@article{KoppSchunckGosauetal.2020, author = {Kopp, Alexander and Schunck, Laura and Gosau, Martin and Smeets, Ralf and Burg, Simon and Fuest, Sandra and Kr{\"o}ger, Nadja and Zinser, Max and Krohn, Sebastian and Behbahani, Mehdi and K{\"o}pf, Marius and Lauts, Lisa and Rutkowski, Rico}, title = {Influence of the casting concentration on the mechanical and optical properties of Fa/CaCl2-derived silk fibroin membranes}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {21}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {18 art. no. 6704}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms21186704}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In this study, we describe the manufacturing and characterization of silk fibroin membranes derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori. To date, the dissolution process used in this study has only been researched to a limited extent, although it entails various potential advantages, such as reduced expenses and the absence of toxic chemicals in comparison to other conventional techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of different fibroin concentrations on the process output and resulting membrane properties. Casted membranes were thus characterized with regard to their mechanical, structural and optical assets via tensile testing, SEM, light microscopy and spectrophotometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using BrdU, XTT, and LDH assays, followed by live-dead staining. The formic acid (FA) dissolution method was proven to be suitable for the manufacturing of transparent and mechanically stable membranes. The fibroin concentration affects both thickness and transparency of the membranes. The membranes did not exhibit any signs of cytotoxicity. When compared to other current scientific and technical benchmarks, the manufactured membranes displayed promising potential for various biomedical applications. Further research is nevertheless necessary to improve reproducible manufacturing, including a more uniform thickness, less impurity and physiological pH within the membranes.}, language = {en} } @article{QuittmannMeskemperAbeletal.2018, author = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Meskemper, Joshua and Abel, Thomas and Albracht, Kirsten and Foitschik, Tina and Rojas-Vega, Sandra and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.}, title = {Kinematics and kinetics of handcycling propulsion at increasing workloads in able-bodied subjects}, series = {Sports Engineereing}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sports Engineereing}, number = {21}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1460-2687}, doi = {10.1007/s12283-018-0269-y}, pages = {283 -- 294}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In Paralympic sports, biomechanical optimisation of movements and equipment seems to be promising for improving performance. In handcycling, information about the biomechanics of this sport is mainly provided by case studies. The aim of the current study was (1) to examine changes in handcycling propulsion kinematics and kinetics due to increasing workloads and (2) identify parameters that are associated with peak aerobic performance. Twelve non-disabled male competitive triathletes without handcycling experience voluntarily participated in the study. They performed an initial familiarisation protocol and incremental step test until exhaustion in a recumbent racing handcycle that was attached to an ergometer. During the incremental test, tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (local and global) were identified. As a performance criterion, the maximal power output during the step test (Pmax) was calculated and correlated with biomechanical parameters. For higher workloads, an increase in crank torque was observed that was even more pronounced in the pull phase than in the push phase. Furthermore, participants showed an increase in shoulder internal rotation and abduction and a decrease in elbow flexion and retroversion. These changes were negatively correlated with performance. At high workloads, it seems that power output is more limited by the transition from pull to push phase than at low workloads. It is suggested that successful athletes demonstrate small alterations of their kinematic profile due to increasing workloads. Future studies should replicate and expand the test spectrum (sprint and continuous loads) as well as use methods like surface electromyography (sEMG) with elite handcyclists.}, language = {de} } @article{ConzenAlbannaWeissetal.2018, author = {Conzen, Catharina and Albanna, Walid and Weiss, Miriam and K{\"u}rten, David and Vilser, Walthard and Kotliar, Konstantin and Z{\"a}ske, Charlotte and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander}, title = {Vasoconstriction and Impairment of Neurovascular Coupling after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: a Descriptive Analysis of Retinal Changes}, series = {Translational Stroke Research}, journal = {Translational Stroke Research}, number = {9}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1868-601X}, doi = {10.1007/s12975-017-0585-8}, pages = {284 -- 293}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Impaired cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling (NVC) contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Retinal vessel analysis (RVA) allows non-invasive assessment of vessel dimension and NVC hereby demonstrating a predictive value in the context of various neurovascular diseases. Using RVA as a translational approach, we aimed to assess the retinal vessels in patients with SAH. RVA was performed prospectively in 24 patients with acute SAH (group A: day 5-14), in 11 patients 3 months after ictus (group B: day 90 ± 35), and in 35 age-matched healthy controls (group C). Data was acquired using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems UG, Jena) for examination of retinal vessel dimension and NVC using flicker-light excitation. Diameter of retinal vessels—central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent—was significantly reduced in the acute phase (p < 0.001) with gradual improvement in group B (p < 0.05). Arterial NVC of group A was significantly impaired with diminished dilatation (p < 0.001) and reduced area under the curve (p < 0.01) when compared to group C. Group B showed persistent prolonged latency of arterial dilation (p < 0.05). Venous NVC was significantly delayed after SAH compared to group C (A p < 0.001; B p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to document retinal vasoconstriction and impairment of NVC in patients with SAH. Using non-invasive RVA as a translational approach, characteristic patterns of compromise were detected for the arterial and venous compartment of the neurovascular unit in a time-dependent fashion. Recruitment will continue to facilitate a correlation analysis with clinical course and outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{HugenrothBorchardtRitteretal.2021, author = {Hugenroth, Kristin and Borchardt, Ralf and Ritter, Philine and Groß‑Hardt, Sascha and Meyns, Bart and Verbelen, Tom and Steinseifer, Ulrich and Kaufmann, Tim A. S. and Engelmann, Ulrich M.}, title = {Optimizing cerebral perfusion and hemodynamics during cardiopulmonary bypass through cannula design combining in silico, in vitro and in vivo input}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {Art. No. 16800}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-96397-2}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a standard technique for cardiac surgery, but comes with the risk of severe neurological complications (e.g. stroke) caused by embolisms and/or reduced cerebral perfusion. We report on an aortic cannula prototype design (optiCAN) with helical outflow and jet-splitting dispersion tip that could reduce the risk of embolic events and restores cerebral perfusion to 97.5\% of physiological flow during CPB in vivo, whereas a commercial curved-tip cannula yields 74.6\%. In further in vitro comparison, pressure loss and hemolysis parameters of optiCAN remain unaffected. Results are reproducibly confirmed in silico for an exemplary human aortic anatomy via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Based on CFD simulations, we firstly show that optiCAN design improves aortic root washout, which reduces the risk of thromboembolism. Secondly, we identify regions of the aortic intima with increased risk of plaque release by correlating areas of enhanced plaque growth and high wall shear stresses (WSS). From this we propose another easy-to-manufacture cannula design (opti2CAN) that decreases areas burdened by high WSS, while preserving physiological cerebral flow and favorable hemodynamics. With this novel cannula design, we propose a cannulation option to reduce neurological complications and the prevalence of stroke in high-risk patients after CPB.}, language = {en} } @article{BrockhausBehbahaniMurisetal.2021, author = {Brockhaus, Moritz K. and Behbahani, Mehdi and Muris, Farina and Jansen, Sebastian V. and Schmitz- Rode, Thomas and Steinseifer, Ulrich and Clauser, Johanna C.}, title = {In vitro thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile mechanical circulatory support systems: Design and proof-of-concept}, series = {Artificial Organs}, volume = {45}, journal = {Artificial Organs}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1525-1594}, doi = {10.1111/aor.14046}, pages = {1513 -- 1521}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Thrombogenic complications are a main issue in mechanical circulatory support (MCS). There is no validated in vitro method available to quantitatively assess the thrombogenic performance of pulsatile MCS devices under realistic hemodynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to propose a method to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of new designs without the use of complex in-vivo trials. This study presents a novel in vitro method for reproducible thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile MCS systems using low molecular weight heparinized porcine blood. Blood parameters are continuously measured with full blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM; EXTEM, FIBTEM and a custom-made analysis HEPNATEM). Thrombus formation is optically observed after four hours of testing. The results of three experiments are presented each with two parallel loops. The area of thrombus formation inside the MCS device was reproducible. The implantation of a filter inside the loop catches embolizing thrombi without a measurable increase of platelet activation, allowing conclusions of the place of origin of thrombi inside the device. EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters such as clotting velocity (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) show a total decrease by around 6\% with a characteristic kink after 180 minutes. HEPNATEM α and MCF rise within the first 180 minutes indicate a continuously increasing activation level of coagulation. After 180 minutes, the consumption of clotting factors prevails, resulting in a decrease of α and MCF. With the designed mock loop and the presented protocol we are able to identify thrombogenic hot spots inside a pulsatile pump and characterize their thrombogenic potential.}, language = {en} } @article{ArampatzisKaramanidisAlbracht2007, author = {Arampatzis, Adamantios and Karamanidis, Kiros and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Adaptational responses of the human Achilles tendon by modulation of the applied cyclic strain magnitude}, series = {Journal of Experimental Biology}, volume = {210}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Biology}, number = {15}, issn = {0022-0949}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.003814}, pages = {2743 -- 2753}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{AlbrachtArampatzis2006, author = {Albracht, Kirsten and Arampatzis, Adamantios}, title = {Influence of the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit on force generation in runners with different running economy}, series = {Biological Cybernetics}, volume = {95}, journal = {Biological Cybernetics}, number = {1}, issn = {1432-0770}, doi = {10.1007/s00422-006-0070-z}, pages = {87 -- 96}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{SousaSiqueiraVerciketal.2017, author = {Sousa, Marcos A. M. and Siqueira, Jose R. Jr. and Vercik, Andres and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Oliveira, Osvaldo N. Jr.}, title = {Determining the optimized layer-by-layer film architecture with dendrimer/carbon nanotubes for field-effect sensors}, series = {IEEE Sensors Journal}, volume = {17}, journal = {IEEE Sensors Journal}, number = {6}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {1558-1748}, doi = {10.1109/JSEN.2017.2653238}, pages = {1735 -- 1740}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) structure is a typical device based on a field-effect sensor platform. With a simple silicon-based structure, EIS have been useful for several sensing applications, especially with incorporation of nanostructured films to modulate the ionic transport and the flat-band potential. In this paper, we report on ion transport and changes in flat-band potential in EIS sensors made with layer-by-layer films containing poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) adsorbed on p-Si/SiO 2 /Ta 2 O 5 chips with an Al ohmic contact. The impedance spectra were fitted using an equivalent circuit model, from which we could determine parameters such as the double-layer capacitance. This capacitance decreased with the number of bilayers owing to space charge accumulated at the electrolyte-insulator interface, up to three PAMAM/SWNTs bilayers, after which it stabilized. The charge-transfer resistance was also minimum for three bilayers, thus indicating that this is the ideal architecture for an optimized EIS performance. The understanding of the influence of nanostructures and the fine control of operation parameters pave the way for optimizing the design and performance of new EIS sensors.}, language = {en} } @article{ArreolaOberlaenderMaetzkowetal.2017, author = {Arreola, Julio and Oberl{\"a}nder, Jan and M{\"a}tzkow, M. and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Surface functionalization for spore-based biosensors with organosilanes}, series = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {241}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2017.04.157}, pages = {237 -- 243}, year = {2017}, abstract = {In the present work, surface functionalization of different sensor materials was studied. Organosilanes are well known to serve as coupling agent for biomolecules or cells on inorganic materials. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was used to attach microbiological spores time to an interdigitated sensor surface. The functionality and physical properties of APTES were studied on isolated sensor materials, namely silicon dioxide (SiO2) and platinum (Pt) as well as the combined material on sensor level. A predominant immobilization of spores could be demonstrated on SiO2 surfaces. Additionally, the impedance signal of APTES-functionalized biosensor chips has been investigated.}, language = {en} } @article{OberlaenderMayerGreeffetal.2018, author = {Oberl{\"a}nder, Jan and Mayer, Marlena and Greeff, Anton and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Spore-based biosensor to monitor the microbicidal efficacy of gaseous hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes}, series = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics}, volume = {104}, journal = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0956-5663}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2017.12.045}, pages = {87 -- 94}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In this work, a spore-based biosensor is evaluated to monitor the microbicidal efficacy of sterilization processes applying gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The sensor is based on interdigitated electrode structures (IDEs) that have been fabricated by means of thin-film technologies. Impedimetric measurements are applied to study the effect of sterilization process on spores of Bacillus atrophaeus. This resilient microorganism is commonly used in industry to proof the sterilization efficiency. The sensor measurements are accompanied by conventional microbiological challenge tests, as well as morphological characterizations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sensor measurements are correlated with the microbiological test routines. In both methods, namely the sensor-based and microbiological one, a tailing effect has been observed. The results are evaluated and discussed in a three-dimensional calibration plot demonstrating the sensor's suitability to enable a rapid process decision in terms of a successfully performed sterilization.}, language = {en} }