Poly (Glycerol Sebacate)-Based Bio-Artificial Multiporous Matrix for Bone Regeneration

Toward a Better Understanding of the Poly(glycerol sebacate)-Water Interface

Molecular simulations were conducted to provide a better description of the poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS)-water interface. The density and the glass-transition temperature as well as their dependencies on the degree of esterification were examined in close connection with the available experimental data. The work of adhesion and water contact angle were calculated as a function of the degree of esterification. A direct correlation was established between the strength of the hydrogen bond network in the interfacial region and the change in the water contact angle with respect to the degree of esterification. The interfacial region was described by local density profiles and orientations of the water molecules.

Coaxial 3D Bioprinting Process Research and Performance Tests on Vascular Scaffolds

Three-dimensionally printed vascularized tissue, which is suitable for treating human cardiovascular diseases, should possess excellent biocompatibility, mechanical performance, and the structure of complex vascular networks. In this paper, we propose a method for fabricating vascularized tissue based on coaxial 3D bioprinting technology combined with the mold method. Sodium alginate (SA) solution was chosen as the bioink material, while the cross-linking agent was a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution. To obtain the optimal parameters for the fabrication of vascular scaffolds, we first formulated theoretical models of a coaxial jet and a vascular network. Subsequently, we conducted a simulation analysis to obtain preliminary process parameters. Based on the aforementioned research, experiments of vascular scaffold fabrication based on the coaxial jet model and experiments of vascular network fabrication were carried out. Finally, we optimized various parameters, such as the flow rate of internal and external solutions, bioink concentration, and cross-linking agent concentration. The performance tests showed that the fabricated vascular scaffolds had levels of satisfactory degradability, water absorption, and mechanical properties that meet the requirements for practical applications. Cellular experiments with stained samples demonstrated satisfactory proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within the vascular scaffold over a seven-day period, observed under a fluorescent inverted microscope. The cells showed good biocompatibility with the vascular scaffold. The above results indicate that the fabricated vascular structure initially meet the requirements of vascular scaffolds.

Different methods of synthesizing poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS): A review

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a biodegradable elastomer that has attracted increasing attention as a potential material for applications in biological tissue engineering. The conventional method of synthesis, first described in 2002, is based on the polycondensation of glycerol and sebacic acid, but it is a time-consuming and energy-intensive process. In recent years, new approaches for producing PGS, PGS blends, and PGS copolymers have been reported to not only reduce the time and energy required to obtain the final material but also to adjust the properties and processability of the PGS-based materials based on the desired applications. This review compiles more than 20 years of PGS synthesis reports, reported inconsistencies, and proposed alternatives to more rapidly produce PGS polymer structures or PGS derivatives with tailor-made properties. Synthesis conditions such as temperature, reaction time, reagent ratio, atmosphere, catalysts, microwave-assisted synthesis, and PGS modifications (urethane and acrylate groups, blends, and copolymers) were revisited to present and discuss the diverse alternatives to produce and adapt PGS.

Nanoarchitectonics horizons: materials for life sciences

Nanoarchitectonics relies on the fabrication of materials at the atomic/molecular level to achieve the desired shape and function. Significant advances have been made in understanding the characteristics and spatial assemblies that contribute to material performance. Biomaterials undergo several changes when presented with various environmental cues. The ability to overcome such challenges, maintaining the integrity and effective functioning of native properties, can be regarded as a characteristic of a successful biomaterial. Control over the shape and efficacy of target materials can be tailored via various processes, like self-assembly, supramolecular chemistry, atomic/molecular manipulation, etc. Interplay between the physicochemical properties of materials and biomolecule recognition sites defines the structural rigidity in hierarchical structures. Materials including polymers, metal nanoparticles, nucleic acid systems, metal-organic frameworks, and carbon-based nanostructures can be viewed as promising prospects for developing biocompatible systems. This review discusses recent advances relating to such biomaterials for life science applications, where nanoarchitectonics plays a decisive role either directly or indirectly.

Optimisation of Glycerol and Itaconic Anhydride Polycondensation

Glycerol polyesters have recently become objects of interest in tissue engineering. Barely known so far is poly(glycerol itaconate) (PGItc), a biocompatible, biodegradable polyester. Due to the presence of a C=C electron-acceptor moiety, it is possible to post-modify the product by Michael additions to change the properties of PGItc. Thus, using PGItc as one of the elements of cellular scaffold crosslinked in situ for bone tissue regeneration seems to be a very attractive yet unexplored solution. This work aims to optimize the synthesis of PGItc to obtain derivatives with a double bond in the side chain with the highest conversion rates. The experiments were performed with itaconic anhydride and glycerol using mathematical planning of experiments according to the Box-Behnken plan without solvent and catalyst. The input variables of the process were the ratio of the OH/COOH, temperature, and reaction time. The optimised output variables were: the degree of esterification (EDtitr), the degree of esterification calculated from the analysis of 1H NMR spectra (EDNMR), and the degree of itaconic anhydride conversion—calculation based on 13C NMR spectra (%X13CNMR). In each of statistical models, the significance of the changed synthesis parameters was determined. Optimal conditions are when OH/COOH ratio is equal to 1.5, temperature is 140 °C and time of reaction is 5 h. The higher OH/COOH ratio, temperature and longer the experiment time, the higher the value of the degree of esterification and the degree of anhydride conversion.

Silibinin Can Promote Bone Regeneration of Selenium Hydrogel by Reducing the Oxidative Stress Pathway in Ovariectomized Rats

Osteoporosis-related bone defects are a major public health concern. Considering poor effects of a singular pharmacological treatment, many have sought combination therapies, including local treatment combined with systemic intervention. Based on recent evidence that selenium and silibinin increase bone formation and bone mineral density, it is hypothesized that systemic administration with silibinin plus local treatment with selenium may have an additive effect on bone regeneration in an OVX rat model with bone defects. To verify this hypothesis, 3-month-old ovariectomized Sprague- Dawley rats (n = 10/gp) were intraperitoneally with a dose of 50 mg/kg silibinin with selenium hydrogel scaffolds implanted into femoral metaphysis bone defect. Moreover, the MC3T3-E1 cells were co-cultured with selenium and silibinin, and observed any change of cell viability, ROS, and osteogenic activity. Experiment results show that the cell mineralization and osteogenic activity of silibinin plus selenium (SSe) group is enormously higher than the control (Con) group and selenium (Se) group, while ROS appears to be immensely reduced. Osteogenic protein expressions such as SIRT1, SOD2, RUNX-2 and OC of SSe group are significantly higher than Con group and Se group. Micro-CT and Histological analysis evaluation display that group SSe, compared with Con group and Se group, presents the strongest effect on bone regeneration, bone mineralization and higher expression of SIRT1 and SOD2. RT-qPCR analysis indicates that SSe group manifests increased SIRT1, SOD1, SOD2 and CAT than the Con group and Se group (p < 0.05). Our current study demonstrates that systemic administration with SIL plus local treatment with Se is a scheme for rapid repair of femoral condylar defects, and these effects may be achieved via reducing the oxidative stress pathway.

3D direct printing of composite bone scaffolds containing polylactic acid and spray dried mesoporous bioactive glass-ceramic microparticles

In this study, a three-dimensional composite scaffold is proposed consisting of polylactic acid and spray dried glass-ceramic microparticles (SGCMs). The compositional and structural characterization showed that the obtained spray dried powder formed as glass-ceramic (GC) with a completely interconnected porosity structure. Before direct printing of scaffolds, the rheological behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA-GC (PLA matrix containing SGCMs) inks were investigated. The PLA-GC composite ink represents sharper shear-thinning behavior and higher loss and storage modulus comparable to that of pure PLA. Microscopic observations and elemental mapping elements showed that 3D scaffolds had well-defined interconnected porosity and uniform distribution of the glass-ceramic particles. Mechanical tests indicated that compression strength is dependent on the scaffold porosity and the presence of SGCMs. Apatite formation evaluation besides ion release study showed better biomineralization capacity of PLA-GC scaffolds, as larger and denser sediments formed on the PLA-GC scaffolds after 7- and 14-day soaking. The preliminary cell response was studied with primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and revealed that SGCMs improved cell adhesion and viability and ALP activity. The appropriate combination of the biomaterials/methods to fabricate 3D porous constructs and their available bioactivity and biocompatibility, both being important characteristics for bone tissue engineering applications.

Surface channel patterned and endothelialized poly(glycerol sebacate) based elastomers

Prevascularization of tissue equivalents is critical for fulfilling the need for sufficient vascular organization for nutrient and gas transport. Hence, endothelial cell culture on biomaterials is of great importance for researchers. Numerous alternate strategies have been suggested in this sense, with cell-based methods being the most commonly employed. In this study, poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) elastomers with varying crosslinking ratios were synthesized and their surfaces were patterned with channels by using laser ablation technique. In order to determine an ideal material for cell culture studies, the elastomers were subsequently mechanically, chemically, and biologically characterized. Following that, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded into the channels established on the PGS membranes and cultured under various culture conditions to establish the optimal culture parameters. Lastly, the endothelial cell responses to the synthesized PGS elastomers were evaluated. Remarkable cell proliferation and impressive cellular organizations were noticed on the constructs created as part of the investigation. On the concrete output of this research, arrangements in various geometries can be created by laser ablation method and the effects of various molecules, drugs or agents on endothelial cells can be evaluated. The platforms produced can be employed as an intermediate biomaterial layer containing endothelial cells for vascularization of tissue-engineered structures, particularly in layer-by-layer tissue engineering approaches.

Poly(Glycerol Sebacate) in Biomedical Applications-A Review of the Recent Literature

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) continues to attract attention for biomedical applications owing to its favorable combination of properties. Conventionally polymerized by a two-step polycondensation of glycerol and sebacic acid, variations of synthesis parameters, reactant concentrations or by specific chemical modifications, PGS materials can be obtained exhibiting a wide range of physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties for a variety of applications. PGS has been extensively used in tissue engineering (TE) of cardiovascular, nerve, cartilage, bone and corneal tissues. Applications of PGS based materials in drug delivery systems and wound healing are also well documented. Research and development in the field of PGS continue to progress, involving mainly the synthesis of modified structures using copolymers, hybrid, and composite materials. Moreover, the production of self-healing and electroactive materials has been introduced recently. After almost 20 years of research on PGS, previous publications have outlined its synthesis, modification, properties, and biomedical applications, however, a review paper covering the most recent developments in the field is lacking. The present review thus covers comprehensively literature of the last five years on PGS-based biomaterials and devices focusing on advanced modifications of PGS for applications in medicine and highlighting notable advances of PGS based systems in TE and drug delivery.