Boar sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the presence of egg yolk soluble and low density lipoprotein fractions during cooling.

Increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the appearance of a phosphorylated protein of 32 kD (p32) are reported among the capacitation-like changes in cryopreserved boar sperm. Egg yolk freezing extenders are composed by two fractions: insoluble granules and soluble plasma, which contains the low density lipoproteins (LDL) proposed as responsible for the egg yolk cryoprotective action. The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of complete egg yolk and its insoluble, soluble and LDL fractions on boar sperm quality and protein tyrosine phosphorylation after the first stage of a standard cryopreservation protocol.

Antimicrobial Activity of Starch Hydrogel Incorporated with Copper Nanoparticles.

In order to obtain an antimicrobial gel, a starch-based hydrogel reinforced with silica-coated copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) was developed. Cu NPs were synthesized by use of a copper salt and hydrazine as a reducing agent. In order to enhance Cu NP stability over time, they were synthesized in a starch medium followed by a silica coating.

Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic properties of cationic hydrogels containing copper(II) and cobalt(II) ions.

Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a hydrogel based on ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) and 1,8-diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane (DA). Chemically stable Co(II) and Cu(II) coordination complexes were prepared with this nonsoluble polyelectrolyte, poly(EGDE-DA), and studied by ss-NMR, FT-IR, thermogravimetry, and microscopy. Mesopores were found in all the samples, the thermal stability of the polymer matrix was highly affected by the presence of metal ions, and the (13)C CP-MAS spectrum for the Cu(II)-complex evidenced a significant increase in the reticulation degree by Cu(II) ions.

Effect of serum lipoproteins and cholesterol on an exogenous pulmonary surfactant. ESR analysis of structural changes and their relation with surfactant activity.

The study of structural changes in the surfactant may help to understand the mechanisms by which the surfactant is inactivated by serum. Here, we compared the in vitro effects of serum, albumin, lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, HDL) and cholesterol on the dynamic and structural properties of surfactant suspensions by electronic spin resonance and surface tension measurements. Our results showed that albumin seems to be responsible for macrostructure disaggregation and increased rigidity in the hydrophobic region, but it did not affect surfactant activity.