对萘磺酸钠修饰的石墨烯基纳米银复合抗菌材料的制备及性能评价

制备采用1-萘磺酸钠修饰的石墨烯基纳米银复合材料,并对其性能进行评价。首先制备了石墨烯基纳米银复合材料,采用1-萘磺酸钠修饰,记为AgNP/rGO-NA,然后通过与聚乙烯吡咯烷酮做保护剂的纳米银（PVP/AgNP）的比较,分析其稳定性,抗菌活性,细胞毒性。研究发现,纳米银AgNP在制备的复合材料表面的分布相对均匀,AgNP的质量分数为4.3%,粒径为5~15nm,Zeta电位为-42.5 mV;在无光或光照强度为3000 Lx（勒克斯）的低温光照仪环境下储存10 d,PVP/AgNP聚集作用较为明显,而AgNP/rGO-NA则分散性良好,聚集作用不明显;AgNP/rGO-NA具有更加良好的抗菌活性,生物相容性和相对较低的生物毒性。试验表明经过1-萘磺酸钠修饰的石墨烯基纳米银复合材料质量可靠,性能良好,具有广阔的应用前景。     

叶酸介导的普鲁兰多糖- 阿霉素聚合物前药的制备及生物学性能初探

目的:制备叶酸介导的普兰多糖-阿霉素聚合物前药(FA-MP-DOX),实现阿霉素药物的靶向控制释放。方法:将普鲁兰多糖用马来酸酐进行修饰后,通过酰胺键键合阿霉素制备得到普鲁兰多糖-阿霉素(MP-DOX),继而酯键键合叶酸制备得到叶酸介导的普鲁兰多糖-阿霉素聚合物前药(FA-MP-DOX)。红外光谱、核磁共振光谱表征聚合物药物的结构,动态透析法模拟体外释药特性,监测不同pH值聚合物药物中阿霉素的释药特性,同时采用人口腔表皮样癌细胞(KB细胞)测定聚合物药物体系的细胞毒性。结果:①经核磁共振表征FA-MP-DOX聚合物合成完成。②在pH2.5、pH5.0及pH7.4的PBS缓冲体系16h中,阿霉素药物累积释放率分别为49.1%,30.3%和15.3%,证实FA-MP-DOX中阿霉素的释放具有pH依赖性。③细胞实验证实FA-MP-DOX的细胞毒性高于阿霉素和MP-DOX。结论:FA-MP-DOX聚合物药物有望成为阿霉素智能型控释和靶向性药物载体。     

叶酸介导的普鲁兰多糖-阿霉素聚合物前药的制备及生物学性能初探

目的：制备叶酸介导的普兰多糖-阿霉素聚合物前药（FA-MP-DOX）,实现阿霉素药物的靶向控制释放。方法：将普鲁兰多糖用马来酸酐进行修饰后,通过酰胺键键合阿霉素制备得到普鲁兰多糖-阿霉素（MP-DOX）,继而酯键键合叶酸制备得到叶酸介导的普鲁兰多糖-阿霉素聚合物前药（FA-MP-DOX）。红外光谱、核磁共振光谱表征聚合物药物的结构,动态透析法模拟体外释药特性,监测不同pH值聚合物药物中阿霉素的释药特性,同时采用人口腔表皮样癌细胞（KB细胞）测定聚合物药物体系的细胞毒性。结果：①经核磁共振表征FA-MP-DOX聚合物合成完成。②在pH2.5、pH5.0及pH7.4的PBS缓冲体系16h中,阿霉素药物累积释放率分别为49.1%,30.3%和15.3%,证实FA-MP-DOX中阿霉素的释放具有pH依赖性。③细胞实验证实FA-MP-DOX的细胞毒性高于阿霉素和MP-DOX。结论：FA-MP-DOX聚合物药物有望成为阿霉素智能型控释和靶向性药物载体。     

硒代硫酸钠诱导HL60细胞凋亡——还原态硒的细胞毒性(英文)

细胞毒性研究认为Cd2+的释放是硒化镉(CdSe)纳米粒子的细胞毒性机制之一,而Se2-阴离子在纳米粒子中的毒性机制未知。作者研究了硒代硫酸钠(selenosulfate(SSeO3)2-)对HL60细胞的细胞毒性作用,发现10μmol/L的硒代硫酸钠可以显著抑制细胞活力,诱导细胞凋亡,出现了染色质凝聚、DNA ladder和G0/G1凋亡亚峰。线粒体膜电位显著降低的同时,促凋亡蛋白Bax的免疫荧光增加。结果表明还原态的Se2-阴离子有显著的细胞毒性作用,可以诱导HL60细胞凋亡。同时也暗示Se2-阴离子的释放可能是含Se2-纳米粒子(比如硒化镉的量子点)细胞毒性的机制之一。     

四氧化三铁–阿霉素纳米复合物对小鼠乳腺癌的靶向治疗效果

该文探究了四氧化三铁搭载的阿霉素纳米复合物对小鼠乳腺癌的靶向性和治疗效果。采用共沉淀法制备羧甲基壳聚糖修饰的纳米四氧化三铁,通过羧甲基壳聚糖的羧基和阿霉素的氨基的静电作用,组成纳米复合物。利用透射电镜、傅里叶红外光谱、超导量子干涉磁强计等对制备的纳米四氧化三铁和羧甲基壳聚糖修饰的四氧化三铁进行表征,观察其形貌特征。小鼠活体成像观察所制备的纳米复合物对荷瘤小鼠的靶向作用。荷瘤小鼠肿瘤生长抑制实验考察纳米复合物对肿瘤的治疗作用。结果显示,制备的羧甲基壳聚糖修饰的四氧化三铁粒径约为10 nm,搭载阿霉素后仍保留纳米四氧化三铁的超顺磁性。小鼠活体成像显示,纳米复合物能在肿瘤区域富集。小鼠肿瘤生长抑制实验显示,具有较单独使用阿霉素更好的抑癌效果。结果表明,所制备的四氧化三铁–阿霉素纳米复合物对肿瘤组织具有靶向性和更好的抑癌效果。     

角蛋白载药纳米颗粒的制备及药物可控释放性能研究*

目的:以角蛋白作为药物载体材料,制备智能响应性药物递送系统,研究其药物装载和释放性能。方法:利用去溶剂法制备角蛋白纳米颗粒(KNP),以罗丹明B(RB)和姜黄素(Cur)为亲水性和疏水性模式药物,制备载药KNP。利用钨灯丝扫描电镜(SEM)、动态光散射(DLS)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)和药物体外释放实验等对KNP的尺寸、形貌、结构、载药和释药性能进行研究。结果:成功制备出粒径均一、约为300 nm 的KNP,能够装载亲水性和疏水性药物。载药颗粒在体外释放研究中表现出pH和氧化还原双重响应性。结论:利用去溶剂法,简便、安全地制备了分散性良好且具有pH和氧化还原双重响应性释放特性的角蛋白载药纳米颗粒,为角蛋白作为智能响应型药物递送载体的研究和应用提供了参考。     

两亲性高分子功能化氧化石墨烯的制备与生物相容性评价

二维的氧化石墨烯(GO)的细胞毒性低,且有良好的生物相容性,是良好的光热与成像材料,同时还可以作为纳米载体,用来输运化疗药物、基因等。由于氧化石墨烯的片层之间有较强的范德华力,极易团聚,从而影响其在生物医学方面的进一步应用。本文通过二硬脂酰磷脂酰乙醇胺-聚乙二醇-氨基(DSPE-PEG-NH2)功能化修饰氧化石墨烯,改善了石墨烯在水相中的稳定性、低毒性及生物相容性。功能化氧化石墨烯在水相中放置两周以上仍然具有良好的分散性,且对细胞没有明显的毒副作用,有望在生物医学领域发挥巨大作用。     

Fe3O4/ 生物可降解复合材料研究

磁性氧化铁纳米粒子因具有尺寸小、低毒性和超顺磁性等特点,已经引起了生物化工、医药工业领域的广泛关注。生物可降解高分子材料是生物医用高分子研究中最活跃的领域之一,已广泛用于外科手术缝合线,植入体材料及药物释放载体等。将Fe3O4和生物可降解高分子材料进行复合,可以扩大两者的应用范围,达到理想的治疗效果,并有望开创临床治疗的新时代。本文介绍了磁性四氧化三铁粒子的化学制备方法,包括共沉淀法、溶胶-凝胶法、微乳液法,并对各种方法的优缺点进行了比较;重点阐述了磁性壳聚糖,磁性聚乳酸,磁性PEG,磁性PCL复合材料的制备,及它们在酶的固定化、磁靶向药物及基因载体等医学领域的应用,显示了Fe3O4/生物可降解复合材料在医学领域的广阔应用前景;最后对复合材料走向临床应用所面临的问题及发展前景进行了讨论。     

RGD修饰包载超顺磁性氧化铁纳米粒用于脑胶质瘤的靶向研究

目的：采用PLGA-PEG为聚合材料,制备RGD修饰包载超顺磁性四氧化三铁纳米粒子（RGD-NP—Fe3O4）,用于脑胶质瘤细胞靶向核磁共振成像纳米探针。方法：采用沉淀法制备RGD修饰的栽超顺磁性纳米粒,考察纳米粒的粒径,电位等理化指标以及细胞毒性。通过细胞以及肿瘤球摄取实验,考察RGD．NP—Fe304的脑胶质瘤细胞靶向性。结果：制备得到的RGD-NP-Fe3O4粒径在85±7．5nm,电位为18＋1．15mV。纳米粒浓度在300μg/mL范围内,对脑胶质瘤细胞均无显著毒性。经过RGD修饰后脑胶质瘤细胞U87对纳米粒的摄取效率大大提高,纳米粒穿透肿瘤球能力显著增强。结论：RGD修饰包载超顺磁性氧化铁纳米粒是一种潜在的高效的脑胶质瘤细胞靶向诊断纳米探针和靶向给药系统。     

转铁蛋白修饰磁性纳米粒的制备及其体外抗肿瘤活性研究

目的:本研究旨在构建一种转铁蛋白修饰负载阿霉素(DOX)的磁纳米粒靶向递药系统,以提高阿霉素作用的靶向性。方法:采用化学共沉淀法制备转铁蛋白修饰负载阿霉素的磁性纳米粒(DOX@MNP),采用zeta电位及纳米粒度分析仪测定DOX@MNP的粒径及其zeta电位,透析法评价DOX@MNP的体外释药特征。通过MTT实验,研究DOX@MNP与游离DOX对A549细胞的细胞毒性,通过激光共聚焦显微镜和流式细胞仪观察A549细胞对DOX@MNP与游离DOX的摄取情况。结果:DOX@MNP的释药具有p H依赖性。MTT实验结果显示,DOX@MNP与游离DOX具有相当的细胞毒性;激光共聚焦显微镜和流式细胞仪检测结果显示A549细胞对DOX和DOX@MNP的摄取没有明显差异。结论:本文构建了一种转铁蛋白修饰包载阿霉素的磁纳米粒,体外结果显示其具有与游离DOX相当的细胞毒性,为进一步进行体内实验奠定了基础。     

Formulation and Release Behavior of Doxycycline–Alginate Hydrogel Microparticles Embedded into Pluronic F127 Thermogels as a Potential New Vehicle for Doxycycline Intradermal Sustained Delivery

The aim of this work was the formulation and characterization of alginate (ALG)–doxycycline (DOX) hydrogel microparticles (MPs) embedded into Pluronic F127 thermogel for DOX intradermal sustained delivery. ALG–DOX MPs were formed by adding a solution of the drug into a 1.5% polymer solution while stirring. The MPs were cross-linked by dispersion into a 1.2% CaCl₂ solution. Free MPs were characterized in terms of size, drug content, and release behavior by HPLC and UV–vis. DOX and hydrogel MPs were embedded into PF127, PF127-HPMC, and PF127-Methocel thermogels. The thermogels were characterized in terms of gelling time, morphology, and release behavior. A target release period of 4–7 days was considered optimal. The hydrogel MPs were about 20 μm in size with 90% of the population <59 μm. Drug content was about 35% (w/w). DOX released rapidly from the MPs, 90% within 2 days. An expected faster release was observed for free DOX from the thermogels with 80–90% of drug released after 3.5–4 h even in the presence of 1% HPMC or Methocel. The release was sustained after embedding the MPs into PF127 and PF127-HPMC thermogels. In particular, the PF127-HPMC thermogel showed an almost linear release, reaching 80% after 3 days and 90% up to 6 days. Although a further characterization and formulation assessment is required to optimize MP characteristics, ALG/DOX-loaded hydrogel MPs, when embedded into a PF127-HPMC thermogel, show a potential for achieving a 7-day sustained release formulation for DOX intradermal delivery.     

A High‐Efficiency Sulfur/Carbon Composite Based on 3D Graphene Nanosheet@Carbon Nanotube Matrix as Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Battery

Carbon materials have attracted extensive attention as the host materials of sulfur for lithium–sulfur battery, especially those with 3D architectural structure. Here, a novel 3D graphene nanosheet–carbon nanotube (GN–CNT) matrix is obtained through a simple one‐pot pyrolysis process. The length and density of CNTs can be readily tuned by altering the additive amount of carbon source (urea). Specifically, CNTs are in situ introduced onto the surface of the graphene nanosheets (GN) and show a stable covalent interaction with GN. Besides, in the GN–CNT matrix, cobalt nanoparticles with different diameters exist as being wrapped in the top of CNTs or scattering on the GN surface, and abundant heteroatoms (N, O) are detected, both of which can help in immobilizing sulfur species. Such a rationally designed 3D GN–CNT matrix makes much more sense in enhancing the electrochemical performance of the sulfur cathode for rapid charge transfer and favorable electrolyte infiltration. Moreover, the presence of dispersed cobalt nanoparticles is beneficial for trapping lithium polysulfides by strong chemical interaction, and facilitating the mutual transformation between the high‐order polysulfides and low‐order ones. As a result, the S/GN–CNT composite presents a high sulfur utilization and large capacity on the basis of the S/GN–CNT composite as active material.     

Thermoreversible-mucoadhesive Gel for nasal delivery of sumatriptan

The purpose of the present study was to develop intranasal delivery systems of sumatriptan using thermoreversible polymer Pluronic F127 (PF 127) and mucoadhesive polymer Carbopol 934P (C934P). Formulations were modulated so as to have gelation temperature below 34°C to ensure gelation at physiological temperature after intranasal administration. Gelation temperature was determined by physical appearance as well as by rheological measurement. The gelation temperatures of the formulations decreased by addition of increasing concentrations of Carbopol (ie, from 29°C for 18% PF127 to 23.9°C for 18% PF127, 0.5% Carbopol). The mucoadhesive force in terms of detachment stress, determined using sheep nasal mucosal membrane, increased with increasing concentration of Carbopol. The results of in vitro drug permeation studies across sheep nasal mucosa indicate that effective permeation coefficient could be significantly increased by using in situ gelling formulation with Carbopol concentration 0.3% or greater. Finally, histopathological examination did not detect any damage during in vitro permeation studies. In conclusion, the PF 127 gel formulation of sumatriptan, with in situ gelling and mucoadhesive properties with increased permeation rate is promising for prolonging nasal residence time and thereby nasal absorption. Published: August 4, 2006     

In vitro release of lysozyme from gelatin microspheres: effect of cross-linking agents and thermoreversible gel as suspending medium

This study was aimed to characterize the microstructure and the performance of gelatin microspheres (GMs) cross-linked by two different cross-linkers viz. d-glucose and glutaraldehyde. New formulations were obtained, suspending the GMs in a thermoreversible Pluronic F127 (PF127) liquid-crystalline gel. Lysozyme was used as a model biomacromolecular drug to evaluate release features. Both types of cross-linked GMs were prepared by thermal gelation method. The lysozyme-loaded microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for size distribution, shape, and surface texture. SEM revealed that both types of lysozyme-loaded GMs were spherical in shape and that the surface of glutaraldehyde cross-linked GMs was smoother than that of the glucose cross-linked GMs. The degree of cross-linking of microspheres was investigated using ATR-FTIR technique. The prepared GMs were suspended in 20% w/v aqueous PF127 gel for which the usual sol-gel transition temperature of 22 °C did not change in the presence of GMs, as indicated by rheological measurements. SAXS study of the PF127 gel confirmed the occurrence of a discrete cubic liquid-crystalline phase of the Fm3m type whose lattice parameter slightly decreased as a result of GMs addition. The in vitro release of lysozyme from both types of cross-linked GMs was successfully controlled when they were suspended in PF127 gel, thus suggesting the potential use of this new combined formulation as a drug-depot system.     

Wood biomechanics and anatomy of PACHYCEREUS PRINGLEI

We report the longitudinal, biomechanical, and anatomical trends observed for tissue samples drawn from the parallel aligned, prismatic woody vascular bundles running the length of a Pachycereus pringlei plant measuring 5.22 m in height. The main vertical stem of this plant was cut into five segments (labeled A through E in the acropetal direction) measuring ～1.02 m in length. Four of the 14 vascular bundles in each segment were surgically removed to obtain 20 vascular bundle segments that were tested in bending to determine their stiffness measured in the radial E(R) and tangential E(T) direction. We also determined the lignin content of representative samples of wood.A nonlinear trend in stiffness was observed: E(R) and E(T) were highest in segments B or C (1.67 GN/m and 1.09 GN/m, respectively), lower in segment A (E(R) = 1.18 GN/m and E(T) = 0.35 GN/m), and lowest in segment E (E(R) = 0.03 GN/m and E(T) = 0.20 GN/m). Similar longitudinal trends were seen for axial tissue volume fraction and fiber wall thickness, which achieved their highest values in segment B (69.8% and 6.59 μm, respectively). Wood stiffness also correlated significantly with cell wall lignin content: with respect to segment B (which had the highest lignin content, and was thus used as the standard reference for percent lignin content), lignin content, was 15, 60, 85, and 43% in segments E, D, C, and A, respectively. Fiber cell length, which increased toward the base of the stem and toward the vascular cambium in the most proximal vascular bundle segment, did not correlate with E(R) or E(T).Basic engineering principles were used to calculate stem stresses resulting from self-loading and any wind-induced bending moment (produced by drag forces). Calculations indicated that the less stiff wood produced in segment A eliminates a rapid and potentially dangerous increase in stresses that would otherwise occur in segments B or C. The less stiff wood in segment A also reduces the probability of shear failure at the cellular interface between the wood and surrounding tissues in this portion of the stem.We conclude that P. pringlei wood stiffness is dependent on the volume fraction and lignification of axial tissues, less so on fiber wall thickness, and that wood development in this species is adaptively responsive to self-loading and differentially applied external mechanical forces.     

Infusion of high concentration of lactate in perfused liver,simulating in vivo hyperlactatemia,prevents the reduction of gluconeogenesis in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats

Gluconeogenesis (GN) is increased in patients with cancer cachexia, but is reduced in liver perfusion of Walker-256 tumor-bearing cachectic rats (TB rats). The causes of these differences are unknown. We investigated the influence of circulating concentrations of lactate (NADH generator) and NADH on GN in perfused livers of TB rats. Lactate, at concentrations similar to those found on days 5 (3.0 mM), 8 (5.5 mM), and 12 (8.0 mM) of the tumor, prevented the reduction of GN from 2.0 mM lactate (lactatemia of healthy rat) in TB rats. NADH, 50 or 75 μM, but not 25 μM, increased GN from 2.0 mM lactate in TB rats to higher values than healthy rats. High concentrations of pyruvate (no NADH generator, 5.0 and 8.0 mM) did not prevent the reduction of GN from 2.0 mM pyruvate in TB rats. However, 50 or 75 μM NADH, but not 25 μM, increased GN from 2.0 mM pyruvate in TB rats to similar or higher values than healthy rats. High concentration of glutamine (NADH generator, 2.5 mM) or 50 μM NADH prevented the reduction of GN from 1 mM glutamine in TB rats. Intraperitoneal administration of pyruvate (1.0 mg/kg) or glutamine (0.5 mg/kg) similarly increased the glycemia of healthy and TB rats. In conclusion, high lactate concentration, similar to hyperlactatemia, prevented the reduction of GN in perfused livers of TB rats, an effect probably caused by the increased redox potential (NADH/NAD⁺). Thus, the decreased GN in livers from TB rats is due, at least in part, to the absence of simulation of in vivo hyperlactatemia in liver perfusion studies.     

TIP CELL GROWTH AND THE FREQUENCY AND DISTRIBUTION OF CELLULOSE MICROFIBRIL-SYNTHESIZING COMPLEXES IN THE PLASMA MEMBRANE OF APICAL SHOOT CELLS OF THE RED ALGA PORPHYRA YEZOENSIS1

The supramolecular organization of the plasma membrane of apical cells in shoot filaments of the marine red alga Porphyra yezoensis Ueda (conchocelis stage) was studied in replicas of rapidly frozen and fractured cells. The protoplasmic fracture (PF) face of the plasma membrane exhibited both randomly distributed single particles (with a mean diameter of 9.2 ± 0.2 nm) and distinct linear cellulose microfibril-synthesizing terminal complexes (TCs) consisting of two or three rows of linearly arranged particles (average diameter of TC particles 9.4 plusmn; 0.3 nm). The density of the single particles of the PF face of the plasma membrane was 3000 μm^?2, whereas that of the exoplasmic fracture face was 325 μm^?2. TCs were observed only on the PF face. The highest density of TCs was at the apex of the cell (mean density 23.0 plusmn; 7.4 TCs μm^?2 within 5 μm from the tip) and decreased rapidly from the apex to the more basal regions of the cell, dropping to near zero at 20 μm. The number of particle subunits of TCs per μm² of the plasma membrane also decreased from the tip to the basal regions following the same gradient as that of the TC density. The length of TCs increased gradually from the tip (mean length 46.0 plusmn; 1.4 nm in the area at 0–5 μm from the tip) to the cell base (mean length 60.0 plusmn; 7.0 μm in the area at 15–20 μm). In the very tip region (0–4 μm from the apex), randomly distributed TCs but no microfibril imprints were observed, while in the region 4–9 μm from the tip microfibril imprints and TCs, both randomly distributed, occurred. Many TCs involved in the synthesis of cellulose microfibrils were associated with the ends of microfibril imprints. Our results indicate that TCs are involved in the biosynthesis, assembly, and orientation of cellulose microfibrils and that the frequency and distribution of TCs reflect tip growth (polar growth) in the apical shoot cell of Porphyra yezoensis. Polar distribution of linear TCs as “cellulose synthase” complexes within the plasma membrane of a tip cell was recorded for the first time in plants.     

Efficacy of the cyclooctadepsipeptide PF1022A against Heligmosomoides bakeri in vitro and in vivo

The cyclooctadepsipeptide PF1022A derived from the fungus, Mycelia sterilia, is characterized by a broad spectrum of activity against different parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock. In the present work the anthelmintic activity of PF1022A against Heligmosomoides bakeri, a widely used laboratory model was studied. Albendazole, ivermectin and levamisole served as reference. In vitro, PF1022A showed low activity on embryonation but significantly inhibited egg hatch (10 and 100 μg/ml), whereas albendazole (10 and 100 μg/ml) revealed statistically significant inhibitions of both embryonation and egg hatch. PF1022A (1-100 μg/ml) completely inhibited larval movement at most examination points. Comparable significant anthelmintic activity on the larval stages of H. bakeri was observed with levamisole (48-100%), while slightly lower activities were observed with ivermectin (20-92%) and albendazole (0-87%) at 1-100 μg/ml. PF1022A and levamisole significantly inhibited motility and egg release of adult worms, while albendazole and ivermectin failed to demonstrate activity. Significant worm burden reductions were achieved with PF1022A, levamisole and ivermectin in vivo. For example, at 0·125 mg/kg PF1022A a worm burden reduction of 91·8% was observed. The use of drug combinations did not further enhance the in vitro and in vivo activity of PF1022A. In conclusion, further investigations are warranted with PF1022A, as the drug is characterized by significant larvicidal and nematocidal activity in vitro and in vivo.     

A DFT study on graphene,SiC, BN,and AlN nanosheets as anodes in Na-ion batteries

A great concern exists about the lifetime, cost, low-temperature performance, and safety of Li-ion batteries. Na-ion batteries (NIB) are an alternative to the Li-ion batteries due to the wide availability of sodium, its low cost, and nontoxicity. Here, we examined the Na and Na⁺ adsorption on nanosheets of carbon (graphene), AlN, BN, and SiC to explore their potential use as an anode in NIBs. The interaction of atomic Na was found to play the main role in producing different nanosheet cell voltages. Unlike the graphene and SiC nanosheets, the lone pairs on the surface of the AlN and BN nanosheets hinder the Na adsorption and significantly increase the cell voltage. The order of magnitude of the nanosheet cell voltage as an anode in NIBs is as follows: AlN (1.49 V)?>?BN (1.46 V) >?>?C (0.69 V)?>?SiC (0.61 V). The AlN and BN nanosheets may be appropriate compounds for NIBs and their cell voltages are comparable with carbon nanotubes.     

Morphology and physiology of peripheral giant interneurons in the forelegs (whips) of the whip spider Heterophrynus elaphus Pocock (Arachnida: Amblypygi)

Summary The tarsi of the modified front legs (whips) of the whip spider Heterophrynus elaphus contain two afferent giant fibers, GN1 and GN2, with diameters at the tibia-tarsus joint of ca. 21 m and 14 m, respectively. The somata of these two neurons lie in the periphery, about 25 cm away from the CNS. These two neurons are interneurons which receive mechanoreceptive inputs from approximately 750 and 1500 bristles, respectively. The receptive fields of GN1 and GN2 overlap; they extend for 40 mm (GN1) and 90 mm (GN2) along the length of the tarsus. About 90% of the synapses onto the giant fibers are axo-axonic. Mechanical stimulation of a single bristle is sufficient to elicit action potentials in one or both interneurons. The response of the interneurons adapts quickly. Average conduction time from the soma to the CNS is 45 ms for GN1 and 55 ms for GN2. Mean conduction velocities are 5.5 and 4.2 m/s, respectively. Activity in the giant fibers does not elicit a motor response; hence the giant fibers do not mediate an escape response. Possible functions of these giant fibers are discussed and compared to those of giant fiber systems in other arthropods.Abbreviations GN giant neuron - S segment