Development and characterization of matrix-derived microcarriers from decellularized tissues using electrospraying techniques.

Stirred bioreactor systems integrating microcarriers represent a promising approach for therapeutic cell manufacturing. While a variety of microcarriers are commercially available, current options do not integrate the tissue-specific composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which can play critical roles in directing cell function. The current study sought to generate microcarriers comprised exclusively of ECM from multiple tissue sources.

Fabrication of Extracellular Matrix-derived Foams and Microcarriers as Tissue-specific Cell Culture and Delivery Platforms.

Cell function is mediated by interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), which has complex tissue-specific composition and architecture. The focus of this article is on the methods for fabricating ECM-derived porous foams and microcarriers for use as biologically-relevant substrates in advanced 3D in vitro cell culture models or as pro-regenerative scaffolds and cell delivery systems for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Using decellularized tissues or purified insoluble collagen as a starting material, the techniques can be applied to synthesize a broad array of tissue-specific bioscaffolds with customizable geometries.

Decellularized adipose tissue microcarriers as a dynamic culture platform for human adipose-derived stem/stromal cell expansion.

With the goal of designing a clinically-relevant expansion strategy for human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs), methods were developed to synthesize porous microcarriers derived purely from human decellularized adipose tissue (DAT). An electrospraying approach was applied to generate spherical DAT microcarriers with an average diameter of 428 ± 41 μm, which were soft, compliant, and stable in long-term culture without chemical crosslinking. Human ASCs demonstrated enhanced proliferation on the DAT microcarriers relative to commercially-sourced Cultispher-S microcarriers within a spinner culture system over 1 month.

[Benefit from bio-enteric Intra-gastric balloon (BIB) to modify lifestyle and eating habits in severely obese patients eligible for bariatric surgery].

Aim: The therapeutic model for severe obesity includes bariatric surgery, representing the safest way to keep weight down and to prevent relapses. The selection of patients for the most suitable type of surgery implies multidisciplinary approach (nutritionist, dietist, clinical psychologist and surgeon). The intragastric balloon may represent a relatively invasive method to help the medical team to select and prepare severely obese patients for restrictive bariatric surgery.

Advanced phosphorus removal from membrane filtrates by adsorption on activated aluminium oxide and granulated ferric hydroxide.

The advanced phosphorus (P) removal by adsorption was studied for its suitability as a post-treatment step for membrane bioreactor (MBR) effluents low in P concentration and particle content. Two commercial adsorbents, granulated ferric hydroxide (GFH) and activated aluminium oxide (AA), were studied in batch tests and lab-scale filter tests for P adsorption in MBR filtrates. GFH showed a higher maximum capacity for phosphate and a higher affinity at low P concentrations compared to AA.

Ozonation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in oil/water-emulsions: mass transfer and reaction kinetics.

The ozonation of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) was studied in oil/water-emulsions, which are comparable to poorly water-soluble PAH in industrial wastewaters and at contaminated sites. As there was a lack of knowledge about the ozonation in oil/water-emulsions, first the ozone mass transfer was studied and optimized from the gas to the water phase and from the water to the oil phase. The ratio of mass transfer and oxidation reaction was determined by the Hatta-number and revealed a slow, quasi homogeneous reaction of ozone with PAH inside the oil droplets.

Anion exchange resins for removal of reactive dyes from textile wastewaters.

Sorption onto an easily regenerable sorbent in fixed bed filters would be an interesting option for removal of reactive dyes from textile wastewaters. A previous screening with model solutions (Dyes Pigm 51 (2001) 111) had shown two anion exchangers (strong basic S6328a and weak basic MP62, both Bayer) to exhibit good sorption characteristics for reactive dyes. The aim of this study was to evaluate these materials more closely.

Adsorption of reactive dyes to granulated iron hydroxide and its oxidative regeneration.

Granulated iron hydroxide (beta-FeOOH) is used as a regenerable sorbent and catalyst for reactive dye removal in textile wastewater treatment. In oxidative regeneration the previously sorbed reactive dye is catalytically oxidized after activation of hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radicals on the FeOOH surfaces to regain adsorption capacity and reuse the sorbents. A high initial H2O2 concentration is needed for an efficient mass transfer water/solid but its consumption per oxidized dye results only in 7-25 mg mg(-1).

Cucurbituril for water treatment. Part II: Ozonation and oxidative regeneration of cucurbituril.

In Part I it was shown, that cucurbituril has high sorption capacities for the removal of reactive dyes from textile wastewater; despite the partial dissolution of this sorbent. Ozonation has been suggested as a regeneration step for loaded cucurbituril. Ozonation of loaded and pure cucurbituril was therefore evaluated.

Cucurbituril for water treatment. Part I: Solubility of cucurbituril and sorption of reactive dyes.

Cucurbituril was investigated regarding its potential as a sorbent for the removal of reactive dyes from model solutions and authentic wastewaters. The solubility of cucurbituril is low in pure water but increases in the presence of salts. When dyes sorbing onto cucurbituril are present, solubility is drastically decreased compared to dye-free media.