally induced toothbrush abrasion duplicated the classical clinical shapes. Half (9/18) of the experimentally induced toothbrush abrasions exhibited wedged lesions, 28% (5/18) showed a mixed wedged/rounded lesion, and 22% (4/18) showed rounded lesions. Serial photography showed progression of the morphology of the lesions. Toothbrush abrasion apparently begins apical to the cemento-enamel junction, progresses to dentin, and then undermines enamel with loss of the original cemento-enamel junction. Wedged lesions may appear with the apex oriented coronal or apical, or may be symmetrical.

Bioinert solution-cross-linked hydrogen-bonded multilayers on colloidal particles

Bioinert polyelectrolyte multilayers comprised of poly(acrylic acid) and polyacrylamide were deposited on colloidal particles (1.7 microm in diameter) at low pH conditions by layer-by-layer assembly using hydrogen-bonding interactions. The multilayer films were coated uniformly on the colloidal particles without causing any flocculation of the colloids, and the deposited films were subsequently cross-linked by a single treatment of a carbodiimide aqueous solution. The lightly cross-linked multilayer films show excellent stability at physiological conditions (pH 7.4, phosphate-buffered saline), whereas untreated multilayer films dissolved. The multilayer-coated surfaces, both on flat substrates and on colloidal particles, exhibit excellent resistance toward mammalian cell adhesion. With this new solution-based cross-linking method, bioinert H-bonded multilayer coatings offer potential for biomedical applications.

Esthetic management of peripheral giant cell granuloma

BACKGROUND

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a relatively rare hyperplastic lesion of the oral cavity. The lesion occurs in females more frequently than males and more often in the mandible than the maxilla. Although the precise etiology of PGCG is unknown, it might represent a local reaction to trauma or irritation.

METHODS

In general, treatment requires a wide excision of the lesion due to its possible recurrence.

RESULTS

This report describes the clinical and histopathological findings of PGCG diagnosed in the maxilla of a young male, as well as the successful treatment of a gingival defect that occurred following excision of the lesion, by placement of a subepithelial connective tissue graft concurrently with the biopsy procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

This report emphasizes the importance of having histopathological data to confirm the clinical diagnosis, and the importance of an adequate excision to prevent recurrence even in less extensive cases.