Knowledge Articles

 

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Advancing Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Leveraging Plasma Surface Activation for Biomaterial Enhancement

Peripheral nerve injuries pose significant challenges, impacting millions worldwide and necessitating effective treatment strategies. While nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offer promise, current approaches often fall short in mimicking the complexities of natural tissue, hindering optimal nerve regeneration. Electrospun fiber scaffolds, particularly those crafted from Polycaprolactone (PCL), have emerged as potential solutions but require surface modifications to enhance cellular interactions crucial for successful regeneration.

In a study led by researchers from the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, and the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, a novel method was employed to bolster PCL scaffolds for nerve regeneration. 

 

Cell culture devices, such as microfluidic chips and microwells, are essential for complex biological modelling, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by cost and customisation limitations. To address this, a recent paper has been published in PLOS Biology which presents a streamlined, low-cost microfabrication method tailored for biological labs with limited expertise.

 

 

Intracellular transport relies on the coordinated efforts of molecular motors, particularly dynein and kinesin, which facilitate bidirectional movement along microtubules. Despite the recognised co-dependency between these motors, the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, employing in vitro motility assays, researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, unveil a dual role for the kinesin-3 motor, KIF1C, acting not only as an activator but also as a processivity factor for dynein. Using a Henniker Plasma HPT-200 system specifically in the meticulous preparation of the microscopy chambers used for TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence) assays.

 

Research conducted on bioinspired 3D microprinted cell scaffolds and recently published in Biotechnology Journal marks a significant shift in tissue engineering and biomedical research. Notably, using a Henniker Plasma HPT-100 system to facilitate the preparation of fused silica substrates through oxygen plasma treatment.

 

Researchers at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin have made noteworthy strides in wound care through their utilisation of the Henniker HPT-100 Plasma System.

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In our most recent application note we investigate the potential of Plasma Activated Water (PAW), where atmospheric plasmas interact with water to create a unique blend of reactive species. This biochemically active water has applications in many industries including agriculture and food . Our experiments, using the Henniker 'Cirrus' atmospheric plasma system, reveal insights into pH, conductivity, and nitrate changes during plasma-water interaction. Collaborating with Hiden Analytical, we employ membrane inlet mass spectrometry to investigate dissolved species. In our accompanying timelapse video, we show how PAW can improve the health and growth of cut roses.