Preparation and properties of novel biodegradable polyurethane networks based on castor oil and poly(ethylene glycol)

3D Porous Polymer Scaffold-Conjugated KGF-Mimetic Peptide Promotes Functional Skin Regeneration in Chronic Diabetic Wounds

The re-epithelialization process gets severely dysregulated in chronic nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers/wounds. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF or FGF-7) is the major modulator of the re-epithelialization process, which regulates the physiological phenotypes of cutaneous keratinocytes. The existing therapeutic strategies of growth factor administration have several limitations. To overcome these, we have designed a KGF-mimetic peptide (KGFp, 13mer) based on the receptor interaction sites in murine KGF. KGFp enhanced migration and transdifferentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs toward keratinocyte-like cells (KLCs). A significant increase in the expression of skin-specific markers Bnc1 (28.5-fold), Ck5 (14.6-fold), Ck14 (26.1-fold), Ck10 (187.7-fold), and epithelial markers EpCam (23.3-fold) and Cdh1 (64.2-fold) was associated with the activation of ERK1/2 and STAT3 molecular signaling in the KLCs. Further, to enhance the stability of KGFp in the wound microenvironment, it was conjugated to biocompatible 3D porous polymer scaffolds without compromising its active binding sites followed by chemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetry. In vitro evaluation of the KGFp-conjugated 3D polymer scaffolds revealed its potential for transdifferentiation of MSCs into KLCs. Transplantation of allogeneic MSCGFP using KGFp-conjugated 3D polymer scaffolds in chronic nonhealing type 2 diabetic wounds (db/db transgenic, 50-52 weeks old male mice) significantly enhanced re-epithelialization-mediated wound closure rate (79.3%) as compared to the control groups (Untransplanted -22.4%, MSCGFP-3D polymer scaffold -38.5%). Thus, KGFp-conjugated 3D porous polymer scaffolds drive the fate of the MSCs toward keratinocytes that may serve as potential stem cell delivery platform technology for tissue engineering and transplantation.

Development of High-Performance Coconut Oil-Based Rigid Polyurethane-Urea Foam: A Novel Sequential Amidation and Prepolymerization Process

The utilization of coconut diethanolamide (p-CDEA) as a substitute polyol for petroleum-based polyol in fully biobased rigid polyurethane-urea foam (RPUAF) faces challenges due to its short chain and limited cross-linking capability. This leads to compromised cell wall resistance during foam expansion, resulting in significant ruptured cells and adverse effects on mechanical and thermal properties. To address this, a novel sequential amidation-prepolymerization route was employed on coconut oil, yielding a hydroxyl-terminated poly(urethane-urea) prepolymer polyol (COPUAP). Compared to p-CDEA, COPUAP exhibited a decreased hydroxyl value (496.3-473.2 mg KOH/g), an increase in amine value (13.464-24.561 mg KOH/g), and an increase in viscosity (472.4-755.8 mPa·s), indicating enhanced functionality of 34.3 mgKOH/g and chain lengthening. Further, COPUAP was utilized as the sole B-side polyol in the production of RPUAF (PU-COPUAP). The improved functionality of COPUAP and its improved cross-linking capability during foaming have significantly improved cell morphology, resulting in a remarkable 4.7-fold increase in compressive strength (132-628 kPa), a 3.5-fold increase in flexural strength (232-828 kPa), and improved insulation properties with a notable decrease in thermal conductivity (48.02-34.52 mW/m·K) compared to PU-CDEA in the literature. Additionally, PU-COPUAP exhibited a 16.5% increase in the water contact angle (114.93° to 133.87°), attributing to the formation of hydrophobic biuret segments and a tightly packed, highly cross-linked structure inhibiting water penetration. This innovative approach sets a new benchmark for fully biobased rigid foam production, delivering high load-bearing capacity, exceptional insulation, and significantly improved hydrophobicity.

A Novel Microwave Hot Pressing Machine for Production of Fixed Oils from Different Biopolymeric Structured Tissues

A microwave hot pressing machine (MHPM) was used to heat the colander to produce fixed oils from each of castor, sunflower, rapeseed, and moringa seed and compared them to those obtained using an ordinary electric hot pressing machine (EHPM). The physical properties, namely the moisture content of seed (MCs), the seed content of fixed oil (S_cfo), the yield of the main fixed oil (Y_mfo), the yield of recovered fixed oil (Y_rfo), extraction loss (EL), six Efficiency of fixed oil extraction (E_foe), specific gravity (SG_fo), refractive index (RI) as well as chemical properties, namely iodine number (IN), saponification value (SV), acid value (AV), and the yield of fatty acid (Y_fa) of the four oils extracted by the MHPM and EHPM were determined. Chemical constituents of the resultant oil were identified using GC/MS after saponification and methylation processes. The Ymfo and SV obtained using the MHPM were higher than those for the EHPM for all four fixed oils studied. On the other hand, each of the SG_fo, RI, IN, AV, and pH of the fixed oils did not alter statistically due to changing the heating tool from electric band heaters into a microwave beam. The qualities of the four fixed oils extracted by the MHPM were very encouraging as a pivot of the industrial fixed oil projects compared to the EHPM. The prominent fatty acid of the castor fixed oil was found to be ricinoleic acid, making up 76.41% and 71.99% contents of oils extracted using the MHPM and EHPM, respectively. In addition, the oleic acid was the prominent fatty acid in each of the fixed oils of sunflower, rapeseed, and moringa species, and its yield by using the MHPM was higher than that for the EHPM. The role of microwave irradiation in facilitating fixed oil extrusion from the biopolymeric structured organelles (lipid bodies) was protruded. Since it was confirmed by the present study that using microwave irradiation is simple, facile, more eco-friendly, cost-effective, retains parent quality of oils, and allows for the warming of bigger machines and spaces, we think it will make an industrial revolution in oil extraction field.

Colour of polyurethane foams filled with wood and wood derivatives exposed to two xylophagous fungi

This study addresses changes in aesthetical features of bio-based polyurethane (PU) foams filled with four forest-based particles (namely wood flour, wood bark, kraft lignin, and paper sludge), which were decayed by two wood-rot fungi. White-rot and brown-rot fungi were inoculated on these foams and further characterization results were obtained using colourimetric parameters measured according to the CIELab method. The fungi penetrated into both intra and intercellular spaces into the PU foams, although it neither changed the foam weight nor chemically interacted with the polymer cell wall. These fungi changed overall the appearance of the foams, which indicates that a protective strategy against these microorganisms may be of interest, especially for foam parts used in contact with wood products. The neat PU presented smaller colour stability if compared to the filled foams. Among the fillers, powdered kraft lignin stood out and can be indicated to produce valuable darkened PU parts with stable colour patterns.

Nanocomposite-enhanced hydrophobicity effect in biosourced polyurethane with low volume fraction of organophilic CNC: towards solvent-absorbent and porous membranes

Herein, we focus on the development of new nanocomposite porous membranes based on castor oil-derived polyurethane (PUBCO) and octadecylamine-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-ODA) as compatible nanoreinforcements.

Synthesis of Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)-Based Polyurethane and Effect of Chain Extender on Its Associated Properties

This study depicts the investigations of the effect of composition of aromatic polyester polyol produced from terephthalic acid (TPA) and different concentrations of mono ethylene glycol (mEG) as a chain extender on the mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) elastomer. Aromatic polyester polyols are prepared via the poly-esterification of adipic acid, terephthalic acid, catalyst, and mono ethylene glycol; while a polyurethane elastomer is formulated via the pre-polymerization of polyol with pure monomeric Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI.) Mechanical properties of polyurethane elastomers are examined, such as hardness via shore A hardness, apparent density via ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D1622–08, and abrasion wear resistance via a Deutches Institut fur Normung (DIN) abrasion wear resistance tester. Structural properties are investigated through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Results reveal that the shore A hardness of the PU elastomer increases with an increasing concentration of mEG from 4g to 12g. Nevertheless, the elastomer’s density depicts a reduction with an increasing extender content. The abrasion wear resistance of polyurethane, however, increases with an increasing concentration of glycol. A structural analysis through FTIR confirms the formation of polyurethane elastomer through the characteristic peaks demonstrated.

Polymers and Composites Derived from Castor Oil as Sustainable Materials and Degradable Biomaterials: Current Status and Emerging Trends

Recent years have seen rapid growth in utilizing vegetable oils to derive a wide variety of polymers to replace petroleum-based polymers for minimizing environmental impact. Nonedible castor oil (CO) can be extracted from castor plants that grow easily, even in an arid land. CO is a promising source for developing several polymers such as polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, and epoxy-polymers. Several synthesis routes have been developed, and distinct properties of polymers have been studied for industrial applications. Furthermore, fillers and fibers, including nanomaterials, have been incorporated in these polymers for enhancing their physical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This review highlights the development of CO-based polymers and their composites with attractive properties for industrial and biomedical applications. Recent advancements in CO-based polymers and their composites are presented along with a discussion on future opportunities for further developments in diverse applications.

Bio-Degradable Polyurethane Foams Produced by Liquefied Polyol from Wheat Straw Biomass

In the present work, an abundant and unused residue (wheat straw) has been employed to synthesize a polyol as a substituent of castor oil in polyurethane foams. The liquefied product showed excellent properties for the proposed application. Castor oil was substituted with up to 50% wheat straw polyol in the formulation of polyurethane foams, which were prepared using two different isocyanates (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI)). The evaluation of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the foams revealed that these materials can successfully be formed with up to 40% wheat straw polyols since all the results were improved. Moreover, at this polyol concentration, the morphology of the foams was presented as a compact and ordered structure. Following this trend, the foams showed excellent biodegradability at 30 days (5.60 and 7.31% for TDI and MDI foams, respectively) and 60 days (8.49 and 9.88% for TDI and MDI foams, respectively) in the soil media tests carried out. Thus, the materials prepared in this work can be proposed for agricultural applications such as use in plant nurseries.

Adsorption Characteristics of Synthesized Polyelectrolytes onto Alumina Nanoparticles and their Application in Antibiotic Removal

The present study aims to investigate the adsorption of synthesized poly(2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) (PAMPs) onto alumina nanoparticles and their application in the removal of ciprofloxacin (CFX) antibiotic from a water environment. The PAMPs were successfully synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and gel-permeation chromatography methods. The number- and weight-average molecular weights of PAMPs were 6.76 × 10⁵ and 7.28 × 10⁶ g/mol, respectively. The charge reversal of nanoalumina after PAMPs modification from positive to -37.5 mV was determined by ζ-potential measurement, while the appearance of C ═ O and N-H functional groups in PAMPs observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed them as the main indicators for adsorption of PAMPs onto a nanoalumina surface. The maximum adsorption capacity of PAMPs onto nanoalumina in 100 mg/L KCl was about 10 mg/g. The adsorption isotherms were fitted well by a two-step adsorption model. Application of PAMPs-modified nanoalumina (PAMNA) in CFX removal was also thoroughly studied. The optimum conditions for CFX removal using PAMNA were found to be pH 6, 10 mM NaCl, contact time 90 min, and adsorption dosage 5 mg/mL. The CFX adsorption isotherms and kinetics were in accordance with the two-step and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The application for CFX removal in actual hospital wastewater was greater than 80%. The results of this study demonstrate that PAMNA is a new and promising material for antibiotic removal from wastewater.

Production of Biodegradable Palm Oil-Based Polyurethane as Potential Biomaterial for Biomedical Applications

Being biodegradable and biocompatible are crucial characteristics for biomaterial used for medical and biomedical applications. Vegetable oil-based polyols are known to contribute both the biodegradability and biocompatibility of polyurethanes; however, petrochemical-based polyols were often incorporated to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethane. In this work, palm oil-based polyester polyol (PPP) derived from epoxidized palm olein and glutaric acid was reacted with isophorone diisocyanate to produce an aliphatic polyurethane, without the incorporation of any commercial petrochemical-based polyol. The effects of water content and isocyanate index were investigated. The polyurethanes produced consisted of > 90% porosity with interconnected micropores and macropores (37-1700 µm) and PU 1.0 possessed tensile strength and compression stress of 111 kPa and 64 kPa. The polyurethanes with comparable thermal stability, yet susceptible to enzymatic degradation with 7-59% of mass loss after 4 weeks of treatment. The polyurethanes demonstrated superior water uptake (up to 450%) and did not induce significant changes in pH of the medium. The chemical changes of the polyurethanes after enzymatic degradation were evaluated by FTIR and TGA analyses. The polyurethanes showed cell viability of 53.43% and 80.37% after 1 and 10 day(s) of cytotoxicity test; and cell adhesion and proliferation in cell adhesion test. The polyurethanes produced demonstrated its potential as biomaterial for soft tissue engineering applications.

Moringa oleifera oil influence on biodegradation behaviour of polymers

Vegetable oils (VOs) can be used as plasticizers or as biodegrading additives for commercial polymers. According to the literature, the use of concentrations higher than 5% of oils added to polymers or their mixtures indicated loss of mechanical properties on the final product. However, VOs can be used as a compatibilizer for the mixture of synthetic polymers with biopolymers (PM) under concentrations higher than 5%. Moringa oleifera oil (MO) was used as a compatibilizer to PM mixtures using oil concentrations higher than 5%, 10% and 15% in mass. PMs were analysed at first based on mechanical properties which indicated a better concentration at 15% of MO. This article presents a study of MO influence on biodegradation behaviour of PM, which was composed of low-density polyethylene obtained from food bags and biopolymers (PB) obtained in market plastic bags. PM doped with different concentrations of MO was submitted to studies of mechanical, chemical, morphological and thermal properties and their biodegradation behaviour was evaluated. The concentration of 15% of MO increased the thermal resistance of PM, improved the biodegradation behaviour according to controlled and free tests and reduced its stiffness without a loss of important mechanical properties. The results of this work showed that MO influenced positively the biodegradation of the PM mixture by improving 30% of the degrading speed.

Antidiarrheal activity of methanol extract of Sophora tonkinensis in mice and spasmolytic effect on smooth muscle contraction of isolated jejunum in rabbits

Context: In China, the herb Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. (Fabaceae, ST) (Committee of National Pharmacopeia. 2015) exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral effects. However, to date, there have been few studies on its gastrointestinal effect. Objective: The gastrointestinal effect of the methanol extract of ST rhizome (STR) was evaluated. Materials and methods: Study was conducted from February to December 2018. In vivo, antidiarrheal activity of STR (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg; orally) in castor oil-induced diarrheal mice was studied. In vitro, the effects of STR (0.01-10 mg/mL) on the isolated tissue preparations of rabbit jejunum were also investigated, the rabbit jejunum stripes were pre-contracted with Ach (10^-5M), K⁺ (60 mM) and tested in the presence of STR, the possible spasmolytic effect was analyzed in the pretreatment of the jejunum preparations with STR or verapamil in Ca²⁺-free high-K⁺ (60 mM) solution containing EDTA. Results: STR (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) exhibited antidiarrheal activity. STR (0.01-10 mg/mL) completely relaxed spontaneously contracting, Ach (10^-5M) and high K⁺ (60 mM) induced contracted jejunum with an EC₅₀ value of 0.66 (0.49-0.96), 0.39 (0.28-0.44) and 0.17 (0.10-0.21), similar to verapamil. Concentration-response curves of CaCl₂ could be significantly moved to the right and down in the presence of STR (0.3, 1 mg/mL). Discussion and conclusions: Results suggest the presence of antidiarrheal activity and spasmolytic effects of STR, possibly mediated through Ca²⁺ channel blocking activity, providing the pharmacological basis for its traditional uses in gastrointestinal disorders.

Titanium - castor oil based polyurethane composite foams for bone tissue engineering

Polyurethanes (PU) foams with titanium particles (Ti) were prepared with castor oil (CO) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as polymeric matrix, and 1, 3 and 5 wt.% of Ti. Composites were physicochemically and mechanically characterized and their biocompatibility assessed using human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSC). PU synthesis was confirmed by FTIR, but the presence of Ti was detected by RAMAN, X-ray diffraction (peak at 2θ = 40.2°) and by EDX-mapping. Materials showed three decomposition temperatures between 300 °C and 500 °C and their decomposition were not catalyzed by Ti particles. Compressive modulus (164-846 kPa), compressive strength (12.9-116.7 kPa) and density (128-240 kg/m³) tend to increase with Ti concentration but porosity was reduced (87% to 80%). Composites' foams were fully degraded in acid and oxidative media while remained stable in distilled water. HDPSC viability on all composites was higher than 80% up to 14 days while proliferation dropped up to 60% at 21 days. Overall, these results suggest that these foams can be used as scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.

Organophilic graphene nanosheets as a promising nanofiller for bio-based polyurethane nanocomposites: investigation of the thermal, barrier and mechanical properties

The present study focuses on the design of new nanocomposite films using bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a polymer matrix and long chain amine functionalized reduced graphene oxide (G-ODA) as a nanofiller.

Biodegradation of Moringa oleifera's polymer blends

Vegetable oils are used as a base for the synthesis of polymers and monomers with structures similar to that of petroleum, as plasticizers for conventional polymers and biodegrading additives. The Moringa oleifera oil was extracted from seeds and polymerized after being submitted to 16 h of microwave irradiation without catalysers. This polymer was characterized and the efficiency of the oil polymerization was verified by the reduction of double bonds and the increase of molecular weight up to 50,000 g mol^-1. Films produced by a mixture of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) present low tensile resistance and low biodegradation behaviour. In order to improve those properties, the Moringa polymer (PMO) was mixed with LDPE and PBAT/PLA in specific mass concentrations. The films produced with this mixture were characterized and submitted to biodegradation analysis. The PMO behaves as a compatibilizer by improving thermal properties, reducing the crystalline phase and improving the biodegradation behaviour. The biodegradation improved up to five times in comparison to conventional polymers and it restores the mechanical properties.

Polyurethane Foams: Past, Present, and Future

Polymeric foams can be found virtually everywhere due to their advantageous properties compared with counterparts materials. Possibly the most important class of polymeric foams are polyurethane foams (PUFs), as their low density and thermal conductivity combined with their interesting mechanical properties make them excellent thermal and sound insulators, as well as structural and comfort materials. Despite the broad range of applications, the production of PUFs is still highly petroleum-dependent, so this industry must adapt to ever more strict regulations and rigorous consumers. In that sense, the well-established raw materials and process technologies can face a turning point in the near future, due to the need of using renewable raw materials and new process technologies, such as three-dimensional (3D) printing. In this work, the fundamental aspects of the production of PUFs are reviewed, the new challenges that the PUFs industry are expected to confront regarding process methodologies in the near future are outlined, and some alternatives are also presented. Then, the strategies for the improvement of PUFs sustainability, including recycling, and the enhancement of their properties are discussed.

Characterization and in vitro Biocompatibility of Binary Mixtures of Chitosan and Polyurethanes Synthesized from Chemically Modified Castor Oil, as Materials for Medical Use

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of chitosan into polyurethane matrices synthesized from chemically modified castor (Ricinus communis) oil by transesterification with pentaerythritol. An additional aim of this study was to determine the degree of acceptance as a biomaterial (obtained from renewable sources), based on the analysis of its mechanical properties (stress/rupture strain), hydrophilic character (contact angle), morphology (SEM) and in vitro compatibility of polyurethanes when in contact with mouse fibroblast L929 cells. No significant changes in mechanical properties were observed with the addition of chitosan to polyurethanes synthesized from chemically modified castor oil. All polyurethane formulas showed morphological changes with increased chitosan concentration. As chitosan/polyurethane binary mixtures do not present a cytotoxicity risk for L929 mouse fibroblasts and possess similar mechanical properties to soft and cardiovascular tissues, their use as a biomedical material is suggested.

Preparation and Characterization of Controlled-Release Avermectin/Castor Oil-Based Polyurethane Nanoemulsions

Avermectin (AVM) is a low-toxic and high-active biopesticide, but it can be easily degraded by UV light. In this paper, biodegradable castor oil-based polyurethanes (CO-PU) are synthesized and used as carriers to fabricate a new kind of AVM/CO-PU nanoemulsion through an emulsion solvent evaporation method, and the chemical structure, colloidal property, AVM loading capacity, controlled-release behavior, foliar adhesion, and photostability of the AVM/CO-PU drug delivery systems are investigated. Results show that AVM is physically encapsulated in the CO-PU carrier nanospheres, the diameter of the AVM/CO-PU nanoparticles is <50 nm, and the AVM/CO-PU films are flat and smooth without any AVM aggregate. The drug loading capacity is up to 42.3 wt % with a high encapsulation efficiency of >85%. The release profiles indicate that the release rate is relatively high at the early stage and then slows, which can be adjusted by loaded AVM content, temperature, and pH of the release medium. The foliar pesticide retention of the AVM/CO-PU nanoemulsions is improved, and the photolysis rate of AVM in the AVM/CO-PU nanoparticles is significantly slower than that of the free AVM. A release mechanism of the AVM/CO-PU nanoemulsions is proposed, which is controlled by both diffusion and matrix erosion.

Renewable polyols for advanced polyurethane foams from diverse biomass resources

This review highlights recent advances in the synthesis of renewable polyols, used for making polyurethane foams, from biomass.

Preparation and properties of lambda-cyhalothrin/polyurethane drug-loaded nanoemulsions

A new lambda-cyhalothrin/castor oil-based polyurethane formulation with controlled-release behavior and good foliage adhesion properties is prepared.

Effect of the incorporation of chitosan on the physico-chemical, mechanical properties and biological activity on a mixture of polycaprolactone and polyurethanes obtained from castor oil

In the present study, polyurethane materials were obtained from castor oil, polycaprolactone and isophorone diisocyanate by incorporating different concentrations of chitosan (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% w/w) as an additive to improve the mechanical properties and the biological activity of polyurethanes. The polyurethanes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, stress/strain fracture tests and swelling analysis, and the hydrophilic character of the surface was determined by contact angle trials. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of chitosan on the changes of the physico-chemical and mechanical properties and the in vitro biological activity of the polyurethanes. It was found that the incorporation of chitosan enhances the ultimate tensile strength of the polyurethanes and does not affect the strain at fracture in polyurethanes with 5% w/w of polycaprolactone and concentrations of chitosan ranging from 0 to 2% w/w. In addition, PCL5-Q-PU formulations and their degradation products did not affect cell viability of L929 mouse fibroblast and 3T3, respectively. Polyurethane formulations showed antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The results of this study have highlighted the potential biomedical application of this polyurethanes related to soft and cardiovascular tissues.

Porous polymer scaffold for on-site delivery of stem cells--Protects from oxidative stress and potentiates wound tissue repair

Wound healing by cell transplantation techniques often suffer setbacks due to oxidative stress encountered at injury sites. A porous polyethyleneglycol-polyurethane (PEG-PU) scaffold that facilitates cell delivery and boosts tissue repair was developed through semi-interpenetrating polymer network approach. The key physico-chemical properties assessed confirms these polymeric matrices are highly thermostable, barostable, degrade at an acidic pH (5.8), biodegradable, cytocompatible and possess excellent porosity. Mechanism of cellular penetration into porous polymer networks was evident by a ≥6 - fold increase in gene expression of MMP-13 and MMP-2 via activation of Akt and Erk. H2O2-induced apoptosis of mouse bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) was abrogated in presence of polymer networks indicating a protective effect from oxidative stress. Transplantation of BMSC + PEG-PU at murine excisional splint wound site depicted significant increase in fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, anti-oxidant enzyme activities of catalase, SOD and GPx. Furthermore it significantly decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, etc) with a concomitant increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) at an early healing period of day 7. Finally, immunostaining revealed an enhanced engraftment and vascularity indicating an accelerated wound tissue closure. This pre-clinical study demonstrates the proof-of-concept and further necessitates their clinical evaluation as potential cell delivery vehicle scaffolds.