Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering - Volume 35, issue 1

Authors: Liu, Quan | Ma, Xiao | Pei, Yanchen | Cheng, Wendan | Wu, Zhengwei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Electrospun nanofibers could simulate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the host bone, while minocycline (MINO) is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic which has been found to have multiple non-antibiotics biological effects that promotes osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo . OBJECTIVE: The present study aims at constructing a polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun nanofiber membrane loaded with MINO to enhance Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) adhesion and proliferation for early clinical treatment. METHODS: The MINO-PLA membrane were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in vitro drug release study. …The antibacterial ability was also investigated. In addition, in vitro cellular proliferation experiment was performed to verify whether the PLA electrospun nanofibers membrane loaded with MINO enhance BMSCs adhesion and proliferation. RESULTS: Analyzing the drug release and cell growth results, it was found that only the effective concentration of MINO-PLA could help the growth of BMSCs in the short term. This is related to the drug release rate of MINO-PLA and the initial concentration of MINO. CONCLUSION: This study shows that by controlling the concentration and release rate of MINO with electrospinning PLA, BMSCs could proliferate on it, and a new bone repair material had been made in this study. Show more

Keywords: Minocycline, osteogenesis, electrospun, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230002

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 1-12, 2024

Authors: Yuan, Rupan | Zhou, Sijie | Xiong, Xiong | Yang, Dan | Lin, Donghu | Li, Taiyi | He, Bin | Wei, Guihua | Qu, Shuxin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inspired by natural bones, many organic components were added to Calcium Phosphate Cements (CPCs) to improve their mechanical strength. However, the strength of these composite CPCs is limited by the low strength of organic components itself and the weak interaction between organic components and CPCs. OBJECTIVE: Firstly, a composite CPC containing mussel-inspired adhesive, Poly-(Dopamine Methacrylamide-co-2-methoxy Ethylacrylate) (pDM) was developed. Secondly, the interactions between pDM and CPC and their effect on mechanical properties were investigated. METHODS: The interactions between pDM and CPC were performed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Laser Raman, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy …and X-ray Diffraction Analysis. RESULTS: The toughness and compressive strength of pDM-CPC scaffold were both significantly enhanced, because of the enhanced interface binding strength among CPC and pDM due to their interaction and the improved mechanical strength of pDM owing to its self-oxidation cross-linking. The toughness of pDM-CPC scaffolds increased with the increased contents of pDM, while pDM-CPC scaffold containing 35 wt.% pDM had the highest compressive strength of all, which the latter was more than five times compared to that of CPC. CONCLUSION: The mechanically strong pDM-CPC scaffolds has potential application in bone regeneration as well as in craniofacial and orthopedic repair. Show more

Keywords: Calcium phosphate cement, mussel-inspired adhesive, mechanically-strong, biomimic, interaction

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230017

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 13-26, 2024

Authors: Cao, Junjie | Yao, Zhichao | Huo, Guijun | Liu, Zhanao | Tang, Yao | Huang, Jian | Chen, Minxin | Ding, Rui | Shen, Liming | Zhou, Dayong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which artificially creates a portocaval shunt to reduce portal venous pressure, has gradually become the primary treatment for portal hypertension (PH). However, there is no prefect shunting scheme in TIPS to balance the occurrence of postoperative complications and effective haemostasis. OBJECTIVE: To construct cirrhotic PH models and compare different shunting schemes in TIPS. METHODS: Three cases of cirrhotic PH with different liver volumes were selected for enhanced computed tomography scanning. The models for different shunting schemes were created using Mimics software, and following FLUENT calculation, all the models were imported …into the software computational fluid dynamic-post for processing. In each shunting scheme, the differences in portal vein pressure, hepatic blood perfusion and blood flow from the superior mesenteric vein in the shunt tract were compared. The coefficient G was adapted to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages. RESULTS: (1) Concerning the precise location of the shunt tract, the wider the diameter of the shunt tract, the lower the pressure of the portal vein and the lesser the hepatic blood perfusion. Meanwhile, the pressure drop objective was not achieved with the 6 mm-diameter shunting scheme. (2) The 8 mm-diameter shunting scheme through the left portal vein (LPV) had the highest coefficient G . CONCLUSION: The 8 mm-diameter shunting scheme through the LPV may demonstrate a superior effect and prognosis in TIPS procedures. Show more

Keywords: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, computational fluid dynamic, chronic liver disease, hemorrhage, portal pressure

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230020

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 27-37, 2024

Authors: Hekimoğlu, Mehdi | Özer, Hıdır | Kiraz, Kamil | Onursal, Ceylan | Siyahcan, Ferit | Özer, Ali Fahir

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: We compared the raw Ti–Al–V super alloy transpedicular implant screws with boronized and surface-hardened transpedicular implant screws. OBJECTIVE: To improve patients’ postoperative prognosis with the production of harder and less fragile screws. METHODS: Surface hardening was achieved by applying green-body encapsulation of the specimen with elemental boron paste which is sintered at elevated temperatures to ensure the boron-metal diffusion. Boron transported into the Ti–Al–V super alloy matrix gradually while suppressing aluminum and a homogeneously boronized surface with a thickness of ∼15 microns was obtained. The uniform external shell was enriched with TiB2 , which is …one of the hardest ceramics. The Ti-Al-V core material, where boron penetration diminishes, shows cohesive transition and ensures intact core-surface structure. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscope images confirmed a complete homogeneous, uniform and non-laminating surface formation. Energy-dispersive X-ray monitored the elemental structural mapping and proved the replacement of the aluminum sites on the surface with boron ending up the TiB2 . The procedure was 8.6 fold improved the hardness and the mechanical resistance of the tools. CONCLUSIONS: Surface-hardened, boronized pedicular screws can positively affect the prognosis. In vivo studies are needed to prove the safety of use. Show more

Keywords: Ti6Al4Vsuper alloy, boron coating, Vicker’s Hardness, mechanical resistance, spinal transpedicular stabilization, instrumentation failure, pedicle screws

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230033

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 39-52, 2024

Authors: Toyohara, Ryota | Hammer, Niels | Ohashi, Toshiro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The human sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in vivo is exposed to compressive and shearing stress environment, given the joint lines are almost parallel to the direction of gravity. The SIJ supports efficient bipedal walking. Unexpected or unphysiological, repeated impacts are believed to cause joint misalignment and result in SIJ pain. In the anterior compartment of the SIJ being synovial, the articular surface presents fine irregularities, potentially restricting the motion of the joints. OBJECTIVE: To clarify how the SIJ articular surface affects the resistance of the motion under physiological loading. METHODS: SIJ surface models were created …based on computed tomography data of three patients and subsequently 3D printed. Shear resistance was measured in four directions and three combined positions using a customized setup. In addition, repositionability of SIJs was investigated by unloading a shear force. RESULTS: Shear resistance of the SIJ was the highest in the inferior direction. It changed depending on the direction of the shear and the alignment position of the articular surface. CONCLUSION: SIJ articular surface morphology is likely designed to accommodate upright bipedal walking. Joint misalignment may in consequence increase the risk of subluxation. Show more

Keywords: Bio-tribology, joint kinematics, pelvis biomechanics, sacroiliac joint, surface morphology

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230041

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 53-63, 2024

Authors: Sano, Hirotaka | Komatsuda, Tatsuro | Suzuki, Kazuhide | Abe, Hiroo | Ozawa, Hiroshi | Kumagai, Jun | Yokobori Jr, Toshimitsu A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus concerning the coracoid graft length in the modified Bristow procedure. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to determine the optimal graft length using the three-dimensional finite element method. METHODS: In a shoulder model with a 25% anterior glenoid defect, a coracoid graft of varying lengths (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) was fixed using a half-threaded screw. First, a compressive load of 500 N was applied to the screw head to determine the graft failure load during screw tightening. Next, a tensile load (200 N) was applied to the graft to determine …the failure load due to biceps muscle traction. RESULTS: In the screw compression, the failure loads in the 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mm models were 252, 370, 377, and 331 N, respectively. In the tensile load applied to the coracoid graft, the failure load exceeded 200 N for both the 5- and 10-mm models. CONCLUSION: The 5-mm graft had a high risk of fracture during intraoperative screw tightening. As for the biceps muscle traction, the 5- and 10-mm-grafts had a lower failure risk than the 15- and 20-mm-grafts. Therefore, we believe that the optimal length of the coracoid graft is 10 mm in the modified Bristow procedure. Show more

Keywords: Coracoid graft length, anterior shoulder instability, modified Bristow procedure, failure load, compressive force, tensile stress

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230071

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 65-75, 2024

Authors: Otsuka, Yuta | Kono, Hiroshi | Kikuchi, Masafumi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cerium ions promote osteoclastogenesis and activate bone metabolism, while cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising for biomedical applications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a synthesis method for sustained-release cerium-ion bioceramics containing apatite. Substituted apatite was found to be an effective biomaterial. METHODS: Cerium-containing chlorapatite was synthesized using a mechanochemical method employing dicalcium phosphate, cerium chloride heptahydrate, and calcium hydroxide as raw materials. The synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. …RESULTS: Cerium chlorapatite was successfully synthesized in the 10.1% and 20.1% samples. However, at Ce concentrations higher than 30.2%, the samples consisted of three or more phases, indicating the instability of a single phase. CONCLUSION: The method used in this study was found to be more efficient and cost-effective than the precipitation method for producing substituted apatite and calcium phosphate-based biomaterials. This research contributes to the development of sustained-release cerium-ion bioceramics with potential applications in the field of biomedicine. Show more

Keywords: Apatite, bioceramics, XRD, FTIR, Raman, cerium

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230073

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 77-85, 2024

Authors: Ozeki, K. | Nakajima, Y.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infections related to joint prosthesis are still a major concern for orthopedic surgeons. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a useful biocompatible material because of its good osteocompatibility. Antibacterial HA coatings have been fabricated with addition of antibacterial agents such as Ag to HA using the plasma spraying method. However, the plasma-sprayed HA coating suffers from fractures at large thicknesses. The sputter-coated HA thin film has a high density, and has been applied clinically for dental implants. However, there are no extensive studies on Ag-containing HA thin films. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to prepare an Ag-containing HA …thin film by sputtering, and evaluate its antibacterial effect and cytotoxicity. METHODS: The Ag-containing HA thin films were prepared by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. The films were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial activities and cytotoxicities of the films were also evaluated. RESULTS: The Ag/Ca molar ratio of the films increased with the Ag ratio in the target. The SEM observation of the hydrothermally treated films showed surfaces covered with globular particles. All Ag-containing HA films exhibited an antibacterial effect against E. Coli . The number of cells of the films decreased with the Ag ratio. The films subjected to the hydrothermal treatment exhibited a higher number of cells than the as-sputtered films. CONCLUSION: The Ag-containing HA thin film was effective in terms of antibacterial effect, and had a low cytotoxicity in the proliferation of osteoblast cells at a low Ag ratio in the target. Show more

Keywords: Hydroxyapatite, Ag, sputtering, antibacterial effect, cytotoxicity

DOI: 10.3233/BME-230131

Citation: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 87-98, 2024