5 research outputs found
Mechanically Robust Plasma-Activated Interfaces Optimized for Vascular Stent Applications
The long-term performance
of many medical implants is limited by the use of inherently incompatible
and bioinert materials. Metallic alloys, ceramics, and polymers commonly
used in cardiovascular devices encourage clot formation and fail to
promote the appropriate molecular signaling required for complete
implant integration. Surface coating strategies have been proposed
for these materials, but coronary stents are particularly problematic
as the large surface deformations they experience in deployment require
a mechanically robust coating interface. Here, we demonstrate a single-step
ion-assisted plasma deposition process to tailor plasma-activated
interfaces to meet current clinical demands for vascular implants.
Using a process control-feedback strategy which predicts crucial coating
growth mechanisms by adopting a suitable macroscopic plasma description
in combination with noninvasive plasma diagnostics, we describe the
optimal conditions to generate highly reproducible, industry-scalable
stent coatings. These interfaces are mechanically robust, resisting
delamination even upon plastic deformation of the underlying material,
and were developed in consideration of the need for hemocompatibility
and the capacity for biomolecule immobilization. Our optimized coating
conditions combine the best mechanical properties with strong covalent
attachment capacity and excellent blood compatibility in initial testing
with plasma and whole blood, demonstrating the potential for improved
vascular stent coatings
Plasma Synthesis of Carbon-Based Nanocarriers for Linker-Free Immobilization of Bioactive Cargo
Multifunctional
nanoparticles are increasingly employed to improve
biological efficiency in medical imaging, diagnostics, and treatment
applications. However, even the most well-established nanoparticle
platforms rely on multiple-step wet-chemistry approaches for functionalization
often with linkers, substantially increasing complexity and cost,
while limiting efficacy. Plasma dust nanoparticles are ubiquitous
in space, commonly observed in reactive plasmas, and long regarded
as detrimental to many manufacturing processes. As the bulk of research
to date has sought to eliminate plasma nanoparticles, their potential
in theranostics has been overlooked. Here we show that carbon-activated
plasma-polymerized nanoparticles (nanoP<sup>3</sup>) can be synthesized
in dusty plasmas with tailored properties, in a process that is compatible
with scale up to high throughput, low-cost commercial production.
We demonstrate that nanoP<sup>3</sup> have a long active shelf life,
containing a reservoir of long-lived radicals embedded during their
synthesis that facilitate attachment of molecules upon contact with
the nanoparticle surface. Following synthesis, nanoP<sup>3</sup> are
transferred to the bench, where simple one-step incubation in aqueous
solution, without the need for intermediate chemical linkers or purification
steps, immobilizes multiple cargo that retain biological activity.
Bare nanoP<sup>3</sup> readily enter multiple cell types and do not
inhibit cell proliferation. Following functionalization with multiple
fluorescently labeled cargo, nanoP<sup>3</sup> retain their ability
to cross the cell membrane. This paper shows the unanticipated potential
of carbonaceous plasma dust for theranostics, facilitating simultaneous
imaging and cargo delivery on an easily customizable, functionalizable,
cost-effective, and scalable nanoparticle platform
Puncher et al_Thunnus thynnus_384 SNPs with flanking sequences
"Puncher et al_Thunnus thynnus_384 SNPs with flanking sequences.txt" contains the flanking sequences of 384 SNPs discovered using reduced representation sequence libraries, 221 of which passed quality criteria and 95 that were used for population structure analysis
Puncher et al_Thunnus thynnus_95loci_723individuals_27samples
Puncher et al_Thunnus thynnus_95loci_723individuals_27sample
Puncher et al_Thunnus thynnus_221loci_167individuals_9samples
Puncher et al_Thunnus thynnus_221loci_167individuals_9sample