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Abstract
Three types of photonic crystal (PC) thin films have been prepared for the investigation of their deformation behaviors by nanoindentation tests at the microscale and nanoscale. Each type of PC thin film was composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles with a uniform size. Another type of thin film was prepared by assembling nanoparticles with three different sizes. It was exciting to observe that the hardness and Young's modulus were significantly improved (more than 15 times) in well-ordered PC thin films than disordered ones. Furthermore, size-dependent mechanical properties were observed for the three types of PCs. Such a size effect phenomenon can be attributed to the special polycrystalline material having a periodical face-centered cubic structure of PC thin films. Furthermore, the indentation size effect that shows that the indentation hardness decreases with an increasing indentation depth has also been observed for all four types of thin films. It is conjectured that the application of the PC structure to other functional materials may enhance their mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Liu
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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3
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Abstract
This paper presents a comparison of manufacturing techniques used in the development of an axial blood pump impeller. In this development process the impeller was designed and its performance was evaluated with the aid of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Prototypes of those designs where the CFD results show promise were needed in sufficient quantities at a low cost for experimental validation of the CFD results. As the impeller is less than 16 mm in diameter with a maximum blade thickness of about 1.5 mm, innovative manufacturing techniques are explored in this paper to determine the best process for quick fabrication of prototypes that are dimensionally accurate, structurally robust and low in cost. Four rapid prototyping techniques were explored. The completed parts were compared on the basis of manufacturing time, quality and strength of parts obtained, manufacturing cost and also in vitro performances. Based on these studies, it was concluded that selective laser sintering (SLS) is the most appropriate method for the quick production of prototype parts for evaluation of pump performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- W K Chan
- School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Thermal and Fluids Engineering Division, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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4
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Gunaseelan P, Jeremy P, Chua CK, Rashdeen F. Ganglion of the Flexor Tendon Sheath at the A2 Pulley - Case Report. Malays Orthop J 2015; 9:28-29. [PMID: 28435592 PMCID: PMC5349344 DOI: 10.5704/moj.1503.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few reported cases of flexor tendon sheath ganglion arising from the A2 pulley. We report a case of a flexor tendon sheath ganglion in a 17-year old female who presented with pain, triggering and a swelling at the base of her right ring finger. During the excision biopsy, a ganglion measuring 0.5×0.8×0.4 cm in size was removed from the A2 pulley area.
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5
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Tan JY, Chua CK, Leong KF. Fabrication of channeled scaffolds with ordered array of micro-pores through microsphere leaching and indirect Rapid Prototyping technique. Biomed Microdevices 2012; 15:83-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-012-9690-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ramanath HS, Chua CK, Leong KF, Shah KD. Melt flow behaviour of poly-epsilon-caprolactone in fused deposition modelling. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2008; 19:2541-50. [PMID: 17619957 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-007-3203-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2007] [Accepted: 06/05/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an extrusion based Rapid prototyping (RP) technique which can be used to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds. The present work focuses on the study of the melt flow behaviour (MFB) of Poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) as a representative biomaterial, on the FDM. The MFB significantly affects the quality of the scaffold which depends not only on the pressure gradient, its velocity, and the temperature gradients but also physical properties like the melt temperature and rheology. The MFB is studied using two methods: mathematical modelling and finite element analysis (FEA) using Ansys(R). The MFB is studied using accurate channel geometry by varying filament velocity at the entry and by varying nozzle diameters and angles at the exit. The comparative results of both mathematical modelling and FEA suggest that the pressure drop and the velocities of the melt flow depend on the flow channel parameters. One inference of particular interest is the temperature gradient of the PCL melt, which shows that it liquefies within 35% of the channel length. These results are invaluable to better understand the MFB of biomaterials that affects the quality of the scaffold built via FDM and can also be used to predict the MFB of other biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Ramanath
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Singapore.
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7
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological condition, which affects the nervous system. Automatic seizure detection is very important in clinical practice and has to be achieved by analyzing the Electroencephalogram (EEG). Seizures are the clinical manifestations of excessive and hypersynchronous activity of the neurons in the cerebral cortex and represent one of the most frequent malfunctions of the human central nervous system. Therefore, the search for precursors and predictors of a seizure in the human EEG is of utmost clinical relevance and may even lead to a deeper understanding of the seizure generating mechanisms. In this paper, the normal, pre-ictal (background) and ictal (epileptic) EEG signals are studied using higher order spectra. HOS based measures are shown to be able to distinguish epileptic EEG from normal and background EEG with high confident level (p-value of less than 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Chua
- Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore.
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Ang KC, Leong KF, Chua CK, Chandrasekaran M. Compressive properties and degradability of poly(epsilon-caprolatone)/hydroxyapatite composites under accelerated hydrolytic degradation. J Biomed Mater Res A 2007; 80:655-60. [PMID: 17051539 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.30996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyapatite (HA) was incorporated as filler into polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix to improve the bioactivity as well as the compressive properties of the polymer composites that can be typically used in tissue engineering scaffolds. The compressive properties of five PCL/HA composites of different compositions were investigated in conjunction with the study of their rate of degradation. As PCL has a slow degradation rate, the experiment was conducted in a concentrated 5M sodium hydroxide medium to accelerate the degradation process. The compressive strength and modulus of all PCL/HA compositions were observed to decrease as the degradation experiment progressed, with samples having high HA content degraded most significantly as compared with samples with lower HA content. Pure PCL samples, however, were found to retain their mechanical properties comparatively well in the same degradation experiments. Although the addition of HA as filler into the PCL matrix was shown to have improved mechanical properties and bioactivity initially, these results do raise concerns of material properties being compromise during hydrolytic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Ang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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9
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Wiria FE, Leong KF, Chua CK, Liu Y. Poly-epsilon-caprolactone/hydroxyapatite for tissue engineering scaffold fabrication via selective laser sintering. Acta Biomater 2007; 3:1-12. [PMID: 17055789 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2006.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2006] [Revised: 06/18/2006] [Accepted: 07/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rapid prototyping (RP) techniques are becoming more popular for fabricating tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds owing to their advantages over conventional methods, such as the ability to fabricate scaffolds with predetermined interconnected networks without the use of organic solvents. A versatile RP technique, selective laser sintering (SLS), offers good user control of scaffold microstructure by adjusting the process parameters. This research focuses on a the use of biocomposite material, consisting of poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA), to fabricate TE scaffolds using SLS. Biocomposite blends with different percentage weights of HA were physically blended and sintered to assess their suitability for fabrication via SLS. Optimal sintering conditions for the powders were achieved by varying parameters such as laser power and scan speed. Studies of the sintered specimen morphology were performed by scanning electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the homogeneity of the biocomposite blend. Simulated body fluid (SBF) samples show the formation of hydroxy carbonate apatite, as a result of soaking HA in a SBF environment. Cell culture experiment showed that Saos-2 cells were able to live and replicate on the fabricated scaffolds. The results show the favorable potential of PCL/HA biocomposite as TE scaffolds that are fabricated via SLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F E Wiria
- Rapid Prototyping Research Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
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Leong KF, Wiria FE, Chua CK, Li SH. Characterization of a poly-epsilon-caprolactone polymeric drug delivery device built by selective laser sintering. Biomed Mater Eng 2007; 17:147-57. [PMID: 17502691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), an established Rapid Prototyping (RP) process, is investigated for building controlled drug delivery devices (DDD). The drug and its matrix in a powder form were first mixed mechanically before being sintered on the SLS. Each cylindrical DDD is designed with a number of concentric rings separated from each other by a characteristic 'wall' created by the laser of the SLS. These rings act as diffusion obstacles to control the rate of release. Poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) was used as the matrix and Methylene Blue (MB) as the drug model. Samples were built, characterized and tested for homogeneity using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR). Experimental results show that the matrices fabricated are not affected by sintering and the polymer and drug model are evenly distributed throughout the matrix. The initial burst effect has been reduced by the increase of the numbers of rings. The linear curve using the Higuchi equation confirmed that the DDD matrix release profile is by diffusion. These results show that the DDD matrix design has promising potential for application in controlled release drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Leong
- Rapid prototyping Research Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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11
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Tan KH, Chua CK, Leong KF, Naing MW, Cheah CM. Fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional poly(ether- ether- ketone)/-hydroxyapatite biocomposite scaffolds using laser sintering. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2005; 219:183-94. [PMID: 15934394 DOI: 10.1243/095441105x9345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability to have precise control over porosity, scaffold shape, and internal pore architecture is critical in tissue engineering. For anchorage-dependent cells, the presence of three-dimensional scaffolds with interconnected pore networks is crucial to aid in the proliferation and reorganization of cells. This research explored the potential of rapid prototyping techniques such as selective laser sintering to fabricate solvent-free porous composite polymeric scaffolds comprising of different blends of poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) and hydroxyapatite (HA). The architecture of the scaffolds was created with a scaffold library of cellular units and a corresponding algorithm to generate the structure. Test specimens were produced and characterized by varying the weight percentage, starting with 10 wt% HA to 40 wt% HA, of physically mixed PEEK-HA powder blends. Characterization analyses including porosity, microstructure, composition of the scaffolds, bioactivity, and in vitro cell viability of the scaffolds were conducted. The results obtained showed a promising approach in fabricating scaffolds which can produce controlled microarchitecture and higher consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Tan
- School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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12
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Tan KH, Chua CK, Leong KF, Cheah CM, Gui WS, Tan WS, Wiria FE. Selective laser sintering of biocompatible polymers for applications in tissue engineering. Biomed Mater Eng 2005; 15:113-24. [PMID: 15623935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The ability to use biological substitutes to repair or replace damaged tissues lead to the development of Tissue Engineering (TE), a field that is growing in scope and importance within biomedical engineering. Anchorage dependent cell types often rely on the use of temporary three-dimensional scaffolds to guide cell proliferation. Computer-controlled fabrication techniques such as Rapid Prototyping (RP) processes have been recognised to have an edge over conventional manual-based scaffold fabrication techniques due to their ability to create structures with complex macro- and micro-architectures. Despite the immense capabilities of RP fabrication for scaffold production, commercial available RP modelling materials are not biocompatible and are not suitable for direct use in the fabrication of scaffolds. Work is carried out with several biocompatible polymers such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and a bioceramic namely, Hydroxyapatite (HA). The parameters of the selective laser sintering (SLS) process are optimised to cater to the processing of these materials. SLS-fabricated scaffold specimens are examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results observed from the micrographs indicate the viability of them being used for building TE scaffolds and ascertain the capabilities of the SLS process for creating highly porous scaffolds for Tissue Engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Tan
- School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Chua CK, Leong KF, Tan KH, Wiria FE, Cheah CM. Development of tissue scaffolds using selective laser sintering of polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite biocomposite for craniofacial and joint defects. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2004; 15:1113-21. [PMID: 15516872 DOI: 10.1023/b:jmsm.0000046393.81449.a5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The growing interest in scaffold-guided tissue engineering (TE) to guide and support cell proliferation in the repair and replacement of craniofacial and joint defects gave rise to the quest for a precise technique to create such scaffolds. Conventional manual-based fabrication techniques have several limitations such as the lack of reproducibility and precision. Rapid prototyping (RP) has been identified as a promising technique capable of building complex objects with pre-defined macro- and microstructures. The research focussed on the viability of using the selective laser sintering (SLS) RP technique for creating TE scaffolds. A biocomposite blend comprising of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) was used in SLS to study the feasibility of the blend to develop scaffolds. The biocomposite blends obtained via spray-drying technique and physical blending were subjected to laser-sintering to produce test specimens. The SLS-fabricated test specimens were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The test specimens were also tested for bioactivity by immersing the samples in simulated body fluid environment. The results obtained ascertained that SLS-fabricated scaffolds have good potential for TE applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Chua
- Rapid Prototyping Research Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798.
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Tan KH, Chua CK, Leong KF, Cheah CM, Cheang P, Abu Bakar MS, Cha SW. Scaffold development using selective laser sintering of polyetheretherketone-hydroxyapatite biocomposite blends. Biomaterials 2003; 24:3115-23. [PMID: 12895584 DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9612(03)00131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In tissue engineering (TE), temporary three-dimensional scaffolds are essential to guide cell proliferation and to maintain native phenotypes in regenerating biologic tissues or organs. To create the scaffolds, rapid prototyping (RP) techniques are emerging as fabrication techniques of choice as they are capable of overcoming many of the limitations encountered with conventional manual-based fabrication processes. In this research, RP fabrication of solvent free porous polymeric and composite scaffolds was investigated. Biomaterials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were experimentally processed on a commercial selective laser sintering (SLS) RP system. The SLS technique is highly advantageous as it provides good user control over the microstructures of created scaffolds by adjusting the SLS process parameters. Different weight percentage (wt%) compositions of physically mixed PEEK/HA powder blends were sintered to assess their suitability for SLS processing. Microstructural assessments of the scaffolds were conducted using electron microscopy. The results ascertained the potential of SLS-fabricated TE scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Tan
- School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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15
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Abstract
Most tissue engineering (TE) strategies for creating functional replacement tissues or organs rely on the application of temporary three-dimensional scaffolds to guide the proliferation and spread of seeded cells in vitro and in vivo. The characteristics of TE scaffolds are major concerns in the quest to fabricate ideal scaffolds. This paper identifies essential structural characteristics and the pre-requisites for fabrication techniques that can yield scaffolds that are capable of directing healthy and homogeneous tissue development. Emphasis is given to solid freeform (SFF), also known as rapid prototyping, technologies which are fast becoming the techniques of choice for scaffold fabrication with the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional manual-based fabrication techniques. SFF-fabricated scaffolds have been found to be able to address most, if not all the macro- and micro-architectural requirements for TE applications. This paper reviews the application/potential application of state-of-the-art SFF fabrication techniques in creating TE scaffolds. The advantages and limitations of the SFF techniques are compared. Related research carried out worldwide by different institutions, including the authors' research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Leong
- School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
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16
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Abstract
From initial applications in the fields of prosthesis, implants, surgery planning, anthropology, paleontology and forensics, the scope of rapid prototyping (RP) biomedical applications has expanded to include areas in tissue engineering (TE) and controlled drug delivery. In the current investigation, the feasibility of utilizing selective laser sintering (SLS) to fabricate polymeric drug delivery devices (DDDs) that are difficult to make using conventional production methods was studied. Two features, namely porous microstructure and dense wall formation, inherent in SLS fabricated parts were investigated for their potential roles in drug storage and controlling the release of drugs through the diffusion process. A study to determine the influence of key SLS process parameters on dense wall formation and porous microstructure of SLS fabricated parts was carried out. Composite-type DDDs incorporating dense wall and porous matrix features were designed and fabricated using SLS. The characteristics of the fabricated devices were investigated through microstructural examination and in vitro release tests carried out using a drug model or dye in a simulated body environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Cheah
- Design Research Centre, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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17
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Abstract
In tissue engineering, a highly porous artificial extracellular matrix or scaffold is required to accommodate mammalian cells and guide their growth and tissue regeneration in three dimensions. However, existing three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering proved less than ideal for actual applications, not only because they lack mechanical strength, but they also do not guarantee interconnected channels. In this paper, the authors analyze the factors necessary to enhance the design and manufacture of scaffolds for use in tissue engineering in terms of materials, structure, and mechanical properties and review the traditional scaffold fabrication methods. Advantages and limitations of these traditional methods are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yang
- Design Research Center, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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18
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Leong KF, Phua KK, Chua CK, Du ZH, Teo KO. Fabrication of porous polymeric matrix drug delivery devices using the selective laser sintering technique. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2001; 215:191-201. [PMID: 11382078 DOI: 10.1243/0954411011533751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
New techniques in solid freeform fabrication (SFF) have prompted research into methods of manufacturing and controlling porosity. The strategy of this research is to integrate computer aided design (CAD) and the SFF technique of selective laser sintering (SLS) to fabricate porous polymeric matrix drug delivery devices (DDDs). This study focuses on the control of the porosity of a matrix by manipulating the SLS process parameters of laser beam power and scan speed. Methylene blue dye is used as a drug model to infiltrate the matrices via a degassing method; visual inspection of dye penetration into the matrices is carried out. Most notably, the laser power matrices show a two-stage penetration process. The matrices are sectioned along the XZ planes and viewed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The morphologies of the samples reveal a general increase in channel widths as laser power decreases and scan speed increases. The fractional release profiles of the matrices are determined by allowing the dye to diffuse out in vitro within a controlled environment. The results show that laser power and scan speed matrices deliver the dye for 8-9 days and have an evenly distributed profile. Mercury porosimetry is used to analyse the porosity of the matrices. Laser power matrices show a linear relationship between porosity and variation in parameter values. However, the same relationship for scan speed matrices turns out to be rather inconsistent. Relationships between the SLS parameters and the experimental results are developed using the fractional release rate equation for the infinite slab porous matrix DDD as a basis for correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Leong
- Design Research Centre, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Chua CK, Hou WS. Phenomenological consequences of right-handed down squark mixings. Phys Rev Lett 2001; 86:2728-2731. [PMID: 11290025 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.86.2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2000] [Revised: 10/04/2000] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The mixings of d(R) quarks, hidden from view in the standard model (SM), are naturally the largest if one has an Abelian flavor symmetry. With supersymmetry (SUSY) their effects can surface via d(R) squark loops. Squark and gluino masses are at TeV scale, but they can still induce effects comparable to SM in B(d) (or B(s)) mixings, while D0 mixing could be close to recent hints from data. In general, CP phases would be different from SM, as may be indicated by recent B factory data. Presence of nonstandard soft SUSY breakings with large tanbeta could enhance b-->dgamma (or sgamma) transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Chua
- Department of Physics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10764, Republic of China
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20
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Abstract
In designing a total knee replacement (TKR) prosthesis catering for the Asian population, 62 sets of femur were harvested and analyzed. The morphometrical data obtained were found to be in good agreement with dimensions typical of the Asian knee and has reaffirmed the fact that Caucasian knees are generally larger than Asian knees. Subsequently, these data when treated using a multivariate statistical technique resulted in the establishment of major design parameters for six different sizes of femoral implants. An extra-small implant size with established dimensions and geometrical shape has surfaced from the study. The differences between the Asian knees and the Caucasian knees are discussed. Employing the established femoral dimensions and motion path of the knee joint, the articulating tibia profile was generated. All the sizes of implants were modeled using a computer-aided software package. Thereupon, these models that accurately fits the local Asian knee were transported into a dynamic and kinematic analysis software package. The tibiofemoral joint was modeled successfully as a slide curve joint to study intuitively the motion of the femur when articulating on the tibia surface. An optimal tibia profile could be synthesized to mimic the natural knee path motion. Details of the analysis are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Low
- School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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21
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Low FH, Khoo LP, Chua CK, Lo NN. Determination of the major dimensions of femoral implants using morphometrical data and principal component analysis. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2000; 214:301-9. [PMID: 10902444 DOI: 10.1243/0954411001535796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the work that leads to the establishment of a set of major parameters for the design of symmetrical prosthetic implants for the Asian population. In the study, 62 sets of femurs harvested from cadavers were used. The morphometrical data obtained are compared with known results and found to be in good agreement with Asian knees. Subsequently, the data are treated and analysed using the principal component analysis, a statistical technique for analysing multivariate data. The analysis has resulted in the establishment of the major design parameters for six different sizes of femoral implants. Details of the analysis are presented. The major parameters obtained in this work are compared with those of existing implants. Results of the comparison are presented. The relationship between the anterio-posterior and medio-lateral dimensions is also examined and reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Low
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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22
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Wang P, Bolon PJ, Newton MG, Chua CK. Stereoselective synthesis of beta-L-2',3'-dideoxy- and L-2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxy purine nucleosides. Nucleosides Nucleotides 1999; 18:2819-35. [PMID: 10639757 DOI: 10.1080/07328319908044642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
beta-L-2',3'-Dideoxy- and L-2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxy purine nucleosides have been synthesized via a highly stereoselective method of glycosylation by the condensation of L-2-(phenylselenyl)-2,3-dideoxyribose derivative with silylated heterocyclic base.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA
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23
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Abstract
We have studied the spatial deployment of synapses arising from different axons that converge on the same developing neuromuscular junctions. Labeling the competing synaptic "cartels" with different dyes in mouse muscle showed that, perinatally, each axon adds similar terminal areas, whereas later, areas occupied by the competing cartels diverged by gradual elimination of one axon's synapses and ongoing addition of synaptic area by the other. Activity-dependent labeling of synapses capable of vesicle recycling in snake muscle also revealed a gradual change in territories occupied by competing inputs, implying that an axon maintained some functional synapses even as others in its cartel were being eliminated. Thus the process of synapse elimination is gradual, with loss of one viable synapse after another, until an axon is left with no synaptic territory and withdraws.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Balice-Gordon
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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