Polímeros condutores são uma nova classe de polímeros que tem recebido especial interesse para a produção de membranas e filmes. A polianilina (PANI) destaca-se entre eles por sua elevada estabilidade química, fácil polimerização e baixo custo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma blenda de polímero convencional (HIPS) com polímero condutor (PANI-CSA) e um filme de polianilina auto-suportado, usando ácido canforsulfônico (CSA) como dopante primário e 4-cloro-3-metil fenol (CMC) como dopante secundário. Estes dois materiais foram empregados como membranas íon-seletivas em um sistema de eletrodiálise para remoção de níquel de soluções. A membrana e o filme foram caracterizados por condutividade elétrica, MEV, espectroscopia FTIR, Raman e TGA. Os resultados obtidos apontam para a possibilidade de aplicação da membrana seletiva para eletrodiálise. A extração de níquel para a membrana sintetizada se mostrou semelhante à extração para a membrana comercial. O filme auto-suportado apesar de exibir boa resistência mecânica no estado sólido apresentou comportamento pouco satisfatório quando colocado em imersão com a solução de trabalho para eletrodiálise, devido ao seu estado quebradiço.

Conducting polymers are a new class of polymers that has received particular interest for the production of membranes and films. The polyaniline (PANI) is distinguished among conducting polymers for its high chemical stability, easy polymerization and low cost. The objective of this work is to develop a freestanding polyaniline film, using camphor-10-sulphonic acid (CSA) as a primary dopant and 4-chloro-3-methyl phenol (CMC) as a secondary dopant in the presence of solvent for mixture of the solution, as well as develop a membrane using a conventional polymer (high impact polystyrene-HIPS) and conducting polymer (Polyaniline-PANI) doped with CSA for use in electrodialysis. Were performed tests of electrodialysis to determine the transport of ions Ni+2. The membrane and film were characterized by electric conductivity SEM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy and TGA. The results point to the possibility of application of the selective membrane for electrodialysis. The extraction of nickel for the synthesized membrane was similar to the commercial membrane. The freestanding film despite exhibiting good mechanical strength in solid state showed unsatisfactory when placed under water with the working solution to electrodialysis, due to its brittle state.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the capacity of the PSA density (PSAD), Free PSA percentage (%FPSA) and PSA transition zone density (PSATZ) in improving the sensitivity and specificity of the PSA to detect prostate cancer (PCa) in men with a PSA between 4 and 10 ng/mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty five men with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/mL were prospectively studied. Blood collection for the total PSA and free PSA was performed as well as transrectal ultra-sound with prostate biopsy and measurement of the total prostate volume (TPV) and transition zone volume (TZV). Patients with initial negative biopsy were followed and the prostate biopsy was repeated in those that presented PSA increase. The capacity of the PSAD, %FPSA and PSADTZ in improving the sensitivity and specificity pf the PSA test to the detection of the PCa was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses and through the ROC curve. RESULTS: Of the 145 patients, 38 (26.2%) had PCa and in 107 (73.8%) a benign prostate disease was diagnosed. No difference among the PSAD, %FPSA and PSADTZ was found. The multivariate analysis showed that the PSADTZ, %FPSA, TZV and age were those more powerful and highly significant PCa predictors. CONCLUSION:The determination of %FPSA and PSAD can allow a better discrimination between PCa and benign disease that the isolated use of PSA. The combination of PSADTZ, %FPSA, TZV and age promote a high accuracy for PCa detection.