Jean-François Tassin

Publications of Jean-François Tassin

• Injection of calcium phosphate pastes: prediction of injection force and comparison with experiments.

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Julia Bosco, Rémi Deterre, Monique A V Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine. 04/2012;

  Calcium phosphate ceramics suspensions (ICPCS) are used in bone and dental surgery as injectable bone substitutes. This ICPCS biomaterial associates biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules withCalcium phosphate ceramics suspensions (ICPCS) are used in bone and dental surgery as injectable bone substitutes. This ICPCS biomaterial associates biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) polymer. Different ICPCS were prepared and their rheological properties were evaluated in parallel disks geometry as a function of the BCP weight ratio (35, 40, 45 and 50 %). The suspensions show a strongly increased viscosity as compared to the suspending fluid and the high shear rate part of the flow curve can be fitted with a power law model (Ostwald-de Waele model). The fitting parameters depend on the composition of the suspension. A simple device has been used to characterize extrusion of the paste using a disposable syringe fitted with a needle. The injection pressure of four ICPCS formulations was studied under various conditions (needle length and radius and volumetric flow rate), yielding an important set of data. A theoretical approach based on the capillary flow of non-Newtonian fluids was used to predict the necessary pressure for injection, on the basis of flow curves and extrusion conditions. The extrusion pressure calculated from rheological data shows a quantitative agreement with the experimental one for model fluids (Newtonian and HPMC solution) but also for the suspension, when needles with sufficiently large diameters as compared to the size of particles, are used. Depletion and possibly wall slip is encountered in the suspensions when narrower diameters are used, so that the injection pressure is less than that anticipated. However a constant proportionality factor exists between theory and injection experiments. The approach developed in this study can be used to correlate the rheological parameters to the necessary pressure for injection and defines the pertinent experimental conditions to obtain a quantitative agreement between theory and experiments.

• Kinetic studies of a composite carbon nanotube-hydrogel for tissue engineering by rheological methods.

  Authors: Fan Xie, Pierre Weiss, Olivier Chauvet, Jean Le Bideau, Jean François Tassin

  Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine. 04/2010; 21(4):1163-8.

  Here we used rheological methods to study the gelation kinetics of silanized hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-Si) hydrogel for tissue engineering. Firstly, the gelation time was determined from theHere we used rheological methods to study the gelation kinetics of silanized hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-Si) hydrogel for tissue engineering. Firstly, the gelation time was determined from the independence of tan delta on frequency, and the Arrhenius law was applied to obtain the apparent activation energy of gelation, which was found to be about 109.0 kJ/mol. Secondly, the gelation process was monitored by measuring the sample storage modulus. The results showed that the gelation process could be well classified as a second-order reaction. In addition, a composite HPMC-Si/MWNTs hydrogel system for potential cartilage tissue engineering was investigated. The comparison of pure HPMC-Si hydrogel and composite HPMC-Si/MWNTs systems indicated that the addition of MWNTs could increase the mechanical strength of hydrogel without changing the gelation mechanism of the system.

• The stability mechanisms of an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension.

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Monique A V Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine. 03/2010; 21(6):1799-809.

  Calcium phosphate ceramics are widely used as bone substitutes in dentistry and orthopedic applications. For minimally invasive surgery an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension (ICPCS) wasCalcium phosphate ceramics are widely used as bone substitutes in dentistry and orthopedic applications. For minimally invasive surgery an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension (ICPCS) was developed. It consists in a biopolymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose: HPMC) as matrix and bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics (biphasic calcium phosphate: BCP) as fillers. The stability of the suspension is essential to this generation of "ready to use" injectable biomaterial. But, during storage, the particles settle down. The engineering sciences have long been interested in models describing the settling (or sedimentation) of particles in viscous fluids. Our work is dedicated to the comprehension of the effect of the formulation on the stability of calcium phosphate suspension before and after steam sterilization. The rheological characterization revealed the macromolecular behavior of the suspending medium. The investigations of settling kinetics showed the influence of the BCP particle size and the HPMC concentration on the settling velocity and sediment compactness before and after sterilization. To decrease the sedimentation process, the granule size has to be smaller and the polymer concentration has to increase. A much lower sedimentation velocity, as compared to Stokes law, is observed and interpreted in terms of interactions between the polymer network in solution and the particles. This experimentation highlights the granules spacer property of hydrophilic macromolecules that is a key issue for interconnection control, one of the better ways to improve osteoconduction and bioactivity.

• Gelation studies of a cellulose-based biohydrogel: The influence of pH, temperature and sterilization.

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Roman Turczyn, Monique A. V. Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Acta biomaterialia. 06/2009;

  The present paper investigates the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) biohydrogel used for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. The general propertyThe present paper investigates the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) biohydrogel used for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. The general property of this modified cellulose ether is the occurrence of self-hardening due to silanol condensation subsequent to a decrease in pH (from 12.4 to nearly 7.4). The behavior of unsterilized and sterilized Si-HPMC solutions in diluted and concentrated domains is first described and compared. In addition, the influence of physiological parameters such as pH and temperature on the rate of the gelation process is studied. In dilute solution, the intrinsic viscosity ([eta]) of different pre-steam sterilization Si-HPMC solutions indicates that macromolecular chains occupy a larger hydrodynamic volume than the post-steam sterilization Si-HPMC solutions. Although the unsterilized Si-HPMC solutions demonstrate no detectable influence of pH upon the rheological behavior, a decrease in the limiting viscosities (eta(0)) of solutions with increasing pH is observed following steam sterilization. This effect can be explained by the formation of intra- and intermolecular associations during the sterilization stage originating from the temperature-induced phase separation. The formation of Si-HPMC hydrogels from injectable aqueous solution is studied after neutralization by different acid buffers leading to various final pHs. Gelation time (t(gel)) decreases when pH increases (t(gel) varies from 872 to 11s at pH 7.4 and 11.8, respectively). The same effect is observed by increasing the temperature from 20 to 45 degrees C. This is a consequence of the synergistic effect of the increased reaction rate and acid buffer diffusion. pH and temperature are important parameters in the gelation process and their influence is a key factor in controlling gelation time. By adapting the gel parameters one could propose hydrogels with cross-linking properties adapted to clinical applications by controlling the amount of pH of neutralization and temperature.

• The rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose tissue engineering matrices.

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Sophie Quillard, Monique A. V. Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Biomaterials. 03/2008; 29(5):533-43.

  This paper describes the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-Si) used in biomaterials domain as a three-dimensional synthetic matrix for tissue engineering. TheThis paper describes the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-Si) used in biomaterials domain as a three-dimensional synthetic matrix for tissue engineering. The HPMC-Si is an HPMC grafted with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). HPMC and HPMC-Si were studied. It is shown that although silanization reduces the hydrodynamic volume in dilute solution, it does not affect significantly the rheological behavior of the concentrated solutions. The HPMC-Si viscous solution (pH 12.8) cross-links by decreasing the pH using an acid buffer, since HPMC-Si solution transforms into an elastic state. The kinetics of cross-linking and final elastic properties is influenced by several parameters such as polymer concentration, pH and temperature. pH and temperature play an important role in the silanol condensation, mainly responsible for network formation. The study of the gelation process revealed the dependence of the final concentration of HPMC-Si hydrogel on cross-linking kinetics and viscoelastic properties. The percolation theory was applied to determine gel point and to discuss the dependence of storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli on frequency. Results showed that both G' and G'' exhibit a power-law behavior with an exponent (0.68) which extends over the entire frequency range. This method is the only one to characterize the time where a liquid viscous phase shifts to hydrogel with elastic properties. In this case it was about 23 min for a final pH of 7.4.

• Revised state diagram of Laponite dispersions.

  Authors: Philippe Mongondry, Jean François Tassin, Taco Nicolai

  Journal of colloid and interface science. 04/2005; 283(2):397-405.

  We propose a state diagram of charged disk-like mineral particle (Laponite) dispersions as a function of the Laponite concentration (C) and the concentration of added salt (C(s)), based on simpleWe propose a state diagram of charged disk-like mineral particle (Laponite) dispersions as a function of the Laponite concentration (C) and the concentration of added salt (C(s)), based on simple observation and light-scattering measurements. At low C or high C(s) the dispersions separate into two domains due to sedimentation of Laponite aggregates, while at high C and low C(s) they form homogeneous gels that do not flow upon tube reversal. The aggregation rate and the structure factor of the Laponite dispersions is determined with light scattering as a function of C and C(s). We discuss in detail the controversy on the origin of gelation of Laponite dispersions in the absence of added salt. We argue that aggregation rather than glass formation causes gelation.

• Influence of pyrophosphate or polyethylene oxide on the aggregation and gelation of aqueous laponite dispersions.

  Authors: Philippe Mongondry, Taco Nicolai, Jean François Tassin

  Journal of colloid and interface science. 08/2004; 275(1):191-6.

  The influence of pyrophosphate or polyethylene oxide (PEO) on the aggregation and gelation of dispersions of model disklike clay particles (Laponite) is studied using light scattering and rheology.The influence of pyrophosphate or polyethylene oxide (PEO) on the aggregation and gelation of dispersions of model disklike clay particles (Laponite) is studied using light scattering and rheology. Pyrophosphate adsorbs onto the positively charged rim and inhibits bond formation between the rim and the negatively charged faces of the particles. At low concentrations of pyrophosphate the aggregation of Laponite is only retarded, without significant modification of the structure of the aggregates and gels. The decrease of the aggregation rate can be explained by an increase of the energy barrier to the formation of bonds in proportion to the pyrophosphate concentration. Addition of a large amount of pyrophosphate leads to the breakup of Laponite aggregates and gels. PEO adsorbs onto the Laponite particles and inhibits aggregation by steric hindrance. The reduction of the aggregation rate depends on the molar mass and is maximal at about 1000 g/mol. Higher molar mass PEO bridges between the particles and leads to the formation of clusters or a weak gel immediately after mixture.

• Revised state diagram of Laponite dispersions

  Authors: Philippe Mongondry, Jean François Tassin, Taco Nicolai

  Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.

  We propose a state diagram of charged disk-like mineral particle (Laponite) dispersions as a function of the Laponite concentration (C) and the concentration of added salt (Cs), based on simpleWe propose a state diagram of charged disk-like mineral particle (Laponite) dispersions as a function of the Laponite concentration (C) and the concentration of added salt (Cs), based on simple observation and light-scattering measurements. At low C or high Cs the dispersions separate into two domains due to sedimentation of Laponite aggregates, while at high C and low Cs they form homogeneous gels that do not flow upon tube reversal. The aggregation rate and the structure factor of the Laponite dispersions is determined with light scattering as a function of C and Cs. We discuss in detail the controversy on the origin of gelation of Laponite dispersions in the absence of added salt. We argue that aggregation rather than glass formation causes gelation.

• Gelation studies of a cellulose-based biohydrogel: The influence of pH, temperature and sterilization

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Roman Turczyn, Monique A.V. Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Acta Biomaterialia.

  The present paper investigates the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) biohydrogel used for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. The general propertyThe present paper investigates the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) biohydrogel used for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. The general property of this modified cellulose ether is the occurrence of self-hardening due to silanol condensation subsequent to a decrease in pH (from 12.4 to nearly 7.4). The behavior of unsterilized and sterilized Si-HPMC solutions in diluted and concentrated domains is first described and compared. In addition, the influence of physiological parameters such as pH and temperature on the rate of the gelation process is studied. In dilute solution, the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) of different pre-steam sterilization Si-HPMC solutions indicates that macromolecular chains occupy a larger hydrodynamic volume than the post-steam sterilization Si-HPMC solutions. Although the unsterilized Si-HPMC solutions demonstrate no detectable influence of pH upon the rheological behavior, a decrease in the limiting viscosities (η0) of solutions with increasing pH is observed following steam sterilization. This effect can be explained by the formation of intra- and intermolecular associations during the sterilization stage originating from the temperature-induced phase separation. The formation of Si-HPMC hydrogels from injectable aqueous solution is studied after neutralization by different acid buffers leading to various final pHs. Gelation time (tgel) decreases when pH increases (tgel varies from 872 to 11 s at pH 7.4 and 11.8, respectively). The same effect is observed by increasing the temperature from 20 to 45 °C. This is a consequence of the synergistic effect of the increased reaction rate and acid buffer diffusion. pH and temperature are important parameters in the gelation process and their influence is a key factor in controlling gelation time. By adapting the gel parameters one could propose hydrogels with cross-linking properties adapted to clinical applications by controlling the amount of pH of neutralization and temperature.

• Rheological characterization of self-hardening hydrogel for tissue engineering applications: gel Point determination and Viscoelastic properties

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Monique Axelos, Jean-François Tassin, Pierre Weiss

  Macromolecular Symposia.

  Silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) is a modified biopolymer used in biomaterial's domain. A hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was functionalised with silane groups. The macromolecularSilated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) is a modified biopolymer used in biomaterial's domain. A hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was functionalised with silane groups. The macromolecular solution of Si-HPMC (pH 12.9) generates an elastic state at physiological pH (~7.4). In this work we present the gel formation of Si-HPMC resulting from the condensation of silanol groups. The crosslinked hydrogel was characterized using rheological techniques. With the scalar percolation model the gelation time was determined as a function of Si-HPMC concentration at 37 °C.

• Rheological characterization of self-hardening hydrogel for tissue engineering applications: gel point determination and viscoelastic properties

  Authors: Ahmed F. Fatimi, Monique A. V. Axelos, Jean-François Tassin, Pierre Weiss

  Ahmed Fatimi.

  Silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) is a modified biopolymer used in biomaterial's domain. A hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was functionalised with silane groups. The macromolecularSilated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) is a modified biopolymer used in biomaterial's domain. A hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was functionalised with silane groups. The macromolecular solution of Si-HPMC (pH 12.9) generates an elastic state at physiological pH (∼7.4). In this work we present the gel formation of Si-HPMC resulting from the condensation of silanol groups. The crosslinked hydrogel was characterized using rheological techniques. With the scalar percolation model the gelation time was determined as a function of Si-HPMC concentration at 37°C.

• Gelation studies of a cellulose-based biohydrogel: the influence of pH, temperature and sterilization.

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Roman Turczyn, Monique Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Acta Biomater.

  The present paper investigates the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) biohydrogel used for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. The general propertyThe present paper investigates the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) biohydrogel used for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. The general property of this modified cellulose ether is the occurrence of self-hardening due to silanol condensation subsequent to a decrease in pH (from 12.4 to nearly 7.4). The behavior of unsterilized and sterilized Si-HPMC solutions in diluted and concentrated domains is first described and compared. In addition, the influence of physiological parameters such as pH and temperature on the rate of the gelation process is studied. In dilute solution, the intrinsic viscosity ([eta]) of different pre-steam sterilization Si-HPMC solutions indicates that macromolecular chains occupy a larger hydrodynamic volume than the post-steam sterilization Si-HPMC solutions. Although the unsterilized Si-HPMC solutions demonstrate no detectable influence of pH upon the rheological behavior, a decrease in the limiting viscosities (eta(0)) of solutions with increasing pH is observed following steam sterilization. This effect can be explained by the formation of intra- and intermolecular associations during the sterilization stage originating from the temperature-induced phase separation. The formation of Si-HPMC hydrogels from injectable aqueous solution is studied after neutralization by different acid buffers leading to various final pHs. Gelation time (t(gel)) decreases when pH increases (t(gel) varies from 872 to 11s at pH 7.4 and 11.8, respectively). The same effect is observed by increasing the temperature from 20 to 45 degrees C. This is a consequence of the synergistic effect of the increased reaction rate and acid buffer diffusion. pH and temperature are important parameters in the gelation process and their influence is a key factor in controlling gelation time. By adapting the gel parameters one could propose hydrogels with cross-linking properties adapted to clinical applications by controlling the amount of pH of neutralization and temperature.

• The stability mechanisms of an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension.

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Monique Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine.

  Calcium phosphate ceramics are widely used as bone substitutes in dentistry and orthopedic applications. For minimally invasive surgery an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension (ICPCS) wasCalcium phosphate ceramics are widely used as bone substitutes in dentistry and orthopedic applications. For minimally invasive surgery an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension (ICPCS) was developed. It consists in a biopolymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose: HPMC) as matrix and bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics (biphasic calcium phosphate: BCP) as fillers. The stability of the suspension is essential to this generation of "ready to use" injectable biomaterial. But, during storage, the particles settle down. The engineering sciences have long been interested in models describing the settling (or sedimentation) of particles in viscous fluids. Our work is dedicated to the comprehension of the effect of the formulation on the stability of calcium phosphate suspension before and after steam sterilization. The rheological characterization revealed the macromolecular behavior of the suspending medium. The investigations of settling kinetics showed the influence of the BCP particle size and the HPMC concentration on the settling velocity and sediment compactness before and after sterilization. To decrease the sedimentation process, the granule size has to be smaller and the polymer concentration has to increase. A much lower sedimentation velocity, as compared to Stokes law, is observed and interpreted in terms of interactions between the polymer network in solution and the particles. This experimentation highlights the granules spacer property of hydrophilic macromolecules that is a key issue for interconnection control, one of the better ways to improve osteoconduction and bioactivity.

• Sedimentation study of biphasic calcium phosphate particles

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Monique A. V. Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Ahmed Fatimi.

  Injectable calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterial is considered as an injectable bone substitute (IBS). It was developed to minimize invasive surgery in various applications in orthopedic and dentalInjectable calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterial is considered as an injectable bone substitute (IBS). It was developed to minimize invasive surgery in various applications in orthopedic and dental surgery. The IBS considered of a polymer solution mixed with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic particles. Two particle sizes of BCP (40-80 and 80-200μm) were used and the weight ratio was 40%. This study investigated the influence of polymer solution on the BCP particles stability. Effects of particles size and limiting viscosity of polymer on the sedimentation were studied. The polymer concentration and particles size can be adapted to provide the best stability and storage of IBS.

• Sedimentation Study of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Particles

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Monique Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  Injectable calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterial is considered as an injectable bone substitute (IBS). It was developed to minimize invasive surgery in various applications in orthopedic and dentalInjectable calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterial is considered as an injectable bone substitute (IBS). It was developed to minimize invasive surgery in various applications in orthopedic and dental surgery. The IBS considered of a polymer solution mixed with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic particles. Two particle sizes of BCP (40-80 and 80-200μm) were used and the weight ratio was 40%. This study investigated the influence of polymer solution on the BCP particles stability. Effects of particles size and limiting viscosity of polymer on the sedimentation were studied. The polymer concentration and particles size can be adapted to provide the best stability and storage of IBS.

• The rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose tissue engineering matrices

  Authors: Ahmed Fatimi, Jean-François Tassin, Sophie Quillard, Monique Axelos, Pierre Weiss

  This paper describes the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-Si) used in biomaterials domain as a three-dimensional synthetic matrix for tissue engineering. TheThis paper describes the rheological properties of silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-Si) used in biomaterials domain as a three-dimensional synthetic matrix for tissue engineering. The HPMC-Si is an HPMC grafted with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). HPMC and HPMC-Si were studied. It is shown that although silanization reduces the hydrodynamic volume in dilute solution, it does not affect significantly the rheological behavior of the concentrated solutions. The HPMC-Si viscous solution (pH 12.8) cross-links by decreasing the pH using an acid buffer, since HPMC-Si solution transforms into an elastic state. The kinetics of cross-linking and final elastic properties is influenced by several parameters such as polymer concentration, pH and temperature. pH and temperature play an important role in the silanol condensation, mainly responsible for network formation. The study of the gelation process revealed the dependence of the final concentration of HPMC-Si hydrogel on cross-linking kinetics and viscoelastic properties. The percolation theory was applied to determine gel point and to discuss the dependence of storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli on frequency. Results showed that both G' and G'' exhibit a power-law behavior with an exponent (0.68) which extends over the entire frequency range. This method is the only one to characterize the time where a liquid viscous phase shifts to hydrogel with elastic properties. In this case it was about 23 min for a final pH of 7.4.