Experimental validation of a new approach for the development of mechano-compatible composite scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering

The clinical need for the design of small-diameter vascular substitutes with high patency rates has never been so urgent as nowadays. Mechano-compatibility is widely known as one of the main key parameter for the design and the development of highly-patent vascular substitutes independently of their nature, i.e., arterial prostheses, arterial grafts or tissue-engineered blood-vessel. In this work, we attempt to target mechano-compatibility of cylindrical scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering by a computational model based on the composite theory associated with finite element and genetic algorithm. Then, cylindrical composite scaffolds were fabricated from gelatine (matrix) and silk (reinforcement) to experimentally validate theoretical results obtained by the implemented computational model. Finally, the compliance of the scaffolds was measured by an in-house developed specific device. Results show that the computational predictions from numerical simulation are in good agreement with the measurements obtained form the experimental tests. Therefore, the proposed computational model represents a valid tool to assist biomaterial scientists during the design of composite scaffolds, and especially in targeting their mechanical properties.     

A novel polyurethane modified with biomacromolecules for small-diameter vascular graft applications

There is a growing demand for small-caliber tissue-engineered vascular grafts to replace damaged vessels. Fabricated scaffolds are unable to precisely mimic the mechanical properties of native vessels, provide long-term patency and support cell adhesion and growth, in particular support endothelialization. In this study, a new biodegradable poly(ether ester urethane) urea (PEEUU) was synthesized. The synthesized polyurethane was then functionalized by introducing free amino groups through aminolysis for further surface modification by immobilization of biomacromolecules on the surface of vascular grafts. The modified surfaces were then characterized using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle measurement and atomic force microscopy. The mechanical properties of the fabricated scaffolds were analyzed, revealing mechanical properties close to that of the natural vessels. Surface modifications led to improved cell–scaffold interactions, showing appropriate cell attachment and function on the scaffolds. A confluent layer of endothelial cells was formed on biomacromolecule-immobilized PEEUU vascular grafts. The preliminary results of this study demonstrated that the new polyurethane modified with biomacromolecules can be considered as a candidate material for vascular tissue engineering application with capability to support endothelialization of fabricated vascular grafts.     

Evaluation of prosthetic-valved devices by means of numerical simulations

The in vivo evaluation of prosthetic device performance is often difficult, if not impossible. In particular, in order to deal with potential problems such as thrombosis, haemolysis, etc., which could arise when a patient undergoes heart valve replacement, a thorough understanding of the blood flow dynamics inside the devices interacting with natural or composite tissues is required. Numerical simulation, combining both computational fluid and structure dynamics, could provide detailed information on such complex problems. In this work, a numerical investigation of the mechanics of two composite aortic prostheses during a cardiac cycle is presented. The numerical tool presented is able to reproduce accurately the flow and structure dynamics of the prostheses. The analysis shows that the vortical structures forming inside the two different grafts do not influence the kinematics of a bileaflet valve or the main coronary flow, whereas major differences are present for the stress status near the suture line of the coronaries to the prostheses. The results are in agreement with in vitro and in vivo observations found in literature.     

壳聚糖接枝物与琼脂复合膜的制备及性能研究

目的 以琼脂(Agar)和壳聚糖-氧化微晶纤维素接枝物(CS-g-MCC(O))为原料制备海绵状薄膜,探究薄膜在医用敷料领域的应用.方法 采用共混法将琼脂和壳聚糖-氧化微晶纤维素接枝物按不同体积比混合,然后使用冷冻干燥法制得薄膜,利用扫描电子显微镜对其多孔结构进行表征;对薄膜的溶胀率、溶失率、水蒸气透过率以及力学性能进行检测.结果 制备出的海绵敷料形貌结构规整,有明显的孔洞,利于伤口排出代谢产物;随着琼脂含量的增加,海绵敷料的溶失率先减小后增加,溶胀率、孔隙率、透湿量、拉伸强度和断裂伸长率先增加后减小.结论 海绵敷料各项性能都较为优异,有利于伤口渗出液的吸收和细胞生长,对伤口的愈合起到了重要作用,促进了其在医用敷料领域的应用.     

On the influence of moisture absorption on Lamb wave propagation and measurements in viscoelastic CFRP using surface applied piezoelectric sensors

The understanding of the impact of environmental influence factors on propagation and damping of Lamb waves in composite materials is a topic of great interest for both design and utilization of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. In this work, the influence of humidity absorption on the dispersive behavior of Lamb waves propagating in viscoelastic composite materials is investigated. Using a transversely isotropic material model and DMA measurements, the changes in the viscoelastic material properties due to water absorption are characterized. By means of a higher order plate theory and those mechanical properties, the dispersion curves for unconditioned and hot/wet-conditioned UD reinforced CFRP plates are then predicted. Both the changes in Lamb wave velocity and Lamb wave damping are investigated and compared with experimental values. Additionally, the changes of the sensor response, which are related to both the changes of the material properties and that of the adhesive layer, are investigated. The large impact of moisture absorption on Lamb wave excitation and propagation and its relevance for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications is shown and discussed.     

Composite hydrogels for intervertebral disc prostheses

Different PHEMA/PCL semi-IPNs hydrogels and their relative composite systems reinforced with PET fibres have been investigated for potential use as intervertebral disc prostheses. Compression properties and water absorption were evaluated. Uniaxial compression tests on the swollen samples showed an increase of the modulus and maximum stress with increasing content of PCL and PET fibres. In particular, the composite PHEMA/PCL hydrogels showed compression properties similar to those expressed by the canine intervertebral discs in different spinal locations. The equilibrium water content of modified semi-IPNs decreased as function of the PCL and PET fibres. These tests indicate that the use of composite hydrogels as disc prostheses is very promising because it is possible to combine transport and mechanical properties which are crucial for the performance of the intervertebral disc.This paper was accepted for publication after the 1995 Conference of the European Society of Biomaterials, Oporto, Portugal, 10–13 September.     

Preparation and characterization of a novel bone graft composite containing bone ash and egg shell powder

Egg shells which were hitherto discarded as wastes were collected, purified and powdered into a particle size in the range of 5–50 μm. A composite bone graft material in cylindrical form was prepared using egg shell powder (ESP), bone ash (BA) and gelatin. These bone grafts were characterized for their FT–IR, TGA, XRD, SEM and mechanical properties. The mechanical studies indicate that the composite having a stoichiometric ratio of BA (3 g) and ESP (7 g) has shown better mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data indicated the crystallographic nature of BA is akin to hydroxyapatite (HA) and both BA and ESP did not lose their crystalline nature when bone grafts were prepared. This revealed that ESP may be used as a component in bone graft utilizing the solid waste from the poultry industry.     

解读当今VIS 展示系统之环保理念

分析了可持续化展示设计在当代资源危机中的必要性和责任性,通过解析展示设计材料的科学选型,寻找了生态化可降解材料和循环利用的优化复合材料;探索了可降解材料、高分子材料和金属复合材料的功能特性及"绿色"的指导价值;通过VIS系统对展示形象的控制,探讨了解决展示设计中高昂成本的化解之道,建立了从设计到后期拆展的科学责任管理。     

Preparation and evaluation of biocomposites as wound dressing material

Collagen was isolated from the chrome containing leather waste (CCLW) which is a major solid waste in leather industry. Composite films were made using sago starch (SG), soya protein (SY), and collagen (C) and were cross linked with glutaraldehyde (G).The films prepared were characterized for their physico chemical properties like tensile strength, infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, surface morphology, and water absorption studies. Better mechanical properties and surface morphology were observed for SG–SY–G–C films compared to other films prepared using collagen. The composite films prepared were used as wound dressing material on the experimental wounds of rats and healing pattern was evaluated using planimetric, biochemical, and histopathological studies. These studies have revealed better wound healing capacity of SG–SY–G–C film and utilization of CCLW in the preparation of value added product like wound dressing material.     

Elastic deformation of a tapered vascular prosthesis

An approximate analysis of the elastic properties of tapered microfibrous polyurethane arterial prostheses is presented by considering a tapered conduit to consist of a series of short cylindrical segments. Using this approach, the relatively simple, non-linear finite deformation models developed for cylindrical arterial specimens may be applied to each segment. A constitutive equation based on a polynomial form of strain energy density function is used in this study. The constitutive constants are determined using experimental data obtained from uniform cylindrical grafts and are used to predict the mechanical response of tapered grafts. The variation in local compliance for linear, tapered grafts of uniform and variable wall thickness is determined. Similarly, the variation in longitudinal strain for tapered grafts subjected to various longitudinal tensions is calculated. The primary purpose of this analysis is to provide data for the design of tapered, compliant vascular grafts. It may also be used to characterize the elastic properties of other non-uniform axi-symmetric elastomeric conduits.     

Mechanical and degradation behavior of polymer-calcium sulfate composites

Calcium sulfate (CS) is one of the oldest bone graft materials still in use. Its main limitations are poor handling characteristics, poor mechanical properties, and a resorption rate that is too fast for some applications. The present study investigated the effect of viscous polymers, such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hyaluronan (HY), on the handling characteristics, mechanical properties, and degradation behavior of CS. CMC and HY were added to CS at concentrations from 1–10 wt%. Addition of CMC to CS at more than 4 wt% produced a putty-like material and decreased the density of the composite, while also increasing flexural and compressive strength at higher loadings. Incorporation of CMC produced a concentration-dependent increase in water absorption and degradation rate. At an equivalent loading, HY-containing CS composites showed better compressive strength than CS with CMC. Overall, addition of CMC or HY to CS resulted in composite materials with better handling characteristics and improved mechanical properties after set, however the degradation rate of the augmented materials was increased. These properties suggest that the enhanced CS materials may be useful in certain clinical situations, such as filling non-uniform bone defects and situations that require mechanical integrity of the bone graft substitute during implantation.     

Functionalization of the surface of electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) mats using zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) and cell-specific peptide for endothelial progenitor cells capture

A novel approach for vascular grafts to achieve rapid endothelialization is to attract endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from peripheral blood onto grafts via EPC-specific antibodies, aptamer, or peptides that specifically bind to EPCs. Inspired by this idea, the electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) mats were modified with zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (PCBMA) and phage display-selected-EPC-specific peptide, TPSLEQRTVYAK (TPS). We tested the physical and chemical properties, cyto-compatibility, and platelet adhesion of the modified material, and investigated the specificity of the functionalized surface for capturing EPCs. The results indicated that PCL modified with zwitterionic PCBMA and TPS peptide showed improved hydrophilicity without morphology change and damage of the mats. Furthermore, the modified material supported adherence and growth of vascular cells and resisted platelets adhesion. The surfaces also specifically captured EPCs rather than bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. This surface-functionalized PCL graft may offer new opportunities for designing new vascular grafts.     

Materials evolution of bone plates for internal fixation of bone fractures:A review

Bone plates play a vital role in bone fracture healing by providing the necessary mechanical fixation for fracture fragments through modulating biomechanical microenvironment adjacent to the fracture site.Good treatment effect has been achieved for fixation of bone fracture with conventional bone plates,which are made of stainless steel or titanium alloy.However,several limitations still exist with traditional bone plates including loosening and stress shielding due to significant difference in modulus between metal material and bone tissue that impairs optimal fracture healing.Additionally,due to demographic changes and non-physiological loading,the population suffering from refractory fractures,such as osteoporosis fractures and comminuted fractures,is increasing,which imposes a big challenge to traditional bone plates developed for normal bone fracture repair.Therefore,optimal fracture treatment with adequate fixation implants in terms of materials and design relevant to special conditions is desirable.In this review,the complex physiological process of bone healing is introduced,followed by reviewing the development of implant design and biomaterials for bone plates.Finally,we discuss recent development of hybrid bone plates that contains bioactive elements or factors for fracture healing enhancement as a promising direction.This includes biodegradable Mg-based alloy used for designing bone screw-plates that has been proven to be beneficial for fracture healing,an innovative development that attracts more and more attention.This paper also indicates that the tantalum bone plates with porous structure are also emerging as a new fracture internal fixation implants.The reduction of the stress shielding is verified to be useful to accelerate bone fracture healing.Potential application of biodegradable metals may also avoid a second operation for implant removal.Further developments in biometals and their design for orthopedic bone plates are expected to improve the treatment of bone fracture,especially the refractory fractures.     

Evaluation of the biocompatibility of a new vascular prosthesis coating by detection of prosthesis-specific antibodies

In recent experimental studies, we could demonstrate the occurrence of antibodies against the prosthesis matrix and coating following implantation of polyester-based vascular grafts. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the biocompatibility of a new absorbable polymer coating by detection of antibodies against the coating and the polyester matrix. Two polyester vascular prostheses coated either with the polymer (PP-prosthesis) or with gelatine (PG-prosthesis) were functionally implanted into sheep (n = 22 per group). Blood was drawn on days 1 (pre-OP) and 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, 140 (post-OP). Homogenates from both prostheses (PP-target or PG-target) or from an uncoated prosthesis (P-target) were used as assay targets in a particle-based immunoassay. The antibody binding against the P-target was significantly higher in the PP-group than in the PG-group on days 7–56, but not on days 84 and 140. Within both groups, no significant differences but a significant correlation between the binding against the P-target and the coated target was found. Therefore, the absorbable polymer did not induce a specific humoral immune response. In conclusion, the overall immunogenicity of the polymer-coated graft was comparable to the gelatine-coated graft. The detection of prosthesis-specific antibodies seems to be useful for in vivo biocompatibility testing.     

Development of a Shape‐Memory Tube to Prevent Vascular Stenosis

Inserting a graft into vessels with different diameters frequently causes severe damage to the host vessels. Poor flow patency is an unresolved issue in grafts, particularly those with diameters less than 6 mm, because of vessel occlusion caused by disturbed blood flow following fast clotting. Herein, successful patency in the deployment of an ≈2 mm diameter graft into a porcine vessel is reported. A new library of property‐tunable shape‐memory polymers that prevent vessel damage by expanding the graft diameter circumferentially upon implantation is presented. The polymers undergo seven consecutive cycles of strain energy‐preserved shape programming. Moreover, the new graft tube, which features a diffuser shape, minimizes disturbed flow formation and prevents thrombosis because its surface is coated with nitric‐oxide‐releasing peptides. Improved patency in a porcine vessel for 18 d is demonstrated while occlusive vascular remodeling occurs. These insights will help advance vascular graft design.     

An in vivo comparative study of the e-polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prostheses: Vitaflon and Gore-Tex

A comparative study was performed in order to validate new Russian e-PTFE vascular prostheses Vitaflon (St. Petersburg, Russia). The Gore-Tex prostheses were chosen as a referential model. The prostheses were implanted in the venous and arterial positions in 13 dog experiments. After the implantation time was over a comprehensive histological and histochemical examination of excized specimens was performed. It was demonstrated that there is no difference in healing and functional properties between the two studied prostheses.     

天然高分子吸水材料的制备工艺与性能评价

以天然薯粉为基本原料,采用直接聚合法和反相悬乳法两种不同方式,研究了淀粉接枝丙烯酸制备高叹水材料的工艺条件及产品性能,探讨了接枝剂用量、丙烯酸中和度、反应温度、反应时间等对产品吸水性能的影响,评价了下同方法制备所得吸水材料对淡、盐、肥水的吸水速率、吸水量、保水率和重复使用性能．研究结果表明,直接聚合法在简化工艺、降低成本等方面有明显优势,可制得吸水量约410g／g,吸盐水量约40g/g,吧乏吧水量约49g／g,且可多次重复使用的产品,具有广泛的工农业和市场应用前景．     

不同生物质纤维及其添加量对PBAT复合材料结构与性能的影响

目的 将生物质纤维材料芦苇、黄麻和纸浆引入聚己二酸/对苯二甲酸丁二醇酯(PBAT)中,通过高速共混机制备高性能的硬质可生物降解复合材料。方法 研究不同生物质纤维及其添加量对复合材料结构、性能、生物降解性的影响。结果 PBAT/生物质纤维复合材料的弯曲模量和强度得到明显提升。在3种复合材料中,PBAT/纸浆复合材料表现出最佳的力学性能和热稳定性,通过简单混合PBAT和质量分数为60%的纸浆,其弯曲模量、弯曲强度可分别达到(1 055±35)、(12.46±1.10)MPa。降解试验结果表明,复合材料的降解速率显著高于PBAT的降解速率,并且与生物质纤维的吸水性及尺寸有关。结论 经大尺寸生物质纤维填充PBAT得到的硬质可降解复合材料的综合性能优异,为发展绿色可降解硬质包装及包装填充物材料提供了科学思路和技术依据。     

Swelling behaviors of superabsorbent chitin/carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels

Novel superabsorbent chitin/carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogels were successfully prepared from mixture of CMC and chitin solution dissolved in 8 wt% NaOH/4 wt% urea aqueous system at low temperature by crosslinking with epichlorohydrin. The morphology and structure of the resultant composite hydrogels were investigated by scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that the stiff chains of chitin are as a strong backbone in the hydrogel to support the pore wall, whereas the CMC contributed to water absorption. The maximum swelling ratio in water reached an exciting level of 1300 as the hydrogels still kept an intact appearance. Moreover, the hydrogels exhibited smart swelling and shrinking behaviors in NaCl and CaCl₂ aqueous solution, showing salt-responsive adsorption behaviors in different media. This work provided a “green” pathway to prepare chitin-based superabsorbent hydrogels, which would be potential for the application in the biodegradable water-absorbent material field.     

柑橘皮渣 / 淀粉基可降解复合缓冲材料的制备及性能表征

在淀粉基材中添加不同含量的柑橘皮渣共混挤出,制备可降解复合缓冲包装材料,通过对半径膨胀率、表观密度、压缩强度、扫描电镜、吸湿率和红外光谱性能的分析,对比材料之间存在的结构差异,探索柑橘皮渣含量对复合材料性能的影响。研究表明:柑橘皮渣的添加降低了淀粉基复合材料的表观密度及压缩强度;柑橘皮渣质量分数为30%和50%的试样能较快达到吸湿平衡状态,且吸湿量低于纯淀粉材料;质量分数为30%的试样具有最大的半径膨胀率,并呈现最佳的泡孔状态。