Biomaterials

Question 1

Define a nanomaterial

Answer 1

Structures which have at least one dimension of 100nm or less
Include nanofibres, nanotubes, spherical structures

Question 2

What are the qualities of graphene?

Answer 2

One carbon molecule deep and can be any size in the other direction
Thinnest and strongest material
Conducts electricity
Conducts heat
Almost transparent, but extremely dense - helium cannot pass through

Question 3

How are carbon based nano materials adapted for drug delivery

Answer 3

Can use heat or acid to open bonds and add active molecules
Antibodies can be added for tissue targeting
Can add ligands which will target specific receptors and can add fluorescence to view
Can add cytotoxic agents or antibodies to target cancer cells
This allows for drug targeting and reduction of unnecessary damage

Question 4

What are the traditional uses of silver

Answer 4

Anti microbial
Creams as an antibiotic
Dressing for burns
Wound dressings

Question 5

Primary mechanism of nano silver

Answer 5

Can absorb biomolecules from the environment, can be used to clean
Can also absorb in the body, remove certain types of molecules

Question 6

Uses of carbon structures

Answer 6

Engineering
Planes
Bulletproof vests
Cosmetics
Sports goods eg. Tennis rackets

Question 7

What are 3 nano silver medical devices

Answer 7

Added to antibacterial creams for sterility
Cauterisation, stops bleeding from nose
Used for burns to improve regeneration and healing

Question 8

How does nano gold function

Answer 8

Used in arthritis- internalised by macrophages and changes activity leading to anti inflammatory
Can be used to deliver molecules bound to gold.
Size of particle affects alignment with cell

Question 9

What is atomic force microscopy AFM

Answer 9

Type of scanning probe microscopy which creates an image of molecules or cells
Uses mechanical probe tip to trace surface
The thinner the probe the better the resolution

Question 10

Why is AFM used

Answer 10

Study molecules and cells
Study specimens in aqueous solutions
Some live cells, but very few as can damage cells

Question 11

What is scanning ion conductance microscopy SICM

Answer 11

Uses electrode as probe tip instead of mechanical object
Height of tip from cell surface is maintained - no damage
Can scan live objects
Can study dynamics of cell surface structures
Only good for flat surfaces

Question 12

What is good about hopping probe ion conductance microscopy

Answer 12

Can scan surfaces that arent flat

Probe hops catching every level