Electron beam melting (EBM) and selective laser melting (SLM) are two advanced rapid prototyping manufacturing technologies capable of fabricating complex structures and geometric shapes from metallic materials using computer tomography (CT) and Computer-aided Design (CAD) data. Compared to traditional technologies used for metallic products, EBM and SLM alter the mechanical, physical and chemical properties, which are closely related to the biocompatibility of metallic products. In this study, we evaluate and compare the biocompatibility, including cytocompatibility, haemocompatibility, skin irritation and skin sensitivity of Ti6Al4V fabricated by EBM and SLM. The results were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Both the EBM and SLM Ti6Al4V exhibited good cytobiocompatibility. The haemolytic ratios of the SLM and EBM were 2.24% and 2.46%, respectively, which demonstrated good haemocompatibility. The EBM and SLM Ti6Al4V samples showed no dermal irritation when exposed to rabbits. In a delayed hypersensitivity test, no skin allergic reaction from the EBM or the SLM Ti6Al4V was observed in guinea pigs. Based on these results, Ti6Al4V fabricated by EBM and SLM were good cytobiocompatible, haemocompatible, non-irritant and non-sensitizing materials. Although the data for cell adhesion, proliferation, ALP activity and the haemolytic ratio was higher for the SLM group, there were no significant differences between the different manufacturing methods.

The study was designed to fulfill effective work-flow to fabricate three-dimensional mesh titanium scaffold for mandibular reconstruction. The 3D titanium mesh scaffold was designed based on a volunteer with whole mandible defect. (1) acquisition of the CT data; (2) design with computer aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA). The pore size and intervals with the best mechanic strength was also calculated using FEA. (3) fabrication of the scaffold using electron beam melting (EBM); (4) implantation surgery. The case recovered well, without loosening and rejection. Additionally, 12 mandibular defect model beagles were used to verify the results. The model was established via tooth extraction and mandibular resection surgeries, and the scaffold was designed individually based on CT data obtained at 2 weeks after extraction operation. Then scaffolds were fabricated using 3D EBM, and the implantation surgery was performed at 2 months after extraction operation. All the animals healed well after implantation, and the grafted mandibular recovered well with time. The relevant parameters of the grafted mandibular were nearly to the native mandibular at postoperative 12 months. It is feasible to fabricate mesh titanium scaffold for repairing mandibular defects individually using reverse engineering, CAD and EBM techniques.

No abstract

Guard cells can integrate and process multiple complex signals from the environment and respond by opening and closing stomata in order to adapt to the environmental conditions changing. Over the past several years, considerable research progress has been made in our understanding of the role of calcium (Ca

Bone defect is a common problem and inducing osteoblasts differentiation is the key process for the regenerative repair. Recently, the mesoporous silica (MS) coated nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) particles (nHA-MS) has shown enhanced intrinsic potency for bone regeneration, whereas whether the osteogenesis potency can be further enhanced after drug delivery has not been investigated. In this study, the nHA-MS was fabricated by a novel biphase stratification growth way. The cytotoxicity in MC3T3-E1 was validated by MTT assay, apoptosis analysis and cell cycle examination. The cell uptake was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope and transmission electron microscope respectively. After adsorption with dexamethasone (DEX), the osteogenic differentiation was determined both in vitro and in vivo. The synthesized nHA-MS showed a core–shell structure that the nanorod-like nHA was coated by a porous MS shell (∼5 nm pores diameter, ∼50 nm thickness). A dose-dependent cytotoxicity was observed and below 10 µg ml−1 was a safe concentration. The nHA-MS also showed efficient cell uptake efficiency and more efficient in DEX loading and release. After DEX adsorption, the nanoparticles exhibited enhanced osteogenic induction in MC3T3-E1 and rat calvarial bone defect regeneration. In conclusion, the nHA-MS is a favorable platform for drug delivery to obtain more enhanced osteogenesis capabilities.