Impact of Glass Composition on Hydrolytic Degradation of Polylactide/Bioactive Glass Composites

Meniscal repair with additive manufacture of bioresorbable polymer: From physicochemical characterization to implantation of 3D printed poly (L-co-D, L lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) with autologous stem cells in rabbits

Three-dimensional (3D) structures are actually the state-of-the-art technique to create porous scaffolds for tissue engineering. Since regeneration in cartilage tissue is limited due to intrinsic cellular properties this study aims to develop and characterize three-dimensional porous scaffolds of poly (L-co-D, L lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate), PLDLA-TMC, obtained by 3D fiber deposition technique. The PLDLA-TMC terpolymer scaffolds (70:30), were obtained and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, compression mechanical testing and study on in vitro degradation, which showed its amorphous characteristics, cylindrical geometry, and interconnected pores. The in vitro degradation study showed significant loss of mechanical properties compatible with a decrease in molar mass, accompanied by changes in morphology. The histocompatibility association of mesenchymal stem cells from rabbit's bone marrow, and PLDLA-TMC scaffolds, were evaluated in the meniscus regeneration, proving the potential of cell culture at in vivo tissue regeneration. Nine New Zealand rabbits underwent total medial meniscectomy, yielding three treatments: implantation of the seeded PLDLA-TMC scaffold, implantation of the unseeded PLDLA-TMC and negative control (defect without any implant). After 24 weeks, the results revealed the presence of fibrocartilage in the animals treated with polymer. However, the regeneration obtained with the seeded PLDLA-TMC scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells had become intimal to mature fibrocartilaginous tissue of normal meniscus both macroscopically and histologically. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the PLDLA-TMC scaffold in meniscus regeneration and the potential of mesenchymal stem cells in tissue engineering, without the use of growth factors. It is concluded that bioresorbable polymers represent a promising alternative for tissue regeneration.

Investigating Bioactive-Glass-Infused Gels for Enamel Remineralization: An In Vitro Study

OBJECTIVE

Dental hypersensitivity remains widespread, underscoring the need for materials that can effectively seal dental tubules. This study evaluated the potential of bioactive-glass-infused hydroxyethyl cellulose gels in this context.

METHODS

Five gels were synthesized, each containing 20% bioactive glass (specifically, 45S5, S53P4, Biomin F, and Biomin C), with an additional blank gel serving as a control. Subjected to two months of accelerated aging at 37 ± 2 °C, these gels were assessed for key properties: viscosity, water disintegration time, pH level, consistency, adhesion to glass, and element release capability.

RESULTS

Across the board, the gels facilitated the release of calcium, phosphate, and silicon ions, raising the pH from 9.00 ± 0.10 to 9.7 ± 0.0-a range conducive to remineralization. Dissolution in water occurred within 30-50 min post-application. Viscosity readings showed variability, with 45S5 reaching 6337 ± 24 mPa/s and Biomin F at 3269 ± 18 mPa/s after two months. Initial adhesion for the blank gel was measured at 0.27 ± 0.04 Pa, increasing to 0.73 ± 0.06 Pa for the others over time. Gels can release elements upon contact with water (Ca- Biomin C 104.8 ± 15.7 mg/L; Na- Biomin F 76.30 ± 11.44 mg/L; P- Biomin C 2.623 ± 0.393 mg/L; Si- 45S5-45.15 ± 6.77mg/L, F- Biomin F- 3.256 ± 0.651mg/L; Cl- Biomin C 135.5 ± 20.3 mg/L after 45 min).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the gels' capacity to kickstart the remineralization process by delivering critical ions needed for enamel layer reconstruction. Further exploration in more dynamic, real-world conditions is recommended to fully ascertain their practical utility.

Hydrolysis of Bone-Replacing Materials Based on Polylactic Acid and Containing Hydroxyapatite in an In Vitro Experiment

We studied the features of hydrolytic degradation of polylactic acid (PLLA) implants depending on their structural filling with hydroxyapatite (HA). The resistance to in vitro hydrolysis was tested for the following samples: PLLA without HA (control; group 1), PLLA/HA 25 wt% (group 2), and PLLA/HA 50 wt% (group 3). Samples were incubated at 37°C. In the hydrolysate, lactate, calcium ions, and inorganic phosphate were determined. Additionally, the time of appearance of visual deformation and sample disintegration was recorded. PLLA degradation was higher in samples saturated with HA. The highest resistance to deformation was noted for samples without HA. Samples with a PLLA/HA 50 wt% demonstrated the maximum degradation of PLLA in combination with lower resistance to deformation and the highest bioavailability of calcium and phosphate. Group 2 samples are most promising for clinical use.

Bone Regeneration and Oxidative Stress: An Updated Overview

Bone tissue engineering is a complex domain that requires further investigation and benefits from data obtained over past decades. The models are increasing in complexity as they reveal new data from co-culturing and microfluidics applications. The in vitro models now focus on the 3D medium co-culturing of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes utilizing collagen for separation; this type of research allows for controlled medium and in-depth data analysis. Oxidative stress takes a toll on the domain, being beneficial as well as destructive. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules that influence the differentiation of osteoclasts, but over time their increasing presence can affect patients and aid the appearance of diseases such as osteoporosis. Oxidative stress can be limited by using antioxidants such as vitamin K and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Scaffolds and biocompatible coatings such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass are required to isolate the implant, protect the zone from the metallic, ionic exchange, and enhance the bone regeneration by mimicking the composition and structure of the body, thus enhancing cell proliferation. The materials can be further functionalized with growth factors that create a better response and higher chances of success for clinical use. This review highlights the vast majority of newly obtained information regarding bone tissue engineering, such as new co-culturing models, implant coatings, scaffolds, biomolecules, and the techniques utilized to obtain them.