Biomedical subjects

P Torricelli

Publications and source records attributed to P Torricelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Reconstructed urinary bladder following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Multidetector CT evaluation of normal findings and complications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to report the normal and pathological multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings in the morphofunctional evaluation of the orthotopic ileal reservoir in patients treated with radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a clinical and imaging follow-up of 43 months, 30 patients (27 men and three women) with prior cystectomy and urinary reconstruction with an orthotopic ileal neobladder [six Studer and 24 Paduan Ileal Bladder (VIP)] underwent multislice CT scan with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), volume rendering and virtual endoscopic evaluation of the contrast-filled neobladder. The following CT data were considered: neobladder position within the pelvis, neobladder capacity, sphericity index, vesico-urethral angle, vesico-ureteral reflux, pseudo-diverticular herniation, visualisation of ileal folds and parietal thickness. The CT scan results were correlated with those of the urodynamic assessment (uroflowmetry and entero-cystometry). RESULTS: Right-sided dislocation was observed in 12/30 neobladders (six VIP and six Studer); mean capacity was around 254 ml; six VIP were spherical whereas the others were oval. The vesico-urethral angle was less than 90 degrees in five patients (normal range: 90 degrees-170 degrees). One patient had grade-3 unilateral, passive, vesico-ureteral reflux and nine patients had active or passive bilateral reflux. One patient had pseudo-diverticular herniation. The ileal folds in the afferent limb of the neobladder could be visualised in all six patients with Studer neobladders. Mean parietal thickness was 3.59 mm (SD 1.34 mm). Increased endoluminal pressure, evaluated by uroflowmetry, was associated with lateralisation of the new reservoir during straining in nine patients, with decreased neobladder capacity in six patients, vesico-ureteral reflux in five patients and pseudo-diverticular herniation in one case. Decreased urinary flow was correlated with vesico-urethral angle less than 90 degrees in four patients and with low sphericity index in five patients. No significant correlation was found between parietal thickness, presence of ileal folds and urodynamic data. Absorbed dose due to the two additional scans of our CT protocol was 10 mSv for 4-row CT and 15 mSv for 16-row CT. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT of the contrast-filled neobladder is useful for the morphological and, in part, functional evaluation of the neobladder during postoperative follow-up and helps detect surgical complications. Radiation protection concerns do not, however, support the routine use of the method, even if the MDCT data are in part correlated to the urodynamic data and may in many cases provide a morphological explanation to the presence of functional alterations.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Normal and osteopenic bone-derived osteoblast response to a biomimetic gelatin-calcium phosphate bone cement.

We have recently developed a new calcium phosphate bone cement enriched with gelatin (GEL-CP), which exhibits improved mechanical properties with respect to the control cement (C-CP). In a previous study, we demonstrated the good response of osteoblast-like cells to the new biomimetic bone cement. Herein, we extend the investigation to primary culture of osteoblasts derived from healthy and pathological bones. Osteoblasts derived from normal (N-OB) and osteopenic (O-OB) sheep bones were cultured on samples of GEL-CP, and their behavior was compared with that of cells cultured on C-CP as control. Cell morphology, proliferation, and differentiation were evaluated at 3 and 7 days. SEM analysis revealed that both N-OB and O-OB showed a normal morphology when cultured on GEL-CP. Biological tests demonstrated that the gelatin-enriched cement improves osteoblasts' activity and differentiation of O-OB cultures, with respect to the control samples. The data indicate that the new composite cement positively stimulates alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen type I, and osteocalcin production, not only in N-OB, but also in O-OB culture. The improvement due to the presence of gelatin suggests that the biomimetic composite material could be successfully applied as bone substitute also in the presence of osteopenic bone.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effects of systemic glucocorticoid administration on tenocytes.

The effects of systemic administration of glucocorticoids (GC) on Achilles tendons of rats was studied. After the animal euthanasia, Achilles tendons were removed in sterile conditions from Sprague Dawley adult female rats to isolate tenocytes. Animals have been daily treated for 8 weeks with 4 mg/kg methylprednisolone or Sham-treated with saline solution. In vitro, cell proliferation (WST-1), extra-cellular matrix (ECM) synthesis (collagen type I, CICP; proteoglycans, PG; and fibronectin, FBN), and transforming growth factor (TGF-beta1) were evaluated at 3 and 7 days of culture. The effect of glucocorticoids (GC) on tenocytes was evident both at 3 and 7 days of culture, and caused a significant decreases in cell proliferation (P<0.01), CICP (P<0.01) and PG synthesis (P<0.01) as compared to NT tenocytes. In conclusion, GC systemic treatment seems to compromise the normal proliferation rate and synthetic activity of cultured tenocytes. This study was helpful in understanding the fundamental biological processes that occur during corticosteroid systemic administration and tenocyte cultures may be used to further study to improve knowledge of these cell behaviour also in the ambit of tendon tissue-engineered therapies.

Achilles Tendon↗

PubMed2006

In vitro corrosion study by EIS of an equiatomic NiTi alloy and an implant quality AISI 316 stainless steel.

The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used for the study of the electrochemical behavior of an equiatomic NiTi alloy and an implant quality AISI 316 stainless steel type ASTM F138. Experiments were carried out using four different different test solutions: phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Dulbecco minimum essential medium (MEM), MEM + fetal calf serum (FCS), and MEM + fetal calf serum + fibroblast cell (CELL). Specimens were finished to 600-grit SiC paper and were tested in conditions that did not provoke abrupt mechanical damage of the passive film. Bode-phase spectra showed the presence of two maxima and were fitted with an equivalent circuit characterized by two parallel combinations (R, resistance; CPE, constant phase element). The R(1) and CPE(1) branch was assigned to the inner compact passive film and the R(2) and CPE(2) branch to the external porous film. The resistance of the inner film R(1), roughly corresponding to the polarization resistance (R(p)), which is inversely proportional to the material's corrosion rate, increased with the immersion time and was generally greater in PBS than in other media. With the exception of FCS solution, R(1) for NiTi alloy is better or similar to that of ASTM F138.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2006

In vivo study on the healing of bone defects treated with bone marrow stromal cells, platelet-rich plasma, and freeze-dried bone allografts, alone and in combination.

The repair of confined trabecular bone defects in rabbits treated by autologous bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), freeze-dried bone allografts (FDBA) alone and in combination (BMSC + PRP; FDBA + BMSC; FDBA + PRP; FDBA + PRP + BMSC) was compared. A critical size defect was created in the distal part of the femurs of 48 adult rabbits. Histology and histomorphometry were used in the evaluation of healing at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after surgery. The healing rate (%) was calculated by measuring the residual bone defect area. Architecture of the newly formed bone was compared with that of bone at the same distal femur area of healthy rabbits. The defect healing rate was higher in PRP + BMSC, FDBA + PRP, FDBA + BMSC, and FDBA + PRP + BMSC treatments, while lower values were achieved with PRP treatment at all experimental times. The highest bone-healing rate at 2 weeks was achieved with FDBA + PRP + BMSC treatment, which resulted significantly different from PRP (p < 0.05) and BMSC (p < 0.05) treatments. At 4 weeks, the bone-healing rate increased except for PRP treatment. Finally, the bone-healing rate of FDBA + PRP, FDBA + BMSC, and FDBA + PRP + BMSC was significantly higher than that of PRP at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). At 12 weeks, significant differences still existed between PRP, BMSC, and FDBA groups and normal bone (p < 0.05). These results showed that the combination of FDBA, BMSC and PRP permitted an acceleration in bone healing and bone remodeling processes.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease: role of MR angiography.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has recently become instrumental in the diagnosis of arterial disease in various body districts and is gaining an increasingly important role in the study of peripheral vascularisation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability of MRA using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2003 and August 2004, 30 patients with known peripheral arterial disease were studied by MRA and DSA. MRA was performed with a Philips Intera 1.5 T, with acquisitions from the coeliac trunk to the feet. For acquisitions of the feet and ankles we used unenhanced time-of-flight (TOF) sequences with a head coil. The angiographic sequence was acquired in three volumes of 40-45 cm after administration of paramagnetic contrast material. RESULTS: In the patients with peripheral arterial disease, the technique provided a precise evaluation of the stenosis (mild, moderate, severe) or obstruction of the peripheral district as well as the detection of other diseases, such as stenosis of the renal arteries or aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: Total-body three-dimensional (3D) MRA allows a fast, safe, and accurate assessment of the arterial system in patients with arteriosclerosis and can be considered an alternative to DSA in the management of patients with steno-obstructive disease of the peripheral arteries.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Resin-based dentin restorative materials under accelerated ageing: bio-functional behavior.

OBJECT: The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the effect of different polishing and finishing procedures on Filtek Z250 FZ ESPE restorative material. Particularly, the consequence of artificial aging (UV-irradiation) on this resin-based dental material was investigated determining also its outcome on cell behavior. METHODS: 96 specimens of restorative material were prepared using a light emitting diode curing unit and randomly divided into four finishing and polishing groups: (I) No treatment (FZ); (II) Identoflex rubbers (ID); (III) Enhance System (EN) and (IV) Sof-Lex Pop-on XT discs (SF). The surface morphology of native and artificially aged materials was assessed with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR and biological (biocompatibility and bacterial adhesion) analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Among all, the ID procedure represented an acceptable compromise for efficiency of polymerization and biocompatibility both before and after artificial ageing. SF and EN techniques showed better interactions with the biological environment. CONCLUSION: UV artificial ageing of the tested specimens has shown an acceleration of the surface degrading processes, favoring a possible decrease in the mechanical properties and the release of toxic free radicals. Finishing and polishing procedure seemed to affect the photodegrading pathways, even though no differences among the techniques were observed. As the cytotoxicity of materials undergoing accelerated aging is relevant, further improvement of dental restorative materials are required to limit the long-term biological damage.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Pulsed electromagnetic fields reduce knee osteoarthritic lesion progression in the aged Dunkin Hartley guinea pig.

An experimental in vivo study was performed to test if the effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) on chondrocyte metabolism and adenosine A2a agonist activity could have a chondroprotective effect on the knee of Dunkin Hartley guinea-pigs of 12 months with spontaneously developed osteoarthritis (OA). After a pilot study, 10 animals were randomly divided into two groups: PEMF-treated group (6 h/day for 3 months) and Sham-treated group. Microradiography and histomorphometry were performed on the entire articular surface of knee joints used in evaluating chondropathy severity, cartilage thickness (CT), cartilage surface Fibrillation Index (FI), subchondral bone plate thickness (SBT) and histomorphometric characteristics of trabecular epiphyseal bone. The PEMF-treated animals showed a significant reduction of chondropathy progression in all knee examined areas (p<0.05). CT was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the medial tibia plateaus of the PEMF-treated group when compared to the Sham-treated group. The highest value of FI was observed in the medial tibia plateau of the Sham-treated group (p<0.05). Significant lower values were observed in SBT of PEMF-treated group in comparison to Sham-treated group in all knee examined areas (p<0.05). The present study results show that PEMFs preserve the morphology of articular cartilage and slower the progression of OA lesions in the knee of aged osteoarthritic guinea pigs. The chondroprotective effect of PEMFs was demonstrated not only in the medial tibial plateau but also on the entire articular surface of the knee.

Aging↗

PubMed2005

In vitro corrosion study by EIS of a nickel-free stainless steel for orthopaedic applications.

The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used for the study of the electrochemical behaviour of Ni-free austenitic stainless steel for orthopaedic applications. Experiments were carried out using four different test solutions: (i) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), (ii) minimum essential medium (MEM), (iii) MEM + 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), (iv) MEM + 10% fetal calf serum + L929 fibroblast cell line (Cell). Bode-phase spectra showed the presence of two maxima and were fitted with an equivalent circuit characterized by two parallel combinations (Resistance, Constant Phase Element). The (R(1), CPE(1)) branch was assigned to the inner compact passive film and the (R(2), CPE(2)) branch to the external porous film. The resistance of the inner film R(1), here directly related to the material's uniform corrosion resistance, raised with the immersion time and increased in the following order: PBS<FCS approximately Cell<MEM. In the same test condition the R(1) value of the Ni-free austenitic stainless steel is, as expected, lower than that of titanium.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Human osteoblast response to pulsed laser deposited calcium phosphate coatings.

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and Mn(2+)-doped carbonate hydroxyapatite (Mn-CHA) thin films were deposited on pure, highly polished and chemically etched Ti substrates with pulsed laser deposition. The coatings exhibit different composition, crystallinity and morphology that might affect their osteoconductivity. Human osteoblasts were cultured on the surfaces of OCP and Mn-CHA thin films, and the cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation were evaluated up to 21 days. The cells showed a normal morphology and a very good rate of proliferation and viability in every experimental time. Alkaline phosphatase activity was always higher than the control and Ti groups. From days 7 to 21 collagen type I production was higher in comparison with control and Ti groups. The level of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) was lower at 3 and 7 days, but reached the highest values during following experimental times (14 and 21 days). Our data demonstrate that both calcium phosphate coatings favour osteoblasts proliferation, activation of their metabolism and differentiation.

Calcium Phosphates↗

PubMed2005

Blood vessel formation after soft-tissue implantation of hyaluronan-based hydrogel supplemented with copper ions.

The possibility of ameliorating bone healing of implanted bone allografts is a field of great interest. Early vascular invasion is a key factor in bone allograft incorporation. It is well known that copper ions (Cu2+) show a proangiogenic action favouring the development of new vessels. In this work a hyaluronan based 50% hydrogel (Hyal-50%) was enriched with (Cu2+) and its proangiogenic activity was evaluated. Fifteen Sprague Dawley female rats were submitted to the subcutaneous implantation of Hyal-50%, freeze-dried bone allografts, Hyal-50%-Cu2+, freeze-dried bone allografts plus Hyal-50% and freeze-dried bone allografts plus Hyal-50%-Cu2+. One month later, histomorphometric analysis evidenced the presence of a fibrous-reactive capsule around all specimens showing significant differences among groups (p<0.0005). The highest thickness of the fibrous capsule was found around the freeze-dried bone implants (p<0.05); as well as the Hyal-50%-Cu2+ plus freeze-dried bone (15.2%, p<0.05) and Hyal 50% plus freeze-dried bone (21.4%, p<0.0005) implants showed a significant higher thickness compared with Hyal 50% and Hyal-50%-Cu2+. Statistical analysis showed a significant (p<0.01) higher vascular density in Hyal- 50%-Cu2+ and Hyal-50%-Cu2+ plus freeze-dried bone group when compared to other groups. The present preliminary results suggest the advantages offered by the combined use of a well-known biocompatible and tissue healing promoting material (Hyal-50%) and a new technique that consists of stimulating tissue vascularization using Cu2+ and that bone allograft incorporation may benefit from this technology.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The healing of confined critical size cancellous defects in the presence of silk fibroin hydrogel.

In vitro and in vivo behaviour of an injectable silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel was studied through osteoblast cultures and after implantation in critical-size defects of rabbit distal femurs. A commercial synthetic poly(D,L lactide-glycolide) copolymer was used as control material. In vitro biocompatibility was evaluated by measuring LDH release, cell proliferation (WST1), differentiation (ALP, OC), and synthetic activity (collagen I, TGF ss1, IL-6). Bone defect healing rate and quality of the newly formed bone inside the defects were determined in vivo by measuring trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), mineral apposition rate (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFR/B.Pm). In vitro tests indicated that both materials significantly increased cell proliferation in comparison with the negative control. A significant increase in the TGF-beta1 level was found for SF hydrogel in comparison with the control material and negative control. Both materials promoted bone healing when used to fill critical size defects in rabbit femurs. The new-formed bone of the SF hydrogel treated defects showed significantly higher BV/TV, Tb.Th, MAR and BFR/B.Pm and lower Tb.Sp values in comparison with the control gel. At 12 weeks the re-grown bone of the SF hydrogel-treated defects appeared more similar to normal bone than that of the control synthetic polymeric material-treated defects, except for the Tb.N value that differed significantly from that of normal bone (p<0.05). MAR and BFR/B.Pm presented significantly (p<0.05) higher values for SF hydrogel-treated defects in comparison with controls treated with a synthetic polymeric material, confirming that SF hydrogel accelerated remodelling processes.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Shock wave therapy as an innovative technology in skeletal disorders: study on transmembrane current in stimulated osteoblast-like cells.

Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) is successfully used in various musculoskeletal disorders and pathologies. Despite the increasing use of this kind of therapy, some aspects of its mechanism of action are still unclear. In vitro bone cell behavior under ESWT were previously investigated by the present author and MG63 osteoblast-like cells showed an enhancement in proliferation and in the osteoblast differentiation after therapy with a low-energy flux density. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ESWT on the permeabilization of cell membrane. We characterized physiological changes in the MG63 associated with ESWT generated by an ESW device and patch clamp recording was performed to study ion channels. Experiments were carried out using the whole-cell recording configuration of the patch-clamp technique and the ionic current measurements were performed on cell samples of ESW treated and control groups. The patch-clamp technique showed the effect of ESWT on the amplitude of transmembrane currents. The treatment with ESW enhanced the transmembrane current as well the voltage dependence of Ca-activated and K channels that mediate these currents: the differences between treated cells and control at 80mV were over 1000 pA (p<0.05). These modifications of ion channels activity positively influence cell proliferation (MTT test, p<0.0001) without interfering with the normal synthesis activity of stimulated osteoblasts.

Cell Count↗

PubMed2004

A new austenitic stainless steel with a negligible amount of nickel: an in vitro study in view of its clinical application in osteoporotic bone.

A biomaterial named P558 is a new austenitic stainless steel (SS) with a negligible amount of Ni (<0.20%). In previous in vitro and in vivo studies it was compared with conventional SS and Ti6Al4V and shown to be a promising material in orthopedics. Because osteoporosis is a type of pathology very often encountered in implanted patients and can be studied with in vitro models, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate P558 in vitro through comparison of normal (nOB) with osteopenic (oOB) bone-derived primary rat osteoblasts. Osteoblasts were cultured directly on P558 and polystyrene as controls for 72 h. Osteoblast proliferation, adhesion, and activity (ALP, OC, TGF-beta1, and IL-6) were evaluated at 24 and 72 h. Results demonstrated that the growth of nOB and oOB cultured on P558 was not affected negatively when compared to control. Cells on P558 did not show any alteration in terms of adhesion, proliferation, and metabolic marker production in nOB and oOB cultures, and a significant increase in ALP, OC, and TGF-beta1 production was observed. SEM images revealed no alteration in cell morphology. The current findings demonstrate that P558 promotes osteoblast proliferation, activation, and differentiation not only in normal bone, but also in osteopenic bone-derived osteoblasts.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2004

Biocompatible nanocrystalline octacalcium phosphate thin films obtained by pulsed laser deposition.

We extended for the first time pulsed laser ablation to the deposition of octacalcium phosphate Ca8H2(PO4)6.5H2O (OCP) thin films. The depositions were performed with a pulsed UV laser source (lambda=248 nm, tau> or =20 ns) in a flux of hot water vapors. The targets were sintered from crystalline OCP powder and the laser ablation fluence was set at values of 1.5-2 J/cm2. During depositions the collectors, Si or Ti substrates, were maintained at a constant temperature within the range 20-200 degrees C. The resulting structures were submitted to heat treatment in hot water vapors for up to 6 h. The best results were obtained at a substrate temperature of 150 degrees C during both deposition and post-deposition treatment. High-resolution electron microscopy and XRD at grazing incidence indicated that the coatings obtained were made of nanocrystalline OCP. Cross-section TEM investigations showed that the coatings contained droplets stacked on Ti substrates as well as distributed across the entire thickness of the arborescence-like structure layers. The results of WST-1 assay, cell adherence, DNA replication, and caspase-1 activity confirmed the good biocompatibility of the coatings.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Histomorphometric bone modifications induced by growth hormone treatment in a rabbit model of short bowel syndrome.

The effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on cancellous and cortical bone were investigated in an experimental rabbit model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Eighteen young male New Zealand rabbits, 2.0 +/- 0.2 kg b.w., were divided into three groups: an SBS Group submitted to a 70% midjejunoileal enterectomy and reanastomosis; an SBS-GH Group undergoing the same surgery and receiving 0.4 mg/kg/day rhGH for 28 days; a Control Group which was sham-operated. Thirty-five days after surgery, all the animals were pharmacologically euthanised and their femurs and L5 vertebrae were used for densitometric and histomorphometric studies. Vertebral and femoral densitometric results showed that the SBS Group presented significantly (P<0.01) lower values (10-25%) than the Control and SBS-GH Groups. Significant differences in the cancellous histomorphometric parameters, namely the trabecular bone area (-7% to 46%), trabecular thickness (-21% to 34%) and trabecular separation (17-32%), were observed between the SBS Group and the other groups. Both the SBS and SBS-GH Groups showed significantly (P<0.05) higher values than the Control Group in terms of cross-sectional area (approximately 24%), cortical area (approximately 20%), and periosteal perimeter (approximately 9%), while medullary area (41%) and endocortical perimeter (18%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in SBS Group than those of Control Group. The current findings are encouraging and suggest that GH administration in SBS animal model used may improve skeletal tissue remodelling.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Osteoporosis and biomaterial osteointegration.

Biomaterial osteointegration depends not only on the properties of the implanted material but also on the characteristics and regenerative capability of the host bone. For this reason, researchers involved in biomaterial evaluation now place great importance on the various pathologies often present in orthopaedic patients which can negatively affect the success of surgical implants. Osteoporosis is undoubtedly one of the most frequently encountered of such diseases. Models reproducing the osteoporotic condition can be useful to understand the influence of the pathology on cell behaviour, bone regeneration and osteointegration processes, thus increasing our basic knowledge and allowing the development of surgical techniques and implant biomaterials more suitable for use in the surgical treatment of fractures in osteoporotic patients. The present paper is a literature review and, after a short description of how the presence of osteoporosis could influence bone regenerative processes, the results of the main studies on biomaterial biocompatibility and osteointegration both in vitro and in vivo in the presence of osteoporotic condition are reported. Both cell cultures and animal models are able to demonstrate the different response of bone to biomaterials by comparing healthy and pathological conditions. The use of pathological bone-derived cells and pathological animals is therefore recommended to test candidate orthopaedic materials.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Fibroin hydrogels for biomedical applications: preparation, characterization and in vitro cell culture studies.

Silk fibroin hydrogels prepared either by treating a 2% (w/v) silk fibroin aqeuous solution at 4 degrees C (thermgel) or by adding 30% (v/v) of glycerol (glygel), were characterized by using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetrical Analysis (TGA) and molecular weight determination. The preparation procedure affected morphology and molecular weight of hydrogels, with no or negligible differences being displayed by FT-IR and DSC analyses. While thermgel presented a well uniform porous structure, the morphology of glygel appeared to be non-porous and heterogeneous. Glygel presented lower water content and lower degradation temperatures, associated with the presence of glycerol but likely also to less-organized protein structures. Cytoxicity tests with human osteoblast-like cells indicated that both gels were not cytoxic, while cell cultures pointed out a faster cell proliferation on glygel and a higher cell activation and differentiation on thermgel. These gels could be used as scaffolds able to promote in situ bone regeneration.

Animals↗