Population dynamics and dispersal patterns of common voles (Microtus arvalis)

Leukers, A., Jacob, J

Ausbreitungsdynamik von Feldmäusen in AgroÖkosystemen

Dispersal dynamics of common voles in agro-ecosystem

Mechanical Properties of Natural Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite/Magnetite Nanocomposites for Tissue Engineering Applications

Chitosan (CS), hydroxyapatite (HA), and magnetite (Fe3O4) have been broadly employed for bone treatment applications. Having a hybrid biomaterial composed of the aforementioned constituents not only accumulates the useful characteristics of each component, but also provides outstanding composite properties. In the present research, mechanical properties of pure CS, CS/HA, CS/HA/magnetite, and CS/magnetite were evaluated by the measurements of bending strength, elastic modulus, compressive strength and hardness values. Moreover, the morphology of the bending fracture surfaces were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an image analyzer. Studies were also conducted to examine the biological response of the human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) on different composites. We conclude that, although all of these composites possess in-vitro biocompatibility, adding hydroxyapatite and magnetite to the chitosan matrix can noticeably enhance the mechanical properties of the pure chitosan

Three-dimensional printing of porous load-bearing bioceramic scaffolds

This article reports on the use of the binder jetting three-dimensional printing process combined with sintering to process bioceramic materials to form micro- and macroporous three-dimensional structures. Three different glass-ceramic formulations, apatite–wollastonite and two silicate-based glasses, have been processed using this route to create porous structures which have Young’s modulus equivalent to cortical bone and average bending strengths in the range 24–36 MPa. It is demonstrated that a range of macroporous geometries can be created with accuracies of ±0.25 mm over length scales up to 40 mm. Hot-stage microscopy is a valuable tool in the definition of processing parameters for the sintering step of the process. Overall, it is concluded that binder jetting followed by sintering offers a versatile process for the manufacture of load-bearing bioceramic components for bone replacement applications

Calcified Algae for Tissue Engineering.

This book presents the latest advances in marine structures and related biomaterials for applications in both soft- and hard-tissue engineering, as well as controlled drug delivery

Bioceramic granulates for use in 3D printing: Process engineering aspects

For the fabrication of patient individual bone replacement scaffolds using rapid prototyping (RP) technology, materials with properties adapted to the 3D printing process are needed. First of all the granulate properties of the building material have to match certain specifications concerning particle size and morphology. To fulfil these demands in laboratory scale a commercial fluidized bed granulator was modified to match the specific needs. The changes were tested spraying a sample granulate for the fabrication of synthetic bone grafts. This granulate could successfully be processed in the 3D printe