Mechanically robust alginate-based nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated by electrospinning method to mimic the natural extracellular matrix structure which benefits development and regeneration of tissues. Alginate-based nanofibres were electrospun from an alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polyelectrolyte complex. SEM images revealed the spinnability of the complex composite nanofibrous scaffolds, showing randomly oriented, ultrafine, and virtually defects-free alginate-based/MgO nanofibrous scaffolds. Here, it is shown that an alginate/PVA complex scaffold, blended with near-spherical MgO nanoparticles (⌀ 45 nm) at a predetermined concentration (10% (w/w)), is electrospinnable to produce a complex composite nanofibrous scaffold with enhanced mechanical stability. For the comparison purpose, chemically cross-linked electrospun alginate-based scaffolds were also fabricated. Tensile test to rupture revealed the significant differences in the tensile strength and elastic modulus among the alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds, and cross-linked alginate scaffolds (P < 0.05). In contrast to cross-linked alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds yielded the highest tensile strength and elastic modulus while preserving the interfibre porosity of the scaffolds. According to the thermogravimetric analysis, MgO reinforced alginate nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited improved thermal stability. These novel alginate-based/MgO scaffolds are economical and versatile and may be further optimised for use as extracellular matrix substitutes for repair and regeneration of tissues.
Methods for the fabrication of thin films with well controlled structure and properties are of great importance for the development of functional devices for a large range of applications. SILAR, the acronym for Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction, is an evolution and combination of two other deposition methods, the Atomic Layer Deposition and Chemical Bath Deposition. Due to a relative simplicity and low cost, this method has gained increasing interest in the scientific community. There are, however, several aspects related to the influence of the many parameters involved, which deserve further deepening. In this review article, the basis of the method, its application to the fabrication of thin films, the importance of experimental parameters, and some recent advances in the application of oxide films are reviewed. At first the fundamental theoretical bases and experimental concepts of SILAR are discussed. Then, the fabrication of chalcogenides and metal oxides is reviewed, with special emphasis to metal oxides, trying to extract general information on the effect of experimental parameters on structural, morphological and functional properties. Finally, recent advances in the application of oxide films prepared by SILAR are described, focusing on supercapacitors, transparent electrodes, solar cells, and photoelectrochemical devices.
BackgroundThe use of dipstick proteinuria to screen Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka is a recently debated matter of dispute. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of biomarkers: serum creatinine, cystatin C and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) for screening CKDu in Sri Lanka.MethodsForty-four male CKDu patients and 49 healthy males from a CKDu-endemic region were selected. Meanwhile, 25 healthy males from a non-endemic region were selected as an absolute control. The diagnostic accuracy of each marker was compared using the above three study groups.ResultsIn receiver operating characteristics (ROC) plots for creatinine, cystatin C and ACR, values of area under the curve (AUC) were 0.926, 0.920 and 0.737 respectively when CKDu was compared to non-endemic control. When CKDu was compared to endemic control, AUCs of above three analytes were distinctly lower as 0.718, 0.808 and 0.678 respectively. Cystatin C exhibited the highest sensitivity for CKDu when analyzed against both control groups where respective sensitivities were 0.75 against endemic control and 0.89 against non-endemic control. ROC-optimal cutoff limits of creatinine, cystatin C and ACR in CKDu vs non-endemic control were 89.0 μmol/L, 1.01 mg/L and 6.06 mg/g-Cr respectively, whereas in CKDu vs endemic control the respective values were 111.5 μmol/L, 1.22 mg/L and 12.66 mg/g-Cr.ConclusionsAmongst the three biomarkers evaluated in this study, our data suggest that Cystatin C is the most accurate functional marker in detecting CKDu in endemic regions, yet the high cost hinders its usability on general population. Creatinine is favorable over dipstick proteinuria owing to its apparent accuracy and cost efficiency, while having the ability to complement the kidney damage marker (ACR) in screening. ACR may not be favorable as a standalone screening marker in place of dipstick proteinuria due to its significant decline in sensitivity against the CKDu-endemic population. However, creatinine and ACR in a complementary manner could overcome current shortcomings of dipstick proteinuria and such a dual marker tool could be commodious in screening CKDu-type tubulointerstital diseases. Furthermore, use of ACR may also increase the ability to clinically discriminate CKDu from other glomerular nephropathies.
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