Designing tailored biomaterial surfaces to direct keratinocyte morphology, attachment, and differentiation.

Precisely engineering the surface chemistry of biomaterials to modulate the adsorption and functionality of biochemical signaling molecules that direct cellular functions is critical in the development of tissue engineered scaffolds. Specifically, this study describes the use of functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as a model system to assess the effects of biomaterial surface properties on controlling fibronectin (FN) conformation and concentration as well as keratinocyte function. By systematically analyzing FN adsorption at low and saturated surface densities, we distinguished between SAM-dependent effects of FN concentration and conformation on presenting cellular binding domains that direct cellular functions. Quantitative image analyses of immunostained samples showed that modulating the availability of the FN synergy site directly correlated with changes in keratinocyte attachment, spreading, and differentiation, through integrin-mediated signaling mechanisms. The results of this study will be used to elucidate design features that can be incorporated into dermal equivalents and percutaneous implants to enhance the rate of re-epithelialization and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, these findings indicate that SAM-based model systems are a valuable tool for designing and investigating the development of scaffolds that regulate the conformation of extracellular matrix cues and cellular functions that accelerate the rate of tissue regeneration.

Synthesis of a new hollandite-type manganese oxide with framework and interstitial Cr(III).

Hollandite with Cr(III) in both tunnel and framework sites has been prepared hydrothermally from layered manganese oxide precursors.

MELAS syndrome involving a mother and two children.

Three familial cases of MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke) have been reported. We describe a family with four normal sons and an affected mother, son, and daughter. Although mitochondrial inheritance has been proposed, autosomal and X-linked dominant patterns are also possible. This family also illustrates the variability of expression of MELAS. The proband has the full syndrome, while the mother and daughter manifested less severe findings. All three did not develop symptoms until adulthood.