Three-dimensional (3D) chemical models are a well-established learning tool used to enhance the understanding of chemical structures by converting two-dimensional paper or screen outputs into realistic three-dimensional objects. While commercial atom model kits are readily available, there is a surprising lack of large molecular and orbital models that could be used in large spaces. As part of a program investigating the utility of 3D printing in teaching, a modular size-adjustable molecular model and orbital kit was developed and produced using 3D printing and was used to enhance the teaching of stereochemistry, isomerism, hybridization, and orbitals.Keywords: Alkanes/Cycloalkanes; Alkenes; Chirality/Optical Activity; Conformational Analysis; Drugs/Pharmaceuticals; Hands-On Learning/Manipulatives; Molecular Modeling; Organic Chemistry; Stereochemistry;

The increasing prevalence of wound infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is an urgent challenge facing modern medicine. To address this issue the expedient use of antimicrobial metals such as zinc, copper and silver were incorporated into an FDA-approved polymer (polycaprolactone – PCL) to produce filaments for 3D printing. These metals have broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, and moreover, copper and zinc can enhance the wound healing process. 3D scanning was used to construct 3D models of a nose and ear to provide the opportunity to customize shape and size of a wound dressing to an individual patient. Hot melt extrusion was used to extrude pellets obtained by vacuum-drying of solutions of PCL and the different metals in order to manufacture metal-homogeneously-loaded filaments. Wound dressings with different shapes were produced with the filaments containing different concentrations of metals. Release of the metals from the dressings was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. All the different metal dressings show fast release (up to 24 h) followed by slow release (up to 72 h). The antibacterial efficacy of the wound dressings was tested using a thermal activity monitor system, revealing that silver and copper wound dressings had the most potent bactericidal properties. This study shows that 3D scanning and 3D printing, which are becoming simpler and more affordable, have the potential to offer solutions to produce personalised wound dressings.Download high-res image (122KB)Download full-size image

The pentacyclic structure of the natural product (±)-γ-lycorane was synthesized by a new sequential Lewis acid mediated intramolecular acylal cyclisation (IAC)/Heck coupling approach. A range of bicyclic heterocycles was also synthesized by using this methodology in good yields demonstrating the potential of the IAC reaction to access complex heterocycles. For more details, see the Communication by S. Hilton et al. on page 4750 ff.

3D printing has the potential to transform the way in which chemical reactions are carried out due to its low-cost, ease-of-use as a technology and its capacity to expedite the development of iteratively enhanced prototypes. In this present study, we developed a novel, low-cost polypropylene (PP) column reactor that was incorporated into an existing continuous-flow reactor for the synthesis of heterocycles. The utility and solvent resistance of the printed devices were explored in SNAr reactions to produce substituted aniline derivatives and in the synthesis of bicyclic and tetracyclic heterocycles. Using this approach, a range of heterocyclic compounds was synthesised including the core structure of the natural product (±)-γ-lycorane and structurally complex compounds based on the tetracyclic core of the erythrina alkaloids.

A novel series of fused tetrathiocines were prepared for evaluation of activity against the nucleocapsid protein of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in an in vitro cell culture approach. The results demonstrated that the compounds display potent nanomolar activity and low toxicity against this key model of HIV infection.

A novel common precursor approach towards both tricyclic and spirocyclic heterocycles is described. Cyclisations are based on thiyl radical/isocyanide methodology and avoid the use of tin.

A diverse library of bis[1,2]dithiolo[1,4]thiazines and bis[1,2]dithiolopyrrole derivatives were prepared for evaluation of activity against the nucleocapsid protein of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) as a model for HIV, using an in vitro cell culture approach, yielding nanomolar active compounds with low toxicity.A diverse library of bis[1,2]dithiolo[1,4]thiazines and bis[1,2]dithiolopyrrole derivatives were prepared for evaluation of activity against the nucleocapsid protein of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) as a model for HIV, using an in vitro cell culture approach, yielding nanomolar active compounds with low toxicity.

ObjectiveRoot canal irrigation is an important adjunct to control microbial infection. This study aimed primarily to develop a transparent root canal model to study in situ Enterococcus faecalis biofilm removal rate and remaining attached biofilm using passive or active irrigation solution for 90 s. The change in available chlorine and pH of the outflow irrigant were assessed.MethodsA total of forty root canal models (n = 10 per group) were manufactured using 3D printing. Each model consisted of two longitudinal halves of an 18 mm length simulated root canal with size 30 and taper 0.06. E. faecalis biofilms were grown on the apical 3 mm of the models for 10 days in Brain Heart Infusion broth. Biofilms were stained using crystal violet for visualization. The model halves were reassembled, attached to an apparatus and observed under a fluorescence microscope. Following 60 s of 9 mL of 2.5% NaOCl irrigation using syringe and needle, the irrigant was either left stagnant in the canal or activated using gutta-percha, sonic and ultrasonic methods for 30 s. Images were then captured every second using an external camera. The residual biofilm percentages were measured using image analysis software. The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test and generalized linear mixed model.ResultsThe highest level of biofilm removal was with ultrasonic agitation (90.13%) followed by sonic (88.72%), gutta-percha (80.59%), and passive irrigation group (control) (43.67%) respectively. All agitation groups reduced the available chlorine and pH of NaOCl more than that in the passive irrigation group.SignificanceThe 3D printing method provided a novel model to create a root canal simulation for studying and understanding a real-time biofilm removal under microscopy. Ultrasonic agitation of NaOCl left the least amount of residual biofilm in comparison to sonic and gutta-percha agitation methods.