Biomedical subjects

Xinfeng Shi

Publications and source records attributed to Xinfeng Shi.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Injectable nanocomposites of single-walled carbon nanotubes and biodegradable polymers for bone tissue engineering.

We have investigated the dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and functionalized SWNTs (F-SWNTs) in the unsaturated, biodegradable polymer poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and examined the rheological properties of un-cross-linked nanocomposite formulations as well as the electrical and mechanical properties of cross-linked nanocomposites. F-SWNTs were produced from individual SWNTs by a diazonium-based method and dispersed better than unmodified SWNTs in both un-cross-linked and cross-linked PPF matrix. Cross-linked nanocomposites with F-SWNTs were superior to those with unmodified SWNTs in terms of their mechanical properties. Specifically, nanocomposites with 0.1 wt % F-SWNTs loading resulted in a 3-fold increase in both compressive modulus and flexural modulus and a 2-fold increase in both compressive offset yield strength and flexural strength when compared to pure PPF networks, whereas the use of 0.1 wt % SWNTs gained less than 37% mechanical reinforcement. These extraordinary mechanical enhancements considered together with Raman scattering and sol fraction measurements indicate strong SWNT-PPF interactions and increased cross-linking densities resulting in effective load transfer. With enhanced mechanical properties and capabilities of in situ injection and cross-linking, these SWNT/polymer nanocomposites hold significant implications for the fabrication of bone tissue engineering scaffolds.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2002

Apatite formation on bioactive zirconium metal prepared by chemical treatment.

Bioactive metallic materials, which can directly bond to living bone, are badly needed in dental and orthopedic implants for better long-term results. Forming a layer of bone-like apatite on the surface of the metal is one of the most promising methods to increase its bioactivity. This study creates a new chemical treatment for zirconium metal to induce apatite formation in a simulated body fluid (SBF), and analyzes the apatite layer by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Zirconium samples were soaked in 10% CuCl2 aqueous solution at 80 degrees C for 72 hours, heat-treated at 500 degrees C for one hour and soaked in SBF for various periods. An apatite-like layer appeared on the zirconium surface as early as three days in SBF, and increased with immersion time. EDS and FTIR confirmed that the deposited layer was apatite. This implies that bioinert zirconium metal can become bioactive by forming an apatite layer in a simulated body fluid after a suitable chemical treatment. The ZrOOH+ hydrogel layer produced on the zirconium surface by CuCl2 and heat-treatments is thought to induce the apatite formation.

Apatites↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Functional bone engineering using ex vivo gene therapy and topology-optimized, biodegradable polymer composite scaffolds.

Bone tissue engineering could provide an alternative to conventional treatments for fracture nonunion, spinal fusion, joint replacement, and pathological loss of bone. However, this approach will require a biocompatible matrix to allow progenitor cell delivery and support tissue invasion. The construct must also support physiological loads as it degrades to allow the regenerated tissue to bear an increasing load. To meet these complex requirements, we have employed topology-optimized design and solid free-form fabrication to manufacture biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate)/beta-tricalcium phosphate composites. These scaffolds were seeded with primary human fibroblasts transduced with an adenovirus expressing bone morphogenetic protein-7 and implanted subcutaneously in mice. Specimens were evaluated by microcomputed tomography, compressive testing, and histological staining. New bone was localized on the scaffold surface and closely followed its designed contours. Furthermore, the total stiffness of the constructs was retained for up to 12 weeks after implantation, as scaffold degradation and tissue invasion took place.

Adenoviridae↗