Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wen Shi, Zhishang Meng, Jing Luo
Summary: This study identified Cx43 as a key molecule in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and showed that Cx43 knockdown improved DR in a mouse model.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pei Feng, Saipu Shen, Yang Shuai, Shuping Peng, Cijun Shuai, Shijie Chen
Summary: In this study, PLLA chains were grafted onto graphene oxide (GO) to improve the interfacial interaction for PLLA/PGA scaffold. The PLLA-grafted GO reduced the interfacial tension and increased the contact surface area between PLLA and PGA, enhancing the interfacial interaction. The PLLA/PGA scaffold containing 1 wt% the PLLA-grafted GO showed significant improvement in tensile and compressive strength, and demonstrated good cytocompatibility for cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yoshiro Tajitsu, Jun Takarada, Kohei Takatani, Riku Nakanishi, Hiroki Yanagimoto, Seita Shiomi, Isamu Nakagawa, Ikuo Kawahara, Takuo Nakiri, Saki Shimda, Yoji Shimura, Takuto Nonomura, Kazunori Kojima, Atsuhisa Ikeguch, Kazuhiro Okayama, Tomohiro Sakai, Yuichi Morioka, Mitsuru Takahashi, Kazuki Sugiyama, Rei Nisho, Koji Takeshita
Summary: A new prototype sensor system has been proposed to understand employee workload during telework, addressing the discomfort caused by traditional image processing technology using a Web camera for vital sign sensing. This new system ensures that employees are unaware of the sensor's presence, allowing for more accurate evaluation of work environment and stress levels.
Article
Polymer Science
Ho In Lee, Yun Heo, Seung-Woon Baek, Da-Seul Kim, Duck Hyun Song, Dong Keun Han
Summary: Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is used as a biodegradable vascular scaffold (BVS) material due to its high mechanical property, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. However, acidic byproducts from PLLA hydrolysis can lead to inflammatory responses after implantation, causing issues such as severe inflammation, thrombosis, and restenosis. To address this, PLLA films were modified to improve X-ray penetrability and reduce negative effects, showing potential for successful implant applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Mohammad Foad Abazari, Shohreh Zare Karizi, Nazanin Hajati-Birgani, Mina Kohandani, Sepehr Torabinejad, Fatemeh Nejati, Navid Nasiri, Mohammad Hossein Maleki, Hassan Mohajerani, Vahid Mansouri
Summary: The study focused on fabricating poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(l-lactic acid) nanofibers and curcumin-incorporated nanofibers using electrospinning, and evaluating their potential for osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells. Results showed that curcumin-incorporated nanofibers had better biological properties and could support osteogenic differentiation more efficiently compared to empty nanofibers, indicating their promising potential for bone tissue engineering.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shlok Jindal, S. S. Ghosh, P. Gopinath
Summary: Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein acting as a tumor suppressor, enhances cancer cell sensitivity to anticancer drugs by forming functional gap junctions. A core-shell nanofibrous scaffold loaded with Cx43 gene and 4-phenyl butyrate (4-PB) has been developed and shown to exhibit anti-cell proliferative activity by transfecting Cx43 gene into Cx43 deficient breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and releasing 4-PB. The therapeutic potential of this novel scaffold lies in its ability to enhance the anticancer effects of HDACi through Cx-based mechanisms.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Pei Feng, Jiye Jia, Shuping Peng, Yang Shuai, Hao Pan, Xinna Bai, Cijun Shuai
Summary: In this study, the interfacial bonding between carbon fiber and biopolymer PLLA was improved by introducing nano-SiO2 particles, which led to enhanced mechanical properties of the fiber-reinforced polymer composite. The PLLA/CF-SiO2 scaffold showed good mechanical properties and cytocompatibility, indicating its great potential in bone tissue engineering applications.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuan Dai, Weizhong Wang, Xiaojun Zhou, Linli li, Yuyi Tang, Minghao Shao, Feizhou Lyu
Summary: The transplantation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) combined with bioactive nanofibrous scaffold can promote neural regeneration, reduce inflammation, and restore spinal cord function in rats. This study provides insights into potential treatment strategies for spinal cord injury using NSCs and bioactive biomaterials.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jie Meng, Francesco Boschetto, Shinichi Yagi, Elia Marin, Tetsuya Adachi, Xuefei Chen, Giuseppe Pezzotti, Shinichi Sakurai, Sono Sasaki, Takashi Aoki, Hideki Yamane, Huaizhong Xu
Summary: Melt electrospinning writing (MEW) is a promising technique for fabricating bone regeneration scaffolds, but the poor cell affinity and bioactivity of the scaffold limit its practical applications. In this study, a green alkaline method was used to modify the surface of the MEW PLLA scaffold, resulting in improved bioactivity and surface roughness. The modified scaffold showed enhanced filament tensile modulus and crystallizability. After culturing with cells, the treated scaffold exhibited higher osteoinductive ability and increased amounts of immature bone tissue. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of surface functionalization in preparing bioactivated MEW PLLA scaffolds for promoting bone regeneration.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yuqing Niu, Florian J. Stadler, Ming Fu
Summary: The study prepared a biomimetic nerve guidance scaffold using gelatin-doped PLLA nanofibers to mimic native nerve tissue structure, which showed significant effects on promoting nerve tissue regeneration in vitro and in vivo experiments. The synergistic impact of nano topographical and biochemical clues on designing biomimetic scaffolds efficiently promote nerve tissue regrowth.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Zahra Mousivand, Hossein Ayazi, Alieh Abdollahi, Hamid Akbari, Mohammad Raoufi, Elham Sharifikolouei
Summary: This research focuses on the fabrication of scaffolds using PLLA and PEO polymers loaded with active substances Argireline and Dexpanthenol. The electrospun nanofiber scaffolds are analyzed for their properties and tested on rat models with second-degree burns. The results demonstrate that the use of both active substances leads to a significant reduction in wound area and improved histological features such as angiogenesis and collagen formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Rosalinda Madonna, Stefania Moscato, Maria Concetta Cufaro, Damiana Pieragostino, Letizia Mattii, Piero Del Boccio, Sandra Ghelardoni, Riccardo Zucchi, Raffaele De Caterina
Summary: This study found that empagliflozin can inhibit excessive autophagy in the heart of diabetic patients by suppressing the AMPK/GSK3β signaling pathway, thus protecting the heart from damage.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Maria Donatella Mariniello, Matteo Ghilli, Benedetta Favati, Irini Gerges, Livio Colizzi, Margherita Tamplenizza, Alessandro Tocchio, Federico Martello, Maria Ghilardi, Maria Cristina Cossu, Serena Danti, Manuela Roncella
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the use of a biomimetic polyurethane-based scaffold for regenerating soft tissue in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS) for non-malignant breast lesions. The results showed positive outcomes in terms of safety and performance, suggesting that this innovative approach has the potential to significantly impact clinical application of tissue engineering.
Article
Polymer Science
Ottavia Racchi, Rebecca Baldassari, Esteban Araya-Hermosilla, Virgilio Mattoli, Pierpaolo Minei, Alfonso Pozio, Andrea Pucci
Summary: In this study, efficient anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) were prepared by functionalizing an aliphatic polyketone with 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole through the Paal-Knorr reaction. The derived membranes showed good thermal stability, mechanical properties, and comparable ionic conductivity to a commercially available AEM. Future efforts will focus on increasing the robustness of these membranes to meet the requirements for electrolytic cell applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arianna Mazzotta, Virgilio Mattoli
Summary: Conformable electronics has been extensively studied for monitoring human physiological signals. This study explores the possibility of using conformable electronics as active devices to provide stimuli to the human body. A new approach using localized heat generation and deformation of a thin membrane is proposed to elicit tactile sensations on human skin. The device can be quickly fabricated using inkjet printing and transfer tattoo paper, and it demonstrates the potential for developing wearable tactile displays.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ikue Hirata, Arianna Mazzotta, Pooyan Makvandi, Ilaria Cesini, Chiara Brioschi, Andrea Ferraris, Virgilio Mattoli
Summary: Peripheral intravenous catheters are used for various purposes, but can unintentionally cause extravasation when directed outside of the vein. This article discusses the mechanism of extravasation and highlights sensorized devices for detection. The review provides an overview of recent technologies to aid in the early detection of extravasation.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Norma Mallegni, Mario Milazzo, Caterina Cristallini, Niccoletta Barbani, Giulia Fredi, Andrea Dorigato, Patrizia Cinelli, Serena Danti
Summary: Type-1 diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder that requires the regulation of insulin production through a tailored administration of insulin. Recent advancements have been made in developing an implantable artificial pancreas, but improvements are still needed in terms of biomaterials and technologies for the insulin reservoir. This study discusses the use of cyclic olefin copolymers for fabricating the insulin reservoir and presents Topas 8007S-04 as a potential candidate material due to its strength and ability to prevent insulin aggregation.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grazia Rutigliano, Andrea Bertolini, Nicoletta Grittani, Sabina Frascarelli, Vittoria Carnicelli, Chiara Ippolito, Stefania Moscato, Letizia Mattii, Claudia Kusmic, Alessandro Saba, Nicola Origlia, Riccardo Zucchi
Summary: Mood alterations, anxiety, and cognitive impairments associated with adult-onset hypothyroidism often persist despite replacement treatment. A study using a pharmacological hypothyroid mouse model found that augmenting levothyroxine (L-T-4) with 3-iodothyronamine (T(1)AM) may improve behavioral correlates of depression, anxiety, and memory and has an effect on hippocampal neurogenesis. However, L-T-4 alone was sufficient for recovering memory and hippocampal neurogenesis deficits associated with hypothyroidism, while non-canonical thyroid hormone (TH) signaling did not play a significant role.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudio Ricci, Bahareh Azimi, Luca Panariello, Benedetta Antognoli, Beatrice Cecchini, Roberta Rovelli, Meruyert Rustembek, Patrizia Cinelli, Mario Milazzo, Serena Danti, Andrea Lazzeri
Summary: This study evaluated the physico-mechanical and morphological properties of electrospun PCL and PLA scaffolds, and created a 3D model of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The metabolic activity of Caco-2 cells showed opposite trends in PLA and PCL scaffolds regardless of fiber alignment, increasing in PLA and decreasing in PCL. The best scaffolds for Caco-2 cell culture were PCL500 (randomly oriented fibers) and PLA2500 (aligned fibers).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Doretta Cuffaro, Andrea Bertolini, Simone Bertini, Claudio Ricci, Maria Grazia Cascone, Serena Danti, Alessandro Saba, Marco Macchia, Maria Digiacomo
Summary: This study aims to investigate the polyphenolic composition and nutraceutical properties of olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) from two Tuscan olive cultivars. The results show that OMWW extracts exhibit antioxidant, antiradical, and anti-inflammatory activities, and could serve as potential functional ingredients in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fabrizio Antonio Viola, Virgilio Mattoli
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arianna Mazzotta, Ikue Hirata, Pooyan Makvandi, Ilaria Cesini, Chiara Brioschi, Andrea Ferraris, Virgilio Mattoli
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Melis Emanet, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: Ethosomes are lipid-based vesicular systems that offer unique advantages in drug delivery, especially for transdermal applications. Their high ethanol content improves flexibility and deformability, allowing them to penetrate intercellular spaces without leakage. Ethanol also increases the fluidity of dermal cell membranes, facilitating the deep penetration of nanostructures. Ethosomes can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic active agents, making them particularly useful for natural extracts with diverse chemical compositions.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yurena Polo, Jon Luzuriaga, Sergio Gonzalez de Langarica, Beatriz Pardo-Rodriguez, Daniel E. Martinez-Tong, Christos Tapeinos, Irene Manero-Roig, Edurne Marin, Jone Munoz-Ugartemendia, Gianni Ciofani, Gaskon Ibarretxe, Fernando Unda, Jose-Ramon Sarasua, Jose Ramon Pineda, Aitor Larranaga
Summary: Three-dimensional hydrogels based on graphene derivatives and cerium oxide nanoparticles have been developed as potential supports for neural stem cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. The properties of the hydrogels can be controlled by adjusting the amount of reducing agent and CeO2 nanoparticles. The presence of CeO2 nanoparticles promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells into neuronal, astroglial, and oligodendroglial lineage cells, making these hydrogels suitable for neuroregenerative cell therapies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beatrice Cecchini, Roberta Rovelli, Lorenzo Zavagna, Bahareh Azimi, Teresa Macchi, Esingul Kaya, Semih Esin, Luca Bruschini, Mario Milazzo, Giovanna Batoni, Serena Danti, Chaoqun Dong
Summary: This study demonstrates the application of electrospinning and electrospray techniques to develop a tympanic membrane patch for delivering probiotics and/or postbiotics to the middle ear. The incorporation of probiotic-laden sodium alginate microparticles within electrospun sodium alginate/poly(ethylene oxide) fiber meshes offers a versatile and safe treatment strategy for chronic otitis media. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing complex healing processes of chronic upper respiratory diseases and mitigating antimicrobial resistance.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saeed Ismaeilimoghadam, Mehdi Jonoobi, Alireza Ashori, Afsaneh Shahraki, Bahareh Azimi, Serena Danti
Summary: In this study, the practical properties of sodium alginate-based hydrogels were improved by grafting with acrylic acid and incorporating cellulose nanocrystals. The interpenetrating and semi-interpenetrating network hydrogels showed excellent absorption performance and cost savings, making them suitable for adult incontinence pads.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)