A Novel Injectable Poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/Calcium Sulfate System for Bone Regeneration: Synthesis and Characterization

Additive Manufacturing of Personalized Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms via Stereolithography

The introduction of three-dimensional printing (3DP) has created exciting possibilities for the fabrication of dosage forms, paving the way for personalized medicine. In this study, oral dosage forms of two drug concentrations, namely 2.50% and 5.00%, were fabricated via stereolithography (SLA) using a novel photopolymerizable resin formulation based on a monomer mixture that, to date, has not been reported in the literature, with paracetamol and aspirin selected as model drugs. In order to produce the dosage forms, the ratio of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) to poly(caprolactone) triol was varied with diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (Irgacure TPO) utilized as the photoinitiator. The fabrication of 28 dosages in one print process was possible and the printed dosage forms were characterized for their drug release properties. It was established that both drugs displayed a sustained release over a 24-h period. The physical properties were also investigated, illustrating that SLA affords accurate printing of dosages with some statistically significant differences observed from the targeted dimensional range, indicating an area for future process improvement. The work presented in this paper demonstrates that SLA has the ability to produce small, individualized batches which may be tailored to meet patients’ specific needs or provide for the localized production of pharmaceutical dosage forms.

The Effect of Reduced Graphene Oxide-Coated Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Bone Graft Material on Osteogenesis

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as bone graft materials on bone regeneration. The rGO-coated BCP bone graft material was fabricatied by mixing rGO and BCP at various concentrations. The surface charge of rGO-coated BCP was measured to be -14.43 mV, which formed a static electrostatic interaction. Cell viabilities were significantly diminished at higher concentrations of ≥100 μg/mL. The calvarial defects of 48 rats were implanted rGO-coated BCPs at a weight ratio of 2:1000 (rGO2), 4:1000 (rGO4), and 10:1000 (rGO10), repectively. BCP was used as a control group. The micro-CT and histological analysis were performed to evaluate new bone formation at 2 and 8 weeks after surgery. The results showed that the new bone volume (mm³) was significantly higher in the experimental groups than in the control group. Histological analysis showed that new bone areas (%) were significantly higher in the rGO2 and rGO10 than in the control, and significantly higher in rGO4 than in the rGO2 and rGO10. Conclusively, the rGO-coated BCP was found to be effective on osteogenesis and the concentration of the composite was an important factor.

Smart and Covalently Cross-Linked: Hybrid Shape Memory Materials Reinforced through Covalent Bonds by Zirconium Oxoclusters

The first examples of organic-inorganic hybrid materials reinforced by transition-metal oxoclusters that exhibit shape memory properties, based on the covalent incorporation of zirconium-based inorganic building blocks, are reported. Methacrylate-functionalized zirconium oxoclusters Zr₄ O₂ (OMc)₁₂ and [Zr₆ O₄ (OH)₄ (OOCCH₂ CH₃ )₃ {OOCC(CH₃ )=CH₂ }₉ ]₂ , with the covalent incorporation in a butyl acrylate (BA)/polycaprolactone dimethacrylate (PCLDMA) copolymer and the noncovalent incorporation of [Zr₆ O₄ (OH)₄ (OOCCH₂ CH₃ )₁₂ ]₂ are focused upon herein. Shape recovery and fixity rates are studied to observe if the shape memory properties are preserved upon going from a simple copolymer to noncovalent or covalent-based hybrids. These rates display values higher than 90 %, which provides evidence that the oxocluster does not hinder the shape memory properties in the hybrid materials. The introduction of an inorganic phase and the progressively more stable interactions between organic and inorganic parts lead to an enhancement of the thermomechanical properties. The materials are characterized through FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and swelling tests. Dynamic-mechanical analyses are used to investigate whether the hybrid materials display thermally activated shape memory properties. The stability of the hybrid materials are evaluated by a combined spectroscopic approach based on FTIR, solid-state NMR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Preliminary In Vitro Assessment of Stem Cell Compatibility with Cross-Linked Poly(ε-caprolactone urethane) Scaffolds Designed through High Internal Phase Emulsions

By using a high internal phase emulsion process, elastomeric poly(ε-caprolactone urethane) (PCLU) scaffolds were designed with pores size ranging from below 150 μm to 1800 μm and a porosity of 86% making them suitable for bone tissue engineering applications. Moreover, the pores appeared to be excellently interconnected, promoting cellularization and future bone ingrowth. This study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of the PCLU scaffolds towards human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) through the evaluation of cell viability and metabolic activity during extract test and indirect contact test at the beginning of the scaffold lifetime. Both tests demonstrated that PCLU scaffolds did not induce any cytotoxic response. Finally, direct interaction of hMSCs and PCLU scaffolds showed that PCLU scaffolds were suitable for supporting the hMSCs adhesion and that the cells were well spread over the pore walls. We conclude that PCLU scaffolds may be a good candidate for bone tissue regeneration applications using hMSCs.

Evaluation of a thermoresponsive polycaprolactone scaffold for in vitro three-dimensional stem cell differentiation

Tissue engineering (TE) strategies aim at imitating the natural process of regeneration by using bioresorbable scaffolds that support cellular attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Based on the idea of combining a fully degradable polymer [poly(ɛ-caprolactone)] with a thermoresponsive polymer (polyethylene glycol methacrylate), a scaffold was developed, which liquefies below 20°C and solidifies at 37°C. In this study, this scaffold was evaluated for its ability to support C2C12 cells and human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) to generate an expandable three-dimensional (3D) construct for soft or bone TE. As a first step, biomaterial seeding was optimized and cellular attachment, survival, distribution, and persistence within the 3D material were characterized. C2C12 cells were differentiated toward the osteogenic as well as myogenic lineage, while ASCs were cultured in control, adipogenic, or osteogenic differentiation media. Differentiation was examined using quantitative real-time PCR for the expression of osteogenic, myogenic, and adipogenic markers and by enzyme activity and immunoassays. Both cell types attached and were found evenly distributed within the material. C2C12 cells and ASCs demonstrated the potential to differentiate in all tested lineages under 2D conditions. Under 3D osteogenic conditions for C2C12 cells, only osteocalcin expression (fold induction: 16.3±0.2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (p<0.001) were increased compared with the control C2C12 cells. Three-dimensional osteogenic differentiation of ASC was limited and donor dependent. Only one donor showed an increase in the osteogenic markers osteocalcin (p=0.027) and osteopontin (p=0.038). In contrast, differentiation toward the myogenic or adipogenic lineage showed expression of specific markers in 3D, at least at the level of the 2D culture. In 3D culture, strong induction of myogenin (p<0.001) as well as myoD (p<0.001) was found in C2C12 cells. The adipogenic differentiation of one donor showed greater expression of peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (p=0.004), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) (p=0.008), and adiponectin (p=0.045) in 3D compared with 2D culture. Leptin levels in the supernatant of the ASC cultures were elevated in the 3D cultures in both donors at day 14 and 21. In conclusion, the thermoresponsive scaffold was found suitable for 3D in vitro differentiation toward soft tissue.

Evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of cross-linked biomaterials

This study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF). PPF is an aliphatic biodegradable polymer that has been well characterized for use in bone tissue engineering scaffolds. Four different cell types, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), fibroblasts (L929), preosteoblasts (MC3T3), and canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSC), were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of PPF. These cell types represent the tissues that PPF would interact with in vivo as a bone tissue scaffold. The sol fraction of the PPF films was measured and then utilized to estimate cross-linking density. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using XTT assay and fluorescence imaging. Results showed that PPF supported similar cell metabolic activities of hMSC, L929, MC3T3, and cMSC compared to the noncytotoxic control, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and were statistically different than those cultured with the cytotoxic control, a polyurethane film containing 0.1% zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZCF). Results showed differing cellular responses to ZCF, the cytotoxic control. The L929 cells had the lowest cell metabolic activity levels after exposure to ZCF compared to the cell metabolic activity levels of the MC3T3, hMSC, or cMSC cells. Qualitative verification of the results using fluorescence imaging demonstrated no change in cell morphology, vacuolization, or detachment when cultured with PPF compared to HDPE or blank media cultures. Overall, the cytotoxicity response of the cells to PPF was demonstrated to be similar to the cytotoxic response of cells to known noncytotoxic materials (HDPE).

Properties of newly-synthesized cationic semi-interpenetrating hydrogels containing either hyaluronan or chondroitin sulfate in a methacrylic matrix

Extracellular matrix components such as hyaluronan (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were combined with a synthetic matrix of p(HEMA-co-METAC) (poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate-co-2-methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium)) at 1% and 2% w/w concentration following a previously developed procedure. The resulting semi-interpenetrating hydrogels were able to extensively swell in water incrementing their dry weight up to 13 fold depending on the glycosamminoglycan content and nature. When swollen in physiological solution, materials water uptake significantly decreased, and the differences in swelling capability became negligible. In physiological conditions, HA was released from the materials up to 38%w/w while CS was found almost fully retained. Materials were not cytotoxic and a biological evaluation, performed using 3T3 fibroblasts and an original time lapse videomicroscopy station, revealed their appropriateness for cell adhesion and proliferation. Slight differences observed in the morphology of adherent cells suggested a better performance of CS containing hydrogels.

Cefoperazone sodium impregnated polycaprolactone composite implant for osteomyelitis

The use of local antibiotics from a biodegradable implant for chronic osteomyelitis is an attractive alternative. The implant delivers high antibiotic concentration at tissue levels, obliterates dead space, aids bone repair and does not need to be removed. The purpose of this paper is to develop and evaluate a calcium sulphate and polycaprolactone based composite biodegradable implantable delivery system of cefoperazone sodium. Implants were prepared by modified fabrication technique to avoid solvent use. Interaction studies were carried out to check any incompatibility between ingredients. Prepared implants were evaluated for various in vitro parameters like dimensions, hardness, tensile strength, drug release profile and sterility. Morphological changes in pellet before and after drug release were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The pellet were also tested for microbiological efficacy and compared with plain drug solution in different concentrations. Developed pellets are regular in shape and size with good tensile strength. The release profile displayed drug levels above MIC continuously up to 2 months. Wide zone of inhibition by pellet against Staph. aureus as compared to drug solution proves its efficacy in treatment of osteomyelitis.

Change in neuron aggregation and neurite fasciculation on EVAL membranes modified with different diamines

In this study, we modified poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVAL) membranes by the covalent bonding of diamines via epoxidation of surface hydroxyl groups of EVAL to analyze the effect of immobilized diamines with different carbon chain length on the cultured cerebellar granule neurons. Morphological studies showed that neurons seeded on the diamine-immobilized EVAL membrane were able to survive and regenerate with formation of an extensive neuritic network. Furthermore, cultured neurons showed that the presence of diamine with different carbon chain length was able to effectively regulate the neuron adhesion, migration, aggregation, and neurite growth pattern, but mediated neuronal activity with equal efficacy. The short-chain amine stimulated neuron migration, aggregation, and neurite fasciculation, whereas the long carbon chain diamine maintained single neuron distribution with the defasciculated feature of the neurite. Although it is known that positively charged amine molecules can interact directly with cell surface proteoglycans to mediate cell attachment, this study further demonstrated that the terminal primary amine with different carbon chain length is involved in mediating cell-substrate interaction to further regulate neuron aggregation and neurite fasciculation. This indicates a delicate interaction of neuron with the immobilized diamine molecules on the EVAL membrane surface. This work is encouraging because the diamine- immobilized EVAL membranes can be applied for the establishment of different neural culture systems useful for future investigations of neuron biology under in vitro conditions.

Preparation and Properties of Novel Dentin Adhesives with Esterase Resistance

A new methacrylate monomer, trimethylolpropane mono allyl ether dimethacrylate (TMPEDMA), was synthesized and evaluated. This branched methacrylate was designed to increase esterase-resistance when incorporated into conventional HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/BisGMA (2,2-bis[4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy-propyloxy)-phenyl] propane) dental adhesives. The new adhesives, HEMA/BisGMA/TMPEDMA in a 45/30/25 (w/w) ratio were formulated with H(2)O at 0 (A0T) and 8 wt % water (A8T) and compared with control adhesives (HEMA/BisGMA, 45/55 (w/w), at 0 (A0) and 8 wt % (A8) water). Camphoroquinone (CQ), 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate and diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate were used as photoinitiators. The new adhesives showed a degree of conversion comparable with the control and improved modulus and glass transition temperature (T(g)). Exposure of photopolymerized discs to porcine liver esterase for up to eight days showed that the net cumulative methacrylic acid (MAA) release in adhesives formulated with the new monomer and 8% water (A8T: 182 μg/mL) was dramatically (P < 0.05) decreased in comparison to the control (A8: 361.6 μg/mL). The results demonstrate that adhesives made with the new monomer and cured in water to simulate wet bonding are more resistant to esterase than conventional HEMA/BisGMA adhesive.

Biphasic scaffold for annulus fibrosus tissue regeneration

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the major cause of lower back pain, while the currently available treatments are symptomatic rather than curative. Tissue engineering is a powerful therapeutic strategy that can restore the normal biomechanical motion of the human spine. The ability of a biphasic elastic scaffold to structurally and elastically simulate the annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue of the IVD was explored. The outer phase of the scaffold was a ring-shaped demineralized bone matrix gelatin (BMG) extracted from cortical bone, which mimicks the type I collagen structure and ligamentous properties of outer AF. The inner phase of the scaffold was a bio-biomaterial poly(polycaprolactone triol malate) (PPCLM) orientated in concentric sheets and seeded with chondrocytes to recapitulate the inner layer of the AF, which is rich in type II collagen and proteoglycan. The mechanical properties and degradation of PPCLM could be adjusted by controlling the post-polymerization time of the pre-polymer. PPCLM also demonstrated good biocompatibility in a foreign body response in vivo assay. Incorporation of BMG into the scaffold enhanced the compressive strength compared with PPCLM alone. In addition, the tensile stress of the BMG/PPCLM scaffold was 50-fold greater than that of PPCLM alone, and close to that of normal rabbit AF. Finally, the biphasic scaffold supported the growth of rabbit chondrocytes, as confirmed by Safranin-O and type II collagen immunostaining. The excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the BMG/PPCLM scaffold make it a promising candidate for AF repair.