Water immobilization by glass microspheres affects biological activity.

ABSTRACT: We recently reported that the water holding capacity of myofibrillar protein hydrogels could be increased upon addition of small amounts of microparticles, particularly glass microspheres. Glass microspheres were found to decrease the spin-spin relaxation time (T₂) of water protons in the gels, which was interpreted as enhanced water binding by the glass. We were thus interested in determining whether the observed effects on water proton relaxation were a direct consequence of water-glass interactions. Here we show how glass microspheres reduce the mobility of pure water, reflected in large decreases in the T₂ of water protons, decreases in the self-diffusion coefficient of water molecules, a lower water activity, and strengthening of O-H bonds. Even though glass is c

SUBMITTER: Marangoni AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6021452 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature