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Chitin and Chitosan: Sustainable, Medically Relevant Biomaterials
Pages
41-47Creative Commons License
Christopher J. Brigham

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-3037.2017.06.02.1

Published: 29 August 2017


Abstract: The polysaccharides chitin and chitosan are made up of monomer units of the amino sugars D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The ratio of these two monomers dictates whether the polysaccharide is considered chitin or chitosan. Both polymers have unique properties and have uses in several diverse applications. In nature, chitin and chitosan primarily play a structural role. When purified from their producing organism, these polymers exhibit useful structural, chemical and biological properties. Chitin and chitosan have been used in several applications including biomedicine, food additives, cosmetics, and more. The charged chitosan polymer is especially effective in biomedical applications, as it has been demonstrated to possess antimicrobial properties. This review explores the properties of chitin and chitosan and how these biopolymers are used in a variety of healthcare and other applications.

Keywords: Chitin, chitosan, medical device, biomaterial, N-acetyl glucosamine, seafood waste.

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Formation of Polyurethane Film Containing Silicone Polymer with Silanol Residue
Pages
48-54Creative Commons License
Shigeki Habaue, Yuto Takahashi, Hiroaki Suzuki and Yuki Takamushi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-3037.2017.06.02.2

Published: 29 August 2017


Abstract: The silicone polymers containing a silanol residue were synthesized from silica gel, while the polyurethanes (PUs) bearing a carboxyl moiety were prepared using 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (BHMPA) as one of the diol components. The fabrication of the PU films was carried out using these two polymers, then the tensile and thermal properties were investigated. Both the amounts of the carboxyl side groups of the PU chain and the residual silanol of the silicone polymer significantly affected the mechanical property of the film, in addition, the incorporation of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) was quite effective for enhancing the elastic modulus (E). As a result, the film prepared from the polyurethane containing the BHMPA unit with a combination of APTMS and the silicone polymer, having a proper amount of silanol groups, showed the highest effect (E = 5.36 N/mm2), while that observed for the film prepared without using BHMPA and a silicone polymer was 2.10 N/mm2. An acid-base interaction between the carboxyl moiety of the PU and amino group of APTMS occurred, while the formation of the siloxane linkage through the silylation reaction between the trimethoxysilyl group of APTMS and silanol also took place.

Keywords: Silicone polymer, silanol, polyurethane, film, elastic modulus.

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Interprofessional Education: A Basic Need of Healthcare Department in Pakistan
Pages
55-63Creative Commons License
Saif Ur Rehman, Fahad Ali and Muhammad Usman Ahmad

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-3037.2017.06.02.3

Published: 29 August 2017


Abstract: Inter professional education (IPE) is the core concept of healthcare department in most of the developed countries on both student and professional level. There is no objection on its necessity. Top ranking universities of the world, especially of developed countries are working on IPE. But some of developing countries like Pakistan are almost unaware of this concept. No one is having the basic concept of IPE, except few, and they are not practicing in IPE so far. Talking about Punjab, there is no awareness for the concept of IPE. It is the need of our healthcare department that we must introduce IPE to improve healthcare quality. This survey was conducted to check the readiness for IPE among pharm D and MBBS students in different institutes of medicine and pharmacy of Lahore. Team went to different pharmacy and medical colleges and asked the students to fill in a questionnaire having 19 items, which was rated by the students on Likert scale. The result shows a conflict in the opinion of pharmacy and medical students. Team also interviewed the respondents shortly. This interview showed many reasons explained by medical students for their response but the most prominent one was the superiority complex. The need of the hour is to introduce IPE in universities for changing the attitude of medical students towards IPE..

Keywords: Interprofessional Education, Interprofessional Learning, Medical Sector, teamwork and collaboration, professional identity, role and responsibilities.

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Effect of Physical and Chemical Parameters on the Activity of Purified Phosphatase Enzyme Produced by Bacillus cereus - Pages 64-71
Creative Commons License

Enas N. Danial and Maha I. Alkhalf

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-3037.2017.06.03.1

Published: 31 January 2018


Abstract: Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth and development. This study aimed to survey the optimum condition for phosphatase enzyme production, purified and studied its properties. Phosphatase enzyme activity was determined by end point method. Phosphatase enzyme was obtained from Bacillus cereus EME 66 isolate. The enzyme was purified and characterized, using a three-step purification procedure with 12.3-fold. The phosphatase enzyme was partially purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by ultrafiltration. The acidphosphatase is a monomer protein purified gel filtration to 5.6 fold. Results showed that the optimum temperature for the purified enzyme activity was 60 °C and it was stable at temperatures below 60 °C. This enzyme was stable between pH 4.0-6.0, and the optimal pH activity was found to 5.0. The activity of the enzyme enhanced by heavy metals (Fe3+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+). The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by heavy metals Zn2+. The present article reveals on enzymatic characterization of acid phosphatase enzyme.

Keywords: Acid phosphatase, kinetic studies, enzyme purification, Bacillus cereus.

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