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Full-Text Articles in Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering

Peripheral Nerve Regeneration And Functional Nerve Recovery After Reconstruction With A Thin-Walled Biodegradable Poly(Dl-Lactide-Ε-Caprolactone) Nerve Guide, M. F. Meek, W. F. A. Den Dunnen, H. L. Bartels, A. J. Pennings, P. H. Robinson, J. M. Schakenraad Jan 1997

Peripheral Nerve Regeneration And Functional Nerve Recovery After Reconstruction With A Thin-Walled Biodegradable Poly(Dl-Lactide-Ε-Caprolactone) Nerve Guide, M. F. Meek, W. F. A. Den Dunnen, H. L. Bartels, A. J. Pennings, P. H. Robinson, J. M. Schakenraad

Cells and Materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate functional nerve recovery after reconstruction of a 1 em gap in the sciatic nerve of the rat, with a thin-walled biodegradable poly(DLLA-ε-CL) nerve guide. To evaluate both motor and sensory nerve recovery, walking track analysis and electrostimulation tests were carried out after implantation periods ranging from 3 to 26 weeks post-operatively. The first signs of functional nerve recovery could already be observed after 5 weeks. From the histological analysis, it could be concluded that most of the thin-walled nerve guides had collapsed. Despite collapsing, functional nerve recovery was relatively good after 26 …


Alloy Oxidation And Porcelain Fused To Alloy Interaction In Noble Alloy Systems, M. S. Bapna, H. J. Mueller Jan 1997

Alloy Oxidation And Porcelain Fused To Alloy Interaction In Noble Alloy Systems, M. S. Bapna, H. J. Mueller

Cells and Materials

The oxidation and porcelain fusion characteristics of noble alloys containing a variety of minor oxidizable elements, including Cu, Sn, In, Ga, Mn, and Fe were investigated. Four porcelain alloys systems: a Pd-base alloy (Naturelle}, two Pd-Ag-based alloys (Jelstar and Acclaim}, and a high Au-alloy (SMG-3) were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy after being heat treated and after being fused with porcelain. Internal oxidation of minor alloying elements occurred within several micrometers from the surface in all four alloys. Surface nodules as detected by other investigators for a Pd-Ag alloy were also detected in this study. Evidence …


Laboratory Growth Systems In Biofilm Research, Julian W. T. Wimpenny Jan 1996

Laboratory Growth Systems In Biofilm Research, Julian W. T. Wimpenny

Cells and Materials

The huge variety of ecosystems that we collectively refer to as "biofilm" is reflected by the numerous different systems available to grow them in the laboratory. The relationship between in situ systems, microcosms and laboratory models is defined and discussed. The first two represent holistic approaches designed to assess the structure and function of particular biofilms: the last is analytical and reductionist, aiming to isolate specific functions of biofilms in order to understand properties that can apply to biofilm in general. Properties of a model can be completely understood whilst this is unlikely with natural ecosystems because of the possibility …


Initial Biodeterioration Of Silicone Rubber By C. Albicans And C. Aropicalis Strains Isolated From Voice Prostheses, H. C. Van Der Mei, B. Van De Belt-Gritter, F. Dijk, H. J. Busscher Jan 1996

Initial Biodeterioration Of Silicone Rubber By C. Albicans And C. Aropicalis Strains Isolated From Voice Prostheses, H. C. Van Der Mei, B. Van De Belt-Gritter, F. Dijk, H. J. Busscher

Cells and Materials

Silicone rubber voice prostheses m patients after total laryngectomy become rapidly colonized by a biofilm, consisting of yeasts and bacteria. An especially troublesome feature of these biofilms is the ingrowth into the silicone rubber by colonizing yeasts. Microcolonies of ingrowing yeasts have been frequently observed on explanted voice prostheses after 3-4 months use. Incubation of silicone rubber samples in a modified Robbins device with a culture of Candida tropicalis, isolated from a Groningen button voice prosthesis, while passing the yeasts through a cycle of feasts (7 days) and famine (also 7 days) demonstrated, by electron microscopy, the onset of the …


Effects Of Solidification Conditions And Heat Treatment On The Microstructure And Vickers Hardness Of Pd-Cu-Ga Dental Alloys, William A. Brantley, Zhuo Cai, Stanley G. Vermilyea, Efstratios Papazoglou, John C. Mitchell, Alan B. Carr Jan 1996

Effects Of Solidification Conditions And Heat Treatment On The Microstructure And Vickers Hardness Of Pd-Cu-Ga Dental Alloys, William A. Brantley, Zhuo Cai, Stanley G. Vermilyea, Efstratios Papazoglou, John C. Mitchell, Alan B. Carr

Cells and Materials

Two representative Pd-Cu-Ga dental alloys, one with a dendritic as-cast microstructure containing a eutectic interdendritic constituent and the other with an equiaxed fine-grained as-cast microstructure containing a near-surface eutectic constituent, have been subjected to rapid quenching following casting, in addition to the conventional bench cooling recommended by the manufacturers. The quenched alloys were subsequently heat treated at temperatures of 1200°, 1500° and 1800 op that span the range of the firing cycles for dental porcelain. Scanning electron microscopic examination showed that the lamellar eutectic constituents normally present in the microstructures of the as-cast and bench-cooled alloys persisted when the alloys …


Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication In Bone, Henry J. Donahue, Monique A. Vander Molen, Clare E. Yellowley, Zhongyong Li Jan 1996

Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication In Bone, Henry J. Donahue, Monique A. Vander Molen, Clare E. Yellowley, Zhongyong Li

Cells and Materials

Gap junctional intercellular communication has been demonstrated in bone cells and may contribute to the mechanism by which osteoblasts integrate and amplify extracellular signals, both chemical (hormonal) and biophysical (electrical and mechanical). Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the predominant gap junction protein expressed by bone cells. Experiments with osteoblastic cells in which Cx43 expression was diminished by antisense transfection demonstrate that cell-to-cell coupling in osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells is via gap junctions composed of Cx43. Cellular networks of these coupling deficient clones are dramatically less responsive to parathyroid hormone (PTH) suggesting that coupling contributes to hormonal responsiveness. Furthermore, PTH per se …


Stability Of Liposomes Prepared From Archaeobacterical Lipids And Phosphatidylcholine Mixtures, G. D. Sprott, C. J. Dicaire, L. P. Fleming, G. B. Patel Jan 1996

Stability Of Liposomes Prepared From Archaeobacterical Lipids And Phosphatidylcholine Mixtures, G. D. Sprott, C. J. Dicaire, L. P. Fleming, G. B. Patel

Cells and Materials

In vitro stabilities of liposomes prepared from the total polar lipids (TPL) of various species of Archaeobacteria were compared with those made from egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) and from mixtures of TPLIEPC. Stability was monitored by measuring the extent of leakage of entrapped dyes. Liposomes prepared from exclusively archaeobacteriallipids (coined archaeosomes), particularly those containing the bilayer spanning tetraether lipids, were generally stable to conditions such as storage at 37°C for greater than 7 days, exposure to phospholipase A2, incubation with serum, and, to some extent, exposure to bile salts. In contrast, EPC liposomes were generally unstable to these conditions, …


Investigation Of Bone And Calcium Phosphate Coatings And Crystallinity Determination Using Raman Microspectroscopy, C. J. De Grauw, J. D. De Bruijn, C. Otto, J. Greve Jan 1996

Investigation Of Bone And Calcium Phosphate Coatings And Crystallinity Determination Using Raman Microspectroscopy, C. J. De Grauw, J. D. De Bruijn, C. Otto, J. Greve

Cells and Materials

Conventional spontaneous Raman micro-spectroscopy was used for the investigation of bone and calcium phosphate coatings on bone-implant surfaces. Chemical and structural changes at the bone-coating interface could be monitored on a microscopic scale. It was shown that the crystallinity did not vary within the crystalline apatite and amorphous calcium phosphate coatings, while the density within each coating did vary. Different degrees of crystallinity in coatings were investigated for a series of plasma-sprayed apatite coatings. It is concluded that Raman microspectroscopy is an easy non-destructive way to obtain information about the apatite structure and the degree of crystallinity.


Application Of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy To Cytocompatibility Testing Of Potential Orthopaedic Materials In Immortalised Osteoblast-Like Cell Lines, R. Macnair, R. Wilkinson, C. Macdonald, I. Goldie, D. B. Jones, M. H. Grant Jan 1996

Application Of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy To Cytocompatibility Testing Of Potential Orthopaedic Materials In Immortalised Osteoblast-Like Cell Lines, R. Macnair, R. Wilkinson, C. Macdonald, I. Goldie, D. B. Jones, M. H. Grant

Cells and Materials

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used in conjunction with in vitro cell culture to investigate cellular interactions with orthopaedic biomaterials. Transfected rat and human osteoblasts were seeded on two potential isoelastic hip prosthesis materials, carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and epoxy. Titanium 318 alloy was employed as a control. Determination of the material surface contour, an important factor influencing cellular adhesion, proliferation and function, was performed using the industry standard Talysurf® and compared to analogous results obtained using the CLSM. The latter technique consistently gave higher values of material roughness but offers the advantage that it can be used …


Letter To The Editor: Biocompatibility And Reactogenicity Of Materials: A Semantic And Logical Analysis Of Definitions And Their Practical Significance, Leonid I. Slutskii, Janis J. Vetra Jan 1996

Letter To The Editor: Biocompatibility And Reactogenicity Of Materials: A Semantic And Logical Analysis Of Definitions And Their Practical Significance, Leonid I. Slutskii, Janis J. Vetra

Cells and Materials

Any biomaterial implanted into a living body elicits a distinct local reaction. This reaction depends on the physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties of the material. The obvious term to designate this inherent property of a biomaterial to induce a local reaction is reactogenicity. Reactogenicity of a biomaterial is one of the main factors determining (together with other properties of the implanted device) the bio(non)compatibility of the implant. Such amplification of terminology which establishes differences between biocompatibility as a generalized characteristic of biomaterials in all their interrelations with the host's organism and the influences on local processes around implants, makes the …


A Microstructural Investigation Of Calcium Hydroxyapatites Synthesized From Cahpo4•2h2o And Ca4(Po4)2o, Kevor S. Tenhuisen, Boyd A. Clark, Maria Klimkiewicz, Paul W. Brown Jan 1996

A Microstructural Investigation Of Calcium Hydroxyapatites Synthesized From Cahpo4•2h2o And Ca4(Po4)2o, Kevor S. Tenhuisen, Boyd A. Clark, Maria Klimkiewicz, Paul W. Brown

Cells and Materials

This investigation determined the effects of reaction temperature and bulk composition on the microstructural features of hydroxyapatites (HAp) synthesized from reaction between particulate CaHPO4·2H2O and Ca4(PO4)2O. These data were used in combination with previous work to further elucidate the mechanistic reaction path taken by these calcium phosphate cements. HAps having two different compositions (Ca/P = 1.50 and 1.67) were synthesized between 15.0 and 70.0°C. All reactions reached completion as indicated by X-ray diffraction. Single point nitrogen absorption was performed on all samples to determine specific surface areas. The HAp which …


Time Course Of Recruitment, Pit Formation And Apoptosis Of Osteoclast Populations On Dentin In Vitro, Jihyun Kang, Rigoberto Cornejo, Kevin J. Hirokawa, Susan M. Digiorgio, Darlene F. Howard, Susan F. Silverton Jan 1996

Time Course Of Recruitment, Pit Formation And Apoptosis Of Osteoclast Populations On Dentin In Vitro, Jihyun Kang, Rigoberto Cornejo, Kevin J. Hirokawa, Susan M. Digiorgio, Darlene F. Howard, Susan F. Silverton

Cells and Materials

The resorptive capacity of osteoclasts in vitro has been used as an indicator of bone resorption. However, the kinetics of osteoclast development and senescence is not well understood. It has been noted that mononuclear precursors migrate to calcified substrate and after multi-nucleation become competent bone resorbing cells. Osteoclasts, once finished a wave of resorption, become senescent. In order to determine the survival characteristics of osteoclast populations involved in calcified tissue destruction, we have investigated the time course of the recruitment to dentin and apoptosis of osteoclasts. We have established the linkage between these measurements and the time course of the …


Biodegradation Of A Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Composite By Peritoneal Monocyte-Macrophages, F. Z. Cui, C. Du, X. W. Su, X. D. Zhu, N. M. Zhao Jan 1996

Biodegradation Of A Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Composite By Peritoneal Monocyte-Macrophages, F. Z. Cui, C. Du, X. W. Su, X. D. Zhu, N. M. Zhao

Cells and Materials

A nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen composite was prepared by precipitation of hydroxyapatite from an aqueous solution onto collagen. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were used to investigate the in vitro biodegradation of the composite. The results showed the mechanism of phagocytosis and extracellular degradation process. The cells that belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system showed some morphological characteristics similar to those of osteoclasts and made pits on the composite surface. The local modification of the material surface by the cell was another phenomenon distinguishable from the degradation process. The degradation and modification made the material porous with a widely varying Ca/P ratio.


The Role Of Surface Characteristics In The Initial Adhesion Of Human Bone-Derived Cells On Ceramics, H. Zreiqat, O. C. Standard, T. Gengenbach, J. G. Steele, C. R. Howlett Jan 1996

The Role Of Surface Characteristics In The Initial Adhesion Of Human Bone-Derived Cells On Ceramics, H. Zreiqat, O. C. Standard, T. Gengenbach, J. G. Steele, C. R. Howlett

Cells and Materials

The tissue/biomaterial interactions of three biomaterials of potential use in bone implants were studied in vitro. The mechanism of cell adherence to various ceramic substrata has been investigated by measurement of short term (90 minutes) cell attachment and spreading rate. We have determined the effect of two serum glycoproteins, fibronectin and vitronectin, on the adhesion of human bone derived cells (HBD-cells) cultured on three different types of ceramics {alumina (Al2O3), hydroxyapatite (HAP) and yttria-doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP)} . The attachment of HBD-cells to alumina and hydroxyapatite was approximately 60% of that to Y-TZP. Furthermore, …


The Influence Of A Fibrin-Coating Inside A Biodegradable Poly(Dl-Lactide-Ε-Caprolactone) Nerve Guide On Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, W. F. A. Den Dunnen, J. M. Schakenraad, B. Van Der Lei, A. J. Pennings, P. H. Robinson Jan 1996

The Influence Of A Fibrin-Coating Inside A Biodegradable Poly(Dl-Lactide-Ε-Caprolactone) Nerve Guide On Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, W. F. A. Den Dunnen, J. M. Schakenraad, B. Van Der Lei, A. J. Pennings, P. H. Robinson

Cells and Materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a fibrin-coating on the inner surface of a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-E-caprolactone) nerve guide on the speed and quality of the nerve regeneration. The nerve regeneration and orientation of the nerve fibers, as well as the fibrous tissue formation were evaluated. On the short term, nerve regeneration was slightly faster in the non-coated nerve guide. After longer implantation periods (≥ 4 weeks), nerve regeneration in the fibrin-coated nerve guides was characterized by a severe inflammatory response with large numbers of macrophages and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN's). This study clearly demonstrates that nerve …


Heterogeneity Of Natural Biofilm Communities, J. R. Lawrence, D. R. Korber, G. M. Wolfaardt Jan 1996

Heterogeneity Of Natural Biofilm Communities, J. R. Lawrence, D. R. Korber, G. M. Wolfaardt

Cells and Materials

Scanning confocal laser microscopy (SCLM) studies have shown that microbial biofilms consist of a spatially heterogeneous arrangement of bacterial cells, biogenic extracellular material, and void space. Biofilm architecture is dominated by the presence of cell aggregates interspersed by channels, the arrangement of which varies for different hydrodynamic regimes, ages, species composition, or nutrient status. This organization may regulate the flux of nutrients and oxygen, creating chemical microenvironments (Eh, pH) facilitating the growth of aerobic heterotrophs and anaerobes. The presence of microenvironments has been confirmed using laser microscopy and environmentally sensitive fluorescent probes. In addition, changes in cell number and growth …


Collagen Fibres Are Not Required For Initial Matrix Mineralization By Bone Cells, M. M. Hosseini, S. A. F. Peel, J. E. Davies Jan 1996

Collagen Fibres Are Not Required For Initial Matrix Mineralization By Bone Cells, M. M. Hosseini, S. A. F. Peel, J. E. Davies

Cells and Materials

Passaged primary cultures of young adult rat bone marrow cells were maintained in medium containing combinations of the supplements dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and Na-ß-glycerophosphate. The cultures were examined by both light and scanning electron microscopy (with additional energy dispersive X-ray analysis). In cultures with fully supplemented medium, an extracellular matrix formed at the culture dish surface, beneath developing bone nodules; this matrix was mineralized but collagen-fibre free and corresponded to that which we have reported previously as the equivalent of the cement line in vivo. In selected samples this interfacial, cement line, matrix was analyzed by X-ray …


Physical And Biological Evaluation Of Hydroxylapatite Films Formed On Ti6a14v Substrates By Excimer Laser Ablation, Tatjana Dostálová, Miroslav Jelínek, Lucie Himmlová, Vlasta Pesáková, Milan Adam Jan 1996

Physical And Biological Evaluation Of Hydroxylapatite Films Formed On Ti6a14v Substrates By Excimer Laser Ablation, Tatjana Dostálová, Miroslav Jelínek, Lucie Himmlová, Vlasta Pesáková, Milan Adam

Cells and Materials

Thin films of hydroxylapatite, about 500 nm, were formed on Ti6Al4V by excimer laser ablation. Ten different deposition conditions were used such as deposition atmosphere (vacuum, pure water vapor, mixture of Ar and water vapor), substrate temperature, target-substrate distance and energy density. Mechanical and physical analyses were carried out by Rutherford backscattering and particle induced X-ray emission; crystallinity of films was determined by X-ray diffraction, surface topography by scanning electron microscopy and adhesion by a scratch test. Biological evaluation of samples was also performed. The fibroblast proliferation test was used, morphological evaluation of macrophages was carried out, and the activity …


Biofilm Mediated Calculus Formation In The Urinary Tract, Robert J. C. Mclean, David J. Stickler, J. Curtis Nickel Jan 1996

Biofilm Mediated Calculus Formation In The Urinary Tract, Robert J. C. Mclean, David J. Stickler, J. Curtis Nickel

Cells and Materials

Mineralization and subsequent calculus formation is a common complication of biofilm infections. In the urinary tract, these infected calculi often arise from infections by urease-producing bacteria. Ammonia, liberated by bacterial urease activity, increases urine pH, resulting in the precipitation of Ca and Mg as carbonateapatite {Ca10(PO4,CO3)6(OH,CO3)2} and struvite (NH4MgP04·6H2O). These minerals become entrapped in the organic matrix which surrounds the infecting organisms and ultimately grow into mature calculi. When the causative organisms grow on urinary catheters and stents, the resulting mineralization can …


Perturbations Of Periosteel Bone During Healing: Effect Of Non-Weight Bearing, Helen E. Gruber, Mary E. Kirchen, John R. Sweeney, William E. Anderson, G. June Marshall Jan 1996

Perturbations Of Periosteel Bone During Healing: Effect Of Non-Weight Bearing, Helen E. Gruber, Mary E. Kirchen, John R. Sweeney, William E. Anderson, G. June Marshall

Cells and Materials

Weight bearing (WB) is an important factor influencing bone remodelling. The present study evaluates the effects of weight bearing and non-weight bearing (S) (achieved by tail suspension and hindlimb elevation) on the healing of a fibular osteotomy in adult male rats. After 9, 18 or 36 days under WB or S conditions, periosteum near the callus formed at the osteotomy site was compared to periosteum of the contralateral fibula (which did not receive an osteotomy) or to periosteum of fibula of control animals which did not receive an osteotomy. Data show that periosteal bone healing is sensitive to alterations in …


A Composite Biomaterial: Poly 2 (Hydropoxyethyl) Methacrylate / Alkaline Phosphatase Initiates Mineralization In Vitro, R. Filmon, D. Chappard, J. P. Monthéard, M. F. Baslé Jan 1996

A Composite Biomaterial: Poly 2 (Hydropoxyethyl) Methacrylate / Alkaline Phosphatase Initiates Mineralization In Vitro, R. Filmon, D. Chappard, J. P. Monthéard, M. F. Baslé

Cells and Materials

Bone substitutes are nowadays largely used in orthopedic surgery but they lack osteoinductive properties. Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) has numerous biomedical applications. Alkaline phosphatase (AlkP), an ectoenzyme elaborated by osteoblasts, initiates bone mineralization by hydrolyzing organic phosphates before calcium-phosphorus deposition. We have immobilized AlkP in pHEMA in a copolymerization technic. Histochemical study revealed that AlkP has retained its biological activity . Image analysis of sections using a tessellation method showed a lognormal distribution of the area of tessels around AlkP particles thus confirming an homogeneous distribution of the enzyme in the polymer. Pellets of pHEMA and pHEMA + AlkP were …


Validation Of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry As A Method To Standardize Backscattered Electron Images Of Bone, E. G. Vajda, R. D. Bloebaum, J. G. Skedros Jan 1996

Validation Of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry As A Method To Standardize Backscattered Electron Images Of Bone, E. G. Vajda, R. D. Bloebaum, J. G. Skedros

Cells and Materials

The use of backscattered electron (BSE) imaging as a tool for the qualitative measurement of mineral content in bone has been well documented. The challenge still remains to develop BSE imaging as a tool for quantitative mineral content analysis in bone. The limiting factor has been the ability to standardize the BSE signal within and between laboratories. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDX) has been proposed as a method to standardize the BSE operating environment. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between EDX-determined wt.% Ca measurements and BSE graylevels. A comparison with traditional ash content measurements will …


The Effect Of Vitronectin And Other Extracellular Matrix Molecules On Endothelial Expansion And Plasminogen Activation, P. Anne Underwood, Penny A. Bean Jan 1996

The Effect Of Vitronectin And Other Extracellular Matrix Molecules On Endothelial Expansion And Plasminogen Activation, P. Anne Underwood, Penny A. Bean

Cells and Materials

Endothelial recovery following procedures used to alleviate blood vessel occlusion is modulated by the local extracellular matrix upon which it has to migrate and proliferate. This extracellular material is derived from vessel wall cells, and plasma proteins which bind to the exposed surfaces. We have demonstrated that vitronectin adsorbs efficiently to tissue culture polystyrene in competition with other plasma proteins, which suggests that it may adsorb to biomaterial surfaces in vivo. We have compared the adhesion, migration and proliferation of human umbilical artery endothelial cells on surface-coated vitronectin, with other extracellular matrix molecules encountered in this environment, namely fibronectin, …


Albumin Affinity Biomaterial Surfaces, James R. Keogh, John W. Eaton Jan 1996

Albumin Affinity Biomaterial Surfaces, James R. Keogh, John W. Eaton

Cells and Materials

Recently, considerable progress has been made in designing biomaterial surfaces which possess enhanced albumin affinity. Two derivatization methods for producing albumin binding biomaterial surfaces, based on an albumin affinity dye, cibacron blue, have been developed. Both surface derivatization methods were found to enhance the binding of albumin to an implant grade polyetherurethane. Evaluations of the enhanced albumin affinity demonstrated the binding to be both selective and reversible. Surfaces having such enhanced albumin affinity were found to be minimally thrombogenic and to discourage the adhesion of bacteria which might otherwise cause device-centered infections. We conclude that albumin affinity surfaces, such as …


In Vitro Characterization Of Transforming Growth Factor-Ss1-Loaded Composites Of Biodegradable Polymer And Mesenchymal Cells, S. B. Nicoll, A. E. Denker, R. S. Tuan Jan 1995

In Vitro Characterization Of Transforming Growth Factor-Ss1-Loaded Composites Of Biodegradable Polymer And Mesenchymal Cells, S. B. Nicoll, A. E. Denker, R. S. Tuan

Cells and Materials

A porous, biodegradable polymer composite was fabricated from poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) using a solvent- casting particulate-leaching technique, and loaded with recombinant human transforming growth factor ß-1 (TGF-ß1). Tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and PLLA disks loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) served as controls. Polymer specimens were seeded at high cell density with C3H10T1/2 cells, a mouse embryonic cell line capable of differentiating into various connective tissue cell types. The polymer matrices degraded slowly in physiological saline over four weeks, with a sustained yet sporadic release of active TGF-ß1; a more controlled release of TGF-ß1 was observed in serum-containing culture medium …


Post-Operative Carbonate-Apatite Formation In Peo/Pbt Copolymers (Polyactive®), A. M. Radder, J. E. Davies, R. N. S. Sodhi, S. A. T. Van Der Meer, J. G. C. Wolke, C. A. Van Blitterswijk Jan 1995

Post-Operative Carbonate-Apatite Formation In Peo/Pbt Copolymers (Polyactive®), A. M. Radder, J. E. Davies, R. N. S. Sodhi, S. A. T. Van Der Meer, J. G. C. Wolke, C. A. Van Blitterswijk

Cells and Materials

Previous studies have stressed the importance of calcification of the polyethylene oxide (PEO) I polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) copolymer surface by establishing a direct relation with the occurrence of bone-bonding. Here, we characterized the morphology as well as the composition of this post-operative reaction product in PEOIPBT copolymers. X-ray · photoelectron spectroscopical results demonstrated the ability of PEOIPBT copolymers to rapidly adsorb calcium ions from fluids. After subcutaneous implantation in rats, it was shown that polymer calcification comprised plate-shaped crystals, whereas an electron-dense layer was frequently encountered at the interface. Cells with a characteristic morphology were directly apposed to abundantly calcified …


Hip Prosthesis And Bone Mineral Absorptiometry: Effect Of Short-Term Administration Of Calcitriol, Mario Caniggia, Bruno Frediani, Leonardo Osti Jan 1995

Hip Prosthesis And Bone Mineral Absorptiometry: Effect Of Short-Term Administration Of Calcitriol, Mario Caniggia, Bruno Frediani, Leonardo Osti

Cells and Materials

In this double blind study, seven out of fourteen patients who had received a cementless hydroxyapatitecovered hip prosthesis were given calcitriol (1 p.g daily), and seven an inert placebo for a period of four months. At the end of this period, total body bone densitometry (TBBD) and absorptiometric measurements in the regions of interest (ROIs) close to the prosthesis and in the opposite femur revealed that the TBBD values had decreased in the patients receiving placebo and increased in those receiving calcitriol. Furthermore, bone mineral density in the ROis had increased on the non-operated side of the calcitriol-treated patients (although …


Backscattered Electron Imaging To Enhance Microstructural Contrast In Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Bone Cement Fracture Analysis, L. D. T. Topoleski, P. Rutledge, X. Lu Jan 1995

Backscattered Electron Imaging To Enhance Microstructural Contrast In Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Bone Cement Fracture Analysis, L. D. T. Topoleski, P. Rutledge, X. Lu

Cells and Materials

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is used as a grout to secure joint replacement prostheses into bone. It has a distinct microstructure made up of: prepolymerized beads, an interbead matrix polymer, a radiopacifier {barium sulphate (BaS04) or zirconium dioxide (Zr02)}, and pores or voids; the radiopacifier is found only in the interbead matrix of the cured bone cement. The mechanism of slow or fatigue crack growth appears to be initial micro-cracking through the interbead matrix, followed by coalescence of the microcracks to form a continuous crack. Thus, distinguishing the interbead matrix from the pre-polymerized beads is important for investigating fatigue …


Biodegradation Of Synthetic Biphasic Calcium Phosphate And Biological Calcified Substratum By Cells Of Hemopoietic Origin, A. Soueidan, O. I. Gan, J. M. Bouler, F. Gouin, G. Daculsi Jan 1995

Biodegradation Of Synthetic Biphasic Calcium Phosphate And Biological Calcified Substratum By Cells Of Hemopoietic Origin, A. Soueidan, O. I. Gan, J. M. Bouler, F. Gouin, G. Daculsi

Cells and Materials

Different types of osteoclastic cells (authentic osteoclasit from human giant cell tumor and bone marrow of newborn rats; newly-formed osteoclasts from adult rat bone marrow), giant multinucleated cells and macrophages were studied for their effect on synthetic and natural mineralized substrata. Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic consisted of hydroxyapatite and beta tricalcium phosphate was chosen for in vitro experiments, and dentine served as a positive control for cell resorbing activity . Our results show the limited capacity of authentic and newly-formed osteoclasts to resorb synthetic ceramic as compared to that of natural substrata. In vitro cell-mediated biodegradation included also modifications of …


Resorption Of Natural Calcium Carbonate By Avian Osteoclasts In Vitro, G. Guillemin, S. J. Hunter, C. V. Gay Jan 1995

Resorption Of Natural Calcium Carbonate By Avian Osteoclasts In Vitro, G. Guillemin, S. J. Hunter, C. V. Gay

Cells and Materials

Osteoclasts isolated from the endosteum of 2.5 to 3-week chick tibia were cultured on glass coverslips or natural CaC03 (Tridacna) wafers for 2 and 4 days. The cells were exposed to the pH-dependent dye, acridine orange, and fluorescence was measured by a light microscope photometer. Fluorescence intensity values were higher in cells adherent to Tridacna wafers than in those incubated on glass after 2 and 4 days of culture (three and two-fold, respectively). Moreover, osteoclasts on Tridacna wafers were more flattened and were found to produce resorption pits. Acid production by osteoclasts cultured on Tridacna wafers was stimulated …