Article
Polymer Science
Valentina Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Anton Ficai, Irina Negut, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Bianca Galateanu, Ariana Hudita
Summary: This article presents the preparation and characterization of composite coatings based on hydroxyapatite (HAp), chitosan (CS), and FGF2, and investigates their effects on attachment, growth, and differentiation of cells through in vitro experiments. The results suggest that these coatings are suitable for bone tissue engineering applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Elena Zarif, Sasa Alexandra Yehia-Alexe, Bogdan Bita, Irina Negut, Claudiu Locovei, Andreea Groza
Summary: In this study, calcium phosphate-chitosan composite layers were synthesized, and the effect of substrate temperature on the incorporation of chitosan was investigated. The degree of chitosan incorporation significantly influenced the properties and adherence strength of the composite layers. The adherence strength was diminished after chitosan deposition.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nan Zhang, Yiqian Huang, Pengfei Wei, Liya Sun, Wei Jing, Yunxia Xue, Yan Zhang, Bo Zhao, Ziang Yang
Summary: Hernia and life-threatening intestinal obstruction often occur due to abdominal wall injuries, which are difficult to regenerate due to the lack of suitable materials. In this study, a multi-therapeutic copper element was introduced to porcine small intestinal submucosa bio-patches, resulting in excellent antibacterial efficiency, cell compatibility, neovascularization, and collagen maturity. This bio-patch shows promise for preventing visceral adhesion, bacterial infection, and promoting soft tissue regeneration.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Optics
Yalun Xu, Wei Li, Tian Yu, Yanyan Li, Ruiming Li, Qianqian Lin
Summary: The introduction of an interfacial modification strategy in perovskite photodiodes effectively slows down photovoltage decay, enabling easy detection of modulated light emitting diodes and ultra-fast pulsed-lasers. These photodetectors based on polyvinylidene fluoride exhibit low noise voltage and high responsivity, showing great potential for real applications.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Simona Mirel, Alexandra Pusta, Mihaela Moldovan, Septimiu Moldovan
Summary: Recent advances in biomaterials have improved surgical options, allowing for chemical control and tissue regeneration. Various biomaterials can be used for medical devices, but infection risk is an important consideration.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wei He, Guangxiu Cao, Xueping Gan, Yubo Fan, Baoqing Pei, Xiaoming Li
Summary: Soft tissue substitutes undergo large deformations in vivo, and it is important to match the deformation behavior between substitute and tissue for effective repair. Evaluation methods for mechanical biocompatibility include physicomechanical testing, non-invasive measurement, and numerical modeling, each with its own advantages and limitations. A comprehensive summary of these methods is needed to guide the selection and improvement of evaluation methods for soft tissue substitutes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Selma Benito-Martinez, Barbara Perez-Kohler, Marta Rodriguez, Francisca Garcia-Moreno, Veronica Gomez-Gil, Gemma Pascual, Juan Manuel Bellon
Summary: The study suggests that coating meshes with chlorhexidine or rifampicin-carboxymethylcellulose biopolymer gel may help improve abdominal wall tissue repair in the presence of infection following mesh implantation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luminita Nicoleta Dumitrescu, Eusebiu-Rosini Ionita, Ruxandra Birjega, Andrada Lazea-Stoyanova, Maria-Daniela Ionita, George Epurescu, Ana-Maria Banici, Simona Brajnicov, Florin Andrei, Andreea Matei
Summary: This study presents the deposition of thin films of lamellar clays using laser techniques, focusing on the optimization of deposition parameters to achieve highly oriented crystalline films. The films were characterized using various techniques and different wetting properties were achieved by adjusting the deposition techniques and parameters.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seyedeh Soraya Mousavi, Batool Sajad, Mehrnaz Simdar
Summary: Graphene-based composite thin films were deposited on glass substrates using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) at room temperature. The annealing temperature was found to have a significant effect on the chemical properties and photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite films. The stoichiometry and optical characteristics of the films could be accurately adjusted through optimized annealing temperature. Confocal Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a composite film with features of both ZnO and GQDs at 300°C. The optimized nanocomposite film showed a high photocatalytic ability with an 84% degradation rate for dye.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dominik Maskowicz, Rafal Jendrzejewski, Wioletta Kopec, Maria Gazda, Jakub Karczewski, Pawel Niedzialkowski, Armin Kleibert, Carlos A. F. Vaz, Yann Garcia, Miroslaw Sawczak
Summary: This study successfully prepared uniform and functional thin films of Fe(pz)Pt[CN](4) nanoparticles on Si and/or glass substrates using a tunable pulsed laser. Temperature-dependent Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the spin transition in the temperature range of 275 to 290 K.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maciej J. Glowacki, Mateusz Cieslik, Miroslaw Sawczak, Adrian Koterwa, Iwona Kaczmarzyk, Rafal Jendrzejewski, Lukasz Szynkiewicz, Tadeusz Ossowski, Robert Bogdanowicz, Pawel Niedzialkowski, Jacek Ryl
Summary: Fused filament fabrication is a rapidly developing 3D printing technique, and the use of conductive carbon black polylactic acid (CB-PLA) as an electrode material requires an activation process. Research has shown that CB-PLA electrodes activated in a helium atmosphere have a relatively high electrochemically active surface area.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Alessandra Grillo, Zargham Hyder, Vivek Mudera, Alvena Kureshi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization on the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of low-cost meshes (LCM). The results showed that EO sterilization affects the mechanical properties of LCM, but they still have values close to native tissues. The biocompatibility of LCM2 was not affected by EO sterilization, as human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) attached and proliferated on the mesh.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Melissa LaPinska, Kyle Kleppe, Lars Webb, Thomas G. Stewart, Molly Olson
Summary: The study compared outcomes of robotic-assisted ventral hernia repair (RVHR) and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) procedures without myofascial release, showing generally comparable results between the two approaches.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lijing Zhang, Jiawei Sun, Peng Han, Guicun Qi, Dali Gao, Jian Che, Shengyang Tao, Yuchao Wang
Summary: This article introduces a facile and easy-to-operate strategy for surface modification on a stainless-steel mesh based on polymer-assisted laser sintering, which is used for water collection from fog. By sintering a suitable polymer film onto the mesh, different wettability can be obtained. The experimental results show that the rationally designed patterned stainless-steel mesh exhibits excellent performance in fog water collection.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Surgery
Danni Lip Hansen, Siv Fonnes, Jacob Rosenberg
Summary: Spin is commonly found in articles reporting on robot-assisted groin hernia repair, and its presence is significantly higher in studies funded by or receiving grants from the robot company. Readers should exercise caution when reading similar literature.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florin Andrei, Andreea Andrei, Ruxandra Birjega, Eduard Nicolae Sirjita, Alina Irina Radu, Maria Dinescu, Valentin Ion, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Valentin Serban Teodorescu, Nicu Doinel Scarisoreanu
Summary: The study focused on the n-type tungsten oxide (WO3) semiconductor as a suitable photoanode for water decomposition reaction due to its physical and chemical properties. The research investigated the impacts of structural and optical changes in WO3 thin films on their photoelectrochemical PEC water-splitting properties. Results revealed that WO3 thin film prepared with a laser emitting at 355 nm wavelength exhibited the highest photocurrent density in acidic solution.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Alexandra Palla-Papavlu, Stefan Ioan Voicu, Maria Dinescu
Summary: SAW devices have attracted research attention for their unique functional characteristics in detecting chemical species. Efforts are being directed towards developing and integrating new materials as sensing elements in SAW sensor technology to meet the challenges of sensitive and selective gas sensing. This includes the use of engineered complex materials such as polymers and functionalized carbonaceous materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florin Andrei, Valentin Ion, Ruxandra Birjega, Maria Dinescu, Nicoleta Enea, Dan Pantelica, Maria Diana Mihai, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Valentin Serban Teodorescu, Ioan-Cezar Marcu, Nicu Doinel Scarisoreanu
Summary: The study investigates the formation of self-assembled nanodomains in LaFeO3 epitaxial thin films and their effects on the photoelectrochemical properties, revealing detrimental effects on PEC functional properties when nanopyramids-like domains appear after a thickness threshold. The research provides insights into the structural and stoichiometric features that influence the photocurrent density and onset potential exhibited by LFO photoelectrodes. Moreover, the highest photocurrent density values were observed for the thinnest LFO/Nb:SrTiO3 sample, showing excellent stability over time and unbiased hydrogen evolution from water.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicoleta-Luminita Dumitrescu, Madalina Icriverzi, Anca Bonciu, Paula Florian, Antoniu Moldovan, Anca Roseanu, Laurentiu Rusen, Valentina Dinca, Florin Grama
Summary: This study aims to design and obtain synthetic biointerfaces using MAPLE technique and study their influence on cell behavior. The evaluations of coating characteristics reveal that the MAPLE deposition method with DMSO solvent and fluences of 350-450 mJ/cm(2) is more suitable for bioengineering applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Florin Andrei, Iulian Boerasu, Mihaela Filipescu, Alexandra Palla-Papavlu
Summary: In this work, electrochemical electrodes were modified with tin oxide and Pd-doped tin oxide using pulsed laser-induced forward transfer. The transfer conditions were optimized and the transferred material was evaluated morphologically and chemically. The modified electrodes showed enhanced cathodic peak for copper ion detection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Craciun, Florin Andrei, Anca Bonciu, Simona Brajnicov, Tatiana Tozar, Mihaela Filipescu, Alexandra Palla-Papavlu, Maria Dinescu
Summary: This work focuses on the application of MAPLE in the development of electrochemical sensors for nitrite detection in water. The modified carbon-based screen-printed electrodes with a composite coating of CNTs, chitosan, and C32H16FeN8 show improved electrochemical response towards nitrite oxidation. The MAPLE modified electrodes have a low detection limit of 0.12 mu M, making them highly useful for nitrite detection.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dumitru Manica, Valentin Ion, Mihai Sopronyi, Florin Andrei, Anca Bonciu, Nicu Scarisoreanu
Summary: This study presents the deposition of large area Al2O3 thin films on silicon wafers using a pulsed laser deposition installation, aiming to provide a protective layer with high uniformity, hardness, and modulus of elasticity. It contributes to the knowledge on manufacturing Al2O3 thin films for large area applications, such as tribological or nuclear applications.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra Palla-Papavlu, Sorin Vizireanu, Mihaela Filipescu, Thomas Lippert
Summary: This study reports a rapid, efficient, and solvent-free laser-based method for fabricating ultra-sensitive ammonia sensors, and validates its excellent performance in detecting ammonia concentrations. Laser-printed carbon nanowall-based sensors show low detection limits and fast response times, as well as high stability and durability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adriana Elena Balan, Bogdan Ionut Bita, Sorin Vizireanu, Gheorghe Dinescu, Ioan Stamatin, Alexandra Maria Isabel Trefilov
Summary: We designed a novel cathode microporous layer (MPL) based on highly hydrophobic carbon nanowalls (CNW) and produced high-quality MPLs using plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition techniques. The MPLs exhibited high porosity, good stability, considerable durability, high hydrophobicity, and substantial conductivity. Single-fuel-cell testing showed improved power performance comparable to industrial quality membrane assemblies.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nicoleta Enea, Valentin Ion, Cristian Viespe, Izabela Constantinoiu, Octavian Buiu, Cosmin Romanitan, Nicu Doinel Scarisoreanu
Summary: In this study, the specific interaction between a modified surface and various gases in gas sensor applications was investigated. The sensitivity of the sensor was enhanced by depositing a conductive polymer on the surface of a piezoelectric ceramic material. The frequency responses of the sensors to different gases were measured to observe differences in their performance based on deposition conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simona Nistorescu, Madalina Icriverzi, Paula Florian, Anca Bonciu, Valentina Marascu, Nicoleta Dumitrescu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Laurentiu Rusen, Alexandra Mocanu, Anca Roseanu, Anisoara Cimpean, Florin Grama, Valentina Dinca, Daniel A. A. Cristian
Summary: Nowadays, coating device surfaces with polymers that have specific characteristics to prevent undesired biological responses is an optimal strategy for developing efficient implants for biomedical applications. Phosphorylcholine-based polymers with their ability to resist cell and bacterial adhesion, particularly zwitterionic ones, are of interest. This study investigated the use of the Matrix-Assisted Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique to functionalize Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces with zwitterionic poly(2-Methacryloyloxyethyl-Phosphorylcholine) (pMPC) polymer. The evaluation of the physical-chemical properties of the new coatings showed that this technique can achieve uniform and stable hydrophilic pMPC thin layers on hydrophobic PDMS without any pre-treatment, overcoming the major disadvantage of hydrophobicity recovery.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Bonciu, L. Cremer, A. Calugaru, E. Vlase, C. Coman, Alexandra Palla-Papavlu, Dan Alin Cristian, F. Grama
Summary: This study focuses on the fabrication of thin films for the design of transdermal patches using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose (EC) polymer blends impregnated with captopril via matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). The films were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, such as morphology, chemistry, drug content, and in vivo animal irritancy and skin sensitivity. The results showed that the morphology and drug release profile of the films can be tuned by adjusting the HPMC: EC ratio, and there was no interaction observed between captopril and the polymers. The skin irritation studies demonstrated the compatibility of captopril with both the polymer blend and the skin. Overall, the application of MAPLE for the fabrication of polymer blends shows great potential for transdermal drug delivery systems.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anca Florina Bonciu, Florin Andrei, Alexandra Palla-Papavlu
Summary: This study demonstrates the laser-induced forward transfer of PEDOT:PSS:GO composites onto flexible screen-printed electrodes and shows that the PEDOT:PSS:GO ratio and the addition of an intermediate release layer in the LIFT process play an important role in the electrochemical response.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mijaela Acosta Gentoiu, Rafael Garcia Gutierrez, Jose Joaquin Alvarado Pulido, Javier Montano Peraza, Marius Volmer, Sorin Vizireanu, Stefan Antohe, Gheorghe Dinescu, Ricardo Alberto Rodriguez-Carvajal
Summary: In this study, the differences in the magnetotransport properties of carbon nanowalls (CNWs) grown by Plasma-Enhanced CVD were investigated. The deposition temperature was found to influence the disorder microstructure of the CNWs. Lower disorder resulted in weak localization transitioning to weak antilocalization, while higher disorder led to positive Hopping mechanism and diffusion transport by graphene nanocrystallites in low field. The samples showed a similarity in isoline density of the magnetoresistance at low temperature (<50 K), which was explained in the context of magnetization and independent of the number of defects. Controllable modulation of the magnetotransport properties can be achieved by changing the microstructure of the CNWs.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Francesco Cordero, Floriana Craciun, Francesco Trequattrini, Simona Ionita, Daniel Lincu, Raul-Augustin Mitran, Victor Fruth, Simona Brajnicov, Antoniu Moldovan, Maria Dinescu
Summary: We investigated the dielectric and anelastic spectra of molecular piezoelectric materials TMCM-MnCl3 and TMCM-Mn0.95M0.05Cl3. The dielectric permittivity decreases at the structural transition temperature, indicating the formation of ferroelectric domains. Elastic anomalies also occur, showing the improper character of the ferroelectric transition. Thermally activated relaxation processes are observed below room temperature, attributed to point defects such as Cl vacancies and their complexes with TMCM vacancies. Cu and Fe substitutions enhance the losses attributed to domain wall relaxation. Water condensation in the powders compacted by cold pressing is observed. The piezoelectric activity of the films is assessed by PFM.
