Mechanical Properties Of Matrices Research Articles

Phase change materials embedded in expanded clay aggregates to develop energy storage concrete: A review

Thermal energy storage (TES) based on phase change materials (PCM) is an effective strategy to reduce energy consumption in buildings. The efficient implementation of TES in building through PCMs, requires modification of their thermal performance, appropriate design and evaluation of their thermal and economic efficiency. One major challenge in the application of PCMs is the selection of high-performance and environmental-friendly supporting materials to overcome the most critical drawback of PCMs (solid-to-liquid transition and resulting leakage). This review focuses on expanded clay (EC) lightweight aggregate (LWA), as one of the promising supporting materials for development of form-stabilized PCM (FSPCM) in the lightweight concrete (LWC) industry. The large specific surface area and porous structure of expanded clay can maintain considerable amount of PCM. In addition, mechanical properties and compatibility with various PCMs make EC a suitable carrier. A detailed review of available researches is presented to elucidate the properties of PCMs embedded in EC for thermally efficient cement-based concrete. Various combinations of EC with the most used PCMs, thermal and mechanical properties of matrices containing PCM-EC, strategies to improve the efficiency of PCM performance, and finally the impact of PCM-EC based concretes on the thermal comfort of buildings are critically summarized.

Experimental study of synthetic polymeric materials as a basis for developing advanced carrier matrices for cultivating limbal stem cells

Objective: to conduct an experimental study on the properties of three different types of synthetic polyester matrices, to carry out their comparative assessment, and to identify the optimal carrier for the cultivation and transplantation of limbal stem cells while eliminating limbal insufficiency. Materials and methods. Transparency, mechanical properties (strength, relative elongation at break, and elastic modulus), biocompatibility with corneal cell cultures were assessed, and duration of matrix biodegradation in vivo were studied. Results. In the course of our study, the optical and mechanical properties of matrices, made of polylactide-glycolide (PLG), polylactide-caprolactone (PLC) and poly-E-caprolactone (PCL), were studied. It has been experimentally shown that limbal stem cells of humans and rabbits, as well as human corneal epithelial cells, adhered to the surface of all types of the studied matrices. During the cultivation process, they retained the typical structure of the actin cytoskeleton, along with the ability to proliferate and migrate. Differences in the interaction of different cell cultures with different types of carriers were revealed. The biodegradation time of 5 μm thick PLC matrices was about 30 days. Conclusion. Our results obtained implied the possibility of using 5 µm thick PLC matrices as a carrier for cultured limbal stem cells.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL)–POLY (VINYL PYRROLIDONE) MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL PATCHES FOR DELIVERY OF LIDOCAINE HCL

Objective: The objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize a buccal mucoadhesive patch using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a mucoadhesive matrix, Eudragit S100 as a backing layer, and lidocaine HCl as a model drug.Methods: Lidocaine HCl buccal patches were prepared using double casting technique. Molecular interactions in the polymer matrices were studied using attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry. Mechanical and mucoadhesive properties were measured using texture analyzer. In vitro permeation of lidocaine HCl from the patch was conducted using Franz diffusion cell.Results: Both of the free and lidocaine HCl patches were smooth and transparent, with good flexibility and strength. ATR-FTIR, DSC and X-ray diffractometry studies confirmed the interaction of PVA and PVP. Mechanical properties of matrices containing 60% PVP were significantly lower than those containing 20% PVP (*P<0.05). Mucoadhesive properties had a tendency to decrease with the concentration of PVP in the patch. The patch containing 60% PVP had significantly lower muco-adhesiveness than those containing 20% PVP (*P<0.05). In vitro permeation revealed that the pattern of lidocaine HCl permeation started with an initial fast permeation, followed by a slower permeation rate. The initial permeation fluxes follow the zero-order model of which rate was not affected by the PVP concentrations in the PVA/PVP matrix.Conclusion: Mucoadhesive buccal patches fabricated with PVA/PVP were successfully prepared. Incorporation of PVP in PVA/PVP matrix affected the strength of polymeric matrix and mucoadhesive property of patches.

Abstract A01: Mechanical properties of matrices strongly influence spontaneous tumor dormancy and responses to chemotherapy in a 3D model of metastasis

Abstract Background: Distant metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer (BrCa)-related mortality with half of the disseminated disease emerging clinically after 5 or more years of seeming “cure” of the primary tumor. The lack of relevant accessible model systems for metastasis has hindered our understanding of the molecular basis of metastasis and the development of therapies against these lethal outgrowths. Furthermore, standard culture techniques employ rigid surfaces that are associated with driving even non-transformed cells towards aggressive phenotypes. To address this gap, we previously developed an innovative all-human 3D ex vivo hepatic microphysiological system (MPS) that faithfully reproduces human liver physiology. This MPS also enables spontaneous dormancy in subpopulations of, but not all, BrCa cells. In this study, we query this subpopulation effect by examining matrix stiffness on the occurrence of spontaneous tumor dormancy; we compared a conventional polystyrene material (~3 GPa) to a PEG-based hydrogel biomaterial (~100 kPa) that more closely approaches the malleable physiologic consistency of the liver (~600 Pa). We hypothesized that providing a more physiological environment would promote BrCa dormancy and provide increased protection from chemotherapy as observed in patients, enabling the study of this elusive but critical stage in cancer progression. Methods: A hepatic all-human MPS was retrofitted with hydrogel scaffolding in place of the standard polystyrene. Hydrogel scaffolds were formed by micromolding with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and UV-initiated free radical polymerization. Prior to polymerization, a SynKRGD peptide sequence was conjugated to PEGDa via Michael-type addition to aid in hepatocyte interaction with the hydrogel. The MPS incorporated de-identified excess primary human hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) isolated from therapeutic patient liver resections. MDA-MB-231 BrCa cells (RFP labeled) were seeded on day 3 and allowed time to intercalate into the hepatic tissue prior to treatment with chemotherapies on day 7 for 72 h. Proliferation was determined by RFP quantification, Ki67 staining and EdU incorporation. Hepatic tissue function was monitored by protein catabolism (urea), metabolism (glucose, CYP P450) and injury markers (AST, ALT). Multiplex bead-based immunoassays of 77 analytes were used to assess physiologic tissue health, cancer markers and inflammatory signals as well as to discern signaling networks within the metastatic niche. Results: The use of hydrogels in this system further fostered spontaneous BrCa quiescent dormancy, as indicated by a lower presence of BrCa cells and decreased proliferation. Hepatic tissue in hydrogel scaffolds secreted lower levels of pro-inflammatory analytes and NPCs were more responsive to inflammatory stimuli. As a result, high dose chemotherapy that targets proliferating cells was less effective against BrCa cells within tissues supported by hydrogel scaffolds. Interestingly, proliferation (emergence) of BrCa cells was observed following treatment with the lower doses of chemotherapy. The lower doses may be damaging the hepatic tissue, causing cellular stress and activation of the more responsive NPCs, which in turn secrete signals that promote the outgrowth and emergence of BrCa cells. Conclusion: These data suggest that using hydrogel scaffolds to more closely align the physiologic and mechanical properties of the macro-environment imparts a healthier hepatic microenvironment. This allowed for interesting insights into the effect of different chemotherapeutic doses on dormant BrCa cells, and highlights this all-human hepatic model of metastasis fitted with hydrogel scaffolds as a critical tool in the assessment and development of therapeutic strategies to target dormant metastatic BrCa. Citation Format: Amanda M. Clark, Sarah E. Wheeler, Carissa L. Young, Jaclyn Shepard Neiman, Venkateswaran Pillai, Linda Stockdale, Donna Stolz, Douglas A. Lauffenburger, Raman Venkataramanan, Linda G. Griffith, Alan Wells. Mechanical properties of matrices strongly influence spontaneous tumor dormancy and responses to chemotherapy in a 3D model of metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Engineering and Physical Sciences in Oncology; 2016 Jun 25-28; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A01.

The Leachability of Heavy Metals from Alkali-Activated Fly Ash and Blast Furnace Slag Matrices

The ability of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) to fix and immobilize heavy metals was investigated. Two raw materials were used to prepare alkali-activated matrices – high-temperature fly ash and blast furnace slag (BFS). NaOH served as an alkaline activator. Two heavy metals (Mn, Ni) were added in different amounts to find out the influence of dosage of heavy metal on the mechanical properties of the matrices and the leachability. Leachability was measured as concentration of heavy metals in leachates (ČSN EN 12457-4) by inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES). Structure of prepared matrices was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increasing of addition of heavy metals led to decrease of mechanical properties of matrices. The leaching tests showed, that both matrices can immobilize Mn and Ni in dosages of 0.1 – 2,5%. Higher dosages caused deterioration of the matrices and increased the leachability. After alkali activation both heavy metals were transformed into the form of insoluble salts.

Effect of calcium silicate sources on geopolymerisation

Seven different calcium silicate materials were used to investigate the role of calcium in geopolymerisation. At low alkalinity, the compressive strength of matrices prepared with predominantly amorphous calcium silicates (blast furnace slag) or containing crystalline phases specifically manufactured for reactivity (cement) is much higher than when the calcium is supplied as crystalline silicate minerals. The compressive strength of matrices containing natural (crystalline) calcium silicates improves with increasing alkalinity, however the opposite trend is observed in matrices synthesised with processed calcium silicate sources. The difference in compressive strength between matrices synthesised using different calcium silicate sources is significantly reduced at high alkalinity. An insufficient amount of calcium is dissolved from crystalline calcium silicates at relatively low alkalinity to enable formation of calcium silicate hydrate in coexistence with the aluminosilicate geopolymeric gel, and this leads to the poor mechanical properties of such matrices. At high alkalinity, calcium plays a lesser role in affecting the nature of the final binder, as it forms precipitates rather than hydrated gels. Thus, the different calcium silicate sources will not have a major impact on the mechanical properties of these matrices. The effects of different calcium silicates on geopolymerisation are therefore seen to depend most significantly on two factors: the crystallinity of the calcium silicate source, and the alkalinity of the activating solution used.

Readily available porcine aortic valve matrices for use in tissue valve engineering. Is cryopreservation an option?

The clinical use of acellular biological valves as scaffolds in tissue valve engineering would require them to be readily available. This study examines the feasibility of cryopreserving porcine aortic valve matrices for use in tissue valve engineering. Matrices prepared using an enzymatic-detergent decellularization protocol were examined before and after cryopreservation. The biochemical status of tissues were evaluated by collagen and uronic acid (proteoglycan) determination and their mechanical properties were determined using a burst test. The histological and ultrastructural properties were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Cryopreservation did not significantly affect the collagen and uronic acid content of aortic leaflet matrices. Histological and ultrastructural sections, however, confirmed extensive disruption of the extracellular collagen matrix and inter-fibrillar proteoglycan associations following cryopreservation. Although neither the breakage force nor the maximum force at failure was significantly different in matrices before and after cryopreservation, the strain observed in matrices was significantly higher after cryopreservation. To our knowledge this is the first study to investigate the effects of cryopreservation on aortic valve matrices. Cryopreservation did not significantly alter the biochemical properties of porcine aortic valve matrices. Nevertheless, cryopreservation had significant adverse effects on the structural and mechanical properties of matrices. Cryopreserved matrices showed significantly higher strain when stressed compared to non cryopreserved matrices. While, theoretically matrices are only expected to be functional for a limited time until regenerated in vivo, further mechanical testing is necessary to evaluate the effects of these changes on the durability of porcine aortic valve matrices for use in tissue valve engineering.

Behavior of fibroblasts on a porous hyaluronic acid incorporated collagen matrix.

A hyaluronic acid (HA) incorporated porous collagen matrix was fabricated at -70 degrees C by lyophilization. The HA incorporated collagen matrix showed increased pore size in comparison with collagen matrix. Biodegradability and mechanical properties of matrices were controllable by varying the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation time for cross-linking collagen molecules. Addition of HA to collagen matrix did not effect ultimate tensile stress after UV irradiation. HA incorporated collagen matrices demonstrated a higher resistance against the collagenase degradation than collagen matrix. In an in vitro investigation of cellular behavior using dermal fibroblasts on the porous matrix, HA incorporated collagen matrix induced increased dermal fibroblast migration and proliferation in comparison with collagen matrix. These results suggest that the HA incorporated collagen porous matrix assumes to enhance dermal fibroblast adaptation and regenerative potential.

Bioabsorbable polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering capable of sustained growth factor delivery

Engineering new tissues utilizing cell transplantation on biodegradable polymer matrices is an attractive approach to treat patients suffering from the loss or dysfunction of a number of tissues and organs. The matrices must maintain structural integrity during the process of tissue formation, and promote the vascularization of the developing tissue. A number of molecules (angiogenic factors) have been identified that promote the formation of new vascular beds from endothelial cells present within tissues, and the localized, controlled delivery of these factors from a matrix may allow an enhanced vascularization of engineered tissues. We have developed a gas foaming polymer processing approach that allows the fabrication of three-dimensional porous matrices from bioabsorbable materials (e.g., copolymers of lactide and glycolide [PLG]) without the use of organic solvents or high temperatures. The effects of several processing parameters (e.g., gas type, polymer composition and molecular weight) on the process were studied. Several gases (CO 2, N 2, He) were utilized in the fabrication process, but only CO 2 resulted in the formation of highly porous, structurally intact matrices. Crystalline polymers (polylactide and polyglycolide) did not form porous matrices, while amorphous copolymers (50:50, 75:25, and 85:15 ratio of lactide:glycolide) foamed to yield matrices with porosity up to 95%. The mechanical properties of matrices were also regulated by the choice of PLG composition and molecular weight. Angiogenic factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor) were subsequently incorporated into matrices during the fabrication process, and released in a controlled manner. Importantly, the released growth factor retains over 90% of its bioactivity. In summary, a promising system for the incorporation and delivery of angiogenic factors from three-dimensional, biodegradable polymer matrices has been developed, and the fabrication process allows incorporation under mild conditions.

Cherubism: Report of a case with renal pathology

Engineering new tissues utilizing cell transplantation on biodegradable polymer matrices is an attractive approach to treat patients suffering from the loss or dysfunction of a number of tissues and organs. The matrices must maintain structural integrity during the process of tissue formation, and promote the vascularization of the developing tissue. A number of molecules (angiogenic factors) have been identified that promote the formation of new vascular beds from endothelial cells present within tissues, and the localized, controlled delivery of these factors from a matrix may allow an enhanced vascularization of engineered tissues. We have developed a gas foaming polymer processing approach that allows the fabrication of three-dimensional porous matrices from bioabsorbable materials (e.g., copolymers of lactide and glycolide [PLG]) without the use of organic solvents or high temperatures. The effects of several processing parameters (e.g., gas type, polymer composition and molecular weight) on the process were studied. Several gases (CO2, N2, He) were utilized in the fabrication process, but only CO2 resulted in the formation of highly porous, structurally intact matrices. Crystalline polymers (polylactide and polyglycolide) did not form porous matrices, while amorphous copolymers (50:50, 75:25, and 85:15 ratio of lactide:glycolide) foamed to yield matrices with porosity up to 95%. The mechanical properties of matrices were also regulated by the choice of PLG composition and molecular weight. Angiogenic factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor) were subsequently incorporated into matrices during the fabrication process, and released in a controlled manner. Importantly, the released growth factor retains over 90% of its bioactivity. In summary, a promising system for the incorporation and delivery of angiogenic factors from three-dimensional, biodegradable polymer matrices has been developed, and the fabrication process allows incorporation under mild conditions.

Study of microbuckling of fiber-reinforced composite materials

On the basis of the theory of microbuckling of lamina-reinforced composites and formula predicting the critical composite stress for microbuckling in the shear mode σcs published in the literature, a FORTRAN program for study of the behavior of microbuckling of fiber reinforced composites has been developed. Some types of composite materials (reinforcement of different fibers and epoxy matrix) have been studied. Graphics and curves, accounting for the dependences of the compressive stress at failure σcs from the reinforcement volume k, specimen length L, and shear modulus of resin Gr have been obtained. The comparison of the theoretical diagrams presented here and experimental and theoretical results, published in the literature shows good agreement. The basic conclusion of the work presented here is that the study could be used for other fiber reinforced composites (with different mechanical properties of matrices and fibers).