Fabrication of a Bi-layer Tubular Scaffold Consisted of a Dense Nanofibrous Inner Layer and a Porous Nanoyarn Outer Layer for Vascular Tissue Engineering

Recent years, it has attracted more attentions to increase the porosity and pore size of nanofibrous scaffolds to provide the for the cells to grow into the small-diameter vascular grafts. In this study, a novel bi-layer tubular scaffold with an inner layer and an outer layer was fabricated. The inner layer was random collagen/poly （ L-lactide-co-caprolactone ） I P （ LLA- CL） ] nanofibrous mat fabricated by conventional electrospinning and the outer layer was aligned collagen/P （LLA-CL） nanoyarns prepared by a dynamic liquid dectrospinning method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） was used to characterize the chemical structure. Scanning electron microscopy （ SEM ） was employed to observe the morphology of the layers and the cross- sectioned bi-layer tubular scaffold. A liquid displacement method was employed to measure the porosities of the inner and outer layers. Stress-strain curves were obtained to evaluate the mechanical properties of the two different layers and the bi-layer membrane. The diameters of the nanofibers and the nanoyarns were （480 ± 197 ） nm and （ 19.66 ± 4.05 ） μm, respectively. The outer layer had a significantly higher porosity and a larger pore size than those of the inner layer. Furthermore, the bi-layer membrane showed a good mechanical property which was suitable as small-diameter vascular graft. The results indicated that the bi-layer tubular scaffold had a great potential application in small vascular tissue engineering.     

Fabrication and Characterization of Chitosan Nerve Conduits with Microtubular Architectures

Porous multi-channel chitosan conduits were fabricated using a novel phase-separation technique with an axial temperature gradient. First, porous chitosan tubes were made with a mold that was composed of two concentric polytetrafiuoroethylene tubes. Then 1%-3% （w/v） chitosan solution was injected into the chitosan tube while the two ends of the tube were closed with steel rods. Then the outside of the tube was wrapped with a layer of thermal insulating material to reduce the heat transfer through the outside, and the tubes were placed in a freezer. The resulting phase separation then occurred in the presence of an axial temperature gradient. The porosity, microtubule diameter, and orientation were controlled by adjusting the polymer concentration and temperature gradient. After the preparation course, no poisonous substances remained on the conduits. The mechanical properties, swelling, and biodegradability of the chitosan conduits were investigated, and a scanning electron microscope was used to observe the tubular morphology and growth of neuroblastoma cells （N2A, mouse） in the conduits. The results demonstrate that the multi-channel chitosan conduits have suitable mechanical strength, swelling, degradation properties, and nerve cell affinity, so they hold promise for use as neural tissue engineering scaffolds.     

Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties of biomedical magnesium with a specific two-layer structure

A novel magnesium based scaffold with a two-layer structure was synthesized by powder metallurgical process using salt particles as space holder. The outer layer of the scaffold shows an interconnected porous structure and the inner layer presents a compact structure reinforced by the salt particles. Such a specific structure is introduced primarily for the purpose of a better combination of biocompatibility and mechanical compatibility. Experimental results demonstrate that the structural features and mechanical properties of the magnesium based scaffold with a salt content of 30 wt% prepared by the current method are quite compatible with the cancellous bone. Such a novel Mg-based scaffold has the potential to act as degradable implants for bone substitute application.     

Preparing Ca-P coating on biodegradable magnesium alloy by hydrothermal method: In vitro degradation behavior

Magnesium alloys are potentially attractive biodegradable materials.However,their rapid corrosion rate limits their biomedical application.To slow down the rate of biodegradation,a protective calcium-phosphate coating was formed on a magnesium alloy substrate by a hydrothermal method.Scanning electron microscope results showed that the coating consisted of two layers with different crystalline characteristics.The loose outer layer showed a prism-like crystal structure,while the compact inner layer is a dense ultra-fine regular di-pyramid-like structure with an average grain dimension of ～200 nm.The compositions of the inner layer and outer layer were calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (Ca-def HA) and dicalcium phosphate (DCPa),respectively.The coating adhered well to the substrate with a thickness of about 15 m.Immersion in Hank’s solution indicated that the coating could significantly improve the degradation properties of magnesium alloy.The pH of the solution containing the coated samples increased much more slowly than the untreated control.After 8 d immersion,the uncoated sample had corroded seriously while the coated sample was much less corroded.The Ca/P atom ratio in both the layers of the coating increased and the coating was still protecting the substrate.The two layers of the coating corroded differently because of differences in solubility.The outer layer was more severely attacked and many holes were formed on the surface,the inner layer suffered less attack.In addition,a growth of precipitate on the inner layer was observed,indicating that surface bioactivity was improved by the coating.Thus,magnesium alloys coated with a Ca-P coating prepared by a hydrothermal method are promising candidate biodegradable biomaterials,and further investigation of in vivo degradation behavior is suggested.     

Fabrication of Multi-layered Composite Scaffolds by Bi-directional Electrospinning Method

A multi-layered composite scaffolds consisting of poly （ L- ne） （ P （LLA-CL） ）, collagen （COL） and chitosan （CS） were fabricated by a bi-directional electrospinnlng method. Synthetic P （LLA-CL） was used as the middle layer to enhance the strength, while natural COL/CS blending （9： 1, v/v） was used as the bioactive surfaces （inner and outer layers ） to improve the biocompatibility. Each three transitional layers were set between inner/outer layer and middle layer for delamination resistance. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） was used to observe the fiber morphology. The Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy （FTIR-ATR） spectra, X- ray diffraction （XRD） and thermogravimetry （TG） tests were used to analyze the physical properties of the scaffolds. The results showed that the modified clectrospinning method bad no negative effect on the components, crystal structure and thermostability of the scaffolds, but could effectively combine the mechanical property of synthetic material and biocompatibility of natural materials. Such method could be applied to the fabrication of composite scaffolds for vascular, skin. and nerve tissue engineering.     

Mechanical properties of electroformed copper layers with gradient microstructure

The electroformed copper layer with gradient microstructure was prepared using the ultrasonic technique. The microstructure of the electroformed copper layer was observed by using an optical microscope (OM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The preferred orientations of the layer were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties were evaluated with a Vicker’s hardness tester and a tensile tester. It is found the gradient microstructure consists of two main parts: the outer part (faraway substrate) with columnar crystals and the inner part (nearby substrate) with equiaxed grains. The Cu-(220) preferred orientation increases with the increasing thickness of the copper layer. The test results show that the microhardness of the electroformed copper layer decreases with increasing grain size along the growth direction and presents a gradient distribution. The tensile strength of the outer part of the electroformed copper layer is higher than that of the inner part but at the cost of ductility. Meanwhile, the integral mechanical properties of the electroformed copper with gradient microstructure are significantly improved in comparison with the pure copper deposit.     

Relationship between the specific surface area of rust and the electrochemical behavior of rusted steel in a wet-dry acid corrosion environment

The relationship between the specific surface area (SSA) of rust and the electrochemical behavior of rusted steel under wet-dry acid corrosion conditions was investigated. The results showed that the corrosion current density first increased and then decreased with increasing SSA of the rust during the corrosion process. The structure of the rust changed from single-layer to double-layer, and the γ-FeOOH content decreased in the inner layer of the rust with increasing corrosion time; by contrast, the γ-FeOOH content in the outer layer was constant. When the SSA of the rust was lower than the critical SSA corresponding to the relative humidity during the drying period, condensed water in the micropores of the rust could evaporate, which prompted the diffusion of O₂ into the rust and the following formation process of γ-FeOOH, leading to an increase of corrosion current density with increasing corrosion time. However, when the SSA of the rust reached or exceeded the critical SSA, condensate water in the micro-pores of the inner layer of the rust could not evaporate which inhibited the diffusion of O₂ and decreased the γ-FeOOH content in the inner rust, leading to a decrease of corrosion current density with increasing corrosion time.     

In vitro bioactivity and cytocompatibility of porous scaffolds of bioactive borosilicate glasses

The bioactive borosilicate scaffolds （R2O-RO-B2O3-SiO2-P2O5） with four different contents of borate were fabricated by replication technique. The bioactivity, degradability and the cytotoxicity of the scaffolds were studied in this paper. The porosity of the scaffolds was found to be 73%-80%, and the pore size was in the range of 200-300 μm. The porous scaffolds immersed in 0.02 mol.L^-1 K2HPO4 solution were transformed into hydroxyapatite. And it is notable that the D-AIk-2B, D-AIk-3B-scaffolds were covered by hydroxyapatite layers after 7 h-immersion, which proved their high bioactivity. In the cell adhesion test, cells could be seen growing well on the scaffolds, showing stretched morphology and obvious pseudopodia, and only the high cumulative concentration of B ions released from the D-AIk-3B-scaffold samples had an inhibition effect on cell proliferation. But the inhibition effect could be alleviated by diluting the extract solution to a certain concentration （dilution ratio： 1：8）. Therefore, after suitable pretreatment, the porous borosilicate bioactive glass scaffold can be a desirable candidate for bone tissue engineering.     

Preparation of fiber-microsphere scaffolds for loading bioactive substances in gradient amounts

Gradient scaffolds are needed for interface tissue regeneration. In this study, a technique combining electrospinning and electrospraying was developed for preparing poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) fiber-microsphere scaffolds for loading bioactive substances in gradient amounts. The gradient fiber-microsphere scaffolds contain two sheets of electrospun membranes and a sheet of microspheres loaded with bioactive substances in gradient amounts between the electrospun membranes. The morphologies of the gradient scaffolds were characterized and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was loaded as a model bioactive substance. The amount of BSA-loaded microspheres decreased gradually along the length of the gradient scaffold. The addition of poly (ethylene glycol) significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the gradient scaffold and the release behavior of BSA with respect to the gradient became apparent, with differences in the release amounts along the length of the gradient scaffold being observed. The biocompatibility of the gradient scaffold was verified using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells. The study demonstrated that the combination of electrospinning and electrospraying was a feasible method for the preparation of gradient scaffolds for potential applications in interface tissue engineering.     

Distribution of bone marrow stem cells in large porous polyester scaffolds

This work examined the optimal syringing depth during in vitro cell loading in order to even cell distribution after syringing a drop of cell suspension in cylinder poly（lactide-co-glycolide） （PLGA） porous scaffolds. The scaffolds of 10 mm height and 10 mm diameter were fabricated via room-temperature compression molding ＆ particulate leaching technique based on spherical porogens. In vitro tests were employed for such examinations： a global observation of a cell-loaded scaffold stained by the 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） technique and a quantitative measurement of spatial distribution of cells after slicing the cell-loaded scaffolds into layers. It was found that an even distribution of cells was soon achieved only if the initial cell suspension was seeded on the layer that was below the top surface but above the middle of scaffolds. The availability of in vitro osteoblastic differentiation of rat bone marrow stem cells in such a kind of spherical-pore PLGA scaffolds was meanwhile confirmed.     

Preparation of composite tubular grafts for vascular repair via electrospinning

A novel type of composite vascular graft was developed via electrospinning in the present investigation.Collagen and chitosan were blended to form the inner and outer layer.Poly(1-lactide-co-caprolacto...     

Green Electrospun Silk Fibroin/Galactose Chitosan Composite Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Hepatic Tissue Engineering

The electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds made of proteins and polysaccharides were thought to be able to simulate the structure of natural extracellular matrix well.Silk fibroin(SF)and chitosan(CS)are probably the most widely used natural materials in biomedical fields including liver tissue engineering for their good properties and wide variety of sources.The asialoglycoprotein receptors of hepatocyte were reported to specifically recognize and interact with galactose.In this work,a green electrospun SF/galactosylated chitosan(GC)composite nanofibrous scaffold was fabricated and characterized.The data indicated that the addition of GC greatly influenced the spinning effect of SF aqueous solution,and the average diameter of the composite nanofibers was about 520nm.Moreover,the green electrospun SF/GC nanofibrous scaffolds were demonstrated significantly enhancing the adhesion and proliferation of hepatocyte(RH35)according to our data.The present study did a useful exploration on constructing scaffolds for liver regeneration by green electrospinning,and also laid a good foundation for the further applicative research of this green electrospun scaffolds in liver tissue engineering.     

Studies on repairing of hemisected thoracic spinal cord of adult rats by using a chitosan tube filled with alginate fibers

A chitosan tube filled with alginate fibers was implanted into the injured spinal cord of a rat for repairing the damaged tissue. Twelve months after the operation, the morphological observation demonstrated that this chitosan tube could induce regeneration of myelinated and non-myelinated axons and blood vessels. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) behavioral evaluation confirmed that the implants played a key role in the long-term restoration of rats motor functions. It is a promising start in the treatment of the patients with the injury of the spinal cord.     

全浮动芯棒连轧管过程三维热力耦合有限元模拟

应用三维热力耦合弹塑性有限元模拟仿真及其接触分析技术,建立了全浮动芯棒连轧管过程有限元模型及其摩擦、传热和接触等重要边界条件.针对八机架椭圆-圆型孔系全浮动芯棒连轧管过程,实现了全三维热力耦合弹塑性有限元模拟仿真.获得了连轧管过程的应力场、应变场、温度场及轧制力学参数的变化特点.揭示了钢管连轧过程中浮动芯棒速度变化及荒管外径和壁厚分布变化的规律.     

连轧钢管限动芯棒温度场及热疲劳有限元分析

针对340MPM机组(Multi-Stand Pipe Mill限动芯棒连轧管机组)芯棒服役过程建立三维有限元模型,研究芯棒在服役过程中温度场变化规律.同时,通过对热应力的研究,分析了芯棒热疲劳裂纹萌生机理及裂纹在芯棒内部的扩展规律.对比实测数据与模拟结果,认为所建立的有限元模型能够反映芯棒温度变化趋势.芯棒首次脱管后表面最高温度为630℃,此后经历三次反复的水冷降温和空冷返温过程,冷却结束后表面最高温度为98℃.脱管后,芯棒表面轴向和环向压缩热应力均达到900 MPa,第三次水冷结束时刻,轴向拉伸热应力达到186 MPa,环向拉伸热应力达到221 MPa.芯棒的拉压交变热应力使其表面出现热疲劳裂纹并逐渐扩展,环向裂纹扩展至距表面17.5mm深、轴向裂纹扩展至距表面20mm深时会显著受阻,热应力对轴向裂纹的促进作用强于环向裂纹.     

Morphological and electrophysiological evidence for regeneration of transected spinal cord fibers and restoration of motor functions in adult rats

The evoked potentials are regarded as an efficientindex to evaluate the functional status of a nervoussystem[1]. When stimulating the motor area of cerebralcortex with transcranial magnetic stimulation, elec-tronic signals can be obtained at the spinal co…     

全浮动芯棒钢管连轧过程芯棒与轧件的摩擦研究

应用有限元分析研究了8机架全浮动芯棒钢管连轧过程芯棒与轧件间的摩擦作用,揭示了该摩擦作用在轧制过程中的演变规律及其对连轧运动状态与电机能量分配的影响.结果表明,在第1—4机架的咬入过程中,毛管所受芯棒的摩擦作用从完全为负摩擦演变为正负摩擦共存,中性面随咬入的进行逐渐向接触区出口侧移动,且在第1机架中性面会完全移出接触区.在第5—8机架的咬入过程中,芯棒始终滞后于毛管,因而芯棒对毛管的摩擦作用均为负.稳定轧制阶段,芯棒在轴向受到的摩擦合力为零,其速度不发生变化.该阶段8个机架可以分为3类:其中1、2机架为滞后机架,第3机架为同步机架,4-8机架为导前机架.整个机组芯棒与毛管运动的中性面位于第3机架接触区,但在第2机架和第4机架接触区也存在芯棒与毛管速度相等的位置.芯棒在各机架的摩擦状态不同使其成为导前机架向滞后机架传递能量的工具.因此,第5-6机架在轧制能耗较低的情况下,电机仍保持较高的输出功率,而1、2机架的轧制能耗虽然较大,电机输出功率反而较小.     

骨组织工程聚左旋乳酸多孔框架快速成形研究

为制备用于骨组织工程的细胞载体框架结构 ,对快速成形技术制备聚左旋乳酸多孔框架结构的若干基础问题进行了研究。提出了聚左旋乳酸快速成形的精密挤出成形工艺 ,研究了此工艺制备多孔框架结构的设备与工艺过程 ,分析了制备的多孔框架结构应用于组织工程人工骨的可行性。制备的多孔框架结构具有合适的分子量、孔隙结构、孔隙率、机械强度和生物降解性能 ,可以用作骨组织工程的组织再生框架结构     

电子束非穿透辐照的LLDPE/LDPE/EVA管性能研究

研究了电子束非穿透辐照的LLDPE/LDPE/EVA塑料管性能,包括管壁表层至内层凝胶含量的深度分布和熔融特性等.结果表明,塑料管外层凝胶含量超过60%时,距外表大于电子射程的深层凝胶含量小于0.4%;电子辐照增加了共混物材料之间的相容性;LLDPE/LDPE/EVA塑料管经电子束非穿透辐照后可以用来制造整体具有良好热缩性,而内壁具有良好热熔性的热缩热熔套.