Preparation and characterization of gelatin sponge millispheres from air-in-water-in-oil-type emulsions.

A novel method for the preparation of gelatin sponge millispheres (GSMs) for biomaterials such as embolic agents and cell scaffolds was developed using an air-in-water-in-oil-type emulsion. The droplets, consisting of a foamy gelatin suspension in caprylic triglyceride, were gelled and rinsed with isopropanol. Sonication and depressurization were used during the rinsing process to create interconnected pores.

Detection of a carcinogen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine, in airborne particles and diesel-exhaust particles.

A carcinogen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]-pyridine (PhIP), has been measured in airborne particles, diesel-exhaust particles, and incineration ash from garbage-burning plants. PhIP was found in all kinds of samples. In the light of the present results, together with the previous findings that PhIP was present in cooked foods and cigarette smoke, PhIP is likely to be an ubiquitous environmental pollutant.

Occurrence of carcinogenic amino-alpha-carbolines in some environmental samples.

The carcinogenic amino-alpha-carbolines, 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole and AalphaC, have been measured in airborne particles, rain water, soil and cigarette-smoke-polluted indoor air by high-performance liquid chromatography. These carcinogens were found in all kinds of environmental samples examined, although MeAalphaC was not detected in soil. Considering the present results, together with the previous findings that these carcinogens were present in foodstuffs, cigarette smoke and diesel-exhaust particles, amino-alpha-carbolines are likely to be ubiquitous environmental pollutants.

Detection of carcinogenic amino-alpha-carbolines and amino-gamma-carbolines in diesel-exhaust particles.

Diesel-exhaust particles are known to contain mutagenic and carcinogenic chemicals. The aim of this study was to determine whether carcinogenic amino-alpha-carbolines and amino-gamma-carbolines are present in diesel-exhaust particles. These carcinogens which were originally isolated from pyrolysates of proteins and amino acids have been detected in diesel-exhaust particles obtained from two test vehicles as well as in standard materials of automobile-exhaust particles obtained from National Institute for Environmental studies.