Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulated by Surface Manganese Chemistry in SLA Titanium Implants

The manganese (Mn) ion has recently been probed as a potential candidate element for the surface chemistry modification of titanium (Ti) implants in order to develop a more osteogenic surface with the expectation of taking advantage of its strong binding affinity to the integrins on bone-forming cells. However, the exact mechanism of how Mn enhances osteogenesis when introduced into the surface of Ti implants is not clearly understood. This study investigated the corrosion resistance and potential osteogenic capacity of a Mn-incorporated Ti surface as determined by electrochemical measurement and examining the behaviors of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a clinically available sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA) oral implant surface intended for future biomedical applications. The surface that resulted from wet chemical treatment exhibited the formation of a Mn-containing nanostructured TiO2 anatase thin film in the SLA implant and improved corrosion resistance. The Mn-incorporated SLA surface displayed sustained Mn ion release and enhanced osteogenesis-related MSC function, which enhanced early cellular events such as spreading, focal adhesion, and mRNA expression of critical adhesion-related genes and promoted full human MSC differentiation into mature osteoblasts. Our findings indicate that surface Mn modification by wet chemical treatment is an effective approach to produce a Ti implant surface with increased osteogenic capacity through the promotion of the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. The improved corrosion resistance of the resultant surface is yet another important benefit of being able to provide favorable osseointegration interface stability with an increased barrier effect.

A simple setup miniaturization with multiple benefits for Green Chemistry in nanoparticle synthesis

The development of nanomaterials often relies on wet-chemical syntheses performed in reflux-setups using round-bottom-flasks. An alternative approach to synthesize nanomaterials is here presented that uses glass tubes designed for NMR analysis as reactors. This approach uses less solvent, uses less energy, generates less waste, provides safer conditions, is less prone to contamination and is compatible with high throughput screening. The benefits of this approach are illustrated by an in breadth study with the synthesis of gold, iridium, osmium and copper sulfide nanoparticles.

Comprehensive Stoichiometric Studies on the Reaction of Silicon in HF/HNO3 and HF/HNO3/H2SiF6 Mixtures

The stoichiometry of the wet chemical etching of silicon in concentrated binary and ternary mixtures of HF, HNO3 and H2SiF6 was comprehensively investigated. A complete quantification of both dissolved and...

Sustainable Utilization of Sewage Sludge through the Synthesis of Liquid Fertilizer

In a world with a growing human population, resources are becoming increasingly scarce. To ensure food supply, fertilizers are often used to accelerate growth when planting agricultural products. Sewage sludge (SS), containing as high as 10–15 wt% Phosphorus (P), can be synthesized into liquid fertilizer. P species in SS can generally be classified into four types: inorganic phosphorus (IP), organic phosphorus (OP), nonapatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP), and apatite phosphorus (AP). However, OP is not leached out by wet chemical methods and NAIP is not bioavailable. This study investigated the P-form conversion (OP and NAIP to AP) in SS by adding 8 wt% CaO at 300 °C. SS through pretreatment can easily leach out P when combined with organic acid. The content of heavy metals is in accordance with fertilizer regulations in a leaching solution. The solution was mixed with potassium and ammonia compounds to synthesize a liquid fertilizer. To ensure the safe and efficient use of liquid fertilizer and undertake an analysis of heavy metals, an aquatic organisms (D. magna) toxicity test, and the growth of plants test were both used. The liquid fertilizer can be demonstrated to accelerate the growth of plants while not causing the death of D. magna in short time, as the liquid fertilizer has enough nutrients to help the D. magna to survive.

Catalytic Activity of Ni Nanotubes Covered with Nanostructured Gold

Ni nanotubes (NTs) were produced by the template method in the pores of ion-track membranes and then were successfully functionalized with gold nanoparticles (Ni@Au NTs) using electroless wet-chemical deposition with the aim to demonstrate their high catalytic activity. The fabricated NTs were characterized using a variety of techniques in order to determine their morphology and dimensions, crystalline structure, and magnetic properties. The morphology of Au coating depended on the concentration of gold chloride aqueous solution used for Au deposition. The catalytic activity was evaluated by a model reaction of the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by borohydride ions in the presence of Ni and Ni@Au NTs. The reaction was monitored spectrophotometrically in real time by detecting the decrease in the absorption peaks. It was found that gold coating with needle-like structure formed at a higher Au-ions concentration had the strongest catalytic effect, while bare Ni NTs had little effect. The presence of a magnetic core allowed the extraction of the catalyst with the help of a magnetic field for reusable applications.