Retraction Note to: High Pulsatility Flow Promotes Vascular Fibrosis by Triggering Endothelial EndMT and Fibroblast Activation.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1007/s12195-015-0386-7.].

Silk Hydrogels of Tunable Structure and Viscoelastic Properties Using Different Chronological Orders of Genipin and Physical Cross-Linking.

Catering the hydrogel manufacturing process toward defined viscoelastic properties for intended biomedical use is important to hydrogel scaffolding function and cell differentiation. Silk fibroin hydrogels may undergo "physical" cross-linking through β-sheet crystallization during high pressure carbon dioxide treatment, or covalent "chemical" cross-linking by genipin. We demonstrate here that time-dependent mechanical properties are tunable in silk fibroin hydrogels by altering the chronological order of genipin cross-linking with β-sheet formation.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: High Pulsatility Flow Promotes Vascular Fibrosis by Triggering Endothelial EndMT and Fibroblast Activation.

Vascular fibrosis, the formation of excess fibrous tissue on the blood vessel wall, is characterized by unmitigated proliferation of fibroblasts or myofibroblast-like cells exhibiting α-smooth-muscle-actin in vessel lumen and other vascular layers. It likely contributes to vascular unresponsiveness to conventional therapies. This paper demonstrates a new flow-induced vascular fibrosis mechanism.

Reverse adhesion of a gecko-inspired synthetic adhesive switched by an ion-exchange polymer-metal composite actuator.

Inspired by how geckos abduct, rotate, and adduct their setal foot toes to adhere to different surfaces, we have developed an artificial muscle material called ion-exchange polymer-metal composite (IPMC), which, as a synthetic adhesive, is capable of changing its adhesion properties. The synthetic adhesive was cast from a Si template through a sticky colloid precursor of poly(methylvinylsiloxane) (PMVS). The PMVS array of setal micropillars had a high density of pillars (3.

Mechanical and biocompatible characterizations of a readily available multilayer vascular graft.

There is always a considerable clinical need for vascular grafts. Considering the availability, physical and mechanical properties, and regenerative potential, we have developed and characterized readily available, strong, and compliant multilayer grafts that support cell culture and ingrowth. The grafts were made from heterogeneous materials and structures, including a thin, dense, nanofibrous core composed of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), and a thick, porous, hydrogel sleeve composed of genipin-crosslinked collagen-chitosan (GCC).