A new fish scale-derived scaffold for corneal regeneration.

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel scaffold, derived from fish scales, as an alternative functional material with sufficient mechanical strength for corneal regenerative applications. Fish scales, which are usually considered as marine wastes, were acellularized, decalcified and fabricated into collagen scaffolds. The microstructure of the acellularized scaffold was imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Characterization and osteogenic effects of mesenchymal stem cells on microbeads composed of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles/reconstituted collagen.

Natural bone is comprised of nanosized blade-like crystals of hydroxyapatite grown in close contact with collagen (Col) fibers. Characteristics of artificial bone tissue differ considerably with those of natural ones, mainly from the unusual self-organizing interaction between the apatite crystals and the proteic components. Nanoparticle spheres of hydroxyapatite (n-HA), dispersed in reconstituted fibrous Col, were prepared in three weight ratios of 75:25, 65:35, and 50:50 (n-HA:Col).

Cranial repair using BMP-2 gene engineered bone marrow stromal cells.

Background: Bone grafts, allografts, and biocompatible artificial bone substitutes all have their shortcomings when used for the repair of cranial bone defects. Tissue engineered bone shows promise as an alternative for the repair of these defects.

Materials And Methods: Rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were separated from iliac crest aspirates and expanded in a monolayer culture 1 month before implantation.