Ti-6Al-4V (wt%) is the most widely used titanium alloy and its additive manufactured (or 3D printed) parts with near net-shape have provided great advantages for biomedical applications. While the impact of surface roughness on the biocompatibility of 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V part is recognized, further exploration is needed to fully understand this complex relationship. Hence, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of as-printed Ti-6Al-4V structures, both with and without surface texturing, with particular focus on the fibroblast response.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is not energised and so processes requiring a driving force must connect to energy-transduction systems in the inner membrane (IM). Tol (Tol-Pal) and Ton are related, proton motive force- (PMF-) coupled assemblies that stabilise the OM and import essential nutrients, respectively. Both rely on proton-harvesting IM motor (stator) complexes, which are homologues of the flagellar stator unit Mot, to transduce force to the OM through elongated IM force transducer proteins, TolA and TonB, respectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUltrasound-guided needle interventions are common procedures in medicine, and tissue-mimicking phantoms are widely used for simulation training to bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice in a controlled environment. This review assesses tissue-mimicking materials from 24 studies as candidates for a high-fidelity ultrasound phantom, including methods for evaluating relevant acoustic and mechanical properties and to what extent the reported materials mimic the superficial layers of biological tissue. Speed of sound, acoustic attenuation, Young's modulus, hardness, needle interaction forces, training efficiency and material limitations were systematically evaluated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) have been investigated and used for decades as imaging phantoms in various medical applications. They are designed and fabricated to replicate certain biological tissue characteristics, a process often dictated by the target application. Moreover, TMMs have been utilized in some medical procedural training requiring the use of imaging modalities.
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