A study of nanostructured materials toward coronary artery stenting and DNA-based biosensing

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Vascular stenting has emerged as a viable method for treating occluded arteries. Unfortunately, implanted stents are subject to re-obstruction triggered by host tissue. A plasma nanocoating (20-30 nm) has been investigated for its ability to improve patient tissue response. Nanocoatings were deposited using low temperature non-equilibrium plasma glow discharges. Nanocoatings were further modified with NH3+O2-based glows; these glows introduced potentially therapeutic chemical groups into the nanocoating. In vitro cell cultures confirmed the coatings promoted suitable endothelialization while minimizing the potential fr thrombosis. Surface chemical and electrochemical studies showed that nanocoating chemical groups remained stable under dry storage (25 [degrees]C) and in a simulated body fluid at 37 [degrees]C and 5% CO2. Plasma nanocoatings may be suitable in improving stent-vascular interactions. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a serious neonatal pathogen resulting in high infant mortalities. Current GBS detection methods have poor sensitivities and are prone to cross- reactions with non-pathogenic microbes. An electrochemical biosensor has been developed that is sensitive and specific for GBS detection. Detection relies on DNA hybridization between biosensor probe DNA and target DNA in the clinical specimen. Perfectly hybridized DNA can be detected using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The biosensor has suitable predictive value as a diagnostic, yet refinements may be necessary