Boren Lin

Fabrication of novel poly(lactic acid)/amorphous magnesium phosphate bionanocomposite fibers for tissue engineering applications via electrospinning.

Fibrous bionanocomposites consisting of amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) nanospheres and polylactic acid (PLA) were fabricated by electrospinning. There are two important signatures of this paper. First, AMP, as an alternative to well-known calcium phosphate (CaP) materials, is added to PLA as the second phase. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first attempt to fabricate magnesium phosphate (MgP)/biopolymer composite. This is made possible by our previously reported research on the successful synthesis of AMP nanospheres via microwave processing. Second, the sustained release of magnesium and phosphate ions from PLA matrix can stimulate a series of cell responses. The structure of the composites and their bone-like apatite-forming abilities in simulated body fluid (SBF) were examined. Additionally, the effects on the proliferation and differentiation of preosteoblast cells were evaluated by performing in vitro cell culture and monitoring markers such as Osteocalcin (OCN), Osteopontin (OPN), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Collagen type-I (Col I) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For better dispersion of AMP in the fibers, a surfactant, 12-hydroxysteric acid (HSA), as previously reported in the literature, was used. However, HSA significantly inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of preosteoblast cells, indicating the potential risk in using HSA in the combination of AMP or MgP in tissue engineering applications.

Evaluation of amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) based non-exothermic orthopedic cements

This paper reports for the first time the development of a biodegradable, non-exothermic, self-setting orthopedic cement composition based on amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP). The occurrence of undesirable exothermic reactions was avoided through using AMP as the solid precursor. The phenomenon of self-setting with optimum rheology is achieved by incorporating a water soluble biocompatible/biodegradable polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Additionally, PVA enables a controlled growth of the final phase via a biomimetic process. The AMP powder was synthesized using a precipitation method. The powder, when in contact with the aqueous PVA solution, forms a putty resulting in a nanocrystalline magnesium phosphate phase of cattiite. The as-prepared cement compositions were evaluated for setting times, exothermicity, compressive strength, biodegradation, and microstructural features before and after soaking in SBF, and in vitro cytocompatibility. Since cattiite is relatively unexplored in the literature, a first time evaluation reveals that it is cytocompatible, just like the other phases in the MgO-P2O5 (Mg-P) system. The cement composition prepared with 15% PVA in an aqueous medium achieved clinically relevant setting times, mechanical properties, and biodegradation. Simulated body fluid (SBF) soaking resulted in coating of bobierrite onto the cement particle surfaces.

Influence of ethanol content in the precipitation medium on the composition, structure and reactivity of magnesium–calcium phosphate

Biocompatible amorphous magnesium calcium phosphate (AMCP) particles were synthesized using ethanol in precipitation medium from moderately supersaturated solution at pH10. Some synthesis parameters such as, (Mg+Ca):P, Mg:Ca ratio and different drying methods on the structure and stability of as-produced powder was studied and characterized using SEM, XRD and cell cytocompatibility. The results showed that depending on the Mg(2+) concentration, nano crystalline Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) can also be alternatively formed. However, the as-formed AMCP preserved its amorphous structure after 7 days of incubation in SBF for tested phosphate concentration, and equally ionic concentration of magnesium and calcium.

A new method to produce macroporous Mg-phosphate bone growth substitutes

This paper is a sequel to our previous effort in developing Mg-phosphate orthopedic cements using amorphous Mg-phosphate (AMP) as the precursor. In this paper, we report a new real-time in situ technique to create macroporous bone growth substitute (BGS). The method uses biodegradable Mg-particles as the porogen. As opposed to the conventional wisdom of providing corrosion protection layers to biodegradable Mg-alloys, the present method uses the fast corrosion kinetics of Mg to create macropores in real time during the setting of the cement. An aqueous solution of PVA was used as the setting solution. Using this technique, a macroporous cement containing up to 91% porosity is obtained, as determined by pycnometry. Due to formation of H2 gas bubbles from corrosion of Mg, the cement becomes macroporous. The pore sizes as big as 760μm were observed. The results of SBF soaking indicated change in crystallinity as confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our in vitro cytocompatibility evaluation also revealed that the macroporous bone growth substitute composed of bobierrite is cytocompatible and can improve gene expression.

Microwave assisted coating of bioactive amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) on polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with great thermal and chemical stability, desirable mechanical properties and promising biocompatibility is being widely used as orthopedic and dental implant materials. However, the bioinert surface of PEEK can hinder direct osseointegration between the host tissue and PEEK based implants. The important signatures of this paper are as follows. First, we report for the formation of osseointegrable amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) coating on PEEK surface using microwave energy. Second, coatings consist of nano-sized AMP particles with a stacked thickness of 800nm. Third, coatings enhance bioactivity in-vitro and induce significantly high amount of bone-like apatite coating, when soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF). Fourth, the as-deposited AMP coatings present no cytotoxicity effects and are beneficial for cell adhesion at early stage. Finally, the high levels of expression of osteocalcin (OCN) in cells cultured on AMP coated PEEK samples indicate that AMP coatings can promote new bone formation and hence osseointegration.

Sustained release of small molecules from carbon nanotube-reinforced monetite calcium phosphate cement

The interest in developing calcium phosphate cement (CPC) as a drug delivery system has risen because of its capability to achieve local and controlled treatment to the site of the bone disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the release pattern of drug-carrying carboxylic acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced monetite (DCPA, CaHPO4)-based CPC. Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-al (MG132), a small peptide molecule inhibiting NF-κB-mediated osteoclastic resorption, was used as a model drug. MG132 was added into the cement during setting and released into the medium used to culture indicator cells. Significant cell death was observed in osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in the medium incubated with MG132-loaded CPC; however, with the presence of MWCNTs in the cement, the toxic effect was not detectable. NF-κB activation was quantified using a NF-κB promoter-driving luciferase reporter in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The medium collected after incubation with drug-incorporated CPC with or without MWCNT inhibited TNFα-induced NF-κB activation indicating that the effective amount of MG132 was released. CPC/drug complex showed a rapid release within 24h whereas incorporation of MWCNTs attenuated this burst release effect. In addition, suppression of TNFα-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW 264.7 cell culture also confirmed the sustained release of MWCNT/CPC/drug. Our data demonstrated the drug delivery capability of this cement composite, which can potentially be used to carry therapeutic molecules to improve bone regeneration in conjunction with its fracture stabilizing function. Furthermore, it suggested a novel approach to lessen the burst release effect of the CPC-based drug delivery system by incorporating functionalized MWCNTs.

Microwave-assisted magnesium phosphate coating on the AZ31 magnesium alloy

Due to the combination of many unique properties, magnesium alloys have been widely recognized as suitable metallic materials for fabricating degradable biomedical implants. However, the extremely high degradation kinetics of magnesium alloys in the physiological environment have hindered their clinical applications. This paper reports for the first time the use of a novel microwave-assisted coating process to deposit magnesium phosphate (MgP) coatings on the Mg alloy AZ31 and improve its in vitro corrosion resistance. Newberyite and trimagnesium phosphate hydrate (TMP) layers with distinct features were fabricated at various processing times and temperatures. Subsequently, the corrosion resistance, degradation behavior, bioactivity and cytocompatibility of the MgP coated AZ31 samples were investigated. The potentiodynamic polarization tests reveal that the corrosion current density of the AZ31 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid (SBF) is significantly suppressed by the deposited MgP coatings. Additionally, it is seen that MgP coatings remarkably reduced the mass loss of the AZ31 alloy after immersion in SBF for two weeks and promoted precipitation of apatite particles. The high viability of preosteoblast cells cultured with extracts of coated samples indicates that the MgP coatings can improve the cytocompatibility of the AZ31 alloy. These attractive results suggest that MgP coatings, serving as the protective and bioactive layer, can enhance the corrosion resistance and biological response of magnesium alloys.

Negative regulation of the RLH signaling by the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF114

HighlightsRNF114 inhibited cellular dsRNA responses and RLH‐mediated IFN production.RNF114 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase targeting MAVS for proteasomal degradation.RNF114 KO mice have increased basal IFN level and sensitized responses to dsRNA. Abstract The retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I)‐like helicases (RLH)s are cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors expressed in both immune and non‐immune cells that are essential for detection of intracellular RNA products, primarily of viral origin. Upon binding to viral RNA, RLHs interact with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) to activate interferon (IFN)‐mediated antiviral responses. The RLH/MAVS signaling pathway is regulated by ubiquitination/deubiquitination, in which several ubiquitin‐editing proteins play critical roles. The really interesting new gene (RING) finger protein 114 (RNF114) was originally identified as a psoriasis susceptibility gene broadly expressed in human tissues. Earlier studies implicated RNF114 in regulating cellular dsRNA responses, cell cycle progression, NF‐&kgr;B activity and T‐cell activation. We found that RNF114 inhibited cellular dsRNA responses and RLH‐mediated IFN production. RNF114 functioned as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and MAVS was identified as a potential target for RNF114‐mediated polyubiquitination and degradation. Splenocytes and blood harvested from RNF114 KO showed increased basal IFN level and sensitized responses to dsRNA. However, RNF114 knockout mice failed to exhibit enhance resistance to infection by two acute RNA viruses. These data suggested the potential physiological function of RNF114 in inflammation and host antiviral responses, but demonstrate complexity in the regulation of innate immunity by ubiquitin ligases.

X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis‐associated factor 1 regulates TNF receptor 1 complex stability

X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)‐associated factor 1 (XAF1) is a cytokine‐regulated, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor‐associated factor (TRAF) domain‐containing protein that has a poorly defined cellular function. Here, we show that ectopically expressed XAF1 inhibits TNF‐ɑ‐induced NF‐κB activation, whereas shRNA silencing of endogenous XAF1 augments it. Our data suggest that XAF1 may inhibit TNF‐ɑ‐induced NF‐κB activation by disrupting the assembly of the TRADD/TRAF2/RIP1 complex (complex I) downstream of TNF receptor activation. XAF1 interacts with TRAF2 and inhibits TRAF2‐dependent NF‐κB activation, in part, by blocking TRAF2 polyubiquitination. Our findings also indicate that although XAF1 does not directly inhibit RIP1‐dependent NF‐κB activation, it binds RIP1 and disrupts RIP1/TRADD association. Our data suggest that XAF1 acts as a feedback regulator of the TNF receptor signaling pathway to suppress NF‐κB activation.

Efficacy of Intraoperative Implant Prophylaxis in Reducing Intraoperative Microbial Contamination

Study Design: A prospective single-center study. Objectives: Assess to what degree contamination of pedicle screws occur in standard intraoperative practice and if use of an impermeable guard could mitigate or reduce such an occurrence. Methods: Two groups of sterile prepackaged pedicle screws, one with an intraoperative guard (group 1) and the other without such a guard (group 2), each consisting of 5 samples distributed over 3 time points, were loaded onto the insertion device by the scrub tech and left on the sterile table. Approximately 20 minutes later, the lead surgeon who had just finished preparing the surgical site touches the pedicle screw. Then instead of implantation it was transferred to a sterile container using fresh clean gloves for bacterial and gene analysis. Guarded screw implies that even after unwrapping from the package, the screw carries an impermeable barrier along its entire length, which is only removed seconds prior to implantation. Results: The standard unguarded pedicle screws presented bioburden in the range of 105 to 107 (colony forming units/implant) with bacterial genus mostly consisting of Staphylococcus and Micrococcus, the 2 most common genera found in surgical site infection reports. The common species among them were Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, whereas the guarded pedicle screws showed no bioburden. Conclusions: Shielding the pedicle screws intraoperatively using a guard provides a superior level of asepsis than currently practiced. All unshielded pedicles screws were carrying bioburden of virulent bacterial species, which provides an opportunity for the development of postoperative infections.