Analyzing the Synergistic Effects of Antioxidants in Combating Photoaging Using Model Nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans.

Aging, a universal and unique process, occurs both intrinsically (chronological) and extrinsically (photoaging). Ultraviolet-A (UV-A)-mediated stress is a growing health hazard to mankind as it is the major cause of photoaging, which could lead to much damage of skin cells and tissues ranging from tan, burn, or even cancer. The present study focuses on the role of antioxidants and other natural compounds which have been widely used in oral/topical applications to combat and delay the effects of photoaging using model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

In vitro study of magnesium-calcite biomineralization in the skeletal materials of the seastar Pisaster giganteus.

The mechanisms of formation of biogenic magnesium-rich calcite remain an enigma. Here we present ultrastructural and compositional details of ossicles from the seastar Pisaster giganteus (Echinodermata, Asteroidea). Powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and elemental analyses confirm that the ossicles are composed of magnesium-rich calcite, whilst also containing about 0.

Formation of transient amorphous calcium carbonate precursor in quail eggshell mineralization: an in vitro study.

To understand the mechanism of quail eggshell biomineralization, we have performed two CaCO(3) precipitation experiments. In the reprecipitation experiments, supersaturated Ca(HCO(3))(2) was prepared by bubbling CO(2) through a slurry of biogenic CaCO(3) obtained from bleach-treated eggshell followed by filtration to obtain a clear solution for crystallization experiments. The nucleated crystals were collected at various time intervals and analyzed.

Developing macroporous bicontinuous materials as scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Calcareous skeletal elements (ossicles) isolated from the seastar, Pisaster giganteus, were characterized and tested as potential biocompatible substrates for cellular attachment. These ossicles have a remarkably robust open-framework architecture with an interconnected network of ca. 10 microm diameter pores.