Raman spectroscopic study of mixed carbonate materials.

The main parameters for precipitation of mixed carbonate materials have been studied by Raman microscopy. These carbonates are compounds of barium, strontium and calcium. It has been shown that the Raman spectrum of a sample is exclusively controlled by its composition, the precipitation parameters do not affect the crystal structure.

Stability and tribological performances of fluid phospholipid bilayers: effect of buffer and ions.

We have investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of supported Dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) bilayers in different solutions: ultrapure water (pH 5.5), saline solution (150 mM NaCl, pH 5.8), Tris buffer (pH 7.

X-ray phase contrast imaging of the bone-cartilage interface.

Synovial joints articulate in a lubricating environment, the system providing for smooth articulation. The articular cartilage overlying the bone consists of a network of collagen fibres. This network is essential to cartilage integrity, suffering damage in degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis.

Micro-PIXE and SAXS studies at the bone-cartilage interface.

Micro Proton Induced X-ray Emission (micro-PIXE) analysis has been employed herein in investigating and quantifying the distribution of a number of essential elements in thin human diseased articular cartilage sections affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Various cations Ca, P and Zn have been reported to play an important role both in the normal growth and remodelling of articular cartilage and subchondral bone as well as in the degenerative and inflammatory processes associated with the disease; they act as co-factors of a class of enzymes known as metalloproteinases which are believed to be active during the initiation, progress and remodelling processes associated with osteoarthritis. Other important enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase are associated with cartilage mineralization.

Metal deposition at the bone-cartilage interface in articular cartilage.

There is a growing interest being shown in the changes occurring in elemental distribution at the bone-cartilage interface, the changes either being a result of mechanical damage or disease. In particular, such investigations have tended to concern the elemental alterations associated with the osteoarthritic wear and tear damage occurring to the cartilage and subchondral bone of synovial joints or that associated with disease processes such as rheumatic arthritis. Present studies examine sections of femoral head obtained from total hip replacement surgery, use being made of micro-proton-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) and the Rutherford back scattering (RBS) techniques.