Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Andrada Ioana Damian-Buda, Georgeta Voicu, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Adela Banciu, Florin Iordache, Lucian Toma Ciocan
Summary: In this study, mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) were successfully synthesized using a microemulsion assisted sol-gel method, showing good bioactivity and biocompatibility in vitro. Samples containing MgO increased cell viability, while MBGNs with ZnO exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Marina Konon, Tatiana Antropova, Nikita Zolotov, Tatiana Simonenko, Nikolay Simonenko, Elena Brazovskaya, Valery Kreisberg, Irina Polyakova
Summary: The chemical durability of phase-separated glasses in the Na2O-B2O3-SiO2-Fe2O3 system was studied in boiling 3M aqueous HCl solution. The coordination of Fe3+ cations affected the leaching behavior, and a correlation with the Yun-Bray-Dell model was observed. Certain glass compositions were suitable for through-leaching and obtaining porous glasses.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nicholas Stone-Weiss, Henrik Bradtmueller, Hellmut Eckert, Ashutosh Goel
Summary: The research interest in borate/borosilicate-based bioactive glasses has increased due to their fast degradation kinetics and bioactivity, but the complexity of their structures and the dependence of degradation behavior on composition/structure pose challenges in the development of these glasses for specific soft tissue regeneration applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Federico Lizzi, Nina Attik, Christelle Goutaudier, Phil Jackson, Ian Campbell, Sebastien Rizzo, Brigitte Grosgogeat, Cyril Villat
Summary: This study assessed the effects of two novel phase separated borosilicate glasses on dental pulp cells and compared them to a conventional glass ionomer cement. The results showed that the borosilicate glasses enhanced cell viability and bioactivity, and had higher hardness and strength compared to the conventional cement.
INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Rong Guo, Xinghui Hou, Dakui Zhao, Huili Wang, Caixin Shi, Ying Zhou
Summary: In this study, a freeze-drying method was used to synthesize a biologically active magnesium and strontium co-doped bioactive glass/chitosan composite scaffold. The as-prepared scaffold exhibited a three-dimensional honeycombed porous structure, and the porosity, pore size, swelling, and degradation rate could be controlled by adjusting the content of MSBG powders. The compressive modulus of the composite scaffold reached its maximum value when the mass ratio of MSBG to CS was 2:4. In vitro experiments demonstrated that MSBG greatly improved the generation capacity of hydroxyapatite in the composite scaffold, making it a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
M. S. Sadeq, Amir Elzwawy, Mohamed E. El Awady, Ahmed A. Hamed, E. M. Sedqy, S. Ibrahim, Manal Abdel Baki
Summary: This study investigated the structural, optical, ligand field, and antibacterial properties of Cr2O3, ZnO and Na2O borosilicate glasses. The compositions of the glass system prepared were 70B(2)O(3)-14.8 SiO2-(15-x)Na2O-0.2Cr(2)O(3)-xZnO, with x = 0, 3, 5, and 7 mol%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed the amorphous state of the glass specimens, while infrared (IR) spectra provided insights into the internal structure of the glass matrix. Optical absorbance spectra were used to determine optical parameters and ligand field parameters. Antibacterial activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results showed that ZnO doping led to an increase in the optical band gap and antibacterial activity.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anustup Chakraborty, Sakthi Prasad, Shashi Kant, Rathina Vel, Sucheta Tripathy, P. K. Sinha, Krishna K. Dey, Lekhan Lodhi, Manasi Ghosh, Amarnath R. Allu, Subhadip Bodhak, Kaushik Biswas
Summary: The study aims to address the challenge of high crystallization tendency of commercial bioactive glasses, which leads to the loss of desired functionalities in bone tissue engineering applications. By understanding the composition-structure-property correlations, borosilicate bioactive glasses with improved thermal stability were developed. Structural studies showed a highly crosslinked network rich in B-O-Si bonds, which contributed to enhanced thermal stability (>150 ℃) for glasses containing 17.96-35.92 mol% B2O3. These glasses also exhibited improved in vitro biological properties such as biomineralization, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase expression, and antibacterial efficacy due to the prevalence of B-O-Si and B-O-B bonds. However, more detailed pre-clinical studies are required to validate these observations and explore specific applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Irina Atkinson
Summary: Bacterial infections linked to biofilms are a major clinical issue during implantation procedures, as they are difficult to treat and can lead to patient morbidity and mortality. Developing novel biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties is a challenge due to the difficulty in treating biofilm-associated infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Metal ion-doped bioactive glasses have received significant research attention for their ability to stimulate bone formation and possess antibacterial properties.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Silvia Rodrigues Gavinho, Ana Sofia Padua, Laura Isabel Vilas Holz, Isabel Sa-Nogueira, Jorge Carvalho Silva, Joao Paulo Borges, Manuel Almeida Valente, Manuel Pedro Fernandes Graca
Summary: In this study, Bioglass 45S5 with added SrO or MgO was developed and its physical and biological properties were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of these ions promoted a slight increase in the number of non-bridging oxygens, decreased cell toxicity of Bioglass 45S5, and enhanced antibacterial effect.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Rajan Saini, Daniel R. Neuville, Randall E. Youngman, Ashutosh Goel
Summary: The addition of V2O5 in borosilicate glasses increases the solubility of sulfur, but the mechanism behind this effect is still unclear. This study investigates the structure and redox properties of V2O5-containing glasses and finds that the addition of V2O5 leads to a linear increase in sulfur solubility. Based on the results, it is hypothesized that adding vanadium enhances network connectivity but reduces network rigidity.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sara Ferraris, Ingrid Corazzari, Francesco Turci, Andrea Cochis, Lia Rimondini, Silvia Spriano, Jonathan Massera, Enrica Verne
Summary: In this study, silicate and borosilicate bioactive glasses were synthesized and characterized. The antioxidant activity of the glasses was correlated to their surface properties, and it was found that boron enhanced glass reactivity while strontium and magnesium played a stabilizing role. The glasses were also found to have a scavenging potential against reactive oxygen species, and they exhibited a protective effect on viable cells.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Lais Costa Alves da Silva, Floriano Guimaraes Neto, Satya Sthefany Cordeiro Pimentel, Raquel da Silva Palacios, Francielle Sato, Karina Miyuki Retamiro, Nilma Souza Fernandes, Celso Vataru Nakamura, Franciana Pedrochi, Alysson Steimacher
Summary: This study successfully prepared borate glasses doped with silver, which showed improved bioactivity and excellent antibacterial properties. The addition of silver enhanced the alkalinity of the glasses in simulated body fluid and led to the formation of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite phases. Antibacterial tests demonstrated the efficiency of silver-doped borate glasses against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Lu Deng, Xiaonan Lu, John D. Vienna, Jincheng Du
Summary: The study aimed to develop parameters for simulating vanadium-containing multi-component oxide glasses, enabling a better understanding of the structural role of vanadium ions and how structural features affect various glass properties, ultimately assisting in the design of vanadium-containing glasses for technological applications.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuezhou Wu, Shicheng Huo, Shu Liu, Qimin Hong, You Wang, Zhuocheng Lyu
Summary: A novel spatiotemporal immunomodulation approach is proposed in this study, where a Cu-Sr bilayer bioactive glass nanoparticles/polydopamine functionalized polyetheretherketone is designed to enable sequential release of Cu2+ and Sr2+. The controlled release pattern enhances the osteogenic and antibacterial capability of the material.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
N. Alasvand, A. Behnamghader, P. B. Milan, M. Mozafari
Summary: This study successfully synthesized modified borate-based bioactive glasses with anticoagulant, antibacterial, and angiogenesis properties, showing great potential in blood-contact applications and vascular tissue engineering.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Diana I. Meira, Ana I. Barbosa, Joel Borges, Rui L. Reis, Vitor M. Correlo, Filipe Vaz
Summary: Global population growth has a significant impact on the global food industry, posing a threat to food safety and quality. Mycotoxins, particularly Ochratoxin-A (OTA), are produced by fungus that contaminates various food species and products. OTA not only endangers food production but also poses potential toxicological risks to humans, leading to carcinogenic and neurological diseases. Therefore, the development of a selective, sensitive, and reliable OTA biodetection approach is crucial for ensuring food safety.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Ana M. Carvalho, Rui L. Reis, Iva Pashkuleva
Summary: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic and complex environment shaped by heterogenous cancer and cancer-associated cells present at the tumor site. Hyaluronan (HA), a major component of TME, plays a role in promoting tumor growth and carcinogenesis. The interaction of different hyaladherins with HA triggers downstream signaling pathways, determining cell fate and contributing to TME progression towards a carcinogenic state.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Somoza, Ramon Rial, Zhen Liu, Iago F. Llovo, Rui L. Reis, Jesus Mosqueira, Juan M. Ruso
Summary: This study successfully created doped Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with magnetic properties using microfluidics and Gadolinium as a contrast agent for medical applications. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to ensure the system worked in the laminar regime and nanoparticles diffused uniformly. The biomaterials were characterized using XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, confocal Raman microscopy, and FT-IR, confirming the successful incorporation of Gadolinium. Magnetic characterization confirmed the paramagnetic behavior of the nanoparticles, showing the potential for advanced nanomaterials in theragnostic applications.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Catarina S. Silva, Banani Kundu, Joana M. Gomes, Emanuel M. Fernandes, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Albino Martins, Nuno M. Neves
Summary: The thymus plays a crucial role in T cell development and selection. However, replicating the complex 3D environment of the thymus using bioengineering approaches has been challenging. In this study, bilayered porous silk fibroin scaffolds were developed and their effect on thymic epithelial cell (TEC) co-cultures was investigated.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lara L. Reys, Simone S. Silva, Diana Soares da Costa, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Rui L. Reis, Tiago H. Silva
Summary: The study aimed to create agarose/fucoidan hydrogels as a potential biomaterial for diabetes therapeutics. The hydrogels were produced by combining fucoidan and agarose, marine polysaccharides derived from seaweeds, and a thermal gelation process. Rheological tests showed a non-Newtonian and viscoelastic behavior, and the mechanical behavior indicated that increasing agarose concentrations resulted in hydrogels with higher Young's modulus. Encapsulating pancreatic cells in the hydrogels showed the ability to sustain cell viability and promote self-organization of pancreatic beta cells into pseudo-islets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina V. Rodrigues, Rita O. Sousa, Ana C. Carvalho, Ana L. Alves, Catarina F. Marques, Mariana T. Cerqueira, Rui L. Reis, Tiago H. Silva
Summary: The potential of Atlantic codfish skin collagen for skincare was evaluated in this study. The extracted collagen showed similar characteristics to bovine skin collagen and was not cytotoxic to keratinocytes. Collagen membranes developed from the extract exhibited smooth surfaces, good water absorption capacity, and improved metabolic activity and proliferation of keratinocytes. Therefore, these membranes have potential applications in the biomedical and cosmeceutical fields.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
D. Mendanha, J. Vieira de Castro, M. R. Casanova, S. Gimondi, H. Ferreira, N. M. Neves
Summary: Researchers developed macrophage membrane liposomes as nanocarriers for brain tumor treatment. M2 macrophage-derived nanocarriers showed higher uptake and delivery efficiency, while also possessing immune escaping properties. These findings suggest the potential of using M2 macrophage membranes for novel GBM targeting nanocarriers.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Catarina S. Silva, Rute D. Pinto, Ricardo A. Pires, Margarida Correia-Neves, Rui L. Reis, Nuno L. Alves, Albino Martins, Nuno M. Neves
Summary: The thymus is essential for the development of T cells and plays a key role in adaptive immunity. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) interact with thymocytes in the thymus 3D environment, and feeder-layer cells have been used for successful TEC cultures. This study evaluated the effect of feeder cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) on TEC cultures and found that ECM density impacts cellular performance and that feeder cell-derived ECM is a suitable substrate for TEC culture.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Duarte Nuno Carvalho, Flavia C. M. Lobo, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Emanuel M. M. Fernandes, David S. S. Williams, Andrew Mearns-Spragg, Carmen G. G. Sotelo, Ricardo I. I. Perez-Martin, Rui L. L. Reis, Michael Gelinsky, Tiago H. H. Silva
Summary: The self-repair capacity of human tissue is limited, leading to the development of tissue engineering for tissue regeneration. This study proposes the development and characterization of innovative polymeric membranes formed by blending marine origin polymers as biomaterials for tissue regeneration. The polymeric membranes demonstrated promising chemical and physical properties, suitable for tissue engineering approaches, particularly for the regeneration of damaged articular cartilage.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Silvia Vieira, Paulina Strymecka, Luiza Stanaszek, Joana Silva-Correia, Katarzyna Drela, Michal Fiedorowicz, Izabela Malysz-Cymborska, Miroslaw Janowski, Rui Luis Reis, Barbara Lukomska, Piotr Walczak, Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
Summary: This study aims to develop a stable injectable Mn-based methacrylated gellan gum (Mn/GG-MA) hydrogel for real-time monitored cell delivery into the central nervous system. By supplementing GG-MA solutions with paramagnetic Mn2+ ions, the hydrogel can be visualized under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Cell-laden hydrogels prepared using the Mn/GG-MA formulations remained viable after 7 days of culture. In vivo tests on immunocompromised mice showed that the injection of Mn/GG-MA solutions resulted in a continuous and traceable hydrogel visible on MRI scans. Overall, the developed formulations are suitable for non-invasive cell delivery techniques and image-guided neurointerventions.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara F. Vieira, Joana Araujo, Virginia M. F. Goncalves, Carla Fernandes, Madalena Pinto, Helena Ferreira, Nuno M. Neves, Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
Summary: The relationship between drug chirality and biological activity has gained significant importance in medicinal chemistry in recent years. Chiral derivatives of xanthones (CDXs) exhibit interesting biological activities, such as enantioselective anti-inflammatory effects. This study describes the synthesis of a library of CDXs using a chiral pool strategy, resulting in sixty new derivatives. Several CDXs showed promising anti-inflammatory activity, with the amino ester of L-tyrosine (X1AELT) being the most effective in reducing interleukin 6 (IL-6) production in macrophages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lara Pierantoni, Rui L. Reis, Joana Silva-Correia, Joaquim M. Oliveira, Susan Heavey
Summary: The fields of tissue bioengineering, -omics, and spatial biology offer the opportunity for a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. However, collaboration between these fields has not reached its full potential. This review discusses the latest 3D breast cancer models, their biomaterials and technological platforms, as well as their biological evaluation, highlighting the potential for better microphysiological systems, improved drug development success rates, and personalized medicine approaches.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Temuulen Selenge, Sara F. Vieira, Odontuya Gendaram, Rui L. Reis, Soninkhishig Tsolmon, Enkhtuul Tsendeekhuu, Helena Ferreira, Nuno M. Neves
Summary: In this study, the ethanol and dichloromethane extracts of Stellera chamaejasme were evaluated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The ethanol extract of the aerial parts contained flavonoid compounds, while the root extracts and dichloromethane extract did not. The extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity and efficiently inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Particularly, the dichloromethane extract of the root showed the strongest activity and contained fatty acids and triterpenoids.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ana M. Martins, Alexandra Brito, Maria Grazia Barbato, Alessia Felici, Rui L. Reis, Ricardo A. Pires, Iva Pashkuleva, Paolo Decuzzi
Summary: The 3D organization of cells plays a significant role in their behavior and response to treatment. In cancer research, spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic chips are used to mimic the complex microenvironment of tumors. This study utilized microfluidic devices to replicate the spatial organization of brain tumors and evaluate the efficacy of anti-cancer agents. The results showed that brain tumor cells were more sensitive to treatment in the microfluidic device compared to traditional cell cultures. The proposed microfluidic chips can effectively reproduce the 3D structure of tumors and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic compounds.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fatemeh Soltanzadeh, Ali Edalat-Behbahani, Kasra Hosseinmostofi, Ibrahim Fatih Cengiz, Joaquim Miguel Oliveira, Rui L. Reis
Summary: This study investigated the bond durability characteristics of basalt-fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebars in fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (FRSCC) structures. The influence of environmental conditions, reinforcement type, and loading type on the bond strength of the specimens was explored. The results were used to estimate the bond strength retention between BFRP and FRSCC after 50 years of exposure to seawater.