INVESTIGATION OF THE PRODUCTION OF TRICLOSAN/CHITOSAN NANOCAPSULES FOR FUNCTIONAL SURFACE APPLICATIONS

This study focuses on producing monodisperse nanocapsules with a triclosan/chitosan core-shell structure using the coaxial electrospray method. The coaxial electrospraying method enables the production of core/shell structured nanocapsules in a single step. The effects of flow rate, core-to-shell flow rate ratio, and needle size on the coaxial electrospray process were systematically analyzed. The resulting nanocapsule structures were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and size measurements. The experiments demonstrated that fibrillation more likely occurred when the chitosan content was highest

Constructing Antibacterial Poly(Lactic Acid)/Chitosan Nanoparticles

Single and coaxial electrospraying techniques are superior nanofabrication methods for nanomaterial production. These nanomaterials have the unique capability to manipulate various surfaces and bring diverse additional functionalities. The objectives of the present study are to produce poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/chitosan nanoparticles and investigate the synergy of nanosize effect with different morphology structures in terms of achieved functionality. The impact of ambient humidity on coating morphology was examined via a scanning electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering for size measurements and dimensional characterization of nanoparticles. The obtained results indicate that electrosprayed PLA polymer shows a tendency to have a more distinct pore structure than electrosprayed chitosan polymer. Humidity has an increasing effect on particle size. Another finding is the relationship between hygroscopic characteristics of polymer with nanoparticle size, polydispersity, surface morphology and pore structure. Overall, these methods introduced high antibacterial activity obtainment on electrosprayed surfaces. Up to 99.99% antibacterial activity was accomplished against Escherichia coli ([Formula: see text]) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria in regard to this study. The created surface layers also have the extensive potential of practicability for diversified kinds of surfaces and numerous combinations of polymers for multifunctional applications. </jats:p

Socioeconomic structure and analysis of the demand for wood raw materials in the poplar wood-processing companies of the Sakarya and Kocaeli provinces in Turkey

This study investigates the socioeconomic structure and factors affecting the demand for raw materials of the poplar wood-processing industrial companies within 11 districts of the Sakarya and Kocaeli provinces. A face-to-face survey was conducted in 53 current companies. The data were evaluated using percentage methods and the Kruskal-Wallis H-Test. The data on the raw material demand of the companies were also evaluated using statistical (factor and regression) analyses. The most important factors affecting the structure of the demand for raw materials were determined as follows: (a) the scale or size of company, (b) the demand level for products, (c) production form of the company, (d) price of raw materials, (e) external environmental conditions, (f) raw material types and features, (g) seasons, and (h) the procurement conditions for raw materials. Also, the variables influencing the change in the raw material demand were determined to be: (a) the principle activity area of the company, (b) its amount of capital, (c) the price of raw materials, and (d) the production as well as profit levels of the company. Economic, technical, and managerial proposals were developed to advise the companies on how to operate more efficiently and profitably

Three novel mutations in 20 patients with hereditary spastic paraparesis

Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) constitutes both genetic and clinically heterogeneous group of upper motor neuron diseases. Half of the individuals with autosomal dominant (AD) HSP have mutations in SPAST, ATL1, and REEP1 genes. This study was conducted to elucidate the genetic etiology of patients with the pure type AD-HSP diagnosis. The patient group consisted of 23 individuals from 6 families in Turkey. In the first step of work, Sanger sequencing (SS) was performed in ATL1, SPAST, and REEP1 genes and the second phase whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed following SS analysis for the patients with no detected mutations in these genes. The results of this study revealed that in ATL1, 6 patients have previously reported c.776C > A mutation and 6 patients have novel c.470 T > C mutation. In SPAST, 3 patients have novel c.1072G > C mutation and 2 patients have novel c.1099-1G > C mutation. WES was performed in three patients, who had no detected mutation in these genes with SS analysis. In this approach, as previously reported c.1859 T > C mutation in KIAA0196 was detected, and it was confirmed with the patient's relatives by SS. In three of patients, no HSP-associated variant could be identified in SS and WES. With this study, the molecular genetic etiology in 20 of 23 (87%) individuals that were included in this study with the utilization of SS and WES was elucidated. Utilization of SS and WES methods have enabled the identification of genetic etiology of HSP further with appropriate genetic counseling that was provided to the patients