Biocompatible Solutions Research Articles

Polydopamine surface functionalization of 3D printed resin material for enhanced polystyrene adhesion towards insulation layers for 3D microelectrode arrays (3D MEAs).

3D printing involves the use of photopolymerizable resins, which are toxic and typically have incompatible properties with materials such as polystyrene (PS), which present limitations for biomedical applications. We present a method to dramatically improve the poor adhesion between the PS insulative layer on 3D printed Microelectrode Array (MEA) substrates by functionalizing the resin surface with polydopamine (PDA), a mussel-inspired surface chemistry derivative. A commercial 3D printing prepolymer resin, FormLabs Clear (FLC), was printed using a digital light processing (DLP) printer and then surface functionalized with PDA by alkali-induced aqueous immersion deposition and self-polymerization. It was observed that the adhesion of the PS to FLC was improved due to the precision emanating from the DLP method and further improved after the functionalization of DLP printed substrates with PDA at 1, 12, and 24 h time intervals. The adhesion of PS was evaluated through scotch tape peel testing and instron measurements of planar substrates and incubation testing with qualitative analysis of printed culture wells. The composition and topology of the samples were studied to understand how the properties of the surface change after PDA functionalization and how this contributes to the overall improvement in PS adhesion. Furthermore, the surface energies at each PDA deposition time were calculated from contact angle studies as it related to adhesion. Finally, biocompatibility assays of the newly modified surfaces were performed using mouse cardiac cells (HL-1) to demonstrate the biocompatibility of the PDA functionalization process. PDA surface functionalization of 3D DLP printed FLC resin resulted in a dramatic improvement of thin film PS adhesion and proved to be a biocompatible solution for improving additive manufacturing processes to realize biosensors such as in vitro MEAs.

Association of Prescription With Body Composition and Patient Outcomes in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Objective: The nutritional status of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is influenced by patient- and disease-related factors and lifestyle. This analysis evaluated the association of PD prescription with body composition and patient outcomes in the prospective incident Initiative for Patient Outcomes in Dialysis–Peritoneal Dialysis (IPOD-PD) patient cohort.Design and Methods: In this observational, international cohort study with longitudinal follow-up of 1,054 incident PD patients, the association of PD prescription with body composition was analyzed by using the linear mixed models, and the association of body composition with death and change to hemodialysis (HD) by means of a competing risk analysis combined with a spline analysis. Body composition was regularly assessed with the body composition monitor, a device applying bioimpedance spectroscopy.Results: Age, time on PD, and the use of hypertonic and polyglucose solutions were significantly associated with a decrease in lean tissue index (LTI) and an increase in fat tissue index (FTI) over time. Competing risk analysis revealed a U-shaped association of body mass index (BMI) with the subdistributional hazard ratio (HR) for risk of death. High LTI was associated with a lower subdistributional HR, whereas low LTI was associated with an increased subdistributional HR when compared with the median LTI as a reference. High FTI was associated with a higher subdistributional HR when compared with the median as a reference. Subdistributional HR for risk of change to HD was not associated with any of the body composition parameters. The use of polyglucose or hypertonic PD solutions was predictive of an increased probability of change to HD, and the use of biocompatible solutions was predictive of a decreased probability of change to HD.Conclusion: Body composition is associated with non-modifiable patient-specific and modifiable treatment-related factors. The association between lean tissue and fat tissue mass and death and change to HD in patients on PD suggests developing interventions and patient counseling to improve nutritional markers and, ultimately, patient outcomes.Study Registration: The study has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01285726).

Fabrication of an Electrically Conductive Adhesive for Skin Mounted Bioelectronic Devices

Background: Skin mounted bioelectronics are difficult to integrate with the skin since biocompatible adhesives are not conductive or unsuitable for long-term use. Skin conformability is essential but strong adhesives can damage soft tissue in younger and frail individuals as well as the device during removal. Developing a noninvasive long-lasting biocompatible conductive adhesive for skin that can be used with bioelectronics allows for better treatment options and the improvement of patient outcomes.
 Methods: This study creates a soft hydrogel using graphene oxide flakes (GO) and polyvinyl alcohol. Networked GO is reduced in a solution of sodium dithionite and sodium hydroxide to form a conductive network within the hydrogel. Adhesive properties are achieved by incorporating a polyacrylic acid polymer into the hydrogel with the addition of N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHS) groups to the polymer. NHS reacts with amine groups found on tissue to form covalent bonds that can be released with a biocompatible trigger solution of sodium bicarbonate and glutathione.
 Results: Hydration of the hydrogel at 65°C demonstrated that the hydrogel swelled anistropically with swelling ratios of 1.05/1.06/5.5 (length/width/thickness). This showed that the hydrogel can integrate into various surfaces without deformation. The hydrogel demonstrated an impedance of 106.1~164.6 Ω⋅m (20~500 Hz), which is comparable to conventional devices. The hydrogel was chemically bound to amine functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and glass. Peel test showed peak adhesion forces of 100.5 N⋅m-1(Force⋅Width-1) when bound to PDMS or glass. Signal quality of the hydrogel showed that the hydrogels demonstrated ECG and EMG signals comparable to commercially available materials.
 Conclusions: The importance of this study is to create a soft material that bonds between electrodes and skin. The results demonstrate that the hydrogel has electrical characteristics comparable to conventional electrodes for use in ECG and EMG. In addition, it can create adhesion via chemical bonds that can be released on demand.

Innovations in peritoneal dialysis

Die Peritonealdialyse (PD) war früher eine geläufige Behandlung beim akuten dialysepflichtigen Nierenversagen. Zugunsten kontinuierlicher, extrakorporaler Nierenersatzverfahren verschwand sie von der Bildfläche der westlichen Welt, wohingegen sie in strukturarmen Ländern aufgrund ihrer Simplizität und geringen Ressourcenintensität weiter eingesetzt wird. Die Engpässe in der medizinischen Versorgung im Rahmen der COVID-19(„coronavirus disease 2019“)-Pandemie führten kürzlich zu erneuter weltweiter Beachtung der PD als sichere Option beim akuten dialysepflichtigen Nierenversagen. Von der Einführung biokompatibler Lösungen vor 20 Jahren war eine Reduktion von Mortalität oder technischem Versagen erwartet worden. Leider konnten Studien dieses bisher allenfalls andeuten, nicht aber beweisen. Eine innovative Option stellen immunmodulatorische Adjuvanzien dar, die die lokale Immunkompetenz verbessern und den Verlust der Funktion des Peritoneums verhindern sollen. Derzeit rückt die Vision einer tragbaren künstlichen Niere immer näher. Auch eine Intensivierung der Dialysedosis erscheint mit minimaler Dialysatmenge erreichbar. In Zeiten der globalen Erderwärmung könnten durch die Regeneration von Dialysat nicht nur relevante Mengen an Wasser eingespart, sondern auch die CO2-Bilanz günstig beeinflusst werden. Zusammenfassend erlebt die PD derzeit einen zweiten Frühling. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die derzeitigen und zukünftigen Entwicklungen dieses Verfahrens.

Survival of Peritoneal Membrane Function on Biocompatible Dialysis Solutions in a Peritoneal Dialysis Cohort Assessed by a Novel Test.

Background: Longitudinal surveillance of peritoneal membrane function is crucial in defining patients with a risk of ultrafiltration failure. Long PD is associated with increased low molecular weight solute transport and decreased ultrafiltration and free water transport. Classic PET test only provides information about low molecular solute transport, and the vast majority of longitudinal studies are based on this test and include patients using conventional dialysates. Our aim was to prospectively analyze longitudinal data on peritoneal function in patients on biocompatible solutions using a novel test. Methods: Membrane function data were collected based on uni-PET (a combination of modified and mini PET). A total of 85 patients (age 61.1 ± 15.1 years) with at least one test/year were included. Results: The median follow up was 36 months (21.3, 67.2). A total of 219 PETs were performed. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that there were no statistically significant differences over time in ultrafiltration, free water transport, ultrafiltration through small pores, sodium removal, D/D0 and D/PCre in repeated PET-tests. Twenty-three tests revealed ultrafiltration failure in 16 (18.8%) patients. Those patients were longer on PD, had higher D/P creatinine ratios, lower ultrafiltration at one hour with lower free water transport and higher urine volume at baseline. Multivariate analysis revealed that the variation of ultrafiltration over repeated PET-tests independently correlated only with D/Pcreatinine, free water transport and ultrafiltration through small pores. Conclusions. Uni-PET is a combination of two tests that provides more information on the function of the membrane compared with PET. Our study on a PD cohort using only biocompatible solutions revealed that function membrane parameters remained stable over a long time. Ultrafiltration failure was correlated with increased D/P creatinine and decreased free water transport and ultrafiltration through small pores.

Biological Effects of XyloCore, a Glucose Sparing PD Solution, on Mesothelial Cells: Focus on Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Inflammation and Angiogenesis.

Glucose-based solutions remain the most used osmotic agents in peritoneal dialysis (PD), but unavoidably they contribute to the loss of peritoneal filtration capacity. Here, we evaluated at a molecular level the effects of XyloCore, a new PD solution with a low glucose content, in mesothelial and endothelial cells. Cell viability, integrity of mesothelial and endothelial cell membrane, activation of mesothelial and endothelial to mesenchymal transition programs, inflammation, and angiogenesis were evaluated by several techniques. Results showed that XyloCore preserves mesothelial and endothelial cell viability and membrane integrity. Moreover XyloCore, unlike glucose-based solutions, does not exert pro-fibrotic, -inflammatory, and -angiogenic effects. Overall, the in vitro evidence suggests that XyloCore could represent a potential biocompatible solution promising better outcomes in clinical practice.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Acai berry and Elderberry extracts and investigation of their effect on prostate and pancreatic cancer cells.

Green nanotechnology has drawn major attention because of its ecofriendly and economical biosynthetic protocols. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using plant secondary metabolites is considered as a safer and cheaper option. Plants contain phytochemicals that has been used traditionally for treatment of various diseases, and proved to be non-toxic to healthy tissues. These phytochemicals play an important role in bio-reduction processes as reducing and stabilizing agents, and renders NPs selective toxicity towards diseased tissues. The study reports on the synthesis of AuNPs using Acai berry (AB) and Elderberry (EB) extracts and their anti-cancer properties. Formation of berry-AuNPs was confirmed through measurement of physico-chemical properties. The stability of the AuNPs was tested in biocompatible solutions. Anti-cancer activity of berry extracts and AuNPs was evaluated on the prostate (PC-3) and pancreatic (Panc-1) cancer cells. The berry extracts did not show toxicity to the cells, except for AB extracts on PC-3 cells at higher concentrations. The berry-AuNPs showed potential anti-cancer activities, and these effects could be further exploited for treatment of both the prostate and pancreatic cancers. Further studies are required to study the NP mechanism of action and specificity, as well as identify the phytochemicals involved in the synthesis of AuNPs.

Natural Biomaterials for Cardiac Tissue Engineering: A Highly Biocompatible Solution.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) constitute a major fraction of the current major global diseases and lead to about 30% of the deaths, i.e., 17.9 million deaths per year. CVD include coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), arrhythmias, heart failure, heart valve diseases, congenital heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. Cardiac Tissue Engineering (CTE) aims to address these conditions, the overall goal being the efficient regeneration of diseased cardiac tissue using an ideal combination of biomaterials and cells. Various cells have thus far been utilized in pre-clinical studies for CTE. These include adult stem cell populations (mesenchymal stem cells) and pluripotent stem cells (including autologous human induced pluripotent stem cells or allogenic human embryonic stem cells) with the latter undergoing differentiation to form functional cardiac cells. The ideal biomaterial for cardiac tissue engineering needs to have suitable material properties with the ability to support efficient attachment, growth, and differentiation of the cardiac cells, leading to the formation of functional cardiac tissue. In this review, we have focused on the use of biomaterials of natural origin for CTE. Natural biomaterials are generally known to be highly biocompatible and in addition are sustainable in nature. We have focused on those that have been widely explored in CTE and describe the original work and the current state of art. These include fibrinogen (in the context of Engineered Heart Tissue, EHT), collagen, alginate, silk, and Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Amongst these, fibrinogen, collagen, alginate, and silk are isolated from natural sources whereas PHAs are produced via bacterial fermentation. Overall, these biomaterials have proven to be highly promising, displaying robust biocompatibility and, when combined with cells, an ability to enhance post-MI cardiac function in pre-clinical models. As such, CTE has great potential for future clinical solutions and hence can lead to a considerable reduction in mortality rates due to CVD.

Comparison of Longitudinal Membrane Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients According to Dialysis Fluid Biocompatibility

IntroductionPreservation of peritoneal function is essential in long-term peritoneal dialysis. Biocompatible dialysis solutions might prevent or postpone the membrane alteration resulting in ultrafiltration failure and consecutive morbidity and mortality.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study in which we made a longitudinal comparison between the course of peritoneal solute and fluid transport during treatment with conventional and biocompatible solutions. Therefore, prospectively collected peritoneal transport data from the yearly standard peritoneal permeability analysis were analyzed in 251 incident patients treated between 1994 and censoring in 2016. Fluid transport included small pore and free water transport. Solute transport was assessed by creatinine mass transfer area coefficient and glucose absorption. Linear mixed models including change point analyses were performed. Interaction with peritonitis was examined.ResultsOne hundred thirty-five patients received conventional and 116 biocompatible solutions. Sixty-seven percent (conventional) and 64% (biocompatible) of these underwent minimally three transport measurements. Initially, biocompatible fluids showed higher small solute transport and lower ultrafiltration than conventional fluids up to 3 years. Thereafter, conventional fluids showed an increase in small solute transport (+2.7 ml/min per year; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9 to 4.5) and a decrease of free water transport (−28.0 ml/min per year; 95% CI: −60.4 to 4.4). These were minor or absent in biocompatible treatment. Peritonitis induced a decrease of transcapillary ultrafiltration after 2 years on dialysis with conventional solutions (−291 ml/min per year; 95% CI: −550 to −32) while this was absent in biocompatible treatment.ConclusionDespite a higher initial solute transport with biocompatible solutions, these have less influence on functional long-term peritoneal alterations than conventional solutions.

RegenHeart: A Time-Effective, Low-Concentration, Detergent-Based Method Aiming for Conservative Decellularization of the Whole Heart Organ

Heart failure is the worst outcome of all cardiovascular diseases and still represents nowadays the leading cause of mortality with no effective clinical treatments, apart from organ transplantation with allogeneic or artificial substitutes. Although applied as the gold standard, allogeneic heart transplantation cannot be considered a permanent clinical answer because of several drawbacks, as the side effects of administered immunosuppressive therapies. For the increasing number of heart failure patients, a biological cardiac substitute based on a decellularized organ and autologous cells might be the lifelong, biocompatible solution free from the need for immunosuppression regimen. A novel decellularization method is here proposed and tested on rat hearts in order to reduce the concentration and incubation time with cytotoxic detergents needed to render acellular these organs. By protease inhibition, antioxidation, and excitation–contraction uncoupling in simultaneous perfusion/submersion modality, a strongly limited exposure to detergents was sufficient to generate very well-preserved acellular hearts with unaltered extracellular matrix macro- and microarchitecture, as well as bioactivity.

SO070THE SPECTRUM OF RENAL OSTEODYSTROPHY IN PREVALENT PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS IN 21ST CENTURY - A HISTOMORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF BONE BIOPSIES

Abstract Background and Aims The spectrum of renal osteodystrophy (ROD) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients remains to be clarified. Most studies are old and the results inconsistent. Also there were changes in clinical practice that may have influenced the bone histology in PD patients. Method In order to characterize ROD in prevalent PD population, we performed tetracycline-labelled bone biopsies in 49 PD patients with histomorphometric analysis according KDIGO guidelines. Exclusion criteria: history of kidney transplant, hemodialysis, treatment with agents interfering in bone metabolism (for example bisphosphonates). Hands and pelvis x-ray were performed to evaluate vascular calcification (VC) and to calculate the Adragão score. All patients were treated with biocompatible PD solutions, with calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L. Results Forty-nine patients participated in the study, with 32 biopsies analyzed so far. Mean age was 52.4±10.9 years, 16 male, 6 with diabetes mellitus, 23 on manual PD, median time on PD was 22.1 (3-61) months. Mean calcium, phosphate and PTH were 9.2±0.5 mg/dL, 4.9±1.0 mg/dL and 489.87±227.8 pg/mL, respectively. Vascular calcification was detected in 29% of patients and mean Adragão score was 1.13. Essential histomorphometric and selected data is represented in table 1: Bone volume (BV) tended to be lower in diabetics - 17.1% (10.1-23.1) compared with non-diabetics – 22.6% (12.7-41.4) (p=0.07). Median bone formation rate (BFR) tended to be lower - 21.39 µm3/µm2/y (8.2-53.2) in diabetic patients than in non-diabetics - 28.63 µm3/µm2/y (3.5-89.77) (p=0.80). PTH levels also tended to be lower in diabetics – 384.8 pg/mL compared to non-diabetics – 514.1 pg/mL (p=0.14). BV tended to be lower in patients with VC – 19.1% (10.1-27) compared with patients without VC - 22.6% (12.7-41.4) (p=0.23). VC was detected on x-ray in all 6 patients with diabetes and only in 11.5% (3 in 26) of non-diabetic patients. Conclusion Similar to previous reports, the most frequent ROD pattern was ABD. However, PD patients with ABD had mean PTH of 405 pg/mL, a value well within the recommended KDIGO targets. This reinforces PTH as a far from ideal marker of bone turnover and suggests different targets for PTH levels in this seemingly highly susceptible population to ABD even when treated with low calcium dialysate. The proportion of patients with normal bone was higher than previously published. This finding can be explained by differences in the classification of ROD and prescription of biocompatible PD solutions in all patients. Diabetic patients tended to have lower BV and BFR. This finding is not surprising considering osteoblastic toxicity caused by advanced glycation end products. Also diabetic patients have a state of relative hypoparathyroidism. In conclusion, the most frequent pattern was ABD. Diabetic patients on PD may be a different subgroup.

P1200PERITONEAL PROTEIN LOSSES: WHAT DO WE MEAN

Abstract Background and Aims The report of peritoneal protein loss should be related with a timely collection (24-hour measurement or 4-hour PET assessment) or concentration. Standardized and reproducible estimation of peritoneal protein transport is obtained during PET. The 24-hour measurements estimate the real amount of PPL, but may be affected by other factors unrelated to the prognosis of PD patients, as inconsistencies in collection and management of the samples. Overall, PET protein loss quantification may be a more specific marker of peritoneal large-pore dysfunction and is seemingly more convenient than 24-hour measurements. The aim of this study was to compare the results of both sampling methods. Method A total of 144 adult incident PD patients were included. A standard peritoneal equilibration test, 24-hour urine and dialysate collection, and multifrequency bioimpedance analysis were performed. Independent-samples t test and Pearson correlation coefficient were performed to evaluate relevant clinical associations. Results Statistically significant univariable relationships for 24h PPL were found for continuous ambulatory PD technique (CAPD) and, with a correlation coefficient >0.20, for pulse pressure, 4-hour dialysate/plasma creatinine and extracellular water/total body water. Studying 240 min PPL, only with 4-hour dialysate/plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance and bicarbonate levels were statistically significant. In both samples there was no significant association with age, gender, type of effluent (biocompatible solutions or lactate plus bicarbonate comparing with bicarbonate), comorbidity Charlson Index, or presence of diabetes. Correlation between 240 min PPL and 24h PPL ensues, but it is not strong (p<0.001; r=0.365). Conclusion The weak correlation between 24h and 240 minutes show that these two measurements should not be considered equivalent. Measurements of a 24h sample might be more close to patients’ clinical status and prognosis, despite more frequent sampling errors. PET protein loss quantification should be regarded as a marker of peritoneal large-pore dysfunction.

P1133XYLITOL-BASED PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SOLUTIONS MITIGATED IN VITRO MESOTHELIAL AND ENDOTHELIAL TO MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION

Abstract Background and Aims Fibrosis, angiogenesis and microvascular alteration are main pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the progressive loss of the peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Main cause of this condition is the continuous peritoneal exposure to hyperosmotic and hyperglycaemic agents. High glucose level activates the Mesothelial to Mesenchymal Transition (MMT) and the Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal (EndMT) program, which are responsible for the development of fibrosis/chronic peritoneal damage. Moreover, the high glucose content of PD solution may induce the VEGF production with consequent neo-angiogenesis. Therefore, the introduction of more biocompatible solutions in clinical practice is necessary for preserving the long-term peritoneal membrane. To this purpose we tested the in vitro effects of a new commercially available PD solutions containing xylitol, carnitine and reduced glucose, at comparable osmotic strength (XyloCore). Method Human vein microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) were cultured in EGM™-2MV medium (Lonza) and Human peritoneal mesothelial cell line (HMrSV5) were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM; Gibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Cells were cultured to confluence and then treated for 3 hours with serum free medium, XyloCore 0.7 (0.5% Glucose, 0.7% Xylitol and 0.02% L-carnitine), XyloCore 1.5 (0.5% Glucose, 1.5% Xylitol and 0.02% L-carnitine) and commercially available glucose-based solutions (Fixioneal) 1.36% and 2.27% Glucose. Gene expression of MMT/EndMT, apoptosis, inflammation, extracellular remodeling and angiogenesis markers was evaluated by real-time PCR. Cell viability was assayed by MTS assay. Results Our in vitro results demonstrated that XyloCore solutions, by influencing only partially the mesothelial and endothelial cells viability, demonstrated a good biocompatible profile. Then, gene expression analysis of HMVEC and HMrSV5 treated with XyloCore solutions revealed a significant down-regulation of transcripts encoding for MMT and EndMT biomarkers (Zinc finger protein SNAI1, TGF-beta, alpha-SMA and vimentin), and pivotal biological elements involved in apoptosis (Bcl-2), extracellular matrix remodeling (matrix metallopeptidases), inflammation (IL-1beta, IL-6) and angiogenesis (Vascular endothelial growth factor) compared to glucose-based solutions with comparable osmotic strength. Conclusion These in vitro results demonstrated, for the first time, that XyloCore solutions have a better biocompatible impact and less pro-fibrotic potentials compared to conventional glucose-based solutions. These effects, if confirmed in in vivo studies, could have interesting clinical potentials.

SO074VASCULAR CALCIFICATION IN PREVALENT PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH CLINICAL AND BONE HISTOMORFOMETRIC PARAMETERS

Abstract Background and Aims Vascular calcification (VC) is associated to morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney patients. However, it remains to clarify the relationship between VC and renal osteodystrophy (ROD) evaluated by bone biopsy in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Method In order to characterize the relationship between VC and ROD in prevalent PD population, we performed tetracycline-labelled bone biopsies with histomorphometric analysis according KDIGO guidelines. Hands and pelvis x-ray were performed to evaluate VC and to calculate Adragão Score. Exclusion criteria: previous kidney transplant, hemodialysis, treatment with agents interfering in bone metabolism (for example bisphosphonates). All patients were treated with biocompatible PD solutions, with calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L. Results Thirty-one patients participated in the study. Mean age was 52.32±11.09 years, 16 male, 6 with diabetes mellitus (DM), 22 on manual PD, median time on PD was 12 (3-61) months. Mean calcium, phosphate and PTH were 9.2±0.5 mg/dL, 4.9±1.0 mg/dL and 486.0±230.5 pg/mL, respectively. Most frequent diagnosed ROD pattern was adynamic bone disease (44.4%) followed by hiperparathyroid bone disease (33.3%) and normal bone (14.8%). VC was detected in 29% of patients and mean Adragão score was 1.13. However, 100% of diabetics had VC on x-ray compared to 12% of non-diabetics. Clinical, analytical and histomorphometric essential data is represented in table 1: Also no significant differences were observed between the patients with or without VC in ROD patterns on bone biopsy, glucose load in PD solutions, prescribed phosphate binders namely calcium-based binders, active vitamin D or calcimimetics. In diabetic patients, bone volume tended to be lower (17.26% vs 22.54%; p=0.072) comparing to non-diabetics. Bone formation rate was similar in diabetics and non-diabetics (25.39 vs 27.71µm3/µm2/y) as mineralization lag time (18.7 vs 20.1 days). Conclusion ROD evaluated by bone biopsy and the proportion of PD patients with VC on x-ray were similar to previous reports. However, in the present study a striking difference in VC was detected in diabetics – all diabetic patients had VC demonstrated radiographically. This finding was not explained by differences in calcium, phosphate, PTH levels or other studied factors. So DM could be a strong risk factor to VC in this population. Also, patients with VC were older, with higher sedimentation rate and lower total KT/V. It is possible that diabetic patients represent a different subgroup, particularly prone to lower bone volume and specially VC. They might benefit from higher dialysis dose and aggressive approaches to prevent or retard VC. This remains to be proved in properly designed prospective studies. In conclusion, age, sedimentation rate, total KT/V and presence of diabetes were associated to VC in prevalent PD patients. Diabetics may be a subgroup of PD patients with very high risk of VC.

Synthesis and Characterization of Fluoridated Silver Nanoparticles and Their Potential as a Non-Staining Anti-Caries Agent.

ObjectivesThe first objective of this study was to prepare sodium fluoride (NaF) solution with various concentrations of polyethylene glycol-coated silver nanoparticles (PEG-AgNPs). The second objective was to study the antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and the tooth-staining effect of the solution.MethodsPEG-AgNPs were prepared via the one-step chemical reduction of silver acetate with thiolated polyethylene glycol. The PEG-AgNPs were characterized with ultraviolet-visible spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for the PEG-AgNPs against Streptococcus mutans and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were determined. The staining effect on dentin and enamel for the 2.5% NaF solutions with PEG-AgNPs at 12,800, 6400, 1600, and 400 ppm was investigated using digital spectrophotometry. The IC50 of the fluoridated silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans were measured.ResultsThe PEG-AgNPs have an average diameter of 2.56±0.43 nm and showed excellent stability at high ionic strength (2.5% NaF) for 18 months. The IC50 of PEG-AgNPs against Streptococcus mutans was found to be 21.16±1.08 ppm silver, which was half of IC50 against HGF-1 cells (42.36±1.12 ppm), providing a working range to kill bacteria with no harm to human cells. The formulations with different concentrations of PEG-AgNPs showed no significant staining of teeth. Combining PEG-AgNPs with NaF significantly expanded the therapeutic window against Streptococcus mutans by reducing its IC50.ConclusionA biocompatible solution of NaF with PEG-AgNPs was developed. Because it has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and no tooth-staining effect, it can be used as an anti-caries agent.

Microalgal-based biopolymer for nano- and microplastic removal: a possible biosolution for wastewater treatment

The increasing water pollution caused by the presence of nano- and microplastics has shown a need to pursue solutions to remediate this problem. In this work, an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) producing freshwater Cyanothece sp. strain was exposed to nano- and microplastics. The bioflocculant capacity of the biopolymer produced was evaluated. The influence of different concentrations (1 and 10 mg L−1) of polystyrene nano- and microplastics in the extracellular carbohydrates and in the EPS production was studied. The presence of nano- and microplastics induced a negative effect on the microalgal growth (of up to 47%). The results show that the EPS produced by Cyanothece sp. exhibits high bioflocculant activity in low concentrations. Also, the EPS displayed very favourable characteristics for aggregation, as the aggregates were confirmed to consist of microalga, EPS and both the nano- and microplastics. These results highlight the potential of the microalgal-based biopolymers to replace hazardous synthetic flocculants used in wastewater treatment, while aggregating and flocculating nano- and microplastics, demonstrating to be a multi-purposed, compelling, biocompatible solution to nano- and microplastic pollution.

Evaluation of the Mechanical Behavior of a Biocomposite Material in a Fuselage Section Numerical Drop Test

AbstractThe ever‐increasing need for eco‐compatibility in all sectors of industry is pushing scientific research to look for the so‐called environmentally friendly materials characterized by minimal environmental impact during the manufacturing process and high recyclability. In the aeronautical sector composites are well established for primary and secondary structures, but alternative biocompatible solutions are found out even if great efforts are being required to improve their properties. In this work, the mechanical behavior of a biocomposite material is tested by implementing it in an existing numerical model of a fuselage section subject to a vertical drop test. Deformations and failures of biocomposite parts are evaluated providing indications on their possible compliance with crashworthiness and airworthiness requirements.

Synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Bismuth is a biocompatible material that can be employed in the form of nanoparticles to be used as a possible alternative contrast medium for diagnostics. In particular, it has been prepared as spherical nanoparticles in liquid solution by using the technique of the pulsed laser ablation in water. The high atomic number Bi nanoparticles in the solution show surface plasmon resonance effects, high mass absorption coefficient for soft X-ray interaction and high electron and nuclear stopping powers for electrons and ion beams. This biocompatible solution can be injected into living systems, such as mice, in order to study the up-take effect in different organs with a high contrast spatial localization of the X-ray images in the tissues in which the nanoparticles are confined. The high contrast medium for high-resolution imaging in biological systems can be also used as targeting for successive exposure to ionizing radiation during radiotherapy or hyperthermia of diseased cells. The obtained results demonstrate high contrast images of Bi nanoparticles in biological environment by using the X-ray fluorescence in the electron microscopy and the X-ray absorption in mice.

Nanomedicine: an emerging era of theranostics and therapeutics for rheumatoid arthritis.

RA is a multifactorial autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by synovitis, bone destruction and joint dysfunction that leads to shortening of lifespan and increased mortality rates. Currently available treatments of RA, by controlling various symptoms, only delay disease progression and have their own side effects. Consequently, there is the need for a novel therapeutic strategy that offers a more sustainable and biocompatible solution. Nanomedicine is a modern branch of nanobiotechnology that provides targeted therapy to inflamed rheumatic joints and thus prevents unwanted off-target side effects. This review highlights various nanotheranostic and nanotherapeutic strategies that are currently being used for the treatment of RA.

Marine vs freshwater microalgae exopolymers as biosolutions to microplastics pollution

Microalgae can excrete exopolymer substances (EPS) with a potential to form hetero-aggregates with microplastic particles. In this work, two freshwater (Microcystis panniformis and Scenedesmus sp.) and two marine (Tetraselmis sp. and Gloeocapsa sp.) EPS producing microalgae were exposed to different microplastics. In this study, the influence of the microplastic particles type, size and density in the production of EPS and hetero-aggregates potential was studied. Most microalgae contaminated with microplastics displayed a cell abundance decrease (of up to 42%) in the cultures. The results showed that the formed aggregates were composed of microalgae and EPS (homo-aggregates) or a combination of microalgae, EPS and microplastics (hetero-aggregates). The hetero-aggregation was dependent on the size and yield production of EPS, which was species specific. Microcystis panniformis and Scenedesmus sp. exhibited small EPS, with a higher propension to disaggregate, and consequently lower capabilities to aggregate microplastics. Tetraselmis sp. displayed a higher ability to aggregate both low and high-density microplastics, being partially limited by the size of the microplastics. Gloeocapsa sp. had an outstanding EPS production and presented excellent microplastic aggregation capabilities (adhered onto the surface and also incorporated into the EPS). The results highlight the potential of microalgae to produce EPS and flocculate microplastics, contributing to their vertical transport and consequent deposition. Thus, this work shows the potential of microalgae as biocompatible solutions to water microplastics treatment.