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Toth JM, Ankomah F, Kawakami N, Uno K. A comparison of the inflammatory host response to particulate debris adjacent to unlocked and locked screws of a growth guidance system for early onset scoliosis. Eur Spine J 2022. [PMID: 35695968 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07271-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The SHILLA™ Growth Guidance system is a stainless-steel rod and screw system used for Early Onset Scoliosis which incorporates a unique flanged set screw designed to capture the rod, while allowing it to slide as the patient grows. Concomitant with this design is the potential for generation of wear debris and for an inflammatory host response. We hypothesized that the magnitude of the host response adjacent to the unlocked screws and rods would be greater than the host response to the locked rod/screws. METHODS Seven tissue samples adjacent to locked (3) and unlocked screws (4) from three SHILLA patients (mean implantation time of 19 post-operative months) with infantile idiopathic scoliosis were obtained as part of an explant analysis protocol during a PMDA-approved clinical trial in Japan. Gross appearance, high-resolution radiographs, and histology were assessed. ISO Standard 10993 Part 6 was used to assess the host response. RESULTS All three locked screw had no metallosis. In contrast, metallosis for unlocked screw tissue samples were rated as "ubiquitous" (2/4), "focal" (1/4), or "absent" (1/4). Microscopic metallic debris was found intracellularly and within interstices of fibrous connective tissues more frequently adjacent to unlocked screws compared to locked screws. Cell type and population scoring consistently showed a modestly larger inflammatory response (macrophages) in the unlocked tissue samples. CONCLUSIONS The peri-prosthetic tissue response to the unlocked rods/screws had a higher reactivity grade (slight reaction, Δ = 4.0) per ISO 10993 Part 6 compared to the locked screws in three patients with the SHILLA™ Growth Guidance scoliosis system.
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Kang S. Mineralization-inducing potentials of calcium silicate-based pulp capping materials in human dental pulp cells. Yeungnam Univ J Med 2020; 37:217-225. [PMID: 32438533 PMCID: PMC7384909 DOI: 10.12701/yujm.2020.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study was performed to provide a long-term bacterial seal through the formation of reparative dentin bridge, calcium silicate-based pulp capping materials have been used at sites of pulpal exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineralization-inducing potentials of calcium silicate-based pulp capping materials (ProRoot MTA [PR], Biodentine [BD], and TheraCal LC [TC]) in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). Methods Specimens of test materials were placed in deionized water for various incubation times to measure the pH variation and the concentration of calcium released. The morphology of HDPCs cultured on the specimens was examined using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Alizarin red S staining and alkaline phosphatase assays were used to evaluate mineralization-inducing potentials of the capping materials. Results BD showed the highest calcium release in all test periods, followed by PR and TC. (p<0.05). All experimental groups showed high alkalinity after 1 day, except at 14 days. BD showed the highest cell viability compared with PR and TC after 1 and 3 days, while TC showed the lowest value (p<0.05). The CLSM analysis showed that cells were well adhered and expressed actin filaments for all pulp capping materials. Mineralization by PR and BD groups was higher than that by TC group based on alizarin red S staining. BD showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity than PR and TC, while TC showed the lowest value (p<0.05). Conclusion Within the limitations of the in vitro study, BD had higher mineralization-inducing potential than PR and TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohee Kang
- Department of Dentistry, Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
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Pomarè Montin D, Ankawi G, Lorenzin A, Neri M, Caprara C, Ronco C. Biocompatibility and Cytotoxic Evaluation of New Sorbent Cartridges for Blood Hemoperfusion. Blood Purif 2018; 46:187-195. [PMID: 29886501 DOI: 10.1159/000489921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The use of adsorption cartridges for hemoperfusion (HP) is rapidly evolving. For these devices, the potential induced cytotoxicity is an important issue. The aim of this study was to investigate potential in vitro cytotoxic effects of different sorbent cartridges, HA130, HA230, HA330, HA380 (Jafron, China), on U937 monocytes. METHODS Monocytes were exposed to the sorbent material in static and dynamic manners. In static test, cell medium samples were collected after 24 h of incubation in the cartridges. In dynamic test, HP modality has been carried out and samples at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min were collected. RESULTS Compared to control samples, there was no evidence of increased necrosis or apoptosis in monocytes exposed to the cartridges both in the static and dynamic tests. CONCLUSION Our in vitro testing suggests that HA cartridges carry an optimal level of biocompatibility and their use in HP is not associated with adverse reactions or signs of cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghada Ankawi
- IRRIV-International Renal Research Institute Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna Lorenzin
- IRRIV-International Renal Research Institute Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy.,Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Mauro Neri
- IRRIV-International Renal Research Institute Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy.,Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Carlotta Caprara
- IRRIV-International Renal Research Institute Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Città della Speranza, Laboratorio di Genetica Clinica ed Epidemiologica, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Ronco
- IRRIV-International Renal Research Institute Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy.,Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
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Nascimento J, Scelza MZ, Alves GG, Linhares A, Canabarro A, Granjeiro JM, De-Deus G. Cytocompatibility of a self-adhesive gutta-percha root-filling material. J Conserv Dent 2017; 20:152-156. [PMID: 29279616 PMCID: PMC5706313 DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.218303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: A novel root-filling material based on the incorporation of ultrafine alkaline bioactive glass particles (bioactive gutta-percha, [BGP]) was developed to work without sealer. Aim: In the present study, the objective was to verify the in vitro biological response to this material by assessing its cytocompatibility. Materials and Methods: Prototypes of BGP were compared to conventional gutta-percha (GP), dense polystyrene beads as a negative control and fragments of latex as a positive control. Extracts of each material were prepared according to ISO 10993-5:2009, and human osteoblast-like cells in primary culture were exposed to all extracts for 24 h. Cell viability was assayed sequentially for three different parameters: mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, and cell density. Statistical Analysis Used: Nonparametric analysis (using Kruskal–Wallis test combined with post hoc Dunn's test) was performed for comparison among groups, with significance established at 5%. Results: BGP reduced mitochondrial activity to 62% of control, but presented no toxicity on membrane integrity and proliferation assays. BGP effect on metabolism was dose-dependent and reduced to acceptable levels with dilution. Conclusion: The novel GP material presented slight dose-dependent effects on cell metabolism but did not affect cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Nascimento
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Miriam Zaccaro Scelza
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gutemberg Gomes Alves
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Adriana Linhares
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Antonio Canabarro
- Department of Periodontology, Veiga de Almeida University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Mauro Granjeiro
- Bioengineering Division, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Gustavo De-Deus
- Department of Endodontics, Grande Rio University, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
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Gusman DJR, Cintra LTA, Novaes VCN, Matheus HR, de Araujo NJ, de Almeida JM. pH influences the biocompatibility of methylene blue solutions. Clin Oral Investig 2018; 22:361-7. [PMID: 28536783 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-017-2120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the biocompatibility of methylene blue at different pH levels through the method of implantation in subcutaneous tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-four sterilized polyethylene tubes were allocated in the subcutaneous tissue of 28 rats, each one receiving four tubes, set into four groups: group tube (G-T)-empty tube, fibrin group (G-F)-tube filled with fibrin sponge, group methylene blue pH 7 (G-MB/pH 7)-tube filled with fibrin sponge soaked by methylene blue (100 μg/ml) at pH 7.0, and group methylene blue pH 1 (G-MB/pH 1)-tube filled with fibrin sponge and soaked by methylene blue (100 μg/ml) at pH 1.0. After 7, 15, and 30 days, seven animals from each group were euthanized, and the tubes involved by the surrounding tissue were removed and fixed with 4% buffered formaldehyde solution. The collected pieces were processed and histological sections (4 μm) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed by light microscopy. Scores were assigned to analysis of histopathologic parameters. The results were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS At 7 and 30 days, the G-MB/pH 1 group showed no significant difference in the G-T control group, while G-MB/pH 7 had a significant increase on tissue reaction, also when compared to G-T. At 15 days, there was no statistical difference between the groups. CONCLUSION Within the limits of this study, it is concluded that methylene blue at pH 1.0 provides better biocompatibility than at pH 7.0.
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van Steenberghe M, Schubert T, Guiot Y, Bouzin C, Bollen X, Gianello P. Enhanced vascular biocompatibility of decellularized xeno-/allogeneic matrices in a rodent model. Cell Tissue Bank 2017; 18:249-262. [PMID: 28238108 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-017-9610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glutaraldehyde preservation is the gold standard for cardiovascular biological prosthesis. However, secondary calcifications and the absence of tissue growth remain major limitations. Our study assessed in vitro and in vivo the biocompatibility of human (fascia lata, pericardium) and porcine tissues (pericardium, peritoneum) treated with a physicochemical procedure for decellularization and non-conventional pathogens inactivation. Biopsies were performed before and after treatment to assess decellularization (HE/Dapi staining/DNA quantification/MHC I/alpha gal immunostaining) and mechanical integrity. Forty-five rats received an abdominal aortic patch of native cryopreserved tissues (n = 20), treated tissues (n = 20) or glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium (GBP, control, n = 5). Grafts were explanted at 4 weeks and processed for HE/von Kossa staining and immunohistochemistries for lymphocytes (CD3)/macrophages (CD68) histomorphometry. 95% of decellularization was obtained for all tissues except for fascia lata (75%). Mechanical properties were slightly altered. In the in vivo model, a significant increase of CD3 and CD68 infiltrations was found in native and control implants in comparison with decellularized tissues (p < 0.05). Calcifications were found in 3 controls. Decellularized tissues were recolonized. GBP showed the most inflammatory response. This physicochemical treatment improves the biocompatibility of selected xeno/allogeneic tissues in comparison with their respective native cryopreserved tissues and with GBP. Incomplete decellularization is associated with a significantly higher inflammatory response. Our treatment is a promising tool in the field of tissue decellularization and tissue banking.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van Steenberghe
- Secteur des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle de Chirurgie Expérimentale et Transplantation (CHEX), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 55, 1200, Brussels, Belgium. .,Cardiac Surgery Department, University Clinical Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - T Schubert
- Secteur des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle de Chirurgie Expérimentale et Transplantation (CHEX), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 55, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.,Service d'orthopédie et de traumatologie de l'appareil locomoteur, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.,Unité de thérapie tissulaire et cellulaire de l'appareil locomoteur, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Y Guiot
- Service d'anatomopathologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Bouzin
- Secteur des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique (FATH), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - X Bollen
- Secteur des Sciences et Technologies, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, Centre de Recherche en Energie et Mécatronique (CEREM), Université catholique de Louvain, Place du Levant, 2 L5-04-01, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - P Gianello
- Secteur des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle de Chirurgie Expérimentale et Transplantation (CHEX), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 55, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
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Zhang N, Said A, Wischke C, Kral V, Brodwolf R, Volz P, Boreham A, Gerecke C, Li W, Neffe AT, Kleuser B, Alexiev U, Lendlein A, Schäfer-Korting M. Poly[acrylonitrile-co-(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)] nanoparticles - Composition-dependent skin penetration enhancement of a dye probe and biocompatibility. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2016; 116:66-75. [PMID: 27989766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2016.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles can improve topical drug delivery: size, surface properties and flexibility of polymer nanoparticles are defining its interaction with the skin. Only few studies have explored skin penetration for one series of structurally related polymer particles with systematic alteration of material composition. Here, a series of rigid poly[acrylonitrile-co-(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)] model nanoparticles stably loaded with Nile Red or Rhodamin B, respectively, was comprehensively studied for biocompatibility and functionality. Surface properties were altered by varying the molar content of hydrophilic NVP from 0 to 24.1% and particle size ranged from 35 to 244nm. Whereas irritancy and genotoxicity were not revealed, lipophilic and hydrophilic nanoparticles taken up by keratinocytes affected cell viability. Skin absorption of the particles into viable skin ex vivo was studied using Nile Red as fluorescent probe. Whilst an intact stratum corneum efficiently prevented penetration, almost complete removal of the horny layer allowed nanoparticles of smaller size and hydrophilic particles to penetrate into viable epidermis and dermis. Hence, systematic variations of nanoparticle properties allows gaining insights into critical criteria for biocompatibility and functionality of novel nanocarriers for topical drug delivery and risks associated with environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Said
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Wischke
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany; Helmholtz Virtual Institute Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany
| | - Vivian Kral
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Brodwolf
- Helmholtz Virtual Institute Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany; Institute of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre Volz
- Institute of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Wenzhong Li
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany
| | - Axel T Neffe
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany; Helmholtz Virtual Institute Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ulrike Alexiev
- Helmholtz Virtual Institute Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany; Institute of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Lendlein
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany; Helmholtz Virtual Institute Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany
| | - Monika Schäfer-Korting
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Helmholtz Virtual Institute Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany.
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Scelza MZ, Campos CA, Scelza P, Adeodato CS, Barbosa IB, de Noronha F, Montalli V, Napimoga M, de Araújo VC, Alves GG. Evaluation of Inflammatory Response to Endodontic Sealers in a Bone Defect Animal Model. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016; 17:536-541. [PMID: 27595718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory response to MTA Fillapex, AH Plus, and Pulp Canal Sealer Extensive Work Time (EWT), in a murine bone defect grafting model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bilateral mandibular critical defects were produced in 45 Wistar rats with a trephine bur#2 and filled with the endodontic sealers. After 7, 14, and 28 days, the rats were euthanized and their jaws were histologically prepared. RESULTS For the 7-day group, no statistical significance was observed among all studied groups (p > 0.05), and high levels of inflammatory infiltrate were detected. After 14 and 28 days, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT showed statistically lower inflammatory response in comparison to other sealers (p < 0.05) except for the control group (no sealers). CONCLUSION Pulp Canal Sealer EWT presented the lowest levels of inflammatory response. The critical defect grafting model was an effective method to detect differences among differences on the biological response to endodontic sealers. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Knowing the biocompatibility of endodontics sealers that will be used in filling the root canal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Z Scelza
- Professor, Department of Endodontics, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Phone: +552199840270 e-mail:
| | - Carlos Am Campos
- Department of Immunobiology, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pantaleo Scelza
- Department of Endodontics, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caroline Sr Adeodato
- Department of Dentistry, Fluminense Federal University Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Igor B Barbosa
- Department of Dentistry, Fluminense Federal University Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando de Noronha
- Department of Endodontics, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Montalli
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology and Immunology and Molecular Biology, Sao Leopoldo Mandic, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Napimoga
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology and Immunology and Molecular Biology, Sao Leopoldo Mandic, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera C de Araújo
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology and Immunology and Molecular Biology, Sao Leopoldo Mandic, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gutemberg G Alves
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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Johnson DG, Khire TS, Lyubarskaya YL, Smith KJ, DesOrmeaux JPS, Taylor JG, Gaborski TR, Shestopalov AA, Striemer CC, McGrath JL. Ultrathin silicon membranes for wearable dialysis. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2013; 20:508-15. [PMID: 24206603 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of wearable or implantable technologies that replace center-based hemodialysis (HD) hold promise to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with ESRD. A prerequisite for these technologies is the development of highly efficient membranes that can achieve high toxin clearance in small-device formats. Here we examine the application of the porous nanocrystalline silicon (pnc-Si) to HD. pnc-Si is a molecularly thin nanoporous membrane material that is orders of magnitude more permeable than conventional HD membranes. Material developments have allowed us to dramatically increase the amount of active membrane available for dialysis on pnc-Si chips. By controlling pore sizes during manufacturing, pnc-Si membranes can be engineered to pass middle-molecular-weight protein toxins while retaining albumin, mimicking the healthy kidney. A microfluidic dialysis device developed with pnc-Si achieves urea clearance rates that confirm that the membrane offers no resistance to urea passage. Finally, surface modifications with thin hydrophilic coatings are shown to block cell and protein adhesion.
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