Alexander Yu. Gerasimenko

The tensile strength characteristics study of the laser welds of biological tissue using the nanocomposite solder

Laser welding device for biological tissue has been developed. The main device parts are the radiation system and adaptive thermal stabilization system of welding area. Adaptive thermal stabilization system provided the relation between the laser radiation intensity and the weld temperature. Using atomic force microscopy the structure of composite which is formed by the radiation of laser solder based on aqua- albuminous dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes was investigated. AFM topograms nanocomposite solder are mainly defined by the presence of pores in the samples. In generally, the surface structure of composite is influenced by the time, laser radiation power and MWCNT concentration. Average size of backbone nanoelements not exceeded 500 nm. Bulk density of nanoelements was in the range 106-108 sm-3. The data of welding temperature maintained during the laser welding process and the corresponding tensile strength values were obtained. Maximum tensile strength of the suture was reached in the range 50-55°C. This temperature and the pointwise laser welding technology (point area ~ 2.5mm) allows avoiding thermal necrosis of healthy section of biological tissue and provided reliable bonding construction of weld join. In despite of the fact that tensile strength values of the samples are in the range of 15% in comparison with unbroken strips of pigskin leather. This situation corresponds to the initial stage of the dissected tissue connection with a view to further increasing of the joint strength of tissues with the recovery of tissue structure; thereby achieved ratio is enough for a medical practice in certain cases.

Investigation of cell proliferative activity on the surface of the nanocomposite material produced by laser radiation

A new method for the formation of composite nanomaterials based on multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) on a silicon substrate has been developed. Formation is carried out by ultrasound coating of a silicon substrate by homogenous dispersion of CNTs in the albumin matrix and further irradiation with the continuous laser beam with a wavelength of 810 nm and power of 5.5 watts. The high electrical conductivity of CNTs provides its structuring under the influence of the laser radiation electric field. The result is a scaffold that provides high mechanical strength of nanocomposite material (250 MPa). For in vitro studies of materials biocompatibility a method of cell growth microscopic analysis was developed. Human embryonic fibroblasts (EPP) were used as biological cells. Investigation of the interaction between nanocomposite material and cells was carried out by optical and atomic force microscopy depending on the time of cells incubation. The study showed that after 3 hours incubation EPP were fixed on the substrate surface, avoiding the surface of the composite material. However, after 24 hours of incubation EPP fix on the sample surface and then begin to grow and divide. After 72 hours of incubation, the cells completely fill the sample surface of nanocomposite material. Thus, a nanocomposite material based on CNTs in albumin matrix does not inhibit cell growth on its surface, and favours their growth. The nanocomposite material can be used for creating soft tissue implants

Laser structuring of carbon nanotubes in the albumin matrix for the creation of composite biostructures

Abstract. This paper presents the composite biostructures created by laser structuring of the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in an albumin matrix. Under the exposure of femtosecond laser radiation, the heating of the albumin aqueous solution causes liquid water to evaporate. As a result, we obtained a solid-state composite in the bulk or film form. Using the molecular dynamic method, we showed the formation of a framework from SWCNTs by the example of splicing of the open end of one nanotube with the defect region of another nanotube under the action of the laser heating. Laser heating of SWCNTs up to a temperature of 80°C to 100°C causes the C─C bond formation. Raman spectra measured for the composite biostructures allowed us to describe the binding of oxygen atoms of amino acid residues of the albumin with the carbon atoms of the SWCNTs. It is found that the interaction energy of the nanotube atoms and albumin atoms amounts up to 580  kJ/mol. We used atomic force microscopy to investigate the surface of the composite biostructures. The pore size is in the range of 30 to 120 nm. It is proved that the proliferation of the fibroblasts occurred on the surface of the composite biostructures during 72 h of incubation.

Research on limiting of high power laser radiation in nonlinear nanomaterials

Dispersive and composite nanomaterials based on multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes and its conjugates with dye of zinc phthalocyanine were produced. The composition and the structure of dispersive and composite materials were investigated using analytical methods of spectroscopy and microscopy. Nonlinear characteristic of nanomaterials of limiters by direct nonlinear scanning and Z-scan method were investigated. Studies suggest the possibility of using such nanomaterials in laser intensity limiters. Proposed threshold model characterizing limiters of powerful laser radiation takes into account the threshold nature of nonlinear interaction of irradiation with the nonlinear material. Threshold effect of nonlinear interaction of laser irradiation with several nonlinear material based on multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes was experimentally found. It was shown that threshold model fit better with experimental data of Z-scan.

Threshold effect in optical limiters based on conjugates J-type phthalocyanine dimers Zn and Mg with single-walled carbon nanotubes

Laser radiation limiters can be made on the basis of working substances, which have strong nonlinear effects after reaching a certain critical value (threshold limiting). Thus, it becomes possible to obtain a high transmission for a safe beam and a sharply reduced transmission for a hazardous beam. To determine the nonlinear and linear optical properties of these materials there were carried out comprehensive spectroscopic studies, experiments by Z-scan methods with an open aperture and a fixed location of the limiter. Working substances was developed which is suspension of conjugates J-type phthalocyanine dimers Zn or Mg with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in water. Created conjugates can be used not only for protecting eyes and light-sensitivity elements, but for forming three-dimensional tissueengineered structures. Using conjugates J-type phthalocyanine dimers Zn and Mg with SWCNTs will increase the optical absorption in the wavelength range of laser processing by reducing the thermal effect on other substances in the composition of this structure. The Nd:YAG laser was used as the laser radiation source for generating pulses of 16 ns duration at a wavelength of 532 nm with the linearly polarized laser beam in the horizontal plane and a shape of Gaussian type. The threshold of limiting, linear and nonlinear absorption coefficients were determined by output characteristic, that was obtained by fixed location of the limiter. Created working substances have values of the following order: linear absorption coefficient ~ 3 cm-1 for layer of 0.2 cm thickness, low limiting threshold ~ 1 MW·cm-2 and high value of the nonlinear absorption coefficient ~ 550 cm GW-1 . Knowing the nonlinear optical parameters, Z-scan data with an open aperture can be calculated for comparison with experimental data.

Laser nanocomposites based on proteins and carbon nanotubes for restoration of biological tissues

The study of structural properties of nanocomposites, based on different types of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and proteins (albumin, collagen), was carried out. The binding of protein molecules to the carbon component was described by Raman spectroscopy. Complex analysis of the structure and microporosity of nanocomposites was performed by the X-ray microtomography. The nanoporosity study was carried out using the low-temperature nitrogen porosimetry method. Samples based on SWCNTs with smaller size had the most homogeneity. With an increase in the concentration from 0.01 to 0.1 %, the mean micropore size increased from 45 to 93 μm, porosity in general increased from 16 to 28 %. The percentage of open pores was the same for all samples and was 0.02. As it was shown by Raman spectroscopy the protein component in nanocomposites has undergone irreversible denaturation and can act as a biocompatible binder and serve as a source of amino acids for biological tissues. These nanocomposites are bioresorbable and can be used to repair cartilage and bone tissue. This is especially important in the treatment of diseases of hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone.

Threshold effect in properties of limiters for high-intensity laser radiation

Creation of limiters for intensive laser radiation requires the development of effective methods for testing materials to determine the nonlinear optical parameters characterizing their properties. The limiting threshold, linear and nonlinear absorption coefficients can be determined not only from data of Z-scan with open aperture, but also with the help of a fixed location of the limiter. The use of this method makes it possible to determine the output characteristic of the studied material from which nonlinear optical parameters can be calculated. Characteristics of carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide in water were obtained with the fixed location of the limiter. The experiments were performed using an Nd:YAG laser that generates pulses of 16 ns duration at a wavelength of 532 nm with the linearly polarized laser beam in the horizontal plane and a shape closed to Gaussian type. Theoretical curves for method of fixed location of the sample according to threshold model was calculated and compared with the experimental data. Normalized weakening coefficients, limiting threshold, linear and nonlinear absorption coefficients were found for studied dispersions and calculation of Z-scan with open aperture was made. The value of normalized weakening coefficient was higher in dispersed medium of SWСNTs with water (Knorm≈20) in comparison with oxide graphene in water (Knorm≈14). The dependences of normalized weakening coefficient bias input energy were approximately linear in both cases.

Stimulation of the specific conductivity of the biocompatible nanomaterial layers by laser irradiation

The conductivity of layers (thickness ~ 0.5-20 μm) of composite nanomaterials consisting of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been studied. The BSA/SWCNT composite nanomaterial was prepared according to a route map, some steps of which are: the preparation of an aqueous dispersion based on BSA and SWCNT; preparation of substrates; deposition of BSA/SWCNT dispersion on substrates; application of water paste from SWCNT on substrates; irradiation of layers by lasers when they were in a liquid state; drying of samples; carrying out electrical and temperature measurements. Half of the layer was covered with a light-tight hollow box and the other half of the layer was laser irradiated. The laser irradiation of the layer was carried out for about 20 sec, at which time the layers completely became dry, while the other half of the layer remained in liquid. Conductivity was increased (70 ÷ 650) % by laser irradiation of the layers when they were in the liquid state. Maximum values of specific conductivity for BSA/SWCNT-1 S/m layers, and for layers SWCNT - 70 kS/m. The investigated electrically conductive layers of 99 wt.% BSA/0.3 wt.% SWCNT are promising for medical practice.

Vibrational spectroscopy of tissue-engineered structures based on proteins, chitosan, and carbon nanotube conjugates

In this work, tissue-engineered structures based on a matrix of protein conjugates, chitosan and carbon nanotubes were prepared and studied. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), bovine collagen (BС) were used. Two types of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used to form a strong internal scaffold in a protein-chitosan matrix under the action of laser radiation. Tissue-engineered structures were created by means of layered deposition and laser evaporation of the initial aqueous dispersion from SWCNT, BSA, BC and chitosan succinate. As sources of laser radiation, a continuous diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm and a pulsed fiber laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm and frequency of 80 kHz were used. Studies of tissue-engineered structures were carried out using vibrational spectroscopy methods (IR and Raman). The changes in the frequencies and intensities of the corresponding absorption bands and Raman lines of the amide group oscillations were analyzed. IR spectra of tissue-engineered structures demonstrated a high degree of binding of organic (protein, chitosan) and inorganic (SWCNT) components. The structure and defectiveness of the carbon nanotube scaffold were investigated in the Raman spectra.

The laser welding of the nanocomposites with biotissues of the cardiovascular system

A reliable connection of dissected biological tissues is a popular problem in modern surgery. In the last decade, two methods of biological tissues connection using laser radiation have been actively developed: laser-assisted vascular repair (LAVR) and anastomosis (LAVA). These methods make it possible to obtain a weld impenetrable for blood and other biological fluids immediately after the welding. A solder is applied to a welding area. The main characteristic of the weld at LAVA is the tensile strength. A weld should be flexible enough to withstand repeated cycles of alternation of diastolic and systolic pressures. Single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs respectively) are used to increase the weld tensile strength. They form a spatial bovine serum albumin (BSA)- nanocarbon scaffold under an action of laser radiation. It in real time varies the power of laser radiation (in the range 0.2- 5 W), which is necessary to stabilize the welding temperature (~57 ºC). In the present work new compositions of laser solder are proposed and the scheme of the installation for LAVR are offered. The proposed solder is based on an aqueous dispersion of BSA, MWCNTs and SWCNTs, ICG and collagen. The using of the chromophore ICG is due to its absorption maximum corresponding to the wavelength of the diode laser used (~ 810 nm). The tensile strength was 0.8±0.3 MPa.