Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Gessica Ciulla, Amanda Marchini, Jacopo Gazzola, Manuel Sambrotta, Fabrizio Gelain
Summary: This study developed a fast, green, and affordable method to enhance the mechanical properties of different types of self-assembling peptides (SAPs) using microwave irradiation. The method does not affect the biomimetic properties of SAPs and can be applied in biomedical research labs and clinics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Gessica Ciulla, Amanda Marchini, Jacopo Gazzola, Manuel Sambrotta, Fabrizio Gelain
Summary: Biomaterials designed for tissue engineering applications should mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) in terms of biomimetic and mechanical properties. Self-assembling peptides (SAPs) are promising synthetic bionanomaterials but usually yield soft and fragile hydrogels. This study introduces a novel method using mild microwave irradiation to increase the mechanical properties of SAPs, without altering their biomimetic properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Addison Faglie, Rachel Emerine, Shih-Feng Chou
Summary: Electrospun microfibers, loaded with poloxamers, have shown promise as advanced wound dressings with controlled drug release. This study investigated the effects of poloxamer loading on the physical and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and in vitro drug release of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers. The results showed that the incorporation of poloxamers improved the deposition area and stiffness of the fibers, while reducing their ductility and hydrophobicity. The presence of poloxamers also accelerated the in vitro drug release and demonstrated biocompatibility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Hsun Yu, Chen-Hung Lee, Yung-Heng Hsu, Ying-Chao Chou, Ping-Chun Yu, Chao-Tsai Huang, Shih-Jung Liu
Summary: This study investigated the use of composite membranes for repairing torn Achilles tendons by simultaneously releasing indomethacin and bupivacaine in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that the membranes achieved complete recovery of rat tendons by sustained release of the drugs, and they exhibited excellent mechanical strength and anti-adhesion capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Olmos-Juste, Sheila Olza, Nagore Gabilondo, Arantxa Eceiza
Summary: In this study, personalized mesh implants made of alginate and waterborne-polyurethane (A-WBPU) were developed using 3D printing technology. The optimal mesh formulation for different types of hernias was determined through rheological characterization and mechanical analysis. Additionally, an antibiotic-loaded formulation was developed to prevent infection.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seong-Jin Hong, Young-Min Kim
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of CIs and CDs in enhancing the water solubility of the poorly water-soluble drug CFZ. Among all the evaluated CIs and CDs, CI-9 showed the highest drug inclusion percentage and solubility, as well as the highest encapsulation efficiency. SEM analysis confirmed the successful formation of inclusion complexes CFZ/CI and CFZ/CD, which accounted for the rapid dissolution rate. CFZ/CI-9 exhibited the highest drug release ratio and better protection against environmental stresses compared to free CFZ and CFZ/CD complexes. These findings provide valuable insights for designing drug delivery systems based on CIs and CDs, but further studies are needed to ensure their safety and efficacy in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Samaneh Alaei, Yadollah Omidi, Hamid Omidian
Summary: Oral drug delivery faces challenges due to low bioavailability, while drug delivery through the oral cavity mucosa is seen as a way to enhance bioavailability. Oral thin films (OTFs) with mucoadhesive properties offer advantages over traditional dosage forms, requiring both adhesive and mechanical properties for optimal performance, although there is currently no standardized analytical procedure available for evaluating OTF adhesiveness and mechanical properties.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yajun Chen, Qingqing Wang, Dawei Li, Alfred Mensah, Yuyu Qiu, Huizhen Ke, Qufu Wei
Summary: The study demonstrates that multifunctional hydrogels based on quaternized chitosan and polyacrylamide, with appropriate dopamine and quaternized chitosan content, exhibit excellent mechanical properties, tissue adhesiveness, and self-healing capability. Furthermore, these hydrogels show strong adhesion to porcine skin and effective antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Billie Cheyenne Hawkins, Eric Burnett, Shih-Feng Chou
Summary: Electrospinning was utilized to produce PEO/EC blend fibers encapsulating IBP drug, showing smooth fiber morphology and controllable drug release rates. The composition of blend fibers significantly influenced fiber diameter, surface wettability, and drug release behavior.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mariana Carranca, Louise Griveau, Noelle Remoue, Chloe Lorion, Pierre Weiss, Valerie Orea, Dominique Sigaudo-Roussel, Clement Faye, Daniel Ferri-Angulo, Romain Debret, Jerome Sohier
Summary: Reticulating PEG with DGL can provide intrinsic cell functionalities to PEG-based hydrogels and tailor the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. Cell adhesion is influenced by the concentration of DGL, cell viability depends on the ratio of DGL and PEG, and cell morphology and proliferation are mainly related to the hydrogel rigidity.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jun Xu, Tiantian Hao, Changlin Liu, Jingjing Bi, Jing Sun, Zheng Wen, Zhaosheng Hou, Jinjian Wei
Summary: A new type of pH-responsive block polyurethane (PMCU) was synthesized in this study, showing good tensile properties and pH responsiveness, making it a promising platform for targeted drug delivery in biomedical areas.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Navideh Abbasnezhad, Mohammadali Shirinbayan, Fatiha Chabi, Stephane Champmartin, Abbas Tcharkhtchi, Farid Bakir
Summary: This study investigates the effects of drug-polymer interactions on the mechanical and physicochemical properties of drug-eluting stents. By examining in-house polyurethane drug carriers and the changes in physicochemical properties during drug release, important insights are gained for optimizing the performance of drug coatings for stents.
Article
Polymer Science
Narcis Anghel, Valentina Maria Dinu, Liliana Verestiuc, Irene Alexandra Spiridon
Summary: Designing composites based on natural polymers has shown great potential in medical devices, especially in drug delivery. The addition of lignin or lignin-metal complex significantly enhances the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the composites, improving drug release performance and antimicrobial activity.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Junfeng Gao, Jiakang Chen, Xianwei Meng, Hainian Wang, Ning Xu
Summary: This study aims to select the appropriate road polyurethane adhesive, investigate the changes during the tensile test, and analyze the interface change after the fracture of polyurethane rubber particle mixture (PRPM). The results showed that with the increase of polyurethane content, the damaging effect of the mixture gradually transitioned from the polyurethane-rubber interface adhesion to the polyurethane-polyurethane interface binder cohesion. The polyurethane rubber particle mixture with polyurethane type F2 had high tensile properties at a content of 18%.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shruti Pandey, Pralay Maiti, Karun K. K. Jana, Dipak Rana, Vinod K. K. Aswal
Summary: Polyurethane nanocomposites with varying concentrations of nanotalc and Cloisite 30B as fillers were prepared by hot melt extrusion. TEM images showed good dispersion of 30B but moderate agglomeration in nanotalc composite. The mechanical, thermal, and gas barrier properties of the nanocomposites were better in 30B due to its greater interaction and good dispersion.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daiki Ihara, Yuji Higaki, Norifumi L. Yamada, Fumiya Nemoto, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Ken Kojio, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: The molecular mechanisms underlying the cononsolvency of PMPC in ethanol-water mixtures were studied through a combination of statistical mechanical models and neutron reflectivity experiments. The preferential interaction of water and the strong cooperativity of ethanol were identified, resulting in the collapsed PMPC chains being more solvated with water than the bulk mixed solvent at an ethanol volume fraction of 0.90.
Article
Biophysics
Orakan Hanpanich, Atchara Lomae, Atsushi Maruyama, Tanapat Palaga, Orawon Chailapakul, Nattaya Ngamrojanavanich
Summary: This study reports the development of an isothermal, label-free electrochemical biosensor for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic applications. The biosensor is designed based on target-driven MNAzyme cleavage activity and can rapidly detect DNA and RNA. Integration of an artificial chaperone-enhanced MNAzyme system further enhances the analytical performance of the biosensor, reducing the detection time and improving the detection limit. The proposed biosensing platform shows simple fabrication and operation, good selectivity, and versatility in complex mixtures of total RNA.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Atsushi Takahara, Walter Richtering, Gilbert C. Walker
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Atsuhiro Kojima, Juki Nakao, Naohiko Shimada, Naoki Yoshida, Yota Abe, Yu Mikame, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Takehiko Wada, Atsushi Maruyama, Asako Yamayoshi
Summary: In the process of cell development and differentiation, 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) plays an important role in transcriptional regulation and abnormal DNA methylation is associated with various diseases. This study discovered a photo-crosslinking property of Ps-Oligo to ds-DNA containing 5-mC in the presence of PAA-g-Dex, which could be a powerful tool for detecting 5-mC in genomic DNA.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuya Fan, Tadao Takada, Atsushi Maruyama, Mamoru Fujitsuka, Kiyohiko Kawai
Summary: Fluorescence imaging uses changes in intensity and wavelength to analyze multiple targets. Blinking, as an additional parameter, can increase the number of targets that can be identified simultaneously. By using DNA as a platform, the processes of electron transfer leading to blinking were elucidated, and different blinking patterns were observed depending on the DNA sequence. The blinking patterns were successfully described using a combination of electron transfer rate constants. Thus, molecules with various blinking patterns can be developed by tuning electron transfer, increasing the number of targets that can be analyzed simultaneously.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Atchara Lomae, Pattarachaya Preechakasedkit, Orakan Hanpanich, Tugba Ozer, Charles S. Henry, Atsushi Maruyama, Ekawat Pasomsub, Angsana Phuphuakrat, Sirirat Rengpipat, Tirayut Vilaivan, Orawon Chailapakul, Nipapan Ruecha, Nattaya Ngamrojanavanich
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of portable diagnostic tools for detecting and controlling the spread of the disease. In this study, a smartphone-assisted Sensit Smart potentiostat was combined with a paper-based electrochemical sensor to detect SARS-CoV-2. The sensor utilized a disposable paper-based device with a modified working electrode that captures the target DNA. The developed sensor demonstrated high specificity and achieved accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Wang, Hayashi Raito, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: This study investigates the effects of a series of cationic copolymers on DNA catalytic hairpin assembly, revealing that one copolymer significantly enhances the reaction rate by 30-fold and alleviates the dependency on toehold length and GC content, thus improving the circuit's robustness against interference. The use of this cationic copolymer proves to be an efficient approach to enhance the operation rate and robustness of toehold-mediated DNA circuits, opening up possibilities for more flexible design and broader application.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Seiya Takemura, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: Molecular chaperones play essential roles in physiological reactions by regulating biomacromolecules. This study demonstrates the photoresponsive activation of a cationic comb-type copolymer as a molecular chaperone, enhancing the disruptive activity of proteins and inducing morphological changes.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hendrik Heinz, Yogesh M. Joshi, Hongbo Zeng, Heng-Kwong Tsao, Sissi J. A. de Beer, Erin Koos, Atsushi Takahara, Gilbert C. Walker
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wancheng Zhang, Shutaro Takahashi, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: By changing the pH within the physiological range, lipid nanosheets with high structural stability can be reversibly converted to cell-sized vesicles using the membrane disruptive peptide E5 and a cationic copolymer anchored on lipid membranes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yucheng Zhang, Koichi Hasegawa, Sota Kamo, Kiyoka Takagi, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: Epoxy adhesives are crucial in the manufacturing of various components and products in industrial and daily use. Modifying the surface of adherents with PGMA greatly improves the lap shear strength of epoxy adhesive-bonded joints. The effect of PGMA layer thickness on reinforcement is still uncertain.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sinan Feng, Yokajaksusri Nutthon, Hiroyasu Masunaga, Sono Sasaki, Roman Selyanchyn, Shigenori Fujikawa, Shinichi Murata, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: This study investigated the impact of morphology on the gas transport properties of a poly-(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) multiblock copolymer. Annealing temperature was varied to evaluate changes in microstructure and gas transport properties of PEBA. Time-resolved attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the diffusion coefficient of CO2 in PEBA. The findings revealed a 38% increase in CO2 permeability in the annealed sample, while maintaining a high CO2/N-2 permselectivity.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jun Wang, He Huang, Orakan Hanpanich, Naohiko Shimada, Atsushi Maruyama
Summary: This study demonstrates that the catalytic activity of a Na+-dependent DNAzyme can be enhanced by adding a cationic copolymer and PEG in a molecular crowded environment, resulting in a significant increase in reaction rate.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Takuya Komachi, Shunya Kawai, Yuki Hirayama, Atsushi Maruyama, Naohiko Shimada
Summary: This study found that liquid droplets resulting from liquid-liquid phase separation can be formed when two types of polymers are mixed in aqueous media. Cooling-induced liquid droplets formed by PAU can entrap DNAzyme, significantly enhancing its activity. This phenomenon suggests that the liquid droplets induced by PAU are efficient reaction media for DNAzymes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ken Kojio, Aya Fujimoto, Chigusa Nagano, Shuhei Nozaki, Kazutoshi Yokomachi, Kazutaka Kamitani, Hirohmi Watanabe, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: In this study, the specific deformation behavior of crystalline polymer films under a multiaxial stress field was investigated. The experiments revealed that the string-shaped crystalline polymer chain structure produces local anisotropic uniaxial stress, leading to changes in the aggregation structure of the films.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mehlika Karamanlioglu, Serap Yesilkir-Baydar
Summary: This study determined the influence and ideal ratios of different amounts of coconut oil in gelatin-based films as wound dressings. Increasing coconut oil content improved the mechanical properties, thermal stability, cell viability, and wound healing ability of the films. CO-2 and CO-4 showed the best performance among the samples.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yu-Min Chen, Chihoko Tokoda, Yasuhiko Tabata
Summary: The objective of this study is to establish strategies to uniformly proliferate cells in a three-dimensional nonwoven PET/EVOH scaffold by simple adjustments in seeding and culture methods and the scaffold design. The combination of dynamic and static seeding methods resulted in the highest seeding efficiency. Stirring culture allowed cells to proliferate to a greater extent, while opening holes in the scaffold improved cell distribution. Two 1-mm holes were found to be optimal for homogeneous cell proliferation. Different cell types showed similar behavior in the scaffold, indicating the applicability of the established procedure. The nonwoven PET/EVOH scaffold serves as a potential cell culture substrate for efficient cell proliferation.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Majid Saeedi, Katayoun Morteza-Semnani, Jafar Akbari, Seyyed Mobin Rahimnia, Fatemeh Ahmadi, Hanieh Choubdari, Amir Lotfi, Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Hashemi
Summary: In this study, kojic acid loaded chitosan/collagen nanoparticles were produced using an ionic gelation and ultrasonic approach to enhance dermal delivery and anti-pigmentation effects. Increasing the amount of collagen in the nanoparticles led to larger particle size and higher entrapment efficiency of kojic acid. The nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape and kojic acid was in an amorphous form. Skin permeability tests showed that the nanoparticles delivered more kojic acid to the dermal layers compared to plain gel. The nanoparticles were non-toxic and non-irritating, and exhibited stronger inhibition of melanin formation compared to free kojic acid. These findings suggest that the produced nanoparticles have potential as a nano-vehicle for dermal administration of kojic acid, providing new options for managing hyper-melanogenesis problems.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hue Thi Nguyen, Anh-Tuan Le, Thanh Thuy Nguyen, Tran Quang Huy, Thuy Thi Thu Nguyen
Summary: In this study, a chitosan and emodin formulation was prepared to enhance the solubility of emodin and exhibited synergic antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacterial strains. The enhanced solubility of the formulation suggests its potential as a candidate for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jiu Ge, Mengting Li, Jiahui Fan, Christian Celia, Yijun Xie, Qing Chang, Xiaoyong Deng
Summary: Bacterial infections pose a significant threat to human health, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has reduced the effectiveness of antibacterial treatments. In this study, chitosan/silver nanoparticle complexes were developed to inhibit bacterial proliferation and induce membrane damage. The results demonstrated that increasing the chitosan concentration enhanced the antibacterial impact, and the nanoparticles showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The study provides valuable insights into the development of nano-antibacterial agents as a potential substitute for traditional antibiotics in medical applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
