Tissue polymer

The porous surface may enhance tissue-polymer interactions, thus increasing the compatibility of implant prostheses. 

Typically foods, feedstuffs, leaves, plants, biological solids, tissue, polymers, etc. Prior to solubilisation these types of sample generally require destruction via wet digestion or ashing in a muffle furnace. A typical procedure featuring a nitric/perchloric acid mixture is reproduced below. 

The fibrillar structure of collagen is important for cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation function, and mimicking its structure may lead to engineered tissue which more closely resembles native tissues. Polymer nanofibres are an important class of nanomaterials which have been focused for the past ten years on the field of tissue engineering. Nanostructured materials are extremly small in size, falling... 

Polyphosphazenes may provide particular advantages over their organic counterparts in the field of biomedical applications. For artificial organ research, materials can be synthesized that have specific surface properties, extreme stability under hydrolytic or oxidative conditions, and minimal interactions with blood or living tissues. Polymers that possess fluoroalkoxy or aryloxy side groups... 

Typical examples of solid samples include large particulates, such as those found in ores smaller particulates, such as soils and sediments tablets, pellets, and capsules used in dispensing pharmaceutical products and animal feeds sheet materials, such as polymers and rolled metals and tissue samples from biological specimens. 

Biomedical Applications. In the area of biomedical polymers and materials, two types of appHcations have been envisioned and explored. The first is the use of polyphosphazenes as bioinert materials for implantation in the body either as housing for medical devices or as stmctural materials for heart valves, artificial blood vessels, and catheters. A number of fluoroalkoxy-, aryloxy-, and arylamino-substituted polyphosphazenes have been tested by actual implantation ia rats and found to generate Httle tissue response (18). 

CH2—CI2—) —(—CF2— CFH—) (39). Ceramic crystals have a higher piezoelectric efficiency. Their high acoustic impedance compared to body tissues necessitates impedance matching layers between the piezoelectric and the tissue. These layers are similar in function to the antireflective coatings on a lens. Polymer piezoelectric materials possess a more favorable impedance relative to body tissues but have poorer performance characteristics. Newer transducer materials are piezoelectric composites containing ceramic crystals embedded in a polymer matrix (see Composite materials, polymer-MATRIX Piezoelectrics). 

The TEM is one of the most generally useful microscopes many thousands of them ate in daily use throughout the world. They ate appHcable to the study of ultrafine particles (eg, pigments abrasives and carbon blacks) as well as microtomed thin sections of plant and animal tissue, paper, polymers, composites of all kinds, foods, industrial materials, etc. Even metals can be thinned to sections thin enough for detailed examination. 

Biomaterials for Cardiovascular Devices. Perhaps the most advanced field of biomaterials is that for cardiovascular devices. For several decades bodily parts have been replaced or repaired by direct substitution using natural tissue or selected synthetic materials. The development of implantable-grade synthetic polymers, such as siHcones and polyurethanes, has made possible the development of advanced cardiac assist devices (see... 

Vascular access ports typically consist of a self-sealing siUcone septum within a rigid housing which is attached to a radiopaque catheter (see Radiopaques). The catheter must be fabricated from a low modulus elastomeric polymer capable of interfacing with both soft tissue and the cardiovascular environment. A low modulus polyurethane-based elastomer is preferred to ensure minimal trauma to the fragile vein. 

The first synthetic polyglycoHc acid suture was introduced in 1970 with great success (21). This is because synthetic polymers are preferable to natural polymers since greater control over uniformity and mechanical properties are obtainable. The foreign body response to synthetic polymer absorption generally is quite predictable whereas catgut absorption is variable and usually produces a more intense inflammatory reaction (22). This greater tissue compatibihty is cmcial when the implant must serve as an inert, mechanical device prior to bioresorption. 

Poly(ethylene oxide)—Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Copolymers. The poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PEO/PET) copolymers were first described in 1954 (40). This group of polymers was developed in an attempt to simultaneously reduce the crystallinity of PET, and increase its hydrophilicity to improve dyeabiHty. PEO/PET copolymers with increased PEO contents produce surfaces that approach zero interfacial energy between the implant and the adjacent biological tissue. The coUagenous capsule formed around the implant is thinner as the PEO contents increase. The stmcture of a PEO/PET copolymer is shown below ... 

R. L. Whalen, "Connective Tissue Response to Movement at the Prosthesis /Tissue Interface," in Biocompatib/e Polymers, Metals and Composites, Technomic Publishing Co., Lancaster, Pa., 1983. 

Acrylic Resins. The first synthetic polymer denture material, used throughout much of the 20th century, was based on the discovery of vulcanised mbber in 1839. Other polymers explored for denture and other dental uses have included ceUuloid, phenolformaldehyde resins, and vinyl chloride copolymers. Polystyrene, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, and acryHc resins have also been used for dental polymers. Because of the unique combination of properties, eg, aesthetics and ease of fabrication, acryHc resins based on methyl methacrylate and its polymer and/or copolymers have received the most attention since their introduction in 1937. However, deficiencies include excessive polymerization shrinkage and poor abrasion resistance. Polymers used in dental appHcation should have minimal dimensional changes during and subsequent to polymerization exceUent chemical, physical, and color stabiHty processabiHty and biocompatibiHty and the abiHty to blend with contiguous tissues. 

Tissue Conditioners. Tissue conditioners are gels designed to alleviate the discomfort from soft-tissue injury, eg, extractions. Under a load, they exhibit viscous flow, forming a soft cushion between the hard denture and the oral tissues. The polymer in tissue conditioners is often the same as that used for resilient liners. The liquid is a plasticizer containing an alcohol of low volatility (219,220). 

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