Design and optimization of a biodegradable porous zein conduit using microtubes as a guide for rat sciatic nerve defect repair.

Various degradable biomaterials have been used to bridge injured peripheral nerve defect; however, drawbacks such as poor mechanical properties, inappropriate degradation rate, and toxic degradation products continue to limit the application of them in nerve repair. Considering the unique properties of zein, such as its biocompatibility, biodegradability and ease of fabrication, we report the use of zein conduits to repair injured rat sciatic nerves with a 10-mm defect. Three-dimensional zein conduits were designed with/without pores, and with/without microtubes including in the lumen of conduits.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel POM compound containing two different layers stacked alternately.

A novel POM compound containing the first Sb bicapped Keggin anion {SiMo(12)O(40)Sb(2)} and two different layers constructed from these anions stacked alternately has already been hydrothermally synthesized.

Hydrothermal syntheses and characterizations of two novel frameworks constructed from polyoxometalates, metals and organic units.

Two novel compounds have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Crystal structure analyses reveal that and exhibit novel 2-D framework structures constructed from tungsten polyoxoanions, metal ions and 4,4-byp units, respectively.

First examples of extended structures based on {PMo(12)Sb(2)O(40)} polyoxoanions.

Three novel heteropolyanions [PMo(12)Sb(2)O(40)][Cu(enMe)(2)].4H(2)O (), [PMo(12)Sb(2)O(40)][Ni(enMe)(2)].4H(2)O (2) and [PMo(12)Sb(2)O(40)][Cu(en)(2)].