Article
Polymer Science
Haonan Wang, Qian Li, Yongchao Jiang, Xiaofeng Wang
Summary: This study designed gelatin-based hydrogels loaded with chondroitin sulfate (CS) to regulate the angiogenesis behaviors of endothelial cells (ECs). The hydrogels exhibited excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, and significantly promoted ECs angiogenesis behaviors. However, excessive loading of CS weakened the effect.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gulshakhar Kudaibergen, Madina Zhunussova, Ellina A. Mun, Anar Arinova, Vyacheslav Ogay
Summary: This study focused on synthesizing cryogels based on gelatin, chitosan, and chondroitin sulfate, and investigating the impact of chondroitin sulfate on the physicochemical properties of the cryogels, as well as confirming their non-toxicity to stem cells.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Justin Y. A. Doritchamou, Jonathan P. Renn, Lars Hviid, Patrick E. Duffy
Summary: VAR2CSA is a Plasmodium falciparum variant surface antigen that causes placental malaria by binding infected erythrocytes to chondroitin sulfate A. The high polymorphism in VAR2CSA sequences hampers the development of a broadly neutralizing vaccine. Recent research reveals that a human monoclonal antibody called PAM1.4 binds to conserved residues of different VAR2CSA subfragments, indicating its potential for broad reactivity. Understanding the critical residues within the PAM1.4 binding epitope of VAR2CSA can help identify similar epitopes targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies and decipher the immune evasion mechanisms employed by placenta-binding parasites through VAR2CSA polymorphism.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qingshan Shen, Chunhui Zhang, Haizhen Mo, Hongru Zhang, Xiaojie Qin, Juan Li, Zhiqiang Zhang, Aurore Richel
Summary: The study fabricated a chondroitin sulfate-calcium complex and found that calcium ions could bind with chondroitin sulfate, forming a complex with good biological activity promoting chondrocyte proliferation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Zhuo, Yuehui Liang, Duoxia Xu, David Julian McClements, Suqing Wang, Qi Li, Yahong Han, Fuguo Liu, Shuai Chen
Summary: Zein-quercetagetin-chondroitin sulfate (Zein-Que-CS) composite nanoparticles with different compositions were successfully fabricated using a novel antisolvent co-precipitation method. The addition of chondroitin sulfate increased the particle diameter, surface potential, and turbidity of the Zein-Que nanoparticles. Electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic attraction played important roles in the formation of the composite nanoparticles. The encapsulated quercetagetin showed improved photostability, thermal stability, resistance to sedimentation, and slow-release properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Gulshakhar Kudaibergen, Madina Zhunussova, Ellina A. Mun, Yerlan Ramankulov, Vyacheslav Ogay
Summary: Cryogels are a unique macroporous material for tissue engineering, and the addition of hyaluronic acid can enhance their physicochemical properties. The study demonstrated that increasing hyaluronic acid content in cryogels resulted in increased porosity and pore size, as well as improved swelling behavior. Cryogels also showed no toxicity to stem cells and promoted their differentiation into chondrogenic lineage.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bikram Adhikari, Benjamin S. Stinson, Matthew J. Osmond, Mina B. Pantcheva, Melissa D. Krebs
Summary: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, impacting 80 million people. Research on culturing human TM cells on 3D biocompatible hydrogels incorporating GAGs has shown that substrate mechanical properties can affect hTM cell proliferation and fibronectin expression, providing insights into hTM cell response to changes in their microenvironment.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Tien Thinh Nguyen, Le Hang Dang, Phuong Nguyen, Truc Le-Buu Pham, Hai Khoa Le, Minh-Ty Nguyen, Tran Thi Yen Nhi, Sijia Feng, Jun Chen, Ngoc Quyen Tran
Summary: Hydrogels with bone biomimetic microenvironment are prepared using biopolymer and biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles, which have great potential for bone-graft materials development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Honglin Luo, Cheng Yin, Bingbing Zhong, Wei Li, Zhiwei Yang, Hongmin Zhu, Yuliang Zhan, Xinyong Cai, Kaijing Ren, Quanchao Zhang, Yizao Wan
Summary: In this study, a new type of coating, chondroitin sulfate (CS) modified with gelatin (Gel), was used to improve the bioactivity and pore size of bacterial cellulose (BC). The porous bacterial cellulose (PBC) was fabricated by adding Gel microspheres in the culture medium of BC, and the PBC-CS/Gel scaffolds were prepared by immersing PBC in the CS solutions followed by Gel modification. The PBC-CS/Gel scaffolds showed enhanced mechanical properties and promoted cell proliferation, adhesion, differentiation, and ingrowth, indicating their potential applications in tissue engineering.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Evellin Balbinot-Alfaro, Claudio R. Novello, Elisangela Dusman, Alexandre T. Alfaro, Helyn P. O. Barddal, Igor Almeida, Veronica E. P. Vicentini, Vilasia G. Martins
Summary: This study found that turkey wattle contains glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and hyaluronic acid (HA), which have anticoagulant activity, and cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity in tumor cells. The results suggest that turkey wattle can be used as a raw material for extracting bioactive GAGs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rui R. Costa, David Caballero, Diana Soares da Costa, Romen Rodriguez-Trujillo, Subhas C. Kundu, Rui L. Reis, Iva Pashkuleva
Summary: Anisotropy plays a crucial role in the organization and healing of neural tissues, and holds great potential for developing regeneration strategies. The study demonstrates the fabrication of microfibers from charged ECM components using interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation, which can mimic the mechanical properties of neural tissues. These fibers are biocompatible and promote the formation of neural processes, enabling the development of neural cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Tao Lei, Zhicheng Tong, Xinrang Zhai, Yushuang Zhao, Huangrong Zhu, Lu Wang, Zhengfa Wen, Binghua Song
Summary: Cartilage injury is a common disease, especially in aging populations, with poor regeneration ability. Chondroitin sulfate, as a natural component, can protect cartilage and improve the mechanical properties of GelMA hydrogel for effective load-bearing in vivo. The modified chondroitin sulfate (OCS) enhances the integration and adhesion ability of the hydrogel to host cartilage tissue. In conclusion, GelMA/OCS hydrogel shows great potential for cartilage regeneration with biocompatibility, mechanical properties, tissue integration ability, and cartilage repair ability.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Yifei Fang, Wenyan Zhou, Junsheng He, Xinrang Zhai, Feng He, Wei Wei
Summary: This study investigated the effects of oxidation on the physicochemical properties and biological functions of chondroitin sulfate (CS). The results showed that chemical modification altered CS's absorption peaks, thermal stability, and molecular structure, and had an impact on cell viability and proliferation.
Article
Polymer Science
Andreas Karydis-Messinis, Dimitrios Moschovas, Maria Markou, Kyriaki Tsirka, Christina Gioti, Eleni Bagli, Carol Murphy, Aris E. Giannakas, Alkis Paipetis, Michael A. Karakassides, Apostolos Avgeropoulos, Constantinos E. Salmas, Nikolaos E. Zafeiropoulos
Summary: Chondroitin sulfate, chitosan, and fish gelatin were incorporated with glycerol to obtain dense hydrogel membranes for wound healing. The hydrogel membranes showed amorphous structure and good mechanical properties, and supported the attachment and survival of endothelial cells.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mobina Soltani, Masoumeh Haghbin Nazarpak, Abbas Zamani, Atefeh Solouk
Summary: In this study, chondroitin sulfate was extracted from bester fish and used to prepare hydrogels, which were then combined with curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. The resulting composite showed favorable characteristics such as interconnected pores, suitable compression modulus, high swelling ratio, and good stability. Cytotoxicity evaluation demonstrated that the composite was less toxic than pure hydrogels. Overall, this composite has the potential to improve cell behavior and wound healing.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Lorenzo Airoldi, Riccardo Brucculeri, Primo Baldini, Francesco Pini, Barbara Vigani, Silvia Rossi, Ferdinando Auricchio, Umberto Anselmi-Tamburini, Simone Morganti
Summary: A low-cost 3D printing device and copper oxide water-based colloids were used to manufacture copper objects. The method avoids the use of toxic solvents and utilizes copper oxide as a precursor for copper metal. The rheological properties of the colloids were adjusted using specific materials, allowing for stable and malleable materials during the printing process. Through a series of processing steps, copper oxide was converted to copper metal, resulting in copper objects with good mechanical properties and some porosity.
3D PRINTING AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaehoon Lee, Francesca Di Turo, Barbara Vigani, Maduka L. L. Weththimuni, Silvia Rossi, Fabio Beltram, Pasqualantonio Pingue, Maurizio Licchelli, Marco Malagodi, Giacomo Fiocco, Francesca Volpi
Summary: Researchers proposed using agar gel and konjac glucomannan crosslinked with borax gel to clean wooden artefacts with rough surfaces. The cleaning efficacy of these gels was evaluated by non-invasive X-ray fluorescence mapping and profilometric investigation. The results showed that both gels had good cleaning efficacy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Caterina Valentino, Barbara Vigani, Giuseppina Sandri, Franca Ferrari, Silvia Rossi
Summary: Neurological disorders affecting both CNS and PNS remain critical and challenging pathologies. Drug delivery systems based on polysaccharides have gained attention for their physical-chemical properties. This review provides an overview of polysaccharides used for developing therapeutic strategies for repairing and regenerating the damaged nervous system, with a focus on spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury treatments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Ruggeri, Eleonora Bianchi, Barbara Vigani, Rita Sanchez-Espejo, Mattia Spano, Carlotta Totaro Fila, Luisa Mannina, Cesar Viseras, Silvia Rossi, Giuseppina Sandri
Summary: Insects, particularly crickets, are being considered as a unique source of nutrients in human nutrition due to their bioactive molecules. This study evaluated the nutritional and functional properties of an Italian spray-dried cricket powder. The powder exhibited distinctive antioxidant properties and was found to be biocompatible with Caco-2 and macrophages, suggesting its potential as an interesting material in the food industry for health benefits in addition to basic nutrition.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Eleonora Bianchi, Marco Ruggeri, Barbara Vigani, Elena Del Favero, Caterina Ricci, Cinzia Boselli, Antonia Icaro Cornaglia, Cesar Viseras, Silvia Rossi, Giuseppina Sandri
Summary: Tendon disorders are common and painful conditions. Current treatment methods often involve surgery, which requires addressing the issue of scar tissue. This study developed nanofibrous scaffolds made of thermoplastic polyurethane, enriched with cerium oxide nanoparticles and chondroitin sulfate, to support tissue regeneration. The scaffolds exhibited excellent mechanical properties, promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, and showed potential as platforms for tendon regeneration.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caterina Valentino, Barbara Vigani, Gaia Zucca, Marco Ruggeri, Giorgio Marrubini, Cinzia Boselli, Antonia Icaro Cornaglia, Giuseppina Sandri, Silvia Rossi
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop flexible and mechanically resistant platforms to assist in the regeneration process of peripheral nerve injury. Multichannel-based scaffolds (MCs) were prepared using electrospun microfibers coated with a polymer blend solution. Two types of scaffolds with random and aligned multichannels were obtained. The optimized composition of the scaffold was identified using a design of experiments (DoE) approach, and the MCs were characterized for various properties. A biodegradable, biocompatible, and safe microscale multichannel scaffold was successfully developed.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sergio Comincini, Federico Manai, Milena Sorrenti, Sara Perteghella, Camilla D'Amato, Dalila Miele, Laura Catenacci, Maria Cristina Bonferoni
Summary: In this study, two hydrophobic salts of berberine (BBR) were encapsulated in PLGA-based nanoparticles (NPs) with chitosan oleate coating and further functionalized with folic acid for targeted delivery to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. The NPs efficiently internalized into GBM cells, and the presence of folic acid increased the internalization. BBR-S NPs without folic acid content showed the highest mitochondrial co-localization. PDT enhanced the cytotoxicity of BBR-S NPs in GBM cells, with a roughly 50% reduction in viability. These results highlight the efficacy of BBR-NPs-based strategy combined with photoactivation approaches for inducing favorable cytotoxic effects in GBM cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marco Ruggeri, Rita Sanchez-Espejo, Luca Casula, Giuseppina Sandri, Luana Perioli, Maria Cristina Cardia, Francesco Lai, Cesar Viseras
Summary: Bentonite or palygorskite-based hydrogels loaded with diclofenac acid nanocrystals were developed to improve the solubility, dissolution rate, and local bioavailability of diclofenac after topical application. The nanocrystals were prepared using wet media milling technology and then incorporated into clay-based hydrogels. The hydrogels exhibited a crystalline structure and demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and reduced mobility of the nanocrystals, leading to controlled release and penetration into the skin.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giovanna Rassu, Milena Sorrenti, Laura Catenacci, Barbara Pavan, Luca Ferraro, Elisabetta Gavini, Maria Cristina Bonferoni, Paolo Giunchedi, Alessandro Dalpiaz
Summary: Phytochemicals have potential therapeutic activities against neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, but their poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism limit their use. This review summarizes strategies for enhancing phytochemical efficacy in the central nervous system, including co-administration with other drugs, use of phytochemicals as prodrugs or conjugates, and the application of nanotechnologies for targeted delivery. In vitro models simulating the blood-brain barrier, neurodegeneration, and glioma are also discussed as useful tools for optimizing formulations. Several compounds, such as quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, ferulic acid, geraniol, and cinnamaldehyde, show potential for brain-targeting and therapeutic use against glioma or neurodegenerative diseases.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mattia Spano, Giacomo Di Matteo, Carlos Alberto Fernandez Retamozo, Alba Lasalvia, Marco Ruggeri, Giuseppina Sandri, Carlos Cordeiro, Marta Sousa Silva, Carlotta Totaro Fila, Stefania Garzoli, Maria Elisa Crestoni, Luisa Mannina
Summary: Acheta domesticus, or house cricket, has been recognized as a sustainable alternative food and has recently been added to the official European list of novel foods. In this study, a multimethodological approach was used to analyze the chemical composition of A. domesticus powder, revealing previously unreported compounds such as methyl-branched hydrocarbons, citrulline, and organic acids. This research provides valuable insights for the use of crickets as a food ingredient and for the development of new formulations using cricket extracts. Future studies on safety, biological activity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability are needed in this field.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Claudia Del Fante, Cristina Mortellaro, Santina Recupero, Giovanna Giorgiani, Annalisa Agostini, Arianna Panigari, Cesare Perotti, Marco Zecca
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) transfusion practices in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients during the first 100 days after the procedure. The study found that the transfusion thresholds for RBC and PLT decreased over time, and the number of transfusions remained low in patients without severe hemorrhagic complications. No increase in mortality or adverse events was observed during the study period.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fabrizio Fiorentini, Giulia Suarato, Maria Summa, Dalila Miele, Giuseppina Sandri, Rosalia Bertorelli, Athanassia Athanassiou
Summary: Natural polymers from organic wastes are being considered as potential second raw materials for the design of biomedical devices with specific bioactive functions and environmentally friendly degradation. A plant-based microfibrous scaffold loaded with vitamin C (VitC) was created for wound healing purposes. The scaffold demonstrated bioactivity and antioxidant properties, stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammatory cytokines expression in an in vivo test on a skin UVB-burn mouse model.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)