National Institute Of Materials Physics - Romania

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782 articles found

1. Synthetic peptide array on gold for the electrochemical assessment of the 20S proteasome activity and effect of inhibitory compounds

Authors: Barsan, MM; Serban, A; Onea, M; Wysocka, M; Lesner, A; Diculescu, VC

Published: FEB 1 2023, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 610, 155620, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.155620

A sensor for the enzymatic activity and inhibition of the 20S proteasome was developed by immobilizing the synthetic peptide ABZ-VVSYAMG-(O2Oc)2-OH at Au electrodes. The detection principle is based on the elec-troactivity of ABZ, part of the ABZ-VVSY-OH moiety released from the peptide upon 20S proteasome chymo-trypsin action. The peptide was immobilized on a para-amino thiophenol (PATP) self-assembled monolayer on Au electrode by cross-linking its amino group to the -(O2Oc)2-OH moiety of the peptide (Au/PATP/peptide). The immobilization of the peptide and its interaction with 20S proteasome was investigated by SEM, QCM, SPR, ATR-FTIR and electrochemistry. The activity of 20S proteasome was assessed electrochemically by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) after the immersion Au/PATP/peptide in 20S proteasome solution. CV study showed a decrease in both capacitive and faradaic currents corresponding to the ABZ-VVSY-OH removal, allowing the quantification of the 20S proteasome activity. The EIS study revealed that the resis-tance corresponding to charge transfer reactions at the peptide/solution interface correlated to the ABZ redox reaction, decreased linearly with increasing the incubation time in 20S proteasome solution. The perfected assay was applied for the investigation of the inhibitory effect of one synthetic, bortezomib, and two naturally occurring, epoxomicin, and lactacystin inhibitors.

2. Novel cells integrated biosensor based on superoxide dismutase on electrospun fiber scaffolds for the electrochemical screening of cellular stress

Authors: Sanz, CG; Aldea, A; Oprea, D; Onea, M; Enache, AT; Barsan, MM

Published: JAN 15 2023, BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS, 220, 114858, DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114858

A novel electrochemical biosensor was developed to monitor fibroblast cells stress levels for the first time in situ under external stimuli based on the recognition of superoxide anion released upon cell damage. The biosensor comprised metallized polycaprolactone electrospun fibers covered with zinc oxide for improved cell adhesion and signal transduction, whilst stable bioconjugates of mercaptobenzoic acid-functionalized gold nanoparticles/ superoxide dismutase were employed as recognition bioelements. Biosensors were first tested and optimized for in situ generated superoxide detection by fixed potential amperometry at +0.3 V, with minimal interferences from electroactive species in cell culture media. L929 fibroblast cells were then implanted on the optimized biosensor surface and the biosensor morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy, which illustrated the network-type pattern of fibroblasts adjacent to the fiber scaffold. Fibroblast stress was induced by zymosan and monitored at the cells integrated biosensor using fixed potential amperometry (CA) with a sensitivity of 26 nA cm-2 mu g mL-1 zymosan and electrochemical impedance spectros-copy (EIS), with similar sensitivity of the biosensor considering the Rs and Z' parameters of around 0.13 omega cm2 mu g-1 mL and high correlation factors R2 of 0.9994. The obtained results underline the applicability of the here developed biosensor for the electrochemical screening of the fibroblast cells stress. The concept in using low-cost biocompatible polymeric fibers as versatile scaffolds for both enzyme immobilization and cell adhesion, opens a new path in developing biosensors for the in-situ investigation of a variety of cellular events.

3. Microscopic mechanism of ferroelectric properties in barium hexaferrites

Authors: Turchenko, V; Bondyakov, AS; Trukhanov, S; Fina, I; Korovushkin, VV; Balasoiu, M; Polosan, S; Bozzo, B; Lupu, N; Trukhanov, A

Published: JAN 10 2023, JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS, 931, 167433, DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.167433

The microscopic mechanism of the occurrence of ferroelectric properties in M-type barium hexaferrites is investigated by experimental and first-principle computation methods. The analysis of magnetic, X-ray, and Mossbauer measurements of BaFe12O19 samples ascertains the correlation between the thermal factor in the process of annealing samples and their functional properties. The occurrence of the remnant polarization in barium hexaferrites at room temperature contradicts the description of their crystal structure in the fra-mework of centrosymmetric space group P63/mmc (No. 194), in which one of the symmetry operations is inversion center. Therefore, the crystal structure of BaFe12O19 was analyzed in the frameworks of SG P63/mmc (No. 194) and non-centrosymmetric SG P63mc (No. 186). The computed value of polarization for a non-centrosymmetric unit cell is similar to 3.5 mu C/cm2. The analysis of polarization was carried out on a path connecting the polar P63mc and non-polar P63/mmc structures and considered in terms of the total energy barrier. Our result allows ascertaining a direct relationship between the remnant polarization of the unit cell and the broken spatial-inversion symmetry in the crystal structure of M-type barium hexaferrite.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

4. Kinetics and the Effect of Thermal Treatments on the Martensitic Transformation and Magnetic Properties in Ni49Mn32Ga19 Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Ribbons

Authors: Tolea, F; Popescu, B; Bartha, C; Enculescu, M; Tolea, M; Sofronie, M

Published: JAN 2023, MAGNETOCHEMISTRY, 9, 7, DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry9010007

In our work, the kinetics of martensitic transformations and the influence of thermal treatments on martensitic transformations, as well as the related magnetic properties of the Ni49Mn32Ga19 ferromagnetic shape memory melt-spun ribbons, have been investigated. Thermal treatments at 673 K for 1, 4 and 8 h can be considered an instrument for fine-tuning the performance parameters of alloys. One-hour thermal treatments promote an improvement in the crystallinity of these otherwise highly textured ribbons, reducing internal defects and stress induced by the melt-spinning technique. Longer thermal treatments induce an important magnetization rise concomitantly with a slight and continuous increase in martensitic temperatures and transformation enthalpy. The activation energy, evaluated from differential scanning calorimeter experimental data with a Friedman model, significantly increases after thermal treatments as a result of the multi-phase coexistence and stabilization of the non-modulated martensitic phase, which increases the reverse martensitic transformation hindrance.

5. Carbon Inks-Based Screen-Printed Electrodes for Qualitative Analysis of Amino Acids

Authors: Enache, TA; Enculescu, M; Bunea, MC; Zubillaga, EA; Tellechea, E; Aresti, M; Lasheras, M; Asensio, AC; Diculescu, VC

Published: JAN 2023, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 24, 1129, DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021129

Due to the great significance of amino acids, a substantial number of research studies has been directed toward the development of effective and reliable platforms for their evaluation, detection, and identification. In order to support these studies, a new electrochemical platform based on PANI/ZnO nanowires' modified carbon inks screen-printed electrodes was developed for qualitative analysis of electroactive amino acids, with emphasis on tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). A comparative investigation of the carbon ink before and after modification with the PANI/ZnO was performed by scanning electron microscopy and by Raman spectroscopy, confirming the presence of PANI and ZnO nanowires. Electrochemical investigations by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have shown a higher charge-transfer rate constant, which is reflected into lower charge-transfer resistance and higher capacitance values for the PANI/ZnO modified ink when compared to the simple carbon screen-printed electrode. In order to demonstrate the electrochemical performances of the PANI/ZnO nanowires' modified carbon inks screen-printed electrodes for amino acids analysis, differential pulse voltammograms were obtained in individual and mixed solutions of electroactive amino acids. It has been shown that the PANI/ZnO nanowires' modified carbon inks screen-printed electrodes allowed for tyrosine and tryptophan a peak separation of more than 100 mV, enabling their screening and identification in mixed solutions, which is essential for the electrochemical analysis of proteins within the proteomics research field.

6. In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Assays of Dextran Coated Iron Oxide Aqueous Magnetic Fluids

Authors: Predoi, SA; Iconaru, SL; Predoi, D

Published: JAN 2023, PHARMACEUTICS, 15, 177, DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010177

The iron oxide nanoparticles coated with different surface coatings were studied and characterized by multiple physicochemical and biological methods. The present paper aims at estimating the toxicity in vitro and in vivo of dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids. The in vitro studies were conducted by quantifying the viability of HeLa cells after their incubation with the samples (concentrations of 62.5-125-250-500 mu g/mL at different time intervals). The estimation of the toxicity in vivo of administering dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids (DIO-AMF) with hydrodynamic diameter of 25.73 +/- 4 nm to Male Brown Norway rats has been made. Different concentrations (62.5-125-250-500 mu g/mL) of dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids were administered for 7 consecutive days. Hematology and biochemistry of the Male Brown Norway rats assessment was performed at various time intervals (24-72 h and 21-28 days) after intra-peritoneal injection. The results showed that high concentrations of DIO-AMF (250 and 500 mu g/mL) significantly increased white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to the values obtained for the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, following the administration of DIO-AMF, the levels of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After DIO-AMF administration, no significant difference was observed in the levels of alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, urea and creatinine compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that dextran coated iron oxide aqueous magnetic fluids in concentrations lower than 250 mu g/mL are reliable for medical and pharmaceutical applications.

7. Development of Novel Tetracycline and Ciprofloxacin Loaded Silver Doped Hydroxyapatite Suspensions for Biomedical Applications

Authors: Predoi, D; Iconaru, SL; Predoi, MV; Buton, N

Published: JAN 2023, ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL, 12, 74, DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010074

The objective of this study consisted of the development of new materials with antimicrobial properties at the nanometric scale that could lead to an increase in therapeutic efficacy and reduction of toxic side effects. This work focuses on obtaining and characterizing stable suspensions with narrow size distribution with antimicrobial properties. The stability of the suspensions obtained by an adapted co-precipitation method was evaluated by ultrasonic measurements. The size and size distribution of the particle populations were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Both methods of analysis showed a narrow distribution of particles. DLS gave a monomodal distribution with hydrodynamic diameters around 38 nm for ciprofloxacin embedded in silver doped hydroxyapatite (AgHA-C) and 45.7 nm for tetracycline embedded in silver doped hydroxyapatite (AgHA-T). The average diameters calculated from SEM were 17 nm for AgHA-C and 19 nm for AgHA-T. Both Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline influenced the hydroxyapatite structure, which led to the appearance of new vibrational bands characteristic of the specific chemical composition in the FTIR spectrum. The antimicrobial properties of the AgHA-C and AgHA-T suspensions were assessed using the most common reference microbial strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The results of the in vitro antimicrobial assays determined that the AgHA-C and AgHA-T suspensions exhibited exceptional antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the data revealed that the antimicrobial activity increased with the increase of the incubation time.

8. Effects of Solvent Additive and Micro-Patterned Substrate on the Properties of Thin Films Based on P3HT:PC70BM Blends Deposited by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Petre, G; Stanculescu, A; Stavarache, I; Popescu-Pelin, G; Stochioiu, A; Socol, G; Iftimie, S; Thanner, C; Rasoga, O

Published: JAN 2023, MATERIALS, 16, 144, DOI: 10.3390/ma16010144

Lately, there is a growing interest in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells due to the organic materials' properties and compatibility with various types of substrates. However, their efficiencies are low relative to the silicon ones; therefore, other ways (i.e., electrode micron/nanostructuring, synthesis of new organic materials, use of additives) to improve their performances are still being sought. In this context, we studied the behavior of the common organic bulk heterojunction (P3HT:PC70BM) deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) with/without 0.3% of 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) additive on flat and micro-patterned ITO substrates. The obtained results showed that in the MAPLE process, a small quantity of additive can modify the morphology of the organic films and decrease their roughness. Besides the use of the additive, the micro-patterning of the electrode leads to a greater increase in the absorption of the studied photovoltaic structures. The inferred values of the filling factors for the measured cells in ambient conditions range from 19% for the photovoltaic structures with no additive and without substrate patterning to 27% for the counterpart structures with patterning and a small quantity of additive.

9. Hydroxyapatite Nanopowders for Effective Removal of Strontium Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Authors: Predoi, SA; Ciobanu, SC; Chifiriuc, MC; Motelica-Heino, M; Predoi, D; Iconaru, SL

Published: JAN 2023, MATERIALS, 16, 229, DOI: 10.3390/ma16010229

Drinking water contamination has become a worldwide problem due to the highly negative effects that pollutants can have on human organisms and the environment. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) has the appropriate properties for the immobilization of various pollutants, being considered amongst the most cost-effective materials for water decontamination. The main objective of this study was to use synthesized hydroxyapatite for the elimination of Sr2+ ions from contaminated solutions. The hydroxyapatite used in the decontamination process was synthesized in the laboratory using an adapted method. The hydroxyapatite powder (HAp) resulting from the synthesis was analyzed both before and after the elimination of Sr2+ ions from contaminated solutions. The efficiency of the HAp nanoparticles in removing Sr2+ ions from contaminated solution was determined by batch adsorption experiments. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the HAp samples before and after the removal of Sr2+ ions. The ability of HAp nanoparticles to eliminate strontium ions from contaminated solutions was established. Moreover, the removal of Sr2+ ions from the contaminated aqueous solutions was highlighted by ultrasound measurements. The value of the stability parameter calculated by ultrasonic measurements after the removal of Sr2+ ions from the contaminated solution was similar to that of double distilled water whose stability was used as reference. The outcomes of the batch experiments and the parameters obtained from Langmuir and Freundlich models indicated that the HAp nanoparticles had a strong affinity for the elimination of Sr2+ ions from polluted solutions. These results emphasized that HAp nanoparticles could be excellent candidates in the development of new technologies for water remediation. More than that, the outcomes of the cytotoxic assays proved that HAp nanoparticles did not induce any noticeable harmful effects against HeLa cells and did not affect their proliferation after 1 day and 7 days of incubation.

10. Structural and transport properties of Cu2CoSnS4 films prepared by spray pyrolysis

Authors: El Khouja, O; Assahsahi, I; Nouneh, K; Touhami, ME; Secu, M; Talbi, A; Khaaissa, Y; Matei, E; Stancu, V; Galatanu, A; Galca, AC

Published: NOV 1 2022, CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, 48, DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.07.185

In the present work, stannite Cu2CoSnS4 (CCTS) films were elaborated using spray pyrolysis method on soda-lime glass, at different deposition temperatures (T-d = 250, 300, and 350 degrees C), followed by different chosen sulfurization temperatures (T-s = 450, 500, and 550 degrees C). X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the nearly single-phase formation of CCTS films at 300 degrees C deposition temperature. After sulfurization in argon flow, the XRD lines become narrower, the average crystallite size expanding above 70 nm. The Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the stannite structure formation, as well as the presence CoS2 secondary phases, which reduces at higher sulfurization temperature (550 degrees C). The energy dispersive spectroscopy results indicated atomic ratios of Cu/Co/Sn/S close to the ideal stoichiometric ratio 2:1:1:4. The room temperature photoluminescence emission is recorded with maximum in the 1.35-1.40 eV range. Thermoelectric properties are measured up to 130 degrees C, the films show poor power factor as a result of small positive Seebeck coefficients 10-45 Of K -1 and low electrical conductivity despite of having relatively high carrier concentration (similar to 10(20) cm(-3)).