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Biomedical subjects

Kiyotaka Sakai

Publications and source records attributed to Kiyotaka Sakai.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Electrical oscillation at a water/octanol interface in a hydrophobic container.

The electrical potential oscillation at and the shape of the water/octanol interface were investigated using hydrophobic fluoroplastic containers. The interfacial potential between a water solution containing 1.5 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and an octanol solution containing 5 mM tetrabutylammonium chloride oscillated with an amplitude of 50-100 mV. The potential oscillation was also observed using a transparent fluoroplastic tube. The water/octanol interface shape was unchanged and no interfacial flow was observed during the oscillation. The interface shape was convex toward the octanol phase for 1.5 mM SDS, meaning that SDS adsorption to the wall was suppressed by the hydrophobic container. Therefore, the octanol system in a hydrophobic container enabled us to elucidate the electrical oscillation without any influence from the wall effect.

Journal Article↗

Molecular design of biodegradable polymeric micelles for temperature-responsive drug release.

We designed thermo-responsive and biodegradable polymeric micelles for an ideal drug delivery system whose target sites are where external stimuli selectively release drugs from the polymeric micelles. The thermo-responsive micelles formed from block copolymers that were composed both of a hydrophobic block and a thermo-responsive block. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) showing a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) around 40 degrees C was synthesized for the thermo-responsive block, while biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide), poly(epsilon-caprolactone), or poly(D,L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) was used for the hydrophobic block. By changing both the block lengths of the poly(D,L-lactide)-containing block copolymers, physical parameters such as micelle diameter and critical micelle concentration were varied. On the other hand, the choice of the hydrophobic block was revealed to be critical in relation to both on the thermo-responsive release of the incorporated anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin, and the temperature-dependent change of the hydrophobicity of the micelles' inner core. One polymeric micelle composition successfully exhibited rapid and thermo-responsive drug release while possessing a biodegradable character.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

Thermal modulated interaction of aqueous steroids using polymer-grafted capillaries.

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) of controlled molecular weight was densely grafted onto glass capillary lumenal surfaces using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Temperature-dependent changes of these thermoresponsive brush surfaces with hydrophobic steroids were investigated by exploiting thermoresponsive aqueous wettability changes of the polymer-modified surfaces in microfluidic systems. IPAAm was polymerized on ATRP initiator-immobilized glass surfaces using CuCl/CuCl(2)/tris(dimethylaminoethyl)amine (Me(6)TREN) as an ATRP catalyst in water at 25 degrees C. PIPAAm graft layer thickness and its homogeneity on glass surfaces are controlled by changing ATRP reaction time. Aqueous wettability changes of PIPAAm-grafted surfaces responses drastically changed to both grafted polymer layer thickness and temperature, especially at lower temperatures. Temperature-responsive surface properties of these PIPAAm brushes within capillary inner wall surfaces were then investigated using capillary chromatography. Effective interaction of hydrophobic steroids with dehydrated, hydrophobized PIPAAm-grafted capillary surfaces was observed above 30 degrees C without any column packing materials. Steroid elution behavior from PIPAAm-grafted capillaries contrasted sharply with that from PIPAAm hydrogel-grafted porous monolithic silica capillaries prepared by electron beam (EB) irradiation wherein significant peak broadening was observed at high-temperature regardless of sample hydrophobicity factors (log P values), indicating multistep separation modes in coated monolithic silica capillaries. In conclusion, thermoresponsive polymer-grafted capillary inner wall surfaces prepared by ATRP exhibit useful temperature-dependent surface property alterations effective to regulate interactions with biomolecules without requirements for separation bed packing materials within the capillary lumen.

Journal Article↗

Membrane fouling and dialysate flow pattern in an internal filtration-enhancing dialyzer.

For efficient removal of large molecular weight solutes by dialysis, several types of internal filtration-enhancing dialyzers (IFEDs) are commercially available. However, in a pressure-driven membrane separation process (i.e., filtration), membrane fouling caused by adhesion of plasma proteins is a severe problem. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of internal filtration on membrane fouling based on the membrane's pure-water permeability, diffusive permeability, and sieving coefficient. Hemodialysis experiments were performed with two different dialyzers, IFEDs and non-IFEDs. Local membrane fouling in each dialyzer was evaluated by measuring the pure-water permeability, the diffusive permeability, and the sieving coefficient of native membranes and membranes treated with bovine blood. The effects of packing ratio on dialysate flow pattern were also evaluated by measuring the time required for an ion tracer to reach electrodes placed in the dialyzers. In the IFED, membrane fouling caused by protein adhesion is increased because of enhanced internal filtration only at the early stage of dialysis, and this fouling tends to occur only near the dialysate outlet port. However, enhanced internal filtration has little effect on measured membrane transfer parameters.

Animals↗

Hollow-fiber blood-dialysis membranes: superoxide generation, permeation, and dismutation measured by chemiluminescence.

The interaction of blood with a material surface results in activation of the body's humoral immune system and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has recently become clear that ROS are central to the pathology of many diseases. In this study, we evaluated the superoxide generation, permeation, and dismutation in hollow-fiber dialysis membranes by using 2-methyl-6-p-methoxyphenylethynyl-imidazopyrazinone (MPEC) as a superoxide-reactive chemiluminescence producer and an optical fiber probe to detect the resulting chemiluminescence in the hollow fiber lumen. We measured the superoxide generated when bovine blood leukocytes were brought into contact with dialysis membranes. Superoxide permeation was determined by measuring MPEC chemiluminescence in the hollow fiber lumen using an optical fiber probe. Additionally, superoxide dismutation was evaluated by examining the difference in superoxide permeability for membranes with and without vitamin E coating. Superoxide generation varies for different membrane materials, depending on the membrane's biocompatibility. Superoxide permeability depends on the diffusive permeability of membranes. No marked decrease in superoxide permeability was observed among membrane materials. The superoxide permeability of vitamin E-coated membrane was smaller than that of uncoated membrane. The antioxidant property of vitamin E-coated membranes is hence effective in causing superoxide dismutation.

Animals↗

Fabrication of a cell array on ultrathin hydrophilic polymer gels utilising electron beam irradiation and UV excimer laser ablation.

Most of the surface patterning methods currently applied are based on lithography techniques and microfabrication onto silicon or glass substrates. Here we report a novel method to prepare patterned surfaces on polystyrene substrates by grafting ultrathin cell-repellent polymer layers utilising both electron beam (EB) polymerisation and local laser ablation techniques for microfabrication. Polyacrylamide was grafted onto tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) dishes using EB irradiation. Water contact angles for these PAAm-grafted TCPS surfaces were less than 10 degrees (costheta = 0.99) with PAAm grafted amounts of 1.6 microg/cm(2) as determined by ATR/FT-IR. UV excimer laser (ArF: 193 nm) ablation resulted in the successful fabrication of micropatterned surfaces composed of hydrophilic PAAm and hydrophobic basal polystyrene layers. Bovine carotid artery endothelial cells adhered only to the ablated domains after pretreatment of the patterned surfaces with 15 microg/mL fibronectin at 37 degrees C. The ablated domain sizes significantly influenced the number of cells occupying each domain. Cell patterning functionality of the patterned surfaces was maintained for more than 2 months without loss of pattern fidelity, indicating that more durable cell arrays can be obtained compared to those prepared by self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols, as described in previous reports. The surface fabrication techniques presented here can be utilised for the preparation of cell-based biosensors as well as tissue engineering constructs.

Acrylic Resins↗

Nanoscopic behavior of polyvinylpyrrolidone particles on polysulfone/polyvinylpyrrolidone film.

We revealed morphology and physicochemical behavior of a widely used powerful hydrophilizing agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), present on polysulfone (PS)/PVP films by atomic force microscopy (AFM). This is the first time such clear PS/PVP phase-separated morphology was observed by nanoscopic technique. The film surfaces were observed by the identical observation mode, probe and scanning conditions to reveal the change of PVP morphology and behavior between dry and wet conditions. Morphology was related to biocompatibility by combining AFM data with results of surface element composition, contact angle, adhesion amount of rabbit platelet and relative amount of adsorbed fibrinogen. PVP nano-particles of one or several molecules were formed on the dry PS/PVP film surfaces. Amount of PVP present on the surfaces increased with the molecular weight of PVP. At a mixed amount of 1-5 wt%, PVP K90 formed crowded particles on the dry surface. When wet, they swelled, followed by their union to produce a smooth surface leading to improved biocompatibility. The highest biocompatibility with excellent mechanical strength is achieved by blending the highest molecular weight PVP K90 at 1-5 wt%.

Adsorption↗

Cross-linked thermoresponsive anionic polymer-grafted surfaces to separate bioactive basic peptides.

Cross-linked, thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide) [poly(IPAAm-co-AAc-co-tBAAm)] thin hydrogel layers on silica beads were used as new column matrix modifiers for LC separation of basic bioactive peptides, angiotensin subtypes I, II, and III. Terpolymer poly(IPAAm-co-AAc-co-tBAAm) showed both phase transition and apparent carboxylate pKa shifts in water, depending on temperature. Polymer-grafted silica bead surfaces exhibited simultaneous thermally modulated changes in hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties and charge densities. More effective separation of angiotensin peptide subtypes was achieved on columns of these terpolymer thin hydrogel grafted surfaces, as compared to an uncharged control binary copolymer of IPAAm and tBAAm. Although hydrophobic interactions effect separation of angiotensin subtypes, combined electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction resulted in more pronounced retention. At temperature below the terpolymer phase transition, hydrophobic interactions predominated, and minimal changes in electrostatic interactions were supported by little shift in the apparent AAc carboxylate pKa values. Above the phase transition temperature, electrostatic interactions were dramatically reduced as a result of the decreased charge densities of the polymer grafted surfaces. Therefore, peptide retention times were also reduced, exhibiting a maximum at near 30-35 degrees C. Interestingly, column retention behavior of angiotensins is dramatically modulated by applied step temperature gradients. Thermoresponsive surface property alteration is a very rapid, reversible phenomenon, allowing step temperature gradients on thermoresponsive columns to enable the analogous performance advantages as gradient elution in reversed-phase HPLC. More importantly, injected peptides were recovered completely from the columns from calculation of peak area. In conclusion, these anionic thermoresponsive polymer-modified surfaces are good candidates for improved separation of bioactive peptides under exclusively aqueous conditions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Reagentless and regenerable immunosensor for monitoring of immunoglobulin G based on non-separation immunoassay.

Based on the enhancement of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) fluorescence caused by reactions between proteins, we developed a reagentless, regenerable and rapid immunosensing system to determine immunoglobulin G (IgG). Fluorescence intensity of the immobilized FITC depends on IgG concentration, ranging from 10 to 50 microg/ml, specifically, even with co-existing proteins. The response time is 30 min during steady-state measurement and is less than a minute during transient measurement. When the FITC-labeled protein A binds to IgG, the surrounding atmosphere of FITC becomes hydrophobic. Since the fluorescence intensity of fluorescent substances generally increases at a hydrophobic environment, FITC fluorescence intensity increases with the concentration of protein A bonding to IgG. This system is regenerable because the fluorescence enhancement repeatedly occurs every time the immobilized fluorescent reagent is immersed in sample solutions.

Biosensing Techniques↗

Aqueous chromatography utilizing hydrophobicity-modified anionic temperature-responsive hydrogel for stationary phases.

A new pH-/temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide) (poly(IPAAm-co-AAc-co-tBAAm)) hydrogel grafted on silica beads was evaluated as column matrix for a cation-exchange thermoresponsive chromatography. The stationary phase showed simultaneous changes in temperature-responsive surface charge density and hydrophobicity by incorporation of anionic AAc and hydrophobic tBAAm into IPAAm sequences. Thermoresponsive polymer property alterations were confirmed by temperature-responsive phase transition and shift in apparent pKa values. Catecholamine derivatives were retained on poly(IPAAm-co-AAc-co-tBAAm)-modified column at pH 7.0. Analyte retention was primarily due to the electrostatic interaction. It was noted that the temperature-induced phase transition of poly(IPAAm-co-AAc-co-tBAAm) hydrogel layer on the stationary phases was evidenced by the apparent inflection point in van't Hoff plots around 36 degrees C. This suggests that solute interactions should be changed below and above the stationary phase transition temperature, reducing electrostatic interaction above the transition temperature.

Anions↗

Process design for efficient and controlled drug incorporation into polymeric micelle carrier systems.

For the efficient and well-controlled incorporation of the anti cancer drug adriamycin (ADR) into the inner core of a thermo-responsive polymeric micelle carrier system, we have analyzed and optimized the incorporation procedure in this paper. A dialysis method was used for preparing the micelle solution and ADR incorporation simultaneously. Quantities of ADR and triethylamine (TEA) were varied and the effects of their quantities were analyzed. Solvent composition at the starting time of dialysis was also varied. The initial dialysis condition, solvent with 40% water, brought about the largest amount and yield of ADR incorporation. With the initial 40% water content, it was considered that the block polymers formed a micelle-like association with a swollen hydrophobic core. This swollen core may be suitable for a large amount of ADR incorporation, since this core, swollen by an organic solvent-water mixture, is expected to show a liquid-state character to allow ADR molecules entry into the cores. By starting the dialysis procedure at this 40% water content, this swollen core suitable for the ADR incorporation is considered to be maintained for a much longer period than a case starting with a polymer-ADR solution in a solvent with a water content of less than 40%, and, therefore, ADR is expected to be incorporated efficiently. Preparation temperature of 20-25 degrees C was found to provide the most effective ADR incorporation in this thermo-responsive polymeric micelle system. These results indicate that the efficient incorporation of ADR can be achieved in consideration of the dynamic micelle formation and drug incorporation processes.

Doxorubicin↗

Copolymerization of 2-carboxyisopropylacrylamide with N-isopropylacrylamide accelerates cell detachment from grafted surfaces by reducing temperature.

Acrylic acid (AAc) has been utilized to introduce reactive carboxyl groups to a temperature-responsive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm). However, AAc introduction shifts the copolymer phase transition temperatures higher and dampens the steep homopolymer phase transition with increasing AAc content. We previously synthesized 2-carboxyisopropylacrylamide (CIPAAm) having both a similar side chain structure to IPAAm and a functional carboxylate group in order to overcome these shortcomings. In the present study, these copolymers, grafted onto cell culture plastic, were assessed for cell adhesion control using their phase transition. AAc introduction to PIPAAm-grafted surfaces resulted in excessive surface hydration and hindered cell spreading in culture at 37 degrees C. In contrast, CIPAAm-containing copolymer-grafted surfaces exhibited relatively weak hydrophobicity similar to both homopolymer PIPAAm-grafted surfaces as well as commercial ungrafted tissue culture polystyrene dish surfaces. Cells adhered and spread well on these surfaces at 37 degrees C in culture. As observed previously on PIPAAm-grafted surfaces, cells were spontaneously detached from the copolymer-grafted surfaces by reducing culture temperature. Cell detachment was accelerated on the CIPAAm copolymer-grafted surfaces compared to pure IPAAm surfaces, suggesting that hydrophilic carboxyl group microenvironment in the monomer and polymer is important to accelerate grafted surface hydration below the lower critical solution temperature, detaching cells.

Acrylamides↗

Temperature-responsive cell culture surfaces enable "on-off" affinity control between cell integrins and RGDS ligands.

In this study, specific interactions between immobilized RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) cell adhesion peptides and cell integrin receptors located on cell membranes are controlled in vitro using stimuli-responsive polymer surface chemistry. Temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-2-carboxyisopropylacrylamide) (P(IPAAm-co-CIPAAm)) copolymer grafted onto tissue culture grade polystyrene (TCPS) dishes permits RGDS immobilization. These surfaces facilitate the spreading of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) without serum depending on RGDS surface content at 37 degrees C (above the lower critical solution temperature, LCST, of the copolymer). Moreover, cells spread on RGDS-immobilized surfaces at 37 degrees C detach spontaneously by lowering culture temperature below the LCST as hydrated grafted copolymer chains dissociate immobilized RGDS from cell integrins. These cell lifting behaviors upon hydration are similar to results using soluble RGDS in culture as a competitive substitution for immobilized ligands. Binding of cell integrins to immobilized RGDS on cell culture substrates can be reversed spontaneously using mild environmental stimulation, such as temperature, without enzymatic or chemical treatment. These findings are important for control of specific interactions between proteins and cells, and subsequent "on-off" regulation of their function. Furthermore, the method allows serum-free cell culture and trypsin-free cell harvest, essentially removing mammalian-sourced components from the culture process.

Cell Adhesion↗

Immobilization of cell-adhesive peptides to temperature-responsive surfaces facilitates both serum-free cell adhesion and noninvasive cell harvest.

We have developed temperature-responsive cell culture surfaces to harvest intact cell sheets for tissue-engineering applications. Both cost and safety issues (e.g., prions, bovine spongiform encephalopathy) are compelling reasons to avoid use of animal-derived materials, including serum, in such culture. In the present study, synthetic cell-adhesive peptides are immobilized onto temperature-responsive polymer-grafted surfaces, and cell adhesion and detachment under serum-free conditions were examined. The temperature-responsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PI-PAAm) was functionalized by copolymerization with a reactive comonomer having both a carboxyl group and an isopropylacrylamide group. These copolymers were covalently grafted onto tissue culture-grade polystyrene dishes. Synthetic cell-adhesive peptides were then immobilized onto these surfaces via carboxyl groups. Bovine aortic endothelial cells both adhered and spread on these surfaces even under serum-free conditions at 37 degrees C, similar to those in 10% serum-supplemented culture. Spread cells promptly detached from the surfaces on lowering culture temperatures below the lower critical solution temperature of the polymer, 32 degrees C. These surfaces would be useful for serumfree culture for tissue-engineering applications.

Adsorption↗

Development of a contamination free 6 valve injector inline monitoring system for endotoxin measurement in dialysate.

Use of dialysate as supplement fluid in hemodiafiltration requires controlling contamination by endotoxin of the dialysate. We thus aimed at developing an endotoxin monitoring system with complete exclusion of endotoxin contamination for simple, easy, and accurate measurement of endotoxin concentration in dialysate. In the present study, we used a 6 valve injector along with a high performance liquid chromatogram system. This new system showed a sensitivity of approximately 1 endotoxin units (EU)/L in the range of 0 to 30 EU/L endotoxin in dialysate and no trace of endotoxin contamination. In conclusion, the new endotoxin monitoring system showed high sensitivity and reproducibility, with easy operation.

Endotoxins↗