In vitro and in vivo effects of antibiotics on bone cell metabolism and fracture healing.

Introduction: Recent evidence suggests that antibiotics exert direct effects on bone at a cellular level, disrupting mitochondrial function and cell activity. This comprehensive literature review aims to evaluate evidence for the effects of antibiotics and antimicrobials on bone and discuss the clinical implications.

Areas Covered: A literature search was conducted on electronic databases covering a period from 1969 to 2010.

Risk of osteoporosis and fracture incidence in patients on antipsychotic medication.

Introduction: In patients suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, antipsychotics are the mainstay of treatment worldwide. By blocking D(2) brain mesolimbic receptors, antipsychotics are believed to reduce and control psychotic experiences, but recent evidence has suggested that they may also have adverse effects on bone mineral architecture and fracture incidence.

Areas Covered: This study reviews current literature surrounding the use of antipsychotics and their effects on bone homeostasis.

Atmospheric plasma treatment of porous polymer constructs for tissue engineering applications.

Porous 3D polymer scaffolds prepared by TIPS from PLGA (53:47) and PS are intrinsically hydrophobic which prohibits the wetting of such porous media by water. This limits the application of these materials for the fabrication of scaffolds as supports for cell adhesion/spreading. Here we demonstrate that the interior surfaces of polymer scaffolds can be effectively modified using atmospheric air plasma (AP).

Towards a methodology for the effective surface modification of porous polymer scaffolds.

A novel low-pressure radio-frequency plasma treatment protocol was developed to achieve the effective through-thickness surface modification of large porous poly (D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) polymer scaffolds using air or water: ammonia plasma treatments. Polymer films were modified as controls. Scanning electron micrographs and maximum bubble point measurements demonstrated that the PDLLA foams have the high porosity, void fraction and interconnected pores required for use as tissue engineering scaffolds.