Fibronectin adsorption on oxygen plasma-treated polyurethane surfaces modulates endothelial cell response.

Fibronectin coating increases implant biocompatibility by enhancing surface endothelialization via integrin-mediated binding. Surface properties determine the fibronectin orientation and conformation, dictating which ligands are presented, and therefore altering the bioactivity of an implant surface. In this study, polyurethane was treated with oxygen plasma, which allowed for a simultaneous modification of the surface chemistry and topography to modulate fibronectin adsorption.

Fibronectin Adsorption on Electrospun Synthetic Vascular Grafts Attracts Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Promotes Endothelialization in Dynamic In Vitro Culture.

Appropriate mechanical properties and fast endothelialization of synthetic grafts are key to ensure long-term functionality of implants. We used a newly developed biostable polyurethane elastomer (TPCU) to engineer electrospun vascular scaffolds with promising mechanical properties (E-modulus: 4.8 ± 0.

A bioresorbable biomaterial carrier and passive stabilization device to improve heart function post-myocardial infarction.

The limited regenerative capacity of the heart after a myocardial infarct results in remodeling processes that can progress to congestive heart failure (CHF). Several strategies including mechanical stabilization of the weakened myocardium and regenerative approaches (specifically stem cell technologies) have evolved which aim to prevent CHF. However, their final performance remains limited motivating the need for an advanced strategy with enhanced efficacy and reduced deleterious effects.

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial opportunities in the food value chain.

Successful entrepreneurs exploit entrepreneurial opportunities to establish their enterprises. The food industry is a setting in which many such opportunities exist. To shed light on those specific entrepreneurial opportunities, we combine a five-step model of the food value chain ranging from agriculture to consumption with classic economic sources of entrepreneurial opportunities, that is, changes in supply, changes in demand, exogenous shocks, or informational asymmetries prevalent in the market.