Raman spectroscopy reveals age- and sex-related differences in cortical bone from people with osteoarthritis.

Bone strength in human cortical bone is determined by the composition and structure of both the mineral and collagen matrices and influenced by factors such as age, gender, health, lifestyle and genetic factors. Age-related changes in the bone matrix are known to result in loss of mechanical strength and increased fragility. In this study we show how Raman spectroscopy, with its exquisite sensitivity to the molecular structure of bone, reveals new insights into age- and sex-related differences.

Solution structure of linear battacin lipopeptides - the effect of lengthening fatty acid chain.

In recent years, lipopeptides have received attention for their enhanced antimicrobial activity, especially against multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. We have previously reported that the bacterial soil extracted, novel cyclic lipopeptide, battacin, and its synthetic analogues have enhanced antimicrobial activity against various Gram negative, Gram positive and fungal pathogens. In particular, the modification of the hydrophobic fatty acid chain and molecular structure has improved its activity.

Chain shape and thin film behaviour of poly(thiophene)-graft-poly(acrylate urethane).

Electronic graft copolymers with conjugated polymer backbones are emerging as promising materials for various organic electronics. These materials combine the advantages of organic electronic materials, such as molecular tunability of opto-electronic and electrochemical properties, with solution processability and other 'designer' physical and mechanical properties imparted through the addition of grafted polymer side chains. Future development of such materials with complex molecular architecture requires a better understanding of the effect of molecular parameters, such as side chain length, on the structure and, in turn, on the electronic properties.

Biomineralization of Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Carbonate within Iridescent Chitosan/Iota-Carrageenan Multilayered Films.

This work systematically explores the biomineralization of calcium phosphate (CaP) and carbonate (CaCO) within chitosan/iota-carrageenan multilayer films. Multilayer films of chitosan and iota-carrageenan (up to 128-coupled layers) were prepared on glass substrates by a layer-by-layer dip-coating technique. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy revealed dense interfaces between the chitosan and iota-carrageenan layers with thicknesses in the range 250 and 350 nm in the hydrated state, accounting for the iridescent nature of multilayer films when wet.

Morphological, chemical and kinetic characterisation of zein protein-induced biomimetic calcium phosphate films.

This study examines zein protein-induced growth of calcium phosphate (CaP) thin films at air-liquid interfaces. The results demonstrate that zein protein films in contact with simulated body fluids (SBF) promote the growth of hemispherical CaP particles of 150 nm radius, which combine to form a film. The CaP films formed on zein were less continuous than those obtained using a hexadecanoic acid monolayer self-assembled at the air-liquid interface.