Methods to determine the interactions of micro- and nanoparticles with mucus

The present review provides an overview of methods and techniques for studying interactions of micro- and nanoparticulate drug delivery system with mucus. Nanocarriers trapped by mucus are featuring a change in particle size and zeta potential that can be utilized to predict their mucus permeation behavior. Furthermore, interactions between nanoparticulate drug delivery systems and mucus layer modify the viscoelasticity of mucus which can be detected via rheological studies and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) analysis. To have a closer look at molecular interactions between drug carrier and mucus small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is an appropriate analysis technique. Moreover, different methods to determine particle diffusion in mucus such as the newly established Transwell diffusion system, rotating silicone tube technique, multiple-particle tracking (MPT) and diffusion NMR are summarized within this review. The explanations and discussed pros and cons of collated methods and techniques should provide a good starting point for all those looking forward to move in this interesting field

Influence of Hydrostatic Extrusion Parameters on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 6082 Aluminium Alloy

score: 0collation: 197-20

Ti – Al Intermetallic Layers Produced on Titanium Alloy by Duplex Method

score: 8collation: 285-28

The Wear Mechanisms Description Of Multilayer Coatings, Performed By Transmission Electron Microscopy – An Overview Of The Own Research Work

The aim of the presented paper was to describe the wear mechanisms operating at the small length scale in multilayer coatings subjected to a mechanical testing. A hybrid PLD system (Pulsed Laser Deposition connected with magnetron sputtering) was used for the multi-layer coating deposition. Coatings were subjected to indentation, ball-on disc wear and scratch adhesion tests. Microstructure of the as-deposited coating and after mechanical tests was studied using the Scanning (SEM) and the Transmission (TEM) Electron Microscopes. The research work revealed that application of innovative multilayer coatings may allow to predict their life time and to steer their properties

Contribution of Titanium, Chromium and Carbon Buffer Interlayers to Bio-Tribological Properties of Multilayer Composites

Research studies on bio-tribological protective coatings of titanium, chromium and carbon based have been performed. Thin films were fabricated by hybrid PLD technique (PLD supported by magnetron sputtering). Coatings consisted of two parts; the inner part (first from the substrate) in each case was formed by titanium or chromium/titanium nitride or chromium nitride (Ti/TiN or Cr/Cr2N). The outer part was formed by pure DLC or multilayer DLC/Ti or Cr. No delamination was found at the interface. Titanium or chromium metallic layer was deposited as a first layer directly on the metallic substrate to avoid delamination. All individual layers were built of columnar nano-crystallites. Mechanisms of the mechanical wear of analyzed systems were presented, focusing on the cracking propagation in ball-on-disc tests using an 1 N and 5 N applied loads for 5 000 cycles. Complex microstructure analysis of presented nano-multilayer coatings, before and after mechanical tests, were performed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The highest stress concentration during mechanical uploading was moved through the multilayer coating by breaking only one layer at the time. The microstructure characterization revealed that cracking propagating in the outer part of the coating was stopped at the interface. In the case of the inner part of the coating Ti/TiN; Cr/Cr2N, ceramic layers showed brittle cracking, while metallic (Ti or Cr) ones deformed plastically. Fabricated coatings were subjected under the analysis in the biomechanical system optimized to test for the direct contact with a human whole blood. The study considered physiological conditions mainly related to the temperature and humidity and the frequency of cyclic deformation of the artificial vessel into which the tested sample was introduced