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Scientific Reports Oct 2023The advancement of biosensor research has been a primary driving force in the continuing progress of modern medical science. While traditional nanofabrication methods...
The advancement of biosensor research has been a primary driving force in the continuing progress of modern medical science. While traditional nanofabrication methods have long been the foundation of biosensor research, recent years have seen a shift in the field of nanofabrication towards laser-based techniques. Here we report a gold-based biosensor, with a limit of detection (LoD) 3.18 µM, developed using environmentally friendly Laser Ablation Synthesis in Liquid (LASiS) and Confined Atmospheric Pulsed-laser (CAP) deposition techniques for the first time. The sensors were able detect a DNA fragment corresponding to the longest unpaired sequence of the c-Myc gene, indicating their potential for detecting such fragments in the ctDNA signature of various cancers. The LoD of the developed novel biosensor highlights its reliability and sensitivity as an analytical platform. The reproducibility of the sensor was examined via the production and testing of 200 sensors with the same fabrication methodology. This work offers a scalable, and green approach to fabricating viable biosensors capable of detecting clinically relevant oncogenic targets.
Topics: Reproducibility of Results; Gold; Nanostructures; Limit of Detection; Biosensing Techniques; Lasers
PubMed: 37821490
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44372-4 -
Small (Weinheim An Der Bergstrasse,... Feb 2024Nanoparticles form long-range micropatterns via self-assembly or directed self-assembly with superior mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, chemical, and other... (Review)
Review
Nanoparticles form long-range micropatterns via self-assembly or directed self-assembly with superior mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, chemical, and other functional properties for broad applications, such as structural supports, thermal exchangers, optoelectronics, microelectronics, and robotics. The precisely defined particle assembly at the nanoscale with simultaneously scalable patterning at the microscale is indispensable for enabling functionality and improving the performance of devices. This article provides a comprehensive review of nanoparticle assembly formed primarily via the balance of forces at the nanoscale (e.g., van der Waals, colloidal, capillary, convection, and chemical forces) and nanoparticle-template interactions (e.g., physical confinement, chemical functionalization, additive layer-upon-layer). The review commences with a general overview of nanoparticle self-assembly, with the state-of-the-art literature review and motivation. It subsequently reviews the recent progress in nanoparticle assembly without the presence of surface templates. Manufacturing techniques for surface template fabrication and their influence on nanoparticle assembly efficiency and effectiveness are then explored. The primary focus is the spatial organization and orientational preference of nanoparticles on non-templated and pre-templated surfaces in a controlled manner. Moreover, the article discusses broad applications of micropatterned surfaces, encompassing various fields. Finally, the review concludes with a summary of manufacturing methods, their limitations, and future trends in nanoparticle assembly.
PubMed: 37775949
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306394 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Aug 2023The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro fatigue and fracture force of temporary implant-supported anterior crowns made of different materials with...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro fatigue and fracture force of temporary implant-supported anterior crowns made of different materials with different abutment total occlusal convergence (TOC), with/without a screw channel, and with different types of fabrication.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred ninety-two implant-supported crowns were manufactured (4° or 8° TOC; with/without screw channel) form 6 materials (n = 8; 2 × additive, 3 × subtractive, 1 × automix; reference). Crowns were temporarily cemented, screw channels were closed (polytetrafluoroethylene, resin composite), and crowns were stored in water (37 °C; 10 days) before thermal cycling and mechanical loading (TCML). Fracture force was determined.
STATISTICS
Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA; Bonferroni; Kaplan-Meier; log-rank; α = 0.05.
RESULTS
Failure during TCML varied between 0 failures and total failure. Mean survival was between 1.8 × 10 and 4.8 × 10 cycles. The highest impact on survival presented the material (η = 0.072, p < .001). Fracture forces varied between 265.7 and 628.6 N. The highest impact on force was found for the material (η = 0.084, p < .001).
CONCLUSION
Additively and subtractively manufactured crowns provided similar or higher survival rates and fracture forces compared to automix crowns. The choice of material is decisive for the survival and fracture force. The fabrication is not crucial. A smaller TOC led to higher fracture force. Manually inserted screw channels had negative effects on fatigue testing.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The highest stability has been shown for crowns with a low TOC, which are manufactured additively and subtractively. In automix-fabricated crowns, manually inserted screw channels have negative effects.
Topics: Dental Restoration Failure; Computer-Aided Design; Materials Testing; Zirconium; Dental Stress Analysis; Dental Implants; Crowns; Dental Porcelain
PubMed: 37133699
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05038-7 -
Advances in Applied Microbiology 2024Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element present as selenocysteine (SeCys) in selenoproteins, which have an important role in thyroid metabolism and the redox system...
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element present as selenocysteine (SeCys) in selenoproteins, which have an important role in thyroid metabolism and the redox system in humans. Se deficiency affects between 500 and 1000 million people worldwide. Increasing Se intake can prevent from bacterial and viral infections. Se deficiency has been associated with cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson, decreased thyroid function, and male infertility. Se intake depends on the food consumed which is directly related to the amount of Se in the soil as well as on its availability. Se is unevenly distributed on the earth's crust, being scarce in some regions and in excess in others. The easiest way to counteract the symptoms of Se deficiency is to enhance the Se status of the human diet. Se salts are the most toxic form of Se, while Se amino acids and Se-nanoparticles (SeNPs) are the least toxic and most bio-available forms. Some bacteria transform Se salts into these Se species. Generally accepted as safe selenized microorganisms can be directly used in the manufacture of selenized fermented and/or probiotic foods. On the other hand, plant growth-promoting bacteria and/or the SeNPs produced by them can be used to promote plant growth and produce crops enriched with Se. In this chapter we discuss bacterial Se metabolism, the effect of Se on human health, the applications of SeNPs and Se-enriched bacteria, as well as their effect on food fortification. Different strategies to counteract Se deficiency by enriching foods using sustainable strategies and their possible implications for improving human health are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Selenium; Selenium Compounds; Salts; Nanoparticles; Bacteria
PubMed: 38637107
DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2024.02.004 -
Optics Express Mar 2024In this article we demonstrate rapid manufacturing of an illumination quality double-sided centimeter-scale optics without any post-processing. Two methods are...
In this article we demonstrate rapid manufacturing of an illumination quality double-sided centimeter-scale optics without any post-processing. Two methods are presented: additive manufacturing (AM) using an optically transparent material with a water-soluble support material (support method), and alternatively, using only the optically transparent material but flipping the optics mid-process (flipping method). The main advantage of the flipping method is that only one material is needed. However, the use of support material is more straightforward, allows better alignment between the two sides of the lens and enables more complex lenses manufactured in the future. Both methods result in sufficient surface quality, i.e. surface roughness R = 11.48 ±3.32 nm and form accuracy of ±10 μm, for the purposes of illumination optics.
PubMed: 38571268
DOI: 10.1364/OE.511474 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Nov 2023Phage therapy is increasingly put forward as a promising additional tool to help curb the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. However, industrially manufactured...
Phage therapy is increasingly put forward as a promising additional tool to help curb the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. However, industrially manufactured phage medicinal products are currently not available on the European Union and United States markets. In addition, it is expected that the business purpose-driven phage products that are supposed to be marketed in the future would mainly target commercially viable bacterial species and clinical indications, using fixed phage cocktails. hospitals or phage therapy centers aiming to help all patients with difficult-to-treat infections urgently need adequate phage preparations. We believe that national solutions based on the magistral preparation of personalized (preadapted) phage products by hospital and academic facilities could bring an immediate solution and could complement future industrially manufactured products. Moreover, these unlicensed phage preparations are presumed to be more efficient and to elicit less bacterial phage resistance issues than fixed phage cocktails, claims that need to be scientifically substantiated as soon as possible. Just like Belgium, other (European) countries could develop a magistral phage preparation framework that would exist next to the conventional medicinal product development and licensing pathways. However, it is important that the current producers of personalized phage products are provided with pragmatic quality and safety assurance requirements, which are preferably standardized (at least at the European level), and are tiered based on benefit-risk assessments at the individual patient level. Pro bono phage therapy providers should be supported and not stopped by the imposition of industry standards such as Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; antibiotic resistance; bacterial infection; bacteriophage therapy; magistral preparation.
Topics: Humans; Bacteriophages; Bacterial Infections; Phage Therapy; European Union; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37932120
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad481 -
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Sep 2023The accuracy of printed implant surgical guides can be affected by different factors that negatively impact the planned implant position. How print orientation, storage...
Effect of print orientation, storage conditions, and storage time on intaglio surface accuracy of implant surgical guides fabricated by using a stereolithography technology.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The accuracy of printed implant surgical guides can be affected by different factors that negatively impact the planned implant position. How print orientation, storage time, and conditions influence manufacturing accuracy remains uncertain.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of print orientation, storage conditions, and storage time on the intaglio surface accuracy of implant surgical guides manufactured by using a stereolithography (SLA) printer.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A tooth-supported maxillary implant surgical guide design (control file) was used to fabricate the specimens (N=40, n=10). Four groups were created based on the print orientation used: 0 (Group 0), 45 (Group 45), 70 (Group 70), and 90 degrees (Group 90). The specimens were fabricated using an SLA printer (Form 3B+) and a biocompatible dental resin (Surgical Guide Resin V1) following the manufacturer's recommended protocol. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups based on the storage conditions: light (L subgroup) and dark (D subgroup) settings. Each specimen was digitized by using a desktop scanner (Medit T710) at days 0, 1, 7, and 14. The control file and each digitized specimen were superimposed by using the best-fit technique with a metrology program (Geomagic Control X). The root mean square (RMS) error was used to calculate the discrepancies between the control files and specimen files. Three-way ANOVA and pairwise comparison Tukey tests were used to analyze trueness. The Levene test was used to assess precision (α=.05).
RESULTS
Significant trueness discrepancies were found among the groups tested (P<.001), but no significant differences were found among the subgroups (P=.100) and the storage times analyzed (P=.609). Additionally, the Tukey test showed significant RMS error mean value discrepancies between Group 0 and Group 45 (P<.001), Group 0 and Group 90 (P<.001), Group 45 and Group 70 (P<.001), and Group 70 and Group 90 (P<.001). The Levene test revealed significant SD discrepancies among the groups tested (P<.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The trueness and precision of the intaglio surface of the implant surgical guides manufactured by using the printer and material tested were affected by the print orientation. However, storage conditions over a 14-day period did not impact the intaglio accuracy of the specimens.
PubMed: 37778941
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.08.016 -
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Nov 2023Understanding of the mechanical properties of skin is crucial in evaluating the performance of skin-interfacing medical devices. Artificial skin models (ASMs) have...
Understanding of the mechanical properties of skin is crucial in evaluating the performance of skin-interfacing medical devices. Artificial skin models (ASMs) have rapidly gained attention as they are able to overcome the challenges in ethically sourcing consistent and representative ex vivo animal or human tissue models. Although some ASMs have become commercialised, a thorough understanding of the mechanical properties of the skin models is crucial to ensure that they are suitable for the purpose of the study. In the present study, skin and fat layers of ASMs (Simulab, LifeLike, SynDaver and Parafilm) were mechanically characterised through hardness, needle insertion, tensile and compression testing. Different boundary constraint conditions (minimally and highly constrained) were investigated for needle insertion testing, while anisotropic properties of the skin models were investigated through different specimen orientations during tensile testing. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to compare the mechanical properties between the skin models. Properties of the skin models were compared against literature to determine the suitability of the skin models based on the material property of interest. All skin models offer relatively consistent mechanical performance, providing a solid basis for benchtop evaluation of skin-interfacing medical device performance. Through prioritising models with mechanical properties that are consistent with human skin data, and with limited variance, researchers can use the data presented here as a toolbox to select the most appropriate ASM for their particular application.
PubMed: 37717289
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106090 -
Science and Technology of Advanced... 2023In biomedical imaging, it is desirable that custom-made accessories for restraint, anesthesia, and monitoring can be easily cleaned and not interfere with the imaging...
In biomedical imaging, it is desirable that custom-made accessories for restraint, anesthesia, and monitoring can be easily cleaned and not interfere with the imaging quality or analyses. With the rise of 3D printing as a form of rapid prototyping or manufacturing for imaging tools and accessories, it is important to understand which printable materials are durable and not likely to interfere with imaging applications. Here, 15 3D printable materials were evaluated for radiodensity, optical properties, simulated wear, and capacity for repeated cleaning and disinfection. Materials that were durable, easily cleaned, and not expected to interfere with CT, PET, or optical imaging applications were identified.
PubMed: 38415266
DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2023.2273803 -
Pharmaceutics Dec 2023Long-acting injectable (LAI) neuroleptics constitute an effective therapeutical alternative for individuals suffering from persistent mental illness. These injectable... (Review)
Review
Long-acting injectable (LAI) neuroleptics constitute an effective therapeutical alternative for individuals suffering from persistent mental illness. These injectable pharmaceuticals help patients manage their condition better and improve long-term outcomes by preventing relapses and improving compliance. This review aims to analyse the current formulation aspects of LAI neuroleptics, with particular emphasis on analysis of drug release profiles as a critical test to guarantee drug quality and relevant therapeutical activity. While there is no officially approved procedure for depot parenteral drug formulations, various dissolution tests which were developed by LAI manufacturers are described. In vitro dissolution tests also possess a critical function in the estimation of the in vivo performance of a drug formulation. For that reason, thorough inspection of the in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) is also discussed.
PubMed: 38258037
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010028