The Effects of Reprocessing and Fiber Treatments on the Properties of Polypropylene-Sugarcane Bagasse Biocomposites.

This study explores the reprocessing behavior of polypropylene-sugarcane bagasse biocomposites using neat and chemically treated bagasse fibers (20 wt.%). Biocomposites were reprocessed 5 times using the extrusion process followed by injection molding.

Real time detection of lysozyme by pulsed streaming potentials using polyclonal antibodies immobilized on a renewable nonfouling surface inside plastic microfluidic channels.

A composite surface was prepared on cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microchannels by UV-photografting of polyethylene glycol acrylate (PEGA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) films. A PEGA layer of globular particles with average thickness of 60 nm was formed after 15 min of polymerization. Real time monitoring by pulsed streaming potentials demonstrated the ability of the PEGA layer to inhibit the adhesion of five different nonspecific adsorbing proteins when compared with pristine COC.

Quantifying surface-accessible quaternary charge for surface modified coatings via streaming potential measurements.

Prior research established that P[AB]-copolyoxetane polyurethanes with soft blocks having A = trifluoroethoxy (CF(3)CH(2)-O-CH(2)-, 3FOx) and B = dodecylammonium-butoxy (C12) are highly effective as polymer surface modifiers (PSMs). These PSMs displayed high contact antimicrobial efficiency against spray challenge that was attributed to surface concentration of quaternary charge. Herein, using a novel cell design and polymer coating process, streaming potential (SP) measurements are reported for estimating accessible surface charge density.

Adsorption kinetics of proteins in plastic microfluidic channels: real-time monitoring of lysozyme adsorption by pulsed streaming potentials.

A proof-of-concept study is presented illustrating the real-time monitoring of lysozyme (Ly) adsorption on the surface of microchannels made with cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). The signal arises from changes in the surface charge upon adsorption of Ly which is monitored by pulsed streaming potentials. Because streaming potentials are electrochemical potentials resulting from the pressure-driven flow of the liquid and the surface charge of the microchannel, this approach is ideal for microfluidics.