Ubiquinone modified printed carbon electrodes for cell culture pH monitoring.

The measurement of pH is important throughout many biological systems, but there are limited available technologies to enable its periodical monitoring in the complex, small volume, media often used in cell culture experiments across a range of disciplines. Herein, pad printed electrodes are developed and characterised through modification with: a commercially available fullerene multiwall carbon nanotube composite applied in Nafion, casting of hydrophobic ubiquinone as a pH probe to provide the electrochemical signal, and coated in Polyethylene glycol to reduce fouling and potentially enhance biocompatibility, which together are proven to enable the determination of pH in cell culture media containing serum. The ubiquinone oxidation peak position (E) provided an indirect marker of pH across the applicable range of pH 6-9 (R = 0.

The effect of MeSO overexposure during cryopreservation on HOS TE85 and hMSC viability, growth and quality.

With the cell therapy industry continuing to grow, the ability to preserve clinical grade cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), whilst retaining cell viability and function remains critical for the generation of off-the-shelf therapies. Cryopreservation of MSCs, using slow freezing, is an established process at lab scale. However, the cytotoxicity of cryoprotectants, like MeSO, raises questions about the impact of prolonged cell exposure to cryoprotectant at temperatures >0 °C during processing of large cell batches for allogenic therapies prior to rapid cooling in a controlled rate freezer or in the clinic prior to administration.

Argument for the need of investigation of the relationship between body fatness and experimental pain sensitivity.

In this communication, we argue about the need for an extensive investigation of the relationship between body fatness and fat distribution and experimental pain to explore the factors that might contribute to the increased prevalence of pain conditions in obese individuals.

Amphipathic polymer-mediated uptake of trehalose for dimethyl sulfoxide-free human cell cryopreservation.

For stem cell therapy to become a routine reality, one of the major challenges to overcome is their storage and transportation. Currently this is achieved by cryopreserving cells utilising the cryoprotectant dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO). Me2SO is toxic to cells, leads to loss of cell functionality, and can produce severe side effects in patients.

Biochemist-tree: Using modular origami to understand the integration of intermediary metabolism.

Intermediary metabolism can be a complex area to study due to the inherent modularity of the catabolic biochemical processes. This article outlines a novel, cost-effective, and universally applicable teaching activity to enhance students understanding of the inter-relationship between the key processes of intermediary metabolism. A simple origami model, the "Biochemist-Tree" has been developed as a learning activity for intermediary metabolism, and its implementation was assessed.

Printed composite electrodes for in-situ wound pH monitoring.

New technologies are essential for intelligent wound management and to provide tools that facilitate a greater understanding of wounds and healing physiology. pH is an important marker for many processes in the wound environment; it cannot be fully utilised due to the inherent lack of suitable technologies currently available. The development and proof-of-concept testing for an electrochemical system that exploits pad-printed carbon-uric acid composite electrodes is detailed.

Smart bandages--a colourful approach to early stage infection detection & control in wound care.

With the recent increase in bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics, the early-stage detection and control of infection has become imperative in the fight against opportunistic pathogens in healthcare. The traditional β-lactam wonder-drugs (e.g.

Exploring pre-enlistment and military factors associated with the morale of members of the UK Armed Forces.

There is a paucity of evidence to show the importance of morale within military units. The aim of this study was to explore how pre-enlistment and postenlistment factors influence morale and to ascertain which has the greater contribution. A cross-sectional study of the UK military involved in operations to Iraq was conducted between 2004 and 2006.

Approaching intelligent infection diagnostics: Carbon fibre sensor for electrochemical pyocyanin detection.

Pyocyanin is produced by Ps. aeruginosa as a result of quorum sensing during wound colonisation increasing bacterial virulence and damaging host physiology, both of which contribute to an increased risk of infection. The use of carbon fibre tow as an electrochemical sensing matrix for assessing pyocyanin production is evaluated.

Carbon fibre composites: integrated electrochemical sensors for wound management.

The applicability of employing a carbon fibre mesh as an electrochemical sensing substructure for assessing urate transformations within wound exudates is evaluated. Prototype sensor assemblies have been designed and their response characteristics towards uric acid and other common physiological components are detailed. Modification of the carbon fibre sensor through surface anodization and the application of cellulose acetate permselective barriers have been shown to lead to optimized responses and much greater sensitivity (1440% increase) and specificity.