2/4/2011
Mechanically active scaffolds from radio-opaque shape-memory polymer-based composites
(180–189)Polymers for Advanced Technologies 22 #1 (2011)
Cui  et al of the Institute of Polymer Research, Germany obtained radio-opaque shape-memory polymer by incorporation of barium sulfate (BaSO4) microparticles (up to 40 wt%) into an amorphous polyether urethane (PEU) via co-extrusion.  An almost complete recovery with shape recovery rate (Rr) values ranging from 88% to 98% was realized within a small temperature interval of ΔTrec ≈ 30°C for all composites, while Tsw was found to be close to the applied Tprog. The feasibility of actively moving scaffolds was demonstrated using model scaffolds, where originally square-shaped pores were temporarily fixed in an expanded circular shape at different Tprog. We found that the kinetics of the shape change obtained under physiological conditions could be adjusted by variation of Tprog between 1 and 6 hr. Such radio-opaque scaffolds could serve as model scaffolds for investigating the active mechanical stimulation of cells in vitro or in vivo.  (RDC 2/4/2011)

1/7/2011
Morphological and biological characterization of density engineered foams fabricated by ultrasonic sonication
(490-499) Journal of Materials Science 46 #2 (2011)
Torres-Sánchez and Corney used a 3D data capture (μCT) and a flexible analysis software program (ImageJ) are used to obtain “global” density gradation values.  The comparison between untreated and sonicated samples yielded a 12.7% of increment in living cell count adhered to the walls after treatment.  (RDC 1/12/1011)