Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was employed to characterize the adsorption of the model proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibronectin (FN), to polypyrrole doped with dextran sulfate (PPy-DS) as a function of DS loading and surface roughness. BSA adsorption was greater on surfaces of increased roughness and was above what could be explained by the increase in surface area alone. Furthermore, the additional mass adsorbed on the rough films was concomitant with an increase in the rigidity of the protein layer. Analysis of the dynamic viscoelastic properties of the protein adlayer reveal BSA adsorption on the rough films occurs in two phases: (1) arrival and initial adsorption of protein to the polymer surface and (2) postadsorption molecular rearrangement to a more dehydrated and compact conformation that facilitates further recruitment of protein to the polymer interface, likely forming a multilayer. In contrast, FN adsorption was independent of surface roughness. However, films prepared from solutions containing the highest concentration of DS (20 mg/mL) demonstrated both an increase in adsorbed mass and adlayer viscoelasticity. This is attributed to the higher DS loading in the conducting polymer film resulting in presentation of a more hydrated molecular structure indicative of a more unfolded and bioactive conformation. Modulating the redox state of the PPy-DS polymers was shown to modify both the adsorbed mass and viscoelastic nature of FN adlayers. An oxidizing potential increased both the total adsorbed mass and the adlayer viscoelasticity. Our findings demonstrate that modification of polymer physicochemical and redox condition alters the nature of protein-polymer interaction, a process that may be exploited to tailor the bioactivity of protein through which interactions with cells and tissues may be controlled.

BACKGROUND

Dermal fibroblasts activated by conductive polymer-mediated electrical stimulation (ES) have shown myofibroblast characteristics that favor wound healing. However, the signaling pathway related to this phenotype switch remains unclear, and the in vivo survival of the electrically activated cells has never been studied.

METHODS

Primary human skin fibroblasts were exposed to pulsed-ES mediated through polypyrrole (PPy) coated fabrics. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the signaling pathways were investigated by ELISA, Western blot and specific inhibition test, and immunocytochemistry staining as well as qRT-PCR analysis. In vivo implantation was performed in a mouse model to clarify the cell fate or contractile phenotype maintenance following ES stimulation.

RESULTS

We demonstrated the upregulation of TGFβ1 and phosph-ERK, and the NF-κB nuclear enrichment in the ES-activated cells. The ES-activated fibroblasts retained high level of α-smooth muscle actin expression even after prolonged subculture. Subcutaneous implantation for 15 days revealed more human myofibroblasts in the experimental groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate for the first time the involvement of the TGFβ1/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway in ES-activated fibroblasts. The ES induced phenotype switch proves stable in subculture and in animal, pointing potential application in wound healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Reveal of how ES activates cells and the implication of ES activated cells in wound healing.

The novel hybrid polypyrrole (PPy)/polyaniline (PANI) double-walled nanotube arrays (DNTAs) were designed to exploit the synergistic effects and shape effects for supercapacitive energy storage. The PPy/PANI DNTAs showed large specific capacitance (Csp) of 693 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The PPy/PANI DNTAs also exhibited good rate capability and high long-term cycle stability (less 8% loss of the maximum specific capacitance after 1000 cycles). The synergistic effects between PPy and PANI, the shape effects of nanotube arrays and double-walled nanostructures, and high utilization rate of electrode are crucial for the outstanding performance of PPy/PANI DNTAs. The large Csp, good rate capability, and high long-term cycle stability offered by the PPy/PANI DNTAs, make them promising candidate electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.

OBJECTIVE

Genetic variants of genes for peptide YY (PYY), neuropeptide Y2 receptor (NPY2R) and pancreatic polypeptide (PPY) were investigated for association with severe obesity.

METHODS

The initial screening of the genes for variants was performed by sequencing in a group of severely obese subjects (n=161). Case-control analysis of the common variants was then carried out in 557 severely obese adults, 515 severely obese children and 1,163 non-obese/non-diabetic control subjects. Rare variants were genotyped in 700 obese children and the non-obese/non-diabetic control subjects (n=1,163).

RESULTS

Significant association was found for a 5' variant (rs6857715) in the NPY2R gene with both severe adult obesity (p=0.002) and childhood obesity (p=0.02). This significant association was further supported by a pooled allelic analysis of all obese cases (adults and children, n=928) vs the control subjects (n=938) (p=0.0004, odds ratio=1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5). Quantitative trait analysis of BMI and WHR was performed and significant association was observed for SNP rs1047214 in NPY2R with an increase in WHR in the severely obese children (co-dominant model p=0.005, recessive model p=0.001). Association was also observed for an intron 3 variant (rs162430) in the PYY gene with childhood obesity (p=0.04). No significant associations were observed for PPY variants. Only one rare variant in the NPY2R gene (C-5641T) was not found in lean individuals and this was found to co-segregate with obesity in one family.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence of association for NPY2R and PYY gene variants with obesity and none for PPY variants. A rare variant of the NPY2R gene showed evidence of co-segregation with obesity and its contribution to obesity should be investigated further.

Uniform Fe3O4 nanospheres with a diameter of 100 nm were rapidly prepared using a microwave solvothermal method. Then Fe304/polypyrrole (PPy) composite nanospheres with well-defined core/shell structures were obtained through chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of Fe3O4; the average thickness of the coating shell was about 25 nm. Furthermore, by means of electrostatic interactions, plentiful gold nanoparticles with a diameter of 15 nm were assembled on the surface of Fe3O4/PPy to get Fe3O4/PPy/Au core/shell/shell structure. The morphology, structure, and composition of the products were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The resultant nanocomposites not only have the magnetism of Fe3O4 nanoparticles that make the nanocomposites easily controlled by an external magnetic field but also have the good conductivity and excellent electrochemical and catalytic properties of PPy and Au nanoparticles. Furthermore, the nanocomposites showed excellent electrocatalytic activities to biospecies such as ascorbic acid (AA).

One of the key challenges to engineering neural interfaces is to reduce their immune response toward implanted electrodes. One potential approach to minimize or eliminate this undesired early inflammatory tissue reaction and to maintain signal transmission quality over time is the delivery of anti-inflammatory biomolecules in the vicinity of the implant. Here, we report on a facile and reproducible method for the fabrication of high surface area nanostructured electrodes coated with an electroactive polymer, polypyrrole (PPy) that can be used to precisely release drug by applying an electrical stimuli. The method consists of the electropolymerization of PPy incorporated with drug, dexamethasone (DEX), onto a brush of metallic nanopillars, obtained by electrodeposition of the metal within the nanopores of gold-coated polycarbonate template. The study of the release of DEX triggered by electrochemical stimuli indicates that the system is a true electrically controlled release system. Moreover, it appears that the presence of metallic nanowires onto the electrode surface improves the adherence between the polymer and the electrode and increases the electroactivity of the PPy coating.

An electrically controlled drug release (ECDR) system based on sponge-like nanostructured conducting polymer (CP) polypyrrole (PPy) film was developed. The nanostructured PPy film was composed of template-synthesized nanoporous PPy covered with a thin protective PPy layer. The proposed controlled release system can load drug molecules in the polymer backbones and inside the nanoholes respectively. Electrical stimulation can release drugs from both the polymer backbones and the nanoholes, which significantly improves the drug load and release efficiency. Furthermore, with one drug incorporated in the polymer backbone during electrochemical polymerization, the nanoholes inside the polymer can act as containers to store a different drug, and simultaneous electrically triggered release of different drugs can be realized with this system.

OBJECTIVE

Neural recording electrodes suffer from poor signal to noise ratio, charge density, biostability and biocompatibility. This paper investigates the ability of conducting polymer coated electrodes to record acute neural response in a systematic manner, allowing in depth comparison of electrochemical and electrophysiological response.

METHODS

Polypyrrole (Ppy) and poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) doped with sulphate (SO4) or para-toluene sulfonate (pTS) were used to coat iridium neural recording electrodes. Detailed electrochemical and electrophysiological investigations were undertaken to compare the effect of these materials on acute in vivo recording.

RESULTS

A range of charge density and impedance responses were seen with each respectively doped conducting polymer. All coatings produced greater charge density than uncoated electrodes, while PEDOT-pTS, PEDOT-SO4 and Ppy-SO4 possessed lower impedance values at 1 kHz than uncoated electrodes. Charge density increased with PEDOT-pTS thickness and impedance at 1 kHz was reduced with deposition times up to 45 s. Stable electrochemical response after acute implantation inferred biostability of PEDOT-pTS coated electrodes while other electrode materials had variable impedance and/or charge density after implantation indicative of a protein fouling layer forming on the electrode surface. Recording of neural response to white noise bursts after implantation of conducting polymer-coated electrodes into a rat model inferior colliculus showed a general decrease in background noise and increase in signal to noise ratio and spike count with reduced impedance at 1 kHz, regardless of the specific electrode coating, compared to uncoated electrodes. A 45 s PEDOT-pTS deposition time yielded the highest signal to noise ratio and spike count.

CONCLUSIONS

A method for comparing recording electrode materials has been demonstrated with doped conducting polymers. PEDOT-pTS showed remarkable low fouling during acute implantation, inferring good biostability. Electrode impedance at 1 kHz was correlated with background noise and inversely correlated with signal to noise ratio and spike count, regardless of coating. These results collectively confirm a potential for improvement of neural electrode systems by coating with conducting polymers.

Bulk modification of polypyrrole (PPY) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was carried out by the electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of PVA in the reaction solution, with tetraethylammonium perchlorate (TEAP) as the electrolyte. The surface morphology of the as-synthesized PPY-TEAP-PVA film was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, and the film was further characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrical conductivity, the water contact angle, and BET surface area measurements. The PPY-TEAP-PVA composite is electrically conductive, hydrophilic, and microporous with a high surface area. Its potential as a biomaterial was investigated with respect to its blood compatibility and function as a substrate for biosensor fabrication and cell culture. The presence of PVA in the film attenuates blood protein adsorption, and the porous nature of the PPY-TEAP-PVA film results in a 10-fold increase in the amount of glucose oxidase covalently immobilized on the film over that on a nonporous PPY film. PC12 cell attachment and growth on the PPY-TEAP-PVA film was also shown to be enhanced compared with that on tissue culture polystyrene. The attached cells proliferated and formed a monolayer on the film surface after 48 h of seeding.

BACKGROUND

Four previously reported studies have tested for association of blood proteins with neocortical amyloid-β burden (NAB). If shown to be robust, these proteins could have utility as a blood test for enrichment in clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether previously identified blood proteins also show evidence for association with NAB in serum samples from the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL). The study considers candidate proteins seen in cohorts other than AIBL and candidates previously discovered in the AIBL cohort.

METHODS

Our study used the SOMAscan platform for protein quantification in blood serum. Linear and logistic regressions were used to model continuous NAB and dichotomized NAB respectively using single proteins as a predictor. Multiple protein models were built using stepwise regression techniques and support vectors machines. Age and APOEɛ4 carriage were used as covariates for all analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 41 proteins previously reported, 15 AIBL candidates and 20 non-AIBL candidates were available for testing. Of these candidates, pancreatic polypeptide (PPY) and IgM showed a significant association with NAB. Notably, IgM was found to associate with continuous NAB across cognitively normal control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

We have further demonstrated the association of PPY and IgM with NAB, despite technical differences between studies. There are several reasons for a lack of significance for the other candidates including platform differences and the use of serum rather than plasma samples. To investigate the possibility of technical differences causing lack of replication, further studies are required.

A blue phosphorescent iridium(III) complex (1) bearing fluorine-substituted bipyridine (dfpypy) has been synthesized and characterized to investigate the effect of the substitution and replacement of the phenyl ring in ppy (phenylpyridine) with pyridine on the solid state structure and its photoluminescence. The optical properties and electrochemical behaviors of 1 have also been systematically evaluated. The structure of 1 has also been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. There are varied intermolecular interactions caused by the pyridine and fluorine substituents, such as C-H...N, C-H...F, and pi...pi interactions of either face-to-face type or edge-to-face C-H...pi and halogen...pi in crystal packing. In electrochemistry, the remarkably higher oxidation potential than that of FIrpic was observed. The emission lambda(max) of 1 at room temperature is at 438 nm with a higher PL quantum efficiency. Complex 1 exhibits intense blue emission with high color purity (CIE x = 0.14, y = 0.12), which has been attributed to metal-to-ligand charge-transfer triplet emission based on DFT calculations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) toward the osteoblastic phenotype seeded on polypyrrole (PPy) thin films made by admicellar polymerization. Three different concentrations of pyrrole (Py) monomer (20, 35, and 50 x 10(-3) M) were used with the PPy films deposited on tissue culture polystyrene dishes (TCP). Regular TCP dishes and PPy polymerized on TCP by chemical polymerization without surfactant using 5 x 10(-3) M Py, were used as controls. Rat MSC were seeded on these surfaces and cultured for up to 20 d in osteogenic media. Surface topography was characterized by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and static contact angle. Cell attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium content were measured to evaluate the ability of MSC to adhere and differentiate on PPy-coated TCP. Increased monomer concentrations resulted in PPy films of increased thickness and surface roughness. PPy films generated by different monomer concentrations induced drastically different cellular events. A wide spectrum of cell attachment characteristics (from excellent cell attachment to the complete inability to adhere) were obtained by varying the monomer concentration from 20 m to 50 x 10(-3) M. In particular the 20 x 10(-3) M PPy thin films demonstrated superior induction of MSC osteogenicity, which was comparable to standard TCP dishes, unlike PPy films of similar thickness prepared by chemical polymerization without surfactant. Adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells on tissue culture plates (TCP) coated with polypyrrole thin films made by admicellar polymerization.

Controlling the alignment of the emitting molecules used as dopants in organic light-emitting diodes is an effective strategy to improve the outcoupling efficiency of these devices. To explore the mechanism behind the orientation of dopants in films of organic host materials, we synthesized a coumarin-based ligand that was cyclometalated onto an iridium core to form three phosphorescent heteroleptic molecules, (bppo)2Ir(acac), (bppo)2Ir(ppy) and (ppy)2Ir(bppo) (bppo represents benzopyranopyridinone, ppy represents 2-phenylpyridinate, and acac represents acetylacetonate). Each emitter was doped into a 4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1'-biphenyl host layer, and the resultant orientation of their transition dipole moment vectors was measured by angle-dependent p-polarized photoluminescent emission spectroscopy. In solid films, (bppo)2Ir(acac) is found to have a largely horizontal transition dipole vector orientation relative to the substrate, whereas (ppy)2Ir(bppo) and (bppo)2Ir(ppy) are isotropic. We propose that the inherent asymmetry at the surface of the growing film promotes dopant alignment in these otherwise amorphous films. Modelling the net orientation of the transition dipole moments of these materials yields general design rules for further improving horizontal orientation.

Novel mixed-ligand Ir(III) complexes, [Ir(L)(NwedgeC)X]n+ (L = N/\C/\N or N/\N/\N; X = Cl, Br, I, CN, CH3CN, or -CCPh; n = 0 or 1), were synthesized, where N/\CwedgeN = bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)benzene (Mebib) and bis(N-phenylbenzimidazolyl)benzene (Phbib), N/\N/\N = bis(N-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine (Mebip), and N/\C = phenylpyridine (ppy) derivatives. The X-ray crystal structures of [Ir(Phbib)(ppy)Cl] and [Ir(Mebib)(mppy)Cl] [mppy = 5-methyl-2-(2'-pyridyl)phenyl] indicate that the nitrogen atom of the ppy ligand is located trans to the coordinating carbon atom in Me- or Phbib, while the coordinating carbon atom in ppy occupies the trans position of Cl. [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl]+ showed a quasireversible Ir(III/IV) oxidation wave at +1.05 V, while the Ir complexes, [Ir(Mebib)(ppy)Cl], were oxidized at +0.42 V versus Fc/Fc+. The introduction of an Ir-C bond in [Ir(Mebib)(ppy)Cl] induces a large potential shift of 0.63 V in a negative direction. Further, the oxidation potential of [Ir(Mebib)(Rppy)X] was altered by the substitution of R, R', and X groups. Compared to the oxidation potential, the first reduction potential revealed an almost constant value at -2.36 to -2.46 V for [Ir(L)(ppy)Cl] (L = Mebib and Phbib) and -1.52 V for [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl. The UV-vis spectra of [Ir(Mebib)(R-ppy)X] show a clear singlet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition around 407 approximately 425 nm and a triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition at 498 approximately 523 nm. [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl]+ emits at 610 nm with a luminescent quantum yield of Phi = 0.16 at room temperature. The phosphorescence of [Ir(Mebib)(ppy)X] was observed at 526 nm for X = CN and 555 nm for X = Cl with the high luminescent quantum yields, Phi = 0.77 approximately 0.86, at room temperature. [Ir(Phbib)(ppy)Cl] shows the emission at 559 nm with a luminescent quantum yield of Phi = 0.95, which is an unprecedentedly high value compared to those of other emissive metal complexes. Compared to the luminescent quantum yields of the Ir(ppy)2(L) derivatives and [Ir(Mebip)(ppy)Cl]+, the neutral Ir complexes, [Ir(L)(R-ppy)X] (L = Me- or Phbib), reveal very high quantum yields and large radiative rate constants (kr) ranging from 3.4 x 10(5) to 5.5 x 10(5) s(-1). The density functional theory calculation suggests that these Ir complexes possess dominantly metal-to-ligand charge-transfer and halide-to-ligand charge-transfer excited states. The mechanism for a high phosphorescence yield in [Ir(bib)(ppy)X] is discussed herein from the perspective of the theoretical consideration of radiative rate constants using perturbation theory and a one-center spin-orbit coupling approximation.

Well-defined pomegranate-like N,P-doped Mo2C@C nanospheres were prepared by simply using phosphomolybdic acid (PMo12) to initiate the polymerization of polypyrrole (PPy) and as a single source for Mo and P to produce N,P-doped Mo2C nanocrystals. The existence of PMo12 at the molecular scale in the polymer network allows the formation of pomegranate-like Mo2C@C nanospheres with a porous carbon shell as peel and Mo2C nanocrystals well-dispersed in the N-doped carbon matrix as seeds. This nanostructure provides several favorable features for hydrogen evolution application: (1) the conductive carbon shell and matrix effectively prevent the aggregation of Mo2C nanocrystals and facilitate electron transportation; (2) the uniform N,P-doping in the carbon shell/matrix and plenty of Mo2C nanocrystals provide abundant catalytically highly active sites; and (3) nanoporous structure allows the effective exposure of active sites and mass transfer. Moreover, the uniform distribution of P and Mo from the single source of PMo12 and N from PPy in the polymeric PPy-PMo12 precursor guarantees the uniform N- and P-co-doping in both the graphitic carbon matrix and Mo2C nanocrystals, which contributes to the enhancement of electrocatalytic performance. As a result, the pomegranate-like Mo2C@C nanospheres exhibit extraordinary electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in terms of an extremely low overpotential of 47 mV at 10 mA cm(-2) in 1 M KOH, which is one of the best Mo-based HER catalysts. The strategy for preparing such nanostructures may open up opportunities for exploring low-cost high-performance electrocatalysts for various applications.

Polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes were readily fabricated through chemical oxidation polymerization in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse (water-in-oil) emulsions. The reverse cylindrical micelle phase was characterized, and the key factors affecting the formation of PPy nanotubes were systematically inspected. AOT reverse cylindrical micelles were prepared via a cooperative interaction between an aqueous FeCl3 solution and AOT in an apolar solvent. In the H2O/FeCl3/AOT/apolar solvent system, the aqueous FeCl3 solution played a role in increasing the ionic strength and decreasing the second critical micelle concentration of AOT. As a result, AOT reverse cylindrical micelles could be spontaneously formed in an apolar solvent. In addition, iron cations were adsorbed to the anionic AOT headgroups that were capable of extracting metal cations from the aqueous core. Under these conditions, the addition of pyrrole monomer resulted in the chemical oxidation polymerization of the corresponding monomer at the surface of AOT reverse cylindrical micelles, followed by the formation of tubular PPy nanostructures. In a typical composition (74.0 wt % hexane, 22.4 wt % AOT, and 3.6 wt % aqueous FeCl3 solution at 15 degrees C), the average diameter of PPy nanotubes was approximately 94 nm and their length was more than 2 mum. The PPy nanotube dimensions were affected by synthetic variables such as the weight ratio of aqueous FeCl3 solution/AOT, type of apolar solvent, and reaction temperature. Moreover, the relationship between the diameter and the conductivity of the nanotubes was investigated.

Nitrogen-enriched mesoporous carbons with tunable nitrogen content and similar mesoporous structures have been prepared by a facile colloid silica nanocasting to house sulfur for lithium-sulfur batteries. The results give unequivocal proof that nitrogen doping could assist mesoporous carbon to suppress the shuttling phenomenon, possibly via an enhanced surface interaction between the basic nitrogen functionalities and polysulfide species. However, nitrogen doping only within an appropriate level can improve the electronic conductivity of the carbon matrix. Thus, the dependence of total electrochemical performance on the nitrogen content is nonmonotone. At an optimal nitrogen content of 8.1 wt %, the carbon/sulfur composites deliver a highest reversible discharge capacity of 758 mA h g(-1) at a 0.2 C rate and 620 mA h g(-1) at a 1 C rate after 100 cycles. Furthermore, with the assistance of PPy/PEG hybrid coating, the composites could further increase the reversible capacity to 891 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles. These encouraging results suggest nitrogen doping and surface coating of the carbon hosts are good strategies to improve the performance carbon/sulfur-based cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries.

In the present study, four phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes [Ir(C-N)2(PhenSe)](+) (Ir1-Ir4, in which C-N = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine (dfppy), dibenzo[f,h]quinoxaline (dbq), 2-phenylquinoline (2-pq) and 2-phenylpyridine (ppy), PhenSe = 1,10-phenanthrolineselenazole) with tunable emission colors were developed to image mitochondria and track the dynamics of the mitochondrial morphology. In comparison with commercially available mitochondrial trackers, Ir1-Ir4 possess high specificity to mitochondria in live and fixed cells without requiring prior membrane permeabilization or the replacement of the culture medium. Due to the high resistance of Ir1-Ir4 to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential as well as the appreciable tolerance to environmental changes, these complexes are applicable for the imaging and tracking of the mitochondrial morphological changes over long periods of time. In addition, Ir2-Ir4 exhibited superior photostability compared to the commercially available mitochondrial trackers. These colorful iridium(III) complexes may contribute to the future development of staining agents for organelle-selective imaging in living cells.

Polypyrrole (Ppy) has been shown as a matrix for label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The immunosensing system model presented here was based on bovine leukemia virus (BLV) protein (gp51) entrapped within electrochemically-synthesized polypyrrole (Ppy/gp51). This Ppy/gp51 layer interacted with antibodies against gp51 (anti-gp51-Ab) that are present in significant concentration in the blood serum of BLV infected cattle. After this interaction protein complex (Ppy/gp51/anti-gp51-Ab) was formed. The horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeled secondary antibodies (Ab) against anti-gp51-Ab were applied as agents interacting with Ppy/gp51/anti-gp51-Ab and forming the large protein complex (Ppy/gp51/anti-gp51-Ab/Ab). The EIS study was performed for electrodes modified with different Ppy layers described here and an optimal equivalent circuit was adopted for evaluation of EIS spectra, it was a major outcome of this study.

We have investigated the application of polypyrrole (pPy) as a material to influence neointimal cell behaviour. The physico-chemical properties of pPy doped with heparin (Hep), para-toluene sulfonate, poly(2-methoxyaniline-5-sulfonic acid) (pMAS) and nitrate ions were studied in addition to cell adhesion and proliferation studies of neointimal relevant cell lines cultured on the pPy substrates. Both smooth muscle (hSMC) and endothelial (hEC) cell types adhered and proliferated best on the smooth, hydrophilic pPy/pMAS material. Moreover, pPy/Hep is able to support the proliferation of hECs on the surface but inhibits hSMC proliferation after 4 days of culture. The inhibitory effect on hSMCs is most likely due to the well-known antiproliferative effect of heparin on hSMC growth. The results presented indicate that surface exposed heparin binds to the putative heparin receptor of hSMCs and is sufficient to inhibit proliferation. The application of galvanostatically synthesized pPy/Hep to stent surfaces presents a novel bioactive control mechanism to control neointimal cell growth.

A chemically modified electrode has been developed as a detector for the sensitive and selective determination of thiol-containing compounds following capillary electrophoresis separation. Electrodes were constructed by entrapment of the coenzyme pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) into a polypyrrole (PPy) matrix on a 245-microm graphite electrode during electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of PQQ. PQQ serves as an efficient biocatalyst to mediate the oxidation of thiols at a substantially reduced overpotential relative to an unmodified electrode. Furthermore, this design takes advantage of the pH-dependent reversible electrochemical properties of PQQ, which facilitates optimization of separation and detection conditions. The PQQ/PPy-modified electrode was incorporated as an end-column detector, and a separation of homocysteine, cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, and glutathione was developed. Detection limits for these four thiols were determined to be 11, 23, 104, and 134 nM, respectively, with mass detection limits ranging from 0.29 to 3.48 fmol. The PQQ/PPy electrode was also found to be very reproducible in run-to-run, day-to-day, and electrode-to-electrode comparisons. The utility of this electrode was demonstrated for the detection of cysteine in dietary supplements and human urine, resulting in excellent agreement with reported values.

In this study, we reported a strategy to improve delivery efficiency of a long-circulation biomimetic photothermal nanoagent for enhanced photothermal therapy through selectively dilating tumor vasculature. By using a simply nanocoating technology, a biomimetic layer of natural red blood cell (RBC) membranes was camouflaged on the surface of photothermal polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy@RBC NPs). The erythrocyte-mimicking PPy NPs inherited the immune evasion ability from natural RBC resulting in superior prolonged blood retention time. Additionally, excellent photothermal and photoacoustic imaging functionalities were all retained attributing to PPy NPs cores. To further improve the photothermal outcome, the endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonist BQ123 was jointly employed to regulate tumor microenvironment. The BQ123 could induce tumor vascular relaxation and increase blood flow perfusion through modulating an ET-1/ETA transduction pathway and blocking the ETA receptor, whereas the vessel perfusion of normal tissues was not altered. Through our well-designed tactic, the concentration of biomimetic PPy NPs in tumor site was significantly improved when administered systematically. The study documented that the antitumor efficiency of biomimetic PPy NPs combined with specific antagonist BQ123 was particularly prominent and was superior to biomimetic PPy NPs (P < 0.05) and PEGylated PPy NPs with BQ123 (P < 0.01), showing that the greatly enhanced photothermal treatment could be achieved with low-dose administration of photothermal agents. Our findings would provide a promising procedure for other similar enhanced photothermal treatment by blocking ETA receptor to dramatically increase the delivery of biomimetic photothermal nanomaterials.

Most of the biomaterials used nowadays for the reconstruction of the spinal cord (SC) tissue after an injury, tested in animals, have obtained modest results. This work presents a study about the compatibility of two novel, non-biodegradable, semi-conductive materials, obtained by plasma polymerization: iodine-doped pyrrole (PPy/I) and pyrrole-polyethylene glycol (PPy/PEG). Both polymers, separately, were implanted in the SC tissue of rats after a transection. Prior to implantation, the elemental composition and the physico-chemical properties of polymers were studied by electron scanning microscopy, IR Spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. We used adult female Long Evans rats, subjected to SC transection. Animals were randomized to be allocated in one of the treatment groups and were killed four weeks after the lesion for histology study. Results showed that both implants were integrated to the SC tissue, as inflammatory and gliotic responses, similar to those observed in the control group, and rejection of the implant, were not evident. Moreover, the immediate effect of PPy/I or PPy/PEG in the injured SC prevented secondary tissue destruction, as compared to non-implanted control animals. In conclusion, implants of semi-conductive polymers were well-tolerated and integrated favorably to SC tissue after transection.

A novel method is developed to fabricate the polypyrrole (PPy) and graphene thin films on electrodes by electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole with graphene oxide (GO) as a dopant, followed by electrochemical reduction of GO in the composite film. The composite of PPy and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (eRGO)-modified electrode is highly sensitive and selective toward the detection of dopamine (DA) in the presence of high concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). The sensing performance of the PPy/eRGO-modified electrode is investigated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), revealing a linear range of 0.1-150 μM with a detection limit of 23 nM (S/N = 3). The practical application of the PPy/eRGO-modified electrode is successfully demonstrated for DA determination in human blood serum.