Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Fabrication and Characterization of Thickness Mode Piezoelectric Devices for Atomization and Acoustofluidics
Published on: August 5, 2020
Characterization and evaluation of fluoridated apatites for the development of infection-free percutaneous devices
Brian T Bennett1, James Peter Beck2, Kongnara Papangkorn3
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA.
Abstract:
The wound healing process in the soft tissues adjacent to percutaneous implants induces "epithelial downgrowth", and subsequently, a sinus tract around the device. This provides an optimal environment for bacterial colonization and proliferation. In an attempt to arrest downgrowth and achieve epithelial attachment to a device surface, we have sought to mimic the most common and successful percutaneous organ, the tooth. Since teeth are composed of partially and fully fluoridated forms of hydroxyapatite (HA), it was hypothesized that the surface properties of fluoridated apatites, fluorohydroxyapatite (FHA) and fluorapatite (FA), would improve epithelial cellular adhesion and differentiation when compared to HA and titanium (Ti) surfaces. In this study, the apatites (HA, FHA, and FA) were synthesized and characterized. Following a high-temperature sintering treatment of these apatites, keratinocyte and fibroblast adhesion and differentiation properties were analyzed in vitro, revealing a statistically significant increase in keratinocyte adhesion and terminal differentiation on FA surfaces sintered at 1050-1150 °C as compared to Ti or HA. Moreover, fibroblasts displayed enhanced adhesion on FHA surfaces. This data suggests that percutaneous devices coated with, or fabricated from, fluoridated apatites may induce improved epithelial cellular adhesion and differentiation, potentially limiting deeply penetrating epithelial downgrowth and resultant bacterial ingress.
More Related Videos
06:10Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
07:39Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Mnemonic Devices
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
Non-ohmic Devices
Consider a simple circuit consisting of a battery, a diode, and a resistor. A...
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Sustainable Development
Stages of Infection
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...