Structural changes and biological responsiveness of an injectable and mouldable monetite bone graft generated by a facile synthetic method

Brushite (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate) and monetite (dicalcium phosphate anhydrous) are of considerable interest in bone augmentation owing to their metastable nature in physiological fluids. The anhydrous form of brushite, namely monetite, has a finer microstructure with higher surface area, strength and bioresorbability, which does not transform to the poorly resorbable hydroxyapatite, thus making it a viable alternative for use as a scaffold for engineering of bone tissue. We recently reported the formation of monetite cements by a simple processing route without the need of hydrothermal treatment by using a high concentration of sodium chloride in the reaction mix of β-tricalcium phosphate and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate. In this paper, we report the biological responsiveness of monetite formed by this method. The in vitro behaviour of monetite after interaction and ageing both in an acellular and cellular environment showed that the crystalline phase of monetite was retained over three weeks as evidenced from X-ray diffraction measurements. The crystal size and morphology also remained unaltered after ageing in different media. Human osteoblast cells seeded on monetite showed the ability of the cells to proliferate and express genes associated with osteoblast maturation and mineralization. Furthermore, the results showed that monetite could stimulate osteoblasts to undergo osteogenesis and accelerate osteoblast maturation earlier than cells cultured on hydroxyapatite scaffolds of similar porosity. Osteoblasts cultured on monetite cement also showed higher expression of osteocalcin, which is an indicator of the maturation stages of osteoblastogenesis and is associated with matrix mineralization and bone forming activity of osteoblasts. Thus, this new method of fabricating porous monetite can be safely used for generating three-dimensional bone graft constructs.     

Bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase and bone turnover in African American hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Noninvasive measures of bone activity include intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP). Whether BSAP measurement alone or in combination with other biochemical data provides more reliable information about bone turnover than iPTH alone in African Americans on hemodialysis is unknown. Methods: This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the optimal predictor and cutoff points for BSAP, iPTH, calcium and phosphorus in classifying bone biopsy findings. Forty‐three African American hemodialysis patients were available for analysis. Biochemical data on the day of biopsy across a spectrum of qualitative histologic bone features were compared. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to determine both the optimal predictor and cutoff points for BSAP, iPTH, calcium and phosphorus in identifying bone turnover status. Findings: Seven subjects had adynamic disease, 31 had mild/moderate hyperparathyroid bone features, and five had severe hyperparathyroid bone disease. BSAP was the optimal predictor of bone biopsy with a cutoff point of 22 ng/mL. Calcium and phosphorus had no predictive value. At BSAP ≤ 22 ng/mL, subjects had either adynamic bone disease or mild/moderate hyperparathyroid bone disease but iPTH was not useful in further classifying biopsy findings. When BSAP was >22 ng/mL, subjects had either mild/moderate or severe hyperparathyroid bone disease, and iPTH was useful in further classifying biopsy findings. With BSAP > 22 ng/mL and iPTH < 726 pg/mL, all subjects had mild/moderate bone turnover features. Discussion: Compared to iPTH, BSAP was shown to be the optimal predictor of biopsy findings with an optimal cutoff at 22 ng/mL.     

Hierarchical analysis and multi-scale modelling of rat cortical and trabecular bone

The aim of this study was to explore the hierarchical arrangement of structural properties in cortical and trabecular bone and to determine a mathematical model that accurately predicts the tissue''s mechanical properties as a function of these indices. By using a variety of analytical techniques, we were able to characterize the structural and compositional properties of cortical and trabecular bones, as well as to determine the suitable mathematical model to predict the tissue''s mechanical properties using a continuum micromechanics approach. Our hierarchical analysis demonstrated that the differences between cortical and trabecular bone reside mainly at the micro- and ultrastructural levels. By gaining a better appreciation of the similarities and differences between the two bone types, we would be able to provide a better assessment and understanding of their individual roles, as well as their contribution to bone health overall.     

负载BMP-2和BSA的丝素蛋白/聚左旋乳酸-己内酯三维纤维屏障膜的制备及性能

利用骨形态发生蛋白-2(BMP-2)的骨诱导作用和牛血清白蛋白(BSA)的稳定作用,结合同轴静电纺丝技术和共混静电纺丝技术,制备了三组纤维膜,包括同时携载BMP-2和BSA的丝素蛋白(SF)/聚左旋乳酸-己内酯(PLCL)同轴载药纤维膜(BMP-2-BSA@SF/PLCL,Mat A);同时携载BMP-2和BSA的SF/PLCL共混载药纤维膜(BMP-2-BSA-SF/PLCL,Mat B)和非载药SF/PLCL纤维膜(SF/PLCL,Mat C)。通过研究纤维膜的表观形态,得出三种纤维膜均呈均匀网状结构,其中Mat A组具有稳定的核层结构;理化性能研究证实三组纤维的接触角和力学性能依次增大;体外细胞实验和膜屏障实验表明,三组纤维膜均具有良好的生物相容性和屏障功能,且具有药物缓释作用的组纤Mat A维膜能够更加有效地刺激细胞生长和早期骨向分化。所制备的BMP-2-BSA@SF/PLCL能够满足引导性骨组织再生(GBR)生物膜的基本要求,是促进骨缺损修复的理想载体。     

两种QCT体模的分析比较及相互换算的研究

研究在QCT骨密度测量中使用的羟磷灰石(Ca5OH(PO4)3)固体体模和磷酸氢二钾(K2HPO4)液体体模的相互换算。根据这两种体模的X线辐射特性,利用CT值的定义及辐射计量常用数据,推导了这两种体模骨密度测量值的相互换算的公式,给出了在CT机上常用的60～100keV X线能量范围内的相互换算数据,为两种体模在骨密度测量中进行相互比较提供了方便。     

Nanointerfacial strength between non-collagenous protein and collagen fibrils in antler bone

Antler bone displays considerable toughness through the use of a complex nanofibrous structure of mineralized collagen fibrils (MCFs) bound together by non-collagenous proteins (NCPs). While the NCP regions represent a small volume fraction relative to the MCFs, significant surface area is evolved upon failure of the nanointerfaces formed at NCP–collagen fibril boundaries. The mechanical properties of nanointerfaces between the MCFs are investigated directly in this work using an in situ atomic force microscopy technique to pull out individual fibrils from the NCP. Results show that the NCP–fibril interfaces in antler bone are weak, which highlights the propensity for interface failure at the nanoscale in antler bone and extensive fibril pullout observed at antler fracture surfaces. The adhesion between fibrils and NCP is additionally suggested as being rate dependent, with increasing interfacial strength and fracture energy observed when pullout velocity decreases.     

人工复合骨修复材料

述了骨修复机理和人工复合骨修复材料的研究和发展状况，着重讨论了人工复合骨修复材料的设计方向和应用前景。     

有机-无机复合骨重建材料的研究进展

骨组织重建技术的进步与材料科学的发展息息相关，对国内外当前非金属骨植入与骨组织工程材料的种类及其复合技术的研究情况进行了综述与评价，认为对界面结合的研究、新的智能型材料的研究是今后非金属复合骨重建材料的发展方向。     

磷酸钙/BMP复合生物活性骨水泥水化性能及诱导成骨特性研究

采用微细α-磷酸三钙(α-TCP)粉料、辅助料与冻干牛骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)预先固相混合制备了新型磷酸钙(CPC)/BMP复合生物骨水泥.通过水化、凝固性能研究优化了配料成分、调和液和促凝剂组成;通过大鼠肌袋种植实验研究了骨水泥的异位成骨性能.结果表明:以α-TCP:CaHPO₄:CaO(0.95:0.025:0.025)为固相配料,以0.25mol/LNaH₂PO₄/Na₂HPO₄混合液([P]_T=0.5mol/L)作为调合液可制备性能优异的骨水泥材料,骨水泥初凝时间为6min,终凝时间为30min,固化强度达33MPa,达到临床手术的要求;α-TCP粉料粒度对骨水泥凝固性能影响显著,实验选用α-TCP粉料粒径d₅₀为1.3μm;骨水泥在Hank’s溶液中浸泡5天抗压强度可达最大值;骨水泥块经浸泡后内部生成针状羟基磷灰石晶体的网状结构.新型CPC/BMP复合骨水泥异位成骨作用明显,4周即能快速形成板层骨结构,证明该新型复合材料具有较强的诱导成骨活性.该生物活性骨水泥复合材料可望成为一类新型组织工程骨修复材料.     

可降解及可吸收性骨科材料研究进展

本文对用作可降解、可吸收性骨科材料的高分子材料、无机材料和复合材料 ,及聚乳酸、甲壳素和磷酸三钙等材料的性质、用途做了较为详细的阐述。并对可降解吸收骨科材料的发展趋势进行了探讨     

骨胶与表氯醇接枝共聚物的合成及应用性能

研究骨胶与表氯醇的接枝共聚反应.接枝共聚产物在1402cm-1(C-O-C伸缩振动)处的红外光谱验证了接枝共聚反应的发生.探讨了水胶比、碱用量、碱解温度、反应时间等因素对接枝共聚产物的影响.通过应用实验,接枝共聚物与工业骨胶相比,应用性能得到较大的改善.     

Al~(3+)改性骨胶粘合材料合成机理及耐水性研究

利用Al3+对骨胶进行改性,制备了Al3+改性骨胶粘合材料(CA)。研究了Al3+对骨胶的改性机理,利用FT-IR(傅立叶转换红外)光谱,XRD(X射线衍射)光谱,PL(荧光发射)光谱,XPS(X射线衍射光电子)能谱对改性机理进行验证,通过扫描电子电镜(SEM),表面润湿角检测仪对CA进行耐水性表征。结果表明,Al3+与骨胶分子肽链中的—NH和O发生配位反应,使骨胶分子各肽链之间通过Al3+交联在一起,形成稳定的五元环网状结构;CA膜表面较骨胶膜表面更加规整、平滑、致密;表面润湿角检测发现CA膜的接触角为92.45°,而骨胶膜的接触角只有42.58°。     

两种DXA骨密度体模比较研究

研究比较国产QC-2型腰椎骨密度体模(以下称QC-2体模)和欧洲脊椎骨密度体模(以下称ESP体模)在双能X射线全身骨密度仪(以下称DXA)检定中的差异性。用DXA仪器对这两种体模分别进行检测,对测量结果进行比较分析。(1)QC-2型体模和ESP型体分别被仪器进行测量时,仪器测量的BMD同两个体模的BMD相比,误差分别在-15.1%~11.5%和-16.1%~12.5%之间;而且,两个体模的各自标称值与相应的仪器测量值之间,分别都有非常好的线性关系,r0.99。(2)用回归方程进行校正后,仪器值(BMD)与两个体模的各自的标称值之间的误差分别在-3.8%~4.4%和在-3.8%~4.4%之间。用成对样本均数比较方法,对校正结果进行统计分析,经配对t检验,二者结果没有显著差异(P0.05)。表明这两种腰椎骨密度体模都能用于双能X射线全身骨密度仪(DXA)的检定。     

仿真骨科材料制备的新方法

介绍了一种全新的仿真骨材料制备方法———电化学原位沉积法。利用光学显微镜观察骨基质中无机相的分布 ,红外光谱和X衍射测定无机相的组成 ,X射线荧光测定无机相的Ca/P摩尔比 ,结果表明 ,应用本方法制备出的材料 ,在无机相的组成、性质、无机相的分布状态以及有机相的组成、结构方面均与自然骨非常一致。干燥状态时试样的极限压缩应力 112 .5 5± 4 .37MPa ,与人的尺骨和桡骨的极限压缩应力相当 ,说明本方法是一种非常有前途的全新方法 ,对于骨组织工程的发展和临床应用都具有非常重要的意义     

壳聚糖类复合材料应用于骨修复的研究进展

壳聚糖是天然多糖类高分子化合物甲壳素的脱乙酰产物,具有良好的生物相容性、可降解性和生物活性,可作为骨修复材料,并可应用于骨组织工程材料中的三维生长支架,作为种子细胞或活性生长因子的生物载体材料.综述了壳聚糖类复合材料在骨填充修复材料、骨组织工程和软骨组织工程方面应用的状况及前景.     

Extending structural health monitoring concepts for bone healing assessment

A series of experimental investigations are performed to show the potential of integrating sensing elements into an external fixation for healing assessment of a fracture femur. This investigation is supported by finite element analyses that highlight the fundamental structural dynamics, which enable a stiffness‐based healing assessment methodology. A saw‐bone femur externally fixated with a Hoffman II will be subjected to an artificial fracture. The healing of the fractured femur is simulated with the curing of epoxy applied to the fractured region. The finite element analyses results will help determine the useful modes for assessing the state of healing of the fracture that can be attributed to the changes in the stiffness of the fixated structure. The findings will be tested against a set of experiments to show how the stiffness‐related quantities can be delineated from the dynamic response. The results reported will show distinct changes to the frequency response functions as the epoxy cures demonstrating the potential of integrating sensors onto an external fixation for healing and fracture union assessment.     

Fracture and Ageing in Bone: Toughness and Structural Characterization

Abstract:  The development of a mechanistic understanding of the increase in fracture risk in human bone with age is essential to public health. This represents a challenge for fracture mechanics as bone has a complex, hierarchical structure with characteristic features ranging from nanometer to macroscopic dimensions, and is thus much more complex than most engineering materials. In this study, we review ex vivo fracture experiments which quantitatively assess the effect of age on human cortical bone in the proximal–distal orientation, i.e. along the long axis of the bone. Specifically, cortical bone is seen to exhibit rising crack-growth resistance with crack extension; the toughness is consequently evaluated in terms of R-curves, measured in bones taken from a wide range of age groups (34–99 years). Both crack-initiation and crack-growth toughnesses were determined and were found to deteriorate with age; the initiation toughness decreases some 40% over the 65 years of ageing, while growth toughness is effectively eliminated over the same age range. The reduction in crack-growth toughness is considered to be associated primarily with a degradation in the degree of extrinsic toughening, in particular involving crack bridging in the wake of the crack. This explanation is supported by an examination of the micro-/nanostructural changes accompanying the process of ageing, performed using deep-UV Raman spectroscopy, computed X-ray tomography and optical/electron microscopy.