Distribution of microelements in human articular cartilage : initial report

The aim of this study was evaluation of distribution microelements in human articular cartilage and to determine factors influencing it. The following elements were taken under consideration: Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, Pb. Their concentration was assessed in the articular cartilage harvested from the loaded an unloaded area of human femoral heads. Initial results indicate that mechanical loadings are one of the important factors influencing distribution of microelements in human articular cartilage

Bioactivity assessment of ceramic nanoparticels used as a filler in nanocomposite materials

The paper presents research on degree of bioactivity of nanometric ceramic particles used as a nanofiller in nanocomposite materials based on polymers. The nanoperticles used in our examination were: different bioceramics powders such as: hydroxyapatite (HAp), β-phosphate (V) calcium (βTCP), silica (SiO2) and bioglass (BG). Based on ζ-potential measurements dynamics of processes occurring on the surface of nanoparticles in stimulated body fluid (SBF) was determined and it confirmed possibility of apatite formation. This study showed predominance of bioglass over other bioceramic materials, Bioglass nanoparticles were the most bioactive ones. In the end of the experiment the bioacermic particles were used as a nanofiller of poli-L/DL-lactide (PLDLA) matrix composites. The composite materials were prepared by casting from solution. Bioactivity tests were performed in simulated body fluid (artificial plasma of various ions concentration, and SBF 2SBF). Based on surface microstructure observed in the SEM (EDS) analysis were confirmed the degree of bioactivity of various materials depending on the type nanofiller

Chitosan-based nanocomposites as potential materials for nerve regeneration

The nanocomposite material based on chitosan was obtained and characterized. Commercially produced biopolymer at 85% deacetylization degree was used. The biopolymer matrix was modified with carbon nanofillers such as graphite oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanontubes with the surface affected by carboxyl groups (CNT-COOH). The obtained nanocomposites were formed by means of two methods: casting (to manufacture nanocomposite foils) and liofilization (to manufacture porous nanocomposite materials). Their electrical properties and microstructure were examined. The tests proved that adding the carbon nano-filler results in high resistivity (graphite foils, carbon nanotubes) and also the average size of pores in liofilized materials. Additionally, the electric potential of the materials may be improved by surface processing (EPD- electrophoretic deposition). The described materials are an alternative to polymer nerve implants e.g. tubes or hydrogels which are already present on the market and applied to regenerate nerves

Conductive polymer based nanocomposite membranes for biomedical applications

The aim of this work was to examine composite membranes obtained by means of phase inversion from a synthetic stable polymer – polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). The piezoelectric polymer was modified with 0.5-1wt% addition of commercial carbon fillers: graphite oxide (GO, 1wt%), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT, 1wt%) and functionalized nanotubes (CNT-COOH, 0.5wt%). The membranes were obtained by solidification of nanocomposite solutions in coagulation bath (CH3OH). The obtained series of materials differed in surface porosity (P), electric conductivity (σ) and surface free energy (SFE). It was proved that presence of carbon nanoadditive influenced microstructure of the membranes: the mean size of pores in the membrane rose in the following order: GO→CNT→CNT-COOH. The very same system depicted the influence of the filler on the membrane structure: the increase in membrane crystallinity (λ) and the β phase share (FT Raman). From all the examined nanocomposite systems, the PVDF modified with 0.5wt% CNT-COOH displayed the most advantageous electric properties. These nanocomposite membrane (PVDF/CNT-COOH) could be used as a low-voltage electrodes in biomedical application. Yet, taking into account the other physicochemical, mechanical and structural properties, the membranes modified with 1wt% CNT and 1wt% GO were also interesting

Poly(ε-caprolactone) as potential material for catheters to xenogeneic transplantations and embryologic devices

The paper presents study performed to investigate the possible use of modified poly(ε-caprolactone) as a potential material for catheters. Experiment verifies if thermal modification using liquid nitrogen (LN) changes microstructure, biostability, mechanical and physicochemical properties of polymer. The easiness of forming material into tubes to confirm handiness was checked