Biocompatibility has been considered one of the most important items to validate a biomaterial for its application in human organisms. The present work evaluates the biocompatibility of a new biomembrane using in vivo assay in different animal species. The experiments to evaluate the cellular reaction were carried out through the implantation of the material into the subcutaneous tissue of animals and the results showed a good reaction of the host tissue without any signal of fibrosis or rejection. The cell adhesion experiments were done by means of the measure of the DNA content on the material surface after its implantation into the subcutaneous tissue of animals and the results showed a growing number of DNA that was proportional to the time of implantation. The healing process was evaluated using a dermal ulcer model and the results showed a good tissue repair resembling a physiologic process. The overall results presented here lead to the conclusion that this new biomembrane is a biocompatible material but more research must be done, as it is a new material desired for medical use

These results demonstrate that the hexagonal phase nanodispersion is effective in improving the topical delivery of peptides without causing skin irritation.

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Background/Aims: It is a challenge to adapt traditional in vitro diffusion experiments to ocular tissue. Thus, the aim of this work was to present experimental evidence on the integrity of the porcine cornea, barrier function and maintenance of electrical properties for 6 h of experiment when the tissue is mounted on an inexpensive and easy-to-use in vitro model for ocular iontophoresis. Methods: A modified Franz diffusion cell containing two ports for the insertion of the electrodes and a receiving compartment that does not need gassing with carbogen was used in the studies. Corneal electron transmission microscopy images were obtained, and diffusion experiments with fluorescent markers were performed to examine the integrity of the barrier function. The preservation of the negatively charged corneal epithelium was verified by the determination of the electro-osmotic flow of a hydrophilic and non-ionized molecule. Results: The diffusion cell was able to maintain the temperature, homogenization, porcine epithelial corneal structure integrity, barrier function and electrical characteristics throughout the 6 h of permeation experiment, without requiring CO₂ gassing when the receiving chamber was filled with 25 mM of HEPES buffer solution. Conclusion: The system described here is inexpensive, easy to handle and reliable as an in vitro model for iontophoretic ocular delivery studies.

The bioceramic in question is biocompatible, has good bone integration, being gradually resorbed and replaced by it, featuring a viable bone substitute for grafting procedures.

SUMMARYWhite piedra is a superficial mycosis caused by Trichosporon spp. that affects the hair shaft of any part of the body. It is presented an outbreak of scalp white piedra seen in 5.8% of the children frequenting a day care in Northeastern of São Paulo State, Brazil. Mycological exam and culture identified T. cutaneum in all five cases, and scanning electron microscopy of nodules around hair shaft infected by Trichosporon spp. is demonstrated comparing them with those of black piedra and with nits of Pediculous capitis.