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)
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
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)
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
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
Engineering, Biomedical
Talita Barbosa, Janaina A. Dernowsek, Raul J. R. Tobar, Bruna C. Casali, Carlos A. Fortulan, Eduardo B. Ferreira, Heloisa S. Selistre-de-Araujo, Marcia C. Branciforti
Summary: This article discusses the manufacture of polymer-ceramic composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering using a new extruder head in a 3D printer. The study compares two different methods and finds favorable results in terms of manufacturing efficiency and cell proliferation.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kotchaporn Thangunpai, Donghao Hu, Mikio Kajiyama, Marcos A. A. Neves, Toshiharu Enomae
Summary: Plastic waste is a global issue due to landfill overflow and pollution, leading to environmental concerns. To address this, biodegradable materials like poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) are introduced. However, PCL's natural decomposition rate is low. To increase decomposition rate, PCL is modified with maleic anhydride (MA) (PCL-g-MA), increasing hydrophilicity and amorphous region. Lipase hydrolysis experiments show that PCL-g-MA degrades faster than PCL. Morphological, thermal, and structural analysis support the hydrolysis reaction, confirming the effectiveness of the modification.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
B. Sowmya, A. B. Hemavathi, P. K. Panda
Summary: One major objective of tissue engineering is to restore the normal functioning of damaged tissues, with scaffolds playing a crucial role in providing support and substrate for tissue regeneration. Biopolymers like PCL are promising materials for scaffold fabrication, with electrospinning being a popular technique for their production.
PROGRESS IN BIOMATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Narges Johari, Fatemeh Rafati, Faezeh Zohari, Parmida Ghiasi Tabari, Ali Samadikuchaksaraei
Summary: The gradient or hierarchical porosity in various natural tissues is important for cell migration and mechanical stabilization. In this study, poly (epsilon-caprolactone)/zinc oxide (PCL/ZnO) nanocomposite scaffolds with different percentages of ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized to achieve a porous functionally graded structure. The results showed that the scaffold with 5 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles had the most complete structure and highest compressive strength, as well as good biodegradation behavior and cell adhesion.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
C. Greant, B. Van Durme, L. Van Damme, J. Brancart, J. Van Hoorick, S. Van Vlierberghe
Summary: Digital light processing (DLP) is a promising 3D printing technique for tissue engineering, but the lack of 'smart' photoresponsive polymers limits its potential. This study combines biodegradable shape memory polymers with DLP printing to create thermoresponsive porous scaffolds. The developed photosensitive resins exhibit excellent properties and the 3D printed scaffolds are biocompatible and show shape memory behavior, making them suitable for minimally invasive tissue engineering strategies.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Lena Vogt, Aldo R. Boccaccini
Summary: The study showed that electrospun cardiac patches made from a blend of poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) exhibited promising mechanical properties and cytocompatibility for applications in cardiac tissue engineering (CTE). Further research is needed to explore their in vitro and in vivo potential.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mahmut Ali Ermeydan, Mert Babacan, Eylem D. Tomak
Summary: Wood modification treatments using ring opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone can significantly improve the dimensional stability, weathering, and decay resistance of wood. The modified wood exhibited better surface properties and protection against decay, even after leaching. This study demonstrates the potential of polycaprolactone modification for enhancing the performance of Scots pine wood.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Francesca Cadamuro, Laura Marongiu, Michele Marino, Nicolo Tamini, Luca Nespoli, Nicola Zucchini, Alberta Terzi, Davide Altamura, Zirui Gao, Cinzia Giannini, Greta Bindi, Andrew Smith, Fulvio Magni, Sabrina Bertini, Francesca Granucci, Francesco Nicotra, Laura Russo
Summary: Aberrant glycosylation events of ECM proteins and cell surface receptors occur in the cancer microenvironment. We developed a protocol to generate 3D bioprinted models of colorectal cancer (CRC) using hyaluronic acid and gelatin functionalized with three specific glycans found in CRC. The glycosylated hydrogels showed good printability, biocompatibility, and stability, and the glycosylation induced diverse alterations in the proteome of tumoroid and surrounding cells.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Robert J. Melder, Filippo Naso, Francesco Nicotra, Laura Russo, Ivan Vesely, Sugat R. Tuladhar, Antonio M. Calafiore, Peter Zilla, Alessandro Gandaglia, Sotiris Korossis
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a polyphenols-based treatment on the extrinsic mechanisms responsible for early bioprosthetic heart valve degeneration. The treatment improves the durability and biocompatibility of the heart valve, and has an anti-calcific effect.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIO-THORACIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Cadamuro, Francesco Nicotra, Laura Russo
Summary: Manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and bio-printing are valuable tools for developing new advanced constructs resembling the structural and functional properties of human organs and tissues. This review focuses on the morphological and biochemical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) and describes how 3D printing and bioprinting can be used to generate ECM mimics with desired properties.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Cadamuro, Susanna Sampaolesi, Giulia Bertolini, Luca Roz, Francesco Nicotra, Laura Russo
Summary: This study presents the generation of 3D-bioprintable and biocompatible hydrogels based on elastin and hyaluronic acid. The hydrogels were crosslinked using a biocompatible click reaction between maleimide and thiol, allowing for the use of living cells. The hydrogels were tested for their biocompatibility, swelling capacity, and printability, and were found to support the growth and proliferation of lung fibroblasts, bronchial epithelial cells, and endothelial cells.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ugo D'Amora, Sawsan Dacrory, Mohamed Sayed Hasanin, Angela Longo, Alessandra Soriente, Samir Kamel, Maria Grazia Raucci, Luigi Ambrosio, Stefania Scialla
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) and its reduced form (rGO) have attracted significant interest in the field of biomedical applications, particularly in wound healing, due to their unique physico-chemical properties. The large surface area and functional groups of GO and rGO enable their easy dispersion within various polymeric matrices, resulting in the development of advanced hybrid nanocomposites with tailored properties. These nanocomposites have demonstrated efficient antimicrobial and angiogenic properties, making them advantageous for wound care management. This review discusses the relationship between the structural and physico-chemical properties of GO or rGO/cellulose nanocomposites and their effects on antimicrobial and angiogenic mechanisms in wound healing.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madeline Franke, Chiara Mancino, Francesca Taraballi
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease of articular cartilage. The causes of this disease are still unknown, but there is increasing interest in investigating biological sex as a risk factor. Clinical studies have shown that female patients have a higher prevalence and worse clinical outcomes, but most research has focused on male subjects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Cadamuro, Valeria Ardenti, Francesco Nicotra, Laura Russo
Summary: Alginate-gelatin hydrogels mimicking the ECM of soft tissues were generated by static-dynamic double crosslinking, providing fine control over physical and chemical properties. The static crosslinking was achieved through enzymatic coupling of gelatin and alginate, while the dynamic crosslinking was obtained by functionalizing alginate with 3-aminophenylboronic acid. The hydrogel with a 2.5:1 alginate:gelatin molar ratio showed transparent, reproducible, and self-healing properties, making it suitable for 3D soft tissue model development.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
M. D. Hadiur Rahman Khan, Md Tauhidul Islam, Francesca Taraballi, Raffaella Righetti
Summary: In this study, a new non-invasive imaging method was proposed to assess the mechanical parameters and fluid dynamics of cancer. The results showed that stress relaxation experiments can accurately determine solid stress, fluid pressure, and their spatio-temporal distribution parameters with an error below 10%.
PHYSICS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ugo D'Amora, Alfredo Ronca, Stefania Scialla, Alessandra Soriente, Paola Manini, Jun Wei Phua, Christoph Ottenheim, Alessandro Pezzella, Giovanna Calabrese, Maria Grazia Raucci, Luigi Ambrosio
Summary: The study developed a photocrosslinkable biomaterial ink, methacrylated GG (GGMA), by chemically modifying gellan gum (GG) with methacrylic moieties. GGMA was then functionalized with bioactive compounds such as black soldier fly eumelanin (BSF-Eumel) or hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp). Different ink formulations were used to 3D print scaffolds, and the ones with higher GGMA concentration and percentage of infill showed the best morphological and mechanical properties. The scaffolds demonstrated the capability to support cell growth and differentiation, with BSF-Eumel promoting cell proliferation and GGMA and HAp leading to higher alkaline phosphatase activity expression. Overall, these biomaterial inks have potential for 3D-printed bone tissue-engineered scaffolds.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Marco Turati, Linda Boerci, Massimiliano Piatti, Laura Russo, Luca Rigamonti, Francesco Buonanotte, Aurelien Courvoisier, Giovanni Zatti, Daniele Piscitelli, Marco Bigoni
Summary: Meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) surgery is a solution to maintain knee stability in skeletally immature patients with meniscal lesions. However, there is a lack of consensus on its outcomes in pediatric patients. A systematic review of three studies showed improved subjective clinical scores and sport levels after MAT surgery, but with a complication rate of 27.5%. Long-term follow-up is needed for definitive conclusions on MAT surgery in skeletally immature patients.
Article
Polymer Science
Giada Loi, Gaia Stucchi, Franca Scocozza, Laura Cansolino, Francesca Cadamuro, Elena Delgrosso, Federica Riva, Cinzia Ferrari, Laura Russo, Michele Conti
Summary: A standardized experimental protocol for characterizing a new bioink has been proposed in this study to achieve printability and biocompatibility in 3D bioprinting. The protocol consists of pre-printing, 3D bioprinting, and post-printing steps to evaluate the performance of the bioink. A functionalized hydrogel based on gelatin and chitosan was used. The results show that the hydrogel is suitable for printing grids with good resolution and is biocompatible for UMR-106 cell growth.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gonggong Lu, Xiang Li, Peilei Wang, Xing Li, Yuxiang Wang, Jiayi Zhu, Alfredo Ronca, Ugo D'Amora, Wenke Liu, Xuhui Hui
Summary: In this study, a hybrid cross-linked hierarchical microporous hydrogel scaffold (PHCLS) was developed for the treatment of critical-size skull defects. The scaffold showed promising results in promoting bone cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro, and achieved significant skull reconstruction in a rabbit cranial defect model.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antonio Fabozzi, Marco Barretta, Francesca Della Sala, Gennaro Longobardo, Mario di Gennaro, Teresa Russo, Antonio Gloria, Assunta Borzacchiello
Summary: Natural polymer-based nanoparticles have shown great potential in cancer therapy due to their advantages such as improved drug stability, specific delivery, and reduced toxicity. In this study, non-spherical nanoparticles surface functionalized with hyaluronic acid were compared to their spherical analogs. The results demonstrated that the non-spherical nanoparticles exhibited better cytotoxicity and internalization, which can be attributed to their shape and active targeting ability.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiara Mancino, Anna Pasto, Enrica De Rosa, Luigi Dolcetti, Marco Rasponi, Patrick McCulloch, Francesca Taraballi
Summary: Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a major cause of disability in developed countries, accounting for 12% of all osteoarthritis cases in the United States. Current therapeutic strategies are ineffective, and PTOA remains a clinical challenge. This study evaluates the targeting potential of liposome-based nanoparticles (NPs) in a PTOA mouse model during the acute phase of inflammation. The results show preferential accumulation of NPs within the injured joint, as well as an immunomodulatory effect reducing immune cell infiltration.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Giovanna Iezzi, Barbara Zavan, Morena Petrini, Letizia Ferroni, Tania Vanessa Pierfelice, Ugo D'Amora, Alfredo Ronca, Emira D'Amico, Carlo Mangano
Summary: This study characterized the surface topography and evaluated the biological responses of various cells to a novel 3D-printed dental implant. The surface of the implant showed a highly interconnected porous architecture and roughness, leading to good adhesion and growth of human oral osteoblasts, gingival fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and monocytes. These findings suggest that this 3D-printed implant has excellent potential for clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2024)
