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Nature Communications Jun 2024Drawing inspiration from cohesive integration of skeletal muscles and sensory skins in vertebrate animals, we present a design strategy of soft robots, primarily...
Drawing inspiration from cohesive integration of skeletal muscles and sensory skins in vertebrate animals, we present a design strategy of soft robots, primarily consisting of an electronic skin (e-skin) and an artificial muscle. These robots integrate multifunctional sensing and on-demand actuation into a biocompatible platform using an in-situ solution-based method. They feature biomimetic designs that enable adaptive motions and stress-free contact with tissues, supported by a battery-free wireless module for untethered operation. Demonstrations range from a robotic cuff for detecting blood pressure, to a robotic gripper for tracking bladder volume, an ingestible robot for pH sensing and on-site drug delivery, and a robotic patch for quantifying cardiac function and delivering electrotherapy, highlighting the application versatilities and potentials of the bio-inspired soft robots. Our designs establish a universal strategy with a broad range of sensing and responsive materials, to form integrated soft robots for medical technology and beyond.
Topics: Robotics; Animals; Biomimetics; Humans; Prostheses and Implants; Skin; Equipment Design; Muscle, Skeletal; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 38839748
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48903-z -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a method that can deposit zirconia uniformly on an atomic basis. The effect of deposited zirconia on titanium implants using ALD was...
PURPOSE
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a method that can deposit zirconia uniformly on an atomic basis. The effect of deposited zirconia on titanium implants using ALD was evaluated in vivo.
METHODS
Machined titanium implants (MTIs) were used as the Control. MTIs treated by sandblasting with large grit and acid etching (SA) and MTIs deposited with zirconia using ALD are referred to as Groups S and Z, respectively. Twelve implants were prepared for each group. Six rabbits were used as experimental animals. To evaluate the osteogenesis and osteocyte aspects around the implants, radiological and histological analyses were performed. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) ratio was measured and statistically analyzed to evaluate the osseointegration capabilities.
RESULTS
In the micro-CT analysis, more radiopaque bone tissues were observed around the implants in Groups S and Z. Histological observation found that Groups S and Z had more and denser mature bone tissues around the implants in the cortical bone area. Many new and mature bone tissues were also observed in the medullary cavity area. For the BIC ratio, Groups S and Z were significantly higher than the Control in the cortical bone area ( < 0.017), but there was no significant difference between Groups S and Z.
CONCLUSION
MTIs deposited with zirconia using ALD (Group Z) radiologically and histologically showed more mature bone formation and activated osteocytes compared with MTIs (Control). Group Z also had a significantly higher BIC ratio than the Control. Within the limitations of this study, depositing zirconia on the surface of MTIs using ALD can improve osseointegration in vivo.
Topics: Animals; Zirconium; Rabbits; Titanium; Osseointegration; Surface Properties; X-Ray Microtomography; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Bone-Implant Interface; Osteogenesis; Dental Implants; Prostheses and Implants
PubMed: 38832337
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S460392 -
Aging May 2024Currently, the repair of large bone defects still faces numerous challenges, with the most crucial being the lack of large bone grafts with good osteogenic properties....
Currently, the repair of large bone defects still faces numerous challenges, with the most crucial being the lack of large bone grafts with good osteogenic properties. In this study, a novel bone repair implant (degradable porous zinc scaffold/BF Exo composite implant) was developed by utilizing laser melting rapid prototyping 3D printing technology to fabricate a porous zinc scaffold, combining it under vacuum conditions with highly bioactive serum exosomes (BF EXO) and Poloxamer 407 thermosensitive hydrogel. The electron microscope revealed the presence of tea saucer-shaped exosomes with a double-layered membrane structure, ranging in diameter from 30-150 nm, with an average size of 86.3 nm and a concentration of 3.28E+09 particles/mL. experiments demonstrated that the zinc scaffold displayed no significant cytotoxicity, and loading exosomes enhanced the zinc scaffold's ability to promote osteogenic cell activity while inhibiting osteoclast activity. experiments on rabbits indicated that the hepatic and renal toxicity of the zinc scaffold decreased over time, and the loading of exosomes alleviated the hepatic and renal toxic effects of the zinc scaffold. Throughout various stages of repairing radial bone defects in rabbits, loading exosomes reinforced the zinc scaffold's capacity to enhance osteogenic cell activity, suppress osteoclast activity, and promote angiogenesis. This effect may be attributed to BF Exo's regulation of p38/STAT1 signaling. This study signifies that the combined treatment of degradable porous zinc scaffolds and BF Exo is an effective and biocompatible strategy for bone defect repair therapy.
Topics: Animals; Exosomes; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Rabbits; Tissue Scaffolds; Radius; Zinc; Osteogenesis; Porosity; Bone Regeneration; Male
PubMed: 38829771
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205891 -
Journal of Animal Science Jan 2024Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating...
Influence of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle of feedlot steers.
Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes occurring in skeletal muscle. Steers (n = 6 per pen) were stratified by body weight (BW) in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Dietary treatments (ZINC; eight pens per treatment) included supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 at 1) 0 (analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30 mg/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100 mg Zn/kg DM (Zn100). After 60 d of Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high-potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200 mg TBA, 20 mg E2; TE200). BWs were taken at days -60, 0, and in 28 d increments thereafter. Liver biopsies for TM analysis and blood for TM, serum glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea-N, and IGF-1 analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 84. Glucose, NEFA, and insulin were used to calculate the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). Linear and quadratic effects of ZINC were evaluated in SAS 9.4. Means for IMP were separated using the LSMEANS statement with the PDIFF option. Day -60 BW was a covariate for performance and carcass data. Growth performance, plasma, liver, and metabolite data were analyzed as repeated measures. TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn by 8.4% from days 0 to 20 while NO decreased by 3.6% (IMP × day; P = 0.08). A tendency for a ZINC × day effect on G:F was noted (P = 0.06) driven by Zn30 and Zn100 decreasing significantly from period 0-28 to period 28-56 while Zn0 was similar in both periods. An IMP × day effect was noted for RQUICKI where (P = 0.02) TE200 was greater on day 40 compared to NO cattle, but by day 84 RQUICKI was not different between TE200 and NO. On day 20, increasing Zn supplementation linearly increased mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.09) of protein kinase B (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5). In this study, Zn and implants differentially affected genes related to energy metabolism, satellite cell function, and TM homeostasis on days 20 and 84 postimplant. These results suggest steroidal implants increase demand for Zn immediately following implant administration to support growth and may influence insulin sensitivity in finishing cattle.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Dietary Supplements; Trace Elements; Zinc Sulfate; Drug Implants; Diet; Animal Feed; Trenbolone Acetate
PubMed: 38828800
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae154 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Metallic dental implants have been extensively used in clinical practice due to their superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetic outcomes. However,... (Review)
Review
Metallic dental implants have been extensively used in clinical practice due to their superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetic outcomes. However, their integration with the surrounding soft tissue at the mucosal region remains challenging and can cause implant failure due to the peri-implant immune microenvironment. The soft tissue integration of dental implants can be ameliorated through different surface modifications. This review discussed and summarized the current knowledge of topography-mediated immune response and topography-mediated antibacterial activity in Ti dental implants which enhance soft tissue integration and their clinical performance. For example, nanopillar-like topographies such as spinules, and spikes showed effective antibacterial activity in human salivary biofilm which was due to the lethal stretching of bacterial membrane between the nanopillars. The key findings of this review were (I) cross-talk between surface nanotopography and soft tissue integration in which the surface nanotopography can guide the perpendicular orientation of collagen fibers into connective tissue which leads to the stability of soft tissue, (II) nanotubular array could shift the macrophage phenotype from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) and manipulate the balance of osteogenesis/osteoclasia, and (III) surface nanotopography can provide specific sites for the loading of antibacterial agents and metallic nanoparticles of clinical interest functionalizing the implant surface. Silver-containing nanotubular topography significantly decreased the formation of fibrous encapsulation in per-implant soft tissue and showed synergistic antifungal and antibacterial properties. Although the Ti implants with surface nanotopography have shown promising in targeting soft tissue healing in vitro and in vivo through their immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties, however, long-term in vivo studies need to be conducted particularly in osteoporotic, and diabetic patients to ensure their desired performance with immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties. The optimization of product development is another challenging issue for its clinical translation, as the dental implant with surface nanotopography must endure implantation and operation inside the dental microenvironment. Finally, the sustainable release of metallic nanoparticles could be challenging to reduce cytotoxicity while augmenting the therapeutic effects.
Topics: Titanium; Humans; Dental Implants; Surface Properties; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Metal Nanoparticles; Animals; Biofilms
PubMed: 38828200
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S461549 -
F1000Research 2023To investigate and compare the effect of four commercially used dental cement at 24 hours, 48 hours,72 hours (h) and 6 days on the cellular response of human gingival...
BACKGROUND
To investigate and compare the effect of four commercially used dental cement at 24 hours, 48 hours,72 hours (h) and 6 days on the cellular response of human gingival fibroblast (HGF).
METHODS
3 cement pellet samples were made for each 4-test cement (n=12). The cement used for this study were zinc phosphate (ZP), zinc oxide non-eugenol (ZOE), RelyX U200 (RU200), and glass ionomer cement (GIC). The cytotoxicity of peri-implant tissues was investigated using one commercial cell line. All processing was done following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) methods 10993-5 and 10993-12 (MTT assay Test). Cell cultures without dental cement were considered as control. Standard laboratory procedures were followed to permit cell growth and confluence over 48 hrs after sub-cultivation. Before being subjected to analysis, the cells were kept in direct contact with the cement samples for the suggested time period. To validate the results the specimens were tested three times each. Cell death and inhibition of cell growth were measured quantitatively. Results were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA (a=0.05) followed by Tukey B post hoc test.
RESULTS
The study showed the dental cement test material was cytotoxic. ZOE, ZP, GIC, and RU200 were cytotoxic in decreasing order, respectively, significantly reducing cell viability after exposure to HGF (p <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Within the limitations of this in-vitro cellular study, results indicated that HGF were vulnerable to the test the dental cement. The highest cytotoxicity was observed in ZOE, followed by ZP, GIC, and RU200.
Topics: Humans; Dental Cements; Fibroblasts; Gingiva; Dental Implants; Time Factors; Cell Proliferation; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Materials Testing
PubMed: 38826571
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.140071.2 -
BMC Health Services Research Jun 2024The etonogestrel contraceptive implant is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of pregnancy up to 3 years....
BACKGROUND
The etonogestrel contraceptive implant is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of pregnancy up to 3 years. However, studies that suggest efficacy up to 5 years. There is little information on the prevalence of extended use and the factors that influence clinicians in offering extended use. We investigated clinician perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to offering extended use of the contraceptive implant.
METHODS
Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews. Participants were recruited from a nationwide survey study of reproductive health clinicians on their knowledge and perspective of extended use of the contraceptive implant. To optimize the diversity of perspectives, we purposefully sampled participants from this study. We used content analysis and consensual qualitative research methods to inform our coding and data analysis. Themes arose deductively and inductively.
RESULTS
We interviewed 20 clinicians including advance practice clinicians, family medicine physicians, obstetrician/gynecologist and complex family planning sub-specialists. Themes regarding barriers and facilitators to extended use of the contraceptive implant emerged. Barriers included the FDA approval for 3 years and clinician concern about liability in the context of off-label use of the contraceptive implant. Educational materials and a champion of extended use were facilitators.
CONCLUSIONS
There is opportunity to expand access to extended use of the contraceptive implant by developing educational materials for clinicians and patients, identifying a champion of extended use, and providing information on extended use prior to replacement appointments at 3 years.
Topics: Humans; Female; Qualitative Research; Desogestrel; Implementation Science; Adult; Contraceptive Agents, Female; United States; Interviews as Topic; Drug Implants; Male; Attitude of Health Personnel; Middle Aged; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Time Factors
PubMed: 38825705
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10991-4 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024The formation of white spots, which represent early carious lesions, is a major issue with fixed orthodontics. The addition of remineralizing agents to orthodontic...
Investigation of mechanical properties, remineralization, antibacterial effect, and cellular toxicity of composite orthodontic adhesive combined with silver-containing nanostructured bioactive glass.
BACKGROUND
The formation of white spots, which represent early carious lesions, is a major issue with fixed orthodontics. The addition of remineralizing agents to orthodontic adhesives may prevent the formation of white spots. The aim of this study was to produce a composite orthodontic adhesive combined with nano-bioactive glass-silver (nBG@Ag) for bracket bonding to enamel and to investigate its cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, remineralization capability, and bond strength.
METHODS
nBG@Ag was synthesized using the sol-gel method, and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance attachment (ATR-FTIR). The cytotoxicity test (MTT) and antimicrobial activity of adhesives containing 1%, 3%, and 5% (wt/wt) nBG@Ag were evaluated, and the shear bond strength of the adhesives was measured using a universal testing machine. Remineralization was assessed through microhardness testing with a Vickers microhardness tester and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analyses were conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk test, Levene test, one-way ANOVA, Robust-Welch test, Tukey HSD method, and two-way ANOVA.
RESULTS
The biocompatibility of the adhesives was found to be high, as confirmed by the lack of significant differences in the cytotoxicity between the sample and control groups. Discs made from composites containing nBG@Ag exhibited a significant reduction in the growth of Streptococcus mutans (p < 0.05), and the antibacterial activity increased with higher percentages of nBG@Ag. The shear bond strength of the adhesives decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after the addition of nanoparticles, but it remained above the recommended value. The addition of nBG@Ag showed improvement in the microhardness of the teeth, although the differences in microhardness between the study groups were not statistically significant. The formation of hydroxyapatite deposits on the tooth surface was confirmed through SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
CONCLUSION
Adding nBG@Ag to orthodontic adhesives can be an effective approach to enhance antimicrobial activity and reduce enamel demineralization around the orthodontic brackets, without compromising biocompatibility and bond strength.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Silver; Tooth Remineralization; Orthodontic Brackets; Dental Cements; Materials Testing; Nanostructures; Streptococcus mutans; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; X-Ray Diffraction; Glass; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Ceramics; Humans; Composite Resins; Shear Strength; Hardness; Dental Bonding; Dental Enamel
PubMed: 38824555
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04402-7 -
IEEE Sensors Letters May 2024We present a 100 m-thick, wireless, and battery-free implant for brain stimulation through a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved collagen dura substitute without...
We present a 100 m-thick, wireless, and battery-free implant for brain stimulation through a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved collagen dura substitute without contact with the brain's surface, while providing visible-light spectrum telemetry to track the onset of stimulation. The device is fabricated on a 16 × 6.67 mm biocompatible parylene/PDMS substrate and is encapsulated with a 2 m-thick transparent parylene layer that enables the relay of the LED brightness. The rodent testing confirmed the implant's ability to trigger motor response while generating observable brightness through the skin. The results reveal the prospect of wireless stimulation with enhanced safety by eliminating contact between the implant and the brain, with optical telemetry for facilitated tracking.
PubMed: 38818033
DOI: 10.1109/lsens.2024.3387370 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024In the present work, we explored Lewis acid catalysis, via FeCl, for the heterogeneous surface functionalization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). This approach,...
In the present work, we explored Lewis acid catalysis, via FeCl, for the heterogeneous surface functionalization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). This approach, characterized by its simplicity and efficiency, facilitates the amidation of nonactivated carboxylic acids in carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils (c-CNF). Following the optimization of reaction conditions, we successfully introduced amine-containing polymers, such as polyethylenimine and Jeffamine, onto nanofibers. This introduction significantly enhanced the physicochemical properties of the CNF-based materials, resulting in improved characteristics such as adhesiveness and thermal stability. Reaction mechanistic investigations suggested that endocyclic oxygen of cellulose finely stabilizes the transition state required for further functionalization. Notably, a nanocomposite, containing CNF and a branched low molecular weight polyethylenimine (CNF-PEI 800), was synthesized using the catalytic reaction. The composite CNF-PEI 800 was thoroughly characterized having in mind its potential application as coating biomaterial for medical implants. The resulting CNF-PEI 800 hydrogel exhibits adhesive properties, which complement the established antibacterial qualities of polyethylenimine. Furthermore, CNF-PEI 800 demonstrates its ability to support the proliferation and differentiation of primary human osteoblasts over a period of 7 days.
Topics: Cellulose; Nanocomposites; Humans; Catalysis; Nanofibers; Chlorides; Ferric Compounds; Osteoblasts; Polyethyleneimine; Prostheses and Implants; Biocompatible Materials
PubMed: 38816917
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04351