Search

Bone substitutes are widely employed for applications in orthopedic surgery for the replacement of injured bone. Among the diverse methods that are used to design 3D bioceramic matrices, Freeze Foaming has gained attention, since it provides the ability to tune the shape of the created structures. One of the major problems related to these constructs is the lack of porosity at the outwards sides (holder) of the scaffold, thus reducing the cellular affinity and creating a rejection of the implant. In this research, we aimed to develop a bone scaffold with enhanced surface properties and improved cellular affinity. The main aim was to alter the biocompatibility characteristics of the 3D bioceramic constructs. We have produced three-dimensional, complex-shaped hollow shell structures, manufactured by Additive Manufacturing processes and as a second step, filled with a ceramic suspension by the Freeze-Foaming process. 3D constructs from HAP-derived TCP and TCP/ZrO2 were synthesized by freezefoaming method and subsequently irradiated with a fs-laser (λ = 800 nm) spanning a range of parameters for achievement of optimal surface processing conditions. The designed scaffolds demonstrated enhanced topographical properties with improved porosity examined by SEM, EDX, and 3D profilometry after laser treatment. Wettability and computer tomography (CT) evaluation was also performed. The results from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman analysis did not show photochemical and surface or volume defects and changes after laser processing of the ceramic samples. Preliminary results from MG-63 osteoblast-like cell tests showed good cell affinity on the processed surfaces and no cytotoxic effect on the cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pilot study using a non-destructive imaging technique to detect the presence of microparticles of lead shot in earthworms Lumbricus terrestris was carried out. Earthworms play a crucial role as inhabitants of soil communities, constituting a substantial portion of their biomass. They are regarded as valuable indicators providing insights into the functional status of soils and the deposition of heavy metals. The differentiation of lead-shot microparticles from other metallic or organic particles was achieved using high-resolution X-ray computed microtomography. Applying this method allowed the reconstruction of the internal structure of the samples without compromising their integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric glass-ceramic materials find various applications as parts of sensors, electronic components and even in biomedicine. The present work reports on the synthesis of glass-ceramic materials in the complex oxide system (23.1-z)Na2O/17.1BaO/6SrO/23TiO2/17.4SiO2/7.6B2O3/5.8Fe2O3/zAl2O3, z = 0 and 3 mol %. The melts show spontaneous crystallization during quenching. The phase composition is studied using X-ray diffraction and reveals crystallization of Ba1-xSrxTiO3 solid solutions with varying Ba/Sr ratio. The valence states and the local environments of the Ba, Ti and Fe ions of the prepared materials are investigated by utilizing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is shown that all the elements in the composition are present in their oxidized states and the formation of barium titanate based compounds is possible. The microstructure of the obtained samples is imaged by scanning electron microscopy and shows bright polygon-like crystalline structures embedded in a dark amorphous matrix. The further evaluation of the microstructure as average crystal size and volume fraction of the precipitated crystals is done by using microcomputed tomography. Thus, a relatively high crystalline volume fraction is observed for the samples without alumina. The samples with alumina possess comparable as size and volume fraction crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]