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Sub-µm CaCO3 (calcite; CC) particles were converted to calcium monohydrogenphosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) via soaking treatments in K2HPO4 solutions with varied pH (3–12) and concentrations (0.1–1.5 M) at 37°C for up to 10 days. DCPD was derived from the solutions with pH ≤ 6; while hollow HAp was yielded when pH ≥ 7 in assemblies of petal-like crystallites. Results of magic angle spinning (MAS) and cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) NMR studies have shown that the HAp lattice has only PO4 2− but no HPO4 2− at B (phosphate) sites. Trace amounts of CO3 2− have occupied both A (OH) and B (PO4) sites, and H2O is adsorbed on surface crystallites. The primary crystallite size of HAp derived from Scherrer equation increases quickly in a 12 h period and becomes gradually stable afterward. Samples of particles soaked within 3 h in a temperature range of 20–80°C were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. It is shown that the rate constant of 1 M solution is about an order of magnitude greater than that of 0.1 M solution and the apparent activation energy is 33 kJ/mol. In this work, the conversion of CC to HAp can be quantitatively controlled to solve the problem of slow degradation of HAp.

The surfaces of commercially available pure titanium (cpTi) and Ti6Al4V alloy specimens were modified to form highly ordered rutile nanorod arrays by chemical treatment and subsequent aging treatment. The densities of the rutile rods were (1.04 +/- 0.06) x10(3) and (0.70 +/- 0.10) x10(3) mu m(-2) for the cpTi and Ti6Al4V alloy specimens, respectively. Both the rutile nanorod arrays on the cpTi and Ti6Al4V alloy specimens deposited apatite particles when soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) for one day. After soaking for various other periods, scanning electron microscopy images and thin-film X-ray diffraction patterns of these specimens showed that the cpTi specimens exhibited a superior rate of apatite nucleation and favored the formation of numerous apatite particles with larger diameter. This superior apatite-forming ability of the cpTi specimens can be attributed to the dense, thick titania layers with higher rutile nanorod density on their surfaces.

High crystallinity anatase/rutile layers are prepared on the surface of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) by hydrothermal method at 160 °C for 3 h. The surface morphology of titania layers is changed by adjusting the pH value and Ti4+concentration of treating solution (TS). Obtained nanorods on all TS samples are composed of pure rutile and the anatase co-deposited with rutile is found in the dense bottom layer. The possible co-deposition mechanism of polymorphs layers is given in this study. In this study, the rutile nanorods array with high energy (101) facet exposed is found on the TS3 sample. In vitro apatite forming ability of the TS samples are confirmed by soaking them in Kokubo's simulated body fluid (SBF, pH 7.4, 36.5 °C) for 1 and 3 days. Results show that apatite particles could be obtained on all TS samples within 1 d. After 3 days' immersion in SBF, TS3 sample shows strongest apatite X-ray diffraction. These results indicate that the ability in inducing apatite on cpTi with TS3 treatment is excellent. Such excellent apatite-forming ability is ascribed to the existence of thick titania layer with high energy (101) facet exposed on the TS3 sample.

Although autoclaving is a common sterilization method for biomedical devices, the ability to induce deposition of apatite particles on hydrothermally treated titanium is still not fully realized. This is because the induction ability is too weak to be evaluated via in vitro apatite formation in Kokubo's simulated body fluid (SBF) by the conventional immersion method, i.e. using samples with open and smooth surface. This study reports on the surface structure of hydrothermally treated titanium and the ability to induce deposition of apatite particles on the surface of parallel confined spaces separated by sub-millimeter gaps in Kokubo's SBF. Thin-film X-ray diffraction and analyses using Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed that a nano-crystalline anatase-type titanium oxide layer was formed on titanium substrates after hydrothermal treatment at 150 degrees C for 2 h. When growth of the titanium oxide layer was moderately suppressed, the hydrothermally treated titanium surface exhibited a characteristic interference color, silver or gold, which does not impair the esthetic appearance of the titanium-based implant. The ability to induce deposition of apatite particles on hydrothermally treated titanium was remarkably amplified by parallel alignment of substrates separated by sub-millimeter gaps.

Chitosan nanofiber has a highly uniform structure of 20–50 nm in diameter and shows high dispersibility in water due to its submicron size and high surface-to-volume ratio. The stacked nanofibers film is useful for breathability because it has a gap with a size of several tens of nm or more. However, the chemical bonds between the nanofibers cannot be broken during use. In this study, the thin films were obtained by filtration of chitosan nanofibers and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) mixture. The addition of GPTMS changed the wettability, mechanical property and stability in water of the thin films. Bacitracin zinc salt (BZ) has been used for the localized dermatological medicines and loaded in the films. BZ interacted electrostatically with the thin films matrix and the release of BZ was controlled by the amount of GPTMS. A higher released amount of BZ showed higher antibacterial effects toward S. aureus. The film was also tested their toxicity by L929 fibroblasts. The release of less than 11.9 μg of BZ showed antibacterial effects, but were not toxic for fibroblast cells.

Current apheresis or blood purification practices depend primarily on polymer systems that enable filtering and adsorbing pathogenic substances in blood: the latter consist of base polymer-based carriers and active ligands. However, some ceramic materials, such as silica, titania, and hydroxyapatite, are known to be blood compatible. The research on their use for apheresis is very small in comparison to the polymer systems, but the ceramic-based materials have been steadily discussed until now. This article aims to provide some feasible ideas and strategies together with their microstructures for further apheresis applications. After blood clotting pathways and apheresis practice, several blood-compatible materials in the form of particles, coatings (layers), and macrospheres are introduced. In addition, the materials for stent applications are also mentioned because the highest blood compatibility is demanded. Examples of bilirubin, b2-microglobulin (B2M), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lysozyme (LYZ) adsorption on titania gel particles, Zn-substituted hydroxyapatite, and so-gel derived silica macrospheres are presented.

This study presents a new strategy for preparing highly oriented nanorod array of divalent ion substituted hydroxyapatite (HAp) and factors controlling the rate of glass conversion. HAp nanorod arrays were prepared on a series of alkali/alkaline-earth silicate glasses in the Na2O–CaO–SrO–SiO2 system in phosphate aqueous solutions with different pH values via a glass conversion process. The effects of the substitution of Sr2+ for Ca2+ and the network connectivity (NC) of the silicate glasses on the degree of crystal orientation of the nanorod array of HAp crystals, the crystallite size, and the partial substitution of Sr2+ for Ca2+ in the HAp crystal lattice were investigated using X-ray diffraction, 29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Sr-free Na2O–CaO–SiO2 glass was converted into HAp nanorod arrays highly-oriented toward the c-axis, whereas the increase in the NC of the glass led to a decrease in the rate of the conversion process from glass to HAp, which resulted in the reduction of the degree of c-axis orientation of the nanorod array of the HAp crystals. However, the rate of the conversion process was remarkably promoted in alkaline phosphate solutions, resulting in an increase of the degree of c-axis orientation of the nanorod array. The Sr/(Sr + Ca) molar fraction of silicate glasses determined the molar fraction of substituted Sr2+ in HAp crystal lattice.

Objectives Although the functional monomer glycero-phosphate dimethacrylate (GPDM) has since long been used in several dental adhesives and more recently in self-adhesive composite cements and restoratives, its mechanism of chemical adhesion to hydroxyapatite (HAp) is still unknown. We therefore investigated the chemical interaction of GPDM with HAp using diverse chemical analyzers and ultra-structurally characterized the interface of a GPDM-based primer formulation with dentin. Methods HAp particles were added to a GPDM solution for various periods, upon which they were thoroughly washed with ethanol and water prior to being air-dried. As control, 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) was used. The molecular interaction of GPDM with HAp was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Crystal formation upon application of GPDM onto dentin was analyzed using thin-film XRD (TF-XRD). Its hydrophobicity was measured using contact-angle measurement. The interaction of GPDM with dentin was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results XRD revealed the deposition of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD: CaHPO 4 ·2H 2 O) on HAp after 24 h. NMR confirmed the adsorption of GPDM onto HAp. However, GPDM was easily removed after washing with water, unlike MDP that remained adhered to HAp. Dentin treated with GPDM appeared more hydrophilic compared to dentin treated with MDP. TEM disclosed exposed collagen in the hybrid layer produced by the GPDM-based primer formulation. Significance: Although GPDM adsorbed to HAp, it did not form a stable calcium salt. The bond between GPDM and HAp was weak, unlike the strong bond formed by MDP to HAp. Due to its high hydrophilicity, GPDM might be an adequate monomer for an etch-and-rinse adhesive, but appears less appropriate for a ‘mild’ self-etch adhesive that besides micro-retention ionically interacts with HAp, or for a self-adhesive restorative material.

Autograft has been carried out for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. However, it has negative aspect because patients lose their healthy ligaments from other part. We focus on a chitosan-hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite fiber as a scaffold of ligament regeneration. Chitosan- HAp composite fiber was made by using coagulation method. Chitosan-NaH2PO4 solution was coagulated with coagulation bath including calcium ion to get the mono-fiber and then treated with sodium hydroxide solution to form HAp in fiber matrix. The mechanical property of the fiber was improved by the stretching of the wet one because of the orientation of chitosan molecule and the interaction between chitosan and HAp. Maximum stress was improved with increasing of sodium dihydrogen phosphate until 0.03 M. The swelling ratio of the fiber was inhibited by composited with HAp. Additionally, bone-bonding ability was confirmed by SBF soaking tests.

One prominent cause of implant failure is infection; therefore, research is focusing on developing surface coatings that render the surface resistant to colonization by micro-organisms. Permanently attached coatings of antimicrobial molecules are of particular interest because of the reduced cytoxicity and lower risk of developing resistance compared to controlled release coatings. In this study, we focus on the chemical grafting of bioactive molecules on titanium. To concentrate the molecules at the metallic implant surface, we propose electrophoretic deposition (EPD) applying alternating current (AC) signals with an asymmetrical wave shape. We show that for the model molecule bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well as for the clinically relevant antifungal lipopeptide caspofungin (CASP), the deposition yield is drastically improved by superimposing a DC offset in the direction of the high-amplitude peak of the AC signal. Additionally, in order to produce immobilized CASP coatings, this experimental AC/DC-EPD method is combined with an established surface activation protocol. Principle component analysis (PCA) of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) data confirm the immobilization of CASP with higher yield as compared to a diffusion-controlled process, and higher purity than the clinical CASP starting suspensions. Scratch testing data indicate good coating adhesion. Importantly, the coatings remain active against the fungal pathogen C. albicans as shown by in vitro biofilm experiments. In summary, this paper delivers a proof-of-concept for the application of AC-EPD as a fast grafting tool for antimicrobial molecules without compromising their activities.

Microporous spheres in a hybrid system consisting of chitosan and &gamma, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) have advantages in a range of applications, e.g., as vehicles for cell transplantation and soft tissue defect filling materials, because of their excellent cytocompatibility with various cells. In this study, microporous chitosan-GPTMS spheres were prepared by dropping chitosan-GPTMS precursor sols, with or without a cerium chloride, into liquid nitrogen using a syringe pump. The droplets were then freeze dried to give the pores of size 10 to 50 &mu, m. The cell culture tests showed that L929 fibroblast-like cells migrated into the micropores larger than 50 &mu, m in diameter, whereas MG63 osteoblast-like cells proliferated well and covered the granule surfaces. The spheres with cerium chloride showed antibacterial properties against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Objective The functional monomer 10-MDP has been considered as one of the best performing functional monomers for dental adhesives. Different adhesives containing 10-MDP are commercially available, among which many so-called ‘universal’ adhesives. We hypothesize that the quality of the functional monomer 10-MDP in terms of purity may affect bonding performance. Methods We therefore characterized three different 10-MDP versions (10-MDP_KN provided by Kuraray Noritake; 10-MDP_PCM provided by PCM; 10-MDP_DMI provided by DMI) using NMR, and analyzed their ability to form 10-MDP_Ca salts on dentin using XRD. The ‘immediate’ and ‘aged’ micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) to dentin of three experimental 10-MDP primers was measured. The resultant interfacial adhesive-dentin ultra-structure was characterized using TEM. Results NMR disclosed impurities and the presence of 10-MDP dimer in 10-MDP_PCM and 10-MDP_DMI. 10-MDP_PCM and 10-MDP_DMI appeared also sensitive to hydrolysis. 10-MDP_KN, on the contrary, contained less impurities and dimer, and did not undergo hydrolysis. XRD revealed more intense 10-MDP_Ca salt deposition on dentin induced by 10-MDP_KN. The adhesive based on the experimental 10-MDP_KN primer resulted in a significantly higher ‘immediate’ bond strength that remained stable upon aging; the μTBS of the experimental 10-MDP_PCM and 10-MDP_DMI adhesives significantly dropped upon aging. TEM revealed thicker hybridization and more intense nano-layering for 10-MDP_KN. Significance It was concluded that primer impurities and the presence of 10-MDP dimer affected not only hybridization, but also reduced the formation of 10-MDP_Ca salts and nano-layering. 10-MDP in a high purity grade is essential to achieve durable bonding.

Besides chemically interacting with hard tooth tissue, acidic functional monomers of self-etch adhesives should etch the prepared tooth surface to dissolve the smear layer and to provide surface micro-retention. Although the etching efficacy of functional monomers is commonly determined in terms of pH, the pH of adhesives cannot accurately be measured. Better is to measure the hydroxyapatite (HAp)–dissolving capacity, also considering that functional monomers may form monomer-Ca salts. Here, the etching efficacy of 6 functional monomers (GPDM, phenyl-P, MTEGP, 4-META, 6-MHP and 10-MDP) was investigated. Solutions containing 15 wt% monomer, 45 wt% ethanol, and 40 wt% water were prepared. Initially, we observed enamel surfaces exposed to monomer solution by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to detect monomer-Ca salt formation. Phenyl-P exhibited a strong etching effect, while 10-MDP–treated enamel showed substance deposition, which was identified by XRD as 10-MDP–Ca salt. To confirm these SEM/XRD findings, we determined the etching efficacy of functional monomers by measuring both the concentration of Ca released from HAp using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and the amount of monomer-Ca salt formation using 31P magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). ICP-AES revealed that the highest Ca concentration was produced by phenyl-P and the lowest Ca concentration, almost equally, by 4-META and 10-MDP. Only 10-MDP formed 10-MDP–Ca salts, indicating that 10-MDP released more Ca from HAp than was measured by ICP-AES. Part of the released Ca was consumed to form 10-MDP–Ca salts. It is concluded that the repeatedly reported higher bonding effectiveness of 10-MDP–based adhesives must not only be attributed to the more intense chemical bonding of 10-MDP but also to its higher etching potential, a combination the other functional monomers investigated lack.

Currently, the functional monomer 10-methacryloyloxy-decyl-dihydrogen-phosphate (10-MDP) was documented to chemically bond to zirconia ceramics. However, little research has been conducted to unravel the underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to assess the chemical interaction and to demonstrate the mechanisms of coordination between 10-MDP and zirconium oxide using 1H and 31P magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and two dimensional (2D) 1H → 31P heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) NMR. In addition, shear bond-strength (SBS) tests were conducted to determine the effect of 10-MDP concentration on the bonding effectiveness to zirconia. These SBS tests revealed a 10-MDP concentration-dependent SBS with a minimum of 1-ppb 10-MDP needed. 31P-NMR revealed that one P-OH non-deprotonated of the PO3H2 group from 10-MDP chemically bonded strongly to zirconia. 1H-31P HETCOR NMR indicated that the 10-MDP monomer can be adsorbed onto the zirconia particles by hydrogen bonding between the P=O and Zr-OH groups or via ionic interactions between partially positive Zr and deprotonated 10-MDP (P-O−). The combination of 1H NMR and 2D 1H-31P HETCOR NMR enabled to describe the different chemical states of the 10-MDP bonds with zirconia; they not only revealed ionic but also hydrogen bonding between 10-MDP and zirconia.

Nanometer scale Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite (nanoapatite) is a potential candidate as artificial bone substitute materials owing to its similarity to the bone with respect to composition, morphology and osteoclastic degradation or adsorbent materials for blood purification therapy to remove pathogenic substances. The initial biodegradation behaviors, the initial cell-material interaction and the protein adsorption properties of nanoapatite must depend on the microstructure. The purpose of this study is the preparation of nanoapatite particles and their structural characterization by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The nanoapatite particles were prepared by precipitation processing method, and the effects of magnesium ions on the precipitation of calcium phosphate were examined, because Mg ions are well-known to play a role of inhibition of crystal growth. The addition of Mg ions led to the precipitation of nanometer scale Ca-deficient apatite crystals having 1.33-1.63 of the molar ratio (Mg+Ca)/P. NMR analyses showed that the microstructure of Mg•HAp particles can be explained by a crystalline HAp core covered with a thin amorphous hydrated calcium phosphate layer.

Rough nanostructured anatase TiO 2 surfaces containing many pores were prepared by the hydrothermal-based method. Surface modification with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of octadecylphosphonic acid (ODP) resulted in the superhydrophobic surface with an extremely high static water contact angle (CA) of 173.6° ± 1.7°. This superhydrophobic surface could be converted into a superhydrophilic surface with a water CA of nearly 0° by irradiating it with ultraviolet (UV) light, which induced photocatalytic decomposition of the ODP SAM. A superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic pattern with an extremely high wettability contrast (a water CA difference of over 170°) could be fabricated on the ODP-modified TiO 2 surface by area-selective UV irradiation through a photomask. This is the report of the TiO 2 -based superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic pattern with a water CA difference of over 170°, and it may be possible to use such patterns for various applications.

Injectable systems can be used in minimally invasive surgical applications. Although chitosan-glycerophosphate hydrogel systems are biodegradable and biocompatible, the long periods of time required for their effective gelation have severely limited their clinical application. The challenges currently facing researchers in this field are therefore focused on shortening the gelation time and biocompatibility of these materials to develop hydrogels suitable for clinical application. Chitosan and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) hybrids have recently demonstrated good cytocompatibility with respect to human osteoblastic cells (MG63) and human bone marrow cells. Although these precursor sols could form gels under physiological conditions, they required neutralization with a sodium hydroxide solution. In this study, the chitosan-GPTMS hybrid systems were neutralized with glycerophosphate to prepare injectable hydrogels. The results revealed that the gelation time of the hydrogels could be controlled by the amount of GPTMS in the precursor sols. The in vitro cytocompatibility of the hydrogels were evaluated in terms of the proliferation of MG63 cells cultured either directly onto the hydrogels or indirectly onto the cell culture plate under a hydrogel insert. In the former case, the cells showed good attachment and proliferated for up to 7 days. Similar results were observed in the in direct culture. These results suggest that this new chitosan-GPTMS hydrogel could potentially be used as an injectable biomaterial in clinical applications.

High-purity (SupT) and reagent-grade (ST), stoichiometric and silicate-containing α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP: ST0/SupT0 and Si-TCP x=0.10: ST10/SupT10) were prepared by solid-state reaction based on the substitution mechanism Ca3(PO4)(2-x)(SiO4)x. Samples were determined to be phase pure by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Rietveld analysis performed on the XRD data confirmed inclusion of Si in the α-TCP structure as determined by increases in unit cell parameters; particularly marked increases in the b-axis and β-angle were observed. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) confirmed the presence of expected levels of Si in Si-TCP compositions as well as significant levels of impurities (Mg, Al and Fe) present in all ST samples; SupT samples showed both expected levels of Si and a high degree of purity. Phosphorus ((31)P) magic-angle-spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) measurements revealed that the high-purity reagents used in the synthesis of SupT0 can resolve the 12 expected peaks in the (31)P spectrum of α-TCP compared to the low-purity ST0 that showed significant spectral line broadening; line broadening was also observed with the inclusion of Si which is indicative of induced structural disorder. Silicon ((29)Si) MAS NMR was also performed on both Si-TCP samples which revealed Q(0) species of Si with additional Si Q(1)/Q(2) species that may indicate a potential charge-balancing mechanism involving the inclusion of disilicate groups; additional Q(4) Si species were also observed, but only for ST10. Heating and cooling rates were briefly investigated by (31)P MAS NMR which showed no significant line broadening other than that associated with the emergence of β-TCP which was only realised with the reagent-grade sample ST0. This study provides an insight into the structural effects of Si-substitution in α-TCP and could provide a basis for understanding how substitution affects the physicochemical properties of the material.

Objectives The functional monomer 10-methacryloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP), recently used in more self-etch adhesives, chemically bonds to hydroxyapatite (HAp) and thus tooth tissue. Although the interfacial interaction of the phosphoric-acid functional group of 10-MDP with HAp-based substrates has well been documented, the effect of the long carbon-chain spacer of 10-MDP on the bonding effectiveness is far from understood. Methods We investigated three phosphoric-acid monomers, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl dihydrogen phosphate (2-MEP), 6-methacryloyloxyhexyl dihydrogen phosphate (6-MHP) and 10-MDP, that only differed for the length of the carbon chain, on their chemical interaction potential with HAp and dentin, this correlatively using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Commercial 6-MHP and 10-MDP containing adhesives were investigated as well. Results XRD revealed that on HAp only 10-MDP produced monomer-calcium salts in the form of ‘nano-layering’, while on dentin all monomers produced ‘nano-layering’, but with a varying intensity in the order of 10-MDP > 6-MHP > 2-MEP. TEM confirmed that 10-MDP formed the thickest hybrid and adhesive layer. XRD and TEM revealed ‘nano-layering’ for all commercial adhesives on dentin, though less intensively for the 6-MHP containing adhesive than for the 10-MDP ones. Significance It is concluded that not only the phosphoric-acid group but also the spacer group, and its length, affect the chemical interaction potential with HAp and dentin. In addition, the relatively strong ‘etching’ effect of 10-MDP forms more stable monomer-Ca salts, or ‘nano-layering’, than the two shorter carbon-chain monomers tested, thereby explaining, at least in part, the better bond durability documented with 10-MDP containing adhesives.

Organic-inorganic hybrids of poly(dimethyl siloxane), gelatin, and chitosan with such silanes as tetraethoxysilane and 3-glycidoxytriethoxysilane are derived via the sol-gel routes. Their biomedical applications are discussed from biomimetic deposition of bone-like apatite, cell culture, and in vivo behavior.

The silica gels, derived from water glass solution with pH adjusted at 3.0 and 9.9, were revisited to investigate their constitution, although water glass has been studied for last tens of decades on gelation. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to the nuclei 1H and 29Si, by the use of magic angle spinning (MAS), 1H → 29Si CP-MAS (CP: cross-polarization), and modern techniques such as 2D HETCOR (two dimensional heteronuclear correlation), and variable-contact time CP techniques. Gelation time (tgel) showed U-letter shape dependence on pH. All gels consisted of Qn groups (n: 2, 3, and 4), where Qn stands for a silicate unite [(O1/2)nSi (–O−)4−n] (n: 0–4). The analysis of the 1H → 29Si CP kinetics and 1H-29Si HETCOR spectra elucidated the presence of four kinds of 1H nuclei, i.e., those giving a peak at 6.9 ppm in chemical shift δ: 1H–OSi hydrogen bonded to H2O molecules; one at 4.3 ppm: 1H of adsorbed water molecules, hydrogen-bonded to the silanol groups; one at 1.7 ppm: 1H–OSi confined in the gel lattice, including that forming aggregations like Si–OH/NaO–Si; and one at 4.2 ppm: 1H of water molecules on the outermost hydration layer.

The treatment of peripheral nerve injuries is still one of the most challenging tasks in neurosurgery, as functional recovery is rarely satisfactory in these patients. The concept behind the use of biodegradable nerve guides is that no foreign material should be left in place after the device has fulfilled its task, so as to spare a second surgical intervention. In a previous study, flexible and biodegradable chitosan-γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) hybrid membranes exhibited better cytocompatibility in terms of osteoblastic cells than chitosan membrane. Porous chitosan hybrid membranes, derived by freeze-drying the hybrid gels, showed that the cells were attached and proliferated both on the surface and into pores. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of these chitosan hybrid membranes in terms of their inflammatory response and remodeling of connective tissue during wound-healing processes before use as a periphery nerve graft. The porous chitosan hybrid membranes showed good biocompatibility and improved posttraumatic axonal regrowth and functional recovery.

Silica gel macrospheres of 2~4 mm in size, and wrapped with Ca-alginate chelate film were prepared as the substrate for hydroxyapatite coating layer, using water glass as the silica source. Those Ca-SiO2 macrospheres were soaked in a 1:1 (volume) mixture of ethanol and 0.1 M Na2HPO4 to deposit hydroxyapatite layer (HAp-SiO2 macrospheres). Adsorption of bovine serum albumin and egg lysozyme on those Ca-SiO2 and HAp-SiO2 macrospheres under physiological pH (7.2) was well correlated to the Langmuir-type adsorption equation. The electrostatic interactions between the protein molecules and those macrospheres well interpret the adsorption isotherms, while the mesopores in the Ca-SiO2 contributed to some extent. A multi-layer adsorption model was proposed.

As part of the development of a flow-induced vibration evaluation methodology for the primary cooling piping in Japan sodium-cooled fast reactor, important factors were discussed in evaluating the flow-induced vibration for the hot-leg piping. To investigate a complex flow near the inlet of the hot-leg piping, a steady-state numerical analysis was carried out for the reactor upper plenum flow, which was simulated in a 1/10-scale reactor upper plenum experiment. Based on this analysis, experimental conditions on swirl inflow and deflected inflow that were identified as important factors were determined for flow-induced vibration experiments simulating only the hot-leg piping. In this study, the effect of the swirl inflow on flow pattern and pressure fluctuation onto the pipe wall was investigated in a 1/3-scale hot-leg pipe experiment. The experiment has indicated less significant for the pressure fluctuations, while the flow separation region was slightly influenced by the swirl inflow. Computational fluid dynamics simulation with a U-RANS approach results also appear in this paper. Through the simulations under the swirl inflow conditions of 0% and 5%, the validity of the U-RANS simulation was confirmed by comparison to the 1/3-scale hot-leg piping experiments.

Implant surfaces must sometimes be modified to form strong bonds to host tissues. The method of depositing an anatase layer on chemically pure titanium by chemical oxidation with H2O2 and subsequent calcination (CHT) is known to deposit apatite under physiological conditions; it thus exhibits bone-bonding ability. UV irradiation should affect the bonding ability because the CHT anatase layer would experience certain chemical modifications, such as a decrease or an increase in the number of TiOH and TiO(H)Ti sites; these sites are considered active sites for apatite nucleation. When in vitro apatite deposition was examined, using Kokubo's simulated body fluid, UV irradiation in air reduced the apatite-forming ability of the CHT anatase layer, and UV irradiation on the samples in water enhanced the ability. These results were correlated to changes in the TiOH and TiO(H)Ti sites, as determined by O 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Analysis of the number and size of the semi-spherical apatite particles and their surface coverage led to a model: proper assembly of the TiOH and TiO(H)Ti sites should only give rise to the induction of apatite nucleation, analogous to topotaxy effects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 712–719, 2013.

New class of hybrid composite was synthesized via sol–gel process with the combination of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), TEOS, 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) reacted with the cross-linking agent glutaraldehyde. The composites demonstrated a maximum high proton conductivity of 1.7 × 10− 2 S cm− 1 at 140 °C and a relative humidity of 50% RH. The swelling ratio was calculated in dry and wet conditions, and the composites were found capable of swelling. The structural formation of the composites was studied by techniques such as FTIR, TGA and impedance spectroscopy, and it was concluded that these PVA-SiO2/GPTMS/GA composite membranes exhibited excellent thermal, mechanical and conductivity properties.

According to the ‘Adhesion–Decalcification’ concept, specific functional monomers within dental adhesives can ionically interact with hydroxyapatite (HAp). Such ionic bonding has been demonstrated for 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) to manifest in the form of self-assembled ‘nano-layering’. However, it remained to be explored if such nano-layering also occurs on tooth tissue when commercial MDP-containing adhesives (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray; Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE) were applied following common clinical application protocols. We therefore characterized adhesive-dentin interfaces chemically, using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and ultrastructurally, using (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM). Both adhesives revealed nano-layering at the adhesive interface, not only within the hybrid layer but also, particularly for Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray), extending into the adhesive layer. Since such self-assembled nano-layering of two 10-MDP molecules, joined by stable MDP-Ca salt formation, must make the adhesive interface more resistant to biodegradation, it may well explain the documented favorable clinical longevity of bonds produced by 10-MDP-based adhesives.

A recently developed “GRAPE® technology” provides titanium or titanium alloy implants with spontaneous apatite-forming ability in vitro, which requires properly designed gaps and optimum heat treatment in air. In this study, pure titanium pieces were thermally oxidized in air and pre-irradiated by UV-light under different environmental conditions such as in air or in ultra-pure water before aligning pairs of specimens in the GRAPE® set-up, i.e., two pieces of titanium substrates were aligned parallel to each other with optimum gap width (spatial design). Then, they were soaked in Kokubo’s simulated body fluid (SBF, pH7.4, 36.5°C) for 1-2 days to clarify how the UV-light pre-irradiation affects the in vitro apatite nucleation on the substrates under the specific spatial design. UV-light pre-irradiation in water led to the deposition of a large number of apatite particles within 1 day, and showed apatite X-ray diffraction, although UV-light pre-irradiation in air and non-pretreated specimens gave the deposition of a few apatite particles and did not show any apatite X-ray diffraction. These results indicated that the rate of primary heterogeneous nucleation of apatite increased by UV-light pre-irradiation in ultra-pure water. TF-XRD patterns of the surface of the substrates thermally oxidized in air at 500°C showed the peak at 2θ = 27º assignable to the 110 diffraction of rutile phase of titanium dioxide (ICDD-JCPDS data #21-1276). Previous studies reported that the primary heterogeneous nucleation must be induced by Ti-OH groups on titanium oxide layer. Probably, the UV-light pre-irradiation in ultra-pure water can increase the number of Ti-OH groups on the surface, resulting in accelerated primary heterogeneous nucleation of apatite.

Chitosan-GPTMS (γ-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) hybrid hydrogels were synthesized with β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) as the additive agent. Chitosan-GPTMS sols were fluid at room temperature and transformed to hydrogel at 36.5°C in several min. The gelation time of the hydrogels was shortened by the addition of GPTMS. From NMR experiments, this gelation behavior depended on some factors, namely, electrostatic interaction between the phosphate groups of β-GP and the amino groups of chitosan chains, crosslinking between the epoxy groups of GPTMS and the amino groups of chitosan, and polycondensation of the methoxy groups of GPTMS. The Si(IV) released from the hydrogels promoted the cell adhesion and ALP activity of osteoblastic cells MG63.

Injectable hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposite (HAp/Col) artificial bone was prepared utilizing gelation of sodium alginate (Na-Alg). Mass ratio of the HAp/Col powder, with or without Ca adsorption treatment and Na-Alg (80-120, 300-400, 500-600 cP in viscosity at 10 g/dm3) was fixed at 90/10. Injectable HAp/Col was prepared by mixing the HAp/Col powder with Na-Alg solution at several powder (HAp/Col)/liquid (Na-Alg solution) ratios (P/L ratio, g/cm3). The result of consistency measurement suggested that the operability of injectable HAp/Col paste could be controlled by both the P/L ratio and the viscosity of Na-Alg solution. According to the consistency measurement and practical feelings during mixing, P/L=1/1.67 (80-120 cP) and 1/1.89 (300-400, 500-600 cP) were considered to be the highest P/L ratio allowed to mix the HAp/Col paste with a spatula. At the P/L=1/2.33 (80-120 cP), the paste prepared with the non-treated HAp/Col powder, placed in an incubator (37 °C,relative humidity 100%) for 24h, demonstrated gel-like property, while the paste prepared with Ca-treated HAp/Col powder did putty-like property. The difference in their property might be caused by the initial bonding behavior between Alg and Ca2+ after mixing. The setting time measurement with Gillmore needle was impossible because they were toosoft for this method. Even though, their operability and coalescence/settingproperty could be used as the injectable bone filler.

Following the "adhesion-decalcification" concept, specific functional monomers possess the capacity to primary chemically interact with hydroxyapatite (HAp). Such ionic bonding with synthetic HAp has been demonstrated for 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP), manifest as self-assembled "nanolayering". In continuation of that basic research this study aimed to explore whether nanolayering also occurs on enamel and dentin when a 10-MDP primer is applied following a common clinical application protocol. Therefore, the interaction of an experimental 10-MDP primer and a control, commercially available, 10-MDP-based primer (Clearfil SE Bond primer (C-SE), Kuraray) with enamel and dentin was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), complemented with transmission electron microscopy interfacial ultrastructural data upon their reaction with enamel and dentin. In addition, XRD was used to study the effect of the concentration of 10-MDP on nanolayering on dentin. Finally, the stability of the nanolayers was determined by measuring the bond strength to enamel and dentin when a photoinitiator was added to the experimental primer or when interfacial polymerization depended solely on the photoinitiator supplied with the subsequently applied adhesive resin. XRD confirmed nanolayering on enamel and dentin, which was significantly greater on dentin than on enamel, and also when the surface was actively rubbed with the primer. Nanolayering was also proportional to the concentration of 10-MDP in the primer. Finally, the experimental primer needed the photoinitiator to obtain a tensile bond strength to dentin comparable with that of the control C-SE primer (which also contains a photoinitiator), but not when bonded to enamel. It is concluded that self-assembled nanolayering occurs on enamel and dentin, even when following a clinically used application protocol. The lower bonding effectiveness of mild self-etch adhesives to enamel should be ascribed in part to a lower chemical reactivity (nanolayering) with enamel HAp.

This study proposes a new guideline for designing biodegradable apatite ceramics. Boron-containing hydroxyapatite (BHAp) particles were prepared by a high-temperature solid-state reaction processing method and were characterized in terms of their chemical composition, apatite lattice defects and in vitro biodegradability. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that boron-incorporation into hydroxyapatite (HAp) derived by thermo-chemical reactions between borate and calcium phosphate phases led to disordered phases (BCaP) of a CaO–P2O5–B2O3–OH system covering the crystalline HAp core. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the BCaP phase must consist mainly of a crystalline oxyboroapatite (OBAp) phase. An in vitro biodegradability test showed that BHAp degraded quicker than HAp or β-tricalcium phosphate. The biodegradability of BHAp particles can be controlled by boron incorporation into a HAp lattice leading to the formation of a disordered OBAp phase.

Apatite-forming ability is a prerequisite to ensure the direct bonding of biomedical materials to living bone. Recently, Shozui et al. reported that UV- irradiation enhanced the in vitro apatite-forming ability of the TiO2 layer (rutile) prepared by heat-treatment of titanium substrates in air. This study examined TiO2 (anatase)-covered Ti samples, derived by chemical and subsequent thermal treatment (CHT), in terms of their in vitro apatite-forming ability after UV-irradiation under varied conditions. UV-irradiation of CHT in air reduced the amount of active sites for apatite nucleation, while the UV-irradiation in water increased them. These contrary responses indicate that environmental factors of the UV- irradiation are important for controlling the in vitro apatite- forming ability of the anatase layer.

A flow-micro-reactor system was employed to fabricate hydroxyapatite (HAp) in order to mimic the interface between calcium and phosphate solutions on a wet chemical procedure. The mixing ratio of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and diammonium hydrogenphosphate solution was set to the stoichiometric atomic ratio HAp, 1.67, while pH value of the product suspension was varied from 6.4 to 10.0. The product morphology was changed from nano-sheet type to nano-particle type via nano-rod one, while their size was decreased from 100–500 nm to 50 nm. All as-prepared samples, irrespective of pH value of the resultant suspension, consisted of HAp, predominant phase, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) or dicalcium phosphate anhydrate (DCPA). A batch system using the same solutions yielded very similar results, which confirmed that the reactions in this micro-reactor well reproduced a large-scale mixing system. Calcining sample obtained from pH 6.4 suspension for 2 h at lower temperatures (

Although decayed/fractured teeth can be reconstructed minimally invasively and nearly invisibly using adhesive technology, the clinical longevity of dental composite restorations is still too short. Water sorption is thought to be the principal cause of destabilization of the biomaterial–tooth bond. However, the actual mechanisms of interfacial degradation are far from understood. Here we report how nano-controlled molecular interaction at the biomaterial–hard tissue interface can improve bond durability. The use of functional monomers with a strong chemical affinity for the calcium in hydroxyapatite is essential for long-term durability. Correlative X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance disclosed a time-dependent molecular interaction at the interface with stable ionic bond formation of the monomer to hydroxyapatite competing in time with the deposition of less stable calcium phosphate salts. The advanced tooth–biomaterial interaction model gives not only an insight into the mechanisms of bond degradation, but also provides a basis to develop functional monomers for more durable tooth reconstruction.

Chitosan-?-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS)-tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) hybrid membranes were prepared by a sol-gel method. Effects of Si(IV) released from them on proliferation and differentiation were examined in terms of cell metabolic activity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MG63 osteoblastic cells. The amount of Si(IV) released from the hybrid membranes increased with the TEOS content. Released Si(IV) inhibited cell proliferation, while it promoted cell differentiation. Thus, osteocompatibility of the chitosan hybrid membranes can be controlled due to the amount of Si(IV) released from them as the hybrids in the system chitosan-GPTMS-TEOS are applied for cell culture.

Chitosan–γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS)–tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) hybrid membranes were prepared by the sol–gel method. The effects of Si(IV) released from them on cell proliferation and differentiation were examined in terms of cell metabolic activity and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MG63 osteoblastic cells. The amount of Si(IV) released from the hybrid membranes increased with the TEOS content. The released Si(IV) inhibited cell proliferation but promoted cell differentiation. Thus, the osteocompatibility of the chitosan hybrid membranes in the chitosan–GPTMS–TEOS system can be controlled by the amount of Si(IV) released from them when they are applied to cell culture.

Ca–Sr–Zn–Si glasses have demonstrated excellent biocompatibility both in vitro using the MTT assay with L929 mouse fibroblast cells, and in vivo using healthy and ovariectomized female Wistar rats. However, the biological evaluation of the materials was performed on glass granules that were autoclaved, rather than γ-irradiated; the sterilisation procedure required prior to implantation of these materials in the human body. Given the fact that when a glass is exposed to ionizing radiation changes in its physical properties can take place, it is imperative to determine whether the structure of such glasses will be altered as a result of exposure to the typical amounts of γ-irradiation required to sterilise such materials prior to implantation. This paper examines the structure of Na–Ca–Sr–Zn–Si glasses using 29 Si MAS-NMR, XRD and DTA and to evaluate the effect of 30 kGy γ-irradiation on their structure. The 29 Si MAS-NMR results indicate that the peak maxima for each glass remains between −74 ppm and −79 ppm; a chemical shift for 29 Si associated with Q 1 units in silicate glasses, and that the local environment around the 29 Si isotope remains unaltered as a result of exposure. Additional analysis (DTA and XRD) showed that the onset of the glass transition temperature, T g (in the range 553 °C–619 °C depending on composition) typically remains unchanged, as a result of exposure to the ionizing radiation, as do the XRD diffractograms for each glass. Therefore it can be concluded that the use of 30 kGy γ-irradiation does not effect the local environment of the 29 Si isotope in the glasses, nor does it significantly alter the XRD diffraction patterns or the T g values for CaO–SrO–NaO–ZnO–SiO 2 described in this work.

Agglomerated amino-modified silica nanoparticles were prepared from a novel Stober-like precursor system consisting of aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), ethanol, and water where the molar ratio APTES/TEOS was 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0, and the molar ratio H2O/-SiOC2H5 was about 20 to 60, or great excess amounts of H2O were employed. APTES catalyzed the hydrolysis and condensation of both silanes. 29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirmed that the particles consisted of Qn species (Si(OSi)n(OH)4−n; n=2, 3, 4) and Tn species (NH2(CH2)3–Si(OSi)n(OH)3−n; n=2, 3). The APTES content in the precursor solutions controlled the agglomerating spherical particle size and morphology: 0.1 in the ratio APTES/TEOS led to almost independent spheres of 300–400 nm, while the larger ratios 1 and 2 led to ∼250 and ∼150 nm spheres, respectively, that were largely agglomerated and some were fused to look like peanut-shells. When soaked in Kokubo's simulated body fluid, those amino-modified particles deposited apatite. The mechanisms of particle formation and apatite deposition were discussed in terms of an intraparticle hydrated layer.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been used for a detailed investigation of the borate incorporation in apatitic biomaterials prepared by high-temperature solid-state reaction sintering. The NMR...

Multilayer anatase films were coated by sol–gel technology on various substrates such as stainless-steel, alumina, and glass, respectively. Their in vitro apatite-forming ability was examined by immersion in Kokubo's simulated body fluid (SBF; pH 7.4, 36.5 °C). Although on anatase layer on alkali-free glass apatite was deposited within 7 d, no apatite was found on anatase deposited onto stainless steel, alumina or glass substrates within 7 d to prove they were bioinert. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was able to detect chromium, aluminum, or sodium on the surface of the anatase films. This indicated that these ions possibly inhibited the in vitro apatite-forming ability.

We attempted to prepare chitosan-silicate hybrid for use in a medical application and evaluated the physico-chemical properties and osteocompatibility of the hybrids as a function of gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) concentration. Chitosan-silicate hybrids were synthesized using GPTMS as the reagent for cross-linking of the chitosan chains. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, (29)Si CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy and the ninhydrin assay were used to analyze the structures of the hybrids, and stress-strain curves were recorded to estimate their Young's modulus. The swelling ability, contact angle and cytocompatibility of the hybrids were investigated as a function of the GPTMS concentration. A certain fraction of GPTMS in each hybrid was linked at the epoxy group to the amino group of chitosan, which was associated with the change in the methoxysilane group of GPTMS due to hybridization. The cross-linking density was around 80% regardless of the volume of GPTMS. As the content of GPTMS increased, the water uptake decreased and the hydrophilicity of the hybrids increased except when the content exceeded amolar ratio of 1.5, when it caused a decrease. The values of the mechanical parameters assessed indicated that significant stiffening of the hybrids was obtained by the addition of GPTMS. The adhesion and proliferation of the MG63 osteoblast cells cultured on the chitosan-GPTMS hybrid surface were improved compared to those on the chitosan membrane, regardless of the GPTMS concentration. Moreover, human bone marrow osteoblast cells proliferated on the chitosan-GPTMS hybrid surface and formed a fibrillar extracellular matrix with numerous calcium phosphate globular structures, both in the presence and in the absence of dexamethasone. Therefore, the chitosan-GPTMS hybrids are promising candidates for basic materials that can promote bone regeneration because of their controllable composition (chitosan/GPTMS ratio).

We report on the effect of using a spatial gap on heterogeneous nucleation on the surface of thermally oxidized titanium substrates. Induction of heterogeneous nucleation of bone-like hydroxyapatite (BHAp) was evaluated in the spatial gaps between substrates that were thermally oxidized at temperatures of 100-800°C on exposure to a simulated body fluid (SBF). After soaking in a SBF for 7 d, BHAp spontaneously deposited inside the gap on the surface of samples that were thermally oxidized at temperatures above 400°C, but not on samples that were thermally oxidized at temperatures of 300°C or less. Among the substrates studied, BHAp particles were most readily deposited inside the gap on the surface of the samples that were thermally oxidized at 400°C after soaking in an SBF. A smaller gap led to a higher number of BHAp particles being deposited on the surface of the samples that were thermally oxidized at 400 or 500°C. Our results suggest that the formation of BHAp in a SBF is dependent on the temperature during thermal oxidization, and also on the spatial gap between the samples. The ease of formation of BHAp on thermally oxidized titanium increases with increasing thickness of the rutile phase and the number of Ti-OH groups, which are produced during the thermal oxidization process. In addition to the surface structure of the substrates, the spatial gap is regarded as an important parameter for enhancing the deposition of BHAp. Since the formation of BHAp allows osteoconduction to occur after implantation in a bony defect, it is possible to design titanium-based implants with a high biological affinity to bone by processing using an appropriate spatial design of the substrate.

Apatite formation on the surface of titanium and its alloys is effective for inducing osteoconductivity when implanted in bony defects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thermal oxidation on apatite formation in macro-grooves on Ti-15Zr-4Ta-4Nb. Thermal oxidation at 500 and 600 degrees C in air led to modification of the Ti-15Zr-4Ta-4Nb surface to rutile phase titanium oxide. Ti-15Zr-4Ta-4Nb thermally oxidized at 500 degrees C in air showed no changes in metallographic structure, but not at 600 degrees C. After soaking in a simulated body fluid for 7days, the formation of apatite could be observed on the internal surfaces of macro-grooves 500mum deep and wide on Ti-15Zr-4Ta-4Nb thermally oxidized at 500 and 600 degrees C in air. These results indicate the potential for osteoconductivity of Ti-15Zr-4Ta-4Nb without changing its metallographic structure, by fabricating only the macro-grooves, i.e., spatial design, and by performing thermal oxidation at 500 degrees C.