Biomedical-like Application

With the example of stained E. coli cells, the squaraine rotaxane 15b containing a zinc(II)-dipicolylamine (Zn-DPA) ligand, which is known to selectively associate with the anionic surfaces of bacterial cells, was found to be almost 100 times more photostable as compared to Cy5-Zn-DPA [55]. This can be attributed to stronger cell-surface affinity of 15b, leading to a slower off rate for the probe. The remarkable stability of 15b permits fluorescence imaging experiments that are impossible with probes based on conventional NIR cyanine dyes such as Cy5. Squaraine rotaxanes are likely to be superior substitutes for conventional cyanine dyes for biomedical imaging applications that require NIR fluorescent probes. 

The term artificial tongue is used in two main branches of science. The first one concerns the neurophysiological studies aimed at developing perceptual supplementation devices, with biomedical engineering applications to human disabilities. The second utilization of the term artificial tongue concerns, instead, the laboratory analytical instruments used in combination with chemometric techniques to obtain complex information (often sensory-like, but not only) on samples. As for this latter meaning, also the synonymous electronic tongue is frequently used, particularly for electroanalytical devices. 

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most frequently used polyesters in biomedical applications because of its bio-resorbability and biocompatible properties in the human body. The main reported examples on medical or biomedical PLA applications are fracture fixation devices like screws, sutures, delivery systems and micro-titration plates. ... 

To improve collagen s potential as a biomaterial, it has been modified or combined with other resorbable polymers. Modifications like cross-linking, addition of bioactive molecules, and enzymatic pretreatment have resulted in novel coUagen-based materials with improved fimctionality [10, 11]. Moreover, to facilitate the formation of fibers for biomedical textile applications, composite materials combining coUagen with other resorbable polymers like PLA, PLGA, and PCL have been studied extensively [12-15]. 

Applications. Polymers with small alkyl substituents, particularly (13), are ideal candidates for elastomer formulation because of quite low temperature flexibiUty, hydrolytic and chemical stabiUty, and high temperature stabiUty. The abiUty to readily incorporate other substituents (ia addition to methyl), particularly vinyl groups, should provide for conventional cure sites. In light of the biocompatibiUty of polysdoxanes and P—O- and P—N-substituted polyphosphazenes, poly(alkyl/arylphosphazenes) are also likely to be biocompatible polymers. Therefore, biomedical appHcations can also be envisaged for (3). A third potential appHcation is ia the area of soHd-state batteries. The first steps toward ionic conductivity have been observed with polymers (13) and (15) using lithium and silver salts (78). 

Arias FJ, Reboto V, Martin S et al (2006) Tailored recombinant elastin-like polymers for advanced biomedical and nano(bio)technological applications. Biotechnol Lett 28 687-695... 

Nanoparticles such as those of the heavy metals, like cadmium selenide, cadmium sulfide, lead sulfide, and cadmium telluride are potentially toxic [14,15]. The possible mechanisms by which nanoparticles cause toxicity inside cells are schematically shown in Fig. 2. They need to be coated or capped with low toxicity or nontoxic organic molecules or polymers (e.g., PEG) or with inorganic layers (e.g., ZnS and silica) for most of the biomedical applications. In fact, many biomedical imaging and detection applications of QDs encapsulated by complex molecules do not exhibit noticeable toxic effects [16]. One report shows that the tumor cells labeled with QDs survived in circulation and extravasated into tissues... 

Recently, our laboratory produced a foldable, bendable, and cutable postage-stamp-sized battery (Fig. 12.2). The device looks like a simple sheet of black paper, but it could spell a revolution in implantable battery technology (Pushparaj et al., 2007). The paper battery, a one-piece-integrated device is made of cellulose with CNT and lithium electrodes. The device is flexible, rechargeable, and has the ability to function over a wide range of temperatures giving it a wide variety of potential biomedical applications. As a biomaterial, this paper battery may be useful as a pacemaker because it could easily be inserted under a patient s skin. 

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