Combining single molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) and protein engineering techniques, here we demonstrate that we can use recombination-based techniques to engineer novel elastomeric proteins by recombining protein fragments from structurally homologous parent proteins. Using I27 and I32 domains from the muscle protein titin as parent template proteins, we systematically shuffled the seco...

This study investigated the cytotoxicity exists between latex and non-latex Orthodontic elastomeric ligatures. Six elastomeric ligatures (1 latex, 2 latex-free and 3 polyurethane) from different manufacturers were divided into 6 groups of 15 elastics each: A (Latex-free, American Orthodontics), M (Polyurethane, Morelli), G (Polyurethane,GAC International), Te (Polyurethane, Tecnident), TP (Natu...

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) has been proposed for tissue engineering applications owing to its tough elastomeric mechanical properties, biocompatibility and controllable degradation. However, PGS shows limited bioactivity and thus constraining its utilization for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. To address this issue, we developed bioactive, highly elastomeric, and mechanically stiff nanoc...

Recently, novel and uniform deformation-induced pattern transformations have been found in periodic elastomeric cellular solids upon reaching a critical value of applied load [Mullin, T., Deschanel, S., Bertoldi, K., Boyce, M.C., 2007. Pattern transformation triggered by deformation. Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 084301; Boyce, M.C., Prange, S.M., Bertoldi, K., Deschanel, S., Mullin, T., 2008. Mechanics...

This study investigated the effect of ultraviolet type A light (UVA) exposure on the tensile properties of elastomeric chain. UVA light exposure was used as model for artificial aging, simulating prolonged storage of elastomeric chain. Tensile strength (n = 60) was measured after exposing Ormco, Forestadent and 3M chains to UVA light for 0, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Force decay was measured (n = 60) u...

AIM To examine two types of orthodontic separators, focusing on the separating effect and patients' perception of pain and discomfort. METHODS The separators tested were spring-type and elastomeric separators. Thirty teenagers participated, and all were scheduled for treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance. Two spring-type and two elastomeric separators were placed alternately in the lef...

OBJECTIVE Iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes (iPPROM), the main complication of invasive interventions in the prenatal period, seriously limits the benefit of diagnostic or surgical prenatal procedures. This study aimed to evaluate preventive plugging of punctured fetal membranes in an ex vivo situation using a new mussel-mimetic tissue adhesive (mussel glue) to inhibit leakage. ...

BACKGROUND Optimal cell sources and scaffold-cell interactions remain unanswered questions for tissue engineering of heart valves. We assessed the effect of different protein precoatings on a single scaffold type (elastomeric poly (glycerol sebacate)) with a single cell source (endothelial progenitor cells). METHODS AND RESULTS Elastomeric poly (glycerol sebacate) scaffolds were precoated wit...

BACKGROUND Fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy is associated with friction between the bracket - wire - ligature interfaces during the sliding mechanics. A sound knowledge of the various factors affecting the magnitude of friction is of paramount importance. The present study was done to analyze and compare the frictional forces generated by a new ceramic (Clarity Advanced) bracket with the conven...