Article
Biophysics
Peng Liu, Tiecheng Qiu, Jiabing Liu, Xiaoxi Long, Xianwei Wang, Hemin Nie, Mengqiang Yu, Chao Ma, Nan Lin, Swee Hin Teoh, Zuyong Wang
Summary: Researchers have developed a biomimetic film with the potential to be used as a synthetic periosteum. This film, made of a blend of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and microtantalum particles, shows enhanced surface wettability and mechanical strength. It also promotes cell proliferation, alignment, and osteogenic enhancement.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Abdalla Abdal-hay, Faheem A. Sheikh, N. Gomez-Cerezo, Abdulrahman Alneairi, Monis Luqman, Hem Raj Pant, Saso Ivanovski
Summary: PCL scaffolds have great potential in tissue engineering, but their biological activity and surface wettability are limited. Scaffold manipulations can enhance protein adsorption and achieve optimized biocompatibility.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fan Liu, Honglei Kang, Zhiwei Liu, Siyang Jin, Guoping Yan, Yunlong Sun, Feng Li, Haifei Zhan, Yuantong Gu
Summary: 3D printed biodegradable polymeric scaffolds made of PCL/HA composites show great potential in promoting cell proliferation and bone tissue regeneration due to good biodegradability and biocompatibility, as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, the multifunctional PCL/HA/DOX scaffolds have the capacity to enhance bone repair and potentially inhibit tumor cells, indicating their promising application in bone repair.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Caroline D. Hoemann, Javier Rodriguez Gonzalez, Jessica Guzman-Morales, Gaoping Chen, Ebrahim Jalali Dil, Basil D. Favis
Summary: This study found that non-inflammatory chitosan coatings promoted cartilage infiltration into and over a bioplastic scaffold, and were compatible with trabecular bone integration. Compared to drill-only defects, the 83-99-PCL scaffold induced angiogenesis and slight bone resorption, with the smallest change in bone volume fraction.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mohan Pei, Hanjun Hwangbo, GeunHyung Kim
Summary: In this study, a new strategy was proposed to fabricate hierarchical structures of microfibrous collagen/PCL bundles using a 3D printing process supplemented with bioink, plasma treatment, and collagen coating. The stable hierarchical structure consisting of PCL microfibers was obtained by controlling various parameters. The fibrous composite structure showed enhanced osteogenic activity compared to the control group.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Moloud A. Baghbadorani, Ashkan Bigham, Mohammad Rafienia, Hossein Salehi
Summary: In this study, a novel nanocomposite fibrous scaffold composed of PCL/GT/GLN7% was fabricated through electrospinning method, and its potential for bone tissue regeneration was evaluated through various physical and chemical properties assessments in vitro. The results indicate that the ternary scaffold shows promising performance in accelerating cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation rate for bone tissue regeneration.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Quinten Thijssen, Astrid Quaak, Joseph Toombs, Elly De Vlieghere, Laurens Parmentier, Hayden Taylor, Sandra Van Vlierberghe
Summary: Current biodegradable and cross-linkable polymers mainly rely on acrylate crosslinking, but their brittleness limits their applicability. In this study, photo-cross-linkable poly(e-caprolactone) networks through orthogonal thiol-ene chemistry are introduced, which show improved mechanical properties compared to acrylate cross-linked materials. The tunability of the materials is evaluated by altering the molar mass between cross-links, and their biocompatibility and volumetric printability are demonstrated. This research opens up new possibilities for bedside manufacturing of biodegradable patient-specific implants.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Bakhshali Massoumi, Mojtaba Abbasian, Balal Khalilzadeh, Rana Jahanban-Esfahlan, Hadi Samadian, Hossein Derakhshankhah, Mehdi Jaymand
Summary: Two novel electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffolds based on chitosan-grafted polythiophene (CS-g-PTh) and chitosan-grafted polythiophene/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (CS-g-PTh/PCL) were fabricated using electrospinning technique, showing good biological compatibility, conductivity, and cell proliferation. The CS-g-PTh/PCL scaffold exhibited slightly higher cell proliferation than the CS-g-PTh scaffold within 7 days.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Aliakbar Jafari, Vafa Fakhri, Soosan Kamrani, S. Reza Ghaffarian Anbaran, Chia-Hung Su, Vahabodin Goodarzi, Vahid Pirouzfar, Hossein Ali Khonakdar
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and characterization of elastomeric PCL/PGSu blends and their nanocomposites with improved surface wettability, tunable mechanical properties, and controlled biodegradation. By tailoring the surface and bulk properties of the scaffolds using a change in PCL to PGSu ratio, adding nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) as a filler, and deposition of PPy on the scaffolds, it is possible to engineer scaffolds with customized degradation and mechanical properties.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sara Biscaia, Joao C. Silva, Carla Moura, Tania Viana, Ana Tojeira, Geoffrey R. Mitchell, Paula Pascoal-Faria, Frederico Castelo Ferreira, Nuno Alves
Summary: Understanding the coupling mechanisms between mechanics and biology in biomaterials is crucial for tissue engineering. This study investigates the effects of adding graphene nanoparticles on the mechanical and biological properties of a poly(epsilon-caprolactone) scaffold. The results show that adding 0.5% graphene nanoparticles significantly improves the compressive modulus of the scaffold and supports cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lauryna Dabasinskaite, Edvinas Krugly, Odeta Baniukaitiene, Dainius Martuzevicius, Darius Ciuzas, Lina Jankauskaite, Lauryna Aukstikalne, Arvydas Usas
Summary: Ozonation has been shown to be an effective surface modification technique for enhancing the properties of scaffolds in tissue engineering. In this study, PCL scaffolds were ozonated in a water reactor, resulting in improved wettability and enhanced cell proliferation. The treatment with ozone produced oxygen-containing functional groups, maintaining the fibrous morphology and mechanical properties of the scaffolds after 120 minutes.
Article
Polymer Science
Tainara de Paula de Lima Lima, Caio Augusto de Almeida Canelas, Joyce da Cruz Ferraz Dutra, Ana Paula Drummond Rodrigues, Rebecca Thereza Silva Santa Brigida, Viktor Oswaldo Cardenas Concha, Fernando Augusto Miranda da Costa, Marcele Fonseca Passos
Summary: This study prepared multizonal scaffolds with bilayer architecture using the rotary jet spinning technique. The presence of pracaxi vegetable oil and alginate hydrogel were found to decrease the crystallinity of the scaffolds and create varying wettability gradients. Molecular interactions within the scaffold formulation affected the maximum degradation temperature, and reduced cell viability was observed in the presence of alginate hydrogel and pracaxi vegetable oil in in vitro tests.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gen Li, Yin Zhang, Jiezhou Wu, Renhao Yang, Qi Sun, Yidong Xu, Bo Wang, Ming Cai, Yang Xu, Chengyu Zhuang, Lei Wang
Summary: This study explores the effects and mechanism of adipose stem cells-derived exosomes (ADSCs-Exos) and ADSCs-Exos modified tissue engineering scaffold on bone defect repair. The results demonstrate that ADSCs-Exos promote the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and ADSCs-Exos modified scaffold enhances the repair of BMSCs and bone defects both in vitro and in vivo.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bipin Gaihre, Maria D. Astudillo Potes, Xifeng Liu, Maryam Tilton, Emily Camilleri, Asghar Rezaei, Vitalii Serdiuk, Sungjo Park, Fabrice Lucien, Andre Terzic, Lichun Lu
Summary: This study developed a method for 3D printing of PCLF structures and demonstrated that the highly porous PCLF scaffolds can be used for bone tissue engineering applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mahboobeh Mahmoodi, Vida Haghighi, Marjan Mirhaj, Maryam Tavafoghi, Fatemeh Shams, Ali Darabi
Summary: The addition of CNTs-COOH to PCL/Kr scaffold significantly improved its mechanical properties and osteogenic characteristics, resulting in reduced fiber diameter, increased specific surface area, and enhanced osteoconductivity. The PCL/Kr/CNT scaffold showed excellent osteogenic differentiation in simulated body fluid and promoted mineral formation on the scaffold's surface for mesenchymal stem cells.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maria Luisa Brandi
Summary: Recent evidence shows that COVID-19 is more deadly for men than women. The mechanisms behind this gender difference are unclear, but sex hormones may play a critical role. Understanding the role of sex hormones in COVID-19 fatality may help in developing more effective strategies for both men and women, including potential vaccine design.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
V Bonavolonta, L. Cianferotti, G. Iolascon, A. Moretti, M. L. Brandi, F. Fischetti, A. Lenzi, C. Baldari, S. Migliaccio
Summary: This review evaluates the literature on exercise-based approaches to the management of individuals affected by HypoP and proposes a PA protocol to encourage patients to attempt exercise to improve their clinical conditions and their quality of life.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Parisa Eslami, Martin Albino, Francesca Scavone, Federica Chiellini, Andrea Morelli, Giovanni Baldi, Laura Cappiello, Saer Doumett, Giada Lorenzi, Costanza Ravagli, Andrea Caneschi, Anna Laurenzana, Claudio Sangregorio
Summary: In this study, drug-loaded smart magnetic nanocarriers were successfully created using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in a dual pH- and temperature-responsive copolymer. These nanocarriers exhibited reversible hydration/dehydration transition at acidic conditions and/or temperatures above physiological body temperature, which could be triggered by magnetic hyperthermia. The effectiveness of the system was demonstrated by high encapsulation efficiency of the drug at neutral pH and the release of the drug under hyperthermia conditions. This study suggests that this multi-stimuli-sensitive nanoplatform has great potential for remote-controlled drug release combined with magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maria Fusaro, Francesco Tondolo, Lorenzo Gasperoni, Giovanni Tripepi, Mario Plebani, Martina Zaninotto, Thomas L. Nickolas, Markus Ketteler, Andrea Aghi, Cristina Politi, Gaetano La Manna, Maria Luisa Brandi, Serge Ferrari, Maurizio Gallieni, Maria Cristina Mereu, Giuseppe Cianciolo
Summary: This review discusses the mechanism of action of vitamin K and its implications in cardiovascular disease, bone fractures, and inflammation. It highlights the protective role of vitamin K, especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and emphasizes the importance of vitamin K dosage in reducing bone fractures and improving vascular calcifications.
CURRENT OSTEOPOROSIS REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessio Massironi, Albina Ribeiro Franco, Pedro Sousa Babo, Dario Puppi, Federica Chiellini, Rui L. Reis, Manuela Estima Gomes
Summary: Recurrent microbial infections are a major cause of surgical failure and morbidity. Wound healing strategies based on hydrogels, which provide a barrier against pathogen microbial colonization and a favorable environment for tissue repair, have been proposed. However, most hydrogel materials have bacteriostatic rather than antimicrobial properties and lack specific action against pathogens. In this study, highly stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were developed as potential antimicrobial agents for hyaluronic acid hydrogels. Two stabilizing agents obtained from natural and renewable sources, cellulose nanocrystals and ulvan polysaccharide, were used to ensure the stability of the silver colloid. The developed AgNPs showed high stability and strong antimicrobial activity when loaded into photocrosslinked methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dario Puppi, Gianni Pecorini, Gianluca Parrini
Summary: Poly(lactide) (PLA) is a semicrystalline polymer widely researched for material extrusion additive manufacturing techniques. Its application in designing and fabricating customized anatomical and dog-bone-shaped PLA samples provides new personalized medicine strategies. The mechanical properties of PLA can be tuned by adjusting the infill parameters.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa Iantomasi, Cecilia Romagnoli, Gaia Palmini, Simone Donati, Irene Falsetti, Francesca Miglietta, Cinzia Aurilia, Francesca Marini, Francesca Giusti, Maria Luisa Brandi
Summary: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by an imbalance in bone homeostasis, which involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysregulation of microRNA expression. Oxidative stress and inflammation enhance bone resorption and reduce bone formation through the activation of MAPK and transcription factors. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation in osteoporosis and highlights the interplay between altered microRNA expression, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It also discusses the potential for targeting these mechanisms in the development of new therapeutic approaches to osteoporosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Beatrice Gasperini, Virginia Veronica Visconti, Cinzia Ciccacci, Angela Falvino, Elena Gasbarra, Riccardo Iundusi, Maria Luisa Brandi, Annalisa Botta, Umberto Tarantino
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between genetic variability, expression, and methylation pattern of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) with the risk of osteoporosis (OP) in a cohort of Caucasian patients. The results showed a significant association between the Cdx2 rs11568820 polymorphism and OP risk. Additionally, the VDR transcriptomic profile suggests a potential interconnection with OP progression, providing a useful tool for stratifying OP phenotype and fragility fracture risk.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cecilia Romagnoli, Roberto Zonefrati, Elena Lucattelli, Marco Innocenti, Roberto Civinini, Teresa Iantomasi, Maria Luisa Brandi
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of PTH on the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells isolated from human biopsies. Results showed no significant changes in cAMP and proliferation in the isolated cells treated with PTH, but differentiated myotubes treated with PTH exhibited increased cAMP, expression of myogenic differentiation genes, and MHC protein. This study provides new insights into the effects of PTH on human skeletal muscle cells and opens new avenues for research in muscle pathophysiology.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Simone Donati, Francesca Marini, Francesca Giusti, Gaia Palmini, Cinzia Aurilia, Irene Falsetti, Teresa Iantomasi, Maria Luisa Brandi
Summary: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem with negative consequences on musculoskeletal and extra-skeletal health. Increasing intake of vitamin D fortified foods and administering vitamin D supplementation, such as vitamin D3 or calcifediol, can help improve vitamin D status. This review discusses the potential medical benefits and specific clinical scenarios in which oral intake of calcifediol could be effective in restoring optimal serum levels of 25(OH)D3. Insights into calcifediol-related non-genomic responses are provided, suggesting its use as a supplement for individuals at higher risk of hypovitaminosis D.
Article
Polymer Science
Dario Puppi, Simona Braccini, Andrea Corti, Francesca Bello, Gianluca Parrini
Summary: The development of tailored additive manufacturing approaches for medical devices made of biocompatible polymers, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), is explored in this study. Employing a multifunctional AM machine, PMMA constructs with predefined shape and porous architecture are fabricated through melt- or solution-extrusion AM. The comparison between PMMA porous scaffolds manufactured by fused filament fabrication and computer-aided wet-spinning reveals significant differences in terms of structure, composition, properties, and cell adhesion. The results support further research on the development of customized PMMA implants for personalized surgery applications.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Simone Donati, Gaia Palmini, Cinzia Aurilia, Irene Falsetti, Francesca Marini, Francesca Giusti, Teresa Iantomasi, Maria Luisa Brandi
Summary: Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphate regulation. It functions through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. The traditional function involves binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and influencing gene transcription, while non-genomic effects occur rapidly through interactions with specific membrane receptors. Calcifediol, the precursor metabolite of calcitriol, has also been found to have gene-regulatory properties and can trigger non-genomic responses.
Article
Oncology
Francesco Tonelli, Francesca Marini, Francesca Giusti, Teresa Iantomasi, Francesco Giudici, Maria Luisa Brandi
Summary: In this study, we described the post-operative complications, pancreatic sequelae, and post-surgical progression/relapse of PNENs in MEN1 patients. Our results showed that a more conservative intervention was associated with the absence of post-surgical complications, but required further pancreas surgeries for tumor relapse in 40.0% of the operated cases.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Silvia Schoch, Simona Braccini, Lorenzo Biancalana, Alessandro Pratesi, Tiziana Funaioli, Stefano Zacchini, Guido Pampaloni, Federica Chiellini, Fabio Marchetti
Summary: In this study, a series of cationic triiron complexes resulting from the conjugation of ferrocenyl skeleton with a diiron bis-cyclopentadienyl core were synthesized and their cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines and non-tumoral cells was evaluated. The results showed that most of the cationic complexes exhibited low toxicity in cancer cells and non-tumoral cells.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Braccini, Chiara Tacchini, Federica Chiellini, Dario Puppi
Summary: This article provides an overview of the latest research on in vitro tumor models, with a focus on three-dimensional OC cell culture using hydrogel-based scaffolds. These models can better replicate the tumor microenvironment observed in vivo, making them valuable tools for cancer research and drug screening.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
