Transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate to bone-like apatite.

Mineralisation of calcium phosphates in bone has been proposed to proceed via an initial amorphous precursor phase which transforms into nanocrystalline, carbonated hydroxyapatite. While calcium phosphates have been under intense investigation, the exact steps during the crystallisation of spherical amorphous particles to platelet-like bone apatite are unclear. Herein, we demonstrate a detailed transformation mechanism of amorphous calcium phosphate spherical particles to apatite platelet-like crystals, within the confined nanodomains of a bone-inspired nanocomposite.

Interplay of water and reactive elements in oxidation of alumina-forming alloys.

High-temperature alloys are crucial to many important technologies that underpin our civilization. All these materials rely on forming an external oxide layer (scale) for corrosion protection. Despite decades of research on oxide scale growth, many open questions remain, including the crucial role of the so-called reactive elements and water.

On the capability of in-situ exposure in an environmental scanning electron microscope for investigating the atmospheric corrosion of magnesium.

The feasibility of environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) in studying the atmospheric corrosion behavior of 99.97% Mg was investigated. For reference, ex-situ exposure was performed.

Ex vivo alendronate localization at the mesoporous titania implant/bone interface.

An attractive approach in implant technology is local drug delivery, and design of efficient, safe and reliable treatments. Our hitherto strategy has been to coat Ti implants with a thin mesoporous TiO2 film that in turn is loaded with an osteoporosis drug, such as Alendronate (ALN) that is known to suppress osteoclastic activity. This system has proven highly successful and results in excellent osseointegration.

Raloxifene and alendronate containing thin mesoporous titanium oxide films improve implant fixation to bone.

This study tested the hypothesis that osteoporosis drug-loaded mesoporous TiO2 implant coatings can be used to improve bone-implant integration. Two osteoporosis drugs, Alendronate (ALN) and Raloxifene (RLX), were immobilized in nanoporous oxide films prepared on Ti screws and evaluated in vivo in rat tibia. The drug release kinetics were monitored in vitro by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and showed sustained release of both drugs.