Vladimir Lazović

Graphene oxide improves the biocompatibility of collagen membranes in an in vitro model of human primary gingival fibroblasts

Commercial collagen membranes are used in oral surgical procedures as scaffolds for bone deposition in guided bone regeneration. Here, we have enriched them with graphene oxide (GO) via a simple non-covalent functionalization, exploiting the capacity of oxygenated carbon functional moieties of GO to interact through hydrogen bonding with collagen. In the present paper, the GO-coated membranes have been characterized in terms of stability, nano-roughness, biocompatibility and induction of inflammatory response in human primary gingival fibroblast cells. The obtained coated membranes are demonstrated not to leak GO in the bulk solution, and to change some features of the membrane, such as stiffness and adhesion between the membrane and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip. Moreover, the presence of GO increases the roughness and the total surface exposed to the cells, as demonstrated by AFM analyses. The obtained material is biocompatible, and does not induce inflammation in the tested cells.

Nonlinear microscopy of chitin and chitinous structures: a case study of two cave-dwelling insects

Abstract. We performed a study of the nonlinear optical properties of chemically purified chitin and insect cuticle using two-photon excited autofluorescence (TPEF) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Excitation spectrum, fluorescence time, polarization sensitivity, and bleaching speed were measured. We have found that the maximum autofluorescence signal requires an excitation wavelength below 850 nm. At longer wavelengths, we were able to penetrate more than 150-μm deep into the sample through the chitinous structures. The excitation power was kept below 10 mW (at the sample) in order to diminish bleaching. The SHG from the purified chitin was confirmed by spectral- and time-resolved measurements. Two cave-dwelling, depigmented, insect species were analyzed and three-dimensional images of the cuticular structures were obtained.

Scattering-enhanced absorption and interference produce a golden wing color of the burnished brass moth, Diachrysia chrysitis

Here we report how interference and scattering-enhanced absorption act together to produce the golden wing patches of the burnished brass moth. The key mechanism is scattering on rough internal surfaces of the wing scales, accompanied by a large increase of absorption in the UV-blue spectral range. Unscattered light interferes and efficiently reflects from the multilayer composed of the scales and the wing membranes. The resulting spectrum is remarkably similar to the spectrum of metallic gold. Subwavelength morphology and spectral and absorptive properties of the wings are described. Theories of subwavelength surface scattering and local intensity enhancement are used to quantitatively explain the observed reflectance spectrum.

Additional information on the distribution and ecology of the recently described diatom species Geissleria gereckei

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to report new information about the distribution and ecology of a recently described diatom species, Geissleria gereckei. The opportunity for updating the information on the distribution and ecology of the species was provided by the finding of well-developed G. gereckei populations on the lithic material and bryophytes in the Raška and Mlava rivers (Serbia). For several years after the first description, G. gereckei has been known only from the type locality and from another spring in the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park (the south-eastern Alps). After accurate LM and SEM observations, we provide evidence for the occurrence of the species also in the two above-mentioned rivers in Serbia, as well as in the south-western and south-eastern Alps. After an extensive literature search, it appears that the species is known with certainty only from these sites. Our observations and details from the literature suggest that the species is able to occupy a much broader ecological niche than the very-specific one observed at the time of discovery. The two main determinants for the species’ occurrence appear to be the carbonate nature of the catchments or aquifers, and the ability of the species to be competitive in habitats or microhabitats exposed to seasonal desiccation.

Photonic structures improve radiative heat exchange of Rosalia alpina (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

The insect cuticle serves a multitude of purposes, including: mechanical and thermal protection, water-repelling, acoustic signal absorption and coloration. The influence of cuticular structures on infrared radiation exchange and thermal balance is still largely unexplored. Here we report on the micro- and nanostructured setae covering the elytra of the longicorn beetle Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) that help the insect to survive in hot, summer environments. In the visible part of the spectrum, scale-like setae, covering the black patches of the elytra, efficiently absorb light due to the radiation trap effect. In the infrared part of the spectrum, setae of the whole elytra significantly contribute to the radiative heat exchange. From the biological point of view, insect elytra facilitate camouflage, enable rapid heating to the optimum body temperature and prevent overheating by emitting excess thermal energy.