A fotobioestimulação por laser e LED é uma tendência terapêutica inovadora e não invasiva. Os efeitos fotofísicos e fotoquímicos dessa terapia geram imunomodulação, aceleram a cicatrização e angiogênese, bem como reduzem a dor. Dessa forma tem se buscado o emprego desses estímulos no tecido ósseo, porém ainda inexistem padrões definidos para obter a melhor fotobioestimulação nas células ósseas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade da fotobioestimulação na viabilidade celular e mineralização de células da granulação óssea de ratos (rGO). Células rGO na 6ª passagem foram plaqueadas em placas de 96 poços para os ensaios de viabilidade celular (1x10³) e em placas de 24 poços para os ensaios de cicatrização de feridas in vitro (1x104), mineralização e atividade da fosfatase alcalina (FALC) (4x104). As células receberam DMEM (10% SFB) e irradiações com laser (AlGaAs- 660nm e AlGaInP-810nm) e LED (637±15nm). Os grupos experimentais foram: laser vermelho (3 e 5 J/cm²), laser infravermelho (3 e 5 J/cm²) e LED (3 e 5s), além dos grupos controles, positivo (C+) e negativo (C-, 1%SFB). Para os ensaios de mineralização e atividade de fosfatase alcalina, além do meio convencional, grupos com meio osteogênico e os mesmos tratamentos luminosos foram acrescentados. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelos testes do MTT e cristal violeta nos períodos de 24, 48, 72 e 96h. O ensaio de cicatrização de feridas in vitro foi avaliado por meio da porcentagem da área de fechamento da ferida nos períodos de 12, 24, 36, 48h. O teste de mineralização foi feito por meio do teste com vermelho de alizarina nos períodos de 14, 21 e 28 dias enquanto que a atividade da FALC foi medida em 7, 14 e 21 dias. A análise estatística foi realizada através dos testes ANOVA complementados por Tukey (p<0,05). Os resultados mostraram que as terapias com luz de maneira geral aumentaram a viabilidade o fechamento da ferida in vitro, principalmente os grupos laser vermelho e LED5s (p<0,05). Pode-se observar um bom desempenho do grupo LED5s no ensaio de mineralização, onde nos grupos que receberam meio osteogênico houve um efeito somatório com a ação da fotobioestimulação promovendo maior produção de nódulos in vitro. Também, as terapias com luz, estimularam a produção de nódulos mineralizados nos grupos que receberam meio convencional de forma a superar o C+ osteogênico (p<0,05), denotando uma ação de indução osteogênica a partir da fotobioestimulação. A fosfatase alcalina foi estimulada pelos tratamentos com luz no período de 7 dias (p<0,05). Em conclusão, as terapias com laser e LED foram capazes de estimular a viabilidade e migração celular e eventos de mineralização em osteoblastos, sendo que o laser vermelho e LED promoveram os melhores resultados. / Photobiomodulation by laser and LED is a new therapeutic non-invasive trend. Photophysical and photochemical effects occur in immunomodulation, acceleration of wound healing and angiogenesis and reduction of pain. These effects are desired in bone tissue but there are no defined parameters for light irradiation and no consensus for the best effect on osseous cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on cell viability and mineralization events of rat osseous granulation cells (rGO). Cells in 6th passage were plated in 96-well plates for viability tests (1x10³ cells), and 24-well plates for in vitro wound healing test (1x104 cells), mineralization and alkaline phosphatases (AF) activity (4x104 cells). Cells were cultured in DMEM (10% bovine fetal serum) and irradiation with lasers (AlGaAs-660nm e AlGaInP-810nm) and LED (637±15nm). Experimental groups were red laser (3 and 5 J/cm²), infrared laser (3 and 5 J/cm²), LED (3 and 5s), positive(C+) and negative controls (C-, 1% bovine fetal serum). For mineralization and AF assays, other groups with osteogenic medium and same light treatments were added. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT and crystal violet tests at 24, 48, 72 and 96h. In vitro wound healing test evaluated the percentage of wound closure area by cells migration at 12, 24, 36, 48h. Mineralization test was done by alizarin red at 14, 21 and 28 days. AF activity was measured at 7, 14 and 21 days. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA complemented by Tukeys test (p<0,05). Results showed that light therapies in general increased viability and wound healing closure, mostly red laser and LED5s (p<0,05). Best results in mineralization stimulation were observed for LED5s. In groups with osteogenic medium, a synergistic effect of photobiomodulation resulted in higher numbers of mineral nodules. Light groups stimulated higher mineral nodule formation than positive control (p>0.05) even in groups with regular medium, showing an osteogenic induction by light. Increased AF activity was observed at 7 days in light treatment groups (p<0,05). In conclusion, laser and LED photobiostimulation increased viability, cell migration and mineralization events in osteoblasts with best results for red laser and LED.

Por mais de 30 anos, a utilização do meio de cultura, enriquecido com soro bovino, e de fibroblastos murinos, com a taxa de proliferação controlada por irradiação ou por ação de drogas anti-cancerígenas, vem desempenhando com sucesso o seu papel de auxiliar no desenvolvimento dos queratinócitos em cultura, para fins clínicos. Porém, atualmente há uma preocupação crescente acerca da possibilidade de transmissão de príons e virose animais, aos pacientes transplantados. Levando em conta esta preocupação, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo cultivar fibroblastos humanos em meio enriquecido com lisado de plaquetas humanas e determinar a dose de irradiação dessas células, para obtenção da camada de sustentação na cultura de células da epiderme. Para realização do objetivo proposto, padronizamos a lise das plaquetas, utilizamos este lisado para cultivar os fibroblastos humanos e verificamos a dose de irradiação suficiente para inibir sua duplicação. Queratinócitos humanos foram cultivados nestas camadas de sustentação, em meio de cultura suplementado com o lisado. Com os resultados obtidos concluímos que o lisado de plaquetas a 10% promoveu uma melhor adesão e proliferação dos fibroblastos humanos e em todas as doses testadas (60 a 300 Gy), estes tiveram as suas atividades mitóticas inativadas pela radiação ionizante, sendo que as camadas de sustentação obtidas com doses de 70 a 150 Gy foram as que proporcionaram o melhor desenvolvimento dos queratinócitos em meio contendo 2,5% de lisado de plaquetas humanas. Portanto, foi possível padronizar, tanto o cultivo dos fibroblastos humanos, quanto sua inativação para utilização como camada de sustentação na cultura de queratinócitos, de maneira a eliminar os componentes xenobióticos. / For over 30 years, the use of culture medium, enriched with bovine serum, and murines fibroblasts, with the rate of proliferation controlled by irradiation or by share anticarcinogenic drugs, has been playing successfully its role in assisting in the development of keratinocytes in culture, for clinical purposes. However, currently there is a growing concern about the possibility of transmitting prions and animals viruses to transplanted patients. Taking into account this concern, the present work aims to cultivate human fibroblasts in a medium enriched with human platelets lysate and determine the irradiation dose of these cells, for obtaining feeder layer in epidermal cell culture. For carrying out the proposed objective, platelets lysis has standardized, this lysate was used for human fibroblasts cultivation and the irradiation dose enough to inhibit its duplication was evaluated. Human keratinocytes were cultivated in these feeder layers, in culture medium enriched with the lysate. With these results we conclude that the 10% platelets lysate promoted a better adhesion and proliferation of human fibroblasts and in all dose levels tested (60 to 300 Gy), these had their mitotic activity inactivated by ionizing irradiation, being that the feeder layers obtained with doses from 70 to 150 Gy were those that provided the best development of keratinocytes in medium containing 2.5% of human platelet lysate. Therefore, it was possible to standardize both the cultivation of human fibroblasts as its inactivation for use as feeder layer in culture of keratinocytes, so as to eliminate xenobiotics components.

O titânio é considerado um biomaterial (material biocompatível) pela baixa reatividade e pela grande estabilidade da sua camada de óxido superficial. Pelas suas propriedades mecânicas ele é usualmente utilizado na fabricação de substitutos ósseos e implantes dentários. Visando contribuir para o desenvolvimento de novas superfícies osteointegráveis, neste trabalho foram estudadas duas superfícies de titânio modificadas com implantação iônica de P e BF2 com energia de 30 e 77keV, respectivamente. As superfícies foram submetidas a ensaios in vitro de cultura celular de células osteoblásticas (MG-63) e os resultados foram comparados com duas superfícies comerciais: poliestireno tratado para meio de cultura celular (PC) e titânio comum utilizado em implante dentário (TI). A atividade enzimática da fosfatase alcalina (FA) associadas à formação de biofilme mineralizado pelas células diferenciadas foram avaliadas. Concentrações de cálcio e fósforo no biofilme foram determinadas por espectroscopia de raios-X induzida por prótons, PIXE. Imagens superficiais com microscopia eletrônica de varredura serviram para verificar a homogeneidade e integridade dos biofilmes formados. Medidas de ângulo de contato foram realizadas para determinar o caráter hidrofílico das superfícies e do biofilme formado. As superfícies PC e TI se apresentaram hidrofílicas com formação de biofilme menos homogêneo que as apresentadas pelas superfícies PT e BFT, ambas hidrofóbicas. As concentrações de FA medidas no meio de cultura indicaram consumo maior que a secreção em PC e TI. Em PT e BFT foram observados acúmulos de FA no meio de cultura. Concentrações maiores de cálcio e fósforo foram observadas em PC e TI. Destas observações, as quatro superfícies podem ser consideradas biocompatíveis (não citotóxicas) pela formação de biofilme mineralizado e pelas medidas de atividade enzimática. / Titanium is considered a biomaterial (biocompatible material) due to its low reactivity and the great stability of its surface native oxide layer. With excellent mechanical properties, titanium is widely used as bone substitutes and dental implants. Aiming to contribute for the development of new surfaces to promote osteoblastic cell grow, two ion-beam-modified titanium samples were compared with two commercially available surfaces: polystyrene treated for cellular cultures (PC), and regular titanium used in dental implants (TI). The modified titanium samples were ion beam implanted with 30 and 77 keV phosphorous and BF2, respectively. All surfaces were employed for in vitro assays using cultures of osteoblastic cells (MG-63). The Phosphatase Alkaline Enzymatic Activity (ALP) was measured and associated with the mineralized bio-film formed by the differentiated cells. The concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the mineralized bio-film was measured by Proton Induced X-ray Emission, PIXE. Scanning Electron Microscope images were used to access the bio-film homogeneity and integrity. Contact angle measurements were used to characterize the wettability of the surfaces and the resulting bio-film. In spite of being more hydrophilic, the surfaces PC and TI formed of a less homogeneous bio-film than the PT and BFT surfaces, which were less hydrophilic. The ALP in the cell culture medium indicated greater consumption than secretion for PC and TI, while for PT and BFT accumulation of ALP was observed. Concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were greater for PC and TI samples. The four surfaces can be considered biocompatible (not cytotoxic) due to mineral bio-film formation and enzymatic activity measurements.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a citotoxicidade do alendronato de sódio (ALN), em diferentes concentrações, sobre osteoblastos em cultura celular. Foi utilizado para o experimento meio sem droga (controle) e meio contendo a droga em diferentes concentrações a saber: 0,5; 1; 5; 10; 20 e 40 mg/ml. Para o estudo foi utilizado uma linhagem de osteoblastos de rato (Osteo-1). A viabilidade celular foi inferida a partir da análise da atividade mitocondrial das células através do método da redução do MTT nos tempos experimentais de 0, 24, 48 e 72 horas. Após análise estatística (teste de Mann-Whitney, p<0,05), os resultados mostraram que, com exceção da concentração de 40mg/ml, todos os grupos apresentaram células viáveis, embora todas as concentrações de ALN tenham reduzido a atividade mitocondrial em mais de 50% em relação ao grupo controle, sugerindo que o ALN nessas concentrações estudadas foi citotóxico para os osteoblastos. / The aim of this study was to analyze the cytotoxicity of a bisphosphonate (sodium alendronate) on rat osteoblasts. The experimental groups were GI (control) no sodium alendronate, and GII, GIII, GIV, GV, GVI, and GVII with sodium alendronate at the concentrations of 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40mg/ml, respectively. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay in experimental times 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Data were statistically analyzed. Cultures treated with sodium alendronate showed cell viability percentages significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of the control groups. In GVII, no viable cell was observed in all experimental times. It could be concluded that sodium alendronate, on direct contact with rat osteoblasts, is cytotoxic in all concentrations studied.

O sucesso do tratamento com implantes osseointegráveis dependente do processo de reparo da ferida e do potencial osteogênico das células. Com o objetivo de aumentar a formação óssea na superfície dos implantes, vários tratamentos têm sido propostos, entre eles, a terapia com laser de baixa intensidade. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito do laser diodo de Arseneto-Gálio-Alumínio (AsGaAl) em culturas osteogênicas humanas crescidas sobre titânio. Após exposição das culturas, aos 3 e 7 dias, a uma dose de 3 J/cm2, foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: 1) proliferação celular aos 10 e 14 dias; 2) atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) em 10, 14 e 17 dias; 3) formação de matriz mineralizada em 17 dias; 4) imunolocalização de proteínas não-colágenas e do antígeno nuclear Ki-67 por fluorescência indireta em 8, 10, 14 e 17 dias; 5) expressão de genes relacionados ao desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteoblástico aos 14 dias. Os resultados dos ensaios de proliferação celular mostraram que a radiação laser aumentou a proliferação de 10 para 14 dias, mas tanto a atividade de ALP como a formação de matriz mineralizada aparentemente não foram afetadas. A análise das culturas por epifluorescência mostrou que as culturas controle e irradiadas apresentaram comportamento distintos. Aos 14 dias, foi demonstrado que a exposição à radiação laser, na dose utilizada, promoveu aumento na expressão relativa dos genes ALP, OC, BSP, BMP-7 e OPG e redução dos níveis de expressão de Runx2 e osteopontina, mas não afetou a expressão gênica de COL I, RANK-L e ICAM. As culturas irradiadas apresentaram áreas sem células após 24 h da última irradiação, que posteriormente foram repovoadas por células mais proliferativas e menos diferenciadas. Em conclusão, os resultados indicam que a radiação do laser diodo de AsGaAl estimula a expressão do fenótipo osteoblástico de culturas osteogênicas humanas crescidas sobre titânio. / The success of treatment with osseointegrated implants depends on wound healing and the osteogenic potential of cells. Aimed at increasing bone formation onto implant surfaces, several treatments have been proposed and low-intensity laser therapy is one of them. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenic (GaAlAr) diode laser on human osteogenic cultures grown on titanium. After irradiation of osteogenic cultures with 3 J/cm2 of GaAlAr laser at the days 3 and 7, the following parameters were evaluated: 1) cell proliferation at 10 and 14 days; 2) alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) at 10 days; 3) mineralized matrix formation at day 17, 4) non-collagenous bone proteins and nuclear antigen Ki-67 immunolocalization by indirect fluorescence at 8, 10, 14 and 17 days; and 5) Expressions of a panel of genes related to osteoblastic phenotype at day 14. Apparently cell proliferation, ALP activity and mineralized matrix formation were not significantly different between irradiated and control cultures in any period. Epifluorescence revealed that control and irradiated cultures had presented different behaviors. At 24 h after irradiation procedures, irradiated cultures displayed areas with no cells, which were repopulated later on by proliferative and apparently less-differentiated cells. Laser radiation increased relative gene expression of ALP, OC, BSP, BMP-7, and OPG; reduced the gene expression of Runx2 and OPN; and did not affect the expression of COL-1, RANK-L and ICAM. Altogether these results indicated that the GaAlAr laser stimulates the expression of osteoblastic phenotype of human osteogenic culture cells grown on titanium.

Estudo anterior de nosso grupo demonstrou que superfície de titânio (Ti) com nanotopografia obtida por condicionamento com H2SO4/H2O2 e funcionalizada com GDF-5 por simples adsorção promove o aumento da mineralização de culturas primárias de células osteogênicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivos avaliar: 1) os efeitos da pós-adsorção de proteínas principais do plasma- albumina, fibrinogênio e fibronectina, em superfícies de Ti controle e com nanotopografia, funcionalizadas com GDF-5 a 200 ng/mL por simples adsorção, sobre a formação de matriz mineralizada in vitro; 2) parâmetros moleculares e fenotípicos característicos da aquisição do fenótipo osteogênico in vitro sobre superfícies de Ti funcionalizadas com GDF-5 por simples adsorção ou por filmes LbL; 3) parâmetros de formação óssea adjacente a implantes de Ti com nanotopografia funcionalizada com GDF-5 pelos dois métodos, em modelo de tíbia de coelhos. Os resultados mostraram que a pós-adsorção de proteínas plasmáticas não afetou o potencial osteogênico in vitro, com exceção para o efeito inibidor da albumina, quando pós-adsorvida isoladamente. Tanto a superfície de Ti como o método de funcionalização de GDF-5 afetaram, quantitativamente, as formações de matriz mineralizada, com a maior diferenciação osteogênica para Ti com nanotopografia funcionalizada com GDF-5 por simples adsorção e a menor, para os filmes LbL, independentemente das superfícies sobre as quais eles eram montados. A atividade de ALP foi maior em culturas sobre nanotopografia de Ti, incluindo aquelas funcionalizadas com GDF-5, cujos valores, no entanto, não corresponderam, necessariamente, à maior atividade osteogênica. Apesar disso, todos os grupos exibiram expressão de marcadores de diferenciação osteoblástica, com sobre-expressão de osteopontina e osteocalcina para culturas sobre LbL. As análises microtomográfica, histológica e histomorfométrica não revelaram diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas in vivo entre nanotopografias de Ti funcionalizadas ou não com GDF-5, ainda que uma tendência à maior formação óssea tenha sido observada para as superfícies funcionalizadas e, entre essas, para os filmes LbL. Considerados conjuntamente, os resultados do presente estudo contribuem para o melhor entendimento das respostas de osteoblastos e do tecido ósseo quando se propõe a estratégia de funcionalização de superfícies de Ti com GDF-5 visando à otimização da osseointegração. / It has been demonstrated that a nanostructured titanium (Ti) surface obtained by treatment with H2SO4/H2O2 and functionalized with GDF-5 by simple adsorption promotes the enhancement of mineralized matrix formation in osteogenic cell cultures. This study aimed to evaluate: 1) the effects of post-adsorption of major plasma proteins, i.e. albumin, fibrinogen and fibronectin, on control and nanostructured Ti surfaces, functionalized with 200 ng/mL GDF-5 by simple adsorption, on mineralized matrix formation by calvarial osteogenic cell cultures; 2) molecular and phenotypic parameters characteristics of the acquisition of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro on Ti surfaces functionalized with GDF-5 by either simple adsorption or layer by layer (LbL) films; 3) parameters of bone formation adjacent to Ti implants with a nanostructured surface functionalized with GDF-5 by the two methods described in item 2, in a rabbit tibia model. The results showed that the post-adsorption of plasma proteins did not affect the osteogenic potential of cultures, except for the inhibitory effect of albumin when post-adsorbed alone. Either the Ti surface topography or the method for GDF-5 functionalization quantitatively affected mineralized matrix formation, with the higher osteogenic differentiation for nanostructured Ti functionalized with GDF-5 by simple adsorption and the lower one for LbL films, irrespective of the Ti surface topography on which they were mounted. ALP activity was higher for cultures grown on nanostructured Ti, including those functionalized with GDF-5, whose values, however, did not necessarily correspond to the higher osteogenic activity. Despite that, all groups expressed osteoblast differentiation markers, with a remarkable increase in osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNA levels for cultures grown on LbL films. The microtomographic, histologic and histomorphometric analyses revealed no qualitative or quantitative differences in vivo among the nanostructured Ti implants, yet a tendency for enhanced bone formation was observed for the functionalized surfaces and, between them, for the LbL films. Taken together, the results of the present in vitro and in vivo studies contribute to a better understanding of osteoblast and bone tissue responses to the functionalization of Ti surfaces with GDF-5 aiming to optimize osseointegration.

Lodos de esgoto são resíduos do tratamento do esgoto doméstico, considerados ricos em macronutrientes e matéria orgânica, podendo também apresentar contaminação por substâncias químicas e patógenos. Sua utilização na agricultura é uma das alternativas interessantes para sua disposição final. Entretanto, a presença de contaminantes, dentre eles microrganismos patogênicos podem limitar e orientar sua aplicação. Os vírus entéricos, dentre os quais se inclui o gênero Enterovirus, são potenciais contaminantes microbianos presentes no lodo de esgoto. Esses organismos são capazes de sobreviver por meses em águas e solos e sua presença no ambiente pode trazer prejuízos à saúde da população exposta aos mesmos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi de analisar a ocorrência de Enterovirus em amostras de lodo de esgoto de seis diferentes ETEs do Estado de São Paulo, avaliar o desempenho do método analítico para a detecção desses organismos e verificar se as concentrações médias obtidas atendem à legislação. Foram coletadas um total de 35 amostras no período de fevereiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2009. As análises dos Enterovirus foram realizadas pelo ensaio de plaqueamento em cultura de células RD segundo método EPA /625/R-092/013. Os resultados obtidos foram que Enterovirus estiveram presentes em 83 por cento das amostras analisadas, com concentrações que variaram de não detectado (ND) a 12,50 UFP/gST. As taxas de recuperação obtidas variaram de 0,20 por cento a 68,50 por cento . Conclui-se que das amostras analisadas 31 por cento atendem o estabelecido pela Resolução CONAMA 375/2006 / Sewage Sludge is a waste generated from wastewater treatment and is considered besides rich in macronutrients and organic matter, contaminated with pathogen and chemical substances. The usage of sludge in agriculture has been considered an interesting option. Nevertheless, the presence of contaminates such as pathogenic organisms can lead to usage limitations. Enteric viruses in wich are included enterovirus genera, a potential sludge contaminants. These organisms are able to survive for months in water and soil and their presence can bring public health concerns. The aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence of Enterovirus in samples of sewage sludge from six sewage plant treatment located in São Paulo State, to assess the method performance (recovery rate) in detecting these organisms and to verify the results obtained meet the standard established by the law. A total of 35 samples were collected spanning February to December 2009. The analyses were carried out according to method EPA/625/R-092/013. Enterovirus were present in 83 per cent of samples examined with concentration varied from not detected (ND) to 12.5 PFU/gTS. The recovery rate varied from 0,2 per cent to 68,50¨ per cent . This study showed that 31 per cent of analyzed samples met the standard established by Resolução CONAMA 375/2006

New medical treatments, compounds that affect human health, nutritional supplements, and other substances, are introduced to society every day. The accurate determination of the potential toxicity from these substances is of critical importance to our society. Goals of the modern toxicologist not only involve the determination of the toxic potential of new substances but also: the elucidation of mechanisms; improving existing assays; and developing new assays to study toxicity. This thesis addresses these goals in two topics fundamental to toxicology. Re-evaluating the expression of dose and susceptibility of cells in culture The exposure of cells in culture to drugs, xenobiotics, and other compounds is one of the first tools used to determine the potential for toxicity. Problems can arise when results of these experiments are translated to next-level toxicity experiments (e.g. animals and humans). I hypothesized that "dose" in cell culture can be improved by designing and reporting experiments based on dose in moles per cell. When experiments were compared on an extracellular concentration basis, a large apparent variability in toxicity was observed. However, if these same exposures were expressed as moles per cell, all experiments yielded the same toxicity. In addition to the evaluation of mole per cell, I investigated the susceptibility of various cells to 1,4-benzoquinone. I hypothesized that upon exposure to toxins that bind covalently, larger cells would require more molecules per cell of toxin versus a smaller cell to achieve identical toxicities. I found a linear correlation between cell volume(pL) and ED50 (mole per cell where 50 % cell viability is lost), supporting my hypothesis. This work could improve current cell culture protocols and allow for better and less expensive determination of toxicities. Heritability of the red blood cell storage lesion Blood transfusions are an integral part of modern medicine with 5 million people receiving blood each year in the United States. There is growing evidence that red blood cells (RBCs) stored for longer periods are less therapeutically beneficial and could even be harmful to patients. This phenomenon of diminished RBC function with increased time in storage is called the storage lesion. However, there is great variation between different donors in the severity of the storage lesion in their donated RBCs. I hypothesized that part of this variability in the RBC storage lesion is determined by heritable genetic differences. To test this hypothesis, a study using mono- and di-zygotic twins was performed to determine the heritability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and hemolysis in stored blood. Major discoveries in this study include: GSH, GSSG, and the half-cell reduction potential (Ehc) are heritable (57 %, 51 %, and 70 %, respectively) in non-stored RBCs. In addition, ATP was found to be heritable in two different storage solutions (62 % in AS-3, 71 % in CP2D); as well as GSH, GSSG, Ehc and hemolysis (59 %, 48 %, 64 %, and 53 %, respectively). These discoveries could eventually be used to develop new genetic tests that would predict the rate of deterioration in stored blood quality on an individual basis.

The prominence of insect cell culture has grown rapidly due to its ability to produce baculovirus biopesticides and recombinant proteins using the Baculovirus Expression Vector System. A critical problem in the mass production of these products is CO2 accumulation to inhibitory levels within the bioreactor. The current research investigated the effect of elevated CO2 concentrations on insect cell growth and metabolism and the roles of oxidative stress and intracellular pH (pHi) in CO2 inhibition. Spodoptera frugiperda Sf-9 insect cells were cultured in a 3 L bioreactor (1.2 L working volume) controlled at 20% air saturation, 27oC and a pH of 6.2. The cells were exposed to a constant CO2 concentration by purging the medium with CO2 and the headspace with air. The experiments were repeated for different CO2 concentrations and samples were taken every 24 h to determine cell density, viability, metabolism and oxidative stress. The population doubling time (PDT) of Sf-9 cells increased with increasing CO2 concentration. Specifically, the PDT for 0-37, 73, 147, 183 and 220 mm Hg CO2 concentrations were 23.2 ± 6.7, 32.4 ± 7.2, 38.1 ± 13.3, 42.9 ± 5.4 and 69.3 ± 35.9 h (n = 3 or 4; 95% confidence level), respectively. An 80 mL working volume shaker flask was maintained as a control and had an average PDT of 24.9 ± 3.1 h (n = 7; 95% confidence level). The viability of cells in all experiments was above 90%. The osmolality for all bioreactor experiments was observed to be 300 - 360 mOsm/kg, a range that is known to have a negligible effect on insect cell culture. Elevated CO2 concentration did not alter the cell specific glucose consumption rate (2.5 to 3.2 x 10-17 mol/cell-s), but slightly increased the specific lactate production rate from -3.0 x 10-19 mol/cell-s to 10.2 x 10-19mol/cell-s. Oxidative stress did not contribute to CO2 inhibition in uninfected Sf-9 cells as no significant increase in the levels of lipid hydroperoxide and protein carbonyl concentrations was discovered at elevated CO2 concentration. The experiments conducted to determine the effect of CO2 on pHi were not successful and different experimental methods tested were well documented.

Organ transplantation has made great progress since the first successful kidney transplant in 1953 and now more than one million tissue transplants are performed in the United States every year (www.organdonor.gov/statistics-stories, 2015). However, the hope and success of organ transplants are often overshadowed by their reputation as being notoriously difficult to procure because of donor-recipient matching and availability. In addition, those that are fortunate enough to receive a transplant are burdened with a lifetime of immunosuppressants. The field of regenerative medicine is currently making exceptional progress toward making it possible for a patient to be their own donor. Cells from a patient can be collected, reprogrammed into stem cells, and then differentiated into specific cell types. This technology combined with recent advances in 3D printing provides a unique opportunity. Cells can now be accurately deposited with computerized precision allowing tissue engineering from the inside out (Gill, 2016). However, more work needs to be done as these techniques have yet to be perfected. Bioprinters can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the bioink they consume costs thousands per liter. The resulting cost in development of protocols required for effective tissue printing can thus be cost-prohibitive, limiting the research to labs which can afford this exorbitant cost and in turn slowing the progress made in the eventual creation of patient derived stem cell engineered organs. The objective of my research is to develop a simple and low-cost introductory system for biological additive manufacturing (Otherwise known as 3D bioprinting). To create an easily accessible and cost-effective system several design constraints were implemented. First, the system had to use mechanical components that could be purchased “off-the-shelf” from commonly available retailers. Second, any mechanical components involved had to be easily sterilizable, modifiable, and compatible with open-source software. Third, any customized components had to be fabricated using only 3D printing and basic tools (i.e. saw, screwdriver, and wrench). Fourth, the system and any expendable materials should be financially available to underfunded school labs, in addition to being sterilizable, biocompatible, customizable, and biodegradable. Finally, all hardware and expendables had to be simple enough as to be operated by high school science students.