We have constructed a panel of mutants of S. mutans V403 which are defective in one or more of the glucosyltransferase genes (gtfB, C or D) or the fructosyltransferase gene (ftf). These strains have been tested for virulence in a gnotobiotic rat caries model with reference to both buccal (smooth surface) and sulcal (pit and fissure) carious lesions. Our data suggest differing roles for degradab...

Widespread detection of pharmaceutical compounds in water environment has been a serious concern recently, while conventional sewage treatments are ineffective for their elimination. But, advanced oxidation techniques are very promising to remove varieties of organic contaminants in water. This research aims to elucidate oxidation potentials of sixteen commonly used pharmaceutical compounds in ...

In this study we generated 3D poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel arrays to screen for the individual and combinatorial effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradability, cell adhesion ligand type, and cell adhesion ligand density on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) viability. In particular, we explored the influence of two well-characterized ECM-derived cell adhesion ligands: the fibronec...

PURPOSE Nondegradable steel-and titanium-based implants are commonly used in orthopedic surgery. Although they provide maximal stability, they are also associated with interference on imaging modalities, may induce stress shielding, and additional explantation procedures may be necessary. Alternatively, degradable polymer implants are mechanically weaker and induce foreign body reactions. Degra...

The biopolymer matrigel loaded with cytokine can be used for the recruitment in vivo of specific cell populations and as a vector for the preparation of cell cultures. Data demonstrate that the injection of the matrigel biopolymer supplemented with interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the leech Hirudo medicinalis can be used to purify cell populations showing the same morphofunctional and molecular mechanis...

coir pith, a byproduct of coconut fibers and waste material from the coir industry, is stable and not easily degradable due to its high lignin content. coir pith takes a decade to decompose thereby posing environmental hazard and disposal problem. pollution by plastics creates an alternative solution to reduce problems. hence the potential use of coir industrial wastes for production of biopla...

Biodegradable plastics have been developed to eliminate the progressive accumulation and ever-growing threat posed by conventional fossil fuel-derived plastics. The impact of these bioplastics, particularly in an agricultural context (e.g. biopolymer mulch films), however, remains poorly understood. In this study, we compared biotoxicity biodegradable (polylactic acid, PLA; polypropylene carbon...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the retinal safety and toxicity of a novel synthetic biopolymer to be used as a patch to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS Thirty one adult wild type albino mice were divided in 2 groups. In Group A (n=9) 0.2 μl balanced salt solution (BSS) and in Group B (n=22), 0.2 μl biopolymer was injected in the subretinal space. Trans-scleral...

OBJECTIVE This trial was performed to examine the effects of ruminally degradable starch (RDS) levels in total mixed ration (TMR) with low corn-based starch on the milk production, whole-tract nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy cows. METHODS Eight multiparous Holstein cows (body weight [BW]: 717±63 kg; days in milk [DIM]: 169±29) were assigned to a crossover design with two ...