Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “GLYCOLIC ACID”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8

Bone formation by three-dimensional stromal osteoblast culture in biodegradable polymer scaffolds

Bone formation was investigated in vitro by culturing stromal osteoblasts in three-dimensional (3-D), biodegradable poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) foams. Three polymer foam pore sizes, ranging from 150-300, 300-500, and 500-710 microns, and two different cell seeding densities, 6.83 x 10(5) cells/cm2 and 22.1 x 10(5) cells/cm2, were examined over a 56-day culture period. The polymer foams supported the proliferation of seeded osteoblasts as well as their differentiated function, as demonstrated by high alkaline phosphatase activity and deposition of a mineralized matrix by the cells. Cell number, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineral deposition increased significantly over time for all the polymer foams. Osteoblast foam constructs created by seeding 6.83 x 10(5) cells/cm2 on foams with 300-500 microns pores resulted in a cell density of 4.63 x 10(5) cells/cm2 after 1 day in culture; they had alkaline phosphatase activities of 4.28 x 10(-7) and 2.91 x 10(-6) mumol/cell/min on Days 7 and 28, respectively; and they had a cell density that increased to 18.7 x 10(5) cells/cm2 by Day 56. For the same constructs, the mineralized matrix reached a maximum penetration depth of 240 microns from the top surface of the foam and a value of 0.083 mm for mineralized tissue volume per unit of cross sectional area. Seeding density was an important parameter for the constructs, but pore size over the range tested did not affect cell proliferation or function. This study suggests the feasibility of using poly(alpha-hydroxy ester) foams as scaffolding materials for the transplantation of autogenous osteoblasts to regenerate bone tissue.

Non-NASA Center↗

Growth of antimony doped P-type zinc oxide nanowires for optoelectronics

In a method of growing p-type nanowires, a nanowire growth solution of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2), hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and polyethylenemine (800 M.sub.w PEI) is prepared. A dopant solution to the growth solution, the dopant solution including an equal molar ration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), glycolic acid (C.sub.2H.sub.4O.sub.3) and antimony acetate (Sb(CH.sub.3COO).sub.3) in water is prepared. The dopant solution and the growth solution combine to generate a resulting solution that includes antimony to zinc in a ratio of between 0.2% molar to 2.0% molar, the resulting solution having a top surface. An ammonia solution is added to the resulting solution. A ZnO seed layer is applied to a substrate and the substrate is placed into the top surface of the resulting solution with the ZnO seed layer facing downwardly for a predetermined time until Sb-doped ZnO nanowires having a length of at least 5 .mu.m have grown from the ZnO seed layer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In vivo toxicity and immunogenicity of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles for intranasal delivery to the brain

Biodegradable polymer-based nanoparticles have been widely studied to deliver therapeutic agents to the brain after intranasal administration. However, knowledge as to the side effects of nanoparticle delivery system to the brain is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo toxicity and immunogenicity of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles (WGA-NP) after intranasal instillation. Sprague-Dawley rats were intranasally given WGA-NP for 7 continuous days. Amino acid neurotransmitters, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase activity, tumor necrosis factor {alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in rat olfactory bulb (OB) and brain were measured to estimate the in vivo toxicity of WGA-NP. Balb/C mice were intranasally immunized by WGA-NP and then WGA-specific antibodies in serum and nasal wash were detected by indirect ELISA. WGA-NP showed slight toxicity to brain tissue, as evidenced by increased glutamate level in rat brain and enhanced LDH activity in rat OB. No significant changes in acetylcholine level, acetylcholinesterase activity, GSH level, TNF-{alpha} level and IL-8 level were observed in rat OB and brain for the WGA-NP group. WGA-specific antibodies in mice serum and nasal wash were not increased after two intranasal immunizations of WGA-NP. These results demonstrate that WGA-NP is a safe carrier system for intranasal delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Cross-linked poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol)/nanocellulosics foams via directional freezing

Aligned micro- and nanoporous materials have gained tremendous interest since they demonstrate great potential in organic electronics, absorbents, biomedicine and tissue engineering. Herein, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) cross-linked with poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid) (PMVEMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) foams were prepared by both the directional and un-directional freezing techniques. Aligned three-dimensional porous structures were indicated for the directional frozen foams after lyophilization via scanning electron microscope (SEM). As a result, these highly organized structures exhibited enhanced mechanical performance properties. Particularly, for the 25% CNF foams, the compression modulus increased 60% compared with the un-directional frozen samples. These nanocellulosics-based foams could absorb up to 10-fold water of their initial weight with excellent water stability when immersed in water for more than 48 h. Overall, this study describes a novel process combining cross-linking and directional freezing which successfully fabricates naturally derived foams with anisotropic structure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis and Study of Ethylene Glycol Esters of Synthetic Petroleum Acids as Diesel Fuel Additives

Esters were synthesized using synthetic petroleum acids and ethylene glycol. The esterification was carried out in various types of reactors in the presence of commercial Zeokar-600 catalyst. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized esters and of 5 and 10% compounds of these esters with the diesel fraction were determined. The esters obtained can be used as additives to diesel fuels to improve their performance properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Alternate Reductant Cold Cap Evaluation Furnace Phase II Testing

Savannah River Remediation (SRR) conducted a Systems Engineering Evaluation (SEE) to determine the optimum alternate reductant flowsheet for the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). Specifically, two proposed flowsheets (nitric–formic–glycolic and nitric–formic–sugar) were evaluated based upon results from preliminary testing. Comparison of the two flowsheets among evaluation criteria indicated a preference towards the nitric–formic–glycolic flowsheet. Further research and development of this flowsheet eliminated the formic acid, and as a result, the nitric–glycolic flowsheet was recommended for further testing. Based on the development of a roadmap for the nitric–glycolic acid flowsheet, Waste Solidification Engineering (WS-E) issued a Technical Task Request (TTR) to address flammability issues that may impact the implementation of this flowsheet. Melter testing was requested in order to define the DWPF flammability envelope for the nitric-glycolic acid flowsheet. The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) Cold Cap Evaluation Furnace (CEF), a 1/12 th scale DWPF melter, was selected by the SRR Alternate Reductant project team as the melter platform for this testing. The overall scope was divided into the following sub-tasks as discussed in the Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan (TTQAP): Phase I - A nitric–formic acid flowsheet melter test (unbubbled) to baseline the CEF cold cap and vapor space data to the benchmark melter flammability models; Phase II - A nitric–glycolic acid flowsheet melter test (unbubbled and bubbled) to: Define new cold cap reactions and global kinetic parameters in support of the melter flammability model development; Quantify off-gas surging potential of the feed; Characterize off-gas condensate for complete organic and inorganic carbon species. After charging the CEF with cullet from Phase I CEF testing, the melter was slurry-fed with glycolic flowsheet based SB6-Frit 418 melter feed at 36% waste loading and was operated continuously for 25 days. Process data was collected throughout testing and included melter operation parameters and off-gas chemistry. In order to generate off-gas data in support of the flammability model development for the nitric-glycolic flowsheet, vapor space steady state testing in the range of ~300-750°C was conducted under the following conditions, (i) 100% (nominal and excess antifoam levels) and 125% stoichiometry feed and (ii) with and without argon bubbling. Adjustments to feed rate, heater outputs and purge air flow were necessary in order to achieve vapor space temperatures in this range. Surge testing was also completed under nominal conditions for four days with argon bubbling and one day without argon bubbling.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Si-based materials for lithium-ion batteries IX: 70% surface-modified Si/C/polyethylene glycol-carbon black/lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze a 70% Si/C-carbon black/polyethylene glycol/lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode fabricated at the Cell Analysis, Modeling, and Prototyping Facility (CAMP), Argonne National Laboratory. The spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al K α radiation at 1486.6 eV (0.834 01 nm). An initial survey spectrum together with O 1s, C 1s, and Si 2p are presented. A final survey scan was collected to ascertain the amount of beam-induced damage, which appears to be minimal. Finally, the spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals with only minor copper and lithium signals and show the expected silicon-carbon species related to the surface modification process in addition to oxidized carbon and silicon due to atmospheric exposure as well as contributions related to the binder material.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Alternative Reductants for DWPF Chemical Process Cell

M.E. Stone of SRS discusses current work on alternative reductant use in their Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). Objectives, processes, results, and future work are outlined.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis of Glycolate in Radioactive Waste by Ion Chromatography (IC) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H NMR)

Here, in preparation for implementing the Nitric-Glycolic (NG) acid flowsheet for the Savannah River Site (SRS) Liquid Waste System (LWS), analytical methods for determining glycolate at low concentration, below 20 mg/L in radioactive samples, were developed to support system management and safety. To accommodate the wide range of LWS matrix conditions, two alternative methods were developed, refined, and demonstrated for glycolate analysis in radioactive waste samples: ion chromatography (IC) and a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR). Investigators validated IC and H NMR methods for glycolate analysis, defined the range of applicability, and demonstrated key supporting analytical protocols. The deployed IC method is applicable in low to moderate ionic strength samples and requires sample pretreatment using a Dionex OnGuard II H + cartridge. The deployed H NMR method is more labor intensive but provides options for a broader range of matrices. Based on the results, high quality glycolate analysis of the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) condensate in Tank 22 is feasible by IC down to approximately 12 mg/L. Using H NMR, glycolate may be determined to 8 mg/L or lower depending on the run time with the potential for broader applicability of the method to higher ionic strength conditions in other tanks of the SRS LWS.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Shape Recovery with Concomitant Mechanical Strengthening of Amphiphilic Shape Memory Polymers in Warm Water

Maintaining adequate or enhancing mechanical properties of shape memory polymers (SMPs) after shape recovery in an aqueous environment are greatly desired for biomedical applications of SMPs as self-fitting tissue scaffolds or minimally invasive surgical implants. Here we report stable temporary shape fixing and facile shape recovery of biodegradable triblock amphiphilic SMPs containing a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) center block and flanking poly(lactic acid) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) blocks in warm water, accompanied with concomitant enhanced mechanical strengths. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses revealed that the unique stiffening of the amphiphilic SMPs upon hydration was due to hydration-driven microphase separation and PEG crystallization. We further demonstrated that the chemical composition of degradable blocks in these SMPs could be tailored to affect the persistence of hydration-induced stiffening upon subsequent dehydration. These properties combined open new horizons for these amphiphilic SMPs for smart weight-bearing in vivo applications (e.g. as self-fitting intervertebral discs). In conclusion, this study also provides a new material design strategy to strengthen polymers in aqueous environment in general.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nanomedicine for the molecular diagnosis of cardiovascular pathologies

Predicting acute clinical events caused by atherosclerotic plaque rupture remains a clinical challenge. Anatomic mapping of the vascular tree provided by standard imaging technologies is not always sufficient for a robust diagnosis. Yet biological mechanisms leading to unstable plaques have been identified and corresponding biomarkers have been described. Nanosystems charged with contrast agents and targeted towards these specific biomarkers have been developed for several types of imaging modalities. The first systems that have reached the clinic are ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Their potential relies on their passive accumulation by predominant physiological mechanisms in rupture-prone plaques. Active targeting strategies are under development to improve their specificity and set up other types of nanoplatforms. Preclinical results show a huge potential of nanomedicine for cardiovascular diagnosis, as long as the safety of these nanosystems in the body is studied in depth. - Highlights: • Ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction are the main causes of death in the world. • Their prevalence is related to late detection of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. • Biomarkers of atherosclerosis evolution and potential ligands have been identified. • Nanosystems based on these ligands appear promising for early molecular diagnosis. • Preclinical and clinical nanosystems for common imaging modalities are described.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Polyethylene glycol coated CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles: A potential spinel ferrite for biomedical applications

The structural and magnetic properties of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated cobalt spinel ferrite (CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles have been reported in the present study. CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion method using citric acid + ethylene glycol as a fuel. The prepared powder of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was annealed at 600°C for 6h and used for further study. The structural characterization of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were carried out by X-ray diffraction technique. The X-ray analysis confirmed the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure. The crystallite size, Lattice constant and X-ray density of the PEG coated CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were calculated by using XRD data. The presence of PEG on CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles and reduced agglomeration in the CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were revealed by SEM studies. The magnetic properties were studied by pulse field hysteresis loop tracer technique at a room temperature. The magnetic parameters such as saturation magnetization, remanence magnetization, coercivity etc have been obtained. These magnetic parameters were get decreased by PEG coating.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Rapid Analysis of Ingredients in Cream Using Ultrasonic Mist–Direct Analysis in Real-Time Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

A novel method for the simultaneous detection of ingredients in pharmaceutical applications such as creams and lotions was developed. An ultrasonic atomizer has been used to produce a mist containing ingredients. The analyte molecules in the mist can be ionized by using direct analysis in real time (DART) at lower temperature than traditionally used, and we thus solved the problem of normal DART-MS measurement using a high-temperature gas. Thereby, molecular-related ions of heat-unstable components and nonvolatile components became detectable. The deprotonated molecular ion of glycyrrhizic acid (m/z 821), which is unstable at high temperatures, was detected without pyrolysis by ultrasonic mist–DART-MS using unheated helium gas, although it was not detected by normal DART-MS using heated helium gas. The cationized molecular ions of derivatives of polyethylene glycol fatty acid monoesters, which are nonvolatile compounds, were also detected as m/z peaks observed from 800 to 2300. Although the protonated molecular ion of tocopherol acetate was not detected in ionization by ultrasonic mist, it was detected by ultrasonic mist–DART-MS even in the emulsion. It was not necessary to dissolve a sample completely to detect its ions. This method enabled us to obtain the composition of pharmaceutical applications simply and rapidly. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Mid-day photomixotrophy by Roseiflexus spp. and implications for the 13 C content of hot spring cyanobacterial mats

Microbial mats inhabiting extreme environments have been studied as modern analogs of stromatolites. Mats in Octopus Spring and Mushroom Spring, Yellowstone National Park, are predominated by unicellular photoautotrophic cyanobacteria (Synechococcus spp.), which are thought to cross-feed filamentous photoheterotrophic bacteria (mainly Roseiflexus spp.), except under early morning anoxic conditions when Roseiflexus spp. have been shown to fix dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Transcription patterns, however, suggest that Roseiflexus spp. may perform photomixotrophy, in which DIC is incorporated together with organic compounds during the daytime. We investigated the roles played by Synechococcus spp. and Roseiflexus spp. in DIC and organic matter uptake in mid-day light and oxic mats. Mass spectrometry was used to show that 13 C-bicarbonate uptake under infrared (IR) light (utilized by anoxygenic phototrophs) or visible-minus-blue light (V-B) (used by cyanobacteria) was about two-thirds and one-third, respectively, of that incorporated in full light. Laser-ablation mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that 13 C incorporation under V-B light was restricted to the uppermost portion of the mat, whereas 13 C incorporation under IR light was maximal in deeper mat layers. 13 C-acetate, -propionate, -lactate, and -glycolate were incorporated to an equal or greater extent under IR and full light. Incorporation of 13 C into peptides showed that both Synechococcus spp. and Roseiflexus spp. were active in DIC uptake, whereas Roseiflexus spp. exhibited greater uptake of 13 C-organic acids, especially glycolate and lactate, into peptides. Peptides of proteins of the 3-hydroxypropionate pathway were labeled. Thus, Roseiflexus spp. appears to exhibit photomixotrophy throughout the day.

Roseiflexus↗

Nitrogen Containing Organic Compounds and Oligomers in Secondary Organic Aerosol Formed by Photooxidation of Isoprene

Electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (ESI HR-MS) was used to probe molecular structures of oligomers in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) generated in laboratory experiments on isoprene photooxidation at low- and high-NOx conditions. Up to 80-90% of the observed products are oligomers and up to 33% are nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOC). We observe oligomers with up to 8 monomer units in length. Tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) confirms NOC compounds are organic nitrates and elucidates plausible chemical building blocks contributing to oligomer formation. Most organic nitrates are comprised of methylglyceric acid units. Other important multifunctional C2-C5 monomer units are identified including methylglyoxal, hydroxyacetone, hydroxyacetic acid, glycolaldehyde, and 2-methyltetrols. The majority of the NOC oligomers contain only one nitrate moiety resulting in a low average N:C ratio of 0.019. Average O:C ratios of the detected SOA compounds are 0.54 under the low-NOx conditions and 0.83 under the high-NOx conditions. Our results underscore the importance of isoprene photooxidation as a source of NOC in organic particulate matter.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Dihydroxyterephthalate—A Trojan Horse PET Counit for Facile Chemical Recycling

Abstract Here, low‐energy poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) chemical recycling in water: PET copolymers with diethyl 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalate (DHTE) undergo selective hydrolysis at DHTE sites, autocatalyzed by neighboring group participation, is demonstrated. Liberated oligomeric subchains further hydrolyze until only small molecules remain. Poly(ethylene terephthalate‐ stat ‐2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalate) copolymers were synthesized via melt polycondensation and then hydrolyzed in 150–200 °C water with 0–1 wt% ZnCl 2 , or alternatively in simulated sea water. Degradation progress follows pseudo‐first order kinetics. With increasing DHTE loading, the rate constant increases monotonically while the thermal activation barrier decreases. The depolymerization products are ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalic acid, and bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate dimer, which could be used to regenerate virgin polymer. Composition‐optimized copolymers show a decrease of nearly 50% in the Arrhenius activation energy, suggesting a 6‐order reduction in depolymerization time under ambient conditions compared to that of PET homopolymer. This study provides new insight to the design of polymers for end‐of‐life while maintaining key properties like service temperature and mechanical properties. Moreover, this chemical recycling procedure is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional approaches since water is the only needed material, which is green, sustainable, and cheap.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗