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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
321

Insight into Bio-metal Interface Formation in vacuo: Interplay of S-layer Protein with Copper and Iron

Makarova, Anna A., Grachova, Elena V., Neudachina, Vera S., Yashina, Lada V., Blüher, Anja, Molodtsov, Serguei L., Mertig, Michael, Ehrlich, Hermann, Adamchuk, Vera K., Laubschat, Clemens, Vyalikh, Denis V. 22 July 2015 (has links)
The mechanisms of interaction between inorganic matter and biomolecules, as well as properties of resulting hybrids, are receiving growing interest due to the rapidly developing field of bionanotechnology. The majority of potential applications for metal-biohybrid structures require stability of these systems under vacuum conditions, where their chemistry is elusive, and may differ dramatically from the interaction between biomolecules and metal ions in vivo. Here we report for the first time a photoemission and X-ray absorption study of the formation of a hybrid metal-protein system, tracing step-by-step the chemical interactions between the protein and metals (Cu and Fe) in vacuo. Our experiments reveal stabilization of the enol form of peptide bonds as the result of protein-metal interactions for both metals. The resulting complex with copper appears to be rather stable. In contrast, the system with iron decomposes to form inorganic species like oxide, carbide, nitride, and cyanide.
322

Novel Oligomeric Biodegradable Crosslinkers For Hybrid Biomaterial Fabrication For Regenerative Purposes

Kascholke, Christian 20 June 2018 (has links)
INTRODUCTION Increasing age of population is a great success of numerous breakthroughs in life science and improved health care. For a child born in 2015, for example, an average global life expectancy of meanwhile 71.4 years is assumed which increased by around 8% in the last decade [1]. In accordance with enhanced life expectancy, however, age-related health problems continuously rise. In this regard, the gap between patients awaiting transplantation and appropriate donors consequently will get larger in the future [2]. To this end, there is a need for new strategies in regenerative medicine [3]. Biomaterial matrices were developed to foster tissue regeneration by mimicking the key characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) [4]. Modern biomaterial research focuses on 3D scaffolds, which can be adequately adapted toward specific requirements of the target tissue [5]. In this regard, flexible material platforms are wanted, whose properties can be adjusted over a wide range and independently of each other [6]. In this context, the macromer-based material concept is promising due to the high flexibility of macromers in chemical design and processability [7]. Macromers are reactive oligo- or polymeric molecules which act as monomers and can therefore be polymerized/cross-linked into a polymeric network [8]. The key principle of this approach is the synthesis of chemically well-defined structures which allows for a more precise control over the resulting properties of the cross-linked polymeric network when compared to conventional polymers. For example, macromer chemistry can be adjusted in terms of chemical macromer composition, valence, content of cross-linkable functionalities and molecular weight. The versatility of macromer-derived materials greatly increases when different macromer types are combined which potentially enables precise material tunability on multiple levels. The design flexibility of macromer-based networks motivated the investigation of two different macromer-based material concepts with regard to macromer processability and material adjustability. The following objectives were proposed: 1) To synthesize two sets of biodegradable, multi-valent macromers by using free-radical polymerization and ring-opening polymerization combined with established activation strategies. The synthesis setups will be tuned toward high macromer yields which will be required for processing into biomaterials with relevant sizes. 2) To physico-chemically characterize oligomeric macromers with regard to chemical composition, molecular weight and reactivity in order to yield well-defined macromer structures. NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and wet chemistry will be applied. 3) To characterize macromer processability into covalently cross-linked hybrid matrices. This work will focus on a soft macromer-cross-linked gelatin-derived hydrogel system for versatile biomedical applications as well as a rigid macromer/sol-gel glass hybrid material for hard tissue regeneration. Sets of different formulations will be investigated in order to characterize the range of macromer processability and to establish structure-property relationships. 4) To investigate strategies for the adjustment of material porosity. Besides the adaption via cross-linking density, porogen-leaching and 3D-printing approaches will be followed in order to introduce macroporosity and to enable a decoupling of porosity and chemical (nano)structure of the cross-linked network. 5) To determine key material properties relevant for regenerative applications, including mechanical properties by compression tests and oscillation rheology, in vitro matrix degradability, as well as material cytocompatibility in indirect and direct contact experiments. 6) To identify strategies for covalent functionalization of the hybrid materials. Post-fabrication functionalization via specifically introduced chemical functionalities is favored as it enables effective material decoration (almost) independent of the physico-chemical matrix properties. SUMMARY OF DISSERTATION The first material concept was based on anhydride-containing macromers which can be processed into hydrogel matrices by covalent cross-linking of amine-bearing macromolecules, such as gelatin [9–11]. The innovative aspect of this work was to decouple material functionalization from the physico-chemical properties of the cross-linked hydrogel network. To this end, a second chemical functionality was introduced which remained reactive in the hydrogel state and was therefore available for covalent post-fabrication functionalization strategies. Specifically, dual-functional macromers were synthesized by free-radical polymerization of maleic anhydride (MA) with diacetone acrylamide (DAAm) and pentaerythritol diacrylate monostearate (PEDAS) to yield oligo(PEDAS-co-DAAm-co-MA) (oPDMA) [12]. Amphiphilic oligomers (molecular weight (Mn) < 7.5 kDa) with anhydride contents of 7-20% were obtained. Fractions of chemically intact anhydrides of around 70% enables effective cross-linking with low molecular-weight gelatinous peptides (Collagel® type B, 11 kDa). Rigid two-component hydrogels (elastic modulus (E) = 4-13 kPa) with adjustable composition and physicochemical properties were formed. Reactivity of the incorporated methyl ketone functionality toward hydrazides and hydrazines was shown on the macromer level and in the cross-linked hydrogel by different strategies. Firstly, pre-fabricated hydrogels were successfully reinforced by secondary cross-linking with adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH). Secondly, pH-dependent immobilization of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) to acid-soluble macromer derivatives as well as cross-linked oPDMA/COL matrices was demonstrated. Thirdly, reversible immobilization of a fluorescent hydrazide (AFH) was shown which was controlled by hydrogel ketone content, hydrazide ligand concentration and medium pH. This triple-tunability of hydrazide immobilization holds promise for adjustable and cost-effective hydrogel modification. Lastly, proof-of-concept experiments with hydrazido-functionalized hyaluronan (ATTO-hyHA) demonstrated the potential for covalent post-fabrication hydrogel decoration with ECM components. Hydrogel cytocompatibility was demonstrated and the introduction of DAAm into the hydrogel system resulted in superior cell material interactions when compared with previously established analogous ketone-free gels [13]. Limited ability of cells to migrate into deeper regions of these macromer-cross-linked gelatin-based gels further motivated the investigation of two different strategies to enhance hydrogel porosity [10,14]. On the one hand, the introduction of macropores was attempted by hydrogel fabrication in presence of poly(ethylene glycol) (Mn = 8000 Da, P8k). This polymer acted as porogen by phase separation during hydrogel formation. It was found that P8k was effectively extracted from the cross-linked matrix, while physico-chemical hydrogel properties remained unchanged. The second approach aimed at increasing mesh size of the cross-linked network by using hydrogel building blocks with increased molecular weights. In particular, high molecular-weight gelatin (160 Bloom, G160) was cross-linked by macromers with low MA content. Homogeneous and mechanically stable hydrogels were obtained and physico-chemical properties were determined. Successful optimization of hydrogel porosity was functionally shown by enhanced cell migration and improved release profile of incorporated nanoparticles [15]. In the second macromer-based material, hydrolytically degradable multi-armed macromers were covalently introduced into a tetraethoxysilane(TEOS)-derived silica sol in order to address the insufficient degradability of glass-based materials [16]. In detail, oligo(D,L-lactide) units were introduced into three- (TMPEO, Tx) and four-armed (PETEO, Px) ethoxylated alcohols by ring-opening polymerization, followed by activation with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (ICPTES) to yield TxLAy-Si and PxLAy-Si macromers [17,18]. A series of 18 oligomers (Mn: 1100-3200 Da) with different degrees of ethoxylation and varying length of oligoester units was synthesized. Applicability of a previously established indirect rapid prototyping method enabled fabrication of macromer/sol-gel-glass-derived class II hybrid scaffolds with controlled porosity [19]. Successful processability of a total of 85 different hybrid scaffold formulations allowed for identification of relevant structure-property relationships. In vitro degradation was analyzed over 12 months and a continuous linear weight loss (0.2-0.5 wt%/d) was detected which was controlled by oligo(lactide) content and matrix hydrophilicity. Compressive strength (2-30 MPa) and compressive modulus (44-716 MPa) were determined and total content, oligo(ethylene oxide) content, oligo(lactide) content and molecular weight of the oligomeric cross-linkers as well as material porosity were identified as the main factors determining hybrid mechanics by multiple linear regression. Cell migration into the entire scaffold pore network was indicated in cell culture experiments with human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC) and continuous proliferation over 14 days was found. Overall, two macromer-based material platforms were established in which material versatility was realized by three main principles: I) synthesis of macromers with different chemical composition, II) combination of macromers with a second oligomeric building block, and III) flexible processability of these dual-component hybrid formulations into porous scaffold materials. Precise adjustability of material properties as demonstrated in both concepts offers potential for application of these hybrid materials for a wide range of regenerative purposes. REFERENCES (1) World Health Statistics of the WHO. http://www.who.int/gho/publications/world_health_statistics/en/ 2017. (2) OPTN/UNOS Public Comment. https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/ 2017. (3) Puppi, D.; Chiellini, F.; Piras, a. M. M.; Chiellini, E. Prog. Polym. Sci. 2010, 35 (4), 403–440. (4) Patterson, J.; Martino, M. M.; Hubbell, J. A. Mater. Today 2010, 13 (1–2), 14–22. (5) Picke, A.-K.; Salbach-Hirsch, J.; Hintze, V.; Rother, S.; Rauner, M.; Kascholke, C.; Möller, S.; Bernhardt, R.; Rammelt, S.; Pisabarro, M. T.; Ruiz-Gómez, G.; Schnabelrauch, M.; Schulz-Siegmund, M.; Hacker, M. C.; Scharnweber, D.; Hofbauer, C.; Hofbauer, L. C. Biomaterials 2016, 96, 11–23. (6) Loth, R.; Loth, T.; Schwabe, K.; Bernhardt, R.; Schulz-Siegmund, M.; Hacker, M. C. Acta Biomater. 2015, 26, 82–96. (7) DeForest, C. A.; Anseth, K. S. Nat. Chem. 2011, 3 (12), 925–931. (8) Nic, M.; Jirát, J.; Košata, B.; Jenkins, A.; McNaught, A.; Wilkinson, A. IUPAC, Research Triangle Park, NC 2014. (9) Loth, T.; Hennig, R.; Kascholke, C.; Hötzel, R.; Hacker, M. C. React. Funct. Polym. 2013, 73 (11), 1480–1492. (10) Loth, T.; Hötzel, R.; Kascholke, C.; Anderegg, U.; Schulz-Siegmund, M.; Hacker, M. C. Biomacromolecules 2014, 15 (6), 2104–2118. (11) Kohn, C.; Klemens, J. M.; Kascholke, C.; Murthy, N. S.; Kohn, J.; Brandenburger, M.; Hacker, M. C. Biomater. Sci. 2016, 4, 1605–1621. (12) Kascholke, C.; Loth, T.; Kohn-Polster, C.; Möller, S.; Bellstedt, P.; Schulz-Siegmund, M.; Schnabelrauch, M.; Hacker, M. C. Biomacromolecules 2017, 18 (3), 683–694. (13) Sülflow, K.; Schneider, M.; Loth, T.; Kascholke, C.; Schulz-Siegmund, M.; Hacker, M. C.; Simon, J.-C.; Savkovic, V. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. A 2016, 104 (12), 3115–3126. (14) Loth, T. Diss. Univ. Leipzig, Fak. für Biowissenschaften, Pharm. und Psychol. 2016. (15) Schwabe, K.; Ewe, A.; Kohn, C.; Loth, T.; Aigner, A.; Hacker, M. C.; Schulz-Siegmund, M. Int. J. Pharm. 2017, 526 (1–2), 178–187. (16) Rahaman, M. N.; Day, D. E.; Sonny Bal, B.; Fu, Q.; Jung, S. B.; Bonewald, L. F.; Tomsia, A. P. Acta Biomater. 2011, 7 (6), 2355–2373. (17) Schulze, P.; Flath, T.; Dörfler, H.-M.; Schulz-Siegmund, M.; Hacker, M.; Hendrikx, S.; Kascholke, C.; Gressenbuch, M.; Schumann, D. Ger. Pat. No. DE102014224654A1 2016. (18) Kascholke, C.; Hendrikx, S.; Flath, T.; Kuzmenka, D.; Dörfler, H.-M.; Schumann, D.; Gressenbuch, M.; Schulze, F. P.; Schulz-Siegmund, M.; Hacker, M. C. Acta Biomater. 2017, 63, 336–349. (19) Hendrikx, S.; Kascholke, C.; Flath, T.; Schumann, D.; Gressenbuch, M.; Schulze, P.; Hacker, M. C.; Schulz-Siegmund, M. Acta Biomater. 2016, 35, 318–329.
323

Evaluation of Wet Spinning of Fungal and Shellfish Chitosan for Medical Applications / Utvärdering av våt spinning av svamp- och skaldjurschitosan för medicinska tillämpningar

Mohammadkhani, Ghasem January 2021 (has links)
The aim of this project was to address the food waste problem, particularly bread waste, to some extent by producing monofilaments obtained from wet spinning of fungal hydrogel through the cultivation of Rhizopus delemar on bread waste. The project had two phases. Firstly, the possibility of production of chitosan fiber with wet spinning (using different acids) was evaluated, the process was optimized, and then applied to the production of fungal fiber. Regarding first stage of the project, adipic acid, a non-toxic solvent with two carboxyl groups, was used as acting physical crosslinker between the chitosan chains, resulting in improving properties of the monofilaments. Adipic acid performance was compared with conventional solvents, such as citric, lactic, and acetic acids. By injecting chitosan solutions into a coagulation bath (EtOH or NaOH 1M or EtOH-NaOH or H2SO4-EtOH), monofilaments were formed. Scanning electron microscopy showed that uniform chitosan monofilaments with smooth surface were formed using adipic and lactic acids. In general, fibers obtained from adipic acid displayed higher mechanical strength (Young’s modulus of 4.45 GPa and tensile strength of 147.9 MPa) than that of monofilaments produced using conventional solvents. Fiber dewatering with EtOH before drying led to greater fiber diameter and lower mechanical strength. As the second stage of this study, Rhizopus delemar was cultivated on bread waste in shake flasks and 1.3 M3 bioreactor. While different combinations of ground bread and K2HPO4 was used as the substrate for shake flask cultivations, white bread waste without K2HPO4 was utilized for scaling up the process, mostly due to the Glucosamine (GlcN) and N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) content in the fungal cell wall. GlcN and GlcNA content obtained from ground bread was remarkably higher than that of obtained from combinations of ground bread and K2HPO4 as the substrate. Cultivation in 1.3 M3 bioreactor resulted in about 36 kg wet biomass with a mean of 14.88% dry weight, indicating 5.95 g biomass/L. The biomass yield of 0.15 g dry biomass/g dry bread was achieved. Alkali insoluble material (AIM) was obtained by alkali treatment of biomass. Fungal hydrogel was prepared by adding adipic and lactic acid to AIM, followed by grinding treatment. While hydrogels treated with lactic acid showed better spinnability and gelling ability, the one from adipic acid was not uniform to be wet spun. Considering hydrogels treated with lactic acid, the optimum grinding cycle for more spinnable hydrogel was 6 negative cycles, contributing to the fibers with the tensile strength of around 82 MPa. Such fibers showed antibacterial property against Escherichia coli, making them as a good option for suture applications. However, further in vitro and in vivo trials are essential to test the fungal fiber for such applications.
324

Hydrogels physiques de chitosane pour la régénération in vivo du tissu cutané après brûlures du troisième degré / Chitosan bi-layered physical hydrogels for in vivo wound healing after third degree burn

Dupasquier, Florence 13 May 2011 (has links)
Ce travail concerne l’étude des propriétés biologiques d’hydrogels physiques bicouches de chitosane, dont l’usage est destiné à la cicatrisation des brûlures du 3ème degré. L’étude bactériologique a révélé que les dispositifs présentaient des propriétés bactériostatiques voire bactéricides de grand intérêt pour l’application visée. L’étude à long terme de la cicatrisation en présence des hydrogels physiques bicouches de chitosane a montré que ces dispositifs permettent la reconstruction d’un tissu bien organisé, bien vascularisé et aux propriétés mécaniques et esthétiques similaires à celles d’un tissu sain. L’avantage thérapeutique du dispositif proposé est que le système hydrogel n’a pas à être remplacé au cours de la cicatrisation, contrairement aux pansements traditionnels qui nécessitent d’être changés régulièrement, impliquant risques d’infection, douleurs et altération du tissu en formation. Le tissu cutané a été étudié au cours de ce travail à différentes échelles et selon différentes approches complémentaires : une approche esthétique et clinique (photos, calques), mécanique (tests de traction), histologique et immuno-histologique, et enfin nanostructurale grâce à l’utilisation conjointe de la microscopie électronique et de la diffusion des rayons X aux petits angles. L’étude histologique détaillée des interactions biologiques entre le tissu hôte et le dispositif a permis de valider son caractère biocompatible, biorésorbable et colonisable, et d’envisager son utilisation en ingénierie tissulaire en tant que milieu à gradient de propriétés biologiques, favorable au développement de néo-tissu cutané. / This work deals with the study of the biological properties of bi-layered chitosan physical hydrogels within the context of third degree burns healing. These materials are elaborated thanks to the combination of two different gelification processes, without the use of any kind of chemical cross-linking agent. Chitosan physical hydrogels exhibit interesting antibacterial properties towards Gram+ and Gram- bacteria. Long term healing study shows that the use of physical hydrogels lead to a well-organized and well-vascularised regenerated skin, whose mechanical and aesthetic properties are similar to those of native skin. The main clinical benefit of this device is that it could be maintained during the all healing time, so as to prevent the risk of infection, the pain and the damages of neo-formed tissues. Skin has been studied with several approaches, namely aesthetic, clinical, mechanical, histological, immunohistological, and nanostructural (Small Angle X-ray Scattering) approaches. The detailed histological investigations confirm bi-layered hydrogels bioactivity and cellularizability: such devices can be considered as favourable media for tissue engineering.
325

Mathematical modelling of the chitosan fiber formation by wet-spinning / Modélisation du procédé d'élaboration de fibres de chitosane

Enache, Alexandru Alin 21 June 2018 (has links)
Le chitosane est un polymère naturel obtenu par deacétylation de la chitine. Ce polysaccharide est bien connu pour ses propriétés biologiques exceptionnelles : il est biocompatible et biorésorbable. Les fibres de chitosane peuvent être utilisées en chirurgie. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'étudier les phénomènes physico-chimiques mis en jeu, de développer un modèle du procédé, afin d'optimiser le procédé de filage mis au point au laboratoire.Après une revue de la littérature dans le premier chapitre, les techniques expérimentales d'obtention, de purification, et de caractérisation du chitosane sont décrits dans le deuxième chapitre. Une étude de la structure du chitosane obtenu est présentée. C'est l'un des résultats originaux de ce travail.Le principe du procédé étant par coagulation en solution, il est essentiel de déterminer dans quelle condition celle-ci s'effectue, et quel est le paramètre déterminant. Les études précédentes ont montré que celui-ci est le coefficient de diffusion de la soude dans le milieu. A cet effet, des mesures ont été effectuées, dans des géométries différentes. Cette étude constitue le travail présenté dans le chapitre trois.Dans le chapitre quatre est présentée une technique consistant à suivre au moyen d'un microscope l'avancée du front de coagulation. Cette technique a permis de déterminer précisément le coefficient de diffusion.Le dernier chapitre a consisté à élaborer des fibres au moyen d'un banc que possède le laboratoire (IMP Lyon 1). L'étape ultime de ce travail a été de modéliser le procédé, de prévoir les diamètres intérieur et extérieur des fibres obtenues, et de comparer le résultat de la modélisation aux résultats expérimentaux / Chitosan is a natural polymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin. This polysaccharide is well known for its exceptional biological properties: it is biocompatible and bio absorbable. Chitosan fibers can be used in surgery.The objective of this thesis is to study the physicochemical phenomena involved, to develop a process model, to optimize the filtering process in the laboratory.After a review of the literature in the first chapter, the experimental techniques for obtaining, purifying and characterizing chitosan are described in the second chapter. A study of the structure of the chitosan obtained is presented. This is one of the original results of this work.The principle of the coagulation method in solution, it is essential to determine in what condition it, and what is the determining parameter. Previous studies have shown that this is the diffusion coefficient of soda in the medium. One effect, measurements were made, in different geometries. This study constitutes the work presented in Chapter Three.In chapter four is presented a technique consisting in following by means of a microscope the advance of the coagulation front. This technique makes it possible to determine the diffusion coefficient.The last chapter consisted of developing fibers using a small scale plant existing in laboratory (IMP Lyon 1). The final element of this work consists of modelling the process, calculating the inside and outside diameters of the fibers obtained and comparing the result of the modelling with the experimental results
326

Evaluation of bioactivity of alkali- and heat-treated titanium using fluorescent mouse osteoblasts / 蛍光タンパク導入マウス由来骨芽細胞を用いたアルカリ加熱処理チタンの生体活性能の評価

Tsukanaka, Masako 24 March 2014 (has links)
京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第18146号 / 医博第3866号 / 新制||医||1002(附属図書館) / 31004 / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 鈴木 茂彦, 教授 妻木 範行, 教授 戸口田 淳也 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM
327

Phosphonatefunctionalized methacrylates with hydroxyapatite generating properties / Fosfonatfunktionaliserade metakrylater med hydroxyapatitgenererande egenskaper

Sarqume, Mishu January 2014 (has links)
No description available.
328

Production of Synthetic Spider Silk

Hekman, Ryan Matthew 01 January 2018 (has links) (PDF)
Spider silk is a material that both has impressive mechanical properties and is also environmentally friendly. Though there are limitless potential engineering applications for such materials, industrial production of spider silk has proven to be challenging. Farming silk from spiders, as is done with silkworms, is not a viable option for large-scale production of spider silk due to the venomous and predatory nature of spiders. Here, an attempt is made to express synthetic spider silk minifibroins heterologously in Escherichia coli, to purify the recombinant spidroins from cell lysate, and to spin them into artificial fibers through a biomimetic process. Silk minifibroins were designed to be similar to Major Ampullate Spidroin 1 from Latrodectus hesperus. Synthetic fibers were examined by scanning electron and light microscopy, and their mechanical properties were tested by a tensometer. Properties of synthetic silk were compared to those of native dragline silk from the same species from which their design was inspired, revealing synthetic silk fibers with lower breaking stress and breaking strain.
329

Metal-on-Polymer Wear for Orthopaedic Hand Prostheses : Metall-på-polymer-slitage för ortopediska handproteser

TECHENS, CHLOE January 2018 (has links)
Metal-on-polymer prostheses in orthopaedics are often subject to high wear level producing large polyethylene particles that the body has difficulties to eliminate. Those debris can lead to prosthesis loosening. This study investigates the wear behaviour of TA6V, a CoCr alloy, M30NW and 316L stainless steels against UHMWPE on a pin-on-disc tribometer under lubricated conditions. Friction coefficient of 316L showed an inflection in their rise while the increase of others was linear. 316L also produced the most friction and wear. On the contrary, CoCr confirmed its good properties. Both stainless steels showed similar behaviour and metal manufacturing process only modified UHMWPE loss and not the wear rates.
330

Alumina-aluminum Titanate-titania Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Sintering Studies, Assessment Of Bioactivity And Its Mechanical And Electrical Properties

Somani, Vikas 01 January 2006 (has links)
This thesis reports the development, synthesis and characterization of a ceramic-ceramic nanocomposite system for its possible application as structural and electronic biomaterial in the biomedical industry. The study selected and synthesized alumina-aluminum titanate-titania (Al2O3-Al2TiO5-TiO2) nanoceramic composite using a simple Sol-Gel technique, which can be easily reproduced. Aluminum propoxide and titanium propoxide were used as precursor chemicals. Propanol and 2- methoxy ethanol were used as solvent and stabilizer, respectively. Thermal analyses were performed for a systematic understanding of phase evolution from the synthesized gel. X-Ray diffraction technique was used to confirm the phase evolution, phase purity, crystallite size and crystal structure(s) of the phase(s). Calcination of the powder at low temperatures (700°C) leads to formation of Al2O3-TiO2 nanocomposite and at higher temperatures into Al2O3-Al2TiO5-TiO2 nanocomposite confirmed by XRD analysis. Electron microscopic techniques were used to investigate powder morphology, crystallite size and inter-planner spacing. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy images of the calcined powder showed agglomerates of powder particles with particle size in 15-20 nm range. As-synthesized powder was uniaxially pressed into cylindrical pellets and sintered at elevated temperatures (1000-1400oC) to study the sintering behavior, densification characteristics, and measurement of mechanical and electrical properties and assessment of bioactivity. Phase transformation induced by the sintering process was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction technique. The effects of nanosize of powder particles and multi-phases on densification, and mechanical and electrical properties were investigated. Vickers hardness and biaxial flexural strength tests were used to determine mechanical properties. Bioactivity of the nanocomposite was assessed in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF), which has the same ionic concentration as that of human plasma. Effects of biodegradation and change in mechanical properties of the composite when kept in SBF and maintained in a static condition were studied in terms of weight loss, change in the pH of the acellular solution and change in mechanical properties (hardness and biaxial strength). Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to observe the formation of apatite crystals on the surface of the nanocomposite specimens soaked in SBF. The results obtained throw light on biocompatibility and bioactivity of Al2TiO5 phase, which has not been reported so far in the literature to the best of our knowledge. Dielectric constant and dissipation factor of the sintered nanocomposite pellets were measured using HP 4284A impedance-capacitance-resistance meter and 16451 B dielectric test fixture at 1 MHz frequency. The effects of sintering time, temperature and phases present on the electrical properties were studied and are reported in the thesis.

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