Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Lin, Isabel Y. Moreno, Lawrence Nguyen, Tarsis F. Gesteira, Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause fragmentation of hyaluronan (HA), altering its physiological activity. The chemical structures and physiological properties of oxidized HA products (oxHA) vary depending on the oxidizing agent.
Review
Immunology
Felipe Silva de Franca, Denise V. Tambourgi
Summary: Snake venom enzymes, particularly hyaluronidases, play important roles in diverse biological processes by cleaving hyaluronan (HA). Snake venom hyaluronidases (SVHYA) contribute to tissue destruction in envenomations and act as spreading factors to facilitate venom toxin delivery. The activity of SVHYA is comparable to that of mammalian hyaluronidases (HYAL) in generating low molecular weight HA fragments (LMW-HA), which trigger various immune responses. This review compares the structures and functions of HA and hyaluronidases in snake venoms and mammals, and discusses the potential immunopathological consequences of HA degradation products generated after snakebite envenoming, as well as their use in venom immunogenicity enhancement and envenomation prognostic biomarker development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Ivan J. M. Bonet, Paul G. Green, Jon D. Levine
Summary: The study found that the duration of LMWH-induced hyperalgesia was longer in female rats, and this hyperalgesia is influenced by GPR30 mRNA and RHAMM; pretreatment with ODN antisense for RHAMM and CD44 can attenuate LMWH-induced hyperalgesia; in vitro experiments showed that HMWH treatment in male rats can alleviate LMWH-induced hyperalgesia.
Article
Polymer Science
Ruohan Zhao, Chuan Zhang, Leilei Yu, Chengcheng Zhang, Jianxin Zhao, Arjan Narbad, Qixiao Zhai, Fengwei Tian
Summary: This study investigated the effects of hyaluronan (HA) with different molecular weights (MW) on gut microbiota and metabolites through in vitro fermentation. The results showed that gut microbiota can utilize all HAs and produce large amounts of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additionally, HA has various regulatory effects on the structure and metabolites of the gut microbiota, and these effects are correlated with changes in metabolic markers. Overall, the fermentation properties of HA vary across MW, providing insights into the potential association between HA MW and its fermentation characteristics by the gut microbiota.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ko-Hsiu Lu, Peace Wun-Ang Lu, Chiao-Wen Lin, Eric Wun-Hao Lu, Shun -Fa Yang
Summary: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage destruction, osteogenesis, and loss of joint function. The decrease of native hyaluronan (HA) with high molecular weight (HMW) and the increase of lower MW HA are associated with the aging progression of OA. Different MWs of HA formulations have varying effects on knee OA (KOA) pain relief and improved function. Intraarticular (IA) HA administration may be an effective option for treating KOA, especially with HA of higher MW. Systemic reviews and meta-analyses of IA HA in treating KOA have been analyzed to discuss their conclusions and consensus statements. HA may provide a simple way to refine therapeutic information for selective KOA.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suranjan K. Paul, John M. Herbert
Summary: Liquid microjet photoelectron spectroscopy is commonly used to measure VIEs of aqueous solutes, with sensitivity to bulk versus interfacial solvation environments. Computational studies of aqueous-phase VIEs for inorganic anions show excellent agreement with experiment, regardless of simulation data restrictions. Sensitive to ion-water hydrogen bonding, short-range solvation structure is similar in both environments, making it impossible to discriminate between the two based on VIE.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hazuki Akazawa, Itsuko Fukuda, Haruna Kaneda, Shoichi Yoda, Mamoru Kimura, Ryohei Nomoto, Shuji Ueda, Yasuhito Shirai, Ro Osawa
Summary: Hyaluronan (HA) is a high-molecular-weight glycosaminoglycan widely distributed in connective tissues. Bacteria capable of degrading HA to lower molecular weight oligosaccharides were isolated from human feces. The study revealed that dietary HA is degraded by human gut microbiota to more absorbable oligo-HAs, which exert beneficial effects.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Matej Simek, Kristina Nesporova, Anna Kocurkova, Tereza Foglova, Gabriela Ambrozova, Vladimir Velebny, Lukas Kubala, Martina Hermannova
Summary: The in vivo fate of hyaluronan is influenced by its molecular weight, with low Mw hyaluronan being more efficiently eliminated while high Mw hyaluronan exhibits saturable kinetics. Hyaluronan is taken up by liver cells and metabolized into activated sugars in a similar manner regardless of its molecular weight. The use of 13C-labeling combined with LC-MS is an effective approach to studying the biological activities of hyaluronan.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Litao Hu, Yang Wang, Yunxiao Hu, Juyi Yin, Lingling Wang, Guocheng Du, Jian Chen, Zhen Kang
Summary: A membrane shield strategy was developed to produce high-molecular-weight glycosaminoglycans by recruiting type II NSGAG synthases in Corynebacterium glutamicum, while a synchronized depolymerization-polymerization strategy was developed by coexpressing NSGAGs synthases and lyases for specific size oligosaccharides production. These strategies have significant implications for the field of biomaterials.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhihui Zhang, Xiao Tian, J. Yuyang Lu, Kathryn Boit, Julia Ablaeva, Frances Tolibzoda Zakusilo, Stephan Emmrich, Denis Firsanov, Elena Rydkina, Seyed Ali Biashad, Quan Lu, Alexander Tyshkovskiy, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Steve Horvath, Andrei Seluanov, Vera Gorbunova
Summary: Abundant high-molecular-mass hyaluronic acid (HMM-HA) contributes to cancer resistance and longevity in naked mole-rats. A study showed that overexpressing the naked mole-rat hyaluronic acid synthase 2 gene (nmrHas2) in mice resulted in increased hyaluronan levels, reduced incidence of cancer, extended lifespan, and improved healthspan. The beneficial effects were mediated by HMM-HA and not specific to the nmrHas2 gene, suggesting that the longevity mechanism observed in naked mole-rats can be transferred to other species.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huibing He, Hongyu Qin, Jia Wu, Xingfa Chen, Renshu Huang, Fang Shen, Zhenrui Wu, Guoning Chen, Shibin Yin, Jian Liu
Summary: This article discusses the electrochemistry of zinc, the degradation mechanism of zinc anodes, and the surface engineering strategies to address zinc dendrite issues. It summarizes the mechanisms of different coating materials, and proposes a design principle for an ideal interface layer on the zinc metal.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Lei Jin, Giseok Jang, Hyunmin Lim, Wei Zhang, Sungjun Park, Minhyuk Jeon, Hohyoun Jang, Whangi Kim
Summary: Polymer electrolytes based on poly(ethylene oxide) have attracted increasing interest in lithium-ion batteries due to their potential to improve safety and performance. However, challenges such as high interfacial resistance and low ionic conductivity at room temperature still need to be addressed.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiaoyan Tan, Xinle Tan, Enpeng Li, Yeming Bai, Thoa T. L. Nguyen, Robert G. Gilbert
Summary: The study aimed to explore the relationships between the molecular fine structure of starch and the composition of storage proteins and metabolic enzymes in chickpea seeds. Results showed that storage proteins and starch biosynthetic enzymes influence each other, with a positive correlation between amylopectin size and total protein content. Higher seed globulin content may indicate higher amylose content and more short-medium amylose chains. This research could aid in selecting chickpea varieties with desired qualities, such as low starch digestibility.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Irum Firdous, Muhammad Fahim, Walid A. Daoud
Summary: Enhancing negative charge retention sites and preventing alternate charge transfer are crucial for improving the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators. Doping PVDF with phytate ion cluster as the tribopositive layer and optimizing the tribonegative layer with deeper trap states and more localization of negative charge (i.e. PDMS) contribute to trapping charges effectively and increasing current density.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Hongfu Cao, Zhulian Li, Yafang Chen, Jiayi Zhu, Manyu Chen, Haoyuan Lei, Yun Xiao, Jie Liang, Tun Yuan, Yong Sun, Yujiang Fan, Xingdong Zhang
Summary: This study designed hybrid hydrogels composed of sulfhydrylated hyaluronan (HA-SH) with different molecular weight and collagen I (Col I) to investigate the chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). The increase in molecular weight of HA-SH decreased the mechanical properties of the hydrogels but improved viscosity and degradation resistance, thereby modulating cell spreading and morphological changes and influencing chondrogenic differentiation. The combination of 1 MDa HA-SH and Col I (1M-HAC) with adequate viscoelasticity was found to be beneficial for the circularity and nuclear chromatin condensation of rBMSCs, inducing significant chondrocyte aggregation and promoting the production of glycosaminoglycans and collagen II.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Martin Wolff, Heike Helmholz, Monika Luczak, Daniel Strerath, Thomas Ebel, Regine Willumeit-Roemer
Summary: This investigation applied novel powder metallurgical blending and sintering methods to generate biodegradable MgCa test specimens using metal injection moulding. In situ X-ray synchrotron radiation experiments were performed to understand alloy forming mechanisms during sintering. Mechanical and degradation performance were investigated, leading to the conclusion that Ca-containing ceramics and hybrids are attractive alternatives for safer processing.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Tamadur AlBaraghtheh, Daniel Hoeche, Regine Willumeit-Roemer
Summary: This paper presents a generalized model for simulating the degradation process of pure magnesium in simulated body fluid, considering uncertainty aspects. The model shows good agreement with experimental data in terms of average degradation depth, but the accuracy of determining elemental weight percentage of degradation products varies. The sensitivity analysis reveals correlations between model parameters, which is related to the complexity and computational costs of the model.
JOURNAL OF MAGNESIUM AND ALLOYS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shibo Zhou, Tingting Liu, Aitao Tang, Yuanding Huang, Peng Peng, Jianyue Zhang, Norbert Hort, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Fusheng Pan
Summary: This study investigates the effect of Sm element addition on the mechanical properties of magnesium (Mg) alloys. Experimental and computational methods were used to explore the mechanisms responsible for the improvements. The results show that the addition of Sm enhances the microstructure and mechanical properties, promoting the formation of twins and activating non-basal <a> slip, resulting in increased ductility.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maciej Przybylek, Piotr Beldowski, Florian Wieland, Piotr Cysewski, Alina Sionkowska
Summary: Chitosan-collagen blends are commonly used in tissue engineering and biomedical fields like joints diseases treatment. Understanding the affinity between chitosan and collagen type II is crucial for designing suitable biomaterials for cartilage and synovial fluid regeneration. This study investigated the effects of deacetylation degree in chitosan and hydroxylation degree of proline moieties in collagen. The results showed that these modifications significantly influenced the structural features of the interaction between the two materials, such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic, and ionic contacts.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Heike Helmholz, Frank Feyerabend, Thomas Dose, Fabian Wilde, Alexander Hipp, Felix Beckmann, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Joerg U. Hammel
Summary: Magnesium-based alloys are considered as an alternative material for bone implants. The degradation rate of the implants is crucial for their performance evaluation, but different equations based on 3D imaging have been used to determine it. In this technical note, we discuss the deviation in degradation rates determined by different equations for two sets of data and its implications for comparative studies.
MATERIALS AND CORROSION-WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jan Reimers, Huu Chainh Trinh, Bjoern Wiese, Sebastian Meyer, Jens Brehling, Silja Flenner, Johannes Hagemann, Maximilian Kruth, Lidia Kibkalo, Hanna Ciwieka, Birte Hindenlang, Marta Lipinska-Chwalek, Joachim Mayer, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Imke Greving, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff
Summary: Functional materials with hierarchical microstructures have unique properties that require an understanding of the mechanistic interaction between microstructure and property. In this study, a novel experimental flow cell was developed for in-situ 3D-nano imaging of the biodegradation process of biodegradable magnesium alloys. The importance of maintaining physiological conditions and the comparison of two imaging techniques were highlighted.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pingli Jiang, Ruiqing Hou, Tao Chen, Lingchuang Bai, Jingan Li, Shijie Zhu, Liguo Wang, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Shaokang Guan
Summary: Novel calcium carbonate (CaCO3) coatings were prepared via the hydrothermal method and optimized with the addition of glutamate acid (Glu) or dopamine (DOPA) to improve the degradation and biological performance of MgZnCa alloy.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dirk Steglich, Jacques Besson, Inken Reinke, Heike Helmholz, Monika Luczak, Vasil M. Garamus, Bjoern Wiese, Daniel Hoeche, Christian J. Cyron, Regine Willumeit-Roemer
Summary: We proposed a computational framework to study the effect of corrosion on the mechanical strength of magnesium (Mg) samples. By using a mass-diffusion type model accounting for localized corrosion with Weibull statistics, we could predict the residual strength of biomedical Mg implants after a given period of degradation in a physiological environment. The framework successfully modeled the mechanical behavior of the Mg samples and predicted the loss of mechanical strength and ductility due to corrosion.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Valeria Grasso, Jason L. Raymond, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, James Joseph, Jithin Jose
Summary: A stable phantom that mimics the detailed morphology of a mouse has been designed, developed, and fabricated for photoacoustic imaging (PAI). The phantom includes a 3D-printed skeleton and the main abdominal organs, and is made of a copolymer-in-oil-based material. The results show that the phantom is durable, stable, and offers a realistic resemblance to the actual rodents' anatomy.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jonathan Espiritu, Sandra Sefa, Hanna Cwieka, Imke Greving, Silja Flenner, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Jan-Marten Seitz, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff
Summary: The increasing prevalence of bone-related injuries and aging geriatric populations are driving the growth of the orthopaedic implant market. A hierarchical analysis of bone remodelling after material implantation is necessary to understand the relationship between implant and bone. Osteocytes play a vital role in bone health and remodelling processes, making it essential to examine the lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) in response to implant materials. Biodegradable materials, such as magnesium alloys, offer a potential solution to permanent implants, and surface treatments like plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) can slow degradation. This study investigates the impact of PEO-coated WE43 on the LCN using nondestructive 3D imaging, and the findings suggest that slower degradation induced by PEO-coating results in healthier lacunar shapes within the LCN.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Stefan Bruns, Diana Krueger, Silvia Galli, D. C. Florian Wieland, Jorg U. Hammel, Felix Beckmann, Ann Wennerberg, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Julian Moosmann
Summary: The microstructural architecture of remodeled bone in the peri-implant region of screw implants affects strain energy distribution and implant stability. This study used synchrotron-radiation microcomputed tomography to examine screw implants made from different biomaterials implanted in rat tibia. The results showed that the choice of biomaterial significantly influenced peri-implant bone morphology and strain transfer, and implant stability varied depending on the biomaterial used.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Heithem Ben Amara, Diana C. Martinez, Furqan A. Shah, Anna Johansson Loo, Lena Emanuelsson, Birgitta Norlindh, Regine Willumeit-Romer, Tomasz Plocinski, Wojciech Swieszkowski, Anders Palmquist, Omar Omar, Peter Thomsen
Summary: Using a rat soft tissue model, the researchers found that magnesium (Mg) implants exacerbated initial inflammation but also initiated chemotaxis and upregulated immunomodulatory markers, leading to tissue repair. The understanding of the relationship between Mg material properties and cellular processes provides a basis for interpretation of clinical observations and future improvements in Mg implants.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Diana C. Martinez, Anna Dobkowska, Romy Marek, Hanna Cwieka, Jakub Jaroszewicz, Tomasz P. Plocinski, Crtomir Donik, Heike Helmholz, Berengere Luthringer-Feyerabend, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Wojciech Swieszkowski
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of an Mg-0.45Zn-0.45Ca (ZX00) screw in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the ZX00 alloy promoted bone healing and the formation of new bone. Despite the correlation with the production procedure, the ZX00 alloy was still suitable for temporary bone implants.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jonathan Espiritu, Mostafa Berangi, Hanna Cwieka, Kamila Iskhakova, Andre Kuehne, D. C. Florian Wieland, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Thoralf Niendorf, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Jan -Marten Seitz
Summary: Magnesium (Mg)-based implants have re-emerged as an alternative to permanent implants in orthopaedic surgery, but little information is available on the safety implications of degradation on medical imaging. This study investigates the RF-induced heating of biodegradable orthopaedic implants and suggests the need for industry standards to include biodegradable materials in MRI safety assessment.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Diana Martinez, Heike Helmholz, Anke Borkam-Schuster, Berengere Luthringer-Feyerabend, Tomasz Plocinski, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Wojciech Swieszkowski
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
