Fiber Pattern Research Articles

Engineering the Structural Uniformity of Gel Polymer Electrolytes via Pattern-Guided Alignment for Durable, Safe Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Ultrathin and super-toughness gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are the key enabling technology for durable, safe, and high-energy density solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) but extremely challenging. However, GPEs with limited uniformity and continuity exhibit an uneven Li+ flux distribution, leading to nonuniform deposition. Herein, a fiber patterning strategy for developing and engineering ultrathin (16µm) fibrous GPEs with high ionic conductivity (≈0.4 mS cm-1 ) and superior mechanical toughness (≈613%) for durable and safe SSLMBs is proposed. The special patterned structure provides fast Li+ transport channels and tailoring solvation structure of traditional LiPF6 -based carbonate electrolyte, enabling rapid ionic transfer kinetics and uniform Li+ flux, and boosting stability against Li anodes, thus realizing ultralong Li plating/stripping in the symmetrical cell over 3000h at 1.0mA cm-2 , 1.0 mAh cm-2 . Moreover, the SSLMBs with high LiFePO4 loading of 10.58mg cm-2 deliver ultralong stable cycling life over 1570 cycles at 1.0 C with 92.5% capacity retention and excellent rate capacity of 129.8 mAh g-1 at 5.0 C with a cut-off voltage of 4.2V (100% depth-of-discharge). Patterned GPEs systems are powerful strategies for producing durable and safe SSLMBs.

On the identification of the ultra-structural organization of elastic fibers and their effects on the integrity of annulus fibrosus

Due to the complicated structure of the elastic fiber network in annulus fibrosus, existing in-silico studies either simplified or just overlooked its distribution pattern. Nonetheless, experimental and simulation results have proven that elastic fibers are of great importance to maintaining the structural integrity of annulus fibrosus and therefore to ensuring the load-bearing ability of intervertebral discs. Such needs call for a fine model. This work aims at developing a biphasic annulus fibrosus model by incorporating the accurate distribution pattern of collagen and elastic fibers. Both the structural parameters and intrinsic mechanical parameters were successfully identified using single lamella and inter-lamella microscopy anatomy and micromechanical testing data. The proposed model was then used to implement finite element simulations on various anterior and posterolateral multi-lamellae annulus fibrosus specimens. In general, simulation results agree well with available experimental and simulation data. On this basis, the effects of elastic fibers on the integrity of annulus fibrosus were further investigated. It was found that elastic fibers significantly influence the free swelling, radial stretching and circumferential shear performances of annulus fibrosus. Nonetheless, no significant effects were found for the circumferential stretching capability. The proposed biphasic model considers for the first time the distribution characteristics of elastic fibers at two scales, including both the principal orientations of all fiber families and the detailed distribution pattern within each family. Better understandings on the functions of collagen and elastic fibers can therefore be realized. To further enhance its prediction capability, the current model can be extended in the future by taking the fiber–matrix interaction as well as progressive damages into consideration.

Experimental feasibility investigation on wearability of cloth-type electronic devices composed of functional polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) fibers

In the fabrication of fabric-type electronic devices, especially mobile wearable devices, various electrical functions such as sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting can be realized using complex fibrous electrical components and the associated techniques such as weaving and wiring. This study introduces a hybrid cloth-type electronic device composed of PVDF and ordinary fiber yarns. Moreover, experimental protocols for evaluating the electrical performances of cloth-type electronic devices are used to check the feasibility of the proposed wearable electronic device. The magnitude of the generated voltage signal depending on the weaving pattern and types of functional fibers under impact loading were experimentally investigated, and the most appropriate weaving pattern was suggested. To check the serviceability of the proposed cloth-type wearable device, its performance was tested under various hygrothermal environmental conditions. After conducting several electro-mechanical tests and a washing test, the proposed hybrid cloth-type electronic device was found to have adequate potential for use in self-powered wearable electronic devices.

Second-grade elasticity of three-dimensional pantographic lattices: theory and numerical experiments

A continuum theory of pantographic lattices, based on second-grade elasticity, is presented. The proposed model is able to describe the mechanical behavior of a type of material structure made up of multiple layers of pantographic sheets connected with a third family of fibers. Thus, these materials are characterized by an orthogonal pattern of fibers that can bend, stretch and twist. Numerical experiments illustrate the predictive potential of the model when the material is subjected to different types of mechanical loads, including compression, torsion and two kinds of bending. Analyzing the material responses for these various tests makes it possible to reveal unusual deformation patterns characteristic of such “pantographic blocks.” Numerical simulations using the finite element method are intended to assist in designing an experimental program using 3D-printed specimens made of different materials.

FTO-dependent m6A regulates muscle fiber remodeling in an NFATC1–YTHDF2 dependent manner

BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is characterized by low lean mass without vertebral deformity. The cause-and-effect relationship between scoliosis and paraspinal muscle imbalance has long puzzled researchers. Although FTO has been identified as a susceptibility gene for AIS, its potential role in the asymmetry of paraspinal muscles has not been fully elucidated.MethodsWe investigated the role of Fto in murine myoblast proliferation, migration, and myogenic differentiation. We examined its precise regulatory influence on murine muscle fiber remodeling in vitro and in vivo. We identified the downstream target gene of Fto by screening key regulators of murine muscle fiber remodeling and identified its m6A reader. Deep paraspinal muscle samples were obtained from the concave and convex sides of AIS patients with or without Schroth exercises, and congenital scoliosis served as a control group. We compared the content of type I fibers, expression patterns of fast- and slow-type genes, and levels of FTO expression.ResultsFTO contributed to maintain the formation of murine slow-twitch fibers both in vitro and in vivo. These effects were mediated by the demethylation activity of FTO, which specifically demethylated NFATC1 and prevented YTHDF2 from degrading it. We found a significant reduction in type I fibers, mRNA levels of MYH7 and MYH7B, and expression of FTO on the concave side of AIS. The percentage of type I fibers showed a positive correlation with the expression level of FTO. The asymmetric patterns observed in AIS were consistent with those seen in congenital scoliosis, and the asymmetry of FTO expression and fiber type in AIS was largely restored by Schroth exercises.ConclusionsFTO supports the formation of murine slow-twitch fibers in an NFATC1–YTHDF2 dependent manner. The consistent paraspinal muscle features seen in AIS and congenital scoliosis, as well as the reversible pattern of muscle fibers and expression of FTO in AIS suggest that FTO may contribute to the muscle fiber remodeling secondary to scoliosis.

The Synergy of Electrospinning and Imprinting for Faithful Replication of Fiber Structures

AbstractElectrospinning is a powerful method to fabricate structures resembling the fibrous texture of the native extracellular matrix. However, the random fiber deposition of the process hinders a faithful reproduction of the fiber mesh morphology on multiple samples, which raises difficulties in experimental designs to systematically test and assess cell response in vitro. A multi‐replication process to precisely reproduce the fiber morphology on different cell culture substrates is developed. The process involves a decoupling of the fiber structure, material, and porosity by combining the key advantages of electrospinning and imprinting. With this, fiber patterns having a diameter between 0.4 and 2.8 µm are replicated on polycarbonate, polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and cyclic olefin copolymer films. Identical fiber morphology is, then, obtained on porous films having a pore diameter between 2 and 12 µm. Having full control over these parameters allows the multireplication process to engineer well‐characterized cell microenvironments, which can potentially be used to further investigate complex cell–material interactions.

High‐Resolution 3D Deposition of Electrospun Fibers on Patterned Dielectric Elastomers

Electrostatic patterning has improved the performance of devices incorporating electrospun fibers in a wide variety of applications. However, the impact of process parameters on the final fiber pattern in these systems is rarely analyzed. Herein, a systematic analytical approach is developed to define quantitative metrics related to fiber patterning. Three‐dimensional patterned dielectric elastomer collectors are fabricated via solution‐casting polydimethylsiloxane with embedded carbon black or liquid metal droplets. Fiber patterning metrics are used to evaluate the effect of collector parameters such as insulating layer thickness, electrical ground surface area, and three‐dimensional pattern geometry. Dielectric layer parameters such as conductive material concentration and particle diameter are also investigated. Using this framework, the best‐performing collector is shown to improve selectivity 30‐fold, uniformity ninefold, reproducibility eightfold, and increase fiber volume by one order of magnitude. Furthermore, eutectic gallium indium liquid metal and scaled‐up pattern geometries demonstrate the tunability of this approach and broad applicability of systematic fiber pattern analysis. This rational approach to patterned fiber development can be applied to virtually any method or pattern to better understand the fiber patterning processes.

Characteristic Analysis of Sisal Fabric and Cow Nubuck Leather for Developing Leather Lifestyle Accessories

ABSTRACT With increased awareness of the environmental issues associated with synthetic polymers, eco-friendly biodegradable materials are in high demand. This study assesses sisal fabrics’ physical, structural and thermal properties and a blend of sisal and cotton fabrics for their suitability for use with cow nubuck leather in leather product applications. All the chosen sisal fabrics were found to have mechanical properties comparable to or even better than cow nubuck leather. The tensile strength of sisal fabric is far greater than cow nubuck leather. The strength of sisal fibers ranges from 400 to 700 Mpa, whereas cow nubuck leather ranges from 10 to 40 Mpa. On the other hand, cow nubuck leather outperforms all other fabrics in terms of elongation percentage. Scanning electron microscopic analysis provided convincing evidence for characteristic fiber patterns in the individual fiber bundles (yarn) and their blend fiber composition of sisal fabrics. Sisal fabrics have a higher thermal stability than cow nubuck leather, with a degradation temperature of 230°C. According to the findings of this study, we can say that the selected sisal fabrics can be used to make leather lifestyle products.

Diet and Asthma: A Narrative Review

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that impacts millions of people worldwide. Recent studies suggest that diet may play a role in asthma pathophysiology. Several dietary factors have been recognized as potential contributors to the development and severity of asthma for its inflammatory and oxidative effects. Some food groups such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats appear to exert positive effects on asthma disease. On the other hand, a high consumption of dietary salt, saturated fats, and trans-fat seems to have the opposite effect. Nonetheless, as foods are not consumed separately, more research is warranted on the topic of dietary patterns. The mechanisms underlying these associations are not yet fully understood, but it is thought that diet can modulate both the immune system and inflammation, two key factors in asthma development and exacerbation. The purpose of this review is to examine how common food groups and dietary patterns are associated with asthma. In general, this research demonstrated that fruits and vegetables, fiber, healthy fats, and dietary patterns considered of high quality appear to be beneficial to asthma disease. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to better understand the interrelation between diet and asthma, and to determine the most effective dietary interventions for asthma prevention and management. Currently, there is no established dietary pattern for asthma management and prevention, and the nuances of certain food groups in relation to this disease require further investigation.

Characterization of antioxidant Houttuynia cordata extracts loaded polyurethane nanofibers

Herein, we analyzed total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and the antioxidant activity of the ethanol and distilled water extracted Houttuynia cordata perennial herb. Later, we investigated the possibility of producing Houttuynia cordata extract (HCE) loaded Polyurethane (PU) nanofibers via the electrospinning technique. The analysis confirmed that the total polyphenol, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of the ethanol extracted HCE were higher than the distilled water extracted HCE. Therefore, the ethanol extracted HCE was used to prepare HCE/PU nanofibers by varying concentrations of HCE and PU. The HCE/PU nanofibers showed a mixed pattern of beads and fibers at a PU concentration of 10 wt%. However, at 12 wt% PU concentration, relatively uniform nanofibers with an average diameter of about 200 nm were formed at 1.0% and 1.5 wt% of HCE. The successful incorporation of HCE in PU nanofibrous matrix was confirmed by the presence of its characteristic bands in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. The addition of HCE increased the crystallinity, the amount of heat required for pyrolysis, and the thermal stability of HCE/PU nanofibers, which must be credited to the HCE-derived quercitrin and quercetin crystallite solids.

Actin Polymerization Increases in The Ductus Arteriosus During The Developmental Transition to Lung Ventilation

The Ductus Arteriosus (DA) is an embryonic blood vessel that connects the descending aorta and the pulmonary artery during fetal development. It functions as a right-to-left shunt diverting blood away from the nonventilated lungs and to the descending aorta. The DA serves a comparable physiological role in all terrestrial vertebrates during their embryonic development. Following birth or hatching, the DA constricts in response to increase in arterial oxygen tension brought on by initiation of lung ventilation, and it closes to stop the embryonic shunt. We examined the extent of actin polymerization in the DA during the transition to lung ventilation at hatching in the chicken. We isolated and fixed DA from developing chickens on embryonic days 15 and 19 (ED15 and ED19), during internal pipping (IP) and external pipping (EP), and in hatchlings. Vessel sections were fluorescently stained with Alexa Fluor 488 (DNase 1) for G-actin, Alexa Fluor 568 (Phalloidin) for F-actin, and TOPRO-3 for nuclei staining. Fluorescence microscopy was used to image the sections and quantify F-actin to G-actin levels within the DA for each age. From the images, F-actin to G-actin ratios were determined. Embryonic stages exhibited strong G-actin staining with minimal F-actin staining. During hatching, F-actin staining became more pronounced, exhibiting clearer fiber patterns in the tunica media. F-actin to G-actin ratios increased significantly in the DA from ED15 through hatching, suggesting actin polymerization in the DA increased as the chickens progressed from day 19 to external pipping (EP). These results suggest that increases in actin polymerization play a role in ductus arteriosus constriction at hatching in chickens. This research is funded by grant R15HL14887 from the NIH-NHLBI. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

In Vivo Length Changes Between the Attachments of the Medial Patellofemoral Complex Fibers in Knees With Anatomic Risk Factors for Patellar Instability

Background: Medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) reconstruction plays an important role in the surgical treatment of patellar instability. Anatomic reconstruction is critical in re-creating the native function of the ligament, which includes minimizing length changes that occur in early flexion. Anatomic risk factors for patellar instability such as trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and increased tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance have been shown to influence the function of the MPFC graft in cadaveric studies, but the native length change patterns of the MPFC fibers in knees with anatomic risk factors have not been described. Purpose: To describe the in vivo length changes of the MPFC fibers in knees with anatomic risk factors for patellar instability and identify the optimal attachment sites for MPFC reconstruction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Dynamic computed tomography imaging was performed on the asymptomatic knee in patients with contralateral patellar instability. Three-dimensional digital knee models were created to assess knees between 0° and 50° of flexion in 10° increments. MPFC fiber lengths were calculated at each flexion angle between known anatomic attachment points on the extensor mechanism (quadriceps tendon, MPFC midpoint [M], and patella) and femur (1, 2, and 3, representing the proximal to distal femoral footprint). Changes in MPFC fiber length were compared for each condition and assessed for their relationships to morphologic risk factors (trochlear depth, Caton Deschamps Index [CDI], and TT-TG distance). Results: In 22 knees, native MPFC fibers were found to be longer at 0° than at 20° to 50° of flexion. Length changes observed between 0° and 50° increased with the number of risk factors present. In the central fibers of the MPFC (M-2), 1.7% ± 3.1% length change was noted in knees with no anatomic risk factors, which increased to 5.6% ± 4.6%, 17.0% ± 6.4%, and 26.7% ± 6.8% in the setting of 1, 2, and 3 risk factors, respectively. Nonanatomic patella-based attachments were more likely to demonstrate unfavorable length change patterns, in which length was greater at 50° than 0°. In patellar attachments, an independent relationship was found between increasing length changes and TT-TG distance, while in quadriceps tendon attachments, a trend toward a negative relationship between length changes and CDI was noted. All configurations demonstrated a strong relationship between percentage change in length and number of morphologic risk factors present, with the greatest influence found in patella-based attachments. Conclusion: The MPFC fibers demonstrated increased length changes in knees when a greater number of morphological risk factors for patellar instability were present, which worsened in the setting of nonanatomic configurations. This suggests that the function of the intact MPFC in patients with anatomic risk factors may not reflect previously described findings in anatomically normal knees. Further studies are needed to understand the pathoanatomy related to these changes, as well as the implications for graft placement and assessment of length changes during MPFC reconstruction techniques. Clinical Relevance: MPFC length change patterns vary based on the number of morphologic risk factors for patellar instability present and should be considered during reconstructive procedures.

Respon Konsumsi Kambing Peranakan Etawa terhadap Pemberian Pakan Komplit Berdasarkan Kadar Pulp Kakao yang Berbeda


 
 
 
 Addressing the need for sustainable goat feed solutions, the utilization of agricultural waste emerges as a viable option. However, the current practice primarily involves transforming cocoa pods into goat feed, neglecting the potential of the discarded cocoa pulp, which contributes to environmental pollution. This study aims to evaluate the consumption patterns of crude protein and crude fiber in corn cobs-based complete feed enriched with varying levels of cocoa pulp, administered to Etawa crossbreed goats. The experiment was structured around a 4x4 Latin Square Design, encompassing four treatments and four periods. The treatments encompassed P0, which comprised complete feed without cocoa pulp; P1 with 5% cocoa pulp; P2 with 10% cocoa pulp, and P3 with 15% cocoa pulp. By employing this design, researchers sought to ascertain the influence of cocoa pulp concentration on consumption patterns. The findings shed light on the average daily consumption of crude protein (in grams per head) for each treatment: P0 recorded 40.52, P1 exhibited 67.95, P2 observed 55.35, and P3 noted 51.75. Furthermore, the daily consumption of crude fiber (in grams per head) across treatments yielded the following results: P0 reported 77.19, P1 registered 135.99, P2 showed 113.97, and P3 demonstrated 94.56. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that incorporating cocoa pulp as a replacement for molasses in corn cobs-based complete feed formulation has no significant impact on the consumption of crude protein or crude fiber. This finding suggests that the integration of cocoa pulp in goat feed formulation is a promising approach that can contribute to sustainable resource management, without adversely affecting goats' dietary patterns.
 
 
 

New tools for the investigation of muscle fiber-type spatial distributions across histological sections

BackgroundThe functional and metabolic properties of skeletal muscles are partly a function of the spatial arrangement of fibers across the muscle belly. Many muscles feature a non-uniform spatial pattern of fiber types, and alterations to the arrangement can reflect age or disease and correlate with changes in muscle mass and strength. Despite the significance of this event, descriptions of spatial fiber-type distributions across a muscle section are mainly provided qualitatively, by eye. Whilst several quantitative methods have been proposed, difficulties in implementation have meant that robust statistical analysis of fiber type distributions has not yielded new insight into the biological processes that drive the age- or disease-related changes in fiber type distributions.MethodsWe review currently available approaches for analysis of data reporting fast/slow fiber type distributions on muscle sections before proposing a new method based on a generalized additive model. We compare current approaches with our new method by analysis of sections of three mouse soleus muscles that exhibit visibly different spatial fiber patterns, and we also apply our model to a dataset representing the fiber type proportions and distributions of the mouse tibialis anterior.ResultsWe highlight how current methods can lead to differing interpretations when applied to the same dataset and demonstrate how our new method is the first to permit location-based estimation of fiber-type probabilities, in turn enabling useful graphical representation.ConclusionsWe present an open-access online application that implements current methods as well as our new method and which aids the interpretation of a variety of statistical tools for the spatial analysis of muscle fiber distributions.

Fea modelling perforated pattern fiber woven roving 4 elastomeric isolator (PFWREI)

Earthquakes can cause lateral displacements due to the movement of the earth's plates. Earthquake vibrations may induce shocks in structures; if the building structure can't sustain the shocks caused by earthquake forces, it might be damaged. Therefore, so that an earthquake does not cause damage to the building structure, it must consider the magnitude of the earthquake force. To decrease the effects of an earthquake, a base isolator can be put in place to absorb and spread the earthquake's energy before it gets into the building. The base isolator is often made of rubber and a steel plate, although the cost of production and weight of the base isolator is high. Type 4 fiberglass woven roving will be used to produce a prototype to reduce the overall production cost of a base isolator. A hole pattern will be applied to the fiber in two design variations, pattern-1 and pattern-2. The fiber holes are made so that the rubber can fill the gaps. The purpose is to make the base isolator components stick together tightly. The FEA Abaqus program will assess the fiber pattern variations to discover the most effective hole pattern modifications for reducing seismic force. The results indicated that pattern-1 had a higher damping ratio than pattern-2.

Piezoelectric Enhancement of Piezoceramic Nanoparticle-Doped PVDF/PCL Core-Sheath Fibers

Electrospinning is considered to be an efficient method to prepare piezoelectric thin films because of its ability to transform the phase of the polymers. A core-sheath structure can endow fibers with more functions and properties. In this study, fibers with a core-sheath structure were prepared using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) included with nanoparticles (NPs) as the shell layer and polycaprolactone (PCL) as the core layer. Their mechanical and piezoelectric properties were studied in detail. During the course of the electrospinning process, PVDF was demonstrated to increase the amount of its polar phase, with the help of nanoparticles acting as a nucleating agent to facilitate the change. PCL was chosen as a core material because of its good mechanical properties and its compatibility with PVDF. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) assessments revealed that the fibers have a core-sheath structure, and shell layers were loaded with nanoparticles. Mechanical testing showed that the core layer can significantly improve mechanical properties. The XRD patterns of the core-sheath structure fibers indicated the β phase domain the main component. Piezoelectric testing showed that the doped nanoparticles were able to enhance piezoelectric performances. The increases of mechanical and piezoelectric properties of core-sheath structure fibers provide a feasible application for wearable electronics, which require flexibility and good mechanical properties.

INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION BY IRIS USING HISTOGRAM OF ORIENTED GRADIENT (HOG) AND BACKPROPAGATION NEURAL NETWORK

The eye’s iris biometrics is a type of biometric for individual identification that is more stable than other types of biometrics because a person's iris eye’s has a delicate fiber pattern and unique characteristics. Especially with the rapid development of the times, the need for identity recognition systems is also increasing. Introducing individuals in traditional ways is still less effective than biometric systems because, compared to conventional methods, biometric systems are safer and are not easily stolen, imitated, or accessed by any unauthorized person. In this research has been carried out by designing a simulation system for individual identification through iris eyes images using the Histogram of Oriented Gradien (HOG) method for image extraction. They were continued with classification using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Backpropagation. The dataset used is primary data taken directly through smartphone cameras from 30 individuals.Based on the test results and analysis of the Histogram of Oriented Gradien method using an image size of 128×128 pixels, parameters of Cell Size 16×16 cells, Bins Numbers 12, Size Block 2×2 cells, L2-Hys normalization scheme, and JST backpropagation classification with Random state value 1, Learning Rates 0.001, Epoch 200, Hidden Layer 100 with the system's sigmoid activation function can produce a performance system with the most significant performance accuracy of 91.93% , using 1500 training data and 1500 iris eyes image test data.

Swelling Induced Twist in Hyperelastic Tubes Due to Spiral Patterned Biasing Fibers in the Cross Section

AbstractSimple fiber reinforcing patterns can serve to guide deformations in specialized ways if the material experiences expansion due to some sort of swelling phenomenon. This occurs even when the only activation is via the material swelling itself; the fibers being a passive hyperelastic material embedded in a swellable hyperelastic matrix. Using anisotropic hyperelasticity where the usual incompressibility constraint is generalized to model swelling, we consider such fiber guided deformation in the context of a circular cylinder subject to uniform swelling. The material is taken to be transversely isotropic with a fiber pattern corresponding to helical spirals in each cross section. This paper extends previous work which had examined a traction free outer radius that expanded while the inner radius was held fixed. Because of the spiral pattern, the tube in these previous studies exhibited increasing twist as the swelling proceeded. The problem considered here takes both inner and outer radius as free surfaces, thus causing the amount of radial expansion itself to be unknown. It is found that the spiral fiber pattern again induces a twist, and that this pattern also influences the nature of the radial expansion.

Mechanical and microstructure properties of copper slag based basalt fiber reinforced concrete

The investigation presents an assessment of the mechanical and microstructural properties of basalt fiber reinforced concrete in addition to copper slag as partial replacement of fine aggregate. The basalt micro fibers are added at the volume fraction of 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5 and 2% with copper slag as 40% replacement of fine aggregate in concrete. The influence of copper slag and basalt micro fibers in concrete has been examined under static loading condition which is considered to be a research gap in the study due to the limited investigations. Being the green material, copper slag and basalt fibers are considered to be an optimum combination for the concrete with low water cement ratio and increased mechanical performance of the concrete. The interfacial properties and hydration products have been investigated through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The active chemical compounds, Morphology, Bond performance and failure pattern of fibers are observed from the microstructural studies. The optimum volume fractions of basalt fibers were examined to be 0.6% and 2% in the form of mono filament fibers depending on the nature of loading. The proposed concrete when compared to the plain concrete with and without copper slag showed predominant strength properties.

Bioprinting of structurally organized meniscal tissue within anisotropic melt electrowritten scaffolds.

The meniscus is characterised by an anisotropic collagen fibre network which is integral to its biomechanical functionality. The engineering of structurally organized meniscal grafts that mimic the anisotropy of the native tissue remains a significant challenge. In this study, inkjet bioprinting was used to deposit a cell-laden bioink into additively manufactured scaffolds of differing architectures to engineer fibrocartilage grafts with user defined collagen architectures. Polymeric scaffolds consisting of guiding fibre networks with varying aspect ratios (1:1; 1:4; 1:16) were produced using either fused deposition modelling (FDM) or melt electrowriting (MEW), resulting in scaffolds with different internal architectures and fibre diameters. Scaffold architecture was found to influence the spatial organization of the collagen network laid down by the jetted cells, with higher aspect ratios (1:4 and 1:16) supporting the formation of structurally anisotropic tissues. The MEW scaffolds supported the development of a fibrocartilaginous tissue with compressive mechanical properties similar to that of native meniscus, while the anisotropic tensile properties of these constructs could be tuned by altering the fibre network aspect ratio. This MEW framework was then used to generate scaffolds with spatially distinct fibre patterns, which in turn supported the development of heterogenous tissues consisting of isotropic and anisotropic collagen networks. Such bioprinted tissues could potentially form the basis of new treatment options for damaged and diseased meniscal tissue. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study describes a multiple tool biofabrication strategy which enables the engineering of spatially organized fibrocartilage tissues. The architecture of MEW scaffolds can be tailored to not only modulate the directionality of the collagen fibres laid down by cells, but also to tune the anisotropic tensile mechanical properties of the resulting constructs, thereby enabling the engineering of biomimetic meniscal-like tissues. Furthermore, the inherent flexibility of MEW enables the development of zonally defined and potentially patient-specific implants.