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Hashamdar S, Parvin P, Ramezani F, Ahmadinouri F, Jafargholi A, Refahizadeh M, Akbarpour M, Aghaei M, Heidari O. PC12 differentiation to neuron cells activated by a low-level laser at 660 nm on UV pre-treated CR-39 scaffolds with parallel microchannels. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:4655-4674. [PMID: 39347001 PMCID: PMC11427200 DOI: 10.1364/boe.530876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The lack of regeneration of injured neurons in the central and peripheral neural system leads to the failure of damaged tissue repair in patients. While there is no definitive cure for most neurodegenerative diseases, new therapeutic methods that cause the proliferation and differentiation of neurons are of interest. Challenges such as the inability of neuronal cells to proliferate after injury, the lack of a stimulus for initial stimulation, and the presence of the microenvironment around CNS neurons contain several inhibitory factors that prevent neuron regeneration, thus, creating a structure similar to the extracellular matrix helps the cell proliferation in current treatment. A rapid method of neuron-like cell differentiation of PC12 cells is introduced here based on a novel synthetic scaffold. Initially, poly allyldiglycol carbonate (CR-39) substrate is textured under a high dose of ArF UV excimer laser (1000 shot, 300 mJ/pulse equivalent to 300 J/cm2 at 193 nm) to create superficial periodic parallel microchannels with the micrometer spacing and sub-micron width. Ultraviolet treated CR-39 (UT CR-39) provides a suitable scaffold to speed up the transformation/differentiation of PC12 cells. The latter is pheochromocytoma of the rat adrenal medulla as an embryonic origin from the neural crest usually exposed to the nerve growth factor (NGF). In fact, PC12 cells are seeded on the microchannels and simultaneously are stimulated by coherent red photons at 660 nm within the therapeutic window. The UT CR-39 scaffold undergoes extra improvement of ∼ 30% after 12 minutes of laser activation regarding the photo-biomodulation (PBM) mechanism. The cell activation due to the coherent photons also gives rise to enhanced proliferation/differentiation. Here, PC12 cells are efficiently differentiated into neurons according to immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Western Blot verification tests based on MAP2 and synapsin-1 protein expression. In general, UT CR-39 acts as a superior bed to elevate the population of neuron-like cells up to threefold against those of untreated (control)ones. We conclude that the surface cross-linking due to UV exposure and subsequent induced hydrophilicity notably contribute to the neuron-like cell differentiation of PC12 without adding NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Hashamdar
- Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Parvin
- Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahmadinouri
- Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Jafargholi
- Laboratory of Wave Engineering (LWE), School of Engineering, Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
| | - Mitra Refahizadeh
- Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahzad Akbarpour
- GMP Immune Cell Development & Manufacturing Hematopoietic Cellular Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center Hospitals, Chicago, USA
| | - Mohammadreza Aghaei
- Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Ålesund, Norway
- Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Omid Heidari
- Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran
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Ozcicek I, Aysit N, Balcikanli Z, Ayturk NU, Aydeger A, Baydas G, Aydin MS, Altintas E, Erim UC. Development of BDNF/NGF/IKVAV Peptide Modified and Gold Nanoparticle Conductive PCL/PLGA Nerve Guidance Conduit for Regeneration of the Rat Spinal Cord Injury. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300453. [PMID: 38224015 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries are very common worldwide, leading to permanent nerve function loss with devastating effects in the affected patients. The challenges and inadequate results in the current clinical treatments are leading scientists to innovative neural regenerative research. Advances in nanoscience and neural tissue engineering have opened new avenues for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. In order for designed nerve guidance conduit (NGC) to be functionally useful, it must have ideal scaffold properties and topographic features that promote the linear orientation of damaged axons. In this study, it is aimed to develop channeled polycaprolactone (PCL)/Poly-D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) hybrid film scaffolds, modify their surfaces by IKVAV pentapeptide/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or polypyrrole (PPy) and investigate the behavior of motor neurons on the designed scaffold surfaces in vitro under static/bioreactor conditions. Their potential to promote neural regeneration after implantation into the rat SCI by shaping the film scaffolds modified with neural factors into a tubular form is also examined. It is shown that channeled groups decorated with AuNPs highly promote neurite orientation under bioreactor conditions and also the developed optimal NGC (PCL/PLGA G1-IKVAV/BDNF/NGF-AuNP50) highly regenerates SCI. The results indicate that the designed scaffold can be an ideal candidate for spinal cord regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Ozcicek
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Turkey
| | - Nese Aysit
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Balcikanli
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Ulas Ayturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, 17020, Turkey
| | - Asel Aydeger
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Turkey
| | - Gulsena Baydas
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Serif Aydin
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
| | - Esra Altintas
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Turkey
| | - Umit Can Erim
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, 34815, Turkey
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Han S, Zhao X, Cheng L, Fan J. Recent progresses in neural tissue engineering using topographic scaffolds. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF STEM CELLS 2024; 13:1-26. [PMID: 38505822 PMCID: PMC10944707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Neural tissue engineering as alternatives to recover damaged tissues and organs is getting more and more attention due to the lack of regeneration ability of natural tissue nervous system after injury. Particularly, topographic scaffolds are one of the critical elements to guide nerve orientation and reconnection with characteristics of mimic the natural extracellular matrix. This review focuses on scaffolds preparation technologies, topographical features, scaffolds-based encapsulations delivery strategies for neural tissue regeneration, biological functions on nerve cell guidance and regeneration, and applications of topographic scaffolds in vivo and in vitro. Here, the recent developments in topographic scaffolds for neural tissue engineering by simulating neural cell topographic orientation and differentiation are presented. We also explore the challenges and future perspectives of topographical scaffolds in clinical trials and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanying Han
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiangang Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, China
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López-León CF, Planet R, Soriano J. Preparation and Mechano-Functional Characterization of PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels: Impact of Thrombin Concentration. Gels 2024; 10:116. [PMID: 38391447 PMCID: PMC10888336 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures grown in hydrogels are promising platforms to design brain-like neuronal networks in vitro. However, the optimal properties of such cultures must be tuned to ensure a hydrogel matrix sufficiently porous to promote healthy development but also sufficiently rigid for structural support. Such an optimization is difficult since it implies the exploration of different hydrogel compositions and, at the same time, a functional analysis to validate neuronal culture viability. To advance in this quest, here we present a combination of a rheological protocol and a network-based functional analysis to investigate PEGylated fibrin hydrogel networks with gradually higher stiffness, achieved by increasing the concentration of thrombin. We observed that moderate thrombin concentrations of 10% and 25% in volume shaped healthy networks, although the functional traits depended on the hydrogel stiffness, which was much higher for the latter concentration. Thrombin concentrations of 65% or higher led to networks that did not survive. Our results illustrate the difficulties and limitations in preparing 3D neuronal networks, and stress the importance of combining a mechano-structural characterization of a biomaterial with a functional one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara F López-León
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Universitat de Barcelon, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Planet
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Universitat de Barcelon, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Universitat de Barcelon, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Closing the Gap between the Auditory Nerve and Cochlear Implant Electrodes: Which Neurotrophin Cocktail Performs Best for Axonal Outgrowth and Is Electrical Stimulation Beneficial? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032013. [PMID: 36768339 PMCID: PMC9916558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins promote neurite outgrowth of auditory neurons and may help closing the gap to cochlear implant (CI) electrodes to enhance electrical hearing. The best concentrations and mix of neurotrophins for this nerve regrowth are unknown. Whether electrical stimulation (ES) during outgrowth is beneficial or may direct axons is another open question. Auditory neuron explant cultures of distinct cochlear turns of 6-7 days old mice were cultured for four days. We tested different concentrations and combinations of BDNF and NT-3 and quantified the numbers and lengths of neurites with an advanced automated analysis. A custom-made 24-well electrical stimulator based on two bulk CIs served to test different ES strategies. Quantification of receptors trkB, trkC, p75NTR, and histological analysis helped to analyze effects. We found 25 ng/mL BDNF to perform best, especially in basal neurons, a negative influence of NT-3 in combined BDNF/NT-3 scenarios, and tonotopic changes in trk and p75NTR receptor stainings. ES largely impeded neurite outgrowth and glia ensheathment in an amplitude-dependent way. Apical neurons showed slight benefits in neurite numbers and length with ES at 10 and 500 µA. We recommend BDNF as a potent drug to enhance the man-machine interface, but CIs should be better activated after nerve regrowth.
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Castillo Ransanz L, Van Altena PFJ, Heine VM, Accardo A. Engineered cell culture microenvironments for mechanobiology studies of brain neural cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1096054. [PMID: 36588937 PMCID: PMC9794772 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1096054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomechanical properties of the brain microenvironment, which is composed of different neural cell types, the extracellular matrix, and blood vessels, are critical for normal brain development and neural functioning. Stiffness, viscoelasticity and spatial organization of brain tissue modulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cell function. However, the mechanical aspects of the neural microenvironment are largely ignored in current cell culture systems. Considering the high promises of human induced pluripotent stem cell- (iPSC-) based models for disease modelling and new treatment development, and in light of the physiological relevance of neuromechanobiological features, applications of in vitro engineered neuronal microenvironments should be explored thoroughly to develop more representative in vitro brain models. In this context, recently developed biomaterials in combination with micro- and nanofabrication techniques 1) allow investigating how mechanical properties affect neural cell development and functioning; 2) enable optimal cell microenvironment engineering strategies to advance neural cell models; and 3) provide a quantitative tool to assess changes in the neuromechanobiological properties of the brain microenvironment induced by pathology. In this review, we discuss the biological and engineering aspects involved in studying neuromechanobiology within scaffold-free and scaffold-based 2D and 3D iPSC-based brain models and approaches employing primary lineages (neural/glial), cell lines and other stem cells. Finally, we discuss future experimental directions of engineered microenvironments in neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Castillo Ransanz
- Department of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pieter F. J. Van Altena
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Vivi M. Heine
- Department of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Angelo Accardo
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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Mariano A, Bovio CL, Criscuolo V, Santoro F. Bioinspired micro- and nano-structured neural interfaces. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:492501. [PMID: 35947922 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac8881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of a functional nervous system requires neurons to interact with and promptly respond to a wealth of biochemical, mechanical and topographical cues found in the neural extracellular matrix (ECM). Among these, ECM topographical cues have been found to strongly influence neuronal function and behavior. Here, we discuss how the blueprint of the architectural organization of the brain ECM has been tremendously useful as a source of inspiration to design biomimetic substrates to enhance neural interfaces and dictate neuronal behavior at the cell-material interface. In particular, we focus on different strategies to recapitulate cell-ECM and cell-cell interactions. In order to mimic cell-ECM interactions, we introduce roughness as a first approach to provide informative topographical biomimetic cues to neurons. We then examine 3D scaffolds and hydrogels, as softer 3D platforms for neural interfaces. Moreover, we will discuss how anisotropic features such as grooves and fibers, recapitulating both ECM fibrils and axonal tracts, may provide recognizable paths and tracks that neuron can follow as they develop and establish functional connections. Finally, we show how isotropic topographical cues, recapitulating shapes, and geometries of filopodia- and mushroom-like dendritic spines, have been instrumental to better reproduce neuron-neuron interactions for applications in bioelectronics and neural repair strategies. The high complexity of the brain architecture makes the quest for the fabrication of create more biologically relevant biomimetic architectures in continuous and fast development. Here, we discuss how recent advancements in two-photon polymerization and remotely reconfigurable dynamic interfaces are paving the way towards to a new class of smart biointerfaces forin vitroapplications spanning from neural tissue engineering as well as neural repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mariano
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Latte Bovio
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, I-80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Criscuolo
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and IT, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Germany
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and IT, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Germany
- Institute for Biological Information Processing-Bioelectronics, Forschungszentrum Juelich, D-52428, Germany
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Tarricone G, Carmagnola I, Chiono V. Tissue-Engineered Models of the Human Brain: State-of-the-Art Analysis and Challenges. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:146. [PMID: 36135581 PMCID: PMC9501967 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders affect billions of people across the world, making the discovery of effective treatments an important challenge. The evaluation of drug efficacy is further complicated because of the lack of in vitro models able to reproduce the complexity of the human brain structure and functions. Some limitations of 2D preclinical models of the human brain have been overcome by the use of 3D cultures such as cell spheroids, organoids and organs-on-chip. However, one of the most promising approaches for mimicking not only cell structure, but also brain architecture, is currently represented by tissue-engineered brain models. Both conventional (particularly electrospinning and salt leaching) and unconventional (particularly bioprinting) techniques have been exploited, making use of natural polymers or combinations between natural and synthetic polymers. Moreover, the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has allowed the co-culture of different human brain cells (neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia), helping towards approaching the central nervous system complexity. In this review article, we explain the importance of in vitro brain modeling, and present the main in vitro brain models developed to date, with a special focus on the most recent advancements in tissue-engineered brain models making use of iPSCs. Finally, we critically discuss achievements, main challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tarricone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- PolitoBioMedLab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principle in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Nanobiointeractions & Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Carmagnola
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- PolitoBioMedLab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principle in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- PolitoBioMedLab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principle in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, 56122 Pisa, Italy
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Díez-Pascual AM. Surface Engineering of Nanomaterials with Polymers, Biomolecules, and Small Ligands for Nanomedicine. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:3251. [PMID: 35591584 PMCID: PMC9104878 DOI: 10.3390/ma15093251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nanomedicine is a speedily growing area of medical research that is focused on developing nanomaterials for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties have recently attracted a lot of attention since they offer a lot of potential in biomedical research. Novel generations of engineered nanostructures, also known as designed and functionalized nanomaterials, have opened up new possibilities in the applications of biomedical approaches such as biological imaging, biomolecular sensing, medical devices, drug delivery, and therapy. Polymers, natural biomolecules, or synthetic ligands can interact physically or chemically with nanomaterials to functionalize them for targeted uses. This paper reviews current research in nanotechnology, with a focus on nanomaterial functionalization for medical applications. Firstly, a brief overview of the different types of nanomaterials and the strategies for their surface functionalization is offered. Secondly, different types of functionalized nanomaterials are reviewed. Then, their potential cytotoxicity and cost-effectiveness are discussed. Finally, their use in diverse fields is examined in detail, including cancer treatment, tissue engineering, drug/gene delivery, and medical implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Díez-Pascual
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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