Vascular endothelial cellular mechanics under hyperglycemia and its role in tissue regeneration.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. The tissue regeneration of diabetes patients is known to be rather tricky as the result of vascular dysfunction, and this leads to various clinical complications including diabetic foot ulcers. The vascular endothelial cells, which compactly line the inner surface of blood vessels, are responsible for the growth and maintenance of blood vessels and play an essential role in tissue regeneration.

Biomaterial-based physical regulation of macrophage behaviour.

Macrophages play a critical role in regulating immune reactions induced by implanted biomaterials. They are highly plastic and in response to diverse stimuli in the microenvironment can exhibit a spectrum of phenotypes and functions. In addition to biochemical signals, the physical properties of biomaterials are becoming increasingly appreciated for their significant impact on macrophage behaviour, and the underlying mechanisms deserve more in-depth investigations.

Bi-directional regulatable mechanical properties of 3D braided polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

Fabricating adjustable mechanical properties of biomaterials at different level remains an important challenge in obtaining suitable bone substitutes with stiffness at micro scale and toughness at macro level. In this study, the changes in structure and properties of three dimension braided polyetheretherketone (3D-braided PEEK) after hot-pressed at 345 °C, 355 °C and 365 °C were investigated. The hyperfield 3D microscopy images and DSC revealed more compact macrostructure and lower crystallinity of 3D braided PEEK at higher hot-pressing temperature.