now exists on how surface modification
can modulate biological responses. Creating a suitable nanostructure also fits well
with the biomimetic approach to biomaterials, in which simulation of the extra
cellular matrix is the central focus. This
can take various forms, from incorporating nanofibres into a scaffold or matrix
structure to modification of surface
topography with subsequent alteration
of protein adsorption, cell adhesion and
other cellular functions, including proliferation and differentiation.
Biodegradability has become a focus
of attention in the materials sciences,
because a mass of data is available to
highlight the negative aspects of host
reaction to permanent implants. Despite
the fact that considerable progress has
been made in directing how biomaterials
can degrade, there remain marked dis-
crepancies between the controlled (mostly
hydrolytic) environment in the materials
science laboratory and the still poorly
understood complex microenvironment
in living tissues. In the latter, there are
additional breakdown mechanisms,
including production of oxygen radicals
and other classes of molecules that can
accelerate biomaterial degradation as
well as inhibit it. It can be postulated
that the balance of these mechanisms
will be different from one implant loca-
tion to another. Thus, a soft tissue site
can be expected to show a different
reaction from bone tissue. Because the
underlying biological reactions are still
largely unknown, a rational approach to
tailoring the degradation properties of
a biomaterial for a specific application
remains an unachieved goal.
From bench to bedside
Parallel to the clear change of emphasis from replacement strategies to those
aimed at healing mechanisms in the damaged or defective organ, there have been
prolonged discussions about safety, ethical
and regulatory issues governing human
tissue-based products. 10 These are prime
concerns of the biomaterials industry of
course, but they have also become relevant topics within academic institutions,
especially those with larger consortia
of partners, for example, in a research
centre for regenerative medicine. This
development is welcome and it has become
apparent that the funding agencies, even
for more basic aspects of research, are
requiring project leaders to present viable
concepts that are relevant for later clinical translation. The increasing awareness
of the importance of translational issues,
redefining the limits of extrusion technology…
For 20 years, medical device
companies the world over have
turned to Microspec for medical
tubing that challenges the limits
of extrusion technology.
You can rely on Microspec to
deliver – to specifications, on time, and
to ISO 9001:2008 quality standards.
Contact Microspec with your extrusion
challenge – we’ll turn it into reality.
• BUMP TUBING
• CO-EXTRUSIONS
• MICRO-EXTRUSIONS
• MULTI-LUMEN TUBING
• PROFILE EXTRUSIONS
• COATED WIRE
celebrating
2
YEARS
medical extrusions
327 JAFFREY RD • PETERBOROUGH, NH 03458 • USA
www.microspecorporation.com
603.924.4300 • info@microspecorporation.com
LOW VISCOSITY
EPOXY COMPOUND
ADHESIVE/SEALANT/COATING
Meets USP Class VI Specifications
for Medical Applications
Prompt Technical Assistance
■ Ambient temperature cures
■ High strength/rigid bonds
■ Superior chemical resistance
■ Superb optical clarity
■ Excellent electrical insulation
properties
■ Low-viscosity, easy to apply
■ Exceptionally low shrinkage
■ Fully meets USP Class
VI requirements
■ Convenient packaging
MASTER BOND EP30 MEDICAL
www.masterbond.com ■ main@masterbond.com
154 Hobart St., Hackensack, NJ 07601
TEL: 201-343-8983 ■ FAX: 201-343-2132
