Re-Understanding Silk Aggregates as Bioactive Agents.

Bioactive agents play a pivotal role in determining the function and performance of biomedical products and devices across tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cosmetic applications. Silk fibroin (SF) is an extensively used structural biomaterial, yet its inherent bioactive potential remains unexplored for material design. In this study, we developed β-sheet-rich silk nanofiber aggregates (BSNFs) with controlled diameters at ∼20 nm through structural bioinspiration from native silk fibers.

Encapsulation of cycloastragenol in phospholipid vesicles enhances transport and delivery across the skin barrier.

Cycloastragenol (CA) is a plant saponin that functions as a telomerase activator, and it has been made as an oral anti-aging supplement and use as active ingredient in topical cosmetic products. The anti-aging performance in cosmetic products have only been evaluated by description of skin appearance, while direct topical penetration of CA across the skin barrier still needs to be confirmed. The objective of this work was to design encapsulation vehicles to deliver CA across the skin barrier using commercially available ingredients through scalable processes, and to prove its topical penetration.

A comparative study of the rheological and sensory properties of a petroleum-free and a petroleum-based cosmetic cream.

A petroleum-free skin cream was developed using food-grade ingredients. The rheological and sensorial properties of this petroleum-free skin cream were compared to a commercially available petroleum-based skin cream. Specifically, large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) characterization of the two skin creams was performed.

Encapsulation of phytosterols and phytosterol esters in liposomes made with soy phospholipids by high pressure homogenization.

Phytosterols and phytosterol esters were encapsulated within large unilamellar liposomes prepared with soy phospholipids using a microfluidizer. The average particle diameter of these liposomal vesicles increased with increasing amounts of encapsulated phytosterols, especially with increasing free sterol content. The phytosterol content, liposomal particle size, and phytosterol encapsulation efficiency started to plateau when liposomes were prepared with MOPS buffer dispersions that contained 50 mg ml soy phospholipid and more than 4% phytosterol blend, suggesting the saturation of phytosterol encapsulation.

Advances in the application of food emulsifier α-gel phases: Saturated monoglycerides, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, and their derivatives.

Emulsifiers form complex structures in colloidal systems. One of these structures, the α-gel phase, has drawn much research interest. α-gel phases are formed by emulsifiers that are stable in the α-crystalline structure in the presence of water.

Medial versus lateral supraspinatus tendon properties: implications for double-row rotator cuff repair.

Background: Rotator cuff repair retear rates range from 25% to 90%, necessitating methods to improve repair strength. Although numerous laboratory studies have compared single-row with double-row fixation properties, little is known regarding regional (ie, medial vs lateral) suture retention properties in intact and torn tendons.

Hypothesis: A torn supraspinatus tendon will have reduced suture retention properties on the lateral aspect of the tendon compared with the more medial musculotendinous junction.

A biomechanical analysis of shoulder stabilization: posteroinferior glenohumeral capsular plication.

Background: The use of posterior capsular plication to decrease capsular volume and address capsular laxity for treatment of posterior instability, multidirectional instability, or as an additional technique in the treatment of anterior instability is common. Multiple different suturing techniques have been described.

Hypothesis: The simple stitch will have inferior biomechanical properties compared with either the horizontal mattress or figure-of-8 stitches for suture plication of the posteroinferior quadrant of the glenoid.

A biomechanical analysis of anterior Bankart repair using suture anchors.

Background: Arthroscopic repair of anterior Bankart lesions is typically done with single-loaded suture anchors tied with simple stitch configuration.

Hypothesis: The knotless suture anchor will have similar biomechanical properties compared with two types of conventional suture anchors.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.