In vitro bioactivity studies of ceramic structures isolated from marine sponges

Magnesium-Rich Calcium Phosphate Derived from Tilapia Bone Has Superior Osteogenic Potential

We extracted magnesium-rich calcium phosphate bioceramics from tilapia bone using a gradient thermal treatment approach and investigated their chemical and physicochemical properties. X-ray diffraction showed that tilapia fish bone-derived hydroxyapatite (FHA) was generated through the first stage of thermal processing at 600-800 °C. Using FHA as a precursor, fish bone biphasic calcium phosphate (FBCP) was produced after the second stage of thermal processing at 900-1200 °C. The beta-tricalcium phosphate content in the FBCP increased with an increasing calcination temperature. The fact that the lattice spacing of the FHA and FBCP was smaller than that of commercial hydroxyapatite (CHA) suggests that Mg-substituted calcium phosphate was produced via the gradient thermal treatment. Both the FHA and FBCP contained considerable quantities of magnesium, with the FHA having a higher concentration. In addition, the FHA and FBCP, particularly the FBCP, degraded faster than the CHA. After one day of degradation, both the FHA and FBCP released Mg²⁺, with cumulative amounts of 4.38 mg/L and 0.58 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the FHA and FBCP demonstrated superior bone-like apatite formation; they are non-toxic and exhibit better osteoconductive activity than the CHA. In light of our findings, bioceramics originating from tilapia bone appear to be promising in biomedical applications such as fabricating tissue engineering scaffolds.

3D Printed Scaffolds Manufactured with Biosilica from Marine Sponges for Bone Healing in a Cranial Defect in Rats

The inorganic part of marine sponges, called Biosilica (BS), presents an osteogenic potential and the ability of consolidating fractures. Moreover, 3D printing technique is highly effective for manufacturing scaffolds for tissue engineering proposals. Thus, the aims of this study were to characterize the 3D rinted scaffolds, to evaluate the biological effects in vitro and to investigate the in vivo response using an experimental model of cranial defects in rats. The physicochemical characteristics of 3D printed BS scaffolds were analyzed by FTIR, EDS, calcium assay, evaluation of mass loss and pH measurement. For in vitro analysis, the MC3T3-E1 and L929 cells viability was evaluated. For the in vivo evaluation, histopathology, morphometrical and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed in a cranial defect in rats. After the incubation, the 3D printed BS scaffolds presented lower values in pH and mass loss over time. Furthermore, the calcium assay showed an increased Ca uptake. The FTIR analysis indicated the characteristic peaks for materials with silica and the EDS analysis demonstrated the main presence of silica. Moreover, 3D printed BS demonstrated an increase in MC3T3-E1 and L929 cell viability in all periods analyzed. In addition, the histological analysis demonstrated no inflammation in days 15 and 45 post-surgery, and regions of newly formed bone were also observed. The immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated increased Runx-2 and OPG immunostaining. Those findings support that 3D printed BS scaffolds may improve the process of bone repair in a critical bone defect as a result of stimulation of the newly formed bone.

Marine-Inspired Drugs and Biomaterials in the Perspective of Pancreatic Cancer Therapies

Despite its low prevalence, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest, typically characterised as silent in early stages and with a dramatically poor prognosis when in its advanced stages, commonly associated with a high degree of metastasis. Many efforts have been made in pursuing innovative therapeutical approaches, from the search for new cytotoxic drugs and other bioactive compounds, to the development of more targeted approaches, including improved drug delivery devices. Marine biotechnology has been contributing to this quest by providing new chemical leads and materials originating from different organisms. In this review, marine biodiscovery for PC is addressed, particularly regarding marine invertebrates (namely sponges, molluscs, and bryozoans), seaweeds, fungi, and bacteria. In addition, the development of biomaterials based on marine-originating compounds, particularly chitosan, fucoidan, and alginate, for the production of advanced cancer therapies, is also discussed. The key role that drug delivery can play in new cancer treatments is highlighted, as therapeutical outcomes need to be improved to give further hope to patients.

Application of bioactive glasses in various dental fields

Bioactive glasses are a group of bioceramic materials that have extensive clinical applications. Their properties such as high biocompatibility, antimicrobial features, and bioactivity in the internal environment of the body have made them useful biomaterials in various fields of medicine and dentistry. There is a great variation in the main composition of these glasses and some of them whose medical usage has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are called Bioglass. Bioactive glasses have appropriate biocompatibility with the body and they are similar to bone hydroxyapatite in terms of calcium and phosphate contents. Bioactive glasses are applied in different branches of dentistry like periodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, esthetic and restorative dentistry. Also, some dental and oral care products have bioactive glasses in their compositions. Bioactive glasses have been used as dental implants in the human body in order to repair and replace damaged bones. Other applications of bioactive glasses in dentistry include their usage in periodontal disease, root canal treatments, maxillofacial surgeries, dental restorations, air abrasions, dental adhesives, enamel remineralization, and dentin hypersensitivity. Since the use of bioactive glasses in dentistry is widespread, there is a need to find methods and extensive resources to supply the required bioactive glasses. Various techniques have been identified for the production of bioactive glasses, and marine sponges have recently been considered as a rich source of it. Marine sponges are widely available and many species have been identified around the world, including the Persian Gulf. Marine sponges, as the simplest group of animals, produce different bioactive compounds that are used in a wide range of medical sciences. Numerous studies have shown the anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic effects of these compounds. Furthermore, some species of marine sponges due to the mineral contents of their structural skeletons, which are made of biosilica, have been used for extracting bioactive glasses.

Biomaterials and Bioactive Natural Products from Marine Invertebrates: From Basic Research to Innovative Applications

Aquatic invertebrates are a major source of biomaterials and bioactive natural products that can find applications as pharmaceutics, nutraceutics, cosmetics, antibiotics, antifouling products and biomaterials. Symbiotic microorganisms are often the real producers of many secondary metabolites initially isolated from marine invertebrates; however, a certain number of them are actually synthesized by the macro-organisms. In this review, we analysed the literature of the years 2010–2019 on natural products (bioactive molecules and biomaterials) from the main phyla of marine invertebrates explored so far, including sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, echinoderms and ascidians, and present relevant examples of natural products of interest to public and private stakeholders. We also describe omics tools that have been more relevant in identifying and understanding mechanisms and processes underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in marine invertebrates. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable large-scale supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of aquatic invertebrate stem cells.

Extreme Biomimetics: Designing of the First Nanostructured 3D Spongin-Atacamite Composite and its Application

The design of new composite materials using extreme biomimetics is of crucial importance for bioinspired materials science. Further progress in research and application of these new materials is impossible without understanding the mechanisms of formation, as well as structural features at the molecular and nano-level. It presents a challenge to obtain a holistic understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interaction of organic and inorganic phases under conditions of harsh chemical reactions for biopolymers. Yet, an understanding of these mechanisms can lead to the development of unusual-but functional-hybrid materials. In this work, a key way of designing centimeter-scale macroporous 3D composites, using renewable marine biopolymer spongin and a model industrial solution that simulates the highly toxic copper-containing waste generated in the production of printed circuit boards worldwide, is proposed. A new spongin-atacamite composite material is developed and its structure is confirmed using neutron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy/selected-area electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The formation mechanism for this material is also proposed. This study provides experimental evidence suggesting multifunctional applicability of the designed composite in the development of 3D constructed sensors, catalysts, and antibacterial filter systems.

Collagen membranes for skin wound repair: A systematic review

Membranes or skin dressing are common treatments for skin wound injuries, collagen being one the most effective materials for their manufacturing. Many different sources of collagen with diverse methods of extraction and processing have been used, with evidence of positive effects on the stimulation of skin wound healing. In spite of these factors, there is still limited understanding of the interaction between collagen membranes and biological tissues, especially due to the series of different types of collagen origin. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the available literature examining the effect of various collagen membranes for accelerating skin wound healing in experimental animal models and clinical trials. The present review was performed from March to May of 2020 searching in two databases (PubMed and Scopus). The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors were used: "collagen", "dressing", "membranes", "skin" and "wound". After the eligibility assessment, 16 studies were included and analyzed. The studies demonstrated that collagen was obtained predominantly from bovine and porcine sources, by acetic acid and/or enzyme dissolution. Additionally, most of the studies demonstrated that the membranes were processed mainly by freeze-drying or lyophilization methods. All the in vivo and clinical trial studies evidenced positive outcomes in the wound healing process, thus confirming that collagen membranes are one of the most efficient treatment for skin wounds, highlighting the enormous potential of this biomaterial to be used for skin tissue engineering purposes.

Characterization and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of a Marine Sponge Biosilica

Bone fractures characterize an important event in the medical healthcare, being related to traumas, aging, and diseases. In critical conditions, such as extensive bone loss and osteoporosis, the tissue restoration may be compromised and culminate in a non-union consolidation. In this context, the osteogenic properties of biomaterials with a natural origin have gained prominence. Particularly, marine sponges are promising organisms that can be exploited as biomaterials for bone grafts. Thus, the objectives of this study were to study the physicochemical and morphological properties of biosilica (BS) from sponges by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (SEM, FTIR and XRD respectively), mineralization, and pH. In addition, tests on an osteoblast precursor cell line (MC3T3-E1) were performed to investigate its cytotoxicity and proliferation in presence of BS. Bioglass (BG) was used as gold standard material for comparison purposes. Sponge BS was obtained, and this fact was proven by SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis. Calcium assay showed a progressive release of this ion from day 7 and a more balanced pH for BS was maintained compared to BG. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that BS had a positive influence on MC3T3-E1 cells viability and qRT-PCR showed that this material stimulated Runx2 and BMP4 gene expressions. Taken together, the results indicate a potential use of sponge biosilica for tissue engineering applications.

Preparation of flexible bone tissue scaffold utilizing sea urchin test and collagen

Gonads of sea urchin are consumed in Japan and some countries as food and most parts including its tests are discarded as marine wastes. Therefore, utilization of them as functional materials would reduce the waste as well as encourage Japanese fishery. In this study, magnesium containing calcite granules collected from sea urchin tests were hydrothermally phosphatized and the obtained granules were identified as approximately 82% in mass of magnesium containing β-tricalcium phosphate and 18% in mass of nonstoichiometric hydroxyapatite, i.e., a biphasic calcium phosphate, maintaining the original porous network. Shape-controlled scaffolds were fabricated with the obtained biphasic calcium phosphate granules and collagen. The scaffolds showed good open porosity (83.84%) and adequate mechanical properties for handling during cell culture and subsequent operations. The MG-63 cells showed higher proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in comparison to a control material, the collagen sponge with the same size. Furthermore, cell viability assay proved that the scaffolds were not cytotoxic. These results suggest that scaffold prepared using sea urchin test derived calcium phosphate and collagen could be a potential candidate of bone void fillers for non-load bearing defects in bone reconstruction as well as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.