Soluble Proteins From Conventional and Organic Eggshell Membranes With Different Proteomic Profiles Show Similar In Vitro Biofunctions.

The eggshell membrane (ESM), resembling the extracellular matrix (ECM), acts as a protective barrier against bacterial invasion and offers various biofunctions due to its porous structure and protein-rich composition, such as ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, collagen, soluble protein, and antimicrobial proteins. However, the structure of ESM primarily comprises disulfide bonds and heterochains, which poses a challenge for protein solubilization/extraction. Therefore, the method of dissolving and extracting bioactive protein components from ESM has significant potential value and importance for exploring the reuse of egg waste and environmental protection.

Advanced soft tissue visualization in conjunction with bone structures using contrast-enhanced micro-CT.

Purpose: Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis of soft tissues alongside bone remains challenging due to significant differences in X-ray absorption, preventing spatial inspection of bone remodeling including the cellular intricacies of mineralized tissues in developmental biology and pathology. The goal was to develop a protocol for contrast-enhanced micro-CT imaging that effectively visualizes soft tissues and cells in conjunction with bone while minimizing bone attenuation by decalcification.

Approach: Murine femur samples were decalcified in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and treated with three different contrast agents: (i) iodine in ethanol, (ii) phosphotungstic acid in water, and (iii) Lugol's iodine.

Improved visualisation of ACP-engineered osteoblastic spheroids: a comparative study of contrast-enhanced micro-CT and traditional imaging techniques.

This study investigates osteoblastic cell spheroid cultivation methods, exploring flat-bottom, U-bottom, and rotary flask techniques with and without amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) supplementation to replicate the 3D bone tissue microenvironment. ACP particles derived from eggshell waste exhibit enhanced osteogenic activity in 3D models. However, representative imaging of intricate 3D tissue-engineered constructs poses challenges in conventional imaging techniques due to notable scattering and absorption effects in light microscopy, and hence limited penetration depth.

Comparison of Micro-CT and Morphometric Outcomes in a Modified Experimental Rat Model of Periodontitis.

Aim: To assess the correlation between micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and linear morphometric measurements in terms of mandibular bone levels in a modified experimental periodontitis model in rodents to study the mechanisms of association between periodontal destruction and neuroinflammation.

Methods: The proposed in vivo experimental periodontitis model involves the administration of oral rinses with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, four times per week during 4, 8 or 12 weeks, in 24 male Wistar Hannover rats (180 g, 5 weeks old). After euthanasia, hemi-mandibles were collected.

Contrast-Enhanced Micro-CT Imaging of Murine Mandibles: A Multi-Method Approach for Simultaneous Hard and Soft Tissue Analysis.

Aim: To develop and evaluate a novel multi-method micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging protocol for enhanced visualization of both hard and soft tissues in murine mandibles, addressing the limitations of traditional imaging techniques in dental research.

Materials And Methods: We employed a contrast-enhanced (CE) μCT imaging technique using Lugol's iodine as a contrast agent to visualize the intricate structures of murine mandibles. The protocol involved the combination of conventional μCT imaging as well as CE-μCT, including decalcification with EDTA, allowing for simultaneous assessment of hard and soft tissues.