Scaffolding Materials (scaffolding + material)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Nanostructured Biomaterials for Regeneration,

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 22 2008
Guobao Wei
Abstract Biomaterials play a pivotal role in regenerative medicine, which aims to regenerate and replace lost/dysfunctional tissues or organs. Biomaterials (scaffolds) serve as temporary 3D substrates to guide neo tissue formation and organization. It is often beneficial for a scaffolding material to mimic the characteristics of extracellular matrix (ECM) at the nanometer scale and to induce certain natural developmental or/and wound healing processes for tissue regeneration applications. This article reviews the fabrication and modification technologies for nanofibrous, nanocomposite, and nanostructured drug-delivering scaffolds. ECM-mimicking nanostructured biomaterials have been shown to actively regulate cellular responses including attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and matrix deposition. Nanoscaled drug delivery systems can be successfully incorporated into a porous 3D scaffold to enhance the tissue regeneration capacity. In conclusion, nanostructured biomateials are a very exciting and rapidly expanding research area, and are providing new enabling technologies for regenerative medicine. [source]


Bone Implants: (Osteoconductive and Osteoinductive Properties of Zeolite MFI Coatings on Titanium Alloys) Adv.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 24 2009
Funct.
Biocompatible zeolite anti-corrosion coatings have potential for success as bone scaffolding materials. In this work, reported by Y. Yan and co-workers, titanium-based dental implants are covered with zeolite MFI coatings to prevent against corrosion within the dental cavity. Zeolite coatings are non-toxic, and prevent the release of toxic ions from metals into tissue. The 3D micro-topology of the zeolites also enhances cell proliferation, differentiation, and surface adhesion. [source]


The Implications of Polymer Selection in Regenerative Medicine: A Comparison of Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Polymer for Tissue Regeneration

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 9 2009
Michelle D. Kofron
Abstract Biodegradable polymeric scaffolds are being investigated as scaffolding materials for use in regenerative medicine. While the in vivo evaluation of various three-dimensional (3D), porous, biodegradable polymeric scaffolds has been reported, most studies are ,3 months in duration, which is typically prior to bulk polymer degradation, a critical event that may initiate an inflammatory response and inhibit tissue formation. Here, a 6,month in vitro degradation and corresponding in vivo studies that characterized scaffold changes during complete degradation of an amorphous, 3D poly(lactide- co -glycolide)(3D-PLAGA) scaffold and near-complete degradation of a semi-crystalline3D-PLAGA scaffold are reported. Using sintered microsphere matrix technology, constructs were fabricated in a tubular shape, with the longitudinal axis void and a median pore size that mimicked the architecture of native bone. Long-term quantitative measurements of molecular weight, mechanical properties, and porosity provided a basis for theorization of the scaffold degradation process. Following implantation in a critical size ulnar defect model, histological analysis and quantitative microCT indicated early solubilization of the semi-crystalline polymer created an acidic microenvironment that inhibited mineralized tissue formation. Thus, the use of amorphous over semi-crystalline PLAGA materials is advocated for applications in regenerative medicine. [source]


Scaffold Design and Manufacturing: From Concept to Clinic

ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 32-33 2009
Scott J. Hollister
Abstract Since Robert Langer and colleagues pioneered the concept of reconstructing tissue using cells transplanted on synthetic polymer matrices in the early 1990s, research in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has exploded. This is especially true in the development of new materials and structures that serve as scaffolds for tissue reconstruction. The basic tenet of the last two decades holds scaffolds as degradable materials providing temporary function while enhancing tissue regeneration through the delivery of biologics. Although a number of new scaffolding materials and structures have been developed in research laboratories, the application of such materials practice even has been extremely limited. This paper argues that better integration of all these factors is needed to bring scaffolds from "concept to clinic". It reviews current work in all these areas and suggests where future work and funding is needed. [source]


Aragonite crystalline matrix as an instructive microenvironment for neural development

JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Issue 8 2008
H. Peretz
Abstract The ability to mimic cell,matrix interactions in a way that closely resembles the natural environment is of a great importance for both basic neuroscience and for fabrication of potent scaffolding materials for nervous tissue engineering. Such scaffolding materials should not only facilitate cell attachment but also create a microenvironment that provides essential developmental and survival cues. We previously found that porous aragonite crystalline matrices of marine origin are an adequate and active biomaterial that promotes neural cell growth and tissue development. Here we studied the mechanism underlying these neural cell,material interactions, focusing on the three-dimensional (3D) surface architecture and matrix activity of these scaffolds. We introduced a new cloning technique of the hydrozoan Millepora dichotoma, through which calcein or 45Ca2+ were incorporated into the organism's growing skeleton and neuronal cells could then be cultured on the labelled matrices. Herein, we describe the role of matrix 3D architecture on neural cell type composition and survival in culture, and report for the first time on the capacity of neurons and astrocytes to exploit calcium ions from the supporting biomatrix. We found that hippocampal cells growing on the prelabelled aragonite lattice took up aragonite-derived Ca2+, and even enhanced this uptake when extracellular calcium ions were chelated by EGTA. When the aragonite-derived Ca2+ uptake was omitted by culturing the cells on coral skeletons coated with gold, cell survival was reduced but not arrested, suggesting a role for matrix architecture in neural survival. In addition, we found that the effects of scaffold architecture and chemistry on cell survival were more profound for neurons than for astrocytes. We submit that translocation of calcium from the biomaterial to the cells activates a variety of membrane-bound signalling molecules and leads to the subsequent cell behaviour. This kind of cell,material interaction possesses great potential for fabricating advanced biomaterials for neural tissue-engineering applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Tailored carbon nanotubes for tissue engineering applications

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2009
Jithesh V. Veetil
Abstract A decade of aggressive researches on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has paved way for extending these unique nanomaterials into a wide range of applications. In the relatively new arena of nanobiotechnology, a vast majority of applications are based on CNTs, ranging from miniaturized biosensors to organ regeneration. Nevertheless, the complexity of biological systems poses a significant challenge in developing CNT-based tissue engineering applications. This review focuses on the recent developments of CNT-based tissue engineering, where the interaction between living cells/tissues and the nanotubes have been transformed into a variety of novel techniques. This integration has already resulted in a revaluation of tissue engineering and organ regeneration techniques. Some of the new treatments that were not possible previously become reachable now. Because of the advent of surface chemistry, the CNT's biocompatibility has been significantly improved, making it possible to serve as tissue scaffolding materials to enhance the organ regeneration. The superior mechanic strength and chemical inert also makes it ideal for blood compatible applications, especially for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The applications of CNTs in these cardiovascular surgeries led to a remarkable improvement in mechanical strength of implanted catheters and reduced thrombogenecity after surgery. Moreover, the functionalized CNTs have been extensively explored for in vivo targeted drug or gene delivery, which could potentially improve the efficiency of many cancer treatments. However, just like other nanomaterials, the cytotoxicity of CNTs has not been well established. Hence, more extensive cytotoxic studies are warranted while converting the hydrophobic CNTs into biocompatible nanomaterials. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009 [source]