Invited Speakers - preliminary

	Ilaria Cacciotti (Italy) - Nanostructured bioactive ceramics, glass-ceramics and composites: synthesis, characterisation and applications for bone regeneration
Ilaria Cacciotti is Associate Professor of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering and Materials Science and Technology at the University of Rome "Niccolò Cusano". She graduated in Medical Engineering at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” (Master of Science Award ‘Fondazione Raeli’). Afterwards, she completed the Ph.D in Materials Engineering (Ph.D Thesis Award ‘Marco Ramoni 2011, Ph.D Thesis AIMAT Award 2012) and she obtained the II Level Master degrees in Forensic Genetics and in "Protection against CBRNe events". She spent research periods as visiting researcher at the Kyoto Institute of Technology-Piezotech (Japan) and at the Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (ITRI)-Deakin University, Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds (Australia). Furthermore she is reviewer for more than 50 peer-review journals, including Acta Biomaterialia, Biofabrication, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, Journal of the Royal Society Interface, Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Materials. She is a member of the Editorial Board of several international journals, such as Biomedical glasses-DE GRUYTER OPEN, International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology(TM) (IJEAT), International Journal of Innovative Science and Modern Engineering, Chemical Science Communications and Scientific Journal International (SJI): Chemical & Bioengineering, and she was directly and actively involved in the editorial activity for the books ‘Bone and biomaterials for bone tissue engineering’ (Special Issue volume published in Key Engineering Materials, Trans Tech Publication (TTP) Inc. 2013) and 'Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies in Biomedical and Tissue Engineering' (Special Issue volume to be published in Journal of Nanomaterials, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015). Moreover, she serves on various grant review committees including National Science Foundation (NSF), and she is member of Technical and Scientific Program Committee for several conferences, such as the International Conferences on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology (iCBEB) and for Global Conference on Polymer and Composite Materials (PCM). Her research activity is mainly focused on the synthesis, processing and characterisation of ceramic and composite materials for biomedical applications, such as bioceramics (undoped and doped calcium phosphates (CaP) by wet precipitation, bioactive glasses (BG) of traditional and innovative compositions by sol-gel process, composite films based on biopolymers and CaP and/or BG, and fibrous mats based on biopolymeric matrices and inorganic fillers by electrospinning technique), macro- and micro-spheres for drug delivery. For her research activity, she was awarded with the 8th CCT Award “Best Oral Presentation for Young Researchers 2011”, 13th International Annual Seminar & Meeting CCT, the 10th International Award "Giuseppe Sciacca" for Young Students (Research and Development Sector), the European Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Doctoral Award (EDA), ESB (European Society of Biomaterials) Award 2011, and the Young Researcher Award Elsevier" Materials Science and Engineering C" 2014 in San Diego (California). In 2011 she won the Award “L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Italy for Women and Science 2011-IX Edition and in 2012 she was listed between the Under 35 Talents in Lazio, in the occasion of the Young International Forum. Abstract Due to the improvements in the quality of life, consequent increase of the life expectancy and progressive ageing in the current population, a remarkable increment in the incidence of bone injuries and diseases has been revealed, with relevant and obvious impact on the socioeconomic and healthy fields [1]. Although major progresses have been pursued during the years, current therapies still present several limitations (limited supply, secondary surgery, donor site morbidity, infection risk, recurrent pain). In this scenario the bone tissue engineering is accomplishing an increasing attention as a promising and emerging alternative to the common and current clinical treatments (autografts, allografts and xenografts). In particular, the selection of a suitable template (‘scaffold’) which should act as a temporary matrix for cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, bone in-growth and neo-vascularization is pivotal [1]. In its design, many aspects have to be simultaneously taken into account, including the chemical composition, the microstructure, the mechanical and surface properties, remarkably influencing the interaction with the cells and the tissues (mechanochemical transduction). In this context, the performed research activity is aimed at providing a wide range of innovative bioactive ceramic and glass-ceramic materials with improved bioactivity, mechanical and biological performances and consequent actual perspective of clinical employment for bone tissue reconstruction and regeneration. Among the bioceramics, the calcium phosphates (CaP) have consistently revealed excellent cellular and tissue responses in vitro and in vivo. However these materials present many drawbacks in terms of inadequate mechanical properties and limited bioactivity, seriously limiting their clinical relevance and applicability. Thus, the overcoming of their main limits is of current interest and worthy of attention. The proposed strategies consist in the production of nanostructured materials and the vicarious ions (e.g. Si4+, F-, Mg2+, Sr2+, K+...) incorporation, in order to mimic the bone hierarchical organization and the biological apatites composition [2-3]. Moreover conventional and novel bioactive glass compositions are proposed as promising alternative materials [4], due to their well known improved performances, in terms of bioactivity, osteoinductive behaviour, ability to strongly bond to soft tissue as well as to hard tissue. It has been also reported that ionic dissolution products from calcium silicate-based glasses (e.g. Si, Ca, P, Na) are able to stimulate expression of several osteoblastic cell genes, angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and possible antibacterial and inflammatory effects [5]. The produced nanopowders can be used to prepare: (i) hybrid electrospun fibrous mats based on CaP or BG and bioresorbable polymers (e.g. poly(ε-caprolactone) [6] and poly(L-lactide) [7-8]); (ii) pure and substituted HAps porous scaffolds [9]; (iii) composite systems based on CaP and BG [10]; (iv) composite open-celled porous foams based on wollastonite and CaP [11]; (iv) bioactive coatings by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) [12]. The influence of the followed synthesis process (i.e. wet precipitation for CaP and sol-gel process for BG), dopant ions incorporation, calcination conditions (i.e. temperature and dwelling time) on the composition, thermal behaviour, crystallisation, phase evolution, sinterability is investigated. The potential and suitability of the produced scaffolds as templates for bone regeneration is evaluated by microstructural studies and cytotoxicity in vitro tests, aimed to assess the biological responsiveness (i.e. adhesion, vitability, proliferation, differentiation, bioresorption capability) towards different embrional and adult stem cell lines, preosteoblasts and preosteoclasts [7-9]. References [1] V. Mourino and A.R. Boccaccini, J. R. Soc. Interface 7 (2010): 209. [2] I. Cacciotti, A. Bianco, M. Lombardi, L. Montanaro, J. Europ. Ceram. Soc. 29[14] (2009): 2969. [3] I. Cacciotti and A. Bianco, Ceramics International 37 (2011): 127 [4] I. Cacciotti, M. Lombardi, A. Bianco, A. Ravaglioli, L. Montanaro, J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 23[8] (2012): 1849. [5] L.L. Hench, J. Europ Ceram Soc 29 (2009): 1257. [6] A. Bianco, E. Di Federico, I. Cacciotti, Polym Adv Technol 222[12] (2011): 1832. [7] A. Bianco, B.M, Bozzo, C. Del Gaudio, I. Cacciotti, I. Armentano, M. Dottori, F. D’Angelo, S. Martino, A. Orlacchio, J.M. Kenny,J Bioact Compat Polym 26[3] (2011): 225. [8] F. D’Angelo, I. Armentano, I. Cacciotti, R. Tiribuzi, M. Quattrocelli, C. Del Gaudio, E. Fortunati, E. Saino, A. Caraffa, G.G. Cerulli, L.Visai, J.M. Kenny, M. Sampaolesi, A. Bianco, S. Martino, A. Orlacchio, Biomacromolecules 13 [5] (2012): 1350-1360. [9] G. Lehmann, I. Cacciotti, P. Palmero, L. Montanaro, A. Bianco, L. Campagnolo, A.Camaioni, Biomedical Materials 7 (2012) 055001 (13pp). [10] D. Bellucci, A. Sola, I. Cacciotti, C. Bartoli, M. Gazzari, A. Bianco, F. Chiellini, V. Cannillo, Mater. Sci. Eng. C 42(2014): 312-324. [11] L. Fiocco, E. Bernardo, P. Colombo, I. Cacciotti, A. Bianco, D. Bellucci, A. Sola, V. Cannillo, J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part A 102[8](2014):2502. [12] J.V. Rau, I. Cacciotti, S. Laureti, M. Fosca, G. Varvaro, A. Latini, J Biomed Mater Res PartB, In Press.

Ilaria Cacciotti (Italy) - Nanostructured bioactive ceramics, glass-ceramics and composites: synthesis, characterisation and applications for bone regeneration

Ilaria Cacciotti is Associate Professor of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering and Materials Science and Technology at the University of Rome "Niccolò Cusano".
She graduated in Medical Engineering at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” (Master of Science Award ‘Fondazione Raeli’). Afterwards, she completed the Ph.D in Materials Engineering (Ph.D Thesis Award ‘Marco Ramoni 2011, Ph.D Thesis AIMAT Award 2012) and she obtained the II Level Master degrees in Forensic Genetics and in "Protection against CBRNe events". She spent research periods as visiting researcher at the Kyoto Institute of Technology-Piezotech (Japan) and at the Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (ITRI)-Deakin University, Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds (Australia).
Furthermore she is reviewer for more than 50 peer-review journals, including Acta Biomaterialia, Biofabrication, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, Journal of the Royal Society Interface, Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Materials. She is a member of the Editorial Board of several international journals, such as Biomedical glasses-DE GRUYTER OPEN, International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology(TM) (IJEAT), International Journal of Innovative Science and Modern Engineering, Chemical Science Communications and Scientific Journal International (SJI): Chemical & Bioengineering, and she was directly and actively involved in the editorial activity for the books ‘Bone and biomaterials for bone tissue engineering’ (Special Issue volume published in Key Engineering Materials, Trans Tech Publication (TTP) Inc. 2013) and 'Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies in Biomedical and Tissue Engineering' (Special Issue volume to be published in Journal of Nanomaterials, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015). Moreover, she serves on various grant review committees including National Science Foundation (NSF), and she is member of Technical and Scientific Program Committee for several conferences, such as the International Conferences on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology (iCBEB) and for Global Conference on Polymer and Composite Materials (PCM).
Her research activity is mainly focused on the synthesis, processing and characterisation of ceramic and composite materials for biomedical applications, such as bioceramics (undoped and doped calcium phosphates (CaP) by wet precipitation, bioactive glasses (BG) of traditional and innovative compositions by sol-gel process, composite films based on biopolymers and CaP and/or BG, and fibrous mats based on biopolymeric matrices and inorganic fillers by electrospinning technique), macro- and micro-spheres for drug delivery. For her research activity, she was awarded with the 8th CCT Award “Best Oral Presentation for Young Researchers 2011”, 13th International Annual Seminar & Meeting CCT, the 10th International Award "Giuseppe Sciacca" for Young Students (Research and Development Sector), the European Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Doctoral Award (EDA), ESB (European Society of Biomaterials) Award 2011, and the Young Researcher Award Elsevier" Materials Science and Engineering C" 2014 in San Diego (California). In 2011 she won the Award “L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Italy for Women and Science 2011-IX Edition and in 2012 she was listed between the Under 35 Talents in Lazio, in the occasion of the Young International Forum.

Abstract

Due to the improvements in the quality of life, consequent increase of the life expectancy and progressive ageing in the current population, a remarkable increment in the incidence of bone injuries and diseases has been revealed, with relevant and obvious impact on the socioeconomic and healthy fields [1].
Although major progresses have been pursued during the years, current therapies still present several limitations (limited supply, secondary surgery, donor site morbidity, infection risk, recurrent pain). In this scenario the bone tissue engineering is accomplishing an increasing attention as a promising and emerging alternative to the common and current clinical treatments (autografts, allografts and xenografts). In particular, the selection of a suitable template (‘scaffold’) which should act as a temporary matrix for cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, bone in-growth and neo-vascularization is pivotal [1]. In its design, many aspects have to be simultaneously taken into account, including the chemical composition, the microstructure, the mechanical and surface properties, remarkably influencing the interaction with the cells and the tissues (mechanochemical transduction).
In this context, the performed research activity is aimed at providing a wide range of innovative bioactive ceramic and glass-ceramic materials with improved bioactivity, mechanical and biological performances and consequent actual perspective of clinical employment for bone tissue reconstruction and regeneration. Among the bioceramics, the calcium phosphates (CaP) have consistently revealed excellent cellular and tissue responses in vitro and in vivo. However these materials present many drawbacks in terms of inadequate mechanical properties and limited bioactivity, seriously limiting their clinical relevance and applicability. Thus, the overcoming of their main limits is of current interest and worthy of attention. The proposed strategies consist in the production of nanostructured materials and the vicarious ions (e.g. Si4+, F-, Mg2+, Sr2+, K+...) incorporation, in order to mimic the bone hierarchical organization and the biological apatites composition [2-3]. Moreover conventional and novel bioactive glass compositions are proposed as promising alternative materials [4], due to their well known improved performances, in terms of bioactivity, osteoinductive behaviour, ability to strongly bond to soft tissue as well as to hard tissue. It has been also reported that ionic dissolution products from calcium silicate-based glasses (e.g. Si, Ca, P, Na) are able to stimulate expression of several osteoblastic cell genes, angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and possible antibacterial and inflammatory effects [5].
The produced nanopowders can be used to prepare: (i) hybrid electrospun fibrous mats based on CaP or BG and bioresorbable polymers (e.g. poly(ε-caprolactone) [6] and poly(L-lactide) [7-8]); (ii) pure and substituted HAps porous scaffolds [9]; (iii) composite systems based on CaP and BG [10]; (iv) composite open-celled porous foams based on wollastonite and CaP [11]; (iv) bioactive coatings by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) [12].
The influence of the followed synthesis process (i.e. wet precipitation for CaP and sol-gel process for BG), dopant ions incorporation, calcination conditions (i.e. temperature and dwelling time) on the composition, thermal behaviour, crystallisation, phase evolution, sinterability is investigated.
The potential and suitability of the produced scaffolds as templates for bone regeneration is evaluated by microstructural studies and cytotoxicity in vitro tests, aimed to assess the biological responsiveness (i.e. adhesion, vitability, proliferation, differentiation, bioresorption capability) towards different embrional and adult stem cell lines, preosteoblasts and preosteoclasts [7-9].
References
[1] V. Mourino and A.R. Boccaccini, J. R. Soc. Interface 7 (2010): 209.
[2] I. Cacciotti, A. Bianco, M. Lombardi, L. Montanaro, J. Europ. Ceram. Soc. 29[14] (2009): 2969.
[3] I. Cacciotti and A. Bianco, Ceramics International 37 (2011): 127
[4] I. Cacciotti, M. Lombardi, A. Bianco, A. Ravaglioli, L. Montanaro, J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 23[8] (2012): 1849.
[5] L.L. Hench, J. Europ Ceram Soc 29 (2009): 1257.
[6] A. Bianco, E. Di Federico, I. Cacciotti, Polym Adv Technol 222[12] (2011): 1832.
[7] A. Bianco, B.M, Bozzo, C. Del Gaudio, I. Cacciotti, I. Armentano, M. Dottori, F. D’Angelo, S. Martino, A. Orlacchio, J.M. Kenny,J Bioact Compat Polym 26[3] (2011): 225.
[8] F. D’Angelo, I. Armentano, I. Cacciotti, R. Tiribuzi, M. Quattrocelli, C. Del Gaudio, E. Fortunati, E. Saino, A. Caraffa, G.G. Cerulli, L.Visai, J.M. Kenny, M. Sampaolesi, A. Bianco, S. Martino, A. Orlacchio, Biomacromolecules 13 [5] (2012): 1350-1360.
[9] G. Lehmann, I. Cacciotti, P. Palmero, L. Montanaro, A. Bianco, L. Campagnolo, A.Camaioni, Biomedical Materials 7 (2012) 055001 (13pp).
[10] D. Bellucci, A. Sola, I. Cacciotti, C. Bartoli, M. Gazzari, A. Bianco, F. Chiellini, V. Cannillo, Mater. Sci. Eng. C 42(2014): 312-324.
[11] L. Fiocco, E. Bernardo, P. Colombo, I. Cacciotti, A. Bianco, D. Bellucci, A. Sola, V. Cannillo, J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part A 102[8](2014):2502.
[12] J.V. Rau, I. Cacciotti, S. Laureti, M. Fosca, G. Varvaro, A. Latini, J Biomed Mater Res PartB, In Press.

	Florin Miculescu (Romania) - Methods of inducing the hydroxyapatite particles’characteristics required for 3D printing
Florin Miculescu received his PhD title in Engineering in 2006 and the Habilitation title in 2014 at University „Politehnica” of Bucharest, România. During his career he has participated in five postdoctoral stages in Europe and USA in the field of biomaterials, nanomaterials and materials characterization. In 2015 he became the youngest Full Professor coordinator of PhD students in materials science from the establishment of the University Politehnica of Bucharest. He is the head of two research laboratories within the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering. In the past 15 years has led six national research projects and more than 50 projects for private companies in the field of materials science, engineering, and technology. Prof.Dr.Habil. Florin Miculescu has published over 70 peer-reviewed research articles related to material science and has co-authored 5 books. He received few international awards and is a member of several professional associations from Europe. He is the President of the Romanian Society for Biomaterials (SRB). Abstract The increased life expectancy as well as the prevalence of bone diseases associated with ageing are significantly increasing the demands for bone substitution materials. A wide variety of synthetic materials that may be used as bone replacements are already available, but they need constant improvement [1]. An efficient approach for providing optimal replacement solutions aims the usage of materials that mimic the structure of the damaged tissue. Currently, the materials with guided physical, chemical and biological properties, which may be prepared from constituents similar with the ones normally found within the bone tissue, and with a degradation rate adapted at the bone regeneration rate, are considered predecessors for the next generation of biomaterials [2, 3].The solid free fabrication techniques, and especially tridimensional printing, gained the attention of specialists involved in tissue engineering for producing bone scaffolds. But although their popularity increased during the last years, these methods are not widely used due to some disadvantages associated with costs, geometry’s accuracy, mechanical properties and suitability of raw materials (or precursors) [3, 4].The precursors’ suitability is also the main idea behind this paper, which aims to identify the major challenges associated with tridimensional printing of bone scaffolds when using hydroxyapatite particles derived from processing hard tissues. Thus, we described the effects related to the thermal processing of bone tissue and documented the influences induced by temperature and cooling conditions upon the thermally treated bone products. A series of experimental results are presented in correlation with the relationship between the dimensions of hydroxyapatite particles and their chemical composition, morphology, structure and biocompatibility. A proper understanding of these influences, as well as the assimilation of fresh information within the scaffold design and fabrication, may therefore contribute to the advancement of a promising field while increasing the availability of some needful products.

Florin Miculescu (Romania) - Methods of inducing the hydroxyapatite particles’characteristics required for 3D printing

Florin Miculescu received his PhD title in Engineering in 2006 and the Habilitation title in 2014 at University „Politehnica” of Bucharest, România. During his career he has participated in five postdoctoral stages in Europe and USA in the field of biomaterials, nanomaterials and materials characterization. In 2015 he became the youngest Full Professor coordinator of PhD students in materials science from the establishment of the University Politehnica of Bucharest. He is the head of two research laboratories within the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering. In the past 15 years has led six national research projects and more than 50 projects for private companies in the field of materials science, engineering, and technology. Prof.Dr.Habil. Florin Miculescu has published over 70 peer-reviewed research articles related to material science and has co-authored 5 books. He received few international awards and is a member of several professional associations from Europe. He is the President of the Romanian Society for Biomaterials (SRB).

Abstract

The increased life expectancy as well as the prevalence of bone diseases associated with ageing are significantly increasing the demands for bone substitution materials. A wide variety of synthetic materials that may be used as bone replacements are already available, but they need constant improvement [1]. An efficient approach for providing optimal replacement solutions aims the usage of materials that mimic the structure of the damaged tissue. Currently, the materials with guided physical, chemical and biological properties, which may be prepared from constituents similar with the ones normally found within the bone tissue, and with a degradation rate adapted at the bone regeneration rate, are considered predecessors for the next generation of biomaterials [2, 3].The solid free fabrication techniques, and especially tridimensional printing, gained the attention of specialists involved in tissue engineering for producing bone scaffolds. But although their popularity increased during the last years, these methods are not widely used due to some disadvantages associated with costs, geometry’s accuracy, mechanical properties and suitability of raw materials (or precursors) [3, 4].The precursors’ suitability is also the main idea behind this paper, which aims to identify the major challenges associated with tridimensional printing of bone scaffolds when using hydroxyapatite particles derived from processing hard tissues. Thus, we described the effects related to the thermal processing of bone tissue and documented the influences induced by temperature and cooling conditions upon the thermally treated bone products. A series of experimental results are presented in correlation with the relationship between the dimensions of hydroxyapatite particles and their chemical composition, morphology, structure and biocompatibility. A proper understanding of these influences, as well as the assimilation of fresh information within the scaffold design and fabrication, may therefore contribute to the advancement of a promising field while increasing the availability of some needful products.

	Julietta Rau (Italy) - Bioactive substituted hydroxyapatite and glass-ceramic coatings for bone implant applications
Dr. Julietta V. Rau is Researcher at the Institute of the Structure of Matter of the Italian National Research Council (Rome, Italy). She is the author of more than 110 publications in International Journals and about 120 presentations at International Conferences. Dr. Rau received several international awards for her research achievements. Presently she is the Head of the Laboratory and Group “Study of Kinetics of Phase Transitions of Innovative Materials” at ISM-CNR. She is the Reviewer at several international journals (Journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Chemical Physics Letters, Materials, Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, Materials Letters) and Lead Guest Editor of the Special Issue«BioactiveCeramic and Glass Systems for Bone TissueEngineering» inBioMedResearch International journal.Sheis the Member of FRONTIES EditorialBoard: Journal of TissueEngineering and Regenerative Medicine.Her present research interests regard biomaterials for regenerative nanomedicine, and namely calcium phosphates and glass-ceramics based materials for tissue engineering applications. Her recent publications are dedicated to bioactive nanostructured coatings of innovative composition for orthopaedic and dental implant applications and biocements for bones, cranial-facial surgery and odontoiatric applications. Abstract Titanium implants are extensively used in orthopaedics and odontoiatrics due to their outstanding mechanical characteristics and acceptable biocompatibility. However, metal implant/native bone tissue interface does not provide suitable osseointegration and, therefore, it should be properly treated and/or coated by bioactive materials, in order to optimise the long-term characteristics of bone implants and to create an improved cellular response. Among the possible coating materials, substituted hydroxyapatite and glass-ceramics are used. Hydroxyapatite based coating materials are more traditional for bone implant applications, since their composition is close to the mineral part of the host tissue. However, the focus point is to shift to bioactive glass compositions for a certain part of applications, since the ability of bioactive glasses to continuously exchange ions with physiological liquids and to release appropriate trace elements stimulates cellular response, aimed to activate genes responsible for osteogenesis and bone tissue regeneration. In this work, Pulsed Laser Deposition technique was used for films preparation. Structural and morphological properties of the deposited coatings were investigated by X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) and Atomic Force Microscopy. In addition, Vickers microhardness of the film-substrate composite system was measured, and the intrinsic hardness of films was properly separated from the composite hardness, using the “law-of-mixtures” approach and taking into account the indentation size effect. In vitro bioactivity tests in alpha-MEM were performed. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and cell-friendly characteristics of the prepared coatings were tested. For this purpose, metabolic activity and proliferation of the human colon carcinoma CaCo-2 cells and the human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSC) were investigated. The results of the present study suggest that novel coatings may be particularly relevant for new strategies in bone tissue regeneration and replacement, ensuring necessary structural, chemical, morphological and mechanical characteristics and improving the osseointegration of bone implants.

Julietta Rau (Italy) - Bioactive substituted hydroxyapatite and glass-ceramic coatings for bone implant applications

Dr. Julietta V. Rau is Researcher at the Institute of the Structure of Matter of the Italian National Research Council (Rome, Italy). She is the author of more than 110 publications in International Journals and about 120 presentations at International Conferences. Dr. Rau received several international awards for her research achievements. Presently she is the Head of the Laboratory and Group “Study of Kinetics of Phase Transitions of Innovative Materials” at ISM-CNR. She is the Reviewer at several international journals (Journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Chemical Physics Letters, Materials, Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, Materials Letters) and Lead Guest Editor of the Special Issue«BioactiveCeramic and Glass Systems for Bone TissueEngineering» inBioMedResearch International journal.Sheis the Member of FRONTIES EditorialBoard: Journal of TissueEngineering and Regenerative Medicine.Her present research interests regard biomaterials for regenerative nanomedicine, and namely calcium phosphates and glass-ceramics based materials for tissue engineering applications. Her recent publications are dedicated to bioactive nanostructured coatings of innovative composition for orthopaedic and dental implant applications and biocements for bones, cranial-facial surgery and odontoiatric applications.

Abstract

Titanium implants are extensively used in orthopaedics and odontoiatrics due to their outstanding mechanical characteristics and acceptable biocompatibility. However, metal implant/native bone tissue interface does not provide suitable osseointegration and, therefore, it should be properly treated and/or coated by bioactive materials, in order to optimise the long-term characteristics of bone implants and to create an improved cellular response. Among the possible coating materials, substituted hydroxyapatite and glass-ceramics are used. Hydroxyapatite based coating materials are more traditional for bone implant applications, since their composition is close to the mineral part of the host tissue. However, the focus point is to shift to bioactive glass compositions for a certain part of applications, since the ability of bioactive glasses to continuously exchange ions with physiological liquids and to release appropriate trace elements stimulates cellular response, aimed to activate genes responsible for osteogenesis and bone tissue regeneration. In this work, Pulsed Laser Deposition technique was used for films preparation. Structural and morphological properties of the deposited coatings were investigated by X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) and Atomic Force Microscopy. In addition, Vickers microhardness of the film-substrate composite system was measured, and the intrinsic hardness of films was properly separated from the composite hardness, using the “law-of-mixtures” approach and taking into account the indentation size effect. In vitro bioactivity tests in alpha-MEM were performed. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and cell-friendly characteristics of the prepared coatings were tested. For this purpose, metabolic activity and proliferation of the human colon carcinoma CaCo-2 cells and the human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSC) were investigated. The results of the present study suggest that novel coatings may be particularly relevant for new strategies in bone tissue regeneration and replacement, ensuring necessary structural, chemical, morphological and mechanical characteristics and improving the osseointegration of bone implants.

	Lucien Reclaru (Switzerland) - Metallic Alloys for Endoprosthesis: Limitations and Current Trends
Prof. Dr. Lucien Reclaruis a chemist engineer in the filed of biomaterials research. His activity is specific in the development and in the physical and chemical characterization of biomaterials. Also, he represents officially Switzerland in the Working Groups of European Community (CE) and of the ISO: CEN /TC 347, Methods for Analysis of Allergens, CEN/TC 347 WG1 Allergy of Nickel, ISO TC 114 /WG2 Dangerous substances and preparations likely to be encountered in watch components; convenor, CE- Partner Expert Group (PEG) REACH European Chemical Agency (ECHA), REACH EuroMetaux Precious Metals and Rhenium Consortium – founding member. His professional and scientific activity comprises: More than 100 scientific publications and 70 presentations in international scientific meetings. Apparent scientific impact of a scientist (Hirsh index) h index = 10, 2008-2010 330 citations. Reviewer for newspapers: Biomaterials, Acta Biomaterilia, Corrosion Science, Surface and Coatings Technology, Materials Science and Engineering C, Thin Solid Films. Experience: Assistant professor and lecturer in the department of Chimie-Physique of the University of Geneva 1980-1987; Head of a research group for the corrosion and the biocompatibility of dental alloys at Metalor SA. 1987-1991; Responsible for the research in corrosion and biocompatibility of materials at PX Holding SA. 1992-; Professor, dental materials field , in the Ecole Supérieure Technique Dentaire Suisse of the University of Geneva.1995-; Swiss expert with the CEN /TC 347, Methods for Analysis of Allergens. 1995-; Chairmen of WG2 / ISO TC 1114 dangerous substances and preparations likely to be encountered in watch components 2006- ; Swiss expert REACH, Consortiium Precious metals and Rhenium, Euro-Métaux Brussels; Expert Partner Expert Group (PEG) REACH European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Abstract Metallic alloys are widely used as biomaterials for endoprosthesis components. Because mechanical strength and toughness are the most important requirements for a biomaterial under load-bearing conditions, metallic biomaterials like stainless steels, Co-Cr alloys, commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and titanium alloys are extensively employed for their excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, metallic materials sometimes show toxicity and are fractured because of their corrosion and mechanical damages. Prosthesis-derived metal wear products are found extensively within the synovial fluid and peri-prosthetic tissues of patients with endoprosthesis. Information regarding metal-induced toxicity is based on a limited amount of epidemiological and experimental studies involving in vitro and in vivo models. Risk assessment of orthopaedic metals in joint replacement requires estimation of exposure to the patient, which should be based on numerous factors including the type of endoprosthesis, patient activity, the potential length of exposure and the likelihood of increased metal release through implant loosening. Therefore, is a lot of research in order to development the new metallic alloys following general purposes like to remove toxic elements and to decrease the elastic modulus to avoid stress shield effect in bone fixation. The development must be performed on the basis of metallurgy and the resultant metallic alloys must have a good balance between mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, toxicity and biocompatibility properties.

Lucien Reclaru (Switzerland) - Metallic Alloys for Endoprosthesis: Limitations and Current Trends

Prof. Dr. Lucien Reclaruis a chemist engineer in the filed of biomaterials research. His activity is specific in the development and in the physical and chemical characterization of biomaterials. Also, he represents officially Switzerland in the Working Groups of European Community (CE) and of the ISO: CEN /TC 347, Methods for Analysis of Allergens, CEN/TC 347 WG1 Allergy of Nickel, ISO TC 114 /WG2 Dangerous substances and preparations likely to be encountered in watch components; convenor, CE- Partner Expert Group (PEG) REACH European Chemical Agency (ECHA), REACH EuroMetaux Precious Metals and Rhenium Consortium – founding member. His professional and scientific activity comprises: More than 100 scientific publications and 70 presentations in international scientific meetings. Apparent scientific impact of a scientist (Hirsh index) h index = 10, 2008-2010 330 citations. Reviewer for newspapers: Biomaterials, Acta Biomaterilia, Corrosion Science, Surface and Coatings Technology, Materials Science and Engineering C, Thin Solid Films. Experience: Assistant professor and lecturer in the department of Chimie-Physique of the University of Geneva 1980-1987; Head of a research group for the corrosion and the biocompatibility of dental alloys at Metalor SA. 1987-1991; Responsible for the research in corrosion and biocompatibility of materials at PX Holding SA. 1992-; Professor, dental materials field , in the Ecole Supérieure Technique Dentaire Suisse of the University of Geneva.1995-; Swiss expert with the CEN /TC 347, Methods for Analysis of Allergens. 1995-; Chairmen of WG2 / ISO TC 1114 dangerous substances and preparations likely to be encountered in watch components 2006- ; Swiss expert REACH, Consortiium Precious metals and Rhenium, Euro-Métaux Brussels; Expert Partner Expert Group (PEG) REACH European Chemical Agency (ECHA).

Abstract

Metallic alloys are widely used as biomaterials for endoprosthesis components. Because mechanical strength and toughness are the most important requirements for a biomaterial under load-bearing conditions, metallic biomaterials like stainless steels, Co-Cr alloys, commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and titanium alloys are extensively employed for their excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, metallic materials sometimes show toxicity and are fractured because of their corrosion and mechanical damages. Prosthesis-derived metal wear products are found extensively within the synovial fluid and peri-prosthetic tissues of patients with endoprosthesis. Information regarding metal-induced toxicity is based on a limited amount of epidemiological and experimental studies involving in vitro and in vivo models. Risk assessment of orthopaedic metals in joint replacement requires estimation of exposure to the patient, which should be based on numerous factors including the type of endoprosthesis, patient activity, the potential length of exposure and the likelihood of increased metal release through implant loosening. Therefore, is a lot of research in order to development the new metallic alloys following general purposes like to remove toxic elements and to decrease the elastic modulus to avoid stress shield effect in bone fixation. The development must be performed on the basis of metallurgy and the resultant metallic alloys must have a good balance between mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, toxicity and biocompatibility properties.

	Giuseppe Cama (Belgium) - PCL based ScaffoldsProduced by Rapid Prototyping for Bone Tissue Engineering
Giuseppe Cama is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Research Groupat the University of Ghent, Belgium. He is also Visiting Researcher at the King’s College London, Dental Institute, Department of Tissue Engineering and Biophotonics, UK. He graduated in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Genoa (Italy) in 2005. At the end of his University study he worked independently with an Italian Company (SAIF S.r.L) on a project concerning energy saving. In 2007 he started his PhD in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Genoa (Italy). From 2010-2014 he worked as Research Associate at the King’s College London with Prof. Lucy Di Silvio and Dr. Sanjukta Deb, developing calcium phosphate materials for bone tissue engineering. Hejoined theChemistry and Biomaterials Research Group in October 2014 working with Prof. Peter Dubruel in an EU Project(FP7) entitled NanoBioEngineering of BioInspiredBioPolymers aimed to mineralise new chitosan based materials for use in bone tissue engineering. In the 2010 he received the Tissue Engineering Doctoral Award (EDA) from the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB). Since 2012 he is on the board of the European and UK Societies for Biomaterials-Young Scientists Forum (ESB-YSF and UKSB-YSF). His current research focuses on development of bone substitute materials. Abstract Poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible polyester whichcan be easily synthesisedand processed and, also for that reason, has been extensively used to fabricate biomaterials for bone repair. Moreover, different surface treatments can be performed on the polyester to enhance its cell binding ability overcoming the main PCL limitation represented by its hydrophobic behaviour. In order to encourage both in vitro andin vivo bone formation the material should possess, besidesanadhesive/interactive cell surface a suitable porosity to ensure cell infiltration and scaffold colonization. Moreover, the presence of pores is necessary in order to allowfor the nutrient and metabolic waste transport to and from the core of the scaffold, a critical issue for proper vascularization and new bone tissue formation.To this purpose rapid prototyping (RP) techniques have been developed in order to fabricate 3D polymeric layered grids with the desired thread size and thread spacing as well as with different orientations of the grids between one layer and the other. Thus, the point is to generate open porous structureshaving tailored dimensions and morphology. Moreover, RP allows for the fabrication of patient-specific implants. In this circumstance, a medical image of the patient lost tissue is acquired and processed by an automated CAM CAD system (Computer Aided Design- Computer Aided Manufacturing) which in turn fabricates a perfect copy of the defect. In this talk, the morphological and mechanical properties of 3D porous PCL structuresfabricated using the Bioplotter^TM as RP technique together with different strategies aimed to impart bioactive and antimicrobial properties to the plotted structuresare reported.

Giuseppe Cama (Belgium) - PCL based ScaffoldsProduced by Rapid Prototyping for Bone Tissue Engineering

Giuseppe Cama is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Research Groupat the University of Ghent, Belgium. He is also Visiting Researcher at the King’s College London, Dental Institute, Department of Tissue Engineering and Biophotonics, UK. He graduated in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Genoa (Italy) in 2005. At the end of his University study he worked independently with an Italian Company (SAIF S.r.L) on a project concerning energy saving. In 2007 he started his PhD in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Genoa (Italy). From 2010-2014 he worked as Research Associate at the King’s College London with Prof. Lucy Di Silvio and Dr. Sanjukta Deb, developing calcium phosphate materials for bone tissue engineering. Hejoined theChemistry and Biomaterials Research Group in October 2014 working with Prof. Peter Dubruel in an EU Project(FP7) entitled NanoBioEngineering of BioInspiredBioPolymers aimed to mineralise new chitosan based materials for use in bone tissue engineering. In the 2010 he received the Tissue Engineering Doctoral Award (EDA) from the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB). Since 2012 he is on the board of the European and UK Societies for Biomaterials-Young Scientists Forum (ESB-YSF and UKSB-YSF). His current research focuses on development of bone substitute materials.

Abstract

Poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible polyester whichcan be easily synthesisedand processed and, also for that reason, has been extensively used to fabricate biomaterials for bone repair. Moreover, different surface treatments can be performed on the polyester to enhance its cell binding ability overcoming the main PCL limitation represented by its hydrophobic behaviour. In order to encourage both in vitro andin vivo bone formation the material should possess, besidesanadhesive/interactive cell surface a suitable porosity to ensure cell infiltration and scaffold colonization. Moreover, the presence of pores is necessary in order to allowfor the nutrient and metabolic waste transport to and from the core of the scaffold, a critical issue for proper vascularization and new bone tissue formation.To this purpose rapid prototyping (RP) techniques have been developed in order to fabricate 3D polymeric layered grids with the desired thread size and thread spacing as well as with different orientations of the grids between one layer and the other. Thus, the point is to generate open porous structureshaving tailored dimensions and morphology. Moreover, RP allows for the fabrication of patient-specific implants. In this circumstance, a medical image of the patient lost tissue is acquired and processed by an automated CAM CAD system (Computer Aided Design- Computer Aided Manufacturing) which in turn fabricates a perfect copy of the defect. In this talk, the morphological and mechanical properties of 3D porous PCL structuresfabricated using the Bioplotter^TM as RP technique together with different strategies aimed to impart bioactive and antimicrobial properties to the plotted structuresare reported.

	Izabela-Cristina Stancu (Romania) - Carboxylated nanodiamond particles immobilized in electrospun fish gelatin fibers
Dr. Stancu Izabela-Cristina is Associate Professor and she teaches Polymer Biomaterials and Polymer Physics to undergraduate and MSc students at the Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science and at the Faculty of Medical Engineering (University Politehnica Bucharest). Dr. Stancu leads a research team within the Advanced Polymer Materials Group (APMG - http://www.tsocm.pub.ro/APMG) headed by Prof. Horia Iovu at University Politehnica Bucharest (Romania). The scientific interests include the understanding and the development of bio-inspired polymer-based biomaterials for tissue regeneration, bioadhesion and biomineralization, using a combination of natural and synthetic macromolecules, biofunctionalization methods and nano-structuring strategies. The main aim is to control the architecture, the hierarchical organization, the biomechanical strength and the physico-mechanical properties of the developed scaffolds. Dr. Stancu has published over 45 publications, including 4 books and 3 book chapters and she has coordinated 5 research grants. Dr. Stancu is Secretary of the Young Scientists Forum (YSF) at The European Society of Biomaterials (ESB)(http://www.esbiomaterials.eu/index.php?cid=YSF), member of the European Doctoral Award Committee at ESB (http://www.esbiomaterials.eu/index.php?cid=Education&op=11), Vicepresident of the Romanian Society for Biomaterials and co-founder of the YSF Romanian chapter. Abstract The development of new scaffolds with ECM-inspired features for tissue regeneration by nanotechnology and biomimetics is appealing but still underexploited. In this work carboxylated nanodiamond particles have been immobilized as nanostructuring elements into electrospun fish gelatin hydrogel fibers to fabricate nanocomposite fibrous scaffolds with interconnected pores. No significant modification of the mineralization capacity in acellular simulated fluids has been noticed by micro-structural and spectroscopic investigations, for fibers with nanoparticles loading ranging from 0.25% to 1%, in comparison to fish gelatin fibers. Ca/P alternate incubation of the fibers was followed by formation of nano-apatite crystals preferentially developed and firmly adhered in the proximity of the agglomerations of nanodiamonds, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A stimulation of biomineralization was observed in the presence of MG63 osteoblasts-like cells and was associated to the presence of carboxylated nanoparticles. Altogether, this work emphasized the ability of nanodiamonds to promote, when immobilized in gelatin fibers and exposed to specific media, the formation of nano-apatite. In addition, the behavior of MG63 cells in terms of number of adherent cells, morphology, spreading and growth, was enhanced by augmenting the amount of nanoparticles in the fibers (fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy). In conlusion, this study successfully recomends such nanocomposite fibers to be further investigated for potential uses in bone repair and regeneration.

Izabela-Cristina Stancu (Romania) - Carboxylated nanodiamond particles immobilized in electrospun fish gelatin fibers

Dr. Stancu Izabela-Cristina is Associate Professor and she teaches Polymer Biomaterials and Polymer Physics to undergraduate and MSc students at the Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science and at the Faculty of Medical Engineering (University Politehnica Bucharest). Dr. Stancu leads a research team within the Advanced Polymer Materials Group (APMG - http://www.tsocm.pub.ro/APMG) headed by Prof. Horia Iovu at University Politehnica Bucharest (Romania). The scientific interests include the understanding and the development of bio-inspired polymer-based biomaterials for tissue regeneration, bioadhesion and biomineralization, using a combination of natural and synthetic macromolecules, biofunctionalization methods and nano-structuring strategies. The main aim is to control the architecture, the hierarchical organization, the biomechanical strength and the physico-mechanical properties of the developed scaffolds. Dr. Stancu has published over 45 publications, including 4 books and 3 book chapters and she has coordinated 5 research grants. Dr. Stancu is Secretary of the Young Scientists Forum (YSF) at The European Society of Biomaterials (ESB)(http://www.esbiomaterials.eu/index.php?cid=YSF), member of the European Doctoral Award Committee at ESB (http://www.esbiomaterials.eu/index.php?cid=Education&op=11), Vicepresident of the Romanian Society for Biomaterials and co-founder of the YSF Romanian chapter.

Abstract

The development of new scaffolds with ECM-inspired features for tissue regeneration by nanotechnology and biomimetics is appealing but still underexploited. In this work carboxylated nanodiamond particles have been immobilized as nanostructuring elements into electrospun fish gelatin hydrogel fibers to fabricate nanocomposite fibrous scaffolds with interconnected pores. No significant modification of the mineralization capacity in acellular simulated fluids has been noticed by micro-structural and spectroscopic investigations, for fibers with nanoparticles loading ranging from 0.25% to 1%, in comparison to fish gelatin fibers. Ca/P alternate incubation of the fibers was followed by formation of nano-apatite crystals preferentially developed and firmly adhered in the proximity of the agglomerations of nanodiamonds, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A stimulation of biomineralization was observed in the presence of MG63 osteoblasts-like cells and was associated to the presence of carboxylated nanoparticles. Altogether, this work emphasized the ability of nanodiamonds to promote, when immobilized in gelatin fibers and exposed to specific media, the formation of nano-apatite. In addition, the behavior of MG63 cells in terms of number of adherent cells, morphology, spreading and growth, was enhanced by augmenting the amount of nanoparticles in the fibers (fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy). In conlusion, this study successfully recomends such nanocomposite fibers to be further investigated for potential uses in bone repair and regeneration.

	Viorica Simon (Romania) - Proteins anchoring on bioactive glasses
Dr. Viorica Simon is a full professor of Physics at the Department of Biomedical Physics, Theoretical and Molecular Spectroscopy at the Faculty of Physics of Babes-Bolyai University, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She is a board member of the Romanian Society for Biomaterials. Prof. V. Simon has written 6 books and more than 250 papers, and received the Romanian Academy Award for 2004. She is member of several scientific societies, editorial boards and Regional Editor of the journal Recent Patents on Corrosion Science. Her research interest is focussed on biomaterials for repair of hard and soft tissues – bioceramics, bioactive glasses, composite systems including nanostructured phases, mesoporous materials for tissue engineering and controlled cations release. She pays special attention to the in vitro investigation of the interface phenomena between biomaterials and simulated body fluids, using a wide range of methods, and particularly the spectroscopic techniques. Abstract The proteins adhesion on surface of bioactive glasses and the change of protein structural conformation may consequently influence the bioactivity as well as the cellular response in potential restorative applications. The aim of the study is to examine the attachment of proteins on bioactive glass powders both by microscopic and spectroscopic methods.

Viorica Simon (Romania) - Proteins anchoring on bioactive glasses

Dr. Viorica Simon is a full professor of Physics at the Department of Biomedical Physics, Theoretical and Molecular Spectroscopy at the Faculty of Physics of Babes-Bolyai University, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She is a board member of the Romanian Society for Biomaterials. Prof. V. Simon has written 6 books and more than 250 papers, and received the Romanian Academy Award for 2004. She is member of several scientific societies, editorial boards and Regional Editor of the journal Recent Patents on Corrosion Science. Her research interest is focussed on biomaterials for repair of hard and soft tissues – bioceramics, bioactive glasses, composite systems including nanostructured phases, mesoporous materials for tissue engineering and controlled cations release. She pays special attention to the in vitro investigation of the interface phenomena between biomaterials and simulated body fluids, using a wide range of methods, and particularly the spectroscopic techniques.

Abstract

The proteins adhesion on surface of bioactive glasses and the change of protein structural conformation may consequently influence the bioactivity as well as the cellular response in potential restorative applications.

The aim of the study is to examine the attachment of proteins on bioactive glass powders both by microscopic and spectroscopic methods.

	Verestiuc Liliana (Romania) - Biopolymer-Based Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering
Professor Liliana Verestiuc is a professor of biomaterials at Faculty of Medical Bioengineering and coordinator of the Center of Training and Research in Tissue Engineering, Artificial Organs and Regenerative Medicine, from University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Grigore T.Popa’ Iasi. She graduated ‘Gh. Asachi’ Technical University of Iasi and she obtained a PhD in Materials Science in 2002 (topic: polymeric biomaterials). She was a visiting researcher or academic researcher in several laboratories from EU, where she was trained on biomaterials, surface analysis and cells-biomaterials interactions. Her research interest is focused on formulation and characterization of scaffolds for tissue engineering, polymeric formulations (hidrogels, micro and nanoparticles) for biomedical applications, bioconjugates based on polymers (synthetic, polysaccharides and proteins), functionalization of proteins and polysaccharides, in vitro and in vivo drug release studies, in vitro and in vivo tests on materials biocompatibility. Her scientific activity comprises: books and chapters of books (7); papers in scientific journals (87); papers in the proceedings of international or national conferences (49); patents (12); participating in international or national research projects (37); member of the scientific committee of different meetings (22); reviewer for international ISI journals and conferences (29); prizes at international conferences (4); awards at international exhibitions for patents (8). Abstract The repair of tissue defects is still a challenging clinical problem. With the apparition of tissue engineering and its promising repair strategies, an increasing interest was noticed for developing of biocompatible and biodegradable materials. Natural polymers and their derivatives, formulated as fibers, membranes, gels or sponges, have been tested in skin tissue engineering and wound healing management. Three-dimensional matrices based on biopolymers serve as biodegradable scaffolds since the large pores or channels and interchannel communications enhance biological fluids infiltration as well as cells growth. The paper present recent works in the field of biopolymer-based scaffolds for skin tissue engineering, and is focused on optimizing the scaffolds characteristics, like as morphology and mechanical properties, stimuli responsiveness (pH, temperature, biological proteins), bioadhesion and cells response. Few biopolymers (collagen, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and albumin) and some preparation methods have been considered in the aim to modulate the scaffolds architecture and to control the biodegradability and functionality. Various compositions, chemical and physical crosslinking, and preparation of three-dimensional matrices (semi or full-interpenetrating networks) are compared in terms of their performances. Chemical functionalization of the biopolymers was considered for introduction of active groups which are further involved in strong bonds, leading to a broad spectrum of biomaterials with complex morphology and required properties. The overall advantage of the applications of biopolymeric scaffolds in skin tissue engineering is given by their ability to reproduce the extracelular matrix and to stimulate the cells attachment, migration and proliferation. Biopolymer-based scaffolds may therefore be considered as having the potential to satisfy all the requirements of an ideal scaffold, generating an adequate environment at the surface of the damaged skin; the healing process may take place at the maximum rate and the production of healed tissue is associated with a very good cosmetic appearance.

Verestiuc Liliana (Romania) - Biopolymer-Based Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering

Professor Liliana Verestiuc is a professor of biomaterials at Faculty of Medical Bioengineering and coordinator of the Center of Training and Research in Tissue Engineering, Artificial Organs and Regenerative Medicine, from University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Grigore T.Popa’ Iasi. She graduated ‘Gh. Asachi’ Technical University of Iasi and she obtained a PhD in Materials Science in 2002 (topic: polymeric biomaterials). She was a visiting researcher or academic researcher in several laboratories from EU, where she was trained on biomaterials, surface analysis and cells-biomaterials interactions. Her research interest is focused on formulation and characterization of scaffolds for tissue engineering, polymeric formulations (hidrogels, micro and nanoparticles) for biomedical applications, bioconjugates based on polymers (synthetic, polysaccharides and proteins), functionalization of proteins and polysaccharides, in vitro and in vivo drug release studies, in vitro and in vivo tests on materials biocompatibility. Her scientific activity comprises: books and chapters of books (7); papers in scientific journals (87); papers in the proceedings of international or national conferences (49); patents (12); participating in international or national research projects (37); member of the scientific committee of different meetings (22); reviewer for international ISI journals and conferences (29); prizes at international conferences (4); awards at international exhibitions for patents (8).

Abstract

The repair of tissue defects is still a challenging clinical problem. With the apparition of tissue engineering and its promising repair strategies, an increasing interest was noticed for developing of biocompatible and biodegradable materials. Natural polymers and their derivatives, formulated as fibers, membranes, gels or sponges, have been tested in skin tissue engineering and wound healing management. Three-dimensional matrices based on biopolymers serve as biodegradable scaffolds since the large pores or channels and interchannel communications enhance biological fluids infiltration as well as cells growth. The paper present recent works in the field of biopolymer-based scaffolds for skin tissue engineering, and is focused on optimizing the scaffolds characteristics, like as morphology and mechanical properties, stimuli responsiveness (pH, temperature, biological proteins), bioadhesion and cells response. Few biopolymers (collagen, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and albumin) and some preparation methods have been considered in the aim to modulate the scaffolds architecture and to control the biodegradability and functionality. Various compositions, chemical and physical crosslinking, and preparation of three-dimensional matrices (semi or full-interpenetrating networks) are compared in terms of their performances. Chemical functionalization of the biopolymers was considered for introduction of active groups which are further involved in strong bonds, leading to a broad spectrum of biomaterials with complex morphology and required properties. The overall advantage of the applications of biopolymeric scaffolds in skin tissue engineering is given by their ability to reproduce the extracelular matrix and to stimulate the cells attachment, migration and proliferation. Biopolymer-based scaffolds may therefore be considered as having the potential to satisfy all the requirements of an ideal scaffold, generating an adequate environment at the surface of the damaged skin; the healing process may take place at the maximum rate and the production of healed tissue is associated with a very good cosmetic appearance.

Madalina Albu (Romania) - Antimicrobial Collagen Biomaterials

Dr. Madalina Georgiana ALBU, 36 years old, PhD in Chemistry, has been working for INCDTP - Leather and Footwear Research Institute since February 2001 and currently leads the Collagen Department. Dr.Albu have more than 13 years' experience in the field of preparation and characterization of collagen biomaterials. Author/coauthor of 2 books, author/coauthor of 4 book chapters (3 international and one in Romanian Academy Publishing House), 10 patent applications (one registered at Turkish Patent Institute), 49 ISI articles and 39 non-ISI, 144 participations in national / international conferences/symposia/congresses, 66 participations in national / international research projects (in which 10 national and 7 international as coordinator), h index is 8. Other: many gold medals at The World Exhibition of Invention, Research and Industrial Innovation for patent applications, Brussels, 2012 and 2013; Prix de l’AGEPI pour ses mérites distinguér à la 62^èmeédition du Salon International des Inventions « Brussels INNOVA – 2013 ROUMANIE pour l’invention : « Conducteurs nerveux de collagene et leur processus d’obtention », Brussels, 2013 ; Innovation Award from ORIGITEA^®, Institute of Health and Beauty by Doctor Mukhinaor for Patent application „Antimicrobial collagen wound dressing”, Brussels, 2013; implementation of Quality Management Systems ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2012 and obtaining EC 1868 certificates for 2 collagen wound dressings and notification of 4 cosmetic products at Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP). Also, she is Member of Directors Board of the Romanian Society of Biomaterials, Secretary of Scientific Committee of INCDTP; Expert evaluator at Ministry of Health in Romania.

Abstract

Due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, well established structure, biologic characteristics and to the way it interacts with the body, collagen represents one of the mostly used biomaterials [1]. Collagen is considered an active principle and is used in different types of injuries (varicous ulcer, burns, wounds, opened surgery etc.) as haemostatic and medical dressing. Being a natural protein collagen itself cannot heal the infected tissue because bacteria use it as a substrate [2]. This deficiency successfully found its solution by developing antimicrobial systems which have collagen as support and an antimicrobial for controlling infection. This work is focused on collagen-based biomaterials developed to prevent or to treat soft or hard infected tissues. Thus, collagen-based biomaterials were processed in different forms such as hydrogels, sponges (matrices), microcapsules (hydrolysates) as well as coating of metallic implants. Natural (essential oils) and synthetic (antibiotics, graphenes and nanocomposites based in zinc, titanium, silicium and silver) antimicrobials were embedded in collagen and tested against bacterial strains. S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. lusitaniae, S. enterica, E. coli, P. putida, S. epidermidis, B. cereus, L. monocitogenes, C. albicans were used to test antimicrobial activity of collagen-based biomaterials. The biocompatibility of collagen-based biomaterials was tested on osteoblasts, fibroblasts or endothelial cells. To establish the balance between antimicrobial activity and toxicity was the challenge of this study and the proper biomaterials were obtained by adjusting the antimicrobial agent concentration. Thus, collagen-based biomaterials with essential oils and nanocomposites were obtained as wound dressing for infected soft tissue and with antibiotics as implants especially for infected hard tissue.

	Daniela Ivanov (Romania) - Biologically inspired composites: more than the sum of its components
Dr. Daniela Ivanov is research scientist at “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy, Iasi, Romania; chemist engineer with interdisciplinary background – physical/organic chemistry, polymers and polymeric materials design and characterisation, biomedical engineering – achieved BSc and PhD in Chemistry from “Gh. Asachi” Technical University, Iasi, and MScRes in Medical Bioengineering – Tissue Engineering from “Gr.T.Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi. Research interests include bio/polymers and polymeric nano/biomaterials, biomimetic scaffolds and nano/biocomposites, and their structure – biocompatibility relationship for medical applications, release of bioactive agents and tissue engineering. Her particular interest in hyaluronic acid was developed as Assistant Professor at University of Illinois at Chicago (2008-2010), during researches on facial contouring dermal fillers in collaboration with Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc. CA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, John Hopkins University, MD. Dr. Ivanov’s professional and scientific contribution include chapters/books; papers in peer-reviewed journals; research projects grants; conferences; membership in scientific societies. Abstract Biological composite materials, for example bone tissue, contain both inorganic and organic basic components, with highly organized structures, optimized to fulfill its mechanical and homeostatic functions. Moreover, most of these materials present self-healing ability, like bone remodeling. The strategy used by living organisms to generate such complex dynamic structures consist in combination of soft and hard components, at multiple length scales, with heterogenic design and subtle balance between weak and strong interactions among building blocks. In contrast, the design and fabrication of synthetic composites often result in homogeneous materials with uniform microstructures and properties. The development of the last-generation of biomaterials aims at the implementation of the biological inspired design principles in hybrid structures, eventually using adaptive self-asembling, self-shaping or self-healing polymer components, by synthetic routes that allow the obtaining of hierarchical controlled and dynamic supramolecular assembly and functionalities of building blocks, from the nano- to micro- to macro-scale. Given its complex nature, this novel approach is situated at the interface between the disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, material science, and medicine.

Daniela Ivanov (Romania) - Biologically inspired composites: more than the sum of its components

Dr. Daniela Ivanov is research scientist at “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy, Iasi, Romania; chemist engineer with interdisciplinary background – physical/organic chemistry, polymers and polymeric materials design and characterisation, biomedical engineering – achieved BSc and PhD in Chemistry from “Gh. Asachi” Technical University, Iasi, and MScRes in Medical Bioengineering – Tissue Engineering from “Gr.T.Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi. Research interests include bio/polymers and polymeric nano/biomaterials, biomimetic scaffolds and nano/biocomposites, and their structure – biocompatibility relationship for medical applications, release of bioactive agents and tissue engineering. Her particular interest in hyaluronic acid was developed as Assistant Professor at University of Illinois at Chicago (2008-2010), during researches on facial contouring dermal fillers in collaboration with Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc. CA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, John Hopkins University, MD. Dr. Ivanov’s professional and scientific contribution include chapters/books; papers in peer-reviewed journals; research projects grants; conferences; membership in scientific societies.

Abstract

Biological composite materials, for example bone tissue, contain both inorganic and organic basic components, with highly organized structures, optimized to fulfill its mechanical and homeostatic functions. Moreover, most of these materials present self-healing ability, like bone remodeling. The strategy used by living organisms to generate such complex dynamic structures consist in combination of soft and hard components, at multiple length scales, with heterogenic design and subtle balance between weak and strong interactions among building blocks. In contrast, the design and fabrication of synthetic composites often result in homogeneous materials with uniform microstructures and properties. The development of the last-generation of biomaterials aims at the implementation of the biological inspired design principles in hybrid structures, eventually using adaptive self-asembling, self-shaping or self-healing polymer components, by synthetic routes that allow the obtaining of hierarchical controlled and dynamic supramolecular assembly and functionalities of building blocks, from the nano- to micro- to macro-scale. Given its complex nature, this novel approach is situated at the interface between the disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, material science, and medicine.

	Branko Glamuzina (Croatia) - New biomaterial potentials from aquaculture and marine organisms
Prof Branko Glamuzina Head of Department for Aquaculture at University of Dubrovnik, Croatia. His research activity is primarily executed in the fields of: Aquaculture, Fishery, Water resources management and Environmental issues of wetlands and transitional waters. Aquaculture research deals with cultivation of marine fish and shellfish. Recently, in cooperation with Romanian scientists he started research on monitoring and screening of marine substances and biomaterials from aquaculture and marine sources with Raman and SERS spectrometry. This will be followed with more intensive research on possibility of use of aquaculture and fishery originated materials, such as shells as by-product of shellfish culture and fishery by-catch in biomedicine and biotechnology. Abstract Aquaculture is today mainly oriented towards production of food commodities and is approximated to 70 millions of tons worldwide production level. This is close to overall catch from traditional fishery, which fluctuated between 80-90 millions in the last decade [1]. Although, there is trend towards production of no food commodities, such as organisms for drug and biomaterial production, this is still in very early phase, but with significant research interest. As the aquaculture development in 20^th century should be called “food aquaculture”, the production in 21^st century will surely be “biomaterial/drug aquaculture”. Although the development of industrial cultivation of new organisms with biomaterial potentials is not easy objective and will surely last decades, the commercial potentials are enormous, based on some recent findings of marine organisms biomaterial specificity. However, beside new culture development, the significant potentials exist with present production and mainly on its by-products. This is presently the case with production of chitosan, which is extracted from mainly cultured shrimp shells after cooking and meat separation. Chitosan is a sugar that is obtained from the hard outer skeleton of shellfish, including crab, lobster, and shrimp. Chitosan is used in medicine to treat obesity, high cholesterol, and Crohn’s disease. The marine waters, as a quite harsh environment, promote evolutionary development of very different strategies to survive in areas such as rocky coast with constant wave actions. Some of the well-known examples are biomaterials produced by commercially important shellfish: byssus threads produced by mussels and sticky/cement material which oyster larvae excreted during metamorphosis and attachment to solid surface. The secret how tiny byssus threads attach mussels to hard surface and secret of its strength to resist waves action is recently described [2]. The chemistry of adhesive strategy using “cement” like material is also investigated [3]. As mussels and oysters are widely cultivated organisms, the potential for direct use of these properties is enormous, if technology will be developed. This article will provide review on more potentials of aquaculture industry in the development and use of new biomaterials.

Branko Glamuzina (Croatia) - New biomaterial potentials from aquaculture and marine organisms

Prof Branko Glamuzina
Head of Department for Aquaculture at University of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

His research activity is primarily executed in the fields of: Aquaculture, Fishery, Water resources management and Environmental issues of wetlands and transitional waters. Aquaculture research deals with cultivation of marine fish and shellfish. Recently, in cooperation with Romanian scientists he started research on monitoring and screening of marine substances and biomaterials from aquaculture and marine sources with Raman and SERS spectrometry. This will be followed with more intensive research on possibility of use of aquaculture and fishery originated materials, such as shells as by-product of shellfish culture and fishery by-catch in biomedicine and biotechnology.

Abstract

Aquaculture is today mainly oriented towards production of food commodities and is approximated to 70 millions of tons worldwide production level. This is close to overall catch from traditional fishery, which fluctuated between 80-90 millions in the last decade [1]. Although, there is trend towards production of no food commodities, such as organisms for drug and biomaterial production, this is still in very early phase, but with significant research interest. As the aquaculture development in 20^th century should be called “food aquaculture”, the production in 21^st century will surely be “biomaterial/drug aquaculture”. Although the development of industrial cultivation of new organisms with biomaterial potentials is not easy objective and will surely last decades, the commercial potentials are enormous, based on some recent findings of marine organisms biomaterial specificity. However, beside new culture development, the significant potentials exist with present production and mainly on its by-products. This is presently the case with production of chitosan, which is extracted from mainly cultured shrimp shells after cooking and meat separation. Chitosan is a sugar that is obtained from the hard outer skeleton of shellfish, including crab, lobster, and shrimp. Chitosan is used in medicine to treat obesity, high cholesterol, and Crohn’s disease. The marine waters, as a quite harsh environment, promote evolutionary development of very different strategies to survive in areas such as rocky coast with constant wave actions. Some of the well-known examples are biomaterials produced by commercially important shellfish: byssus threads produced by mussels and sticky/cement material which oyster larvae excreted during metamorphosis and attachment to solid surface. The secret how tiny byssus threads attach mussels to hard surface and secret of its strength to resist waves action is recently described [2]. The chemistry of adhesive strategy using “cement” like material is also investigated [3]. As mussels and oysters are widely cultivated organisms, the potential for direct use of these properties is enormous, if technology will be developed. This article will provide review on more potentials of aquaculture industry in the development and use of new biomaterials.

	Simona Cinta Panzaru (Romania) - Biomaterials of marine origin for novel biomimetic composites
Simona Cinta Pinzaru is associate professor of optical spectroscopy, nanomedicine and molecular diagnostic in the Department of Biomolecular Physics of Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and senior scientist currently appointed under the NEWFELPRO Fellowship Mobility Programme for Experienced Researchers in Croatia –project of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport (MSES), is co-financed through the Marie Curie FP7-PEOPLE-2011-COFUND program. As manager of the JADRANSERS project, Dr. Cinta Pinzaru received her PhD in Physics in 1988 under double coordination, Romanian and German. She was associate assistant and further visiting scientist in the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the University of Würzburg and jointly contributed to the Antimalaria Project. Over the past decades she expanded the applications area of highly sensitive vibrational spectroscopy techniques in answer to the needs for nanotechnology based approach in health care, food control, aquaculture and marine eco-systems. Her research is particularly focused on the interface between noble metal nanoparticles and biological media. She introduced the first experimental approach based on SERS sensing with noble metal nanoparticles of malignant tissue in 2008, demonstrating the possibility to evidence distinct signal from cancer tissue at molecular level. Under the JADRANSERS project (2014-2016), bionanostructures inspired from marine micro-organisms acting as photonic crystals for SERS sensing were turned into exciting applications for health care, food control, biomaterials design, properties and functions. Dr. Cinta Pinzaru published more than 75 ISI papers (H-index 14), presented more than 30 invited lectures and 240 contributions in national and international conferences, and is the autor/coauthor of four books/book chapters. A list of publications is here http://www.researcherid.com/rid/A-4543-2011. ResearcherID:A-4543-2011. Abstract Design and engineering of novel biomimetic composites increasingly required in implant surgery continues to challenge due to the increasing need for more and better in health care. Still unexplored or little structurally-functionally understood, biomaterials of marine origin are generally known as calcium carbonate polymorphs embedded in- or spotted by organic matter. This description includes various shellfish species, sea urchins skin or spines, sea snails and others. However, this year, the scientific community was surprised with the strongest known biological structure: the teeth of limpets, small marine gastropods with tiny shells and edible soft tissue. Their teeth hardness enabled their survival along the geological time scale. Limpets feed by scraping a microbial biofilms using a chitinous ribbon with teeth that are hardened with iron and silicone oxides. Structure, morphology, composition and architecture of the hard tissue of Adriatic limpet and sea urchin species as well as their environment specificity will be presented and discussed for the first time based on their vibrational Raman spectroscopy data in conjunction with scanning electrom microscopy images. Bioinspired nanoarchitectures could be generated and the modest mollusks and grazers could provide a glimpse into the future of biocomposite materials for health care.

Simona Cinta Panzaru (Romania) - Biomaterials of marine origin for novel biomimetic composites

Simona Cinta Pinzaru is associate professor of optical spectroscopy, nanomedicine and molecular diagnostic in the Department of Biomolecular Physics of Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and senior scientist currently appointed under the NEWFELPRO Fellowship Mobility Programme for Experienced Researchers in Croatia –project of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport (MSES), is co-financed through the Marie Curie FP7-PEOPLE-2011-COFUND program. As manager of the JADRANSERS project, Dr. Cinta Pinzaru received her PhD in Physics in 1988 under double coordination, Romanian and German. She was associate assistant and further visiting scientist in the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the University of Würzburg and jointly contributed to the Antimalaria Project. Over the past decades she expanded the applications area of highly sensitive vibrational spectroscopy techniques in answer to the needs for nanotechnology based approach in health care, food control, aquaculture and marine eco-systems. Her research is particularly focused on the interface between noble metal nanoparticles and biological media. She introduced the first experimental approach based on SERS sensing with noble metal nanoparticles of malignant tissue in 2008, demonstrating the possibility to evidence distinct signal from cancer tissue at molecular level. Under the JADRANSERS project (2014-2016), bionanostructures inspired from marine micro-organisms acting as photonic crystals for SERS sensing were turned into exciting applications for health care, food control, biomaterials design, properties and functions. Dr. Cinta Pinzaru published more than 75 ISI papers (H-index 14), presented more than 30 invited lectures and 240 contributions in national and international conferences, and is the autor/coauthor of four books/book chapters. A list of publications is here http://www.researcherid.com/rid/A-4543-2011. ResearcherID:A-4543-2011.

Abstract

Design and engineering of novel biomimetic composites increasingly required in implant surgery continues to challenge due to the increasing need for more and better in health care. Still unexplored or little structurally-functionally understood, biomaterials of marine origin are generally known as calcium carbonate polymorphs embedded in- or spotted by organic matter. This description includes various shellfish species, sea urchins skin or spines, sea snails and others. However, this year, the scientific community was surprised with the strongest known biological structure: the teeth of limpets, small marine gastropods with tiny shells and edible soft tissue. Their teeth hardness enabled their survival along the geological time scale. Limpets feed by scraping a microbial biofilms using a chitinous ribbon with teeth that are hardened with iron and silicone oxides. Structure, morphology, composition and architecture of the hard tissue of Adriatic limpet and sea urchin species as well as their environment specificity will be presented and discussed for the first time based on their vibrational Raman spectroscopy data in conjunction with scanning electrom microscopy images. Bioinspired nanoarchitectures could be generated and the modest mollusks and grazers could provide a glimpse into the future of biocomposite materials for health care.

	Rodica Marinescu (Romania) - Pretibial cyst formation in ACL reconstruction
Dr Rodica MARINESCU is a physician doctor, in the specialty of Orthopedics and Traumatology, working in Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, with an active involvement in the education of orthopedic residents who did internship in our clinic, participating at both current surgical activities as well as at various clinical conferences (works diploma, licenses). Since 2001, when arthroscopic surgery was introduced in the preparation of orthopedic surgeons, she was among the first in the country with this qualification and have attended many courses as a lecturer. The research carried out over more than five years addresses areas of large current interest: biomaterials, joint surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. The scientific activity in the orthopedic clinic resulted in more than 100 papers in international journal and conference proceedings, member of scientific societies like (ESSKA-European Society for Surgery of the Knee, ISAK-International Society of Arthroscopy Surgery). Relevant scientific contributions made as a result of scientific and research activity are related to the introduction of the definition and implementation of protocols for the first time accurate diagnosis and treatment in a series of knee joint disorders (being co-opted and the National Health Ministry dealing with the development of these regulations). She was awarded as the first author in Romania that performed arthroscopic meniscal sutures, first cruciate ligament reconstructions with allograft, the first endoscopy for calcaneal pathology. Abstract Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction technique was under tremendous improvement during last 10 years; anatomical versus transtibial technique gradually increased, with soft tissue graft overcoming bone-tendon-bone, and biodegradable exceeding metallic implants. Still, complications related to ACL reconstruction are reported; one of it is pretibial cyst formation. Pretibial cyst formation is reported to develop between 2 and 5 years post-operation. We report a case in which the cyst was developed at 2 years after surgery; a biocomposite screw was used for fixation on tibial site, in an ACL reconstruction done with soft tissue autograft. The MRI examination suggested the diagnostic, which was confirmed by histological examination of the cyst. The screw suffered multiple fragmentation; the remnants were retrieved and analyzed. The knee stability was not affected by the cyst development. After retrieval of the screw and appropriate rehabilitation, the patient recovery was complete. The presented case confirms that even biocomposite screw may be related to these sorts of complications, mainly related to plain biodegradable screws. The case offers a point of start for analysis of the literature. A precise ethology of this kind of complications is still unknown; a lot of theories have been developed, two of them seem to be related to our case. Technical improvement together with long time surveillance of cases in which biocomposite implants were used may improve our knowledge concerning the fate of these implants.

Rodica Marinescu (Romania) - Pretibial cyst formation in ACL reconstruction

Dr Rodica MARINESCU is a physician doctor, in the specialty of Orthopedics and Traumatology, working in Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, with an active involvement in the education of orthopedic residents who did internship in our clinic, participating at both current surgical activities as well as at various clinical conferences (works diploma, licenses). Since 2001, when arthroscopic surgery was introduced in the preparation of orthopedic surgeons, she was among the first in the country with this qualification and have attended many courses as a lecturer. The research carried out over more than five years addresses areas of large current interest: biomaterials, joint surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. The scientific activity in the orthopedic clinic resulted in more than 100 papers in international journal and conference proceedings, member of scientific societies like (ESSKA-European Society for Surgery of the Knee, ISAK-International Society of Arthroscopy Surgery). Relevant scientific contributions made as a result of scientific and research activity are related to the introduction of the definition and implementation of protocols for the first time accurate diagnosis and treatment in a series of knee joint disorders (being co-opted and the National Health Ministry dealing with the development of these regulations). She was awarded as the first author in Romania that performed arthroscopic meniscal sutures, first cruciate ligament reconstructions with allograft, the first endoscopy for calcaneal pathology.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction technique was under tremendous improvement during last 10 years; anatomical versus transtibial technique gradually increased, with soft tissue graft overcoming bone-tendon-bone, and biodegradable exceeding metallic implants. Still, complications related to ACL reconstruction are reported; one of it is pretibial cyst formation. Pretibial cyst formation is reported to develop between 2 and 5 years post-operation. We report a case in which the cyst was developed at 2 years after surgery; a biocomposite screw was used for fixation on tibial site, in an ACL reconstruction done with soft tissue autograft. The MRI examination suggested the diagnostic, which was confirmed by histological examination of the cyst. The screw suffered multiple fragmentation; the remnants were retrieved and analyzed. The knee stability was not affected by the cyst development. After retrieval of the screw and appropriate rehabilitation, the patient recovery was complete. The presented case confirms that even biocomposite screw may be related to these sorts of complications, mainly related to plain biodegradable screws. The case offers a point of start for analysis of the literature. A precise ethology of this kind of complications is still unknown; a lot of theories have been developed, two of them seem to be related to our case. Technical improvement together with long time surveillance of cases in which biocomposite implants were used may improve our knowledge concerning the fate of these implants.

	Dan Grecu (Romania) - Our experience using all-in devices for meniscal suture
Dan-Cristian Grecu, MD, PhD, 50 years, Medical Education: UMF Craiova. Associate Professor for Orthopedics and Traumatology at UMF Craiova Head Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Emergency Hospital from Craiova Field of interests: Primary and Revision Arthroplasty, Arthroscopy, Clinical Research regarding Orthopedic Implants. Abstract In the last decade, the meniscal repair surgeries have evolved due to the support of medical engineering and biomaterials. In general, meniscectomy is the surgical procedure used for the treatment of meniscal tears. The site of the lesion is an important aspect because lesion must be in more vascularized peripheral region of the meniscus in order to facilitate the healing process. Different repair techniques was developed being grouped in 4 categories: open, arthroscopic inside-to outside, arthroscopic outside-to- inside, and arthroscopic all-inside. Most recently, a number of all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repair devices have been proposed to orthopedic surgeon, in order to shorter surgical time and reduce the surgical risk. The purpose of this paper is to show our experience using the all-inside technique called Fast-fix (Smith & Nephew). In our study 31 patients were evaluated, treated for meniscal tear in our clinic from January 2009 to December 2014. Considering the satisfactory results obtained in our specimen and supported by the data reported in the literature, we believe that, if you comply with the correct indications, it is advisable to opt for meniscal repair rather than meniscectomy. The meniscal sutures takes a longer recovery in the first phase of rehabilitation, but it has long-term benefits because preserve the meniscal integrity and articular biomechanics therefore. Of course, the experience of the surgeon who use this technique are very important for the clinical success.

Dan Grecu (Romania) - Our experience using all-in devices for meniscal suture

Dan-Cristian Grecu, MD, PhD, 50 years,
Medical Education: UMF Craiova.
Associate Professor for Orthopedics and Traumatology at UMF Craiova
Head Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Emergency Hospital from Craiova
Field of interests: Primary and Revision Arthroplasty, Arthroscopy, Clinical Research regarding Orthopedic Implants.

Abstract

In the last decade, the meniscal repair surgeries have evolved due to the support of medical engineering and biomaterials. In general, meniscectomy is the surgical procedure used for the treatment of meniscal tears. The site of the lesion is an important aspect because lesion must be in more vascularized peripheral region of the meniscus in order to facilitate the healing process. Different repair techniques was developed being grouped in 4 categories: open, arthroscopic inside-to outside, arthroscopic outside-to- inside, and arthroscopic all-inside. Most recently, a number of all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repair devices have been proposed to orthopedic surgeon, in order to shorter surgical time and reduce the surgical risk. The purpose of this paper is to show our experience using the all-inside technique called Fast-fix (Smith & Nephew). In our study 31 patients were evaluated, treated for meniscal tear in our clinic from January 2009 to December 2014. Considering the satisfactory results obtained in our specimen and supported by the data reported in the literature, we believe that, if you comply with the correct indications, it is advisable to opt for meniscal repair rather than meniscectomy. The meniscal sutures takes a longer recovery in the first phase of rehabilitation, but it has long-term benefits because preserve the meniscal integrity and articular biomechanics therefore. Of course, the experience of the surgeon who use this technique are very important for the clinical success.

	Horia Ples (Romania) - Biomaterials in Neurosurgery-a general overview
Horia Ples -MD-PhD Horia Ples is the chief of the Neurosurgery Clinic from County Hospital "Pius Brinzeu" Timisoara and lecturer at the discipline Neurosurgery in University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes" Timisoara. His activity comprise many participations at international and national conferences, 8 book chapters, and more than 100 publications. He is involved in editorial activities (member in Emeritus Editorial Board of the Romanian Neurosurgery Journal) and act as member of many national and international societies from Neurosurgery and Microsurgery field. Abstract During this presentation, a general overview about biomaterials in neurosurgery will be made. Different examples from clinical practice will be done.

Horia Ples (Romania) - Biomaterials in Neurosurgery-a general overview

Horia Ples -MD-PhD

Horia Ples is the chief of the Neurosurgery Clinic from County Hospital "Pius Brinzeu" Timisoara and lecturer at the discipline Neurosurgery in University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes" Timisoara. His activity comprise many participations at international and national conferences, 8 book chapters, and more than 100 publications. He is involved in editorial activities (member in Emeritus Editorial Board of the Romanian Neurosurgery Journal) and act as member of many national and international societies from Neurosurgery and Microsurgery field.

Abstract

During this presentation, a general overview about biomaterials in neurosurgery will be made. Different examples from clinical practice will be done.

	Diana Dudea (Romania) - Investigations on the optical properties of dental biomaterials by using spectrophotometers
Diana Dudea, Professor, PhD, DDS, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials- (Dental Propaedeutics and Esthetic dentistry), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy” Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Academic activity: Lectures and seminars for undergraduates and postgraduates students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania in following areas: Normal morphology and function of the dento-maxillar system, Oral semiology, Esthetic Dentistry, Dental Technology, Dental Materials . Lecture Dental color in restorative dentistry- Theoretical and prectical approach- Regensburg Universitatsklinikum. Scientific activity: Original Papers in Peer-Reviewed Journals: 20, Original Papers in National Peer Reviewed Journals:51, Abstracts for International Scientific Events: 55 , Abstracts for National Scientific Events 51 Invited speaker- 14 Books:6, Books Chapters: 3. Research projects as Project coordinator-6, Research projects as member in the Project’s team: 6. Membership in Scientific Societies: International Association for Dental Research (IADR), European Society of Cosmetic Dentistry (ESCD), Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry (SCAD), Romanian Society of Esthetic Dentistry- President of the local branch- Cluj-Napoca, Romanian Society of Biomaterials (SRB). Reviewer for: Journal of Clinical Oral Investigations, Cosmetic Dentistry- Romanian language edition, Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, Indian Journal of Dental Research, Clujul Medical. Other appointments: Vice-Dean on scientific affairs (since 2012), Adjunct investigator in the Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics of the University of Texas Dental Branch (2011-present), President of International Congress Napoca Biodent (2009), Member in the Council of the Faculty of Dentistry(since1992), Head-Department for Dental Propaedeutics (since 2005). Research/clinical interest: color in dentistry- (methods and instruments used for shade selection, discromatopsies, etiology and treatment of dental discoloration, perception and self-perception of facial and dental attractiveness, in vitro and clinical studies performed on bleaching materials, composites for direct and indirect restorations, glassionomers, dental ceramics. Abstract In dentistry, the optical properties of dental materials used for reconstructions of the dental arches aim to mimic the natural appearance of the teeth. In this respect, two groups of methods are currently in use to record the dental shade: visual color matching, which use shade tabs organized to form shade guides that are compared with the tooth surface and instrumental methods, based on spectrophotometry, colorimetric measurements andversions of software that enable the color analysis of the digital images; whenever possible, these methods should be used in combination. Among the measuring devices, dental spectrophotometers are mostly used by dentists and dental technicians. In principle, the amount of light reflected from a specimen is measured for each wavelength in the visible spectrum. Recorded data are converted and displayed in the CIE Lab* system and as shade tab codes of different shade guides. Depending on the complexity, dental spectrophotometers enable the assessment of the optical properties of the dental structure and of the restorative materials such as dental ceramic or composites. The presentation is an overview of our experience regarding the use of several types of dental spectrophotometers - VitaEasyshade (Vita) and Shadepilot(Degudent) on dental structure, dental composite, ceramic substrate and shade guides tabs. Our studies are focused on various objectives: to compare the performance of different spectrophotometers on dental and ceramic substrate, to measure the optical properties of dental structures and biomaterials when their stability to staining was assessed or when bleaching methods where experimented, to test the ability of ceramic materials to mask the colored substrate, and to compare the clinical outcome of visual and instrumental color assessment methods.

Diana Dudea (Romania) - Investigations on the optical properties of dental biomaterials by using spectrophotometers

Diana Dudea, Professor, PhD, DDS, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials- (Dental Propaedeutics and Esthetic dentistry), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy” Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Academic activity: Lectures and seminars for undergraduates and postgraduates students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania in following areas: Normal morphology and function of the dento-maxillar system, Oral semiology, Esthetic Dentistry, Dental Technology, Dental Materials . Lecture Dental color in restorative dentistry- Theoretical and prectical approach- Regensburg Universitatsklinikum. Scientific activity: Original Papers in Peer-Reviewed Journals: 20, Original Papers in National Peer Reviewed Journals:51, Abstracts for International Scientific Events: 55 , Abstracts for National Scientific Events 51 Invited speaker- 14 Books:6, Books Chapters: 3. Research projects as Project coordinator-6, Research projects as member in the Project’s team: 6. Membership in Scientific Societies: International Association for Dental Research (IADR), European Society of Cosmetic Dentistry (ESCD), Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry (SCAD), Romanian Society of Esthetic Dentistry- President of the local branch- Cluj-Napoca, Romanian Society of Biomaterials (SRB). Reviewer for: Journal of Clinical Oral Investigations, Cosmetic Dentistry- Romanian language edition, Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, Indian Journal of Dental Research, Clujul Medical. Other appointments: Vice-Dean on scientific affairs (since 2012), Adjunct investigator in the Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics of the University of Texas Dental Branch (2011-present), President of International Congress Napoca Biodent (2009), Member in the Council of the Faculty of Dentistry(since1992), Head-Department for Dental Propaedeutics (since 2005). Research/clinical interest: color in dentistry- (methods and instruments used for shade selection, discromatopsies, etiology and treatment of dental discoloration, perception and self-perception of facial and dental attractiveness, in vitro and clinical studies performed on bleaching materials, composites for direct and indirect restorations, glassionomers, dental ceramics.

Abstract

In dentistry, the optical properties of dental materials used for reconstructions of the dental arches aim to mimic the natural appearance of the teeth. In this respect, two groups of methods are currently in use to record the dental shade: visual color matching, which use shade tabs organized to form shade guides that are compared with the tooth surface and instrumental methods, based on spectrophotometry, colorimetric measurements andversions of software that enable the color analysis of the digital images; whenever possible, these methods should be used in combination. Among the measuring devices, dental spectrophotometers are mostly used by dentists and dental technicians. In principle, the amount of light reflected from a specimen is measured for each wavelength in the visible spectrum. Recorded data are converted and displayed in the CIE L*a*b* system and as shade tab codes of different shade guides. Depending on the complexity, dental spectrophotometers enable the assessment of the optical properties of the dental structure and of the restorative materials such as dental ceramic or composites. The presentation is an overview of our experience regarding the use of several types of dental spectrophotometers - VitaEasyshade (Vita) and Shadepilot(Degudent) on dental structure, dental composite, ceramic substrate and shade guides tabs. Our studies are focused on various objectives: to compare the performance of different spectrophotometers on dental and ceramic substrate, to measure the optical properties of dental structures and biomaterials when their stability to staining was assessed or when bleaching methods where experimented, to test the ability of ceramic materials to mask the colored substrate, and to compare the clinical outcome of visual and instrumental color assessment methods.

	Csaba Hegedűs (Hungary) - Application of aerogel in dentistry
PROF. DR. CSABA HEGEDŰS HEGEDŰS received his general medicine degree fromthe Medical University of Debrecen (Hungary)in 1982 and his Ph.D degree in Medical Sciencesfrom theUniversity of Debrecen (UD) in 2000. He is currently a full professor and head of the Biomaterials and Prosthetic Dentistry Department at the Faculty of Dentistry UD, and also the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry UD since 2009. His research interest comprises dental materials, the analysis of interfacial systems in dentistry, the polymers, including the hydrophobic, and hydrophilic systems with different nanoparticles, the metal ceramic-bioceramic, implant surface modification, the epidemiology of polymer and metal allergy and influence on cell metabolism. Abstract In our research project the preparation and application of highly porous silica aerogel-based bioactive materials were studied [1]. The aerogel was combined with hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate like bioactive and osteroinductive agents [2, 3]. The newly developed bioactive materials were characterized by nitrogen adsorption porosimeter and scanning electron microscope. The in vitro biological effect of these modified surfaces was also tested on SAOS-2 osteogenic sarcoma cells by confocal laser scanning microscope. The porosity of the composite was in the mesoporous region with a maximum pore diameter of 7.4 and 12.7 nm for the composite materials. The nano-sized hydroxyapatite containing sample showed the highest porosity, the lowest thermal shrinkage and good mechanical properties in contrast to other micro-sized inorganic fillers. The behavior of the osteosarcoma on modified aerogels was very similar to that observed on glass slide. Based on these measurements, we have demonstrated that these aerogels composite are biocompatible and non-toxic for this cell type, so it might find practical applications in the dental field in the future.

Csaba Hegedűs (Hungary) - Application of aerogel in dentistry

PROF. DR. CSABA HEGEDŰS

HEGEDŰS received his general medicine degree fromthe Medical University of Debrecen (Hungary)in 1982 and his Ph.D degree in Medical Sciencesfrom theUniversity of Debrecen (UD) in 2000.

He is currently a full professor and head of the Biomaterials and Prosthetic Dentistry Department at the Faculty of Dentistry UD, and also the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry UD since 2009.

His research interest comprises dental materials, the analysis of interfacial systems in dentistry, the polymers, including the hydrophobic, and hydrophilic systems with different nanoparticles, the metal ceramic-bioceramic, implant surface modification, the epidemiology of polymer and metal allergy and influence on cell metabolism.

Abstract

In our research project the preparation and application of highly porous silica aerogel-based bioactive materials were studied [1]. The aerogel was combined with hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate like bioactive and osteroinductive agents [2, 3]. The newly developed bioactive materials were characterized by nitrogen adsorption porosimeter and scanning electron microscope. The in vitro biological effect of these modified surfaces was also tested on SAOS-2 osteogenic sarcoma cells by confocal laser scanning microscope. The porosity of the composite was in the mesoporous region with a maximum pore diameter of 7.4 and 12.7 nm for the composite materials. The nano-sized hydroxyapatite containing sample showed the highest porosity, the lowest thermal shrinkage and good mechanical properties in contrast to other micro-sized inorganic fillers. The behavior of the osteosarcoma on modified aerogels was very similar to that observed on glass slide. Based on these measurements, we have demonstrated that these aerogels composite are biocompatible and non-toxic for this cell type, so it might find practical applications in the dental field in the future.

	Marioara Moldovan (Romania) - Restorative dental materials: in vitro and biological study
Dr. Marioara Moldovan is senior scientist, at “Raluca Ripan” Chemistry Research Institute, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, and leader Department of Composite Polymers. Research activities include the study and development of technologies for obtaining dimethacrylic monomers/oligomers with low polymerization shrinkage, polyalkenoic acids, micro and nanofiller, composite and nanocomposit materials and adhesives used in dentistry: a) dental composites used for restoration; b) sealants used for the prophylaxis of caries with children; sealants used in endodontic; c) synthesis and characterization inorganic materials e.g., micro-and nanocrystalline powders, bioglasses, as fillers for polymeric composites; d) synthesis of nanofillers (hydroxyapatite with Zn, Ag, Ti, Zr, Si, mixed Al-Zr, Si-Zr) by sol-gel method and stabilization of nanoparticles; e) surface treatments of inorganic particles with coupling agent, to make them compatible with the organic matrix of the composites; f) materials with biocompatible properties for the dental implants g) composites able to form thin films with adhesive properties cured at UV-radiation or visible light-cured, respectively. The focus area of her studies has been on research and development materials used in dentistry. Her experience in critiquing previous research, empirical evidence, patents and articles demonstrates not only her understanding of development dental materials, but also her desire to be involved in the latest research in this and other areas. Abstract The research on resin composite restorations has grown significantly over the past 10-15 years. Resin composite are now available on the market in some of the wealthiest industrialized countries and some materials have been tested in clinical investigations as well as in population studies. Restorative materials it has the indications for use from small cavities to extensive loss of tooth substance. Materials are employed for cavities in primary teeth; for cavities in permanent teeth, ranging from “minimal interventions” to the need for extensive replacements and/or build-procedures; replacement or repair of failed or less satisfactory restorations, or materials are used in people with compromised health and having dental caries on certain locations, e.g. root caries. In our country the research focused on development of restoration methods and inexpensive biomaterials that can with stand local climatic, storage and handling limitations. Also research to develop improved and novel materials, including development of biological materials (biomimetics/tissue engineering) for restorative purposes. For this study we aimed to investigate new materials restoration autohtone, comparison with comercial composites. This state-of-the autohtone biomaterials report will be examined in terms in vitro and biological test, and assessment of the performance outcomes of these strategies (longevity). Performance outcomes are discussed for all biomaterials in terms of safety, efficacy, and longevity of materials.

Marioara Moldovan (Romania) - Restorative dental materials: in vitro and biological study

Dr. Marioara Moldovan is senior scientist, at “Raluca Ripan” Chemistry Research Institute, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, and leader Department of Composite Polymers. Research activities include the study and development of technologies for obtaining dimethacrylic monomers/oligomers with low polymerization shrinkage, polyalkenoic acids, micro and nanofiller, composite and nanocomposit materials and adhesives used in dentistry: a) dental composites used for restoration; b) sealants used for the prophylaxis of caries with children; sealants used in endodontic; c) synthesis and characterization inorganic materials e.g., micro-and nanocrystalline powders, bioglasses, as fillers for polymeric composites; d) synthesis of nanofillers (hydroxyapatite with Zn, Ag, Ti, Zr, Si, mixed Al-Zr, Si-Zr) by sol-gel method and stabilization of nanoparticles; e) surface treatments of inorganic particles with coupling agent, to make them compatible with the organic matrix of the composites; f) materials with biocompatible properties for the dental implants g) composites able to form thin films with adhesive properties cured at UV-radiation or visible light-cured, respectively. The focus area of her studies has been on research and development materials used in dentistry. Her experience in critiquing previous research, empirical evidence, patents and articles demonstrates not only her understanding of development dental materials, but also her desire to be involved in the latest research in this and other areas.

Abstract

The research on resin composite restorations has grown significantly over the past 10-15 years. Resin composite are now available on the market in some of the wealthiest industrialized countries and some materials have been tested in clinical investigations as well as in population studies. Restorative materials it has the indications for use from small cavities to extensive loss of tooth substance. Materials are employed for cavities in primary teeth; for cavities in permanent teeth, ranging from “minimal interventions” to the need for extensive replacements and/or build-procedures; replacement or repair of failed or less satisfactory restorations, or materials are used in people with compromised health and having dental caries on certain locations, e.g. root caries. In our country the research focused on development of restoration methods and inexpensive biomaterials that can with stand local climatic, storage and handling limitations. Also research to develop improved and novel materials, including development of biological materials (biomimetics/tissue engineering) for restorative purposes. For this study we aimed to investigate new materials restoration autohtone, comparison with comercial composites. This state-of-the autohtone biomaterials report will be examined in terms in vitro and biological test, and assessment of the performance outcomes of these strategies (longevity). Performance outcomes are discussed for all biomaterials in terms of safety, efficacy, and longevity of materials.

	Teodor Traistaru (Romania) - Dental biomaterials and clinicians attitude in dental practice
Professor Teodor Traistaru is the Head of Department of Fixed Prosthodontics and Occlusology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest. Team spirit, correctness, selflessness and balanced approach are some standards that professor Teodor Traistaru always tried to maintain in relation to the other people and colleagues. He was president of UNAS (National Union of Stomatological Associations) in 2 periods 2000-2002 and 2002-2004, vicepresident of UNAS (2010-2011) and president (from 2011) of Romanian Society of Prosthodontics and Maxillo-Facial Prosthetics, editor in chief of Romanian Journal of Dental Medicine, member of the editorial boards for other journals (Journal of Stomatology; Cosmetic Dentistry – Romanian edition). As General Manager and Secretary of State in Ministry of Health, he coordinated with good results two major fields of interest: PHARE project & World Bank financed project (150 million $) and direct negotiations regarding Romanian integration into EU, in all aspects concerning Ministry of Health. He gives a special interest in the field of prosthodontics (fixed, removable and complete), occlusion and temporomandibular disorders. In the research area, some subjects treated were: new methods of treatment in edentulous patients like overdentures, new alloys used in porcelain-fused-to metal technique, the relation between the type of dental materials (impression materials, porcelain, dental alloys) and biofilms, the prevalence of the signs and symptoms of the temporomandibular disorders in the romanian teenagers group, the mandibular movements in the complete denture clinical cases, the psychometric evaluation of subjects with myoarticular pain-disfunction syndrome, the special features of implant borne prosthetics treatment, the impact of occlusal and biomecanical aspects in implanto-prosthetic rehabilitation, the study of mandibular movements in the case of subjects with different types of malocclusion and disfunction. Abstract A large array of techniques, technologies and biomaterials are currently used in the dental practice for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Dental and maxillofacial prosthodontics represents a part of the dentistry (it is actually a medical specialty in some countries). The prosthetic rehabilitation depends on the outcome of bioengineering and biomaterials research. These two aspects are complementary at a certain point in time and a specific place, as well. The general acceptance of newer biomaterials (and the respective techniques) or the non-acceptance implies multiple factors: professional, social, economical, and cultural. In order to determine the influence of newer biomaterials use on the structuring of the clinician’s attitude in dental practice, there were conceived two psychometric tests. In the end their results were corroborated. The Rosenberg scale was used for the evaluation of self esteem (profound and strong human value – essential for a harmonious and healthy evolution of an individual). Another test was designed for the evaluation of the report between the dental clinician and the biomaterial field. The interpretation of these two psychometric tests helps define the adjustment of the clinical behavior. The factors taken into consideration in the adjustments of the clinical behavior are: place, time, the clinician’s personality.

Teodor Traistaru (Romania) - Dental biomaterials and clinicians attitude in dental practice

Professor Teodor Traistaru is the Head of Department of Fixed Prosthodontics and Occlusology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest. Team spirit, correctness, selflessness and balanced approach are some standards that professor Teodor Traistaru always tried to maintain in relation to the other people and colleagues. He was president of UNAS (National Union of Stomatological Associations) in 2 periods 2000-2002 and 2002-2004, vicepresident of UNAS (2010-2011) and president (from 2011) of Romanian Society of Prosthodontics and Maxillo-Facial Prosthetics, editor in chief of Romanian Journal of Dental Medicine, member of the editorial boards for other journals (Journal of Stomatology; Cosmetic Dentistry – Romanian edition). As General Manager and Secretary of State in Ministry of Health, he coordinated with good results two major fields of interest: PHARE project & World Bank financed project (150 million $) and direct negotiations regarding Romanian integration into EU, in all aspects concerning Ministry of Health. He gives a special interest in the field of prosthodontics (fixed, removable and complete), occlusion and temporomandibular disorders. In the research area, some subjects treated were: new methods of treatment in edentulous patients like overdentures, new alloys used in porcelain-fused-to metal technique, the relation between the type of dental materials (impression materials, porcelain, dental alloys) and biofilms, the prevalence of the signs and symptoms of the temporomandibular disorders in the romanian teenagers group, the mandibular movements in the complete denture clinical cases, the psychometric evaluation of subjects with myoarticular pain-disfunction syndrome, the special features of implant borne prosthetics treatment, the impact of occlusal and biomecanical aspects in implanto-prosthetic rehabilitation, the study of mandibular movements in the case of subjects with different types of malocclusion and disfunction.

Abstract

A large array of techniques, technologies and biomaterials are currently used in the dental practice for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Dental and maxillofacial prosthodontics represents a part of the dentistry (it is actually a medical specialty in some countries). The prosthetic rehabilitation depends on the outcome of bioengineering and biomaterials research. These two aspects are complementary at a certain point in time and a specific place, as well. The general acceptance of newer biomaterials (and the respective techniques) or the non-acceptance implies multiple factors: professional, social, economical, and cultural. In order to determine the influence of newer biomaterials use on the structuring of the clinician’s attitude in dental practice, there were conceived two psychometric tests. In the end their results were corroborated. The Rosenberg scale was used for the evaluation of self esteem (profound and strong human value – essential for a harmonious and healthy evolution of an individual). Another test was designed for the evaluation of the report between the dental clinician and the biomaterial field. The interpretation of these two psychometric tests helps define the adjustment of the clinical behavior. The factors taken into consideration in the adjustments of the clinical behavior are: place, time, the clinician’s personality.

	Meda-Lavinia Negrutiu (Romania) - New trends of Optical Coherence Tomography in Dentistry
Meda-Lavinia Negruţiu (44 years old) is professor at the "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Faculty of Dentistry, Prostheses Technology and Dental Materials Department. Her research activities and competences are in the fields of dental materials and prostheses technology, alternative technologies in prosthodontics; imagistic investigations in dentistry – optical coherence tomography, structural adhesives for optical bonding; articulators; polymer injection technology; numeric simulation studies; soldering and welding technologies (plasma, laser); unconventional technologies of investigation, analysis, prognosis in dentistry. She was part of the research group that developed the first Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and the first Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Systems dedicated to dentistry in the east of Europe. She has 491 scientific works – 203 of them published (91 listed on the ISI Web of Science) and 288 oral communications at meetings in Romania and abroad. She is an author and coauthor at 21 monographies and 6 courses, co-author of one accorded (RO 121317 B1 /29.05.2009) and three in work OSIM patents. She is member in the research team of 11 grants - by 3 of them as project manager and 1 partner project responsible. She is member in the Management Comitee, representing Romania, of the FP7 COST Action MP 1005. According to Web of Science, the Hirsch index is 6. Sum of times cited articles, without self-citations is 45 and the number of Citing Articles without self-citations is 38. The address of the researcherid.com profile is: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/B-6974-2008. She is Visiting Senior Lecturer in the School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. She is member of the Romanian Society of Biomaterials, West Romania Multidisciplinary Research Association, Romanian Society of Lasers in Dentistry, Romanian Society of Esthetic Dentistry, SPIE, OSA. Abstract Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) represents a state-of-the-art noninvasive method used to perform evaluation and prognostic in different areas of medicine, including dentistry. The need for such an investigation method relies on the necessity, for the dental clinician, to have an increased, more accurate, and faster available amount of information from the dental areas that are of interest. A Time Domain (TD) OCT system working at a wavelength of 1300 nm and a Spectral Domain (SD) OCT system working at 870 nm were used for this work. The penetration depth of the investigations was approximately 3 mm in air for the TD-OCT and 2 mm in air for the SD-OCT. The slices obtained were utilized for the tri-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the areas of interest. The TD-OCT system has the advantage of providing data from an increased depth,, but the necessary investigation time is longer (i.e., approximately 1 min), while the SD-OCT system allows for a much faster investigation (i.e., in a few milliseconds), but at a smaller depth inside the samples. With regard to transversal sections (B-scans), the 3D reconstructions allow for a better understanding of the information within the investigated samples. The study demonstrates that ex vivo OCT investigations can be used for dental technology along with the research morphological considerations. Further on, in vivo investigations can have a significant impact in numerous dental applications, including dental therapy, endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and implantology. Several such examples are presented. The advantages along with the limitation of the OCT technology are pointed out. They promote OCT as a valuable tool in research as well as in future clinical dental procedures.

Meda-Lavinia Negrutiu (Romania) - New trends of Optical Coherence Tomography in Dentistry

Meda-Lavinia Negruţiu (44 years old) is professor at the "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Faculty of Dentistry, Prostheses Technology and Dental Materials Department. Her research activities and competences are in the fields of dental materials and prostheses technology, alternative technologies in prosthodontics; imagistic investigations in dentistry – optical coherence tomography, structural adhesives for optical bonding; articulators; polymer injection technology; numeric simulation studies; soldering and welding technologies (plasma, laser); unconventional technologies of investigation, analysis, prognosis in dentistry. She was part of the research group that developed the first Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and the first Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Systems dedicated to dentistry in the east of Europe. She has 491 scientific works – 203 of them published (91 listed on the ISI Web of Science) and 288 oral communications at meetings in Romania and abroad. She is an author and coauthor at 21 monographies and 6 courses, co-author of one accorded (RO 121317 B1 /29.05.2009) and three in work OSIM patents. She is member in the research team of 11 grants - by 3 of them as project manager and 1 partner project responsible. She is member in the Management Comitee, representing Romania, of the FP7 COST Action MP 1005. According to Web of Science, the Hirsch index is 6. Sum of times cited articles, without self-citations is 45 and the number of Citing Articles without self-citations is 38. The address of the researcherid.com profile is: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/B-6974-2008. She is Visiting Senior Lecturer in the School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. She is member of the Romanian Society of Biomaterials, West Romania Multidisciplinary Research Association, Romanian Society of Lasers in Dentistry, Romanian Society of Esthetic Dentistry, SPIE, OSA.

Abstract

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) represents a state-of-the-art noninvasive method used to perform evaluation and prognostic in different areas of medicine, including dentistry. The need for such an investigation method relies on the necessity, for the dental clinician, to have an increased, more accurate, and faster available amount of information from the dental areas that are of interest. A Time Domain (TD) OCT system working at a wavelength of 1300 nm and a Spectral Domain (SD) OCT system working at 870 nm were used for this work. The penetration depth of the investigations was approximately 3 mm in air for the TD-OCT and 2 mm in air for the SD-OCT. The slices obtained were utilized for the tri-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the areas of interest. The TD-OCT system has the advantage of providing data from an increased depth,, but the necessary investigation time is longer (i.e., approximately 1 min), while the SD-OCT system allows for a much faster investigation (i.e., in a few milliseconds), but at a smaller depth inside the samples. With regard to transversal sections (B-scans), the 3D reconstructions allow for a better understanding of the information within the investigated samples. The study demonstrates that ex vivo OCT investigations can be used for dental technology along with the research morphological considerations. Further on, in vivo investigations can have a significant impact in numerous dental applications, including dental therapy, endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and implantology. Several such examples are presented. The advantages along with the limitation of the OCT technology are pointed out. They promote OCT as a valuable tool in research as well as in future clinical dental procedures.

	Melinda Szekely (Romania) - Properties of Dental Adhesive Materials
Professor Székely Melinda, PhD, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Romania Dr. Melinda Székely is a Professor and Head of the Department of Morphology of teeth and dental arches; Technology of dental prosthesis and Dental materials of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Tirgu-Mures, Romania. She earned her DDS and PhD degree from this university in 1987 and 2003, respectively. Dr. Székely has been teaching for the same department since 1991, however in the meantime the former Department of Propedeutics and Dental Materials was renamed. She served as Junior Lecturer (1991–1999), Senior Lecturer (2000–2004) and Associate Professor (2004–2008) at the same institution. Since 1995 she attended on 1-3 month post-gradual studies per year at the Departments of Prosthetic Dentistry, Conservative Dentistry and Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. Subsequently she became Professor, as well as PhD supervisor in 2008. She was principal investigator of a number of research projects/grants and author–co-author of several scientific papers and congress abstracts. In 2012 she was appointed Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures. She is actively involved in teaching and research. She is a member of several Romanian and international societies and scientific organizations. Research Interest: dental materials; fluoride in preventive dentistry; smoking and tobacco control; dental fear and anxiety; dental erosion. Abstract The dental adhesive materials are a special subgroup of biomaterials. Adhesive dentistry involves the application and curing of an adhesive resin at the interface between tooth tissue and the composite restorative material. This adhesive bond seals the margin of the dental restoration, preventing the ingress of fluids and bacteria. The development of composite resins and adhesive systems is very dynamic, however as the number of available materials increases, it becomes more and more difficult the selection of the most appropriate material.The aim of this presentation is to give an overview of the development of dentine bonding systems. Aspects of the properties of materials that are pertinent to dental application will be considered. A brief review of research activities performed in this domain will be presented. The aim of the in vitro studies was to evaluate the ability of the composite fillings applied with different enamel-dentine adhesives to develop the marginal seal in human teeth. The marginal gap dimensions of test specimens were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aim of the in vivo study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a dentine bonding agent in animal model. The study was designed to determine by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) whether an adhesive applied in deep cavities alters the pulpal blood flow, which could be an early sign of pathological modifications in the dental pulp.

Melinda Szekely (Romania) - Properties of Dental Adhesive Materials

Professor Székely Melinda, PhD, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Romania

Dr. Melinda Székely is a Professor and Head of the Department of Morphology of teeth and dental arches; Technology of dental prosthesis and Dental materials of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Tirgu-Mures, Romania. She earned her DDS and PhD degree from this university in 1987 and 2003, respectively. Dr. Székely has been teaching for the same department since 1991, however in the meantime the former Department of Propedeutics and Dental Materials was renamed. She served as Junior Lecturer (1991–1999), Senior Lecturer (2000–2004) and Associate Professor (2004–2008) at the same institution. Since 1995 she attended on 1-3 month post-gradual studies per year at the Departments of Prosthetic Dentistry, Conservative Dentistry and Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. Subsequently she became Professor, as well as PhD supervisor in 2008. She was principal investigator of a number of research projects/grants and author–co-author of several scientific papers and congress abstracts. In 2012 she was appointed Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures. She is actively involved in teaching and research. She is a member of several Romanian and international societies and scientific organizations. Research Interest: dental materials; fluoride in preventive dentistry; smoking and tobacco control; dental fear and anxiety; dental erosion.

Abstract

The dental adhesive materials are a special subgroup of biomaterials. Adhesive dentistry involves the application and curing of an adhesive resin at the interface between tooth tissue and the composite restorative material. This adhesive bond seals the margin of the dental restoration, preventing the ingress of fluids and bacteria. The development of composite resins and adhesive systems is very dynamic, however as the number of available materials increases, it becomes more and more difficult the selection of the most appropriate material.The aim of this presentation is to give an overview of the development of dentine bonding systems. Aspects of the properties of materials that are pertinent to dental application will be considered. A brief review of research activities performed in this domain will be presented. The aim of the in vitro studies was to evaluate the ability of the composite fillings applied with different enamel-dentine adhesives to develop the marginal seal in human teeth. The marginal gap dimensions of test specimens were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aim of the in vivo study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a dentine bonding agent in animal model. The study was designed to determine by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) whether an adhesive applied in deep cavities alters the pulpal blood flow, which could be an early sign of pathological modifications in the dental pulp.

	Horia Manolea (Romania) - Evaluation Methods of Bone Graft Materials
Horia Manolea is Associate Professor at Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania. He graduated the Faculty of Dentistry in 2001, holds a PhD in Medicine and a Master degree in implant supported prosthesis. Research interests include resin restorative materials research, implant supported prosthesis technologies, development of ceramic and metal-ceramic technology, dental and periodontal structures morphology study. His professional and scientific activity comprises: handbooks/textbooks (5), papers published in scientific journals (27), papers published in the proceedings of international or national conferences (85), participating in different international or national research projects, member of the scientific and organizing committee of different meetings. Abstract Bone graft substitute materials play an important role in oral rehabilitation and understanding the biological effects of these materials is important for an optimum use. Many bone graft substitutes have been approved for clinical use but this large variability make it hard to select a graft materials. The evaluation methods of bone graft materials include in vivo and in vitro methods. In vivo methods comprise clinical and imagistic evaluation such as radiological or CT exams. Although the particular linear measurements are quite accurate, they can only provide an estimate of the augmented bone’s volume. CBCT scan is the imaging method of choice in the graft materials repairment of the osseous defects because provides 3D volumetric measurements of newly formed hard tissues. For the in vitro methods histological and histomorphometrical methods represents the classical evaluation of the bone graft materials biological integration. The bone biopsy samples may be taken from patients receiving two-stage augmentation therapy in implantation areas or from laboratory animal models. Histomorphometric measurements are used to quantify the relative amounts of different tissue types within the grafted area. However new emerging methods give new opportunities to a more accurate research of this materials. The microcomputed tomography analysis may determine the relationships and differences in three-dimensional bone mineral density and microtrabecular structures between bone grafts and their adjacent native bone. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is also an imaging technique characterized by high spatial resolution and noninvasive subsurface detection. OCT images are useful to evaluate optical properties of bone tissues. To design and produce an efficient bone graft, the researchers and clinicians should have sufficient knowledge of the characteristics of grafts such as osteogenesis, osteoinductivity, and osteoconductivity, and their other advantages and disadvantages.

Horia Manolea (Romania) - Evaluation Methods of Bone Graft Materials

Horia Manolea is Associate Professor at Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania. He graduated the Faculty of Dentistry in 2001, holds a PhD in Medicine and a Master degree in implant supported prosthesis. Research interests include resin restorative materials research, implant supported prosthesis technologies, development of ceramic and metal-ceramic technology, dental and periodontal structures morphology study. His professional and scientific activity comprises: handbooks/textbooks (5), papers published in scientific journals (27), papers published in the proceedings of international or national conferences (85), participating in different international or national research projects, member of the scientific and organizing committee of different meetings.

Abstract

Bone graft substitute materials play an important role in oral rehabilitation and understanding the biological effects of these materials is important for an optimum use. Many bone graft substitutes have been approved for clinical use but this large variability make it hard to select a graft materials. The evaluation methods of bone graft materials include in vivo and in vitro methods. In vivo methods comprise clinical and imagistic evaluation such as radiological or CT exams. Although the particular linear measurements are quite accurate, they can only provide an estimate of the augmented bone’s volume. CBCT scan is the imaging method of choice in the graft materials repairment of the osseous defects because provides 3D volumetric measurements of newly formed hard tissues. For the in vitro methods histological and histomorphometrical methods represents the classical evaluation of the bone graft materials biological integration. The bone biopsy samples may be taken from patients receiving two-stage augmentation therapy in implantation areas or from laboratory animal models. Histomorphometric measurements are used to quantify the relative amounts of different tissue types within the grafted area. However new emerging methods give new opportunities to a more accurate research of this materials. The microcomputed tomography analysis may determine the relationships and differences in three-dimensional bone mineral density and microtrabecular structures between bone grafts and their adjacent native bone. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is also an imaging technique characterized by high spatial resolution and noninvasive subsurface detection. OCT images are useful to evaluate optical properties of bone tissues. To design and produce an efficient bone graft, the researchers and clinicians should have sufficient knowledge of the characteristics of grafts such as osteogenesis, osteoinductivity, and osteoconductivity, and their other advantages and disadvantages.

	Cosmin Sinescu (Romania) - Superstructure Solution Assessment in Mandibular Edentation
Cosmin Sinescu (40 years old) is full professor at the Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Faculty of Dentistry, Prostheses Technology and Dental Materials Department. The Habilitation Thesis (2015) was focused on new methods of diagnostic and forecast in dentistry. His main research interests and competences include invasive and noninvasive, destructive and nondestructive methods of investigations in dentistry, dental materials, bioengineering, biocompatibility, optoelectronics, imagistic investigations in dentistry – optical coherence tomography, management of scientific research projects in medicine and pharmacy; principles and applications of optical coherence tomography; modern optical testing - field guide to interferometric optical testing; structural adhesives for optical bonding; principles of diffraction, interferometry, holography and difractive optical elements, synchrotron investigation. He was part of the research group that developed the first Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and the first Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Systems dedicated to dentistry in the east of Europe. Since 2005 he is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow in the Applied Optics Group at the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK. He is member in the research team of 14 grants - by 4 of them as project manager. He published many papers in ISI refereed journals and conference proceedings. The address of the researcherid.com profile is: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/G-1528-2011. He is a member of SRLS, SSB, SRB, IEEE, OSA and SPIE. Abstract The prosthetic restoration of the mandible edentulous represents one of the most challenging tasks for a dentist. The reduced surface of the prosthetic area (7 – 12 cm2 ), the perpendicular insertion of many muscles, and the mobility of the tongue and the obstruction of the alveolar artery which leads to quicker atrophy of the mandible alveolar crest represent major obstacles in a normal prosthetic treatment. The mandible all dentures present a three dimensional instability of the space, though they are executed at the highest quality level. J. Schreinemakers [1] which succeeded in influencing even the Americans in their therapeutically treating mentality says: “the total mandibular prostheses cannot fall down, it is already down”. Thought, the total edentation is a clinical actual reality that needs to be treated at the highest level. For example, in an very large literature study published in 2000, David R.B. [2] states that in USA approximately 10% of the population is completely edentate and more than 14 million people wear all dentures. A large part of them are not satisfied especially with the stability of their mandible prostheses. The same author states that over 50% of the total mandible prostheses have failures. The super-prostheses on four implants connected with a bar, this time using two distal extensions of maximum 10 mm could act as a viable solution for this problem. In this case the mezzo-structure reaching first molar’s area, is offering excellent support and stability to the overdenture. The type of the materials and the technologies used for these prosthetic constructs represent an issue for dentistry. BioHPP (High Performance Polymer) is a PEEK variant that has been specially optimized for the dental field. Thanks to strengthening with special ceramic filler, optimized mechanical properties have been created for dental technical and/or dental medical use in the crown and bridge area. This ceramic filler has a grain size of 0.3 to 0.5 μm. Due to this very small grain size, constant homogeneity can be produced. This homogeneity is an important prerequisite for these outstanding material properties and forms the basis for consistent quality. The fine granularity of the filler is the basis for the extremely good polishing properties that emerge later. The deposit of plaque is prevented and the degree of discoloration is reduced due to the fact that the surfaces are polished to a high shine. However there many specialists that claim many disadvantages for this material.

Cosmin Sinescu (Romania) - Superstructure Solution Assessment in Mandibular Edentation

Cosmin Sinescu (40 years old) is full professor at the Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Faculty of Dentistry, Prostheses Technology and Dental Materials Department. The Habilitation Thesis (2015) was focused on new methods of diagnostic and forecast in dentistry. His main research interests and competences include invasive and noninvasive, destructive and nondestructive methods of investigations in dentistry, dental materials, bioengineering, biocompatibility, optoelectronics, imagistic investigations in dentistry – optical coherence tomography, management of scientific research projects in medicine and pharmacy; principles and applications of optical coherence tomography; modern optical testing - field guide to interferometric optical testing; structural adhesives for optical bonding; principles of diffraction, interferometry, holography and difractive optical elements, synchrotron investigation. He was part of the research group that developed the first Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and the first Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Systems dedicated to dentistry in the east of Europe. Since 2005 he is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow in the Applied Optics Group at the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK. He is member in the research team of 14 grants - by 4 of them as project manager. He published many papers in ISI refereed journals and conference proceedings. The address of the researcherid.com profile is: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/G-1528-2011. He is a member of SRLS, SSB, SRB, IEEE, OSA and SPIE.

Abstract

The prosthetic restoration of the mandible edentulous represents one of the most challenging tasks for a dentist. The reduced surface of the prosthetic area (7 – 12 cm2 ), the perpendicular insertion of many muscles, and the mobility of the tongue and the obstruction of the alveolar artery which leads to quicker atrophy of the mandible alveolar crest represent major obstacles in a normal prosthetic treatment. The mandible all dentures present a three dimensional instability of the space, though they are executed at the highest quality level. J. Schreinemakers [1] which succeeded in influencing even the Americans in their therapeutically treating mentality says: “the total mandibular prostheses cannot fall down, it is already down”. Thought, the total edentation is a clinical actual reality that needs to be treated at the highest level. For example, in an very large literature study published in 2000, David R.B. [2] states that in USA approximately 10% of the population is completely edentate and more than 14 million people wear all dentures. A large part of them are not satisfied especially with the stability of their mandible prostheses. The same author states that over 50% of the total mandible prostheses have failures. The super-prostheses on four implants connected with a bar, this time using two distal extensions of maximum 10 mm could act as a viable solution for this problem. In this case the mezzo-structure reaching first molar’s area, is offering excellent support and stability to the overdenture. The type of the materials and the technologies used for these prosthetic constructs represent an issue for dentistry. BioHPP (High Performance Polymer) is a PEEK variant that has been specially optimized for the dental field. Thanks to strengthening with special ceramic filler, optimized mechanical properties have been created for dental technical and/or dental medical use in the crown and bridge area. This ceramic filler has a grain size of 0.3 to 0.5 μm. Due to this very small grain size, constant homogeneity can be produced. This homogeneity is an important prerequisite for these outstanding material properties and forms the basis for consistent quality. The fine granularity of the filler is the basis for the extremely good polishing properties that emerge later. The deposit of plaque is prevented and the degree of discoloration is reduced due to the fact that the surfaces are polished to a high shine. However there many specialists that claim many disadvantages for this material.