Foliar Fertilization by the Sol-Gel Particles Containing Cu and Zn.

Silica particles with the size of 150-200 nm containing Ca, P, Cu or Zn ions were synthesized with the sol-gel method and tested as a foliar fertilizer on three plant species: maize , wheat and rape L. var growing on two types of soils: neutral and acidic. The aqueous suspensions of the studied particles were sprayed on the chosen leaves and also on the whole tested plants.

Sol-Gel Coatings with Azofoska Fertilizer Deposited onto Pea Seeds.

Pure silica sol obtained by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and the same silica sol doped with fertilizer Azofoska were used to cover the surface of pea seeds. The surface state of the coated seeds (layer continuity, thickness, elemental composition) was studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector. Different conditions such as sol mixing method, seed immersion time, effect of diluting the sol with water, and ethanol (EtOH) were studied to obtain thin continuous coatings.

Antiadherent and antibacterial properties of TiO2-coated and TiO2:Ag-coated stainless steel orthodontic wires against S. mutans bacteria.

Purpose: Conventional orthodontic treatment with stainless steel orthodontic wires may be detrimental to oral health, as it contributes to demineralized lesions and increases adhesion and bacterial biofilm formation, which contributes to cavity development. An alternative that has been investigated to reduce the side effects of orthodontic treatment is the use of coating materials with antimicrobial nanoparticles. This study aims to evaluate the antiadherent and antibacterial properties of TiO2-coated and TiO2:Ag-coated stainless steel orthodontic wires against S.

In vivo study on the biodistribution of silica particles in the bodies of rats.

Background: Biodegradable carrier materials with nontoxic degradation products are very valuable for delivering drugs and biologically active molecules. Many organic systems (such as liposomes, micelles and polymeric nanoparticles) and inorganic systems (metal oxides and silica) have been researched for delivering active substances to organs. Silica seems to be one of the most interesting and promising materials.