L. P. Ichkitidze

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.

Development of matrix photoreceivers based on carbon nanotubes array

The technology of production of matrix photoreceivers based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) consisting of 16 sensitive elements was developed. Working wavelength range, performance and sensitivity were studied.

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.

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.

Laser structuring of carbon nanoframe in a protein matrix for the creation of 3D composite materials and coatings for applications in tissue engineering

The results of experimental creation of nanocomposites using femtosecond laser are presented. We have theoretically proved the formation of a carbon nanotube frame in a protein matrix during laser structuring of single-walled carbon nanotubes. We have selected the technological parameters of synthesis of nanocomposites, which provide the proliferation of living cells.

Superconducting Film Concentrator of the Magnetic Field

The superconducting film magnetic field concentrator is investigated. It is established that nanostructuring of an active strip of the concentrator on superconducting branches and cuts (width of cuts is 20 nm) allows one to increase several times concentration coefficient of a magnetic field and, therefore, to lower threshold sensitivity of magnetic field sensor. Thus higher values of concentration coefficient are reached in magnetic field concentrator based on films from a low-temperature superconductor compared to concentrator based on films from a high-temperature superconductor.

Enhancement of the conductivity of nanomaterial layers by laser irradiation

The conductivity of layers (thickness 0.5 ÷ 50 μm) of composite nanomaterials consisting of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been studied. The aqueous dispersion of BSA / SWCNT was deposited on different substrates using the silk screening method. Conductivity was increased (30 ÷ 700) % by laser irradiation of the layers when they were in the liquid state. The investigated layers are promising for use in medical practice.

Development of the device prototype based on the semiconductor–carbon nanotubes structure for optical radiation detection and study of its parameters

A light-receiving device prototype based on the semiconductor–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) structure consisting of 16 cellular structured sensitive elements grown on the same substrate is developed. The topology of sensitive cells represents holes through metallization and insulator layers to the semiconductor from which the CNT array grows to the top metallization layer. The device prototype parameters are determined as follows: the effective wavelength range is within 400–1100 nm, the operational speed is no longer than 30 μs, the coefficients of peak sensitivity reached at wavelengths of 640 and 950 nm are 197 and 193 μA/W, respectively.