RESUMEN

Approximately 200,000 tons of water contaminated with dyes are discharged into effluents annually, which in addition to infectious diseases constitute problems that afflict the population worldwide. This study evaluated the mechanical properties, surface structure, antimicrobial performance, and methylene blue dye-contaminant adsorption using the non-woven fabrics manufactured by melt-blowing. The non-woven fabrics are composed of nylon 6 (Ny 6) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The polymer nanocomposites were previously fabricated using variable frequency ultrasound assisted-melt-extrusion to be used in melt-blowing. Energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) images showed a homogeneous dispersion of the ZnO nanoparticles in nylon 6. The mechanical properties of the composites increased by adding ZnO compared to the nylon 6 matrix, and sample Ny/ZnO 0.5 showed the best mechanical performance. All fabric samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and fungus C. albicans, and the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles significantly improved this property compared to pure nylon 6. The absorption efficiency of methylene blue (MB), during 60 min, for the samples Ny/ZnO 0.05 and Ny/ZnO 0.25 wt%, were 93% and 65%, respectively. The adsorption equilibrium data obeyed the Langmuir isotherm.

RESUMEN

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. In stages III and IV of CKD, uremic toxins must be removed from the patient by absorption, through a treatment commonly called hemodialysis. Aiming to improve the absorption of uremic toxins, we have studied its absorption in chemically modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). This study involved the reaction between GNPs and diamines with reaction times of 30, 45 and 60 min using ultrasound waves of different amplitudes and frequencies. Functionalized GNPs were analyzed by Fourier Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersitive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis of the functional groups confirmed the presence of amide and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the GNPs by reactions of diamines with carboxylic acids and epoxides. Adsorption of uremic toxins was determined using equilibrium isotherms, where the maximum percentage of removal of uremic toxins was 97%. Dispersion of modified graphene nanoplatelets was evaluated in water, ethanol and hexane, as a result of this treatment was achieved a good and effective dispersion of diamines-modified graphene nanoplatelets in ethanol and hexane. Finally, the results of hemolysis assays of the modified graphene with amine demonstrated that it was not cytotoxic when using 500 mg/mL. The samples of modified graphene demonstrated low degree of hemolysis (<2%), so this material can be used for in vivo applications such as hemodialysis.

RESUMEN

The study of polymeric nanocomposites is a possible alternative to conventional flame retardants. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of carbon-nanotubes (CNT) and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the thermo-mechanical, flammability, and electrical properties of polypropylene (PP). In this work, PP-TiO2/CNT nanocomposites were obtained with TiO2/CNT mixtures (ratio 1:2) through the melt extrusion process, with different weight percentage of nanoparticles (1, 5, and 10 wt %). The PP-TiO2/CNT nanocomposites were characterized by DSC, TGA, MFI, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. It was possible to determine that the thermal stability of the PP increases when increasing the content of NPs. A contrary situation is observed in the degree of crystallinity and thermo-oxidative degradation, which decreased with respect to pure PP. The TiO2 NPs undergo coalition and increase their size at a lower viscosity of the nanocomposite (1 and 5 wt %). The mechanical properties decreased slightly, however, the Young's modulus presented an improvement of 10% as well as electrical conductivity, this behavior was noted in nanocomposites of 10 wt % of NPs. Flammability properties were measured with a cone calorimeter, and a reduction in the peak heat release rate was observed in nanocomposites with contents of nanoparticles of 5 and 10 wt.

RESUMEN

The complementarity of historical and contemporary processes contributes to understanding the genetic structure of continuously distributed marine species with high dispersal capabilities. Cephalorhynchus eutropia, has a continuous coastal distribution with strong genetic differentiation identified by nuclear DNA markers. We explored the historical dimension of this genetic differentiation between northern and southern populations to evaluate phylogeographic structure. Additionally, we conducted mtDNA and microsatellite analyses to detect past and recent demographic changes. The southern population was characterized by lower genetic diversity with a signal of population expansion, likely associated with ice retreat and habitat extension after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). In contrast, structure within the northern population was more consistent with stable historical population size. Approximate Bayesian Computation analyses suggested that during the LGM, C. eutropia persisted in the northern area; while the south was colonized by dispersal ~11,000 years ago followed by population expansion. This study shows that Chilean dolphin population structure is consistent with predictions from the Expansion-Contraction biogeographic model, with a poleward post-glacial shift revealed in current genetic structure. The results also confirm the validity of the population units previously identified, demonstrating their historical origin and highlighting the utility of integrating genetic markers with different temporal scale resolutions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Different coalescence processes on 1D silver nanostructures synthesized by a PVP assisted reaction in ethylene glycol at 160 °C were studied experimentally and theoretically. Analysis by TEM and HRTEM shows different defects found on the body of these materials, suggesting that they were induced by previous coalescence processes in the synthesis stage. TEM observations showed that irradiation with the electron beam eliminates the boundaries formed near the edges of the structures, suggesting that this process can be carried out by the application of other means of energy (i.e. thermal). These results were also confirmed by theoretical calculations by Monte Carlo simulations using a Sutton-Chen potential. A theoretical study by molecular dynamics simulation of the different coalescence processes on 1D silver nanostructures is presented, showing a surface energy driven sequence followed to form the final coalesced structure. Calculations were made at 1000-1300 K, which is near the melting temperature of silver (1234 K). Based on these results, it is proposed that 1D nanostructures can grow through a secondary mechanism based on coalescence, without losing their dimensionality.

RESUMEN

El dolor ha sido considerado un aspecto dentro de los sìntomas más comunes dentro de las laceraciones de la mucosa oral. El tratamiento aplicado en estos va dirigido fundamentalmente a la dismunución de esta sintomatología. Numerosos han sido los métodos para lograr este propósito, que van desde los ácidos que cauterizan la lesión, hasta sustancias protectoras y cicatrizantes. El trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar los resultados clínicos de la aplicación de un cianocrilato de n-butilo (Tisuacryl)en la disminución de las molestias dolorosas en lesiones de la mucosa oral producidas por diferentes causas. El producto se ha evaluado en esta aplicación desde 1998 en 25 pacientes, sin restringir edad o sexo que acudieron a los servicios estomatológicos de la Empresa Aerogaviota y la clìnica estomatológica Docente de Bauta con lesiones o laceraciones de la mucosa oral de cualquier localización, dimensión y etiología. Los resultados demuestran que el tratamiento con Tisuacryl disminuye el dolor en los casos de lesiones de mucosa oral, permitiendo al paciente la ingestión inmediata de alimentos(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Graphite-filled MoS2 nanotubes were synthesized by pyrolizing propylene inside MoS2 nanotubes prepared by a template-assisted technique. The large coaxial nanotubes were constituted of graphite sheets inserted between the MoS2 layers, forming the outer part, and coaxial multiwall carbon nanotubes intercalated with MoS2 inside. High-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy techniques along with molecular dynamics simulation and quantum mechanical calculations were used to characterize the samples. The one-dimensional structures exhibit diverse morphologies such as long straight and twisted nanotubes with several structural irregularities. The interplanar spacing between the MoS2 layers was found to increase from 6.3 to 7.4 A due to intercalation with carbon. Simulated HREM images revealed the presence of mechanical strains in the carbon-intercalated MoS2 layers as the reason for obtaining these twisted nanostructures. The mechanism of formation of carbon-intercalated MoS2 tubular structures and their stability and electronic properties are discussed. Our results open up the possibility of using MoS2 nanotubes as templates for the synthesis of new one-dimensional binary-phase systems.