Lidija Matija

Fullerene Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Engineering, Functionalization and Characterization

Since their discovery in 1985, fullerenes have attracted considerable attention. Their unique carbon cage structure provides numerous opportunities for functionalization, giving this nanomaterial great potential for applications in the field of medicine. Analysis of the chemical, physical, and biological properties of fullerenes and their derivatives showed promising results. In this study, functionalized fullerene based nanomaterials were characterized using near infrared spectroscopy, and a novel method - Aquaphotomics. These nanomaterials were then used for engineering a new skin cream formula for their application in cosmetics and medicine. In this paper, results of nanocream effects on the skin (using near infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics), and existing results of biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of fullerene base nanomaterials, are presented.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CONTACT LENSES CHARACTERIZED BY SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY AND OPTOMAGNETIC FINGERPRINT

In this paper we present applied physics research results of gas-permeable contact lenses (CL) that are manufactured from fluorosilicone acrylate based material (Boston™ type). During contact lenses production the conformation states of polymers belonging to near surface layers of CL surface are changed. Since CL quality crucially depends on surface roughness and optical properties, the properties of surface molecules conformation state and their orientation come into perspective as important factors acting on the molecular level. Therefore, we investigated CL surface by phase contrast atomic force microscopy (PC-AFM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM), and optomagnetic fingerprint (OMF) technique and found out that surface quality and magnetic properties of contact lenses have influence on physical properties of light transmission and that these changes can be detected on the nanolevel of magnetism, as well as optomagnetism. These results carry important biophysically based implications for CL industry, biomedical application industry and applied optical science.

Classical and quantum information channels in protein chain

Investigation of the properties of peptide plane in protein chain from both classical and quantum approach is presented. We calculated interatomic force constants for peptide plane and hydrogen bonds between peptide planes in protein chain. On the basis of force constants, displacements of each atom in peptide plane, and time of action we found that the value of the peptide plane action is close to the Planck constant. This indicates that peptide plane from the energy viewpoint possesses synergetic classical/quantum properties. Consideration of peptide planes in protein chain from information viewpoint also shows that protein chain possesses classical and quantum properties. So, it appears that protein chain behaves as a triple dual system: (1) structural - amino acids and peptide planes, (2) energy - classical and quantum state, and (3) information - classical and quantum coding. Based on experimental facts of protein chain, we proposed from the structure-energy-information viewpoint its synergetic code system.

Water Properties of Soft Contact Lenses: A Comparative Near-Infrared Study of Two Hydrogel Materials

The functionality of soft contact lenses depends strongly on the water content and their water-transport ability. This study was conducted in order to examine the state of water in two sets of soft contact lenses: VSO38, pHEMA Filcon I 1, and VSO50, copolymer of HEMA and VP Filcon II 1 (HEMA = 2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate; VP = vinyl pyrrolidone). Hydrogel lenses were studied using near-infrared spectroscopy and the novel Aquaphotomics approach in order to determine the state of water in materials based on their near-infrared spectra. Aquaphotomics approach investigates absorption at specific vibrational bands of water’s covalent and hydrogen bonds which can provide information on how the water structure changes with the structural change of the polymer network. Principal component analysis and specific star-chart “aquagram” were used to analyse water spectral pattern in hydrogel materials. The findings show that material VSO38 has water predominantly organized in bound state, while material with higher water content, VSO50, has more free and weakly hydrogen bonded water. Our findings define in detail exact water species existing and interacting with the polymer network. The results show qualitative and quantitative possibilities of Aquaphotomics for better modelling and understanding water behaviour in hydrogel materials.

Electrical properties of human skin as aging biomarkers.

A non-invasive bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and Cole-Cole impedance model parameters (R0, R∞, τ and α) were used to analyze electrical properties of intact and stripped human skin for both gender subjects divided into younger and older age groups. R0, R∞ and τ significantly increased while α significantly decreased with age in stripped skin for both genders (p<0.031). Using pooled data with respect to age, gender and skin stripping, R0, R∞ and τ values were shown to increase with age (p<0.0034), R0, τ and α were different between genders (p<0.024) and R0, R∞ and τ decreased with skin stripping (p<0.000008). All of four Cole-Cole parameters were age dependent with specific differences observed for genders and intact and stripped skin layers. Therefore, Cole-Cole parameters, obtained by non-invasive BIS measurements, are a new type of age dependent biomarkers.

Surface characterisation of Pb1−xMnxTe alloy by atomic force microscopy and magnetic force mode

Abstract In this paper the authors present the results of surface characterisation of a lead telluride alloy conducted by atomic force microscopy and magnetic force microscopy. Relationship between surface morphology, in the range of several nanometres, and the magnetic properties allows precise determination of nanomagnetic particles size with their distribution within a scanned area. This method allows the characterisation of nanoparticles in dimensional and magnetic sense since the paramagnetic and diamagnetic range can be examined.

Detection of protein deposits using NIR spectroscopy

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine if it is possible to distinguish between the groups of spoiled and unspoiled soft contact lenses using near-infrared spectroscopy and new analytical approach – Aquaphotomics. Using the principal component analysis, it was established that the absorbance spectra of worn and new contact lenses are differed at water absorption band related to hydration of proteins. Detection of proteins thus was performed indirectly by using vibrations of water molecules. This exploratory study showed that near-infrared spectroscopy and Aquaphotomics have potential for non-invasive, chemical-free detection of protein deposits on hydrated soft contact lenses.

Magnetic Force Microscopy Application in Steel Structure and Milling Process Parameters Evaluation

Application of scanning probe microscopy techniques in evaluating process quality is presented. We conducted a surface characterization and comparison of topographical and magnetic features for three steel plate samples that were processed with the same milling parameters. The topographical features have presented an interesting discourse with magnetic features leading us to propose the magnetic fingerprint of matter on the nanometer level as a possible guideline in early crack detection and process parameter optimization.

In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of Collagen - C60(OH)24 Interaction

In this paper both theoretical and experimental approach to a possible interaction between collagen hydrolyzate and fullerole C60(OH)24 have been considered. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. Based on FT-IR spectroscopy, bands of amide I, II and III, from collagen hydrolyzate were analyzed, as well as the characteristic bands of fullerole. Based on experimental results, torsion types of interaction between collagen hydrolyzate and fullerole C60(OH)24 have been considered. According to in vivo experiments, fullerole initiates fibroblast cells production and after a two-month skin treatment it improves collagen and elastin production. This indicates that fullerole effects intermolecular communications from collagen fibers through integrines and microtubules to cell nucleus.

Gibbson: Peptide Plane as a Unique Biological Nanostructure

ABSTRACT In this paper we describe the properties of the peptide plane of amino acids from biophysical point of view. We use Langrage equations to calculate energy states of peptide plain and to explain its biophysical properties. We calculate both, energy distribution of each atom in peptide plain and energy distribution of peptide plains in a protein chain. As examples, we make calculation of energy state for collagen, integrin and tubulin peptide chains. We found out that is no existence of two peptide plains with the same energy state in a single protein chain. Energy distribution of peptide plains is by Gibbs statistics distribution and we named peptide plain as a Gibbson . The Gibbson is elementary quasi particle,“biological condensate”, on nanometer scale. Relationship between Gibbs’ energy distribution of collagen, integrin and tubulin open a new view for understanding cells and tissues communication. This knowledge could be relevant for nanoscience, biomedicine and nanotechnology.