F. Fiori

Micro-CT studies on 3-D bioactive glass–ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration

The aim of this study was the preparation and characterization of bioactive glass-ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. For this purpose, a glass belonging to the system SiO2-P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-K2O (CEL2) was used. The sponge-replication method was adopted to prepare the scaffolds; specifically, a polymeric skeleton was impregnated with a slurry containing CEL2 powder, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binding agent and distilled water. The impregnated sponge was then thermally treated to remove the polymeric phase and to sinter the inorganic one. The obtained scaffolds possessed an open and interconnected porosity, analogous to cancellous bone texture, and with a mechanical strength above 2 MPa. Moreover, the scaffolds underwent partial bioresorption due to ion-leaching phenomena. This feature was investigated by X-ray computed microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Micro-CT is a three-dimensional (3-D) radiographic imaging technique, able to achieve a spatial resolution close to 1 microm(3). The use of synchrotron radiation allows the selected photon energy to be tuned to optimize the contrast among the different phases in the investigated samples. The 3-D scaffolds were soaked in a simulated body fluid (SBF) to study the formation of hydroxyapatite microcrystals on the scaffold struts and on the internal pore walls. The 3-D scaffolds were also soaked in a buffer solution (Tris-HCl) for different times to assess the scaffold bioresorption according to the ISO standard. A gradual resorption of the pores walls was observed during the soakings both in SBF and in Tris-HCl.

In vitro biocompatibility of 45S5 Bioglass-derived glass-ceramic scaffolds coated with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate).

The aim of this work was to study the in vitro biocompatibility of glass–ceramic scaffolds based on 45S5 Bioglass®, using a human osteosarcoma cell line (HOS‐TE85). The highly porous scaffolds were produced by the foam replication technique. Two different types of scaffolds with different porosities were analysed. They were coated with a biodegradable polymer, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)). The scaffold bioactivity was evaluated by soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for different durations. Compression strength tests were performed before and after immersion in SBF. These experiments showed that the scaffolds are highly bioactive, as after a few days of immersion in SBF a hydroxyapatite‐like layer was formed on the scaffolds surface. It was also observed that P(3HB)‐coated samples exhibited higher values of compression strength than uncoated samples. Biocompatibility assessment was carried out by qualitative evaluation of cell morphology after different culture periods, using scanning electron microscopy, while cell proliferation was determined by using the AlamarBlue™ assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) assays were used as quantitative in vitro indicators of osteoblast function. Two different types of medium were used for ALP and OC tests: normal supplemented medium and osteogenic medium. HOS cells were seeded and cultured onto the scaffolds for up to 2 weeks. The AlamarBlue assay showed that cells were able to proliferate and grow on the scaffold surface. After 7 days in culture, the P(3HB)‐coated samples had a higher number of cells on their surfaces than the uncoated samples. Regarding ALP‐ and OC‐specific activity, no significant differences were found between samples with different pore sizes. All scaffolds containing osteogenic medium seemed to have a slightly higher level of ALP and OC concentration. These experiments confirmed that Bioglass®/P(3HB) scaffolds have potential as osteoconductive tissue engineering substrates for maintenance and normal functioning of bone tissue. Copyright

Stem cell tracking by nanotechnologies

Advances in stem cell research have provided important understanding of the cell biology and offered great promise for developing new strategies for tissue regeneration. The beneficial effects of stem cell therapy depend also by the development of new approachs for the track of stem cells in living subjects over time after transplantation. Recent developments in the use of nanotechnologies have contributed to advance of the high-resolution in vivo imaging methods, including positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and X-Ray computed microtomography (microCT). This review examines the use of nanotechnologies for stem cell tracking.

Comparative neutron and X-ray residual stress measurements on Al-2219 welded plate

Abstract A comparison between neuton data obtained on a welded Al alloy (AA2219) for the spacecraft industry at the ISIS spallation source, Chilton, Didcot, UK, and X-ray data collected at the HMI, Xl facility, Berlin, Germany, is presented. For neutron measurements, the time-of-flight (TOF) technique was exploited, leading to lattice parameter a via a Pawley-Rietveld refinement. A three-directional strain scan across the weld was done. For X-ray investigation, both texture and residual stress psi-mode scan analyses were carried out, the latter onto the front, back and side faces of the sample. Cr radiation for the 〈311〉 the Cu radiation for the 〈422〉 peaks were used. Results show a good agreement with previous works on the subject. The complementarity of the two sets of measurements is the underlined. Only together they do allow near-surface and bulk welding stresses to be combined in order to assess the whole stress field and its causes in the sample.

High-resolution X-ray microtomography for three-dimensional visualization of human stem cell muscle homing

In the perspective of clinical translation of stem cell research, it would be advantageous to develop new techniques to detect donor cells after transplantation to track their fate and thus better understand their role in regeneration of damaged and diseased tissues. In this study we use X‐ray computed microtomography for three‐dimensional visualization of stem cells that were labeled with magnetic nanoparticles and transplanted via intra‐arterial infusion. We show that X‐ray computed microtomography offers the possibility to detect with high definition and resolution human cells after transplantation, and opens new possibilities for both experimental stem cell research.

Neutron tomography for archaeological investigations

Within the last decade neutron tomography and radiography significantly gained importance. Especially its application in non-destructive testing for industrial components can be underlined. A good example is the automotive and aviation industry, where a high contrast for the used lubricants and adhesive materials is required. In contrast to X-rays, neutrons are able to penetrate thick layers of metals and provide on the other hand a high sensitivity to hydrogen containing materials. In recent years, a large number of applications in other fields like biology, medicine, geology and especially archaeology have been reported. Here the potential of neutron tomography for investigations on archaeological samples shall be outlined and some recent examples will be presented.

Effects of thermal treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Co-Cr-Mo-W biomedical alloy produced by laser sintering.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology based on a layer by layer production process was used to produce a Co-Cr-Mo-W alloy specifically developed for biomedical applications. The alloy mechanical response and microstructure were investigated in the as-sintered state and after post-production thermal treatments. Roughness and hardness measurements, and tensile and flexural tests were performed to study the mechanical response of the alloy while X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, STEM) techniques and microanalysis (EDX) were used to investigate the microstructure in different conditions. Results showed an intricate network of ε-Co (hcp) lamellae in the γ-Co (fcc) matrix responsible of the high UTS and hardness values in the as-sintered state. Thermal treatments increase volume fraction of the ε-Co (hcp) martensite but slightly modify the average size of the lamellar structure. Nevertheless, thermal treatments are capable of producing a sensible increase in UTS and hardness and a strong reduction in ductility. These latter effects were mainly attributed to the massive precipitation of an hcp Co3(Mo,W)2Si phase and the contemporary formation of Si-rich inclusions.

Determination of residual stresses in materials and industrial components by neutron diffraction

We present a review of the determination of residual stresses in materials and components of industrial interest by using the non-destructive technique of neutron diffraction. The fundamental aspects are discussed, together with a brief description of the experimental facilities. Several experimental results are then reported, particularly concerning applications to materials and components for power plants (CrMo steel, AISI304 stainless steel and 2.25Cr1Mo ferritic steel), aerospace and automotive technology (Al alloys, metal matrix composites, nickel superalloy gas-turbine components) and fusion-reactor technology (AISI316L for the first wall). A few thermomechanical treatments are considered, such as welding, cold-expanded holes, thermoelastic coupling and thermal and mechanical fatigue. Moreover, a few applications to general industrial problems are shown, namely brazed ceramic-steel components, coatings and fatigue-cracked samples. In some cases, experimental results are compared with numerical models or results from x-ray diffraction measurements.

Novel insight into stem cell trafficking in dystrophic muscles

Recently published reports have described possible cellular therapy approaches to regenerate muscle tissues using arterial route delivery. However, the kinetic of distribution of these migratory stem cells within injected animal muscular dystrophy models is unknown. Using living X-ray computed microtomography, we established that intra-arterially injected stem cells traffic to multiple muscle tissues for several hours until their migration within dystrophic muscles. Injected stem cells express multiple traffic molecules, including VLA-4, LFA-1, CD44, and the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which are likely to direct these cells into dystrophic muscles. In fact, the majority of intra-arterially injected stem cells access the muscle tissues not immediately after the injection, but after several rounds of recirculation. We set up a new, living, 3D-imaging approach, which appears to be an important way to investigate the kinetic of distribution of systemically injected stem cells within dystrophic muscle tissues, thereby providing supportive data for future clinical applications.

A microstructural comparison of two nuclear-grade martensitic steels using small-angle neutron scattering

Abstract Results are presented of a small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study on two 10–13% Cr martensitic stainless steels of interest for nuclear applications, viz. DIN 1.4914 (MANET specification, for fusion reactors) and AISI 410. The investigation has focussed principally on microstructural effects associated with the differences in chromium content between the two alloys. The size distribution functions determined from nuclear and magnetic SANS components for the two steels given identical heat treatments are in accord with an interpretation based on the presence of ∼ 1 nm size Cue5f8Cr aggregates in the microstructure. Much larger (∼ 10 nm) scattering inhomogeneities with different magnetic contrast are also present and tentatively identified as carbides.