Yeh-Fang Duann

In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor was created by fabricating a screen-printed carbon electrode with diamond nanoparticles (DNPs/SPCE). The successful development of the sensor enabled the specific detection of the anti-cancer drug flutamide (FLT). The DNPs/SPCE demonstrated excellent conductivity, remarkable electrocatalytic activity, and swift electron transfer, all of which contribute to the advantageous monitoring of FLT. These qualities are critical for monitoring FLT levels in environmental samples. Various structural and morphological characterization techniques were employed to validate the formation of the DNPs. Remarkably, the electrochemical sensor demonstrated a wide linear response range (0.025 to 606.65 μM). Additionally, it showed a low limit of detection (0.023 μM) and high sensitivity (0.403 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻²). Furthermore, the practicability of DNPs/SPCE can be successfully employed in FLT monitoring in water bodies (pond water and river water samples) with satisfactory recoveries.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in orthopedic applications, including bone cement in total joint replacement surgery, bone fillers, and bone substitutes due to its affordability, biocompatibility, and processability. However, the bone regeneration efficiency of PMMA is limited because of its lack of bioactivity, poor osseointegration, and non-degradability. The use of bone cement also has disadvantages such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) release and high exothermic temperature during the polymerization of PMMA, which can cause thermal necrosis. To address these problems, various strategies have been adopted, such as surface modification techniques and the incorporation of various bioactive agents and biopolymers into PMMA. In this review, the physicochemical properties and synthesis methods of PMMA are discussed, with a special focus on the utilization of various PMMA composites in bone tissue engineering. Additionally, the challenges involved in incorporating PMMA into regenerative medicine are discussed with suitable research findings with the intention of providing insightful advice to support its successful clinical applications.

A composite was prepared that contained diglycidyl ether of tetrabromobisphenol A (DGETBA) and 1,5‐di(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)naphthalene (A), 4,4′‐bis(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)benzylideneaniline (B), or 4,4′‐bis(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)biphenyl (C), and then was cured using different ratios of dicyandiamide (DICY). The results of DSC, TGA, coefficient of thermal expansion, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor testing of the composite epoxy resins were analyzed, and investigation of the copper‐clad laminate using the composite epoxy resins as prepreg was also performed. Additionally, moisture absorption, peel strength, arc resistance, comparative tracking index, and flammability of the copper‐clad laminate were examined. Clearly, some of the physical or mechanical properties of the composite and the copper‐clad laminate can be improved by optimal addition of naphthalene–phenyl‐based epoxy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1485–1492, 2005