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Graphical abstract, A capacitive biosensor was used for detection of aflatoxin B1. Two different methods for cleaning gold electrodes were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry in the presence of ferricyanide as redox couple. The methods involve use of a sequence of cleaning steps avoiding the use of Piranha solution and plasma cleaner. Anti-aflatoxin B1 was immobilized on self-assembled monolayers (SAM). The immune-capacitive biosensor is able to detect aflatoxin B1 concentrations in a linear range of 3.2 × 10−12 M to 3.2 × 10−9 M when thiourea was used to form the SAM; 3.2 × 10−9 M to 3.2 × 10−7 M when thioctic acid was used. When the gold surface was isolated with tyramine-electropolymerization linear ranges of 3.2 × 10−13 M to 3.2 × 10−7 M and 3.2 × 10−9 M to 3.2 × 10−7 M where obtained, respectively. The results obtained show the difference in linear range, limit of detection, and limit of quantification when different self-assembled monolayers are used for aflatoxin B1 detection.

Carbon fibers can be used to improve both mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of cement, allowing the preparation of a strengthened and toughened cement that can be used for self-monitoring applications. To guarantee both a good dispersion in water and a strong interaction with cement, surface functionalization of carbon fiber surface by reaction with acid was preferred to the use of a dispersing agent. The best oxidation conditions were chosen by using a Taguchi approach, and the samples contained the treated fibers were subjected to both mechanical and electrical tests, to determine flexural strength, toughness, compressive strength and electrical conductivity. It was shown that a not-too-strong oxidation by piranha solution was very effective to obtain well-dispersed fibers and a cement-composite with improved mechanical properties (in particular toughness) and electrical conductivity.

The purpose of this in vitro study was the evaluation of the bond strength of the adhesives/composite resin to Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) based dental polymer after using different surface conditioning methods. PEEK blanks were cut into discs. All disc specimens were polished with 800 grit SiC paper and divided into 6 main groups. Main groups were divided into 2 subgroups. The main groups of 32 specimens each were treated as follow: (1) control specimens (no treatment), (2) piranha solution etching, (3) abraded with 50 μm alumina particles and chemical etching, (4) abraded with 110 μm alumina particles and chemical etching, (5) abraded with 30 μm silica-coated alumina particles and chemical etching, (6) abraded with 110 μm silica-coated alumina particles and chemical etching. Plexiglas tubes filled with a composite resin (RelyX Unicem) were bonded to the specimens. The adhesives used were Heliobond and Clearfil Ceramic Primer. Each specimen was stored in distilled water (37 °C) for 3 days. Tensile bond strength was measured in a universal testing machine and failure methods were evaluated. Abraded surface with 50 μm alumina particles followed by etching with piranha solution lead to the highest bond strength of 21.4 MPa when Heliobond like adhesive was used. Tribochemical silica coated/etched PEEK surfaces did not have an effect on the bond strength. Non-treated PEEK surface was not able to establish a bond with composite resin. The proper choice of adhesive/composite resin system leads to a strong bond. Conclusion Airborne particle abrasion in combination with piranha solution etching improves the adhesive properties of PEEK.