L-DOPA coating improved phosphate glass fibre strength and fibre/matrix interface

The levodopa (L-DOPA) has been reported as a promising adhesive for various materials. In this study, we utilized L-DOPA as an interfacial agent for phosphate glass fibre/polycaprolactone (PGF/PCL) composites, with the aim to enhance the interfacial properties between the fibres and polymer matrix. The PGFs were dip-coated in varying concentrations of L-DOPA solution ranging between 5 and 40 g L-1. The fibre strength and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the composites were measured via a single fibre tensile test and single fibre fragmentation test, respectively. It was found that the L-DOPA agent (at conc. 10 g L-1) significantly improved the IFSS of the composites up to 27%. Also, the L-DOPA coating (at conc. 40 g L-1) significantly increased the glass fibre strength up to 18%. As a result, an optimum coating level could be tailored depending on application and whether fibre strength or IFSS was of greater importance. In addition, SEM and TGA analyses were used to detect and quantify the coating agents. FTIR and XPS further confirmed presence of the coating and indicated the zwitterionic crystals of L-DOPA and the formation of a melanin-like polymer layer. The spectroscopy data also evidenced that both catechol and amine groups contributed to the interaction between the L-DOPA and the PGF surface.

Characterisation of bone regeneration in 3D printed ductile PCL/PEG/hydroxyapatite scaffolds with high ceramic microparticle concentrations

3D printed bioactive glass or bioceramic particle reinforced composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering currently suffer from low particle concentration (<50 wt%) hence low osteoconductivity. Meanwhile, composites with very high inorganic particle concentrations are very brittle. Scaffolds combining high particle content and ductility are urgently required for bone tissue engineering. Herein, 3D printed PCL/hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds with high ceramic concentration (up to 90 wt%) are made ductile (>100% breaking strain) by adding poly(ethylene glycol) which is biocompatible and FDA approved. The scaffolds require no post-printing washing to remove hazardous components. More exposure of HA microparticles on strut surfaces is enabled by incorporating higher HA concentrations. Compared to scaffolds with 72 wt% HA, scaffolds with higher HA content (90 wt%) enhance matrix formation but not new bone volume after 12 weeks implantation in rat calvarial defects. Histological analyses demonstrate that bone regeneration within the 3D printed scaffolds is via intramembranous ossification and starts in the central region of pores. Fibrous tissue that resembles non-union tissue within bone fractures is formed within pores that do not have new bone. The amount of blood vessels is similar between scaffolds with mainly fibrous tissue and those with more bone tissue, suggesting vascularization is not a deciding factor for determining the type of tissues regenerated within the pores of 3D printed scaffolds. Multinucleated immune cells are commonly present in all scaffolds surrounding the struts, suggesting a role of managing inflammation in bone regeneration within 3D printed scaffolds.

Effect of dissolution rate and subsequent ion release on cytocompatibility properties of borophosphate glasses

Present work explores the relationship between the composition, dissolution rate, ion release and cytocompatibility of a series of borophosphate glasses. While, the base glass was selected to be 40mol%P2O5-16mol%CaO-24mol%MgO-20mol%Na2O, three B2O3 modified glass compositions were formulated by replacing Na2O with 1, 5 and 10 mol% B2O3. Ion release study was conducted using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The thermal scans of the glasses as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed an increment in the thermal properties with increasing B2O3 content in the glasses. On the other hand, the dissolution rate of the glasses decreased with increasing B2O3 content. To identify the effect of boron ion release on the cytocompatibility properties of the glasses, MG63 cells were cultured on the surface of the glass discs. The in vitro cell culture study suggested that glasses with 5 mol% B2O3 (P40B5) showed better cell proliferation and metabolic activity as compares to the glasses with 10 mol% (P40B10) or with no B2O3 (P40B0). The confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of live/dead stained MG63 cells attached to the surface of the glasses also revealed that the number of dead cells attached to P40B5 glasses were significantly lower than both P40B0 and P40B10 glasses.

Effects of Fe2O3 addition and annealing on the mechanical and dissolution properties of MgO-and CaO-containing phosphate glass fibres for bio-applications

This paper investigated the preparation of phosphate glass fibres (PGFs) in the following systems: i) 45P2O5-5B2O3-5Na2O-(29-x)CaO-16MgO-(x)Fe2O3 and ii) 45P2O5-5B2O3-5Na2O-24CaO-(21-x)MgO-(x)Fe2O3 (where x = 5, 8 and 11 mol%) for biomedical applications. Continuous fibres of 23 ± 1 μm diameter were prepared via a meltdraw spinning process. Compositions with higher Fe2O3 content and higher MgO/CaO ratio required higher melting temperature and longer heating time to achieve glass melts for fibre pulling. The effects of Fe2O3 addition and annealing treatment on mechanical properties and degradation behaviours were also investigated. Adding Fe2O3 was found to increase the tensile strength from 523 ± 63 (Ca-Fe5) to 680 ± 75 MPa (Ca-Fe11), improve the tensile modulus from72 ± 4 (Ca-Fe5) to 78 ± 3 GPa (Ca-Fe11) and decrease the degradation rate from 4.0 (Mg-Fe5) to 1.9 × 10−6 kg m−2 s−1 (Mg-Fe11). The annealing process reduced the fibre tensile strength by 46% (Ca-Fe5), increased the modulus by 19.6%(Ca-Fe8) and decreased the degradation rate by 89.5% (Mg-Fe11) in comparison to the corresponding as drawn fibres. Additionally, the annealing process also impeded the formation of precipitate shells and revealed coexistence of the precipitation and the pitting corrosion as fibre degradation behaviours.

Compositional dependency on dissolution rate and cytocompatibility of phosphate-based glasses: Effect of B2O3 and Fe2O3 addition

The unique property of phosphate-based glasses and fibres to be completely dissolved in aqueous media is largely dependent on the glass composition. This article focuses on investigating the effect of replacing Na₂O with 3 and 5 mol% Fe₂O₃ on cytocompatibility, thermal and dissolution properties of P₂O₅–CaO–Na₂O–MgO–B₂O₃ glass system, where P₂O₅ content was fixed at 45 mol%. The effect of increasing Fe₂O₃ from 3 to 5 mol% on P₂O₅–CaO–Na₂O–MgO glasses was also evaluated. The glass transition temperature, onset of crystallisation temperature and liquidus temperature were found to decrease with increasing Fe₂O₃ content and the addition of B₂O₃, while the thermal expansion values were found to decrease. The density of the glasses decreased with increasing Fe₂O₃ content. However, an increase in the density was observed by the addition of 5 mol% B₂O₃. The dissolution properties and mode of bulk glass and fibres were also examined which were found to decrease with increasing B₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃. However, it was found that the dissolution properties of the glasses containing both B₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ were lower than only Fe₂O₃ containing glasses. The in vitro cell culture studies using human osteoblast like (MG63) cell lines revealed that the glasses containing both B₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ maintained and showed higher cell viability as compared to the only Fe₂O₃ containing glasses. Glasses containing both B₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ showed a pronounced effect on the dissolution rate of the glasses, which eventually improved the cytocompatibility properties of the glasses investigated.

Effect of boron oxide addition on the viscosity-temperature behaviour and structure of phosphate-based glasses

In this study, nine phosphate-based glass formulations from the system P₂ O₅ -CaO-Na₂ O-MgO-B₂ O₃ were prepared with P₂ O₅ content fixed as 40, 45 and 50 mol%, where Na₂ O was replaced by 5 and 10 mol% B₂ O₃ and MgO and CaO were fixed to 24 and 16 mol%, respectively. The effect of B₂ O₃ addition on the viscosity-temperature behaviour, fragility index and structure of the glasses was investigated. The composition of the glasses was confirmed by ICP-AES. The viscosity-temperature behaviour of the glasses were measured using beam-bending and parallel -plate viscometers. The viscosity of the glasses investigated was found to shift to higher temperature with increasing B₂ O₃ content. The kinetic fragility parameter, m and F_1/2 , estimated from the viscosity curve were found to decease with increasing B₂ O₃ content. The structural analysis was achieved by a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance. ³¹ P solid-state magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) showed that the local structure of the glasses changes with increasing B₂ O₃ content. As B₂ O₃ was added to the glass systems, the phosphate connectivity increases as the as the Q¹ units transforms into Q² units. The ¹¹ B NMR results confirmed the presence of tetrahedral boron (BO₄ ) units for all the compositions investigated. Structural analysis indicates an increasing level of cross-linking with increasing B₂ O₃ content. Evidence of the presence of P-O-B bonds was also observed from the FTIR and ³¹ P NMR analysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 764-777, 2017.

In-situ polymerisation of fully bioresorbable polycaprolactone/phosphate glass fibre composites: In vitro degradation and mechanical properties

Fully bioresorbable composites have been investigated in order to replace metal implant plates used for hard tissue repair. Retention of the composite mechanical properties within a physiological environment has been shown to be significantly affected due to loss of the integrity of the fibre/matrix interface. This study investigated phosphate based glass fibre (PGF) reinforced polycaprolactone (PCL) composites with 20%, 35% and 50% fibre volume fractions (Vf) manufactured via an in-situ polymerisation (ISP) process and a conventional laminate stacking (LS) followed by compression moulding. Reinforcing efficiency between the LS and ISP manufacturing process was compared, and the ISP composites revealed significant improvements in mechanical properties when compared to LS composites. The degradation profiles and mechanical properties were monitored in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C for 28 days. ISP composites revealed significantly less media uptake and mass loss (p<0.001) throughout the degradation period. The initial flexural properties of ISP composites were substantially higher (p<0.0001) than those of the LS composites, which showed that the ISP manufacturing process provided a significantly enhanced reinforcement effect than the LS process. During the degradation study, statistically higher flexural property retention profiles were also seen for the ISP composites compared to LS composites. SEM micrographs of fracture surfaces for the LS composites revealed dry fibre bundles and poor fibre dispersion with polymer rich zones, which indicated poor interfacial bonding, distribution and adhesion. In contrast, evenly distributed fibres without dry fibre bundles or polymer rich zones, were clearly observed for the ISP composite samples, which showed that a superior fibre/matrix interface was achieved with highly improved adhesion.

Cytocompatibility, mechanical and dissolution properties of high strength boron and iron oxide phosphate glass fibre reinforced bioresorbable composites

In this study, Polylactic acid (PLA)/phosphate glass fibres (PGF) composites were prepared by compression moulding. Fibres produced from phosphate based glasses P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O (P45B0), P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-B2O3 (P45B5), P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-Fe2O3 (P45Fe3) and P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-B2O3-Fe2O3 (P45B5Fe3) were used to reinforce the bioresorbable polymer PLA. Fibre mechanical properties and degradation rate were investigated, along with the mechanical properties, degradation and cytocompatibility of the composites. Retention of the mechanical properties of the composites was evaluated during degradation in PBS at 37°C for four weeks. The fibre volume fraction in the composite varied from 19 to 23%. The flexural strength values (ranging from 131 to 184MPa) and modulus values (ranging from 9.95 to 12.29GPa) obtained for the composites matched those of cortical bone. The highest flexural strength (184MPa) and modulus (12.29GPa) were observed for the P45B5Fe3 composite. After 28 days of immersion in PBS at 37°C, ~35% of the strength profile was maintained for P45B0 and P45B5 composites, while for P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 composites ~40% of the initial strength was maintained. However, the overall wet mass change of P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 remained significantly lower than that of the P45B0 and P45B5 composites. The pH profile also revealed that the P45B0 and P45B5 composites degraded quicker, correlating well with the degradation profile. From SEM analysis, it could be seen that after 28 days of degradation, the fibres in the fractured surface of P45B5Fe3 composites remain fairly intact as compared to the other formulations. The in vitro cell culture studies using MG63 cell lines revealed both P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 composites maintained and showed higher cell viability as compared to the P45B0 and P45B5 composites. This was attributed to the slower degradation rate of the fibres in P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 composites as compared with the fibres in P45B0 and P45B5 composites.

Mechanical, degradation and cytocompatibility properties of magnesium coated phosphate glass fibre reinforced polycaprolactone composites

Retention of mechanical properties of phosphate glass fibre reinforced degradable polyesters such as polycaprolactone and polylactic acid in aqueous media has been shown to be strongly influenced by the integrity of the fibre/polymer interface. A previous study utilising ‘single fibre’ fragmentation tests found that coating with magnesium improved the fibre and matrix interfacial shear strength. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a magnesium coating on the manufacture and characterisation of a random chopped fibre reinforced polycaprolactone composite. Short chopped strand non-woven phosphate glass fibre mats were sputter coated with degradable magnesium to manufacture phosphate glass fibre/polycaprolactone composites. The degradation behaviour (water uptake, mass loss and pH change of the media) of these polycaprolactone composites as well as of pure polycaprolactone was investigated in phosphate buffered saline. The Mg coated fibre reinforced composites revealed less water uptake and mass loss during degradation compared to the non-coated composites. The cations released were also explored and a lower ion release profile for all three cations investigated (namely Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) was seen for the Mg coated composite samples. An increase of 17% in tensile strength and 47% in tensile modulus was obtained for the Mg coated composite samples. Both flexural and tensile properties were investigated and a higher retention of mechanical properties was obtained for the Mg coated fibre reinforced composite samples up to 10 days immersion in PBS. Cytocompatibility study showed both composite samples (coated and non-coated) had good cytocompatibility with human osteosarcoma cell line.

Effect of boron oxide addition on fibre drawing, mechanical properties and dissolution behaviour of phosphate-based glass fibres with fixed 40, 45 and 50 mol% P2O5

Previous studies investigating manufacture of phosphate-based glass fibres from glasses fixed with P2O5 content less than 50 mol% showed that continuous manufacture without breakage was very difficult. In this study, nine phosphate-based glass formulations from the system P2O5-CaO-Na2O-MgO-B2O3 were prepared with P2O5 contents fixed at 40, 45 and 50 mol%, where Na2O was replaced by 5 and 10 mol% B2O3 and MgO and CaO were fixed to 24 and 16 mol%, respectively. The effect of B2O3 addition on the fibre drawing, fibre mechanical properties and dissolution behaviour was investigated. It was found that addition of 5 and 10 mol% B2O3 enabled successful drawing of continuous fibres from glasses with phosphate (P2O5) contents fixed at 40, 45 and 50 mol%. The mechanical properties of the fibres were found to significantly increase with increasing B2O3 content. The highest tensile strength (1200 ± 130 MPa) was recorded for 45P2O5-16CaO-5Na2O-24MgO-10B2O3 glass fibres. The fibres were annealed, and a comparison of the mechanical properties and mode of degradation of annealed and non-annealed fibres were investigated. A decrease in tensile strength and an increase in tensile modulus were observed for the annealed fibres. An assessment of the change in mechanical properties of both the annealed and non-annealed fibres was performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37℃ for 28 and 60 days, respectively. Initial loss of mechanical properties due to annealing was found to be recovered with degradation. The B2O3-containing glass fibres were found to degrade at a much slower rate as compared to the non-B2O3-containing fibres. Both annealed and non-annealed fibres exhibited a peeling effect of the fibre's outer layer during degradation.

Soil carbon dynamics: the effects of nitrogen input, intake demand and off-take by animals

Elucidation of the drivers of soil carbon (C) change is required to enable decisions to be made on how to achieve soil C sequestration. Interactions between different components in the ecosystem in combination with feedback mechanisms mean that identifying drivers through conventional experimental approaches or by retro-fitting models to data are unlikely to result in the insights needed for the future. This paper explains soil C dynamics by using a process-based model. Drivers considered in the model include nitrogen (N) fertiliser inputs, intake demand, and off-take of animal products. The effect of the grazing animal in uncoupling the C and N cycles is explained, plus the implications of the farming system ('drystock' versus milk). The model enables depiction of the dynamic equilibrium achieved with time when a proposed change in the drivers is sustained. The results show that soil C loss under lactating cows is a result of N, rather than C, being removed in milk. Counter-intuitively, at the same intake demand, N loss under 'milk' is less than under 'dry-stock', as is C loss in animal respiration. Possibilities for changing the longevity of C in the soil are discussed, and the compromise between food production, N loss and C sequestration is considered.

Cytocompatibility assessment of chemical surface treatments for phosphate glass to improve adhesion between glass and polyester

Fully resorbable phosphate glass fiber reinforced polymer composites have shown real potential for replacing some of the existing metallic bone fracture fixation devices. However, some of these composites have not provided suitable mechanical strength profiles over the required healing period for bone. Typically, it has been seen that these composites can lose up to 50% or more of their strength within the first week of degradation. Functionalizing the glass surface to promote polymer adhesion or to introduce hydrophobicity at the glass surface could potentially introduce control over the mechanical properties of the composite and their retention. In this study eight chemical agents namely, Glycerol 2-phosphate disodium salt; 3-phosphonopropionic acid; 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane; etidronic acid; hexamethylene diisocyanate; sorbitol/sodium ended PLA oligomers and amino phosphonic acid, were selected to functionalise the bulk phosphate glass surface. Selected chemical agents had one functional group (-OH or O C N) to react with the glass and another functionality (either -OH, NH2, or Na) to react with the polymer matrix and/or produce hydrophobicity at the fiber surface. Bulk phosphate glass surface-treated with the above agents were assessed for the cytotoxicity of degradation products cell-material interaction in short- and long-term direct cytocompatibility studies. Results obtained from these cytocompatibility studies (using human osteosarcoma (MG63) and primary human osteoblast cell lines) revealed no cytotoxicity from the degradation products and a response comparable to controls in terms of cell functions (attachment, viability, metabolic activity, proliferation, and differentiation) and morphology.

Bioresorbable composite screws manufactured via forging process: pull-out, shear, flexural and degradation characteristics

Bioresorbable screws have the potential to overcome some of the complications associated with metallic screws currently in use. Removal of metallic screws after bone has healed is a serious issue which can lead to refracture due to the presence of screw holes. Poly lactic acid (PLA), fully 40 mol% P(2)O(5) containing phosphate unidirectional (P40UD) and a mixture of UD and short chopped strand random fibre mats (P40 70%UD/30%RM) composite screws were prepared via forging composite bars. Water uptake and mass loss for the composite screws manufactured increased significantly to ∼1.25% (P=0.0002) and ∼1.1% (P<0.0001), respectively, after 42 days of immersion in PBS at 37 °C. The initial maximum flexural load for P40 UD/RM and P40 UD composite screws was ∼60% (P=0.0047) and ∼100% (P=0.0037) higher than for the PLA screws (∼190 N), whilst the shear load was slightly higher in comparison to PLA (∼2.2 kN). The initial pull-out strengths for the P40 UD/RM and PLA screws were similar whereas that for P40 UD screws was ∼75% higher (P=0.022). Mechanical properties for the composite screws decreased initially after 3 days of immersion and this reduction was ascribed to the degradation of the fibre/matrix interface. After 3 days interval the mechanical properties (flexural, shear and pull-out) maintained their integrity for the duration of the study (at 42 days). This property retention was attributed to the chemical durability of the fibres used and stability of the matrix properties during the degradation process. It was also deemed necessary to enhance the fibre/matrix interface via use of a coupling agent in order to maintain the initial mechanical properties acquired for the required period of time. Lastly, it is also suggested that the degrading reinforcement fibres may have the potential to buffer any acidic products released from the PLA matrix.

Material characterisation and cytocompatibility assessment of quinternary phosphate glasses

Six phosphate glass formulations (in the system P(2)O(5)-CaO-MgO-Na(2)O-Fe(2)O(3)) were produced with fixed magnesium and calcium content at 24 and 16 mol%, respectively. P(2)O(5) and Fe(2)O(3) were varied between 40-50 and 0-4 mol% respectively, with the balance being Na(2)O. EDX analyses confirmed the final composition of the glasses investigated to within a 1-2 % error margin. Thermal analyses showed a linear increase in T(g) with increasing Fe(2)O(3) and P(2)O(5) contents, with Fe(2)O(3) showing a greater effect than P(2)O(5). This was proposed to be due to the formation of Fe-O-P bonds and an increase in the cross-link density of the glass network enhancing the durability of the glass. The glasses that were investigated revealed a decrease in degradation rate with increasing Fe(2)O(3) and P(2)O(5) contents and again the effect of Fe(2)O(3) was greater. All the above characteristics correlated well with structural changes measured by IR and XPS analyses. Cytocompatibility studies showed good cellular (MG63) response to the glasses up to 168 h in terms of cell viability, proliferation and differentiation. Statistical analysis revealed that all the formulations with the exception of P50Fe4 gave a comparable response to the control (TCP), which suggested that after a threshold level of glass durability is achieved the degradation rate has no or minimal effect on biocompatibility. However, it was seen that the glass chemistry can also affect cellular response, since increasing the P(2)O(5) content promoted phenotypic expression that was not related to degradation rate but to the degradation products. This was supported using an elution assay.

Bioresorbable screws reinforced with phosphate glass fibre: manufacturing and mechanical property characterisation

Use of bioresorbable screws could eliminate disadvantages associated with metals such as removal operations, corrosion, MRI interference and stress shielding. Mechanical properties of bioresorbable polymers alone are insufficient for load bearing applications application as screws. Thus, reinforcement is necessary to try and match or surpass the mechanical properties of cortical bone. Phosphate based glass fibres were used to reinforce polylactic acid (PLA) in order to produce unidirectionally aligned (UD) and unidirectionally plus randomly distributed (UD/RM) composite screws (P40 UD and P40 UD/RM). The maximum flexural and push-out properties for the composite screws (P40 UD and P40 UD/RM) increased by almost 100% in comparison with the PLA screws. While the pull-out strength and stiffness of the headless composite screws were ∼80% (strength) and ∼130% (stiffness) higher than for PLA, those with heads exhibited properties lower than those for PLA alone as a result of failure at the heads. An increase in the maximum shear load and stiffness for the composite screws (∼30% and ∼40%) in comparison to the PLA screws was also seen. Maximum torque for the PLA screws was ∼1000 mN m, while that for the composite screws were slightly lower. The SEM micrographs for P40 UD and P40 UD/RM screws revealed small gaps around the fibres, which were suggested to be due to buckling of the UD fibres during the manufacturing process.

Investigating the use of coupling agents to improve the interfacial properties between a resorbable phosphate glass and polylactic acid matrix

Eight different chemicals were investigated as potential candidate coupling agents for phosphate glass fibre reinforced polylactic acid composites. Evidence of reaction of the coupling agents with phosphate glass and their effect on surface wettability and glass degradation were studied along with their principle role of improving the interface between glass reinforcement and polymer matrix. It was found that, with an optimal amount of coupling agent on the surface of the glass/polymer, interfacial shear strength improved by a factor of 5. Evidence of covalent bonding between agent and glass was found for three of the coupling agents investigated, namely: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane; etidronic acid and hexamethylene diisocyanate. These three coupling agents also improved the interfacial shear strength and increased the hydrophobicity of the glass surface. It is expected that this would provide an improvement in the macroscopic properties of full-scale composites fabricated from the same materials which may also help to retain these properties for the desired length of time by retarding the breakdown of the fibre/matrix interface within these composites.

Effect of high-sugar grasses on methane emissions simulated using a dynamic model

High-sugar grass varieties have received considerable attention for their potential ability to decrease N excretion in cattle. However, feeding high-sugar grasses alters the pattern of rumen fermentation, and no in vivo studies to date have examined this strategy with respect to another environmental pollutant: methane (CH(4)). Modeling allows us to examine potential outcomes of feeding strategies under controlled conditions, and can provide a useful framework for the development of future experiments. The purpose of the present study was to use a modeling approach to evaluate the effect of high-sugar grasses on simulated CH(4) emissions in dairy cattle. An extant dynamic, mechanistic model of enteric fermentation and intestinal digestion was used for this evaluation. A simulation database was constructed and analysis of model behavior was undertaken to simulate the effect of (1) level of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) increase in dietary dry matter, (2) change in crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of the plant with an increased WSC content, (3) level of N fertilization, and (4) presence or absence of grain feeding. Simulated CH(4) emissions tended to increase with increased WSC content when CH(4) was expressed as megajoules per day or percent of gross energy intake, but when CH(4) was expressed in terms of grams per kilogram of milk, results were much more variable due to the potential increase in milk yield. As a result, under certain conditions, CH(4) (g/kg of milk) decreased. The largest increases in CH(4) emissions (MJ/d or % gross energy intake) were generally seen when WSC increased at the expense of CP in the diet and this can largely be explained by the representation in the model of the type of volatile fatty acid produced. Effects were lower when WSC increased at the expense of NDF, and intermediary when WSC increased at the expense of a mixture of CP and NDF. When WSC increased at the expense of NDF, simulated milk yield increased and, therefore, CH(4) (g/kg of milk) tended to decrease. Diminished increases of CH(4) (% gross energy intake or g/kg of milk) were simulated when DMI was increased with elevated WSC content. Simulation results suggest that high WSC grass, as a strategy to mitigate N emission, may increase CH(4) emissions, but that results depend on the grass composition, DMI, and the units chosen to express CH(4). Overall, this project demonstrates the usefulness of modeling for hypothesis testing in the absence of observed experimental results.

Influence of screw holes and gamma sterilization on properties of phosphate glass fiber-reinforced composite bone plates

Polymers prepared from polylactic acid (PLA) have found a multitude of uses as medical devices. For a material that degrades, the main advantage is that an implant would not necessitate a second surgical event for removal. In this study, fibers produced from a quaternary phosphate-based glass (PBG) in the system 50P2O5-40CaO-5Na2O-5Fe2O3 were used to reinforce PLA polymer. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of screw holes in a range of PBG-reinforced PLA composites with varying fiber layup and volume fraction. The flexural properties obtained showed that the strength and modulus values increased with increasing fiber volume fraction; from 96 MPa to 320 MPa for strength and between 4 GPa and 24 GPa for modulus. Furthermore, utilizing a larger number of thinner unidirectional (UD) fiber prepreg layers provided a significant increase in mechanical properties, which was attributed to enhanced wet out and thus better fiber dispersion during production. The effect of gamma sterilization via flexural tests showed no statistically significant difference between the sterilized and nonsterilized samples, with the exception of the modulus values for samples with screw holes. Degradation profiles revealed that samples with screw holes degraded faster than those without screw holes due to an increased surface area for the plates with screw holes in PBS up to 30 days. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed fiber pullout before and after degradation. Compared with various fiber impregnation samples, with 25% volume fraction, 8 thinner unidirectional prepreg stacked samples had the shortest fiber pull-out lengths in comparison to the other samples investigated.

Composites for bone repair: phosphate glass fibre reinforced PLA with varying fibre architecture

Internal fixation for bone fractures with rigid metallic plates, screws and pins is a proven operative technique. However, refracture's have been observed after rigid internal fixation with metal plates and plate fixation has been known to cause localised osteopenia under and near the plate. In the present study, resorbable composites comprising a PLA matrix reinforced with iron doped phosphate glass fibres were investigated. Non-woven random mat laminates of approximately 30% and 45% fibre volume fraction (V(f)) were produced, along with unidirectional and 0°-90° samples of approximately 20% V(f). The non-woven composite laminates achieved maximum values of 10 GPa modulus and 120 MPa strength. The 0-90º samples showed unexpectedly low strengths close to matrix value (~50 MPa) although with a modulus of 7 GPa. The UD specimens exhibited values of 130 MPa and 11.5 GPa for strength and modulus respectively. All the modulus values observed were close to that expected from the rule of mixtures. Samples immersed in deionised water at 37°C revealed rapid mechanical property loss, more so for the UD and 0-90º samples. It was suggested that continuous fibres wicked the degradation media into the composite plates which sped up the deterioration of the fibre-matrix interface. The effect was less pronounced in the non-woven random mat laminates due to the discontinuous arrangement of fibres within the composite, making it less prone to wicking. Random mat composites revealed a higher mass loss than the UD and 0°-90° specimens, it was suggested this was due to the higher fibre volume fractions of these composites and SEM studies revealed voidage around the fibres by day 3. Studies of pH of the degradation media showed similar profiles for all the composites investigated. An initial decrease in pH was attributed to the release of phosphate ions into solution followed by a gradual return back to neutral.

In vitro degradation, flexural, compressive and shear properties of fully bioresorbable composite rods

Several studies have investigated self-reinforced polylactic acid (SR-PLA) and polyglycolic acid (SR-PGA) rods which could be used as intramedullary (IM) fixation devices to align and stabilise bone fractures. This study investigated totally bioresorbable composite rods manufactured via compression moulding at ~100 °C using phosphate glass fibres (of composition 50P(2)O(5)-40CaO-5Na(2)O-5Fe(2)O(3) in mol%) to reinforce PLA with an approximate fibre volume fraction (v(f)) of 30%. Different fibre architectures (random and unidirectional) were investigated and pure PLA rods were used as control samples. The degradation profiles and retention of mechanical properties were investigated and PBS was selected as the degradation medium. Unidirectional (P50 UD) composite rods had 50% higher initial flexural strength as compared to PLA and 60% higher in comparison to the random mat (P50 RM) composite rods. Similar initial profiles for flexural modulus were also seen comparing the P50 UD and P50 RM rods. Higher shear strength properties were seen for P50 UD in comparison to P50 RM and PLA rods. However, shear stiffness values decreased rapidly (after a week) whereas the PLA remained approximately constant. For the compressive strength studies, P50 RM and PLA rods remained approximately constant, whilst for the P50 UD rods a significantly higher initial value was obtained, which decreased rapidly after 3 days immersion in PBS. However, the mechanical properties decreased after immersion in PBS as a result of the plasticisation effect of water within the composite and degradation of the fibres. The fibres within the random and unidirectional composite rods (P50 RM and P50 UD) degraded leaving behind microtubes as seen from the SEM micrographs (after 28 days degradation) which in turn created a porous structure within the rods. This was the main reason attributed for the increase seen in mass loss and water uptake for the composite rods (~17% and ~16%, respectively).

Neutron scattering and ab initio molecular dynamics study of cross-linking in biomedical phosphate glasses

Details of the microscopic structure of phosphate glasses destined for biomedical applications, which include sodium, magnesium and calcium cations, have been obtained from the static structure factor measured by means of neutron scattering. A complementary, molecular dynamics study has been performed on a range of phosphate glasses using density functional theory methods, which allow structural fluctuations, including bond breaking, in the liquid phase before quenching to the glass phase. Good agreement between experiment and simulation allows the molecular dynamics trajectories to be analysed in detail. In particular, attention is focused on the cross-linking of divalent cations in contrast with the structural aspects associated with monovalent cations. Magnesium cations are found equidistant and bridging between the phosphorus atoms of different phosphate chains, leading to a shorter phosphorus-phosphorus second neighbour distance (that is, a more compact packing of neighbouring phosphate chains) compared to the effect of sodium cations. Calcium cations show behaviour intermediate between those of magnesium and sodium. Molecular dynamics simulations give access to the cation mobility, which is lowest for magnesium, reflecting its structural, cross-linking role.

Investigation of Crystallinity, Molecular Weight Change, and Mechanical Properties of PLA/PBG Bioresorbable Composites as Bone Fracture Fixation Plates

In this study, bioresorbable phosphate-based glass (PBG) fibers were used to reinforce poly(lactic acid) (PLA). PLA/PBG random mat (RM) and unidirectional (UD) composites were prepared via laminate stacking and compression molding with fiber volume fractions between 14% and 18%, respectively. The percentage of water uptake and mass change for UD composites were higher than the RM composites and unreinforced PLA. The crystallinity of the unreinforced PLA and composites increased during the first few weeks and then a plateau was seen. XRD analysis detected a crystalline peak at 16.6° in the unreinforced PLA sample after 42 days of immersion in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at 37°C. The initial flexural strength of RM and UD composites was ∼106 and ∼115 MPa, whilst the modulus was ∼6.7 and ∼9 GPa, respectively. After 95 days immersion in PBS at 37°C, the strength decreased to 48 and 52 MPa, respectively as a result of fiber–matrix interface degradation. There was no significant change in flexural modulus for the UD composites, whilst the RM composites saw a decrease of ∼45%. The molecular weight of PLA alone, RM, and UD composites decreased linearly with time during degradation due to chain scission of the matrix. Short fiber pull-out was seen from SEM micrographs for both RM and UD composites.

Retention of mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of a phosphate-based glass fiber/polylactic acid composite

Polymers prepared from polylactic acid (PLA) have found a multitude of uses as medical devices. The main advantage of having a material that degrades is so that an implant would not necessitate a second surgical event for removal. In addition, the biodegradation may offer other advantages. In this study, fibers produced from a quaternary phosphate-based glass (PBG) in the system 50P(2)O(5)-40CaO-5Na(2)O-5Fe(2)O(3) (nontreated and heat-treated) were used to reinforce the biodegradable polymer, PLA. Fiber properties were investigated, along with the mechanical and degradation properties and cytocompatibility of the composites produced. Retention of mechanical properties overtime was also evaluated. The mean fiber strength for the phosphate glass fibers was 456 MPa with a modulus value of 51.5 GPa. Weibull analysis revealed a shape and scale parameter value of 3.37 and 508, respectively. The flexural strength of the composites matched that for cortical bone; however, the modulus values were lower than those required for cortical bone. After 6 weeks of degradation in deionized water, 50% of the strength values obtained was maintained. The composite degradation properties revealed a 14% mass loss for the nontreated and a 10% mass loss for the heat-treated fiber composites. It was also seen that by heat-treating the fibers, chemical and physical degradation occurred much slower. The pH profiles also revealed that nontreated fibers degraded quicker, thus correlating well with the degradation profiles. The in vitro cell culture experiments revealed both PLA (alone) and the heat-treated fiber composites maintained higher cell viability as compared to the nontreated fiber composites. This was attributed to the slower degradation release profiles of the heat-treated composites as compared to the nontreated fiber composites. SEM analyses revealed a porous structure after degradation, and it is clear that there are possibilities here to tailor the distribution of porosity within polymer matrices.

Synthesis and degradation of sodium iron phosphate glasses and theirin vitro cell response

The degradation profiles of six sodium iron phosphate glass formulations have been investigated using simple dissolution trials in deionized water. The glasses were produced from the appropriate phosphate salts by melting at 1200 degrees C in 5% Au/95% Pt crucibles. Dissolution rates varied from 0.2 gcm(-2)h(-1) for the 1% Fe glass to essentially zero over the 6-week test period for the 15% Fe and 20% Fe glasses. The overall degradation rate was found to vary according to the approximate relation: rate = 1.3e(-0.79x) gcm(-2)h(-1), where x is the percentage iron content of the glass. Glasses with 10% or greater iron content were observed to maintain a constant density over the course of the tests and thus appeared to degrade from the surface and not the bulk. In vitro cell response tests were conducted on the glasses using macrophages and primary craniofacial osteoblasts. These tests were performed on the glasses with 10% or greater iron content because glasses with lower iron content degraded too quickly. Confocal microscopy revealed a rounded macrophage morphology and IL-1beta production was low, suggesting little macrophage activation. However, a significant level of peroxide production was observed. Osteoblasts were observed to attach to the glass surfaces and spread, exhibiting a similar cytosketetal organization to the cells on the Thermanox controls, with a high level of F-actin organization. On balance, the 15% Fe glass performed slightly better than the 20% Fe glass in these assays.

The effect of production regime and crucible materials on the thermal properties of sodium phosphate glasses produced from salts

Changes in the thermal properties of sodium phosphate glasses during melt production have been investigated using Pt/Au and fused alumina crucibles. Glasses were produced from NaH(2)PO(4) as a starting material, providing an intrinsic Na(2)O:P(2)O(5) ratio of 1:1 and giving an O/P = 3, that is, a metaphosphate. In Pt/Au crucibles, glass transition temperatures rose to a plateau value of 295 degrees C at a rate determined by melt temperature. No contamination of the glass by platinum or gold was detected or indicated in the results. E(a) for the reaction was found to be 66.4 kJ mol(-1). In fused alumina crucibles, glass transition temperatures rose to over 450 degrees C, with these values showing some convergence at higher furnace temperatures. Extensive erosion of the alumina crucibles was observed. The amount of alumina incorporation within the glasses correlated well with the rise in glass transition temperature up to a maximum of 15.5 mol % Al(2)O(3) content. Al(2)O(3) incorporation above this value caused a reduction in the value of the T(g).

Dissolving biomolecules and modifying biomedical implants with supercritical carbon dioxide

We describe two methodologies for dissolving ionic/polar species in scCO2. Both lead to a broadening of the range of applications for scCO2. Fluorinated surfactants may be used to prepare water in carbon dioxide microemulsions to allow solubilization of ionic and biological species. We outline also the preparation of scCO2 soluble metal precursors that can be impregnated efficiently into polymeric substrates. Further processing by heat or UV light leads to metallic particles distributed throughout a polymer substrate. The clean synthesis of such composites can be applied to the development of improved medical implants.

Simultaneous cell cycle and phenotypic analysis of primary uveal melanoma by flow cytometry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

DNA ploidy and cell cycle measurements of uveal melanoma tissue are regarded as having limited prognostic significance. In contrast, dual-parameter (DNA monoclonal antibody) flow cytometry offers a convenient and rapid way to screen tumour samples for a variety of phenotypic markers, whilst simultaneously measuring DNA ploidy and cell cycle, and therefore has the increased potential to identify clinically relevant indicators of disease progression. The aim of the present study was to identify a simple yet robust method for isolating, preserving and staining cells that could be analysed by flow cytometry.

METHODS

Using a simple preparation procedure, a panel of membrane-associated antibodies (ICAM-1, W632, HLA-DR) and nuclear or cytoplasmic oncoprotein antibodies (c-erbB-2, c-myc, bcl-2, p53), together with positive (PHM-5) and negative (FITC F(ab')2) controls, were assayed. It was considered important to test the protocol with markers expressed on the cell surface, and in the cytoplasm and nucleus, so as not to be restrictive and thereby exclude an antigen of potential clinical interest. In addition, such panels would also enable the generation of a 'phenotypic profile' for each specimen that may reveal clinically significant trends.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that tissue dissociation followed by brief fixation in 1% paraformaldehyde and permeabilisation in 70% methanol produces a stable single cell suspension, which can subsequently be stained with a wide range of antibodies for the accurate identification of cells in a potentially heterogeneous tumour population.

CONCLUSION

This technology can rapidly identify sub-populations of cells expressing differing levels of proteins, which may prove to be indicative of disease progression for this aggressive disease.

Complex dynamics in a carbon-nitrogen model of a grass-legume pasture

A physiologically based model of a grass-legume pasture is used to study the dynamics of these competing species. In our model, we consider carbon and nitrogen pools and fluxes, incorporating competition for light and soil mineral nitrogen, and including the processes of nitrogen fixation, nitrogen losses and dry matter allocation. First, the steadystate responses of each species to nitrogen deposition, to leaching rate, and to other nitrogen losses are examined. We then consider the dynamic behaviour of these species when there is no time delay for nitrogen cycled through the soil organic matter pool. Next, the effects of various time delays associated with the soil organic matter nitrogen pool on the system dynamics are examined: the behaviour becomes complex, non-linear and exhibits lightly or heavily damped oscillations at two frequencies. The high sensitivity of the system both to the initial value of the soil organic matter nitrogen pool, and to any photosynthetic competitive advantage, is investigated. The implications of these results in relation to observations and experiments on grass-legume pastures are discussed.

One in the eye for prescribers

About the news item, 'Potential dangers of steroid eye drops' (Research news, July 13). Any ophthalmic trained nurse or nurse with ophthalmic experience has known for many years the side effects of over-used steroid drops.

HTLV-1, HIV-1, hepatitis B and hepatitis delta in the Pacific and South-East Asia: a serological survey

Blood samples from 13 locations in the Pacific and South-East Asia were tested for evidence of infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). No samples were positive for antibody to HIV-1. Antibodies to HTLV-1 were found in samples from five locations, the maximum prevalence being 19%, in Vanuatu. Serological markers of HBV infection were found in all locations, the maximal prevalence being 88%, in Majuro, Micronesia. Antibodies to HDV in HBsAg positive sera were found in six locations with a maximum prevalence of 81% in Kiribati.

Routine full blood counts as indicators of acute viral infections

Over a period of three weeks about 9000 full blood counts were analysed on the Technicon H6000 automated haematology machine. From these, 62 patients were identified who had abnormally high numbers of large unstained white cells; these patients were followed up for evidence of viral infection. Seventeen were either lost to follow up or in chronic renal failure; of the remaining 45 patients, 40 had viral infections, 26 of which were due to Epstein-Barr virus. In the presence of a raised number of large unstained white cells, an IgM test for Epstein-Barr virus is recommended, followed by routine serology when necessary.