Raimund Jaeger

Laser-structured bacterial nanocellulose hydrogels support ingrowth and differentiation of chondrocytes and show potential as cartilage implants

The small size and heterogeneity of the pores in bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) hydrogels limit the ingrowth of cells and their use as tissue-engineered implant materials. The use of placeholders during BNC biosynthesis or post-processing steps such as (touch-free) laser perforation can overcome this limitation. Since three-dimensionally arranged channels may be required for homogeneous and functional seeding, three-dimensional (3-D) laser perforation of never-dried BNC hydrogels was performed. Never-dried BNC hydrogels were produced in different shapes by: (i) the cultivation of Gluconacetobacter xylinus (DSM 14666; synonym Komagataeibacter xylinus) in nutrient medium; (ii) the removal of bacterial residues/media components (0.1M NaOH; 30 min; 100 °C) and repeated washing (deionized water; pH 5.8); (iii) the unidirectional or 3-D laser perforation and cutting (pulsed CO2 Rofin SC × 10 laser; 220 μm channel diameter); and (iv) the final autoclaving (2M NaOH; 121 °C; 20 min) and washing (pyrogen-free water). In comparison to unmodified BNC, unidirectionally perforated--and particularly 3-D-perforated - BNC allowed ingrowth into and movement of vital bovine/human chondrocytes throughout the BNC nanofiber network. Laser perforation caused limited structural modifications (i.e. fiber or globular aggregates), but no chemical modifications, as indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron scattering and viability tests. Pre-cultured human chondrocytes seeding the surface/channels of laser-perforated BNC expressed cartilage-specific matrix products, indicating chondrocyte differentiation. 3-D-perforated BNC showed compressive strength comparable to that of unmodified samples. Unidirectionally or 3-D-perforated BNC shows high biocompatibility and provides short diffusion distances for nutrients and extracellular matrix components. Also, the resulting channels support migration into the BNC, matrix production and phenotypic stabilization of chondrocytes. It may thus be suitable for in vivo application, e.g. as a cartilage replacement material.

A material model for internal stress of dental composites caused by the curing process

OBJECTIVE To compare the build-up of internal stresses in four different dental composites (Venus, Tetric Ceram, Ceram X mono and Filtek Supreme) during the curing reaction, based on the results of a former paper on polymerization kinetics, and to characterize the developing mechanical behavior for different modes of activation using experimental methods and simulation tools. METHODS A four-parameter viscoelastic model combined with a curing model and a kinetic model was developed to simulate the mechanical behavior in three dimensions using the finite element software ABAQUS. In order to study the influence of slow polymerization behavior on the mechanical properties, the length of the activation period was doubled at half intensity of the curing light. RESULTS Using a model which describes the complex interplay of stiffness, flowability, curing speed and activation intensity during the curing process gives deeper insight into the spatial and temporal build-up of stresses. An advantageous reaction kinetic or a lower stiffness can compensate for the effect of a higher polymerization shrinkage on the resulting peak stress. The evolution of stress is not directly proportional to the level of shrinkage of the composites. SIGNIFICANCE A material model which includes the developing mechanical characteristics of a curing dental composite can be used to develop and optimize dental materials and to assess the effect of different treatment strategies (i.e. mode of photo-polymerization, filling geometries, interfacial strength).

Creep and fatigue behavior of a novel 2-component paste-like formulation of acrylic bone cements

The fatigue and creep performance of two novel acrylic bone cement formulations (one bone cement without antibiotics, one with antibiotics) was compared to the performance of clinically used bone cements (Osteopal V, Palacos R, Simplex P, SmartSet GHV, Palacos R+G and CMW1 with Gentamicin). The preparation of the novel bone cement formulations involves the mixing of two paste-like substances in a static mixer integrated into the cartridge which is used to apply the bone cement. The fatigue performance of the two novel bone cement formulations is comparable to the performance of the reference bone cements. The creep compliance of the bone cements is significantly influenced by the effects of physical ageing. The model parameters of Struik’s creep law are used to compare the creep behavior of different bone cements. The novel 2-component paste-like bone cement formulations are in the group of bone cements which exhibit a higher creep resistance.

Customized mandibular reconstruction plates improve mechanical performance in a mandibular reconstruction model.

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to analyze the biomechanical performance of customized mandibular reconstruction plates with optimized strength. The best locations for increasing bar widths were determined with a sensitivity analysis. Standard and customized plates were mounted on mandible models and mechanically tested. Maximum stress in the plate could be reduced from 573 to 393 MPa (−31%) by increasing bar widths. The median fatigue limit was significantly greater (p < 0.001) for customized plates (650 ± 27 N) than for standard plates (475 ± 27 N). Increasing bar widths at case-specific locations was an effective strategy for increasing plate fatigue performance.

Multiaxial Strength and Stress Forming Behavior of Four Light-Curable Dental Composites

The resulting internal stress situation in curing dental composites is still oversimplified due to analytical inaccessibility of local information of state and loading. Similar applies to the strength behavior of cured dental composites. Using recent progress of a finite-element-based curing model, we developed and attempted to benchmark dental composites based on their mechanical behavior and tendency to form internal stress. Additionally, in order to understand the influence of restoration techniques on the mechanical loading, curing simulations were necessary. Three-point flexural strength, compressive strength and diametral tensile strength and the necessary curing parameters were studied for four state-of-the-art dental composites (Tetric EvoCeram, Venus Diamond, EsthetX, Filtek Supreme XT). The investigated composites fracture can be analyzed by the Drucker Prager failure criteria for each composite. The lowest resulting curing stresses were found for Tetric EvoCeram because of its low volumetric shrinkage and a high ratio of initiation phase to dark phase conversion. Venus Diamond showed the best overall mechanical properties because it can withstand tensile as well as compressive stress. In order to draw conclusions on comparisons between several composites, flexural strength tests, volume shrinkage measurements, cavity classifications and general preparation recommendations may still be a suitable way for the simplification of the immense complexity in curing and restoration. Nevertheless, finite-element-based simulations are necessary to include fundamental effects such as stress relaxation by flow and multiaxial strength of the composite.