Characterization of the mechanical properties of the cortex region of human hair fibers by multiparametric atomic force microscopy mapping.

We show the benefit of the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in spectroscopy force mode (FV: force volume) for evaluation of the cosmetic active effectiveness in improving the mechanical properties of human hair fibers cortex region. For this, we characterized human hair fibers without and with chemical damage caused by bleaching process. Fiber and resin (embedding material) data were obtained simultaneously in the mapping in order to have the resin data as a reference to ensure a coherent comparison between data from the different fiber groups.

Biofunctionalization of surfaces to minimize undesirable effects in cardiovascular assistance devices.

Background: The reactivity of blood with non-endothelial surface is a challenge for long-term Ventricular Assist Devices development, usually made with pure titanium, which despite of being inert, low density and high mechanical resistance it does not avoid the thrombogenic responses. Here we tested a modification on the titanium surface with Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures followed by Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating in different thicknesses to customize the wettability profile by changing the surface energy of the titanium.

Methods: Four different surfaces were proposed: (1) Pure Titanium as Reference Material (RM), (2) Textured as Test Sample (TS), (3) Textured with DLC 0.

Role of galectin-3 in the elastic response of radial growth phase melanoma cancer cells.

Melanoma is originated from the malignant transformation of the melanocytes and is characterized by a high rate of invasion, the more serious stage compromising deeper layers of the skin and eventually leading to the metastasis. A high mortality due to melanoma lesion persists because most of melanoma lesions are detected in advanced stages, which decreases the chances of survival. The identification of the principal mechanics implicated in the development and progression of melanoma is essential to devise new early diagnosis strategies.

Determination of the composition and thickness of chromel and alumel thin films on different substrates by quantitative energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis.

Thin films of two alloys (chromel and alumel), with thickness less than 100 nm, were obtained by plasma deposition technique, namely filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA). The elemental analyses were performed by quantitative energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The applicability of EDS to such thin films as these was established by analysis of films deposited on substrates of different atomic numbers, specifically vitreous carbon, silicon, copper, and tin.

Licochalcone A-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles improve antischistosomal activity and .

To isolate licochalcone A (LicoA) from licorice, prepare LicoA-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (L-SLNs) and evaluate the L-SLNs and against . LicoA was obtained by chromatographic fractionation and encapsulated in SLNs by a modified high shear homogenization method. L-SLNs showed high encapsulation efficiency, with satisfactory particle size, polydispersity index and Zeta potential.

Self-assembled Au and Pt nanoparticles in Poly(methyl methacrylate).

Nanocomposites formed by metal nanoparticles self-assembled in an insulator matrix are of great technological importance. Applications include surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy based biosensors, optical devices, photovoltaic cells, and more. Self-assembling of nanocomposites using low energy ion implantation offers a fast and low cost process.

Tooth tissue engineering: the influence of hydrophilic surface on nanocrystalline diamond films for human dental stem cells.

New techniques for tissue engineering (TE) are rapidly emerging. The basic concept of autologous TE is to isolate cells from small biopsy specimens, and to expand these cells in culture for subsequent seeding onto biodegradable scaffolds. Nanocrystalline diamond films have attracted the attention of researchers from a variety of different areas in recent years, due to their unique and exceptional properties.

Effects of fluoride or nanohydroxiapatite on roughness and gloss of bleached teeth.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe roughness and gloss alterations of enamel after treatment with 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and after polishing with 2% neutral sodium fluoride (SF) or a dental tooth paste containing nanohydroxiapatite particles (nHA) using power spectral density (PSD) description, roughness parameters (Ra, RMS, and Z range) and gloss analysis.

Methods: An atomic force microscope (AFM) and a spectrophotometer were used to analyze eighteen specimens of upper incisors. After initial analyses, all specimens were bleached with 38% HP for 135 min.

Relationship between surface topography and energy density distribution of Er,Cr:YSGG beam on irradiated dentin: an atomic force microscopy study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess by atomic force microscopy (AFM) the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser application on the surface microtopography of radicular dentin.

Background: Lasers have been used for various purposes in dentistry, where they are clinically effective when used in an appropriate manner. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser can be used for caries prevention when settings are below the ablation threshold.