Bioerosion mechanisms

In this review we do not consider a simple dissolution process, and we classify the various bioerosion mechanisms into the the three distinct types shown in Figure 1 (J[). 

Figure 1. Schematic representation of bioerosion mechanisms. (Reprinted with permission from Ref. 1. Copyright 1980.)...

Fig. 26 Cross-sectional view of a bioerosion-regulated hydrocortisone delivery system, a feedback-regulated drug delivery system, showing the drug-dispersed monolithic bioerodible polymer matrix with surface-immobilized ureases. The mechanism of release and time course for the urea-activated release of hydrocortisone are also shown. (From Ref > 1)...

We shall discuss the importance and occurrence of the main representatives of the carbonate-removing organisms, their boring patterns, and means of carbonate removal. The contribution of various groups of organisms to carbonate bioerosion, with respect to destruction mechanisms, trace morphology, and habitat is summarized by Neumann (1968), Milliman (1974), Warme (1975), and Schneider (1976). 

Figure 7.2 (Zeng et al. 2005d) compares the release of doxombicin (converted to the free base from the HCl form by ammonia) from the biodegradable polymer PLLA in the absence and in the presence of an enzyme that can biodegrade the polymer. The primary release mechanism in this case was bioerosion. In the absence of the enzyme, only a minimal diffusive release...

Nava, H. and Carballo, J.L. (2008) Chemical and mechanical bioerosion of boring sponges from Mexican Pacific coral reefs. ]. Exp. Biol, 211, 2827-2831. 

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