Muscle-like Scaffolds for Biomechanical Stimulation in a Custom-Built Bioreactor.

Tissue engineering aims to develop in-vitro substitutes of native tissues. One approach of tissue engineering relies on using bioreactors combined with biomimetic scaffolds to produce study models or in-vitro substitutes. Bioreactors provide control over environmental parameters, place and hold a scaffold under desired characteristics, and apply mechanical stimulation to scaffolds.

Platelet depletion enhances lethal, hemorrhagic and myotoxic activities of Bothrops asper snake venom in a murine model.

Platelets play key roles in hemostasis, inflammation, immune response, and tissue repair. Although it is known that viperid snake venoms induce thrombocytopenia and platelet hypoaggregation, the roles of these effects in the overall outcome of envenoming are poorly known. This study aimed to assess the effect of platelet depletion on several toxic activities induced by the venom of the Central American viperid snake Bothrops asper in a mouse model.

Evaluation of Biomechanical and Chemical Properties of Gamma-Irradiated Polycaprolactone Microfilaments for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Applications.

An appropriate and reliable sterilization technique is crucial for tissue engineering scaffolds. Skeletal muscle scaffolds are often fabricated using microfilaments of a wide variety of polymers. One method for sterilization is 25 kGy of gamma irradiation.