The biofilm architecture of sixty opportunistic pathogens deciphered using a high throughput CLSM method

This study proposes a high throughput method based on Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) combined with the use of 96-wells microtiter plates compatible with high resolution imaging for the study of biofilm formation and structure. As an illustration, the three-dimensional structures of biofilms formed by 60 opportunistic pathogens were thus observed and quantified. The results revealed the diversity of biofilm architectures. Specific spatial arrangement such as the mushroom-like structures already described for Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed. Other features, such as hollow voids in microcolonies of Salmonella enterica strain Agona, were identified for the first time. The combined use of microplates and confocal imaging proved to be a good alternative to the other high throughput methods commonly used as it enables the direct, insitu, qualitative and quantitative characterization of biofilm architecture. This high content method should lead to a clearer understanding of the structure-function relationships implicated in biofilms traits.

Two ply tubular scaffolds comprised of proteins/poliglecaprone/polycaprolactone fibers

Electrospun bi-layer tubular hybrid scaffolds composed of poliglecaprone (PGC), polycaprolactone (PCL), elastin (E), and gelatin (G) were prepared and thereafter crosslinked by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images revealed a highly porous micro-structure comprising randomly distributed non-woven fibers with the majority of fibers in submicron diameters. The EDC-crosslinking yielded an average crosslinking degree of 40%. Uni-axial tensile test of hydrated scaffolds in both longitudinal and circumferential directions revealed tensile properties, comparable to those of native arteries. The graft (PGC:PCL = 1:3) did not demonstrate significant difference before and after EDC-crosslinking in tensile strength or % strain in either longitudinal or circumferential directions. However, crosslinking increased the Young's modulus of the graft along the longitudinal direction (from 5.84 to 8.67 MPa). On the contrary, the graft (3:1) demonstrated a significant decrease in maximum strain in both directions. Cyto-assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed excellent cell viability.

A biomimetic tubular scaffold with spatially designed nanofibers of protein/PDS bio-blends

Electrospun tubular conduit (4 mm inner diameter) based on blends of polydioxanone (PDS II(R)) and proteins such as gelatin and elastin having a spatially designed trilayer structure was prepared for arterial scaffolds. SEM analysis of scaffolds showed random nanofibrous morphology and well-interconnected pore network. Due to protein blending, the fiber diameter was reduced from 800-950 nm range to 300-500 nm range. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results confirmed the blended composition and crystallinity of fibers. Pure PDS scaffold under hydrated state exhibited a tensile strength of 5.61 +/- 0.42 MPa and a modulus of 17.11 +/- 1.13 MPa with a failure strain of 216.7 +/- 13%. The blending of PDS with elastin and gelatin has decreased the tensile properties. A trilayer tubular scaffold was fabricated by sequential electrospinning of blends of elastin/gelatin, PDS/elastin/gelatin, and PDS/gelatin (EG/PEG/PG) to mimic the complex matrix structure of native arteries. Under hydrated state, the trilayer conduit exhibited tensile properties (tensile strength of 1.77 +/- 0.2 MPa and elastic modulus of 5.74 +/- 3 MPa with a failure strain of 75.08 +/- 10%) comparable to those of native arteries. In vitro degradation studies for up to 30 days showed about 40% mass loss and increase in crystallinity due to the removal of proteins and "cleavage-induced crystallization" of PDS.

Cell interactions with biomaterials gradients and arrays

Gradients and arrays have become very useful to the fields of tissue engineering and biomaterials. Both gradients and arrays make efficient platforms for screening cell response to biomaterials. Graded biomaterials also have functional applications and make useful substrates for fundamental studies of cell phenomena such as migration. This article will review the use of gradients and arrays in tissue engineering and biomaterials research, with a focus on cellular and biologic responses.

Using mental imagery and visualisation with cancer patients

Mental imagery and visualisation are techniques that can help cancer patients manage their responses to the illness and help them mobilise inner psychological resources.

Electrospinning of novel biodegradable poly(ester urethane)s and poly(ester urethane urea)s for soft tissue-engineering applications

The development of biomimetic highly-porous scaffolds is essential for successful tissue engineering. Segmented poly(ester urethane)s and poly(ester urethane urea)s have been infrequently used for the fabrication of electrospun nanofibrous tissues, which is surprising because these polymers represent a very large variety of materials with tailored properties. This study reports the preparation of new electrospun elastomeric polyurethane scaffolds. Two novel segmented polyurethanes (SPU), synthesized from poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diol, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, and diester-diphenol or diurea-diol chain extenders, were used (Caracciolo et al. in J Mater Sci Mater Med 20:145-155, 2009). The spinnability and the morphology of the electrospun SPU scaffolds were investigated and discussed. The electrospinning parameters such as solution properties (polymer concentration and solvent) and processing parameters (applied electric field, needle to collector distance and solution flow rate) were optimized to achieve smooth, uniform bead-free fibers with diameter (~700 nm) mimicking the protein fibers of native extracellular matrix (ECM). The obtained elastomeric polyurethane scaffolds could be appropriate for soft tissue-engineering applications.

Nanomechanical properties of electrospun composite scaffolds based on polycaprolactone and hydroxyapatite

Fibrous nanocomposite scaffolds were electrospun from dispersions of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nanoHA) in polycaprolactone (PCL) with varying nanoHA contents (from 0% to 50% by weight). Such scaffolds were produced to mimic the nano-features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) for natural bone tissue regeneration. NanoHA was found to be well dispersed in the PCL fibers up to the addition of 30 wt%, whereas beads and agglomeration of HA particles was observed above this nanoHA concentration. The structural and morphological characterizations were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The average fiber diameter decreased with increased nanoHA concentration. The nanomechanical properties of the as-spun fibrous scaffolds as well as pressure-consolidated (pelletized) composites were evaluated by nanoindentation. Elastic modulus increased with increasing HA content, but was especially pronounced for 40-50% HA content where the indenter tip is more likely to probe agglomerated HA particles.

A new generation of high flex life polyurethane urea for polymer heart valve--studies on in vivo biocompatibility and biodurability

Development of new generation high flex life polyurethane urea (HFL18-PU) with appropriate elastic modulus, biocompatibility, blood compatibility, resistant to calcification, and biodurability for the long-term use as cardiac device is still a challenge. This study reports the development of a fully aliphatic, ether-free physically cross-linked and low elastic modulus (6.841 +/- 0.27 MPa) polyurethane urea having in vivo biostability, in vivo biocompatibility and high flex-life (721 +/- 30 million cycles) that can satisfy the requirements for the fabrication of tri-leaflet heart valve.