3-Aminophenol/formaldehyde (AF) resin colloidal spheres with narrow size distribution and high nitrogen content are synthesized in the presence of urea. The obtained particles that indicated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) are spherical morphology and uniform. It can be further carbonized into carbon spheres preserving high nitrogen percent. The particle size is tunable from 300 nm to 850 nm by appropriately varying the concentration of precursor or water/ethanol volume ratio. Even using the water as an only solvent, we can also obtain spherical particles with different size. Typically, the nitrogen percent in the obtained polymer and carbon particles is as high as 10.39 wt% and 8.95 wt%, respectively. The typical surface area of resulted carbon particles obtained from nitrogen adsorption measurement is 459 m 2 g −1 . X-ray diffraction demonstrates the obtained carbon spheres are amorphous , which are expected to have practical application in the field of energy devices. The method can be considered as a low cost and facile method for mass production.
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of urethane methacrylate precursor (UMP) on the enzymatic resistance of demineralized dentin (DD) matrices. Materials and Methods: Experimental treatments containing 0 (control), 1, and 5 mmol/L UMP dissolved in an acetone (Ace) solution were formulated. Dentin matrix specimens were demineralized in vitro and immersed in the experimental treatments for 1 h. The treated specimens were then stored in 0.1 mg/mL collagenase solution for 24 h, after which their dry mass loss and hydroxyproline (HYP) release were assessed. The swelling ratios of specimens in each group were also evaluated. The interaction between UMP and the dentin matrix was observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Endogenous enzyme activity in dentin was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results: Compared with the other treatment groups, treatment with 1 mM and 5 mM UMP-Ace significantly decreased the dry mass loss, HYP release and swelling ratio of the DD matrix (p < 0.05). FE-SEM and CLSM observations showed that treatment with UMP-Ace protected the structure of the dentin matrix and decreased porosity within the dentin-collagen network. Conclusion: Treatment with 1 mM and 5 mM UMP-Ace protects DD matrix against collagenase degradation and may be clinically useful for improving the durability of the hybrid layer.
The green and high-value recycling of shrimp shell and straw remains a worldwide problem. This study aimed to investigate the potential utilization of a fermentation broth (FB) which contains shrimp shell and straw as a new source for preparation of biodegradable films. Aureobasidium pullulans and Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 were used in the fermentation. The cellulase activity was 115.92 U/mL and chitinase activity was 17.89 U/mL in FB. The polysaccharides concentration in FB was 1.05 mg/mL after 7 days of fermentation. An eco-friendly PVA-reinforced FB biodegradable film (FBBF) was successfully prepared and the effect of different plasticizers and surfactants on the mechanical, structural, and impermeability properties of the film was determined. The formation of new bonds between PVA and FB was proved by FTIR spectroscopy. The FBBF containing 0.25 % ( w/v ) glycerol and 0.01 % ( v/v ) tween-20 showed better strength properties. Elongation and water-swelling properties were highly improved by adding 0.2 % ( m/v ) citric acid. According to FE-SEM images, the smooth and tight surface of citric acid added FBBF was observed. Interestingly, the FBBF film showed good heat/moisture capacity, antifungal, and degradation properties. This report reveals a new green, and high-value recycling of straw and shrimp shell by the co-fermentation with A. pullulans and Photobacterium sp. LYM-1. It is also a novel way for the preparation of biodegradable film.