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The biomimetics of bone: engineered glass-ceramics a paradigm for in vitro biomineralization studies.

In this study, we investigated the behavior of fetal rat osteoblasts cultured up to 23 days on a bioactive apatite-wollastonite glass-ceramic (AW) and on the same material on which a carbonated apatite layer was formed by a biomimetic process (AWa). The specific activity of alkaline phosphatase activity was about 30% increased on AWa compared to AW disks at the last day of culture. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations of the material surfaces after scrapping off the cell layers revealed that mineralized bone nodules remained attached to both surfaces but in larger numbers on AWa. The AWa/bone interfaces were also analyzed after fracturing the disks and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All these results indicated the importance of the surface composition in supporting differentiation of osteogenic cells and the subsequent apposition of bone matrix. Furthermore, prefabrication of a biological apatite layer by a biomimetic method could improve our knowledge of biomineralization processes and could find application as bone-repairing material.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PEGylation does not impair insulin efficacy in three-dimensional cartilage culture: an investigation toward biomimetic polymers.

A major goal in tissue engineering is the controlled application of growth factors. As a novel application system, we are currently developing biomimetic polymers that are processed into three-dimensional scaffolds. Bioactive proteins will be covalently bound to the polymers via a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linker. Of paramount importance is the maintenance of the biological activity of the protein after PEGylation and covalent binding to the polymer. Therefore, within this study, insulin used as a model protein was PEGylated with an active succinimidyl ester of poly(ethylene glycol) (SS-NH-PEG) (MW ~2000) and biological effects of the protein-PEG conjugate were monitored in comparison with unmodified insulin. No significant differences in chondrocyte proliferation were observed in a conventional proliferation assay after treatment with insulin or PEGylated insulin. In a complex three-dimensional cartilage-engineering model the effects of insulin and PEGylated insulin were investigated over a wide concentration range (0.025-25 microg/mL). Insulin and PEGylated insulin at equivalent concentrations resulted in cartilaginous tissue constructs exhibiting identical wet weight, cell number, biochemical composition of the extracellular matrix, and histological appearance, both compounds significantly improving tissue quality as compared with control constructs. In conclusion, the presented study demonstrates that PEGylation of insulin using SS-NH-PEG did not change the activity of the protein in a complex biological environment and is regarded as a step toward the development of biomimetic polymers.

Animals↗

Human endothelial cell interaction with biomimetic surfactant polymers containing Peptide ligands from the heparin binding domain of fibronectin.

Biomimetic materials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide a means to control cellular functions such as adhesion and growth, which are vital to successful engineering of tissue-incorporated biomaterials. Novel "ECM-like" biomimetic surfactant polymers consisting of a poly(vinyl amine) backbone with pendant cell-adhesive peptides derived from one of the heparin-binding domains of fibronectin were developed to improve endothelial cell adhesion and growth on vascular biomaterials. Heparin-binding peptide (HBP) sequences, alone and in combination with RGD peptides, were examined for their ability to promote human pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) adhesion and growth (HBP1, WQPPRARI; HBP2, SPPRRARVT; HBP1:RGD; and HBP2:RGD) and compared with cell adhesion and growth on fibronectin and on negative control polymer surfaces in which alanines were substituted for the positively charged arginine residues in the two peptides. The results showed that HPAECs adhered and spread equally well on all HBP-containing polymers and the positive fibronectin control, showing similar stress fiber and focal adhesion formation. However, the HBP alone was unable to support long-term HPAEC growth and survival, showing a loss of focal adhesions and cytoskeletal disorganization by 24 h after seeding. With the addition of RGD, the surfaces behaved similarly or better than fibronectin. The negative control polymers showed little to no initial cell attachment, and the addition of soluble heparin to the medium reduced initial cell adhesion on both the HBP2 and HBP2:RGD surfaces. These results indicate that the HBP surfaces promote initial HPAEC adhesion and spreading, but not long-term survival.

Biocompatible Materials↗

A biomimetic tissue from cultured normal human urothelial cells: analysis of physiological function.

The urinary bladder and associated tract is lined by the urothelium. Once considered as just an impermeable epithelium, it is becoming evident that the urothelium not only functions as a volume-accommodating urinary barrier but has additional roles, including sensory signaling. Lack of access to normal human urothelium has hampered physiological investigation, and although cell culture systems have been developed, there has been a failure to demonstrate that normal human urothelial (NHU) cells grown in vitro retain the capacity to form a functional differentiated urothelium. The aim of this study was to develop a biomimetic human urothelium from NHU cell cultures. Urothelial cells isolated from normal human urothelium and serially propagated as monolayers in serum-free culture were homogeneous and adopted a proliferative, nondifferentiated phenotype. In the presence of serum and physiological concentrations of calcium, these cells could be reproducibly induced to form stratified urothelia consisting of basal, intermediate, and superficial cells, with differential expression of cytokeratins and superficial tight junctions. Functionally, the neotissues showed characteristics of native urothelium, including high transepithelial electrical resistance of >3,000 Omega.cm(2), apical membrane-restricted amiloride-sensitive sodium ion channels, basal expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, and low diffusive permeability to urea, water, and dextran. This model represents major progress in developing a biomimetic human urothelial culture model to explore molecular and functional relationships in normal and dysfunctional bladder physiology.

Adult↗

[Hydrolysis of poly(L-lactic acid) fibers and formation of low crystalline apatite on their surface by a biomimetic process].

Low crystalline apatite coating was formed on the surface of biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers by a biomimetic process, i.e., by immersing the fibers in a modified simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 degrees C and pH 7.3 after hydrolysis of the fibers in water. The apatite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that the fiber hydrolysis could accelerate the apatite formation but had little effect on the chemical and crystalline structure of the apatite. The structure of the apatite coating formed by the biomimetic method was similar to that of apatite in the natural bone. The bone-like low crystalline apatite coating might exhibit enhanced osteo-conductivity when the PLLA fibers are applied in bone reconstruction biomaterials.

Apatites↗

[The preparation, structure evaluation and preliminary application of biomimetic biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold].

OBJECTIVE: To fabricate biomimetic biphasic calcium phosphate BCP ceramic scaffolds using three-dimensional (3D) gel-lamination technology and evaluated their structure with 3D parameters and related method. METHODS: Series two-dimensional images of femoral head's specimen of dogs were obtained by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). According to these images, porous biomimetic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic scaffolds with oriented trabecular structure were fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) gel-lamination technology. And then, the three-dimensional structure of the scaffolds were reconstructed by computer according to Micro-CT images of these scaffolds and evaluated by three-dimensional parameters. These parameters included bone volume fraction (BVF, BV/TV), bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV) ratio, trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) and structure model index (SMI). The biomechanical properties and biocompatibility of these scaffolds were also evaluated in the study. Six scaffolds, which were combined with BMCs (bone mesenchymal cells, BMCs), were planted into the bone defect of six dogs' femoral head respectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between trabecular samples and BCP scaffolds in BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and Tb.Pf (P > 0.05). The trabecular system of the scaffold, which had some orientation, represented plate-like model. With a micro-porous porosity of 62%, the average compressive modulus and ultimate strength along the axis of the scaffolds reached (464.0 +/- 36.0) MPa and (5.6 +/- 0.8) MPa respectively. The results of animal test indicated that the trabeculae of these scaffolds were covered by a layer of new bone after 10 weeks of operation. CONCLUSION: Porous BCP scaffolds have been produced with oriented microarchitectural features designed to facilitate vascular invasion and cellular attachment and with initial mechanical properties comparable to those of trabecular bone.

Animals↗

Biomimetic direct composite stratification technique for the restoration of anterior teeth.

The aim of this article is to describe a simplified layering technique based on a biomimetic approach for large anterior Class 4 restorations. The proposed layering technique is based on a modified layering technique where palatal enamel and dentin masses are replaced with the same quantity of a microhybrid enamel and dentin shade composites, respectively, while for the thin buccal enamel layer a microfilled resin composite is used. Transparencies and, whenever necessary, white spot characterizations, are created by interposing blue and white effect masses between dentin mamelons, under buccal enamel. The combination of a microfilled composite with a microhybrid composite substituting the same quantity of lost enamel and dentin better mimics the physical and optical characteristics of the natural tooth. The biomimetic composite restoration may be considered an interesting alternative to ceramics, minimizing invasiveness, chair time, and costs for patients.

Acrylic Resins↗

Tissue-engineered bone biomimetic to regenerate calvarial critical-sized defects in athymic rats.

A tissue-engineered bone biomimetic device was developed to regenerate calvaria critical-sized defects (CSDs) in athymic rats. Well-documented evidence clearly confirms that left untreated, CSDs will not spontaneously regenerate bone. To accomplish regeneration, four candidate treatments were assessed: porous poly(D,L-lactide) and type I collagen (PLC), PLC and human osteoblast precursor cells (OPCs) at 2 x 10(5) (PLC/OPCs), PLC and 50 microg of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (PLC/rhBMP-2), and PLC/OPCs/rhBMP-2 (the bone biomimetic device). The hypotheses for this study were PLC/OPCs/rhBMP-2 would promote more new bone formation in CSDs than the other treatments and the amount of bone formation would be time dependent. To test the hypotheses, outcomes from treatments were measured at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively by radiomorphometry for percent radiopacity and by histomorphometry for square millimeters of new bone formation. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Fisher's protected least significant difference for multiple comparisons with p < or = 0.05. At 2 and 4 weeks, radiomorphometric data revealed PLC/rhBMP-2 and PLC/OPCs/rhBMP-2 promoted significantly more radiopacity than either PLC or PLC/OPCs. Histomorphometry data at 2 and 4 weeks indicated significantly more new bone formation for PLC/rhBMP-2, PLC/OPCs/rhBMP-2, and PLC/OPCs compared to PLC. By 4 weeks, PLC/OPCs/rhBMP-2 and PLC/rhBMP-2 had regenerated the CSDs with more new bone than the other treatments; the quantity of bone at 4 weeks for these treatments was greater than at 2 weeks.

Animals↗

Osteoclastic resorption of biomimetic calcium phosphate coatings in vitro.

A new biomimetic method for coating metal implants enables the fast formation of dense and homogeneous calcium phosphate coatings. Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) disks were coated with a thin, carbonated, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) by immersion in a saturated solution of calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and carbonate. The ACP-coated disks then were processed further by incubation in calcium phosphate solutions to produce either crystalline carbonated apatite (CA) or octacalcium phosphate (OCP). The resorption behavior of these three biomimetic coatings was studied using osteoclast-enriched mouse bone-marrow cell cultures for 7 days. Cell-mediated degradation was observed for both carbonated apatite and octacalcium phosphate coatings. Numerous resorption lacunae characteristic of osteoclastic resorption were found on carbonated apatite after cell culture. The results showed that carbonated apatite coatings are resorbed by osteoclasts in a manner consistent with normal osteoclastic resorption. Osteoclasts also degraded the octacalcium phosphate coatings but not by classical pit formation.

Alloys↗

Improvement of swelling properties of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel by means of biomimetic method.

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylates) (PHEMAs) structurally modified by means of polymer blends and random copolymers are intensively studied in order to improve mechanical properties. It was recently shown that a hydroxyapatite coating, which should improve the bonding of this biomaterial to the bone, can be obtained by means of the biomimetic method. When PHEMA is submitted to the biomimetic method, its swelling ratio is improved. This can be ascribed to the deposition of a silicatic layer, which improves the hydrophilicity, on the surface of the internal pores during the first stage of the method. This appears to be a valuable result for producing modified PHEMAs with improved mechanical properties and good swelling. The experimental results indicate the following: stronger interactions with the water molecules are set up, an induction period is observed that is linked to the rate of the reactions occurring at the surface of the glass and the establishment of a convenient concentration of the silicate ions at the external surface of the polymer, and the diffusion of simulated body fluid into the pores is the limiting stage of the process.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Biomimetic coprecipitation of calcium phosphate and bovine serum albumin on titanium alloy.

Titanium alloy implants were precoated biomimetically with a thin and dense layer of calcium phosphate and then incubated either in a supersaturated solution of calcium phosphate or in phosphate-buffered saline, each containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) at various concentrations, under physiological conditions for 48 h. Coated implants then underwent scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemical evaluation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The quantity of BSA taken up by coatings and the kinetics of protein release were monitored colorimetrically. In coatings prepared by the coprecipitation of calcium phosphate and BSA, protein had become incorporated into the mineral crystal latticework. With increasing BSA concentration, matrices decreased in thickness, became more dense, showed lower crystallinity, and underwent a change in crystal geometry. The octacalcium phosphate structure manifested in the absence of protein was gradually transformed into a carbonated apatite form. Preformed mineral coatings became only superficially mantled with a layer of BSA, and the morphology of the mineral matrices themselves remained unchanged. At equivalent protein concentrations, coatings prepared by the coprecipitation of calcium phosphate released only a minute fraction of its protein component under physiological conditions, whereas preformed mineral matrices showed a "burst" release of their associated protein within a single 2-h period. The biomimetic coating can be a carrier for osteoinductive agents.

Alloys↗

Comments on recent achievements in biomimetic organic synthesis.

The appealing beauty of the routes that Nature uses to build natural products is breath taking and the quest for laboratory syntheses that mimic these routes is longstanding. Since Robert Robinson introduced the concept of biomimetic synthesis in 1917, debates have been conducted about the participation of specific enzymes in every step of the biogenesis of every class of natural product. The successful synthesis of many natural products often follows routes analogous to processes that occur in the living cell with minimum enzyme participation. It should not be concluded, however, that we are only able to imitate biogenetic processes in which enzymes are not involved. Perhaps the most appealing facet of a biomimetic strategy is that it pursues the development of synthetic methodology inspired by biogenesis, even if the mimicked biogenetic route is only hypothetical. Improved biogenetic syntheses could be brought about by artificial enzymes that catalyze specific transformations.

Molecular Mimicry↗

Biomimetic models for monooxygenases.

The microsomal mixed function oxidase system contains the cytochrome P-450 oxidative drug metabolizing family of enzymes. The catalytic cycle of cytochrome P-450 is believed to involve the formation of an active iron-oxygen species which is responsible for oxygen transfer to the substrate. This assumption is supported by the fact that a number of peroxidative agents can replace NADPH, the reductase, and oxygen as co-reactants in most oxidative reactions of microsomal cytochrome P-450. We have found that a mixture of either ferrous or ferric ions with hydrogen peroxide (Fenton and Ruff reagents) can serve as biomimetic models for cytochrome P-450 in hydroxylation, exposidation, sulfoxidation, and N-demethylation of various drugs. The existance of an iron-oxo active species in both Fenton and Ruff type reactions has been postulated and provides reaction cycles similar to those of cytochrome p-450. Other model systems for the hepatic hydroxylation and epoxidation using transition metal complexes with porphyrin are also discussed. The present paper reviews the various biomimetic models of the heme cytochrome P-450 and emphasizes their simulation of hepatic drug metabolism and their potential medical and industrial applications.

Animals↗

Apatite coated on organic polymers by biomimetic process: improvement in its adhesion to substrate by NaOH treatment.

A dense, uniform and highly biologically active bone-like apatite layer can be formed in arbitrary thickness on any kind and shape of solid substrate surface by the following biomimetic method at ordinary temperature and pressure. First, a substrate is set in contact with particles of bioactive CaO SiO2 based glass soaked in a simulated body fluid (SBF) with inorganic ion concentrations nearly equal to those of human blood plasma. Second, the substrate is soaked in another solution with ion concentrations 1.5 times those of SBF (1.5 SBF). In the present study, organic polymer substrates treated with 5 M NaOH solution were subjected to the above mentioned biomimetic process. The induction periods for the apatite nucleation on polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyamide 6 (PA6), and polyethersulfone (PESF) substrates were reduced from 24 to 12 h with the NaOH treatment. The adhesive strength of the formed apatite layer were increased from 3.5 to 8.6 MPa, from 1.1 to 3.4 MPa, and from 0.6 to 5.3 MPa with the NaOH treatment, for PET, PMMA, and PA 6, respectively. It was assumed that highly polar groups, such as carboxyl and sulfinyl ones formed by the hydrolysis of an ester group on PET and PMMA and of an amide group on PA 6, or of a sulfonyl group on PESF with the NaOH treatment, attached a large number of hydrated silica dissolved from the glass particles, to accelerate the apatite nucleation, and also to form a strong bond with the apatite. The apatite-organic polymer composites thus obtained are expected to be useful as bone-repairing as well as soft tissue-repairing materials.

Adhesiveness↗

Apatite coated on organic polymers by biomimetic process: improvement in its adhesion to substrate by glow-discharge treatment.

A dense, uniform, and highly biologically active bone-like apatite layer can be formed in arbitrary thickness on any kind and shape of solid substrate surface by the following biomimetic method at ordinary temperature and pressure: First, a substrate is set in contact with particles of bioactive CaO-SiO2-based glass soaked in a simulated body fluid (SBF) with inorganic ion concentrations nearly equal to those of human blood plasma so that a number of apatite nuclei are formed on the substrate. Second, the substrate is soaked in another solution with ion concentrations 1.5 times those of SBF (1.5SBF) so that the apatite nuclei grow in situ. In the present study, organic polymer substrates were treated with glow-discharge in O2 gas atmosphere, then subjected to the above-mentioned biomimetic process. The induction periods for the apatite nucleation on all the examined organic polymers were reduced from 24 to 6 h, with glow-discharge treatment. The adhesive strengths of the formed apatite layer to the substrates increased from about 4 to 10 MPa for poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly-ether sulfone, and from 1 approximately 2 to 6 approximately 7 MPa even for poly(methyl methacrylate), polyamide 6 and polyethylene. It is supposed that highly polar groups such as carbonyl, ester, hydroxyl, and carboxyl ones formed by glow-discharge treatment increased the affinity of a silicate ion with the substrates to decrease the induction period, and also increased the affinity of the apatite with the substrate to increase the adhesive strength.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adhesiveness↗

Three-dimensional culture of differentiating marrow stromal osteoblasts in biomimetic poly(propylene fumarate-co-ethylene glycol)-based macroporous hydrogels.

This study assesses the ability of biomimetic poly(propylene fumarate-co-ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels to sustain the differentiation of marrow stromal cells (MSCs) to the osteoblastic phenotype and to produce a mineralized matrix in vitro. Macroporous hydrogels based on poly(propylene fumarate-co-ethylene glycol) with and without covalently linked RGD cell-adhesive peptide were synthesized and seeded with rat MSCs suspended in media or in a type I collagen solution. Cells suspended in media were found to adhere to RGD-modified but not to unmodified hydrogels. Cells suspended in a collagen solution were entrapped after collagen gelation and proliferated independent of the peptide modification of the hydrogel. Hydrogel modification with RGD peptide was sufficient to allow for the adhesion and differentiation of MSCs to the osteoblastic phenotype in the presence of osteogenic culture supplements. MSCs seeded with a collagen gel onto RGD-modified macroporous hydrogels after 28 days of culture showed a significant increase in cell numbers, from 15,200 +/- 2,000 to 208,600 +/- 69,700 cells (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant calcium deposition was apparent after 28 days of culture in RGD-modified hydrogels for cells suspended in a collagen gel in comparison to cells suspended in media, 3.47 +/- 0.26 compared to 0.82 +/- 0.20 mg Ca(2+) per scaffold (p < 0.05). Confocal microscopy revealed that MSCs suspended in a collagen gel and cultured on RGD-modified hydrogels for 28 days were adhered to the surface of the hydrogel while MSCs suspended in a collagen gel and cultured on unmodified hydrogels were located within the pores of and not in direct contact with the hydrogel surface. The results demonstrate that these biomimetic hydrogels facilitate the adhesion and support the differentiation of MSCs to the osteoblastic phenotype in the presence of osteogenic culture media.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

The optimal SAM surface functional group for producing a biomimetic HA coating on Ti.

Commercial interest is growing in biomimetic methods that employ self assembled mono-layers (SAMs) to produce biocompatible HA coatings on Ti-based orthopedic implants. Recently, separate studies have considered HA formation for various SAM surface functional groups. However, these have often neglected to verify crystallinity of the HA coating, which is essential for optimal bioactivity. Furthermore, differing experimental and analytical methods make performance comparisons difficult. This article investigates and evaluates HA formation for four of the most promising surface functional groups: --OH, --SO(3)H, --PO(4)H(2) and --COOH. All of them successfully formed a HA coating at Ca/P ratios between 1.49 and 1.62. However, only the --SO(3)H and --COOH end groups produced a predominantly crystalline HA. Furthermore, the --COOH end group yielded the thickest layer and possessed crystalline characteristics very similar to that of the human bone. The --COOH end group appears to provide the optimal SAM surface interface for nucleation and growth of biomimetic crystalline HA. Intriguingly, this finding may lend support to explanations elsewhere of why human bone sialoprotein is such a potent nucleator of HA and is attributed to the protein's glutamic acid-rich sequences.

Coated Materials, Biocompatible↗

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↗