Effects of pore orientation on in-vitro properties of retinoic acid-loaded PLGA/gelatin scaffolds for artificial peripheral nerve application

Towards the development of sensation-enabled skin substitutes

Recent advances in cell and biofabrication technologies have contributed to the development of complex human organs. In particular, several skin substitutes are being generated using tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) technologies. However, recent studies mainly focus on the restoration of the dermis and epidermis layers rather than the regeneration of a fully functional innervated skin organ. Innervation is a critical step in functional tissue repair which has been overlooked in the current TERM studies. In the current study, we highlight the importance of sensation in the skin as the largest sensory organ in the human body. In large non-healing skin wounds, the skin sensation is severely diminished or completely lost and ultimately lead to chronic pain and wound healing process interruption. Current therapeutics for restoring skin sensation after trauma are limited. Recent regenerative medicine-based studies could successfully induce neural networks in skin substitutes, but the effectiveness of these technologies in enhancing sensory capability needs further investigation.

In situ forming alginate/gelatin hybrid hydrogels containing doxorubicin loaded chitosan/AuNPs nanogels for the local therapy of breast cancer

In this study, pH-sensitive in situ gelling hydrogels based on oxidized alginate and gelatin-containing doxorubicin (DOX) loaded chitosan/gold nanoparticles (CS/AuNPs) nanogels were fabricated via Schiff-base bond formation. The obtained CS/AuNPs nanogels indicated a size distribution of about 209 nm with a zeta potential of +19.2 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of around 72.6 % for DOX. The study of the rheological properties of hydrogels showed that the value of G' is higher than G″ for all hydrogels, which confirms the elastic behavior of hydrogels in the applied frequency range. The rheological and texture analysis demonstrated the higher mechanical properties of hydrogels containing β-GP and CS/AuNPs nanogels. The release profile of DOX after 48 h indicates the 99 % and 73 % release amount at pH = 5.8 and pH = 7.4, respectively. MTT cytotoxicity study showed that the prepared hydrogels are cytocompatible on MCF-7 cells. By the Live/Dead assay, it was demonstrated that the cultured cells on DOX-free hydrogels were almost alive in the presence of CS/AuNPs nanogels. However, the hydrogel-containing drug and free DOX in the same concentration caused high death of MCF-7 cells as expected, which showed the potential of the developed hydrogels for application in the local treatment of breast cancer.

Osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a bisphosphonate-functionalized polycaprolactone/gelatin scaffold

Recent trends in bone tissue engineering have focused on the development of biomimetic constructs with appropriate mechanical and physiochemical properties. Here, we report the fabrication of an innovative biomaterial scaffold based on a new bisphosphonate-containing synthetic polymer combined with gelatin. To this end, zoledronate (ZA)-functionalized polycaprolactone (PCL-ZA) was synthesized by a chemical grafting reaction. After adding gelatin to the PCL-ZA polymer solution, the porous PCL-ZA/gelatin scaffold was fabricated by the freeze-casting method. A scaffold with aligned pores and a porosity of 82.04 % was obtained. During in vitro biodegradability test, 49 % of its initial weight lost after 5 weeks. The elastic modulus of the PCL-ZA/gelatin scaffold was 31.4 MPa, and its tensile strength was 4.2 MPa. Based on the results of MTT assay, the scaffold had good cytocompatibility with human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hADMSCs). Furthermore, cells grown in PCL-ZA/gelatin scaffold showed the highest mineralization and ALP activity compared to other test groups. Results of the RT-PCR test revealed that RUNX2, COL 1A1, and OCN genes were expressed in PCL-ZA/gelatin scaffold at the highest level, suggesting its good osteoinductive capacity. These results revealed that PCL-ZA/gelatin scaffold could be considered a proper biomimetic platform for bone tissue engineering.

Nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres and the small gap sleeve bridging technique to repair peripheral nerve injury

We previously prepared nerve growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres to treat rat sciatic nerve injury using the small gap sleeve technique. Multiple growth factors play a synergistic role in promoting the repair of peripheral nerve injury; as a result, in this study, we added basic fibroblast growth factors to the microspheres to further promote nerve regeneration. First, in an in vitro biomimetic microenvironment, we developed and used a drug screening biomimetic microfluidic chip to screen the optimal combination of nerve growth factor/basic fibroblast growth factor to promote the regeneration of Schwann cells. We found that 22.56 ng/mL nerve growth factor combined with 4.29 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor exhibited optimal effects on the proliferation of primary rat Schwann cells. The successfully prepared nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor-poly-lactide-co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres were used to treat rat sciatic nerve transection injury using the small gap sleeve bridge technique. Compared with epithelium sutures and small gap sleeve bridging alone, the small gap sleeve bridging technique combined with drug-free sustained-release microspheres has a stronger effect on rat sciatic nerve transfection injury repair at the structural and functional level.

Gelatin-based electrospun and lyophilized scaffolds with nano scale feature for bone tissue engineering application: review

The rebuilding of the normal functioning of the damaged human body bone tissue is one of the main objectives of bone tissue engineering (BTE). Fabricated scaffolds are mostly treated as artificial supports and as materials for regeneration of neo bone tissues and must closely biomimetic the native extracellular matrix of bone. The materials used for developing scaffolds should be biodegradable, nontoxic, and biocompatible. For the resurrection of bone disorder, specifically natural and synthetic polymers such as chitosan, PCL, gelatin, PGA, PLA, PLGA, etc. meet the requirements for serving their functions as artificial bone substitute materials. Gelatin is one of the potential candidates which could be blended with other polymers or composites to improve its physicochemical, mechanical, and biological performances as a bone graft. Scaffolds are produced by several methods including electrospinning, self-assembly, freeze-drying, phase separation, fiber drawing, template synthesis, etc. Among them, freeze-drying and electrospinning are among the popular, simplest, versatile, and cost-effective techniques. The design and preparation of freeze-dried and electrospun scaffolds are of intense research over the last two decades. Freeze-dried and electrospun scaffolds offer a distinctive architecture at the micro to nano range with desired porosity and pore interconnectivity for selective movement of small biomolecules and play its role as an appropriate matrix very similar to the natural bone extracellular matrix. This review focuses on the properties and functionalization of gelatin-based polymer and its composite in the form of bone scaffolds fabricated primarily using lyophilization and electrospinning technique and their applications in BTE.

Poly-l-Lactic Acid (PLLA)-Based Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine: A Review on Processing and Applications

Synthetic biopolymers are effective cues to replace damaged tissue in the tissue engineering (TE) field, both for in vitro and in vivo application. Among them, poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) has been highlighted as a biomaterial with tunable mechanical properties and biodegradability that allows for the fabrication of porous scaffolds with different micro/nanostructures via various approaches. In this review, we discuss the structure of PLLA, its main properties, and the most recent advances in overcoming its hydrophobic, synthetic nature, which limits biological signaling and protein absorption. With this aim, PLLA-based scaffolds can be exposed to surface modification or combined with other biomaterials, such as natural or synthetic polymers and bioceramics. Further, various fabrication technologies, such as phase separation, electrospinning, and 3D printing, of PLLA-based scaffolds are scrutinized along with the in vitro and in vivo applications employed in various tissue repair strategies. Overall, this review focuses on the properties and applications of PLLA in the TE field, finally affording an insight into future directions and challenges to address an effective improvement of scaffold properties.

Protein-Based Hydrogels: Promising Materials for Tissue Engineering

The successful design of a hydrogel for tissue engineering requires a profound understanding of its constituents' structural and molecular properties, as well as the proper selection of components. If the engineered processes are in line with the procedures that natural materials undergo to achieve the best network structure necessary for the formation of the hydrogel with desired properties, the failure rate of tissue engineering projects will be significantly reduced. In this review, we examine the behavior of proteins as an essential and effective component of hydrogels, and describe the factors that can enhance the protein-based hydrogels' structure. Furthermore, we outline the fabrication route of protein-based hydrogels from protein microstructure and the selection of appropriate materials according to recent research to growth factors, crucial members of the protein family, and their delivery approaches. Finally, the unmet needs and current challenges in developing the ideal biomaterials for protein-based hydrogels are discussed, and emerging strategies in this area are highlighted.

Optimal Morphometric Characteristics of a Tubular Polymeric Scaffold to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Scoping Review

Cellular behavior in nerve regeneration is affected by the architecture of the polymeric nerve guide conduits (NGCs); therefore, design features of polymeric NGCs are critical for neural tissue engineering. Hence, the purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the adequate quantitative/morphometric parameters of the characteristics of NGC that provide a supportive environment for nerve regeneration, enhancing the understanding of a previous study. 394 studies were found, of which 29 studies were selected. The selected studies revealed four morphometric characteristics for promoting nerve regeneration: wall thickness, fiber size, pore size, and porosity. An NGC with a wall thickness between 250–400 μm and porosity of 60–80%, with a small pore on the inner surface and a large pore on the outer surface, significantly favored nerve regeneration; resulting in an increase in nutrient permeability, retention of neurotrophic factors, and optimal mechanical properties. On the other hand, the superiority of electrospun fibers is described; however, the size of the fiber is controversial in the literature, obtaining optimal results in the range of 300 nm to 30 µm. The incorporation of these optimal morphometric characteristics will encourage nerve regeneration and help reduce the number of experimental studies as it will provide the initial morphometric parameters for the preparation of an NGC.

Multi-Factorial Nerve Guidance Conduit Engineering Improves Outcomes in Inflammation, Angiogenesis and Large Defect Nerve Repair

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are sub-optimal for long-distance injuries with inflammation and poor vascularization related to poor axonal repair. This study used a multi-factorial approach to create an optimized biomaterial NGC to address each of these issues. Through stepwise optimization, a collagen-chondroitin-6-sulphate (Coll-CS) biomaterial was functionalized with extracellular matrix (ECM) components; fibronectin, laminin 1 and laminin 2 (FibL1L2) in specific ratios. A snap-cooled freeze-drying process was then developed with optimal pore architecture and alignment to guide axonal bridging. Culture of adult rat dorsal root ganglia on NGCs demonstrated significant improvements in inflammation, neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the specific Fib:L1:L2 ratio of 1:4:1. In clinically relevant, large 15 mm rat sciatic nerve defects, FibL1L2-NGCs demonstrated significant improvements in axonal density and angiogenesis compared to unmodified NGCs with functional equivalence to autografts. Therefore, a multiparameter ECM-driven strategy can significantly improve axonal repair across large defects, without exogenous cells or growth factors.

Multifunctional applications of natural polysaccharide starch and cellulose: An update on recent advances

The emergence of clinical complications and therapeutic challenges for treating various diseases necessitate the discovery of novel restorative functional materials. Polymer-based drug delivery systems have been extensively reported in the last two decades. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the progression of natural biopolymers based controlled therapeutic strategies, especially in drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. However, the solubility and functionalisation due to their complex network structure and intramolecular bonding seem challenging. This review explores the current advancement and prospects of the most promising natural polymers such as cellulose, starch and their derivatives-based drug delivery vehicles like hydrogels, films and composites, in combating major ailments such as bone infections, microbial infections, and cancers. In addition, selective drug targeting using metal-drug (MD) and MD-based polymeric missiles have been exciting but challenging for its application in cancer therapeutics. Owing to high biocompatibility of starch and cellulose, these materials have been extensively evaluated in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. This review presents a detailed impression of the current trends for the construction of biopolymer-based tissue engineering, drug/gene/protein delivery vehicles.

Tuning the biomimetic behavior of hybrid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering through surface modifications and drug immobilization

Bone defects arising from injury and/or disease are a common and debilitating clinical lesion. While the development of tissue microenvironments utilizing biomimetic constructs is an emerging approach for bone tissue engineering. In this context, bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNPs) were embedded within polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. The scaffolds exhibit an engineered unidirectional pore structure which are surface activated via oxygen plasma to allow immobilization of simvastatin (SIM) on the pore surface. Microscopic observation indicated the surface modification did not disturb the lamellar orientation of the pores improving the biomimetic formation of hydroxyapatite. Mathematically modelled release profiles reveal that the oxygen plasma pre-treatment can be utilized to modulate the release profile of SIM from the scaffolds. With the release mechanism controlled by the balance between the diffusion and erosion mechanisms. Computational modelling shows that Human Serum Albumin and Human α₂-macroglobulin can be utilized to increase SIM bioavailability for cells via a molecular docking mechanism. Cellular studies show positive MG-63 cell attachment and viability on optimized scaffolds with alkaline phosphatase activity enhanced along with enhanced expression of osteocalcoin biomarker.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Loaded Electrospun Nanofibers for Wound Dressing Application

Electrospinning is an advantageous method with a wide usage area, which enables the production of materials consisting of nano-thickness fibers. In this study, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) molecule was loaded onto the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers and obtained nanofibers were physicochemically and biologically investigated for the first time in the literature. The existence of CAPE molecules, loaded on PLGA membranes by dropping and spraying methods, was evaluated by a comparative investigation of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Fiber morphology of the membranes was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). CAPE release and swelling behaviors of the membranes were studied in vitro. The radical scavenging activity of CAPE-loaded wound dressing materials was determined by using an antioxidant assay. The antimicrobial properties of PLGA and CAPE-loaded PLGA membranes were evaluated against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans strains by the time-kill method. The biocompatibility study of the obtained CAPE-loaded fibers conducted on human fibroblast cell line and wound healing promoting effect of the fibers was investigated in vitro scratch assay. The results show that CAPE-loaded PLGA membranes are highly antimicrobial against all strains used in the experiment. Additionally, the results show that they are biocompatible and have wound healing properties on human fibroblasts.

Main Morphological Characteristics of Tubular Polymeric Scaffolds to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration-A Scoping Review

The "nerve guide conduits" (NGC) used in nerve regeneration must mimic the natural environment for proper cell behavior.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the main morphological characteristics of polymeric NGC to promote nerve regeneration.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria in the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. Primary studies that considered/evaluated morphological characteristics of NGC to promote nerve regeneration were included.

RESULT

A total of 704 studies were found, of which 52 were selected. The NGC main morphological characteristics found in the literature were: (I) NGC diameter affects the mechanical properties of the scaffold. (II) Wall thickness of NGC determines the exchange of nutrients, molecules, and neurotrophins between the internal and external environment; and influences the mechanical properties and biodegradation, similarly to NGC (III) porosity, (IV) pore size, and (V) pore distribution. The (VI) alignment of the NGC fibers influences the phenotype of cells involved in nerve regeneration. In addition, the (VII) thickness of the polymeric fiber influences neurite extension and orientation.

CONCLUSIONS

An NGC should have its diameter adjusted to the nerve with wall thickness, porosity, pore size, and distribution of pores, to favor vascularization, permeability, and exchange of nutrients, and retention of neurotrophic factors, also favoring its mechanical properties and biodegradability.

Recent advances in ice templating: from biomimetic composites to cell culture scaffolds and tissue engineering

We review the evolution of ice-templating process from initial inorganic materials to recent developments in shaping increasingly labile biological matter.

Chemokine SDF1 Mediated Bone Regeneration Using Biodegradable Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 3D Scaffolds and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Implication for the Development of an "Off-the-Shelf" Pharmacologically Active Construct

There is an increasing need for bone substitutes for reconstructive orthopedic surgery following removal of bone tumors. Despite the advances in bone regeneration, the use of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) presents a significant challenge, particularly for the treatment of large bone defects in cancer patients. This study aims at developing new chemokine-based technology to generate biodegradable scaffolds that bind pharmacologically active proteins for regeneration/repair of target injured tissues in patients. Primary MSC were cultured from the uninvolved bone marrow (BM) of cancer patients and further characterized for "stemness". Their ability to differentiate into an osteogenic lineage was studied in 2D cultures as well as on 3D macroporous PLGA scaffolds incorporated with biomacromolecules bFGF and homing factor chemokine stromal-cell derived factor-1 (SDF1). MSC from the uninvolved BM of cancer patients exhibited properties similar to that reported for MSC from BM of healthy individuals. Macroporous PLGA discs were prepared and characterized for pore size, architecture, functional groups, thermostability, and cytocompatibility by ESEM, FTIR, DSC, and CCK-8 dye proliferation assay, respectively. It was observed that the MSC+PLGA+bFGF+SDF1 construct cultured for 14 days supported significant cell growth, osteo-lineage differentiation with increased osteocalcin expression, alkaline phosphatase secretion, calcium mineralization, bone volume, and soluble IL6 compared to unseeded PLGA and PLGA+MSC, as analyzed by confocal microscopy, biochemistry, ESEM, microCT imaging, flow cytometry, and EDS. Thus, chemotactic biomacromolecule SDF1-guided tissue repair/regeneration ability of MSC from cancer patients opens up the avenues for development of "off-the-shelf" pharmacologically active construct for optimal repair of the target injured tissue in postsurgery cancer patients, bone defects, damaged bladder tissue, and radiation-induced skin/mucosal lesions.

Fabrication of 3D hybrid scaffold by combination technique of electrospinning-like and freeze-drying to create mechanotransduction signals and mimic extracellular matrix function of skin

Fabrication of extracellular matrix (ECM)-like scaffolds (in terms of structural-functional) is the main challenge in skin tissue engineering. Herein, inspired by macromolecular components of ECM, a novel hybrid scaffold suggested which includes silk/hyaluronan (SF/HA) bio-complex modified by PCP: [polyethylene glycol/chitosan/poly(ɛ-caprolactone)] copolymer containing collagen to differentiate human-adipose-derived stem cells into keratinocytes. In followed by, different weight ratios (wt%) of SF/HA (S1:100/0, S2:80/20, S3:50/50) were applied to study the role of SF/HA in the improvement of physicochemical and biological functions of scaffolds. Notably, the combination of electrospinning-like and freeze-drying methods was also utilized as a new method to create a coherent 3D-network. The results indicated this novel technique was led to ~8% improvement of the scaffold's ductility and ~17% decrease in mean pore diameter, compared to the freeze-drying method. Moreover, the increase of HA (>20wt%) increased porosity to 99%, however, higher tensile strength, modulus, and water absorption% were related to S2 (38.1, 0.32 MPa, 75.3%). More expression of keratinocytes along with growth pattern similar to skin was also observed on S2. This study showed control of HA content creates a microporous-environment with proper modulus and swelling%, although, the role of collagen/PCP as base biocomposite and fabrication technique was undeniable on the inductive signaling of cells. Such a scaffold can mimic skin properties and act as the growth factor through inducing keratinocytes differentiation.

Injectable and Crosslinkable PLGA-Based Microribbons as 3D Macroporous Stem Cell Niche

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) has been widely used as a tissue engineering scaffold. However, conventional PLGA scaffolds are not injectable, and do not support direct cell encapsulation, leading to poor cell distribution in 3D. Here, a method for fabricating injectable and intercrosslinkable PLGA microribbon-based macroporous scaffolds as 3D stem cell niche is reported. PLGA is first fabricated into microribbon-shape building blocks with tunable width using microcontact printing, then coated with fibrinogen to enhance solubility and injectability using aqueous solution. Upon mixing with thrombin, firbornogen-coated PLGA microribbons can intercrosslink into 3D scaffolds. When subject to cyclic compression, PLGA microribbon scaffolds exhibit great shock-absorbing capacity and return to their original shape, while conventional PLGA scaffolds exhibit permanent deformation after one cycle. Using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a model cell type, it is demonstrated that PLGA μRB scaffolds support homogeneous cell encapsulation, and robust cell spreading and proliferation in 3D. After 28 days of culture in osteogenic medium, hMSC-seeded PLGA μRB scaffolds exhibit an increase in compressive modulus and robust bone formation as shown by staining of alkaline phosphatase, mineralization, and collagen. Together, the results validate PLGA μRBs as a promising injectable, macroporous, non-hydrogel-based scaffold for cell delivery and tissue regeneration applications.

Mussel-inspired polydopamine-mediated surface modification of freeze-cast poly (ε-caprolactone) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

There are many methods used to fabricate the scaffolds for tissue regeneration, among which freeze casting has attracted a great deal of attention due to the capability to create a unidirectional structure. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated by freeze-casting technology in order to create porous microstructure with oriented open-pore channels. To induce biomineralization, and to improve hydrophilicity and cell interactions, mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) was coated on the surface of the freeze-cast PCL constructs. Then, the synergistic effects of oriented microstructure and deposited layer on efficient reconstruction of injured bone were studied. Microscopic observations demonstrated that, the coated layer did not show any special change in lamellar microstructure of the scaffolds. Water-scaffold interactions were evaluated by contact angle measurements, and they demonstrated strong enhancement in the hydrophilicity of the polymeric scaffolds after PDA coating. Biodegradation ratio and water uptake evaluation confirmed an increase in the measured values after PDA precipitation. The biomineralization of the PDA-coated scaffolds was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Obtained results confirmed biomineralization of the constructs after a 28-day immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Mechanical analysis demonstrated higher compressive strength after PDA coating. L929 fibroblast cell viability and attachment illustrated that PDA-coated PCL scaffolds are able to support cell adhesion and proliferation. The increased secretion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after culturing osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63) revealed the initial capability of scaffolds to induce bone regeneration. Therefore, the PDA-coated scaffolds introduce a promising approach for bone tissue engineering application.

Mussel-inspired polydopamine induced the osteoinductivity to ice-templating PLGA-gelatin matrix for bone tissue engineering application

In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-gelatin scaffolds were fabricated using the freeze-casting technique. Polydopamine (PDA) coating was applied on the surface of scaffolds to enhance the hydrophilicity, bioactivity, and cellular behavior of the composite constructs. Further, the synergistic effect of PDA coating and lamellar microstructure of scaffolds was evaluated on the promotion of properties. Based on morphological observations, freeze-casting constructs showed lamellar pore channels while the uniformity and pore size were slightly affected by deposition of PDA. The hydrophilicity and swelling capacity of the scaffolds were assessed using contact angle measurement and phosphate buffered saline absorption ratio. The results indicated a significant increment in water-matrix interactions following surface modification. The evaluation of the biodegradation ratio revealed the higher degree of degradation in PDA-coated samples owing to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups in the chemical structure of PDA. On the other hand, the bioactivity potential of PDA in the simulated body fluid solution confirmed the possibility of using coated constructs as a bone reconstructive substitute. The improvement of cellular attachment and filopodia formation in PDA-contained matrixes was the other benefit of the coating process. Furthermore, cellular proliferation and ALP activity were enhanced after PDA coating. The suggested PDA-coated PLGA-gelatin scaffolds can be applied in bone tissue regeneration.

Fabrication and characterization of Spinacia oleracea extract incorporated alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose microporous scaffold for bone tissue engineering

In recent years, plant based scaffold due to its inherent properties such as mechanical stability, renewability, easy mass production, inexpensiveness, biocompatibility and biodegradability with low toxic effects have received much attention in the field of bone tissue engineering. Design of good tissue compatible plant based polymer scaffold plays a vital role in biomedicine, nanomedicine and in various tissue engineering applications. The present study focused on the fabrication of a novel herbal scaffold using the medicinal plants Spinacia oleracea (SO) and Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) extracts incorporated with Alginate (Alg), Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) by lyophilization method. The structural nature and the properties of prepared scaffold were analyzed by XRD, FE-SEM, FTIR, EDAX, TGA, swelling ratio, porosity, in-vitro degradation and cell viability studies. The biocompatible nature of the plant based polymer scaffold was assessed using MG-63 Human Osteosarcoma cell line. The investigation of biocompatibility study showed that Alg/CMC/SO scaffold expressed higher cell viability than Alg/CMC/SO-CQ scaffold, which possess better cellular biocompatibility. The results of the present study suggested that plant based Alg/CMC/SO scaffold serve as a potential biopolymer scaffold which could be further exploited for bone tissue applications.

An efficient functionalization of dexamethasone-loaded polymeric scaffold with [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane coupling agent for bone regeneration: Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation

In this study, dexamethasone-loaded gelatin–starch scaffolds were fabricated by the freeze-drying technique under different cooling temperatures and polymeric compositions. The constructs were modified via [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane coupling agent in order to produce a bioactive network structure for bone tissue engineering applications. Herein, the synergistic effect of [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane and dexamethasone was examined on the bioactivity and osteogenic behavior of scaffolds. Based on scanning electron microscopy micrographs, more fine pores were formed at higher freezing temperatures. The prepared microstructure at a rapid freezing rate resulted in diminished mechanical properties and a greater level of swelling and durability compared with a slow freezing rate. According to the acquired results, the mechanical strength decreased, while both absorption capacity and mass loss rate increased as a function of starch addition. Furthermore, the enhancement of hydrophilicity and reduction of mechanical stability enhanced the dexamethasone release levels. In addition, the synthesized constructs confirmed the positive effect of [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane and dexamethasone on biomimetic mineralization of the scaffolds. Supporting the cellular adhesion and proliferation alongside the expression of alkaline phosphatase, especially in the presence of dexamethasone, was the other advantage of synthetic scaffolds as a bone reconstructive substitute. Accordingly, drug-loaded hybrid constructs seem to be promising for further preclinical and clinical investigations in bone tissue engineering.

E-jet 3D printed drug delivery implants to inhibit growth and metastasis of orthotopic breast cancer

Drug-loaded implants have attracted considerable attention in cancer treatment due to their precise delivery of drugs into cancer tissues. Contrary to injected drug delivery, the application of drug-loaded implants remains underutilized given the requirement for a surgical operation. Nevertheless, drug-loaded implants have several advantages, including a reduction in frequency of drug administration, minimal systemic toxicity, and increased delivery efficacy. Herein, we developed a new, precise, drug delivery device for orthotopic breast cancer therapy able to suppress breast tumor growth and reduce pulmonary metastasis using combination chemotherapy. Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid scaffolds were fabricated by 3D printing to immobilize 5-fluorouracil and NVP-BEZ235. The implantable scaffolds significantly reduced the required drug dosages and ensured curative drug levels near tumor sites for prolonged period, while drug exposure to normal tissues was minimized. Moreover, long-term drug release was achieved, potentially allowing one-off implantation and, thus, a major reduction in the frequency of drug administration. This drug-loaded scaffold has great potential in anti-tumor treatment, possibly paving the way for precise, effective, and harmless cancer therapy.

Fabrication and characterisation of super-paramagnetic responsive PLGA-gelatine-magnetite scaffolds with the unidirectional porous structure: a physicochemical, mechanical, and in vitro evaluation

Architecture and composition of Scaffolds are influential factors in the regeneration of defects. Herein, synthesised iron oxide (magnetite) nanoparticles (MNPs) by co-precipitation technique were evenly distributed in polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-gelatine Scaffolds. Hybrid structures were fabricated by freeze-casting method to the creation of a matrix with tunable pores. The synthesised MNPs were characterised by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer analysis. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of porous Scaffolds confirmed the formation of unidirectional microstructure, so that pore size measurement indicated the orientation of pores in the direction of solvent solidification. The addition of MNPs to the PLGA-gelatine Scaffolds had no particular effect on the morphology of the pores, but reduced slightly pore size distribution. The MNPs contained constructs demonstrated increased mechanical strength, but a reduced absorption capacity and biodegradation ratio. Stability of the MNPs and lack of iron release was the point of strength in this investigation and were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The evolution of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells performance on the hybrid structure under a static magnetic field indicated the potential of super-paramagnetic constructs for further pre-clinical and clinical studies in the field of neural regeneration.

Fabrication Strategies of Scaffolds for Delivering Active Ingredients for Tissue Engineering

Designing scaffolds with optimum properties is an essential factor for tissue engineering success. They can be seeded with isolated cells or loaded with drugs to stimulate the body ability to repair or regenerate the injured tissues by acting as centers for new tissue formation. Recently, scaffolds gained a significant interest as principal candidates for tissue engineering due to overcoming the autograft or allograft's associated problems. The advancement of the tissue engineering field relies mainly on the introduction of new biomaterials for scaffolds' fabrication. This review presents and criticizes different scaffolds' fabrication techniques with particular emphasis on the fibrous, injectable in situ forming, foam, 3D freeze-dried, 3D printed, and 4D scaffolds. This article highlights on scaffolds' composition which would be beneficial for developing scaffolds that could potentially help to meet the demand for both drug delivery and tissue regeneration.

Scaffolding polymeric biomaterials: Are naturally occurring biological macromolecules more appropriate for tissue engineering?

Nowadays, tissue and organ failures resulted from injury, aging accounts, diseases or other type of damages is one of the most important health problems with an increasing incidence worldwide. Current treatments have limitations including, low graft efficiency, shortage of donor organs, as well as immunological problems. In this context, tissue engineering (TE) was introduced as a novel and versatile approach for restoring tissue/organ function using living cells, scaffold and bioactive (macro-)molecules. Among these, scaffold as a three-dimensional (3D) support material, provide physical and chemical cues for seeding cells and has an essential role in cell missions. Among the wide verity of scaffolding materials, natural or synthetic biopolymers are the most commonly biomaterials mainly due to their unique physicochemical and biological features. In this context, naturally occurring biological macromolecules are particular of interest owing to their low immunogenicity, excellent biocompatibility and cytocompatibility, as well as antigenicity that qualified them as popular choices for scaffolding applications. In this review, we highlighted the potentials of natural and synthetic polymers as scaffolding materials. The properties, advantages, and disadvantages of both polymer types as well as the current status, challenges, and recent progresses regarding the application of them as scaffolding biomaterials are also discussed.

[Effects of three drying methods on the physical properties and drug delivery in chitosan microspheres]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the physical properties and drug delivery of chitosan microspheres.

METHODS

Three types of drying methods were utilized, including air drying and freeze drying after freezing at -20 ℃ (slow cooling) and at -80 ℃ (fast cooling). The physical properties of microspheres were characterized. Utilizing bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the model drug, the in-vitro release behaviors of drug-loaded beads were investigated.

RESULTS

By comparing the physical properties of the different drying methods, the microspheres' diameters, porosities, and surface area were observed to increase successively from air drying and slow cooling to fast cooling, whereas the pore size and the swelling and degradation rates varied. The drug-loading experiments revealed that the loading capacity of air-dried microspheres was the lowest and the release rate was the slowest. Although the loading capacity of fast cooling microspheres was high, an obvious burst release was observed. The loading capacity of slow cooling microspheres was similar to that of the fast cooling microspheres and the loaded BSA can be released continuously.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that different drying methods can affect the physical properties of chitosan microspheres, which further influence drug loading and release.

Design and fabrication of conductive nanofibrous scaffolds for neural tissue engineering: Process modeling via response surface methodology

Peripheral nervous system in contrary to central one has the potential for regeneration, but its regrowth requires proper environmental conditions and supporting growth factors. The aim of this study is to design and fabricate a conductive polyaniline/graphene nanoparticles incorporated gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds suitable for peripheral nervous system regeneration. The scaffolds were fabricated with electrospinning and the fabrication process was designed with Design-Expert software via response surface methodology. The effect of process parameters including applied voltage (kV), syringe pump flow rate (cm³/h), and PAG concentration (wt%), on the scaffold conductivity, nanofibers diameter, and cell viability were investigated. The obtained results showed that the scaffold conductivity and cell viability are affected by polyaniline/graphene concentration while nanofiber diameter is more affected by the applied voltage and syringe pump flow rate. Optimum scaffold with maximum conductivity (0.031 ± 0.0013 S/cm) and cell compatibility and suitable diameter were electrospun according to the software introduced values for the process parameters (voltage of 13 kV, flow rate of 0.1 cm³/h, and PAG wt.% of 1.3) and its morphology, cell compatibility, and biodegradability were further investigated, which showed its potential for applying in peripheral nervous system injury regeneration.

A facile method to synthesize mussel-inspired polydopamine nanospheres as an active template for in situ formation of biomimetic hydroxyapatite

In this study, Mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) nanospheres were synthesized via spontaneous oxidative polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride (dopa-HCl) in a deionized water-alcohol mixed solvent at room temperature and atmospheric air, under alkaline condition. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) demonstrated production of sphere-like shape with a smooth surface and tunable size, while monodispersity increased by utilizing isopropanol instead of ethanol owing to lower R_a values based on Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) theory. Dropwise addition of monomer played an undeniable role in the fabrication of uniform and smaller spheres. The difference of the charge repulsion of constructs in the range of pH led to different dispersive behavior in a variety of solvents, exhibiting versatile applications. The presence of active functional groups on the surface of PDA spheres made them an appropriate option for PDA-assisted biomimetic mineralization of hydroxyapatite (HA), which is the result of the interaction between abundant catecholamine moieties in PDA and Ca⁺² ions in simulated body fluid. Bio-adhesive nature of PDA in water and the presence of amino and hydroxyl functional groups support desirable L929 mouse fibroblast cell spreading. The viability of >90% fibroblast cells proved the biocompatibility of polymerized structure. All the achievements indicated that PDA nanospheres provide a biocompatible and bioactive template for green synthesizing hydroxyapatite and the innovative basis for further tissue engineering applications.

Oxygen-plasma treatment-induced surface engineering of biomimetic polyurethane nanofibrous scaffolds for gelatin-heparin immobilization

Polyurethane (PU) has been extensively used in vascular tissue engineering due to its outstanding mechanical performance and blood compatibility behavior. Here, biomimetic PU-based scaffolds were prepared using an electrospinning technique and gelatin-heparin was introduced as a surface modifier after oxygen plasma treatment to improve cell attachment and release an anticoagulation agent. Morphology, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, compression strength, swelling and biodegradation ratio, drug release level and cellular interactions were evaluated. According to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, gelatin-heparin immobilized PU nanofibers exhibited a smooth surface and a bead free structure that nanofibers distributed in the range of 300–1000 nm. The mechanical strength of constructs, swelling and biodegradation ratio, and drug release level illustrated higher values for oxygen plasma-treated samples compared with bilayered scaffolds. Cellular adhesion and biocompatibility ameliorated after plasma treatment. All the mentioned findings indicated the initial physicomechanical and biological potential of biomimetic PU-based fibers in the improvements of vascular scaffolds.

Microwave-induced rapid formation of biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating on gelatin-siloxane hybrid microspheres in 10X-SBF solution

Bioactive materials can attract calcium and phosphate ions in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution to mimic the composition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Rapid biodegradation rate of natural polymers in contact with water-based solutions and time-consuming process of mineralization in SBF led to using concentrated simulated media. Herein, gelatin-siloxane microspheres were fabricated via single emulsion method. Then hybrid spheres were immersed in the modified 10X-SBF solution, and microwave energy (600 W) was expanded for the rapid formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the spheres. Results indicated homogeneous coating of microspheres and high similarity of synthesized HA to the bone composition. Increasing intensity of HA-related peaks in Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction and surface roughness after utilizing microwave-assisted method confirmed high efficiency of this technique in biomimetic mineralization of structures. Cell culture studies with human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63) demonstrated that mineralized HA in 10X-SBF solution under microwave treatment could be able to mimic bone ECM for tissue regeneration applications in the shortest time and highest similarity to the natural tissue.