Toward improved auricle reconstruction: The role of FDM 3D printing with PCL and TPU materials.

Microtia, along with trauma, represents one of the main causes of external ear malformation. Different clinical techniques were developed for the reconstruction of the auricle, but they all have some drawbacks. This work is focused on the development of an innovative 3D porous scaffold, printed by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and based on laser-scanned images of the healthy contralateral ear of the patient.

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.

3D micro-CT and O-PTIR spectroscopy bring new understanding of the influence of filler content in dental resin composites.

Background: Dental resin composites' performance is intricately linked to their polymerisation shrinkage characteristics. This study compares polymerisation shrinkage using advanced 3D micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and traditional 2D linear assessments. It delves into the crucial role of filler content on shrinkage and the degree of conversion in dental resin composites, providing valuable insights for the field.

Emerging technologies for the evaluation of spatio-temporal polymerisation changes in flowable vs. sculptable dental resin-based composites.

Background: This study presents a novel multi-technique approach that integrates micro-CT and optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) to evaluate polymerisation differences, so-called spatio-temporal polymerisation properties, between flowable and sculptable dental resin-based composites.

Methods: Ten commercially available dental composites were investigated, including flowable and sculptable counterparts from the same manufacturer. Eight parameters were evaluated: short-term polymerisation characteristics (degree of conversion after 5 min, maximum polymerisation rate, time to reach maximum polymerisation rate) was measured using ATR-FTIR with real-time monitoring; changes in the degree of conversion with depth were evaluated with O-PTIR, 3D visualisation of shrinkage patterns, overall volumetric shrinkage, depth-specific shrinkage, and porosity were measured using micro-CT; surface morphology with detailed measurements of elemental composition was characterised using SEM/EDX; light transmittance was analysed with a NIST-referenced spectrometer.

The role of collagen and crystallinity in the physicochemical properties of naturally derived bone grafts.

Xenografts are commonly used for bone regeneration in dental and orthopaedic domains to repair bone voids and other defects. The first-generation xenografts were made through sintering, which deproteinizes them and alters their crystallinity, while later xenografts are produced using cold-temperature chemical treatments to maintain the structural collagen phase. However, the impact of collagen and the crystalline phase on physicochemical properties have not been elucidated.

Preserving the Immune-Privileged Niche of the Nucleus Pulposus: Safeguarding Intervertebral Discs from Degeneration after Discectomy with Synthetic Mucin Hydrogel Injection.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation is a prevalent spinal disorder, often necessitating surgical intervention such as microdiscectomy for symptomatic relief and nerve decompression. IVDs comprise a gel-like nucleus pulposus (NP) encased by an annulus fibrosus (AF), and their avascular nature renders them immune-privileged. Microdiscectomy exposes the residual NP to the immune system, precipitating an immune cell infiltration and attack that exacerbates IVD degeneration.

Calcium Phosphates: A Key to Next-Generation In Vitro Bone Modeling.

The replication of bone physiology under laboratory conditions is a prime target behind the development of in vitro bone models. The model should be robust enough to elicit an unbiased response when stimulated experimentally, giving reproducible outcomes. In vitro bone tissue generation majorly requires the availability of cellular components, the presence of factors promoting cellular proliferation and differentiation, efficient nutrient supply, and a supporting matrix for the cells to anchor - gaining predefined topology.

Surface Topography Has Less Influence on Peri-Implantitis than Patient Factors: A Comparative Clinical Study of Two Dental Implant Systems.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the risk of peri-implantitis (PI) onset among different implant systems and evaluate the severity of the disease from a population of patients treated in a university clinic. Furthermore, this study intends to thoroughly examine the surface properties of the implant systems that have been identified and investigated.

Material And Methods: Data from a total of six hundred and 14 patients were extracted from the Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo.

Enhanced Bone Healing in Critical-Sized Rabbit Femoral Defects: Impact of Helical and Alternate Scaffold Architectures.

This study investigates the effect of scaffold architecture on bone regeneration, focusing on 3D-printed polylactic acid-bioceramic calcium phosphate (PLA-bioCaP) composite scaffolds in rabbit femoral condyle critical defects. We explored two distinct scaffold designs to assess their influence on bone healing and scaffold performance. Structures with alternate (0°/90°) and helical (0°/45°/90°/135°/180°) laydown patterns were manufactured with a 3D printer using a fused deposition modeling technique.

Multiple choice as formative assessment in dental education.

Introduction: The effectiveness of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in dental education is pivotal to student performance and knowledge advancement. However, their optimal implementation requires exploration to enhance the benefits.

Materials And Methods: An educational tool incorporating MCQs was administered from the 5th to the 10th semester in a dental curriculum.

Biofouling on titanium implants: a novel formulation of poloxamer and peroxide for removal of pellicle and multi-species oral biofilm.

Eradicating biofouling from implant surfaces is essential in treating peri-implant infections, as it directly addresses the microbial source for infection and inflammation around dental implants. This controlled laboratory study examines the effectiveness of the four commercially available debridement solutions '(EDTA (Prefgel), NaOCl (Perisolv), HO (Sigma-Aldrich) and Chlorhexidine (GUM Paroex))' in removing the acquired pellicle, preventing pellicle re-formation and removing of a multi-species oral biofilm growing on a titanium implant surface, and compare the results with the effect of a novel formulation of a peroxide-activated 'Poloxamer gel (Nubone Clean)'. Evaluation of pellicle removal and re-formation was conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to assess the surface morphology, elemental composition and chemical surface composition.

Towards bone regeneration: Understanding the nucleating ability of proline-rich peptides in biomineralisation.

Obtaining rapid mineralisation is a challenge in current bone graft materials, which has been attributed to the difficulty of guiding the biological processes towards osteogenesis. Amelogenin, a key protein in enamel formation, inspired the design of two intrinsically disordered peptides (P2 and P6) that enhance in vivo bone formation, but the process is not fully understood. In this study, we have elucidated the mechanism by which these peptides induce improved mineralisation.

From Basic Science to Clinical Practice: A Review of Current Periodontal/Mucogingival Regenerative Biomaterials.

Periodontitis is a dysbiosis-driven inflammatory disease affecting the tooth-supporting tissues, characterized by their progressive resorption, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. A step-wise therapeutic approach is employed for periodontitis. After an initial behavioral and non-surgical phase, intra-bony or furcation defects may be amenable to regenerative procedures.

Contrast-enhanced Micro-CT 3D visualization of cell distribution in hydrated human cornea.

Background: The cornea, a vital component of the human eye, plays a crucial role in maintaining visual clarity. Understanding its ultrastructural organization and cell distribution is fundamental for elucidating corneal physiology and pathology. This study comprehensively examines the microarchitecture of the hydrated human cornea using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Morphometric micro-CT study of contralateral mandibular incisors.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the degree of similarity and symmetry in the anatomy of contralateral mandibular incisors. Three-dimensional (3D) models of extracted teeth were obtained from microtomography (micro-CT) scans. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of the morphology and comparison of contralateral pairs were made.

Photoannealing of Microtissues Creates High-Density Capillary Network Containing Living Matter in a Volumetric-Independent Manner.

The vascular tree is crucial for the survival and function of large living tissues. Despite breakthroughs in 3D bioprinting to endow engineered tissues with large blood vessels, there is currently no approach to engineer high-density capillary networks into living tissues in a scalable manner. Here, photoannealing of living microtissue (PALM) is presented as a scalable strategy to engineer capillary-rich tissues.

Biocompatible Nanostructured Silver-Incorporated Implant Surfaces Show Effective Antibacterial, Osteogenic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in vitro and in Rat Model.

Introduction: Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely utilized in endosseous implants. However, their clinical efficacy is marred by complications arising from bacterial infections owing to their inadequate antibacterial properties. Consequently, enhancing the antibacterial attributes of implant surfaces stands as a pivotal objective in the realm of implantable materials research.

Redefining biomaterial biocompatibility: challenges for artificial intelligence and text mining.

The surge in 'Big data' has significantly influenced biomaterials research and development, with vast data volumes emerging from clinical trials, scientific literature, electronic health records, and other sources. Biocompatibility is essential in developing safe medical devices and biomaterials to perform as intended without provoking adverse reactions. Therefore, establishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven biocompatibility definition has become decisive for automating data extraction and profiling safety effectiveness.

Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Preserve Pancreatic Islet Function in a Transplantable 3D Bioprinted Scaffold.

Intra-portal islet transplantation is currently the only clinically approved beta cell replacement therapy, but its outcome is hindered by limited cell survival due to a multifactorial reaction against the allogeneic tissue in liver. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) can potentially improve the islet micro-environment by their immunomodulatory action. The challenge is to combine both islets and ASCs in a relatively easy and consistent long-term manner in a deliverable scaffold.

Osteocyte-Like Cells Differentiated From Primary Osteoblasts in an Artificial Human Bone Tissue Model.

In vitro models of primary human osteocytes embedded in natural mineralized matrix without artificial scaffolds are lacking. We have established cell culture conditions that favored the natural 3D orientation of the bone cells and stimulated the cascade of signaling needed for primary human osteoblasts to differentiate into osteocytes with the characteristically phenotypical dendritic network between cells. Primary human osteoblasts cultured in a 3D rotating bioreactor and incubated with a combination of vitamins A, C, and D for up to 21 days produced osteospheres resembling native bone.