Article
Ophthalmology
Amelia A. Gingras, Peter A. Jansen, Caroline Smith, Xu Zhang, Ye Niu, Yi Zhao, Cynthia J. Roberts, Edward D. Herderick, Katelyn E. Swindle-Reilly
Summary: Loss of corneal transparency is a major cause of visual loss worldwide. 3D bioprinting has the potential to fabricate tissue equivalents for corneal tissue engineering application. This study evaluates the manufacturability of 3D bioprinted acellular corneal grafts using low-cost equipment and software, providing a more accessible option for researchers and clinicians.
CURRENT EYE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Juha Prittinen, Xin Zhou, Fouzia Bano, Ludvig Backman, Patrik Danielson
Summary: This study developed a microstructured collagen film-based culture system that guides corneal stromal cells to their native, layerwise perpendicular orientation in 3D and can support fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. The thin and transparent films allow for observation of cells at least three layers deep, while maintaining cell viability in both 2D and 3D cultures. The films provide an easily reproducible stroma model that preserves the keratocyte phenotype when differentiated to fibroblasts.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca Lace, Georgia L. Duffy, Andrew G. Gallagher, Kyle G. Doherty, Osama Maklad, Donald A. Wellings, Rachel L. Williams
Summary: Poly-epsilon-lysine hydrogels can be synthesized through crosslinking with bis-carboxylic acids using carbodiimide chemistry, creating tunable characteristics suitable for corneal tissue engineering. These hydrogels, which can emulate the mechanical and transparency properties of the human cornea, support the attachment and growth of corneal epithelial and stromal cells.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maxime Emmanuel Comtois-Bona, Astha Chandra, Jinane El Hage, Bryan Liu, Sergio David Garcia-Schejtman, Aidan J. Macadam, Isabelle Brunette, Marcelo Munoz, Emilio I. Alarcon
Summary: Corneal blindness is the fourth most common form of blindness worldwide. Current therapy options are limited to cornea transplant, which is not easily accessible to many. The development of ex vivo models that can replicate the complexity of corneal tissue is crucial for studying corneal diseases and exploring potential treatments.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eva Baur, Matteo Hirsch, Esther Amstad
Summary: This study presents a method to introduce controllable open pores into hydrogels while maintaining their mechanical properties. The hydrogels are 3D printable and the pore size can be tuned from nanometers to centimeters. This work allows for size-selective infiltration of different substances at specific locations.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qiang Zhou, Victor H. Guaiquil, Matthea Wong, Alejandro Escobar, Evguenia Ivakhnitskaia, Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Hongwu Jing, Michael Sun, Joy Sarkar, Yuncin Luo, Mark Rosenblatt
Summary: The acellular porcine corneal stroma (APCS) hydrogel demonstrated optimal light transmittance and gelation properties, retaining critical corneal ECM components. It showed higher porosity, faster nutrition diffusion, improved proliferation of corneal cells, and enhanced viability and infiltration. The APCS-gel also improved corneal epithelial stemness and wound healing in vitro and in vivo, making it a promising option for clinical applications.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Georgia L. Duffy, He Liang, Rachel L. Williams, Don A. Wellings, Kate Black
Summary: Research into biomaterial substrates for corneal implantation due to donor tissue shortage led to the development of polymer hydrogels based on natural peptides, poly-epsilon-lysine, and gellan gum using reactive inkjet printing. The unique surface patterns formed by printing alternating layers of ink can be modified to include pores for tissue engineering purposes, demonstrating high transparency and cyto-compatibility with corneal cells. This study highlights the potential of reactive inkjet printing for producing hydrogel constructs for corneal tissue engineering.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qiaomei Tang, Bing Lu, Jian He, Xiao Chen, Qiuli Fu, Haijie Han, Chenqi Luo, Houfa Yin, Zhenwei Qin, Danni Lyu, Lifang Zhang, Min Zhou, Ke Yao
Summary: In this study, a novel approach based on exosomes and a thermosensitive hydrogel was developed for the treatment of corneal diseases. This method effectively reduces scar formation and accelerates the healing process by promoting the repair of damaged corneal epithelium and stromal layer.
Article
Polymer Science
Iratxe Zarandona, Carlos Bengoechea, Estefania Alvarez-Castillo, Koro de la Caba, Antonio Guerrero, Pedro Guerrero
Summary: Chitosan-pectin hydrogels were prepared and assessed for their rheological properties, with CHI2PEC2 system chosen for 3D printing due to its stability and good shape accuracy. The printed scaffolds showed a homogeneous and amorphous structure, maintaining integrity even after immersion in PBS at 37 degrees C, making them suitable for wound healing applications.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bin Kong, Lingyu Sun, Rui Liu, Yun Chen, Yixuan Shang, Hui Tan, Yuanjin Zhao, Lingyun Sun
Summary: The study introduces a novel recombinant human collagen-based scaffold for inducing corneal stroma regeneration, which demonstrates the potential to be an effective transplantation graft for damaged cornea both in vitro and in vivo. The different topological structures used in the study show influence on the growth and differentiation of corneal limbal stromal stem cells, and the results from rat intrastromal keratoplasty support the efficacy of the derived collagen hydrogels in promoting the regeneration of damaged corneal stroma.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Alicia Pareja-Rios, Sergio Bonaque-Gonzalez
Summary: These two cases present striking stromal corneal infiltrates months after COVID-19 infection, which responded positively to treatment with prednisolone acetate 1% ophthalmic suspension. However, further research is needed to confirm the relationship between these infiltrates and COVID-19, as well as to understand the response to treatment in more advanced cases.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ines A. Barroso, Kenny Man, Thomas J. Hall, Thomas E. Robinson, Sophie E. T. Louth, Sophie C. Cox, Anita K. Ghag
Summary: Corneal transplantation is the current gold standard treatment for severe corneal diseases and injuries. However, the shortage of donor tissue remains a challenge. Additionally, the difficult instillation and drainage of antibiotic eye drops in ocular surgery is an issue of concern. In this study, antimicrobial silk-based hydrogels were developed, which can be photoactivated in situ and fully adapt to the shape of corneal injuries. These hydrogels have the potential to facilitate corneal regeneration and could be applied in various soft tissue engineering fields.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rajalakshmy Ayilam Ramachandran, Jose Marcos Sanches, Danielle M. Robertson
Summary: The cornea is responsible for light refraction and eye protection. Cellular homeostasis in the cornea relies on processes like autophagy and mitophagy, which clear damaged proteins and organelles. Dysfunction in these processes can contribute to corneal diseases and degenerations. This review summarizes the current understanding of autophagy and mitophagy in the cornea and highlights the gaps in knowledge, with potential implications for new therapeutic approaches.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Eimi Suzuki, Takayoshi Sumioka, Shizuya Saika, Masayasu Miyajima, Shingo Yasuda, Hiroki Iwanishi, Yukihisa Takada, Kana Ichikawa, Jhuwala Venkatakrishnan, Chia-Yang Liu, Winston Whei-Yang Kao, Yuka Okada
Summary: Loss of lumican perturbs the healing pattern of a penetrating incision in mouse corneal stroma, accompanied by suppression of myofibroblast generation.
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xin Ning Zhang, Qiang Zheng, Zi Liang Wu
Summary: This paper reviews the recent progress in 3D printing of tough hydrogels and their applications. It provides an overview of the advantages and requirements of tough hydrogel systems for specific 3D printing technologies, and summarizes the network structures, mechanical performances, toughening mechanisms, and representative applications of the printed tough hydrogels. It also discusses the recent advances in 4D printing of tough hydrogels as a prospective direction for soft actuators and robots.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Fatih Ciftci, Nilufer Duygulu, Yasemin Yilmazer, Oguzhan Gunduz, Cem Bulent Ustundag
Summary: In this study, poly(lactic-acid) (PLA) polymer-based nanofiber was prepared using the electrospinning method. Antioxidant and antibiotic materials were incorporated into the PLA matrix. The nanofiber showed excellent inhibition against various microorganisms and demonstrated good cell adhesion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Oguzhan Gunduz, Songul Ulag
Summary: In this study, fluconazole and gentamicin loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) fibers were fabricated by electrospinning. The results showed that certain formulations had significant antibacterial effects, and the loaded gentamicin had no toxic effects on mesenchymal stem cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Mehmet Can Arpak, Sibel Daglilar, Cevriye Kalkandelen, Liliana-Marinela Balescu, Hilal Turkoglu Sasmazel, Iuliana Pasuk, George E. Stan, Kagan Durukan, Oguzhan Gunduz
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of Mn doping on the morpho-structural features, mechanical performance, and in vitro biological response of β-TCP derived bioceramics. Mn doping above 0.05 wt.% improved densification, while densification remained constant at sintering temperatures of 1200 - 1300°C. Structural analysis revealed that samples sintered at 1000 and 1100°C consisted mainly of β-TCP with a minor amount of HA. At higher temperatures (1200 and 1300°C), the formation of α-TCP was observed at the expense of β-TCP and HA. Mn doping was confirmed by lattice parameter changes. Mn doping decreased the mechanical performance of the β-TCP-based ceramics. Osteoblastic cells showed higher metabolic activity and viability in ceramics with Mn doping levels below 0.1 wt.%. No cytotoxic effects were observed up to 21 days. Mn-doped β-TCPs exhibited significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity compared to pure β-TCP.
JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sule Ilgar, Songul Ulag, Ali Sahin, Oguzhan Gunduz, Cem Bulent Ustundag
Summary: Skin is a protective barrier that can regenerate itself, but loss of this property leads to delayed wound healing. Nanocarrier drug delivery systems and modern wound dressings can improve therapeutic efficacy. This study loaded amoxicillin and rifampicin into bismuth ferrite particles for controlled release in 3D scaffolds, aiming to reduce inflammation risk and increase therapeutic efficacy.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hatice Karabulut, Songul Ulag, Basak Dalbayrak, Elif Damla Arisan, Turgut Taskin, Mehmet Mucahit Guncu, Burak Aksu, Alireza Valanezhad, Oguzhan Gunduz
Summary: In this study, a dental membrane scaffold was fabricated using 3D printing and the antimicrobial effect of pomegranate seed and peel extract was investigated. The scaffold, made of polyvinyl alcohol, starch, and pomegranate seed and peel extracts, was designed to cover the damaged area and aid in healing. The addition of starch and pomegranate extract improved the biocompatibility of the scaffold and showed significant antimicrobial effects.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Musa Ayran, Hatice Karabulut, Kudret Irem Deniz, Gamze Ceren Akcanli, Songul Ulag, Alexa-Maria Croitoru, Bianca-Maria Tihauan, Ali Sahin, Denisa Ficai, Oguzhan Gunduz, Anton Ficai
Summary: By utilizing novel microfibrous scaffolds containing quercetin (Q), this research evaluated their effects on skeletal muscle regeneration. The combination of bismuth ferrite (BFO), polycaprolactone (PCL), and Q formed a well-ordered microfibrous structure. The Q-loaded microfibrous scaffolds demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells, and improved drug release capability with electrically conductive scaffolds. These findings highlight the potential of PCL/BFO/Q microfibrous scaffolds in enhancing skeletal muscle tissue engineering.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dilruba Baykara, Tuba Bedir, Elif Ilhan, Mehmet Eren Mutlu, Oguzhan Gunduz, Roger Narayan, Cem Bulent Ustundag
Summary: Microneedles (MNs) are micrometer-sized arrays that can penetrate the skin in a minimally invasive manner. In this study, 3D printed GelMA MNs with desired geometries were fabricated using the vat photopolymerization technique. The effects of varying needle heights and exposure times on the GelMA MNs were examined, and it was found that longer exposure times resulted in higher MNs with sharper tips. GelMA MNs also demonstrated good mechanical performance. These findings suggest that 3D printed GelMA MNs have great potential for transdermal drug delivery.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Silvia Rodrigues Gavinho, Mehmet Bozdag, Cevriye Kalkandelen, Joana Soares Regadas, Suresh Kumar Jakka, Oguzhan Gunduz, Faik Nuzhet Oktar, Manuel Pedro Fernandes Graca
Summary: Hydroxyapatite was extracted from sheep femur bones and its structural and electrical properties were studied by adding different amounts of magnesium oxide. The results showed that sheep hydroxyapatite is a natural, environmentally friendly, low-cost material with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ayca Aydin, Songul Ulag, Ali Sahin, Burak Aksu, Oguzhan Gunduz, Cem Bulent Ustundag, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Mihaela Georgescu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: Polyvinyl alcohol was used as a matrix polymer to develop drug-loaded electrospun nanofiber patches containing amoxicillin and salicylic acid, which showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties respectively. The patches exhibited uniform and beadless structure, and demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains. The excellent biocompatibility of the patches with fibroblast cells for up to 7 days highlights their potential in the development of novel wound dressings.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Gizem Mahmutoglu, Aysenur Topsakal, Eray Altan, Nilgun Kuskonmaz, Sibel Daglilar, Faik Nuzhet Oktar, Gokce Erdemir, Serap Erdem Kuruca, Sibel Akyol, Oguzhan Gunduz, Besim Ben-Nissan
Summary: Bone tissue engineering is based on a comprehensive understanding of bone structure, bone mechanics, and biology. Various synthesis strategies have been intensively researched to create nanostructured hydroxyapatite powders with customized properties. The study found that pH levels of 9 to 11 and calcination temperatures of 600 to 800°C were suitable for producing nanohydroxyapatite powders with appropriate cytocompatibility for bone graft production and biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Marcin Heljak, Mustafa Sengor, Oguzhan Gunduz, Wojciech Swieszkowski, Ewa Kijenska-Gawronska
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Selcen Ari Yuka, Ali Akpek, Alican Ozarslan, Alperen Vural, Anil Tevfik Kocer, Ayca Aslan, Aysegul B. Karaaltin, Bahar Gok, Begum Bahar Yilmaz, Benan Inan, Betul Mutlu, Beyza Karacaoglu, Burcu Doymus, Cem Bulent Ustundag, Cem Ozel, Didem Ozcimen, Dogan Cakan, Eda Nur Yetiskin Morkan, Emel Akyol, Emre Karaduman, Fatih Ciftci, Gorke Gurel Pekozer, Gulcan Aysin Karaca, Hakan Amasya, Hatice Demir, Hilal Calik, Huseyin Uvet, Kaan Orhan, Maria Daaboul, Mehmet Burcin Piskin, Murat Topuzogullari, Nuri Aydin, Oguzhan Gunduz, Osman Kucuk, Ozan Baris Kurtur, Rabia Cakir Koc, Sakip Onder, Sevil Yucel, Shifa Alhamwi, Sinan Simsek, Sinem Birant, Songul Ulag, Sueheyla Kaya, Sumeyra Ayan, Tugba Ozer, Yasemin Budama Kilinc, Yeliz Basaran Elalmis, Yetkin Zeki Yilmaz
Summary: The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has led to profound changes in social, economic, and scientific fields worldwide. Urgent public health needs have driven innovation in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Advances in RT-PCR based diagnostic tests, rapid diagnostic kits, vaccine development, and pharmaceutical treatments have been made. These approaches are informed by multidisciplinary knowledge in health biotechnology. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only impacted viral infections but also accelerated the development of novel approaches in various scientific areas.
SIGMA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND NATURAL SCIENCES-SIGMA MUHENDISLIK VE FEN BILIMLERI DERGISI
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ecem Dogan, Mustaf Sengor, Oguzha Gunduz, Cem Bulent Ustundag
Summary: This study aims to obtain nanoparticles and nanofibers from a mixture of xanthan gum (XG) and gelatine (GEL) polymers using the electrospinning method. Ten different groups were produced and evaluated for their physical, chemical, and morphological properties. Results showed that GEL/XG nanoparticles could be used as carriers and proper ratios and electrospinning parameters were determined for the production of nanoparticles and nanofibers. These findings have implications in developing composite nanostructures for regenerative and drug release applications.
REVISTA ROMANA DE MATERIALE-ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sema Seren Karapehlivan, Mehmet Necati Danisik, Zekiye Akdag, Elif Nur Yildiz, Oseweuba Valentine Okoro, Lei Nie, Amin Shavandi, Songul Ulag, Ali Sahin, Fatih Dumludag, Oguzhan Gunduz
Summary: This study focuses on fabricating tissue-engineered electrospun nanofibers containing polycaprolactone (PCL), graphene oxide (GO), and collagen (COL) as an alternative treatment for cardiac injuries. The addition of 1.5 wt% GO improves electrical stimulation and supports the contraction-elongation of cardiomyocytes, while 1, 3, and 5 wt% COL, as the main component of the myocardial extracellular matrix, is frequently used in cardiac tissue engineering (CTE). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal uniform and bead-free morphologies of the nanofibers. Higher amounts (3% and 5%) of COL decrease the tensile strength value of the 17% PCL/1.5% GO nanofiber. Furthermore, the addition of COL increases cell viability compared to the nanofibers without COL on the third day. The nanofibers also exhibit frequency-dependent behavior in response to alternating current (AC) signal, and the 17% PCL/1.5% GO/5% COL nanofiber demonstrates greater DC and AC conductivity than the 17% PCL/1.5% GO nanofiber.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
