Macrophages (Mϕ) are well documented to produce IL-1β through various signaling pathways in response to small particles such as silica, asbestos and urea crystals, in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, it has not been clear to what extent particle size affects the response. To investigate this point, we stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) with size-defined latex be...

We present experiments and theory relating to transpiration through unrestrained hydrogel beads in contact with a water reservoir below air above. Experimentally, we find that saturated shrink until steady state is reached which flows continuously the beads. The size of bead sensitive evaporation rate, depends on relative humidity speed surrounding air, pressure head imposed by fluid reservoir....

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize coated chitosan-alginate beads containing cefaclor as a controlled release delivery system. Coated cefaclor beads were prepared by solvent evaporation techniques. Beads were found to be intact and spherical in shape. Their size range was 1.05 to 2.06. The loading efficiency showed maximum value when the concentration of cefaclor, chit...

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate multiparticulates of alginate and chitosan hydrogel beads exploiting pH sensitive property for colon-targeted delivery of theophylline. Alginate and chitosan beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation method followed by enteric coating with Eudragit S100. All formulations were evaluated for particle size, encapsulation efficiency, swellab...

To study the mechanical properties of lipid membranes, we manipulated liposomes by using a system comprising polystyrene beads and laser tweezers, and measured the force required to transform their shapes. When two beads pushed the membrane from inside, spherical liposomes transformed into a lemon-shape. Then a discontinuous shape transformation occurred to form a membrane tube from either end ...

The mechanical properties of microscopic particles have been a heated research object for it takes the deformation of micro-beads in the microfluidic environment into account. Sufficient knowledge on mechanical properties of micro-beads would lead to better device design and application for cell mechanics, tissue engineering, etc. The physical properties of alginate beads were examined both in ...

Introduction: The standing hypothesis for the formation of the lunar picritic glass beads is eruption in a volatile-driven fire fountain followed by degassing while suspended in a hot, turbulent vapor plume. Reanalysis of the Apollo 15 A, B, and C green glass beads from slide 15426,72, led to the discovery of beads with small patches of highly vesicular green glass adhering to their rims (fig. ...

Background Prussian blue (PB, ferric hexacyanoferrate) is approved by US-FDA for internal decorporation of Cesium-137 (137Cs) and Thallium-201 (201Tl). Aim Since PB is a costly drug, pH-dependent oral delivery system of PB was developed using calcium alginate matrix system. Methods Alginate (Alg) beads containing PB were optimized by gelation of sodium alginate with calcium ions and effect ...

This paper describes preparation and characterization of beads of alginate and psyllium containing probiotic bacteria of Lactobacillus acidophilus DMSZ20079. Twelve different formulations containing alginate (ALG) and alginate-psyllium (ALG-PSL) were prepared using extrusion technique. The prepared beads were characterized in terms of size, morphology and surface properties, encapsulation effic...