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Jeong Y, Patel R, Patel M. Biopolymer-Based Biomimetic Aerogel for Biomedical Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:397. [PMID: 39056838 PMCID: PMC11274548 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aerogels are lightweight and highly porous materials that have been found to have great potential in biomedical research because of some of their unique properties, such as their high surface area, tunable porosity, and biocompatibility. Researchers have been exploring ways to use aerogels to create biomimetic scaffolds inspired by natural extracellular matrices (ECMs) for various biomedical applications. Aerogel scaffolds can serve as three-dimensional (3D) templates for cell growth and tissue regeneration, promoting wound healing and tissue repair. Additionally, aerogel-based scaffolds have great potential in controlled drug delivery systems, where their high surface area and porosity enable the efficient loading and release of therapeutic agents. In this review, we discuss biopolymer-based biomimetic aerogel scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors. Finally, we also discuss the potential directions in the development of aerogel-based biomimetic scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Jeong
- Bio-Convergence, Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsugu, Incheon 21938, Republic of Korea
| | - Rajkumar Patel
- Energy & Environmental Science and Engineering (EESE), Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsugu, Incheon 21938, Republic of Korea
| | - Madhumita Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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Niknafs B, Meskaraf-Asadabadi M, Hamdi K, Ghanbari E. Incorporating bioactive glass nanoparticles in silk fibroin/bacterial nanocellulose composite scaffolds improves their biological and osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131167. [PMID: 38547948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Blend polymers composed of natural polymers are a ubiquitous biomaterial class due to their suitable mechanical and biological characterization. In the present study, composite scaffolds based on bacterial cellulose (BC)/silk fibroin (SF) with bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNPs) were developed to enhance osteogenesis in human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results of BGNPs indicated a spherical morphology and size ranging from 15 to 30 nm. The presence of BC and BGNPs reduced the pore diameter of SF scaffolds to about 210 ± 10 μm and 205 ± 10 μm, respectively, while increasing their compressive strength and compressive modulus. FTIR analyses proved the presence of BGNPs, BC and SF in the scaffolds. Flow cytometry data confirmed the surface markers for hASCs. The results also showed that BC and BGNPs addition to BC/SF scaffolds decreased degradation and swelling rate. The gene expression (Runx2, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) studies signified the osteogenic potential of BGNPs in BC/SF scaffolds on hASCs. Eventually, the increased cell adhesion, viability and differentiation in the BC/SF and BC/SF/BGNPs composite scaffolds drawn from MTT, SEM, Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity confirmed that these scaffolds promise to serve as a therapeutic candidate for bone defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Kobra Hamdi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Ghanbari
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Weon SH, Na Y, Han J, Lee JW, Kim HJ, Park S, Lee SH. pH-Responsive Cellulose/Silk/Fe 3O 4 Hydrogel Microbeads Designed for Biomedical Applications. Gels 2024; 10:200. [PMID: 38534618 DOI: 10.3390/gels10030200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, cellulose/Fe3O4 hydrogel microbeads were prepared through the sol-gel transition of a solvent-in-oil emulsion using various cellulose-dissolving solvents and soybean oil without surfactants. Particularly, 40% tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) and 40% tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide (TBPH) dissolved cellulose at room temperature and effectively dispersed Fe3O4, forming cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads with an average diameter of ~15 µm. Additionally, these solvents co-dissolved cellulose and silk, allowing for the manufacture of cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 hydrogel microbeads with altered surface characteristics. Owing to the negatively charged surface characteristics, the adsorption capacity of the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads for the cationic dye crystal violet was >10 times higher than that of the cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads. When prepared with TBAH, the initial adsorption rate of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads was 18.1 times higher than that on the cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads. When preparing TBPH, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads for BSA (1.6 g/g) was 8.5 times higher than that of the cellulose/Fe3O4 microbeads. The pH-dependent BSA release from the cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads prepared with TBPH revealed 6.1-fold slower initial desorption rates and 5.2-fold lower desorption amounts at pH 2.2 than those at pH 7.4. Cytotoxicity tests on the cellulose and cellulose/silk composites regenerated with TBAH and TBPH yielded nontoxic results. Therefore, cellulose/silk/Fe3O4 microbeads are considered suitable pH-responsive supports for orally administered protein pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyeon Weon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuhyeon Na
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoo Han
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Woo Lee
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Kim
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Saerom Park
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Lee
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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Seo JW, Jo SH, Kim SH, Choi BH, Cho H, Yoo JJ, Park SH. Application of Cartilage Extracellular Matrix to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy of Methotrexate. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:209-221. [PMID: 37837499 PMCID: PMC10825102 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00587-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic inflammation and joint damage. Methotrexate (MTX), a commonly used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used in RA treatment. However, the continued use of DMARDs can cause adverse effects and result in limited therapeutic efficacy. Cartilage extracellular matrix (CECM) has anti-inflammatory and anti-vascular effects and promotes stem cell migration, adhesion, and differentiation into cartilage cells. METHODS CECM was assessed the dsDNA, glycosaminoglycan, collagen contents and FT-IR spectrum of CECM. Furthermore, we determined the effects of CECM and MTX on cytocompatibility in the SW 982 cells and RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of CECM and MTX were assessed using macrophage cells. Finally, we examined the in vivo effects of CECM in combination with MTX on anti-inflammation control and cartilage degradation in collagen-induced arthritis model. Anti-inflammation control and cartilage degradation were assessed by measuring the serum levels of RA-related cytokines and histology. RESULTS CECM in combination with MTX had no effect on SW 982, effectively suppressing only RAW 264.7 activity. Moreover, anti-inflammatory effects were enhanced when low-dose MTX was combined with CECM. In a collagen-induced arthritis model, low-dose MTX combined with CECM remarkably reduced RA-related and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the blood. Additionally, low-dose MTX combined with CECM exerted the best cartilage-preservation effects compared to those observed in the other therapy groups. CONCLUSION Using CECM as an adjuvant in RA treatment can augment the therapeutic effects of MTX, reduce existing drug adverse effects, and promote joint tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Woo Seo
- Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Han Jo
- Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Hwa Kim
- Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Hoon Choi
- Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongsik Cho
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Campbell Clinic, Memphis, TN, USA
- Research 151, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - James J Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sang-Hyug Park
- Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
- Major of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Smart Healthcare, College of Information Technology and Convergence, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
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Pelin IM, Popescu I, Calin M, Rebleanu D, Voicu G, Ionita D, Zaharia MM, Constantin M, Fundueanu G. Tri-Component Hydrogel as Template for Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite Deposition Using Alternate Soaking Method for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications. Gels 2023; 9:905. [PMID: 37998995 PMCID: PMC10671408 DOI: 10.3390/gels9110905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Composite hydrogels containing apatite-like particles can act as scaffolds for osteoblast proliferation, with applications in bone tissue engineering. In this respect, porous biocompatible hydrogels were obtained from chitosan, oxidized pullulan, and PVA in different ratios. The stability of the hydrogels was ensured both by covalent bonds between aldehyde groups of oxidized pullulan and free amino groups of chitosan, and by physical bonds formed during freeze-thaw cycles and lyophilization. The deposition of calcium phosphates was performed by alternate soaking of the porous hydrogels into solutions with calcium and phosphate ions, assuring a basic pH required for hydroxyapatite formation. The mineralized hydrogels were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, showing that inorganic particles containing between 80 and 92% hydroxyapatite were deposited in a high amount on the pore walls of the polymeric matrix. The composition of the organic matrix influenced the crystallization of calcium phosphates and the mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels. In vitro biological tests showed that mineralized hydrogels support the proliferation of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells to a greater extent compared to pristine hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Mihaela Pelin
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.P.); (D.I.); (M.-M.Z.); (G.F.)
| | - Irina Popescu
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.P.); (D.I.); (M.-M.Z.); (G.F.)
| | - Manuela Calin
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu” of the Romanian Academy, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (D.R.); (G.V.)
| | - Daniela Rebleanu
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu” of the Romanian Academy, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (D.R.); (G.V.)
| | - Geanina Voicu
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu” of the Romanian Academy, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (D.R.); (G.V.)
| | - Daniela Ionita
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.P.); (D.I.); (M.-M.Z.); (G.F.)
| | - Marius-Mihai Zaharia
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.P.); (D.I.); (M.-M.Z.); (G.F.)
| | - Marieta Constantin
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.P.); (D.I.); (M.-M.Z.); (G.F.)
| | - Gheorghe Fundueanu
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.P.); (D.I.); (M.-M.Z.); (G.F.)
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Lázár I, Čelko L, Menelaou M. Aerogel-Based Materials in Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering-A Review with Future Implications. Gels 2023; 9:746. [PMID: 37754427 PMCID: PMC10530393 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aerogels are fascinating solid materials known for their highly porous nanostructure and exceptional physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. They show great promise in various technological and biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, and bone and cartilage substitution. To evaluate the bioactivity of bone substitutes, researchers typically conduct in vitro tests using simulated body fluids and specific cell lines, while in vivo testing involves the study of materials in different animal species. In this context, our primary focus is to investigate the applications of different types of aerogels, considering their specific materials, microstructure, and porosity in the field of bone and cartilage tissue engineering. From clinically approved materials to experimental aerogels, we present a comprehensive list and summary of various aerogel building blocks and their biological activities. Additionally, we explore how the complexity of aerogel scaffolds influences their in vivo performance, ranging from simple single-component or hybrid aerogels to more intricate and organized structures. We also discuss commonly used formulation and drying methods in aerogel chemistry, including molding, freeze casting, supercritical foaming, freeze drying, subcritical, and supercritical drying techniques. These techniques play a crucial role in shaping aerogels for specific applications. Alongside the progress made, we acknowledge the challenges ahead and assess the near and far future of aerogel-based hard tissue engineering materials, as well as their potential connection with emerging healing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Lázár
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ladislav Čelko
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 656/123, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Melita Menelaou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Arch. Kyprianos Str., Limassol 3036, Cyprus
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Souto-Lopes M, Fernandes MH, Monteiro FJ, Salgado CL. Bioengineering Composite Aerogel-Based Scaffolds That Influence Porous Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and In Vivo Regeneration for Bone Tissue Application. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:4483. [PMID: 37374666 DOI: 10.3390/ma16124483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration of large bone defects is still a clinical challenge. Bone tissue engineering employs biomimetic strategies to produce graft composite scaffolds that resemble the bone extracellular matrix to guide and promote osteogenic differentiation of the host precursor cells. Aerogel-based bone scaffold preparation methods have been increasingly improved to overcome the difficulties in balancing the need for an open highly porous and hierarchically organized microstructure with compression resistance to withstand bone physiological loads, especially in wet conditions. Moreover, these improved aerogel scaffolds have been implanted in vivo in critical bone defects, in order to test their bone regeneration potential. This review addresses recently published studies on aerogel composite (organic/inorganic)-based scaffolds, having in mind the various cutting-edge technologies and raw biomaterials used, as well as the improvements that are still a challenge in terms of their relevant properties. Finally, the lack of 3D in vitro models of bone tissue for regeneration studies is emphasized, as well as the need for further developments to overcome and minimize the requirement for studies using in vivo animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Souto-Lopes
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Fernandes
- Bonelab-Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária da Universidade do Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV/REQUIMTE-Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde/Rede de Química e Tecnologia, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Jorge Monteiro
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Christiane Laranjo Salgado
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Niu Y, Du T, Liu Y. Biomechanical Characteristics and Analysis Approaches of Bone and Bone Substitute Materials. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14040212. [PMID: 37103302 PMCID: PMC10146666 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14040212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone has a special structure that is both stiff and elastic, and the composition of bone confers it with an exceptional mechanical property. However, bone substitute materials that are made of the same hydroxyapatite (HA) and collagen do not offer the same mechanical properties. It is important for bionic bone preparation to understand the structure of bone and the mineralization process and factors. In this paper, the research on the mineralization of collagen is reviewed in terms of the mechanical properties in recent years. Firstly, the structure and mechanical properties of bone are analyzed, and the differences of bone in different parts are described. Then, different scaffolds for bone repair are suggested considering bone repair sites. Mineralized collagen seems to be a better option for new composite scaffolds. Last, the paper introduces the most common method to prepare mineralized collagen and summarizes the factors influencing collagen mineralization and methods to analyze its mechanical properties. In conclusion, mineralized collagen is thought to be an ideal bone substitute material because it promotes faster development. Among the factors that promote collagen mineralization, more attention should be given to the mechanical loading factors of bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiao Niu
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Tianming Du
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Youjun Liu
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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Natural Biopolymers for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Brief Review. ENGINEERED REGENERATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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10
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Wang C, Cao H, Jia L, Liu W, Liu P. Characterization of antibacterial aerogel based on ɛ-poly-l-lysine/nanocellulose by using citric acid as crosslinker. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 291:119568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Lujerdean C, Baci GM, Cucu AA, Dezmirean DS. The Contribution of Silk Fibroin in Biomedical Engineering. INSECTS 2022; 13:286. [PMID: 35323584 PMCID: PMC8950689 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein (biopolymer) extracted from the cocoons of Bombyx mori L. (silkworm). It has many properties of interest in the field of biotechnology, the most important being biodegradability, biocompatibility and robust mechanical strength with high tensile strength. SF is usually dissolved in water-based solvents and can be easily reconstructed into a variety of material formats, including films, mats, hydrogels, and sponges, by various fabrication techniques (spin coating, electrospinning, freeze-drying, and physical or chemical crosslinking). Furthermore, SF is a feasible material used in many biomedical applications, including tissue engineering (3D scaffolds, wounds dressing), cancer therapy (mimicking the tumor microenvironment), controlled drug delivery (SF-based complexes), and bone, eye and skin regeneration. In this review, we describe the structure, composition, general properties, and structure-properties relationship of SF. In addition, the main methods used for ecological extraction and processing of SF that make it a green material are discussed. Lastly, technological advances in the use of SF-based materials are addressed, especially in healthcare applications such as tissue engineering and cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Lujerdean
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Gabriela-Maria Baci
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (D.S.D.)
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