Collagen/κ-Carrageenan-Based Scaffolds as Biomimetic Constructs for In Vitro Bone Mineralization Studies

Tissue engineering offers attractive strategies to develop three-dimensional scaffolds mimicking the complex hierarchical structure of the native bone. The bone is formed by cells incorporated in a molecularly organized extracellular matrix made of an inorganic phase, called biological apatite, and an organic phase mainly made of collagen and noncollagenous macromolecules. Although many strategies have been developed to replicate the complexity of bone at the nanoscale in vitro, a critical challenge has been to control the orchestrated process of mineralization promoted by bone cells in vivo and replicate the anatomical and biological properties of native bone. In this study, we used type I collagen to fabricate mineralized scaffolds mimicking the microenvironment of the native bone. The sulfated polysaccharide κ-carrageenan was added to the scaffolds to fulfill the role of noncollagenous macromolecules in the organization and mineralization of the bone matrix and cell adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy images of the surface of the collagen/κ-carrageenan scaffolds showed the presence of a dense and uniform network of intertwined fibrils, while images of the scaffolds' lateral sides showed the presence of collagen fibrils with a parallel alignment, which is characteristic of dense connective tissues. MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were cultured in the collagen scaffolds and were viable after up to 7 days of culture, both in the absence and in the presence of κ-carrageenan. The presence of κ-carrageenan in the collagen scaffolds stimulated the maturation of the cells to a mineralizing phenotype, as suggested by the increased expression of key genes related to bone mineralization, including alkaline phosphatase (Alp), bone sialoprotein (Bsp), osteocalcin (Oc), and osteopontin (Opn), as well as the ability to mineralize the extracellular matrix after 14 and 21 days of culture. Taken together, the results described in this study shed light on the potential use of collagen/κ-carrageenan scaffolds to study the role of the structural organization of bone-mimetic synthetic matrices in cell function.

Formation of carrageenan-CaCO3 bioactive membranes

The high biocompatibility and resorbability of polymeric membranes have encouraged their use to manufacture medical devices. Here, we report on the preparation of membranes consisting of carrageenan, a naturally occurring sulfated polysaccharide that forms helical structures in the presence of calcium ions. We incorporated CaCO3 particles into the membranes to enhance their bioactivity and mechanical properties. Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction data confirmed CaCO3 incorporation into the polymeric matrix. We tested the bioactivity of the samples by immersing them in a solution that mimics the ionic composition and pH of the human body fluid. The hybrid membranes generated hydroxyapatite, as attested by X-ray diffraction data. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopies aided investigation of membrane topography before and after CaCO3 deposition. The wettability and surface free energy, evaluated by contact angle measures, increased in the presence of CaCO3 particles. These parameters are important for membrane implantation in the body. Moreover, membrane stiffness was up to 110% higher in the presence of the inorganic particles, as revealed by Young's modulus.

Polymeric prodrugs of ampicillin as antibacterial coatings

A novel ampicillin prodrug containing two carboxylic acid functionalities was synthesized by reacting ampicillin with acyl chloride in the presence of base. This prodrug was subsequently converted into a poly(anhydride-amide) via solution polymerization. The polymer, which chemically incorporates the ampicillin prodrug into the polymeric backbone, was developed as a film to prevent infections associated with medical devices by controlled, localized release of antimicrobials. The robust polymer coatings exhibiting strong adhesion to stainless steel were produced under elevated temperature and reduced pressure. The in vitro hydrolytic degradation of the polymer into the ampicillin prodrug was measured and the antibacterial activity of polymer-derived coatings was examined using a Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the polymer cytotoxicity was screened using fibroblasts. The ampicillin prodrug demonstrated antibacterial activity and the polymer demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts. Based on these results, the biodegradation of the antimicrobial-based poly(anhydride-amide) into the prodrug displays substantial promise as an implant or implant coating to reduce device failure resulting from bacterial infections.

Biointerface: protein enhanced stem cells binding to implant surface

The number of metallic implantable devices placed every year is estimated at 3.7 million. This number has been steadily increasing over last decades at a rate of around 8 %. In spite of the many successes of the devices the implantation of biomaterial into tissues almost universally leads to the development of an avascular sac, which consists of fibrous tissue around the device and walls off the implant from the body. This reaction can be detrimental to the function of implant, reduces its lifetime, and necessitates repeated surgery. Clearly, to reduce the number of revision surgeries and improve long-term implant function it is necessary to enhance device integration by modulating cell adhesion and function. In this paper we have demonstrated that it is possible to enhance stem cell attachment using engineered biointerfaces. To create this functional interface, samples were coated with polymer (as a precursor) and then ion implanted to create a reactive interface that aids the binding of biomolecules--fibronectin. Both AFM and XPS analyses confirmed the presence of protein layers on the samples. The amount of protein was significant greater for the ion implanted surfaces and was not disrupted upon washing with detergent, hence the formation of strong bonds with the interface was confirmed. While, for non ion implanted surfaces, a decrease of protein was observed after washing with detergent. Finally, the number of stem cells attached to the surface was enhanced for ion implanted surfaces. The studies presented confirm that the developed bionterface with immobilised fibronectin is an effective means to modulate stem cell attachment.

Serum metal levels after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum

BACKGROUND

Metal implants may wear and corrode, resulting in systemic dissemination of metallic debris that is measurable in serum. Concern exists regarding adverse health effects related to implant-derived debris. Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is a popular technique in which a stainless steel substernal bar is implanted to achieve deformity correction. Serum metal levels have not previously been investigated after MIRPE.

METHODS

Serum chromium, molybdenum, and nickel levels were measured in this cross-sectional study of 11 children implanted with pectus bars after MIRPE. Samples were analyzed using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Median serum chromium and nickel values were elevated 3.3-fold (P = .0003) and 2.3-fold (P = .25), respectively, compared with age-matched controls. Serum chromium and nickel levels were abnormally elevated in 6 (55%) of 11 and 5 (45%) of 11, respectively. In patients whom postexplantation metal levels were measured, previously elevated levels were lowered. Serum chromium levels in children after MIRPE are comparable with adult cohorts with hip arthroplasty implants measured 1-year postoperatively. No acute metal toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormally elevated levels of serum metal levels are measurable in children implanted with pectus bars. These findings warrant further investigation to assess the biocompatibility of this surgical implant in children.