A series of tetracyanoborate salts M[B(CN)4] with the singly charged cations of Li+, Na+, Rb+, Cs+, [NH4]+, Tl+, and Cu+ as well as the THF solvate tetracyanoborates Na[B(CN)4] x THF and [NH4][B(CN)4] x THF were synthesized and their X-ray structures, vibrational spectra, solubilities in water, and thermal stabilities determined and compared with already known M[B(CN)4] salts. Crystallographic data for these compounds are as follows: Na[B(CN)4], cubic, Fd3m, a = 11.680(1) A, Z= 8; Li[B(CN)4], cubic, P43m, a = 5.4815(1) A, Z= 1; Cu[B(CN)4], cubic, P43m, a = 5.4314(7) A, Z= 1; Rb[B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.1354(2) A, c= 14.8197(6) A, Z= 4; Cs[B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.300(2) A, c = 15.340(5) A, Z= 4; [NH4][B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.132(1) A, c = 14.745(4) A, Z= 4; Tl[B(CN)4], tetragonal, /4(1)/a, a = 7.0655(2) A, c = 14.6791(4) A, Z= 4; Na[B(CN)4] x THF, orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 13.908(3) A, b = 9.288(1) A, c = 8.738(1) A, Z= 4; [NH4][B(CN)4] x THF, orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 8.831(1) A, b = 9.366(2) A, c = 15.061(3) A, Z= 4. The cubic Li+, Na+, and Cu+ salts crystallize in a structure consisting of two interpenetrating independent tetrahedral networks of M cations and [B(CN)4]- ions. The compounds with the larger countercations (Rb+, Cs+, Tl+, and [NH4]+) crystallize as tetragonal, also with a network arrangement. The sodium and ammonium salts with the cocrystallized THF molecules are both orthorhombic but are not isostructural. In the vibrational spectra the two CN stretching modes A1 and T2 coincide in general and the band positions are a measure for the strength of the interionic interaction. An interesting feature in the Raman spectrum of the copper salt is the first appearance of two CN stretching modes.

A number of new oligosilane chains containing linear segments with up to 18 silicon atoms were prepared. Employing salt elimination reactions of oligosilylpotassium compounds and oligosilylhalides, we prepared a number of tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl-terminated chains with varying internal segments consisting of dimethylsilylene and bis(trimethylsilyl)silylene units. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and UV spectroscopic analysis indicate that the oligosilanes thus obtained are conformationally highly constrained due to steric interactions between trimethylsilyl groups. The chains consist of all-transoid-oriented segments, capable of σ-bond electron delocalization, which are separated by cisoid turns.

The administration of drugs using biodegradable polymer nanoparticles as carriers has generated immense interest due to their excellent biocompatibility and the prolonged drug release. The scope of this work was to determine the applicability of sirolimus-loaded biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) nanoparticles as drug carriers to prevent restenotic processes after stent implantation. The average 250 nm sized 20%(w/w) sirolimus-loaded nanoparticles were extensively characterized with regard to in vitro degradation, biocompatibility and in vitro drug release. The particles show biphasic release kinetics consisting of a short burst release of 50%(w/w) sirolimus payload, followed by a longer, slower release phase, which are desirable for the application as a drug delivery carrier. All presented results exhibit the potential of sirolimus-loaded PDLLA nanoparticles as promising local and sustained drug delivery systems administered intraluminally to reduce in-stent restenosis after stent implantation.

Tissue adhesives are a valuable alternative for mechanical tissue fixation by sutures or staples. Adhesives are desirable in body regions where damage and bleeding must be avoided. Tissue adhesives provide easy and fast handling. This study reports the development of a tissue adhesive based on 1,2-ethylene glycol bis(dilactic acid) (ELA) functionalized with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) to produce isocyanate terminated ELA-NCO which was characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. ELA-NCO together with chain elongation agents forms an adhesive system suitable for tissue fixation. Several biodegradable polymers, such as hyaluronic acid, gelatin, chitosan acetate, and chitosan chloride were tested as chain elongation agents to obtain an adhesive system and studied on bovine muscle tissue to evaluate their adhesive strength and compared to fibrin glue. Tensile strength of glued joints was determined by a Zwick universal testing machine at ambient temperature. Mixtures of ELA-NCO and chitosan acetate or chloride, showed significantly higher adhesive strength than fibrin glue. Reaction between ELA-NCO and chitosan chloride produced polyurethane was traced by FTIR spectroscopy. NMR, FTIR, and rheological measurements demonstrated that ELA-NCO and chitosan chloride can be sterilized by gamma-rays or superheated water vapor without alterations, respectively. A mixture of ELA-NCO and chitosan chloride can be useful as medical tissue adhesive.