Plasma-polymerized pericyte patches improve healing of murine wounds through increased angiogenesis and reduced inflammation

Progress of the study of pericytes and their potential research value in adenomyosis

Pericytes (PCs) are versatile cells integral to the microcirculation wall, exhibiting specific stem cell traits. They are essential in modulating blood flow, ensuring vascular permeability, maintaining homeostasis, and aiding tissue repair process. Given their involvement in numerous disease-related pathological and physiological processes, the regulation of PCs has emerged as a focal point of research. Adenomyosis is characterized by the presence of active endometrial glands and stroma encased by an enlarged and proliferative myometrial layer, further accompanied by fibrosis and new blood vessel formation. This distinct pathological condition might be intricately linked with PCs. This article comprehensively reviews the markers associated with PCs, their contributions to angiogenesis, blood flow modulation, and fibrotic processes. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current research on adenomyosis pathophysiology, emphasizing the potential correlation and future implications regarding PCs and the development of adenomyosis.

The Cell Adhesion and Proliferation Enhancement Impact of Low-Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma-Polymerized Heptylamine on the Surface of Ti6Al4V Alloy

To chemically functionalize the Ti6Al4V alloy surface, a custom-made low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma reactor device was used to polymerize heptylamine on it. The effect of different deposition times, an important process parameter, was also investigated. For each deposition time group, the surface morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface chemical content was analyzed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and surface hydrophilicity was measured via water contact angle. The adhesion of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on the modified Ti6Al4V alloy surfaces was also observed via SEM. A quantitative evaluation of cell proliferation was performed via the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The results revealed that amino groups were introduced on the Ti6Al4V alloy surface via plasma-polymerized heptylamine (PPHA). The percentages of NH2/C for various deposition times (0 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, and 120 s) were 3.39%, 5.14%, 6.71%, 6.72%, 7.31%, and 7.65%. A 30 s, 45 s, and 60 s deposition time could significantly increase surface hydrophilicity with a mean water contact angle of 62.1 ± 1.6°, 65.7 ± 1.1°, and 88.2 ± 1.4°, respectively. Meanwhile, a 60 s, 90 s, and 120 s deposition time promoted BMSCs cell adhesion and proliferation. However, this promotion effect differed non-significantly among the three groups. In conclusion, the introduction of amino groups on the Ti6Al4V alloy surface exhibited surface modification and enhancement of cell adhesion and proliferation, which was partially associated with deposition time.

Delivery of multipotent adult progenitor cells via a functionalized plasma polymerized surface accelerates healing of murine diabetic wounds

Introduction: Stem cell therapies have been investigated as potential treatment modalities for chronic wounds however there has been limited success to date. Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells (MAPCs©) have been identified as having potential as an allogenic stem cell product due to their high population doubling number and their characteristic dampening of T-cell proliferation. This helps to prevent autoimmunity and graft/cell rejection. Methods: We have developed a dressing, consisting of medical grade silicone coated with a heptylamine plasma polymer, which supports the growth and transfer of MAPCs to skin. To determine if the dressing can deliver functional stem cells into diabetic wounds, they were loaded with MAPCs and then placed over excisional wounds in both normal and diabetic mice. Results and discussion: Accelerated healing was observed in both the normal and diabetic wounds with wound gape being significantly smaller at day 3 when compared to controls. Wound analysis showed that treatment with the MAPC dressings dampened the inflammatory response with reduced numbers of neutrophils and macrophages observed. Additionally, an increase in pro-angiogenic VEGF and CD31 positive endothelial cells was observed indicating improved new blood vessel formation. The MAPC dressings had no effect on fibrosis with collagen I and III being equally affected in both control and treated wounds. Overall, the functionalized MAPC dressings improve healing responses particularly in diabetic mice with impaired healing responses and therefore, show potential for development as an advanced therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.