Comparison of mouse and rabbit model for the assessment of strong PGM-containing oil-based adjuvants

Peptidoglycan monomer (PGM) is an adjuvant active molecule with potential for use in human and veterinary vaccine. PGM's action is short-lived in mammals hence its effects might be limited. Novel PGM-containing oil-based formulations have been developed recently by incorporation of PGM into Montanide ISA720 and ISA206 adjuvants with the aim to prolong and improve immunostimulating activities of PGM. In the present work we studied the efficacy of such novel adjuvant formulations using two different antigens, ovalbumin and snake venom, respectively. Novel formulations were also tested in two experimental models, mice and rabbits. In rabbits the incorporation of PGM into oil-based adjuvants led to overall improvement of antigen-specific IgG response. However, in the mouse model, under experimental conditions used, it was not possible to distinguish differences in antigen-specific IgG response among several strong oil-based adjuvant formulations.     

Self-cleaning and handle properties of TiO2-modified textiles

Self-cleaning surfaces based on photocatalysis are an extremely promising nano-technological field of extensive research and development. Recently comprehensive research work has been performed to evaluate the optical, photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of TiO₂ nano-particles and composites thereof. The aim of this study was to obtain self-cleaning properties for regenerate cellulose surfaces by nano-modification, using TiO₂ nano-coating and to define the impact of the modification on fabrics end-use properties. Two different modified fabrics with self-cleaning effect were prepared and analysed, i.e. the modification efficiency was determined. In addition, the influence of fibre modification on several textile properties was determined. However, a soft handle, good appearance and some other surface properties accompanied by appropriate mechanical properties represent the basis for a high quality fabric therefore the influence of the modification procedure on textiles handle was studied.     

Influence of aluminum on the membranes of mycorrhizal fungi

The influence of Al³⁺ on the membrane fluidity of the mycorrhizal fungus Lactarius piperatus (L.ex.Fr.) S. F. Gray was studied. When mycelia grew on media supplemented with 1 or 10 mM aluminum for 21 days, a significant increase in fluidity was detected, compared with the corresponding controls. The comparisons of the EPR spectra calculated by a model, with the experimental ones showed that the spectra are superimpositions of two components with different membrane ordering. The action of aluminum induced a relative enlargement of the less immobilized portion in the membrane. No significant alterations of fluidity were measured after 30-minute treatment, with Al³⁺.     

Study of PES sewing thread properties

The properties of 100 % PES core-spun threads were studied before and after the sewing process at different stitching speeds, by determination of the threads tensile force during the sewing process and by changes of the mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties after the sewing process. This analytical method is especially advantageous when monitoring contemporary thermal and mechanical effects, as is the case when loading the sewing thread. Loadings during the sewing process cause structural changes in the thread-twisted fibres. This is confirmed by changes in the thermo-mechanical properties after the sewing process. Simultaneously, changes in the threads mechanical properties after sewing were also observed.