Visualization of materials using the confocal laser scanning microscopy technique

Polymersomes in Drug Delivery─From Experiment to Computational Modeling

Polymersomes, composed of amphiphilic block copolymers, are self-assembled vesicles that have gained attention as potential drug delivery systems due to their good biocompatibility, stability, and versatility. Various experimental techniques have been employed to characterize the self-assembly behaviors and properties of polymersomes. However, they have limitations in revealing molecular details and underlying mechanisms. Computational modeling techniques have emerged as powerful tools to complement experimental studies and enabled researchers to examine drug delivery mechanisms at molecular resolution. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in the field of polymersome-based drug delivery systems, with an emphasis on insights gained from both experimental and computational studies. Specifically, we focus on polymersome morphologies, self-assembly kinetics, fusion and fission, behaviors in flow, as well as drug encapsulation and release mechanisms. Furthermore, we also identify existing challenges and limitations in this rapidly evolving field and suggest possible directions for future research.

Optical Measurement of the Stoichiometry of Thin-Film Compounds Synthetized From Multilayers: Example of Cu(In,Ga)Se2

The properties of centimeter-sized thin-film compound semiconductors depend upon the morphology and chemical composition of the multiple submicrometer-thick elemental and alloy precursor layers from which they are synthesized. The challenge is to characterize the individual precursor layers over these length scales during a multistep synthesis without altering or contaminating them. Conventional electron and X-ray-based morphological and compositional techniques are invasive, require preparation, and are thus incompatible with in-line synthesis processes. In a proof-of-concept study, we applied confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as a noninvasive optical imaging technique, which measures three-dimensional surface profiles with nanoscale resolution, to this challenge. Using an array of microdots containing Cu(In,Ga)Se2 semiconductor layers for solar cells as an example, we performed CLSM correlative studies to quantify morphological and layer thickness changes during four stages of a thin-film compound synthesis. Using simple assumptions, we measured the micrometer-scale spatially resolved chemical composition of stacked precursor layers to predict the final material phases formed and predict relative device performance. The high spatial resolution, coupled with the ability to measure sizeable areas without influencing the synthesis at high speed, makes CLSM an excellent prospect for research and quality control tool for thin films.

A comprehensive review on the behavior and evolution of oil droplets during oil/water separation by membranes

Membrane separation technology has significant advantages for treating oil-in-water emulsions. Understanding the evolution of oil droplets could reveal the interfacial and colloidal interactions, facilitate the design of advanced membranes, and improve the separation performances. This review on the characteristic behavior and evolution of oil droplets focuses on the advanced analytical techniques, and the subsequent fouling as well as demulsification effects during membrane separation. A detailed introduction is provided on microscopic observations and numerical simulations of the dynamic evolution of oil droplets, featuring real-time in-situ visualization and accurate reconstruction, respectively. Characteristic behaviors of these oil droplets include attachment, pinning, wetting, spreading, blockage, intrusion, coalescence, and detachment, which have been quantified by specific proposed parameters and criteria. The fouling process can be evaluated using Hermia and resistance models. The related adhesion force and intrusion pressure as well as droplet-droplet/membrane interfacial interactions can be accurately quantified using various force analysis methods and advanced force measurement techniques. It is encouraging to note that oil coalescence has been achieved through various effects such as electrostatic interactions, mechanical actions, Laplace pressure/surface free energy gradients, and synergistic effects on functional membranes. When oil droplets become destabilized and coalesce into larger ones, the functional membranes can overcome the limitations of size-sieving effect to attain higher separation efficiency. This not only bypasses the trade-off between permeability and rejection, but also significantly reduces membrane fouling. Finally, the challenges and potential research directions in membrane separation are proposed. We hope this review will support the engineering of advanced materials for oil/water separation and research on interface science in general.

The effect of surface roughening of orthodontic elastomers on hydrophobicity and in vitro adherence of Streptococcus gordonii

OBJECTIVES

Biofilm formation around orthodontic appliances causes gingivitis, enamel decalcification and caries. Bacteria adhere less readily to superhydrophobic surfaces. The aim of this study was to determine whether a superhydrophobic surface could be generated on orthodontic elastomers by surface modification in order to reduce bacterial adhesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Orthodontic elastomers were modified with sandpapers of various grit sizes (80-600 grit). Surface roughness of the modified and unmodified surfaces was assessed qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy and quantitatively with confocal microscopy. Water contact angles were measured with a goniometer to quantify hydrophobicity. Measurements were performed on unextended elastomers (100% original length) and elastomers extended to 150%, and 200% of the original length. Adhesion of Streptococcus gordonii to saliva coated elastomers was measured by counting colony forming units on agar plates.

RESULTS

Abrasion with different sandpapers produced elastomers with surface roughness (Ra) ranging from 2 to 12 μm. Contact angles followed a quadratic trend with a maximum contact angle of 104° at an Ra of 7-9 μm. Average water contact angles, when viewed perpendicular to the direction of extension, decreased from 99° to 90° when the extension was increased from 100% to 200% and increased from 100° to 103° when viewed parallel to the direction of extension. Bacterial adhesion increased as roughness increased and this effect was more pronounced with elastomer extension.

CONCLUSION

The surface roughness of orthodontic elastomers influences both their hydrophobicity and bacterial adhesion. Superhydrophobicity of elastomers could not be achieved with sandpaper abrasion.

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Imaging of Custom-Made Multi-Cylinder Phantoms: Theory and Experiment

In this work, the image formation in a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) is investigated for custom-made multi-cylinder phantoms. The cylinder structures were fabricated using 3D direct laser writing and consist of parallel cylinders with radii of 5 and 10 μm for the respective multi-cylinder phantom, with overall dimensions of about 200×200×200 μm3. Measurements were performed for different refractive index differences and by varying other parameters of the measurement system, such as pinhole size or numerical aperture (NA). For theoretical comparison, the confocal setup was implemented in an in-house developed tetrahedron-based and GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo (MC) software. The simulation results for a cylindrical single scatterer were first compared with the analytical solution of Maxwell's equations in two dimensions for prior validation. Subsequently, the more complex multi-cylinder structures were simulated using the MC software and compared with the experimental results. For the largest refractive index difference, i.e., air as the surrounding medium, the simulated and measured data show a high degree of agreement, with all the key features of the CLSM image being reproduced by the simulation. Even with a significant reduction in the refractive index difference by the use of immersion oil to values as low as 0.005, a good agreement between simulation and measurement was observed, particularly with respect to the increase in penetration depth.

Intensification of bioprocesses with filamentous microorganisms

Many industrial biotechnological processes use filamentous microorganisms to produce platform chemicals, proteins, enzymes and natural products. Product formation is directly linked to their cellular morphology ranging from dispersed mycelia over loose clumps to compact pellets. Therefore, the adjustment and control of the filamentous cellular morphology pose major challenges for bioprocess engineering. Depending on the filamentous strain and desired product, optimal morphological shapes for achieving high product concentrations vary. However, there are currently no overarching strain- or product-related correlations to improve process understanding of filamentous production systems. The present book chapter summarizes the extensive work conducted in recent years in the field of improving product formation and thus intensifying biotechnological processes with filamentous microorganisms. The goal is to provide prospective scientists with an extensive overview of this scientifically diverse, highly interesting field of study. In the course of this, multiple examples and ideas shall facilitate the combination of their acquired expertise with promising areas of future research. Therefore, this overview describes the interdependence between filamentous cellular morphology and product formation. Moreover, the currently most frequently used experimental techniques for morphological structure elucidation will be discussed in detail. Developed strategies of morphology engineering to increase product formation by tailoring and controlling cellular morphology and thus to intensify processes with filamentous microorganisms will be comprehensively presented and discussed.

Super-Resolution Imaging of Mitochondrial HClO during Cell Ferroptosis Using a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe

Ferroptosis is of great importance in physiological and pathological processes, which is associated with various inflammation-related diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Ferroptosis can cause abnormal change of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria. Hypochlorous acid (HClO) acts as a typical ROS. Therefore, it is needed to study the relationship between mitochondrial morphology and HClO changes during ferroptosis at the subcellular level. To this end, a near-infrared-excitation/emission fluorescent probe, HD-Br-1, for rapid detection of mitochondrial HClO was developed based on the specific oxidative cleavage of the N,N-dimethylthiocarbamate moiety. The fluctuation in mitochondrial HClO content and the change in mitochondrial morphology during ferroptosis were monitored in real time by super-resolution imaging. In addition, HD-Br-1 was successfully applied to monitor exogenous and endogenous mitochondrial HClO during cell ferroptosis and visualize tumor to discriminate from healthy tissues. Therefore, we believe that HD-Br-1 could provide a valuable approach for the detection of mitochondrial HClO in cancer cells as well as for understanding the ferroptosis mechanism and early diagnosis of cancers associated with ferroptosis for future research.

Real-Time Imaging of Stress in Single Spherulites and Its Relaxation at the Single-Particle Level in Semicrystalline Polymers

Crystallization-induced microscopic stress and its relaxation play a vital role in understanding crystallization behavior and mechanism. However, the real-time measurements for stress and its relaxation seem to be an unachievable task due to difficulties in simultaneous labeling, spatiotemporal discrimination, and continuous quantification. We designed a micron-sized fluorescent probe, whose fluorescence can respond to stress-induced environmental rigidity and whose three-dimensional (3D) flow can respond to stress relaxation. Using the as-prepared fluorescent probe, we established a versatile strategy to realize the real-time 3D imaging of stress and its relaxation in the crystallization process. The rigidity-responsive fluorescence clearly indicated the stress, while the 3D flow movement could quantify the stress relaxation. It is revealed that stress in spherulites increased dramatically as a result of the suppression of stress relaxation in polymer melts. The developed method provides a novel avenue to simultaneously detect stress and its relaxation in various semicrystalline polymers at the single-particle level. This success would achieve the microscopic ways to guide the development of advanced crystallization-dependent materials.

Factors Controlling Degradation of Biologically Relevant Synthetic Polymers in Solution and Solid State

The field of biodegradable synthetic polymers, which is central for regenerative engineering and drug delivery applications, encompasses a multitude of hydrolytically sensitive macromolecular structures and diverse processing approaches. The ideal degradation behavior for a specific life science application must comply with a set of requirements, which include a clinically relevant kinetic profile, adequate biocompatibility, benign degradation products, and controlled structural evolution. Although significant advances have been made in tailoring materials characteristics to satisfy these requirements, the impacts of autocatalytic reactions and microenvironments are often overlooked resulting in uncontrollable and unpredictable outcomes. Therefore, roles of surface versus bulk erosion, in situ microenvironment, and autocatalytic mechanisms should be understood to enable rational design of degradable systems. In an attempt to individually evaluate the physical state and form factors influencing autocatalytic hydrolysis of degradable polymers, this Review follows a hierarchical analysis that starts with hydrolytic degradation of water-soluble polymers before building up to 2D-like materials, such as ultrathin coatings and capsules, and then to solid-state degradation. We argue that chemical reactivity largely governs solution degradation while diffusivity and geometry control the degradation of bulk materials, with thin "2D" materials remaining largely unexplored. Following this classification, this Review explores techniques to analyze degradation in vitro and in vivo and summarizes recent advances toward understanding degradation behavior for traditional and innovative polymer systems. Finally, we highlight challenges encountered in analytical methodology and standardization of results and provide perspective on the future trends in the development of biodegradable polymers.

Image-guided/improved diseases management: From immune-strategies and beyond

Timely and accurate assessment and diagnosis are extremely important and beneficial for all diseases, especially for some of the major human disease, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Limited by the variable disease microenvironment, early imperceptible symptoms, complex immune system interactions, and delayed clinical phenotypes, disease diagnosis and treatment are difficult in most cases. Molecular imaging (MI) techniques can track therapeutic drugs and disease sites in vivo and in vitro in a non-invasive, real-time and visible strategies. Comprehensive visual imaging and quantitative analysis based on different levels can help to clarify the disease process, pathogenesis, drug pharmacokinetics, and further evaluate the therapeutic effects. This review summarizes the application of different MI techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of these major human diseases. It is hoped to shed a light on the development of related technologies and fields.

Traditional Microscopic Techniques Employed in Dental Adhesion Research-Applications and Protocols of Specimen Preparation

Microscopy is a traditional method to perform ex vivo/in vitro dental research. Contemporary microscopic techniques offer the opportunity to observe dental tissues and materials up to nanoscale level. The aim of this paper was to perform a literature review on four microscopic methods, which are widely employed in dental studies concerning the evaluation of resin-dental adhesive interfaces-confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The literature search was performed using digital databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. On the basis of key words relevant to the topic and established eligibility criteria, finally 84 papers were included in the review. Presented microscopic techniques differ in their principle of operation and require specific protocols for specimen preparation. With regard to adhesion studies, microscopy assists in the description of several elements involved in adhesive bonding, as well as in the assessment of the condition of enamel surface and the most appropriate etching procedures. There are several factors determining the quality of the interaction between the substrates which could be recognized and a potential for further implementation of microscopic techniques in dental research could be recognized, especially when these techniques are used simultaneously or combined with spectroscopic methods. Through such microscopy techniques it is possible to provide clinically relevant conclusions and recommendations, which can be easily introduced for enamel-safe bonding and bonding protocols, as well as optimal pretreatments in dentine preparation.

Preparation, Surface Characterization, and Water Resistance of Silicate and Sol-Silicate Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Dispersion Coatings for Wood

The purpose of this study was to comparatively investigate the behavior of silicate and sol-silicate coatings non-modified or modified with an organosilane on wood and on wood pre-coated with silica-mineralized primers. Adhesion strength, morphology, and water permeability and related damages were studied to evaluate the possibility of utilizing such inorganic-based coating systems for durable protection of wood without or with relatively cheap and water-borne primers. Potassium silicate and potassium methylsiliconate aqueous solutions and a colloidal silica were used for the preparation of the coatings. The white coating paints were brushed on beech wood substrates at a rate of 220 g·m-2. The coatings exhibited good coverage ability. The pull-off adhesion strength values appeared to be related to pH following a polynomial law. The adhesion strength for the silicate coatings were adequate (above 3 MPa and up to 5 MPa) for wood, whereas the values for the sol-silicates were too low for practical applications. The adhesion values were in general higher for the samples cured in a climate room (23 ± 3 °C and 75 ± 2% relative humidity) than the samples cured in the ambient atmosphere of the laboratory (23 ± 3 °C and 25 ± 5% relative humidity). The presence of microdefects (cracks, holes) was revealed in the coating layers by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The surface roughness parameters assessed by confocal scanning laser microscopy were dependent on the magnification applied for their measurement. The arithmetic average roughness Sa was between 5 µm and 10 µm at magnification 5× and between 2.5 μm and 10 µm at magnification 20×. The maximum peak-to-valley height Sz confirmed the presence of open pores emerging through the coatings. The open pores constitute free pathways for water ingress through the coatings, and could explain the high water absorption of the coatings including the methysiliconate-containing silicate coating and despite the relatively high water contact angle and low wettability exhibited by this sample. The post-application of a hydrophobizing solution containing hexadecyltrimethoxysilane and dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride considerably reduced the water permeability, while application of nanosilica-containing organic primers increased the adhesion for the coatings. Silicate coatings with adhesion great enough and resistance against water damages can be generated on wood even without a primer using low silica-to-alkali ratio binders and an organosilane additive. The sol-silicate coatings appear to be applicable only with a primer. The improvement of the paint formulations to control the formation of microcracks and open pores could be useful to reduce the liquid water permeability and increase durability. Otherwise, the application of a hydrophobizing treatment can be used for this purpose.

Aberration on excitation focal spot caused by oblique interface with refractive indices discontinuous and its correction with pure-phase compensation for laser scanning microscopy

The interface of mediums with refractive indices discontinuous, for example air-glass and glass-water, are inevitable in microscopic imaging. In this work, the aberration of oblique interface with refractive index discontinuous on the laser scanning microscope was investigated theoretically with numerical simulations. It was found that the position, shape and FWHM of focal spots, were all significantly affected by the aberration due to oblique interface. The aberration can cause serious shifting of focal spots in the axial direction of beam during z -scanning and lead to an inaccurate reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) targets. The aberration can also lead to a decreasing spatial resolution. To correct the influence of the aberration, a pure-phase modulation method has been proposed. By applying a phase compensation map into a spatial light modulator (SLM), the oblique interface aberration had been corrected experimentally in a laser scanning microscope. We hope this research can attract the attention of researchers when using scanning microscope, especially for reconstructing 3D biological and material structures.

Foray into Concepts of Design and Evaluation of Microemulsions as a Modern Approach for Topical Applications in Acne Pathology

With a fascinating complexity, governed by multiple physiological processes, the skin is considered a mantle with protective functions which during lifetime are frequently impaired, triggering dermatologic disorders. As one of the most prevalent dermatologic conditions worldwide, characterized by a complex pathogenesis and a high recurrence, acne can affect the patient's quality of life. Smart topical vehicles represent a good option in the treatment of a versatile skin condition. By surpassing the stratum corneum known for diffusional resistance, a superior topical bioavailability can be obtained at the affected place. In this direction, the literature study presents microemulsions as a part of a condensed group of modern formulations. Microemulsions are appreciated for their superior profile in matters of drug delivery, especially for challenging substances with hydrophilic or lipophilic structures. Formulated as transparent and thermodynamically stable systems, using simplified methods of preparation, microemulsions have a simple and clear appearance. Their unique structures can be explained as a function of the formulation parameters which were found to be the mainstay of a targeted therapy.

Spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction and scattering of archetypal MOFs: formation, metal sites in catalysis and thin films

A comprehensive overview of characterization tools for the analysis of well-known metal–organic frameworks and physico-chemical phenomena associated to their applications.