Abstract: The present invention relates to matrices for tissue engineering in the form of foams, fibres and/or membranes formed of polymers, ceramics, polymeric composites and/or ceramic composites containing Bixa orellana L. extract capable of inducing tissue regeneration in vivo and in vitro, preventing inflammatory processes and fungal and bacterial contamination during processes of regeneration. The matrices can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and have the morphology, porosity and pore size required for tissue growth and regeneration, said structure being particularly suitable for tissue growth in vitro or tissue regeneration in vivo, and the regeneration of hard or soft tissue. Methods for producing said matrices are also described, which include impregnating the materials with the extract and subsequently processing the scaffolds in the form of foams, fibres or membranes, which can be carried out by electro spinning, producing foams by leaching particles, the method of foaming, lyophilization or casting.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tuned blade includes a base and a tire cutting edge made of a tool steel having a vanadium content which is at least about 8 percent. For example, the tool steel can have a combined vanadium, cobalt, and tungsten content that is at least about 15 percent. The tool steel can be formed into a simple block via a powder metallurgy process. The simple block can be milled into an ultrasonic tire cutting horn shape comprising a tuned blade including a base and a tire cutting edge. The ultrasonic steel tire cutting horn can be heat treated to provide the tool steel with a Rockwell hardness, for example, of at least about 50 HRC and less than about 64 HRC. The ultrasonic steel tire cutting horn can include a low friction or wear resistant coating.

Abstract: A conductive composition having a conductive component, a glass frit component, an organic medium, a boride component and a platinum group metal component, is provided. Embodiments of the conductive composition incorporate a palladium component and boride component selected from ZrB2, TiB2 and LaB6 and combinations thereof and having a Mohs hardness of about 7 or greater. Embodiments of articles with a conductive composition disposed thereon and methods of preparing such articles are also provided.