• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.10
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• pp.2320-2327
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• 2020

The extreme hydrophobicity of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) hinders bone-tissue integration, thus limiting the use of ePTFE in medical implant applications. To improve the potential of ePTFE as a biomaterial, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was grafted onto the ePTFE surface using the gamma irradiation technique. The characteristics of the grafted ePTFE were successfully evaluated using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under the tensile test, the modified ePTFE was found to be more brittle and rigid than the untreated sample. In addition, the grafted ePTFE was less hydrophobic with a higher percentage of water uptake compared to the untreated ePTFE. The protein adsorption test showed that grafted ePTFE could adsorb protein, which was denoted by the presence of N peaks in the XPS analysis. Moreover, the formation of the globular mineral on the grafted ePTFE surface was successfully visualized using the FESEM analysis, with a ratio of 1.94 for Ca:P minerals by the EDX. To summarize, the capability of the modified ePTFE to show protein adsorption and mineralization indicates the improvement of the polymer properties, and it can potentially be used as a biomaterial for implant application.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.536-540
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• 2020

The support of the PEMFC membrane plays a key role in improving mechanical durability. The e-PTFE used as a support is chemically stable, so electro-chemical degradation in the PEMFC driving process has been rarely studied. In this study, we investigated whether e-PTFE is chemically stable to radicals and hydrogen peroxide during Fenton reaction. After the Fenton reaction, the main chain of e-PTFE broke, resulting in a change in the chemical structure and morphology of the support, resulting in a decrease in tensile strength. The results of this study showed that electrochemical degradation of the membrane ionomer in the PEMFC process occurs inside the membrane by radicals and hydrogen peroxide, so that electrochemical degradation may also occur at the e-PTFE support in the cell.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.711-722
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the regenerated bone histollogically using titanium reinforced ePTFE(TR-ePTFE) membrane and to investigate cell occlusiveness, wound stabilization and tissue integration of TR-ePTFE membrane. Adult male rabbits (mean BW 2kg) and TR9W (W.L.Gore&Associate.INC,USA) were used in this study. Intramarrow penetration defects were surgically created with round carbide bur(HP long #6) on calvaria of rabbits. TR-ePTFE membrane was applied to defect. Then guided bone regeneration was carried out using TR-ePTFE membrane and resorbable suture. At 2,4,8,12 weeks after the surgery, animals were sacrificed. Nondecalcified specimens were processed for histologic analysis. The result and conclusion of this study were as follows: 1. TR-ePTFE membrane had good ability of biocompatibility and cell occlusiveness. 2. space making for guided bone regenerayion was good at TR-ePTFE membrane. 3. Tissue integration was not good at TR-ePTFE membrane. So, wound stabilization was not good. 4. At 8 weeks, 12 weeks after GBR procedure, bone formation was seen. From the above results, TR-ePTFE membrane fixed tightiy on alveolar bone might be recommended for the early bone formation.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.519-540
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• 1999

The purpose of this study is to compare the healing aspects of the use of ePTFE membrane alone versus combination treatment of ePTFE membrane and bone grafts on class II furcation defects. Seventeen defects were applied ePTFE membrane alone on mxillary molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group I, seventeen defects were applied ePTFE membrane and bone grafts on maxillary molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group II, twenty-three defects were applied ePTFE membrane alone on mandibular molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group III, twenty defects were applied ePTFE membrane and bone grafts on mandibular molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group IV . Measurements were made to determine clinical attachment level, probing depth, gingival depth, SBI, mobility at baseline, 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively. Additional measurements were made to determine membrane exposure level at surgery, 1, 2, 6 weeks postoperatively. And then healing patterns and postoperative complications were evaluated. The result as follows : There were statistically significant differences in probing depth reduction, clinical attachment gain, mobility reduction at values of 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively compared to values of baseline(p<0.05), whereas no significant differences in SBI and gingival recession. In group II, membrane exposure level was increased at 1, 2, 6 weeks postoperatively compared to value of baseline(p<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in changes of probing depth at 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively in combination groups of ePTFE membrane and bone graft compared to groups of ePTFE membrane alone(p<0.05). The vast majority of cases fall into typical healing and delayed healing response when membranes were removed in all groups. Pain and swelling were common postoperative complications. In conclusion, this study was showed more effective healing aspects in combination treatment of ePTFE membrane and bone graft than ePTFE membrane alone and on mandibular molar class II furcation defects than maxillary molar.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.553-560
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• 1999

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane exposure on the initial healing of the periodontal tissue in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedure. 90 sites selected from 90 patients were treated with gingival flap surgery supported by an e-PTFE membrane. The material included angular bony defects with probing attachment loss of > 5mm or degree II furcation involvement. Treated sites were classified with membrane exposure group and non-exposure group at membrane removal and evaluated healing type. The results were obtained as follows. 1. e-PTFE membrane was exposed at 61 sites (67.8%) among 90 sites. 2. Thirteen sites (14.4%) depicted rapid healing type, 65 sites (72.2%) depicted typical healing type, 9 sites (10%) showed delayed healing type and 3 sites (3.3%) were categorized as adversed healing type. 3. In e-PTFE membrane exposure group, 1 site (1.6%), 51 sites (83.6%), 6 sites (9.8%) and 3 sites (4.9%) showed rapid healing type, typical healing type, delayed healing type and adverse healing type respectively. 4. In e-PTFE membrane non-exposure group, 12 sites (41.3%), 14 sites (48.3%) and 3 sites (10.3%) showed rapid healing type, typical healing type and delayed healing type respectively. Adverse healing type was not observed. 5. The rate of favourable healing between e-PTFE membrane exposure group and non-exposure group was not statistically significant(p=0.56). These results suggest that the prevention of membrane exposure may be important to obtain rapid healing type. However favourable healing could be obtained with stringent infection control program even if membrane was exposed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.419-429
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• 1998

Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf (Rutaceae) fruits (PTFE) has been used for the treatment of allergic disease. IgE is normally one of the least abundant immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes in the serum of both humans and several species of experimental animals: however a number of different stimuli can result in profound increases in IgE levels relative to other isotypes. In rodents, infection with many parasitic helminths can cause approximately 100-fold elevation in IgE within 2 wks. Immunization of mice with small amounts of protein antigens on alum also results in 10-fold to fold increase in total serum IgE, much of it specific for the immunizing antigen. In this experiment, I investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf (Rutaceae) fruits (PTFE) on a in vivo and in vitro IgE production. PTFE dose-dependently inhibited the serum levels of IgE induced by antigens. The regulation of IgE synthesis is influenced by T cells and T cell derived factors. IL -4, a T cell-derived cytokine, has been shown to stimulate murine IgE synthesis both in vitro and in vivo. Current evidence suggests that IL-4 induces IgE synthesis in the mouse by stimulating H chain isotype switch. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus IL-4 cause about l00-fold increase in IgE secretion by murine B cells. The effects of PTFE on the IL-4-dependent IgE response by mouse whole spleen cells were studied. Whole spleen cells were cultured for 7 days in the presence of LPS plus IL-4 and PTFE and the supernatants were assayed for IgE. IL-4 dependent IgE production of LPS-stimulated whole spleen cells was inhibited by PTFE. Moreover, in the present study using U266Bl human IgE-bearing B cells, I found that PTFE inhibited the production of IgE activated by LPS plus IL-4. These results indicate that PTFE have antiallergic activity by inhibition of IgE production from B cells.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.491-510
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• 2005

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of inorganic polyphosphate on bone formation in the calvaria of rabbit in the procedure of guided bone regeneration with bovine cancellous bone graft and titanium reinforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(TR-ePTFE) membrane. The rabbits were divided into four groups. Control group I used only TR-ePTFE membrane, control group II used TR-ePTFE membrane and deproteinized bovine bone mineral soaked in saline, experimental group III and IV used TR-ePTFE membrane and deproteinized bovine bone mineral soaked in 1% or 2% inorganic polyphosphate respectively. After decortication in the calvaria, GBR procedure was performed on 12 rabbits with titanium reinforced ePTFE membrane filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral soaked in saline or inorganic polyphosphate. The animals were sacrificed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the surgery. Decalcified and non-decalcified specimens were processed for histologic and immunohistochemistric analysis. 1. Titanium reinforced ePTFE(TR-ePTFE) membrane showed good spacemaking and cell occlusiveness capability, but it showed poor wound stabilization. 2. The deproteinized bovine bone mineral did not promote bone regeneration, but it acted as a space filler. 3. There was no complete resorption of the deproteinized bovine bone mineral within 8 weeks. 4. 1% inorganic polyphosphate did not promote bone formation, but 2% inorganic polyphosphate promoted bone formation. Within the above results, 2% inorganic polyphosphate could be used effectively for bone regeneration.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1333-1336
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• 2014

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts have been used as vascular access for many patients suffering from end stage renal disease. However, the vascular graft can cause significant clinical problems such as stenosis or thrombosis. For this reason, many studies have been performed to make drug eluting graft, but initial burst is major problem in almost drug eluting systems. Therefore we used biodegradable polymer to reduce initial burst and make sustained drug delivery. The ePTFE grafts were dipped into a paclitaxel-dissolved solution and then PLGA-dissolved solution was passed through the lumen of ePTFE. We analyzed whether the dose of paclitaxel is enough and the loading amount of PLGA on ePTFE graft increases according to the coating solution's concentration. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of various concentration of PLGA showed that the porous surface of graft was more packed with PLGA by tetrahydrofuran solution dissolved PLGA. In addition, in vitro release profiles of Ptx-PLGA graft demonstrated that early burst was gradually decreased as increasing the concentration of PLGA. These results suggest that PLGA coating of Ptx loaded graft can retard drug release, it is useful tool to control drug release of medical devices.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.47-67
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of $Biocoral^R$ graft and bioglass 45S5 graft in combination with ePTFE membrane in periodontal osseous defects for new bone formation. Nine healthy dogs were used. Under general anesthesia, 3-wall defects were created on the mesial and distal surfaces of the maxillary right canines, the mesials of the maxillary right second premolars, the distals of the mandibular right canines and the mesials of the mandibular right third premolars. To induce periodontitis, a silicone rubber, $Provil^R$ light body, was injected under pressure into the defects. Ninety days later, $Provil^R$was removed and followed by thorough root planing. The followings were then applied in the mesial and distal defects of the maxillary right canines, the mesials of the maxillary right second premolars, the distals of the mandibular right canines and the mesials of the mandibular right third premolars by random selections : 1) ePTFE membrane only application, 2) $Biocoral^R$ graft, 3) $Biocoral^R$ graft and ePTFE membrane application, 4)Bioglass 45S5 graft, 5) Bioglass 45S5 graft and ePTFE membrane application. The membranes were removed 1 month later. The dogs were sacrified at 1, 2 and 3 months following the graft, and block sections were made, demineralized, embedded, stained and examined by light microscope and transmission electron microscope. On the sections from teeth treated with ePTFE membrane only, the defect demonstrated extensive connnective tissue and alveolar bone regeneration. The $Biocoral^R$ graft group demonstrated extensive bone regeneration compared with ePTFE membrane only group. In the $Biocoral^R$ graft plus ePTFE membrane group, regeneration of new alveolus and crest occurred within the defect. As the experimental period lengthened, bone regeneration was increased and bone bridge was formed among the graft particles. The but bioglass 45S5 graft group demonstrated extensive bone regeneration but the amount of new bone was less than that of the $Biocoral^R$ graft group. For the bioglass 45S5 graft plus ePTFE membrane group, the amount of new bone was also increased. As the experimental period lengthened, bone regeneration was increased. Multinucleated giant cells, fibroblasts and macrophages were observed. As the bone formation was increased, the number of such cells was decreased. In conclusion, the $Biocoral^R$ was found better than the bioglass 45S5 for new bone formation, and the use of ePTFE membrane alone or with $Biocoral^R$/bioglass 45S5 can be supported as potential methods of promoting bone formation.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.sup2
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• pp.325-334
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• 2008

Purpose: The carrier used as delivery agent for bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs) should also act as a scaffold for new bone formation. Moreover, bone formation should be predictable in terms of the volume and shape. This study examined the osteogenic effect of macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (MBCP) block combined with ePTFE membrane as a carrier for recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMP-2). In addition, the additive effect of ePTFE membrane on bone formation was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Eight-millimeter critical sized calvarial defects were created surgically in 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals were divided into 2 groups containing 14 animals each. The defects were treated with either rhBMP-2/MBCP block (rhBMP-2/MBCP group) or rhBMP-2/MBCP block/ePTFE membrane (rhBMP-2/MBCP/ePTFE group). A disc-shaped MBCP block (3 mm height and 8 mm diameter) was used as the carrier for the rhBMP-2 and ePTFE membrane was used to cover the rhBMP-2/MBCP block. The histologic and histometric parameters were used to evaluate the defects after 2- or 8-week healing period (7 animals/group/healing interval). Results: The level of bone formation in the defects of both groups was significantly higher at 8 weeks than that at 2 weeks (P < 0.05). The ePTFE membrane has no additional effect compared with the rhBMP-2/MBCP block only. However, at 8 weeks, rhBMP-2/MBCP/ePTFE group showed more even bone formation on the top of the MBCP block than the rhBMP-2/MBCP group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the ePTFE membrane has no additive effect on bone formation when a MBCP block is used as a carrier for rhBMP-2.