Implant for autologous soft tissue reconstruction using an adipose-derived stem cell-colonized alginate scaffold.

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells represent an interesting option for soft tissue replacement as they are easy to procure and can generate their own blood supply through the production of angiogenic factors. We seeded adipose-derived stem cells on a bioresorbable, biocompatible polymer alginate scaffold to generate autologous soft tissue constructs for repair.

Materials And Methods: We built and optimized an alginate scaffold and tested its biocompatibility using the MTT assay and its hydration capacity.

Electroencephalographic study showing that tactile stimulation by fabrics of different qualities elicit graded event-related potentials.

Background/purpose: Neurophysiologic data on reactions of the human brain towards tactile stimuli evoked by fabrics moved on the skin are scarce. Furthermore, evaluation of fabrics' pleasantness using questionnaires suffers subjective biases. That is why we used a 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) to objectively evaluate real-time brain reactions to fabric-skin interactions.

Biotechnologically produced microbial alginate dressings show enhanced gel forming capacity compared to commercial alginate dressings of marine origin.

Marine alginate fibre dressings are well established in wound management. Alginate fibres can absorb plenty of wound exudate due to their gel forming abilities and ion exchange. Alginates from bacteria have never been studied for medical applications so far, although the microbial polymer raises expectations for improved gelling capacity due to its unique O-acetylation.

45S5-Bioglass(®)-based 3D-scaffolds seeded with human adipose tissue-derived stem cells induce in vivo vascularization in the CAM angiogenesis assay.

Poor vascularization is the key limitation for long-term acceptance of large three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering constructs in regenerative medicine. 45S5 Bioglass(®) was investigated given its potential for applications in bone engineering. Since native Bioglass(®) shows insufficient angiogenic properties, we used a collagen coating, to seed human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC) confluently onto 3D 45S5 Bioglass(®)-based scaffolds.

Adipogenic differentiation of scaffold-bound human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC) for soft tissue engineering.

Adipose tissue engineering, instead of tissue substitution, often uses autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC). These cells are known to improve graft integration and to support neovascularization of scaffolds when seeded onto biomaterials. In this study we thought to engineer adipose tissue using scaffold-bound hASC, since they can be differentiated into the adipocyte cell lineage and used for soft tissue regeneration.

Antimicrobial active clothes display no adverse effects on the ecological balance of the healthy human skin microflora.

The progressive public use of antimicrobial clothes has raised issues concerning skin health. A placebo-controlled side-to-side study was run with antimicrobial clothes versus fabrics of similar structure but minus the antimicrobial activity, to evaluate possible adverse effects on the healthy skin microflora. Sixty volunteers were enrolled.

A model of the transmission of micro-organisms in a public setting and its correlation to pathogen infection risks.

Aim: Gastro-intestinal infections are widespread in the community and have considerable economic consequences. In this study, we followed chains of infection from a public toilet scenario, looking at infection risks by correlating the transmission of bacteria, fungi and viruses to our current knowledge of infectious doses.

Methods And Results: Transmission of Escherichia coli, Bacillus atrophaeus spores, Candida albicans and bacteriophage MS2 from hands to surfaces was examined in a transmission model, that is toilet brush, door handle to water tap.

Dermatophyte susceptibility varies towards antimicrobial textiles.

Dermatophytoses are a widespread problem worldwide. Textiles in contact with infected skin can serve as a carrier for fungus propagation. Hitherto, it is unknown, whether antifungal textiles could contribute in controlling dermatophytes e.

Effects of cigarette smoke residues from textiles on fibroblasts, neurocytes and zebrafish embryos and nicotine permeation through human skin.

Toxic substances from cigarette smoke can attach to carpets, curtains, clothes or other surfaces and thus may pose risks to affected persons. The phenomenon itself and the potential hazards are discussed controversially, but scientific data are rare. The objective of this study was to examine the potential of textile-bound nicotine for permeation through human skin and to assess the effects of cigarette smoke extracts from clothes on fibroblasts, neurocytes and zebrafish embryos.

Infection risk by dermatophytes during storage and after domestic laundry and their temperature-dependent inactivation.

In the developed countries infections of the feet (tinea pedis, athlete's foot) and nails (onychomycosis) with the anthropophile fungus Trichophyton rubrum are most common. We examined the propagation of dermatophytes before and during domestic laundering. About 10% of the infectious material was transferred from contaminated textiles to sterile textiles during storage in a clothes basket simulation indicating a high infection risk during storage.

Physiological comfort of biofunctional textiles.

Statistics show that the wear comfort is the most important property of clothing demanded by users and consumers. Hence, biofunctional textiles only have a high market potential, if they are comfortable. In this work it is shown how the thermophysiological and skin sensorial wear comfort of biofunctional textiles can be measured effectively by means of the Skin Model and skin sensorial test apparatus.

Laundering in the prevention of skin infections.

The statistics at the Hohenstein Institutes and the detergent industry show that the number of complaints due to skin irritations or allergies of washed laundry are relatively low. A clear interdependence between the number of complaints and the season of the year is existing. An interesting fact is that work wear made of cotton shows a relatively higher number of complaints than blends of polyester with cotton.

Thermal comfort of aeroplane seats: influence of different seat materials and the use of laboratory test methods.

This study determined the influence of different cover and cushion materials on the thermal comfort of aeroplane seats. Different materials as well as ready made seats were investigated by the physiological laboratory test methods Skin Model and seat comfort tester. Additionally, seat trials with human test subjects were performed in a climatic chamber.