Fabrication and Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)/Gelatin Composite Scaffolds

l-Arginine-Loaded Oxidized Isabgol/Chitosan-Based Biomimetic Composite Scaffold Accelerates Collagen Synthesis, Vascularization, and Re-epithelialization during Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

Impaired wound healing in diabetic wounds is common due to infection, inflammation, less collagen synthesis, and vascularization. Diabetic wound healing in patients is still a challenge and needs an ideal wound dressing to treat and manage diabetic wounds. Herein, an efficacious wound dressing biomaterial was fabricated by cross-linking oxidized isabgol (Oisab) and chitosan (Cs) via trisodium trimetaphosphate and Schiff base bonds. l-Arginine (l-Arg) was incorporated as a bioactive substance in the Oisab + Cs scaffold to promote cell adhesion, cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and vascularization. The fabricated scaffolds showed microporous networks in the scanning electron microscopy analysis. The scaffold also possessed excellent hemocompatibility. In vitro studies using fibroblasts (L929 and human dermal fibroblast cells) confirmed the cytocompatibility of these scaffolds. The results of the in vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay confirmed the proangiogenic activity of the Oisab + Cs + l-Arg scaffolds. The wound-healing potential of these scaffolds was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This in vivo study showed that the period of epithelialization in the Oisab + Cs + l-Arg scaffold-treated wounds was 21.67 ± 1.6 days, which was significantly faster than the control (30.33 ± 2.5 days). Histological and immunohistochemical studies showed that the Oisab + Cs + l-Arg scaffolds significantly accelerated the rate of wound contraction by reducing inflammation, improving collagen synthesis, and promoting neovascularization. These findings suggest that the Oisab + Cs + l-Arg scaffolds could be beneficial in treating diabetic wounds in clinical applications.

In vivo characterization of a luffa-based composite scaffold for subcutaneous implantation in rats

Recent advancements in tissue engineering have witnessed luffa-derived scaffolds, exhibiting their exceptional potential in cellular proliferation, biocompatibility, appropriate interconnectivity, and biomechanical strength. In vivo studies involved implanting fabricated scaffolds subcutaneously in Wistar rats to evaluate their impact on the heart, liver, and kidneys. This approach provided a safe and minimally invasive means to evaluate scaffold compatibility with surrounding tissues. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four distinct groups, Group A, B, C, and D are referred to as 3% LC implanted scaffolds, 5% LC implanted scaffolds, control (without luffa scaffolds), and Sham (without any scaffold implantation), respectively. Histological analysis in all the groups indicated that the animal models did not exhibit any signs of inflammation or toxicity, suggesting favorable tissue response to the implanted scaffolds. Initial observations revealed elevated levels of enzymes and biomarkers in the experimental groups after a 24 h interval, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and serum creatinine. However, these parameters normalized 3 weeks post-implantation, with no significant increase compared to the control groups, suggesting that the implanted luffa-based scaffolds did not induce adverse effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Furthermore, the scaffold's significant pore size and porosity enable it to release drugs, including antibacterial medications. This study demonstrates promising results, indicating excellent scaffold porosity, sustained drug release, affirming the in vivo biocompatibility, absence of inflammatory responses, and overall tissue compatibility highlighting the immense potential of these luffa-based scaffolds in various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Arabinoxylan-based psyllium seed hydrocolloid: Single-step aqueous extraction and use in tissue engineering

Biomacromolecules derived from natural sources offer superior biocompatibility, biodegradability, and water-holding capacity, which make them promising scaffolds for tissue engineering. Psyllium seed has gained attention in biomedical applications recently due to its gel-forming ability, which is provided by its polysaccharide-rich content consisting mostly of arabinoxylan. This study focuses on the extraction and gelation of Psyllium seed hydrocolloid (PSH) in a single-step water-based protocol, and scaffold fabrication using freeze-drying method. After characterization of the scaffold, including morphological, mechanical, swelling, and protein adsorption analyses, 3D cell culture studies were done using NIH-3 T3 fibroblast cells on PSH scaffold, and cell viability was assessed using Live/Dead and Alamar Blue assays. Starting from day 1, high cell viability was obtained, and it reached 90 % at the end of 15-day culture period. Cellular morphology on PSH scaffold was monitored via SEM analysis; cellular aggregates then spheroid formation were observed throughout the study. Collagen Type-I and F-actin expressions were followed by immunostaining revealing a 9- and 10-fold increase during long-term culture. Overall, a single-step and non-toxic protocol was developed for extraction and gelation of PSH. Obtained results unveiled that PSH scaffold provided a favorable 3D microenvironment for cells, holding promise for further tissue engineering applications.

Evaluation of physiochemical and biomedical properties of psyllium-poly(vinyl phosphonic acid-co-acrylamide)-cl-N,N-methylene bis acrylamide based hydrogels

Present investigation deals with the synthesis of psyllium based copolymeric hydrogels and evaluation of their physiochemical and biomedical properties. These copolymers have been prepared by grafting of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) (poly (VPA)) and poly(acrylamide) (poly(AAm)) onto psyllium in the presence of crosslinker N,N-methylene bis acrylamide (NNMBA). These copolymers [psyllium-poly(VPA-co-AAm)-cl-NNMBA] were characterized by field emission-scanning electron micrographs (FE-SEM), electron dispersion X-ray analysis (EDAX), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)- differential thermal analysis (DTG). FESEM, AFM and XRD demonstrated heterogeneous morphology with a rough surface and an amorphous nature. Diffusion of ornidazole occurred with a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism, and the release profile data was fitted in the Korsemeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Biochemical analysis of hydrogel properties confirmed the blood-compatible nature during blood-polymer interactions and revealed haemolysis value 3.95 ± 0.05 %. The hydrogels exhibited mucoadhesive character during biomembrane-polymer interactions and demonstrated detachment force = 99.0 ± 0.016 mN. During 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reagent (DPPH) assay, free radical scavenging was observed 37.83 ± 3.64 % which illustrated antioxidant properties of hydrogels. Physiological and biomedical properties revealed that these hydrogels could be explored for drug delivery uses.

Arabinoxylans matrixes as a potential material for drug delivery systems development - A bibliometric analysis and literature review

Arabinoxylans (AX) have become a focal point in the pharmaceutical sector owing to their physicochemical, biological, and functional properties. The purpose of this paper was to present a summary of the utilization of AX as drug release matrices through a bibliometric analysis (BA) and a literature review to spotlight the AX functional characteristics and their technological applications to promote this line of research. The BA was carried out using data from a Web of Science database research, specifically emphasizing the analysis of authors' keywords. This approach was chosen due to its significance in comprehensively understanding a particular research field and its relevance for in-depth knowledge of a research field. The BA outcomes revealed limited information concerning the AX applications in both release matrices and as excipients in the formulation and development of drug delivery systems (DDS), so there is a need for additional scientific and technological research in these areas to address the existing information gaps. However, the literature review shows that the native and modified AX from different delivery release systems, such as macrogels (including films, tablets, and hard gelatin capsules) and multi-particulate systems (including micro and nanogels), present an excellent potential as release matrices of biomolecules and drugs, such as doxorubicin, diclofenac sodium, caffeine, gentamicin, tizanidine hydrochloride, and insulin. In conclusion, AX have a wide potential for application in the pharmaceutical industry, so this work is expected to be a reference point for future research by scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs who cope with the subject.

Formulation and Characterization of Curcumin Niosomes: Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Studies

Curcumin's applications in the treatment of conditions including osteoarthritis, dementia, malignancies of the pancreas, and malignancies of the intestines have drawn increasing attention. It has several wonderful qualities, including being an anti-inflammatory agent, an anti-mutagenic agent, and an antioxidant, and has substantially reduced inherent cytotoxicity outcomes. Although curcumin possesses multiple known curative properties, due to its limited bioavailability, it is necessary to develop efficient strategies to overcome these hurdles. To establish an effective administration method, various niosomal formulations were optimized using the Box-Behnken design and assessed in the current investigation. To examine the curcumin niosomes, zeta sizer, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, SEM, antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity, and release studies were performed. The optimized curcumin niosomes exhibited an average particle size of 169.4 nm, a low PDI of 0.189, and high entrapment efficiency of 85.4%. The release profile showed 79.39% curcumin after 24 h and had significantly higher antioxidant potential as compared with that of free curcumin. The cytotoxicity results of curcumin niosomes presented increased mortality in human ovarian cancer A2780.

A Pilot, Prospective, Randomized-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Arsha Hita™ in the Treatment of Anal Fissures

Introduction Anal fissures are tears in the anal canal that cause pain, bleeding, and spasms. They can be treated with non-operative options such as sitz baths, local anesthetics, topical nitrates, oral fiber, and calcium channel blockers, but some patients require surgery. Topical nitrates have side effects such as severe headaches, while topical calcium channel blockers can cause itching. There is a need to explore alternative treatments with fewer side effects. This proof-of-concept pilot study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a combination of Arsha Hita™ tablets and ointment (Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited, Mumbai Maharastra, India) (test treatment) with a combination of lidocaine 1.5% w/w + nifedipine 0.3% w/w cream for local application and Isabgol powder (6 g) orally as an active comparator (standard treatment), which is the standard treatment of anal fissures as per the Association of Colon and Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI) guidelines. Methodology This study was a single-center, prospective, randomized-controlled study conducted in Karnataka, India. Participants were screened for anal fissures and randomized to receive either standard treatment (Group A) or test treatment (Group B) for 14 days, and were re-evaluated after two, four, and six weeks. The study assessed signs and symptoms related to anal fissures, such as pain post-defecation on Visual Analog Scale (VAS), bleeding per anus grading, wound healing grade, stool consistency, and stool frequency. Compliance, inter-current illness, and concomitant therapy were noted at each visit. The study used independent sample t-tests to compare variables at baseline and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests to compare the number/proportion of participants achieving primary and secondary endpoints. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare median composite scores at baseline and Visit 4, and Friedman's two-way analysis of variance was used to compare median composite scores across the four visits (p < 0.05 was considered significant). Descriptive analysis was used to assess VAS, bleeding, and healing grades. Results The study included 53 participants with anal fissures, of which 25 out of 27 allocated in Group A (two drop-outs) received standard treatment, and all 26 allocated in Group B received Arsha Hita treatment. At the end of the study, 11 participants in Group B achieved a 90% reduction in composite scores compared to only three patients in Group A (p<0.05). Both groups showed improvement in pain on defecation, severity of bleeding, healing of anal fissure wound, and participant's and physician's global impression score. Group B had significantly better results in terms of VAS score, resolution of per-anal bleeding, and physician's global impression score (p<0.05). There were no adverse events in either group during the six-week treatment period. Conclusion The pilot study provides evidence that the combination of Arsha Hita tablets and Arsha Hita ointment may be more effective and safer for treating anal fissures than the standard treatment. The test treatment group experienced greater pain relief, complete resolution of per-anal bleeding, and better global impression scores than the standard treatment group. These findings suggest the need for further research through larger, randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy and safety of Arsha Hita in treating anal fissures.

Tissue Engineering Challenges for Cultivated Meat to Meet the Real Demand of a Global Market

Cultivated meat (CM) technology has the potential to disrupt the food industry-indeed, it is already an inevitable reality. This new technology is an alternative to solve the environmental, health and ethical issues associated with the demand for meat products. The global market longs for biotechnological improvements for the CM production chain. CM, also known as cultured, cell-based, lab-grown, in vitro or clean meat, is obtained through cellular agriculture, which is based on applying tissue engineering principles. In practice, it is first necessary to choose the best cell source and type, and then to furnish the necessary nutrients, growth factors and signalling molecules via cultivation media. This procedure occurs in a controlled environment that provides the surfaces necessary for anchor-dependent cells and offers microcarriers and scaffolds that favour the three-dimensional (3D) organisation of multiple cell types. In this review, we discuss relevant information to CM production, including the cultivation process, cell sources, medium requirements, the main obstacles to CM production (consumer acceptance, scalability, safety and reproducibility), the technological aspects of 3D models (biomaterials, microcarriers and scaffolds) and assembly methods (cell layering, spinning and 3D bioprinting). We also provide an outlook on the global CM market. Our review brings a broad overview of the CM field, providing an update for everyone interested in the topic, which is especially important because CM is a multidisciplinary technology.

In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of Clomipramine Orodispersible Tablets for the Treatment of Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The first and only antidepressant drug on the market with solid proof of clinically significant serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition is clomipramine (CLP). However, significant first-pass metabolism reduces its absorption to less than 62%. It is heavily protein-bound and broadly dispersed across the body (9-25 L/kg volume of distribution). The purpose of this research was to formulate CLP orodispersible tablets that immediately enable the drug to enter the bloodstream and bypass systemic portal circulation to improve its bioavailability. A factorial design was employed using varied amounts of Plantago ovata mucilage (POM) as a natural superdisintegrant, as well as croscarmellose sodium and crospovidone as synthetic disintegrants. Their physiochemical compatibility was evaluated by FTIR, DSC/TGA, and PXRD analysis. The blend of all formulations was assessed for pre- and post-compaction parameters. The study found that tablets comprising Plantago ovata mucilage as a superdisintegrant showed a rapid in vitro disintegration time, i.e., around 8.39 s, and had an excellent dissolution profile. The anti-depressant efficacy was evaluated by an open-field test (OFT) and the forced swimming test (FST) was applied to create hopelessness and despair behavior as a model of depression in animals (Albino rats). The in vivo study revealed that the efficiency of the optimized formulation (F9) in the treatment of depression is more than the marketed available clomfranil tablet, and may be linked to its rapid disintegration and bypassing of systemic portal circulation.

Fabrication and in vitro characterization of luffa-based composite scaffolds incorporated with gelatin, hydroxyapatite and psyllium husk for bone tissue engineering

Bone tissue engineering is an emerging technology that has been developed in recent years to address bone abnormalities by repairing, regenerating and replacing damaged/injured tissues. In present work, we report the fabrication and characterization of porous luffa-based composite scaffolds composed of Luffa cylindrica (sponge gourd) powder (LC)/hydroxyapatite (HA), psyllium husk (PH) and gelatin (G) in various combinations (w/v) i.e. 3% LC, 5% LC and control (C) (without luffa powder) by using freeze-drying method. The structural stability of the scaffolds was obtained after chemically crosslinking them with glutaraldehyde (GTA), which was identified via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The hydrophilic behavior of the samples was quantified by water contact angle measurements. The average pore size of the scaffolds was observed in a range of 20-240 µm. As per the obtained data, the apparent and effective porosities were estimated as ∼57.08 ± 4.38%, ∼50.58 ± 4.09%, ∼59.45 ± 1.60% and 51.37 ± 3.36%, 47.94 ± 4.57% and 53.09 ± 5.45% for 3% LC, 5% LC and control (C) scaffolds, respectively. The scaffolds were found to be noticeably stable for 50 days at 37 °C in a lysozyme solution. The liquid retention capacity of the scaffolds revealed that the luffa-based scaffolds gained lower retention capacity compared to the control (C) scaffold; indicating an increase in scaffold stiffness due to the addition of luffa. Compressive strength study demonstrated that the mechanical stability of the fabricated luffa-based scaffolds got increased significantly from ∼1.5 to ∼9.5 MPa, which is comparable to that of trabecular bone. In addition, proliferation and viability analysis of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells revealed a significant level of cellular compatibility i.e. approaching ∼64% proliferation by 6th day in vitro compared to control. Thus, the obtained results demonstrate that the fabricated novel luffa-based scaffolds exhibit good cytocompatibility, remarkable porosity and excellent mechanical strength comparable to native human bone. Therefore, we anticipate that the developed luffa-based scaffolds could be a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.

Freeze-Thaw-Induced Physically Cross-linked Superabsorbent Polyvinyl Alcohol/Soy Protein Isolate Hydrogels for Skin Wound Dressing: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization

In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)- and soy protein isolate (SPI)-based scaffolds were prepared by physical cross-linking using the freeze-thaw method. The PVA/SPI ratio was varied to examine the individual effects of the two constituents. The physicochemical properties of the fabricated scaffolds were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The SPI concentration significantly affected the properties of scaffolds, such as the extent of gelation (%), pore size, porosity, degradation, swelling, and surface wettability. The in vitro degradation of fabricated hydrogels was evaluated in phosphate-buffered saline and lysozyme solution for a duration of 14 days. The in vitro compatibility of prepared hydrogels was evaluated by the MTT assay with NIH-3T3 cells (fibroblast). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) assays showed that all hydrogels possessed WVTR values in the range of 2000-2500 g m^-2 day^-1, which is generally recommended for ideal wound dressing. Overall, the obtained results reveal that the fabricated scaffolds have excellent biocompatibility, mechanical strength, porosity, stability, and degradation rate and thus carry enormous potential for tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, a full-thickness wound healing study performed in rats supported them as a promising wound dressing material.

High-manganese and nitrogen stabilized austenitic stainless steel (Fe-18Cr-22Mn-0.65N): a material with a bright future for orthopedic implant devices

The rationale behind the success of nickel free or with extremely low nickel austenitic high manganese and nitrogen stabilized stainless steels is adverse influences of nickel ion on human body. Replacement of nickel by nitrogen and manganese provides a stable microstructure and facilitates better biocompatibility in respect of the conventional 316L austenitic stainless steel (316L SS). In this investigation, biocompatibility of the high-manganese and nitrogen stabilized (Fe-18Cr-22Mn-0.65N) austenitic stainless steel was studied and found highly promising.In vitrocell culture and cell proliferation (MTT) assays were performed on this stainless steel and assessed in respect of the 316L SS. Both the steels exhibited similar cell growth behavior. Furthermore, an enhancement was observed in cell proliferation on the Fe-18Cr-22Mn-0.65N SS after surface modification by ultrasonic shot peening (USP). The mean percent proliferation of the MG-63 cells increased from ≈88% for Un-USP to 98% and 105% for USP 3-2 and USP 2-2 samples, respectively for 5 d of incubation. Interestingly,in vivoanimal study performed in rabbits for 3 and 6 weeks showed callus formation and sign of union without any allergic reaction.

Printability assessment of psyllium husk (isabgol)/gelatin blends using rheological and mechanical properties

The primary goal of this study is to highlight the rheological and mechanical properties of a new blend composed of naturally-derived hydrogel materials- psyllium husk (PH) and gelatin (G) for its potential use in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The mixtures were prepared at various weight ratios of 100PH, 75PH + 25G and 50PH + 50G. A suitable selection of the printable ink was made based on the preliminary screening steps of manual filament drop test and layer stacking by 3D printing. Printing of the common features such as hexagon and square grids helped evaluating shape fidelity of the chosen ink. Although 50PH + 50G blend was found meeting most of the criteria for an ideal 3D printable ink, rheological and mechanical characterizations have been performed for all the ratios of polymeric blends. This study documents the correlation between various factors of rheology that should be taken into account while categorizing any biomaterial as a printable ink. Yield stress was measured as 18.59 ± 4.21 Pa, 268.74 ± 13.56 Pa and 109.16 ± 9.85 Pa for 50PH + 50G, 75PH + 25G and 100PH, respectively. Similarly, consistency index (K) and flow index (n) were calculated using the power law equation and found as 49.303 ± 4.17, 530.59 ± 10.92, 291.82 ± 10.53 and 0.275 ± 0.04, 0.05 ± 0.005, 0.284 ± 0.04 for 50PH + 50G, 75PH + 25G and 100PH, respectively. The loss modulus (G″) was observed dominating over storage modulus (G') for 50PH + 50G, that depicts its liquid-like property; whereas storage modulus (G') was found dominating in case of 75PH + 25G and 100PH, indicating their solid-like characteristics. In addition, the loss tangent value (tan δ) of 50PH + 50G was observed exceeding unity (1.05), supporting its plastic behavior, unlike 75PH + 25G (0.5) and 100PH (0.33) whose loss tangent values were estimated less than unity revealing their elastic behavior. Also, 50PH + 50G was found to have the highest mechanical strength amongst the three blends with a Young's modulus of 9.170 ± 0.0881 kPa.

Otoliths-composed gelatin/sodium alginate scaffolds for bone regeneration

Evidence that otoliths, mineral-rich limestone concrescences present in the inner ear of bone fishes, can accelerate bone formation in vivo has been previously reported. The goal of this work was the development, characterization, and evaluation of the cytocompatibility of otoliths-incorporated sodium alginate and gelatin scaffolds. Cynoscion acoupa-derived otoliths were characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FRX), particle size, free lime, and weight loss by calcination. Furthermore, otoliths were incorporated into sodium alginate (ALG/OTL-s) or gelatin (GEL/OTL-s) scaffolds, previously developed by freeze-drying. Then, the scaffolds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR), swelling tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity assays were run against J774.G8 macrophages and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Data obtained from TGA/DTG, DSC, and FTIR analyses confirmed the interaction between otoliths and the polymeric scaffolds. SEM showed the homogeneous porous 3D structure rich in otolith micro-fragments in both scaffolds. Swelling of the GEL/OTL-s (63.54 ± 3.0%) was greater than of ALG/OTL-s (13.36 ± 9.9%) (p < 0.001). The viability of J774.G8 macrophages treated with both scaffolds was statistically similar to the group treated with DMEM only (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than that treated with Triton-X (p < 0.01) at 72 h. Both scaffolds showed approximately 100% growth of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts by 24 h, similarly to control (p > 0.05). However, by 48 h, only ALG/OTL-s showed growth similar to control (p > 0.05), whereas GEL/OTL showed a significantly lower growth index (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the physicochemical profiles suggest proper interaction between the otoliths and the two developed polymeric 3D scaffolds. Moreover, both materials showed cytocompatibility with J774.G8 macrophages but the growth of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts was higher when exposed to ALG/OTL-s. These data suggest that sodium alginate/otoliths scaffolds are potential biomaterials to be used in bone regeneration applications. Graphical abstract.

Soy protein isolate supplemented silk fibroin nanofibers for skin tissue regeneration: Fabrication and characterization

Biocompatible soy protein isolate/silk fibroin (SPI/SF) nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated through electrospinning a novel protein blend SPI/SF. Prepared nanofibers were treated with ethanol vapor to obtain an improved water-stable structure. Fabricated scaffolds were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-VIS spectrophotometry and image analysis. The mean diameters of SPI/SF electrospun fibers were observed ranging between 71 and 160 nm. The scaffolds were found significantly stable for a prolong duration at the room temperature as well as at 37 °C, when placed in phosphate buffered saline, nutrient medium, and lysozyme-containing solution. The potential of fabricated scaffolds for skin tissue regeneration was evaluated by in vitro culturing of standard cell lines i.e., fibroblast cells (L929-RFP (red fluorescent protein) and NIH-3T3) and melanocytes (B16F10). The outcomes revealed that all the fabricated nanofibrous scaffolds were non-toxic towards normal mammalian cells. In addition, healing of full-thickness wound in rats within 14 days after treatment with a nanofibrous scaffold demonstrated its suitability as a potential wound dressing material. Interestingly, we found that nanofibers induced a noticeable reduction in the proliferation rate of B16F10 melanoma cells.

Xylan-based hydrogels for potential skin care application

Skin care biomaterials from natural compounds are increasingly needed in recent. We demonstrate a simple strategy to fabricate the dialdehyde xylan (DAX) crosslinked hydrogel with skin care potential. The hydrogel mainly consists of dialdehyde xylan, which is used as crosslinker for gelatin (G). Glycerol (Gly) and nicotinamide (NCA) are introduced here for improving the texture, antibacterial property as well as skin care functionality. The in vitro release results demonstrate that NCA can be released smoothly from the xylan-based gel, whereby the xylan-based fabricated gel can be utilized as an ideal matrix gel in skin care with loading and release function. The antibacterial ability is in the following order: Yeast > Bacillus subtilis > Staphylococcus aureus. The cytocompatibility experiments confirm the excellent viability of the gel. These merits demonstrate the fabricated hydrogel as a potential material in skin care.

Preparation and Optimization of a Biomimetic Triple-Layered Vascular Scaffold Based on Coaxial Electrospinning

Electrospinning is a promising method for preparing bionic vascular scaffolds. In particular, coaxial electrospinning can encapsulate polymer materials in biological materials and provide vascular scaffolds with good biomechanical properties. However, it is difficult to produce a stable Taylor cone during the coaxial electrospinning process. Moreover, glutaraldehyde cross-linked natural biomaterials are cytotoxic. To address these issues, a novel electrospinning process is proposed in this report. A non-ionic surfactant (Tween 80) was added to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) electrospinning solution and gelatin-collagen electrospinning solution, which prevented the interfacial effect of coaxial electrospinning due to different core/shell solutions. The as-prepared materials were then cross-linked with the non-toxic coupling agents N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS). By comparing the biomechanical properties of EDC/NHS cross-linked vascular scaffold with glutaraldehyde vapor-cross-linked vascular scaffold, it was found that the fracture strain and biological performance of EDC/NHS cross-linked vascular scaffold were better than those of the glutaraldehyde cross-linked scaffold. Finally, a three-layer bionic vascular scaffold was prepared by the proposed electrospinning process. Biomechanical performance tests were carried out and the prepared scaffold was found to meet the requirements of tissue-engineered blood vessels. The research in this paper provides a useful reference for the preparation and optimization of vascular scaffolds.