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Lopresti F, Campora S, Rigogliuso S, Nicosia A, Lo Cicero A, Di Marco C, Tornabene S, Ghersi G, La Carrubba V. Improvement of Osteogenic Differentiation of Mouse Pre-Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells on Core-Shell Polylactic Acid/Chitosan Electrospun Scaffolds for Bone Defect Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2507. [PMID: 38473755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrospun hybrid scaffolds composed of synthetic and natural polymers have gained increasing interest in tissue engineering applications over the last decade. In this work, scaffolds composed of polylactic acid electrospun fibers, either treated (P-PLA) or non-treated (PLA) with air-plasma, were coated with high molecular weight chitosan to create a core-shell microfibrous structure. The effective thickness control of the chitosan layer was confirmed by gravimetric, spectroscopic (FTIR-ATR) and morphological (SEM) investigations. The chitosan coating increased the fiber diameter of the microfibrous scaffolds while the tensile mechanical tests, conducted in dry and wet environments, showed a reinforcing action of the coating layer on the scaffolds, in particular when deposited on P-PLA samples. The stability of the Chi coating on both PLA and P-PLA substrates was confirmed by gravimetric analysis, while their mineralization capacity was evaluated though scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) after immersing the scaffolds in simulated body fluids (SBF) at 37 °C for 1 week. Sample biocompatibility was investigated through cell viability assay and SEM analysis on mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells grown on scaffolds at different times (1, 7, 14 and 21 days). Finally, Alizarin Red assay and qPCR analysis suggested that the combination of plasma treatment and chitosan coating on PLA electrospun scaffolds influences the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, thus demonstrating the great potential of P-PLA/chitosan hybrid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lopresti
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Campora
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Italian National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lo Cicero
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Marco
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Tornabene
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Abiel s.r.l, via Enzo ed Elvira Sellerio, 50, 90141 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Carrubba
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- ATeN Center, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 18A, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Massaro M, Ghersi G, de Melo Barbosa R, Campora S, Rigogliuso S, Sànchez-Espejo R, Viseras-Iborra C, Riela S. Nanoformulations based on collagenases loaded into halloysite/Veegum® clay minerals for potential pharmaceutical applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 230:113511. [PMID: 37597494 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The design and development of nanomaterials capable of penetrate cancer cells is fundamental when anticancer therapy is involved. The use of collagenase (Col) is useful since this enzyme can degrade collagen, mainly present in the tumor extracellular matrix. However, its use is often limited since collagenase suffers from inactivation and short half-life. Use of recombinant ultrapure collagenase or carrier systems for their delivery are among the strategies adopted to increase the enzyme stability. Herein, based on the more stability showed by recombinant enzymes and the possibility to use them in anticancer therapy, we propose a novel strategy to further increase their stability by using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as carrier. ColG and ColH were supramolecularly loaded onto HNTs and used as fillers for Veegum gels. The systems could be used for potential local administration of collagenases for solid tumor treatment. All techniques adopted for characterization showed that halloysite interacts with collagenases in different ways depending with the Col considered. Furthermore, the hydrogels showed a very slow release of the collagenases within 24 h. Finally, biological assays were performed by studying the digestion of a type-I collagen matrix highlighting that once released the Col still possessed some activity. Thus we developed carrier systems that could further increase the high recombinant collagenases stability, preventing their inactivation in future in vivo applications for potential local tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Massaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Parco d'Orleans II, Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Parco d'Orleans II, Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Raquel de Melo Barbosa
- University of Granada, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Simona Campora
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Parco d'Orleans II, Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Parco d'Orleans II, Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rita Sànchez-Espejo
- University of Granada, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - César Viseras-Iborra
- University of Granada, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 18071 Granada, Spain; Andalusian Institute of Earth Sciences, CSIC-UGR, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Serena Riela
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Parco d'Orleans II, Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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Rigogliuso S, Campora S, Notarbartolo M, Ghersi G. Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Marine Organisms: Focus on the Future Perspectives for Pharmacological, Biomedical and Regenerative Medicine Applications of Marine Collagen. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031152. [PMID: 36770818 PMCID: PMC9920902 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine environments cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are among the richest and most complex ecosystems. In terms of biodiversity, the ocean represents an important source, still not widely exploited, of bioactive products derived from species of bacteria, plants, and animals. However, global warming, in combination with multiple anthropogenic practices, represents a serious environmental problem that has led to an increase in gelatinous zooplankton, a phenomenon referred to as jellyfish bloom. In recent years, the idea of "sustainable development" has emerged as one of the essential elements of green-economy initiatives; therefore, the marine environment has been re-evaluated and considered an important biological resource. Several bioactive compounds of marine origin are being studied, and among these, marine collagen represents one of the most attractive bio-resources, given its use in various disciplines, such as clinical applications, cosmetics, the food sector, and many other industrial applications. This review aims to provide a current overview of marine collagen applications in the pharmacological and biomedical fields, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Campora
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (M.N.); Tel.: +39-091-238-62813 (S.C.); +39-091-238-97426 (M.N.)
| | - Monica Notarbartolo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (M.N.); Tel.: +39-091-238-62813 (S.C.); +39-091-238-97426 (M.N.)
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Abiel s.r.l., c/o Department STEBICEF, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Capuana E, Carfì Pavia F, Lombardo ME, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G, La Carrubba V, Brucato V. Mathematical and numerical modeling of an airlift perfusion bioreactor for tissue engineering applications. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.108298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Salamone M, Rigogliuso S, Nicosia A, Campora S, Bruno CM, Ghersi G. 3D Collagen Hydrogel Promotes In Vitro Langerhans Islets Vascularization through ad-MVFs Angiogenic Activity. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070739. [PMID: 34199087 PMCID: PMC8301445 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose derived microvascular fragments (ad-MVFs) consist of effective vascularization units able to reassemble into efficient microvascular networks. Because of their content in stem cells and related angiogenic activity, ad-MVFs represent an interesting tool for applications in regenerative medicine. Here we show that gentle dissociation of rat adipose tissue provides a mixture of ad-MVFs with a length distribution ranging from 33–955 μm that are able to maintain their original morphology. The isolated units of ad-MVFs that resulted were able to activate transcriptional switching toward angiogenesis, forming tubes, branches, and entire capillary networks when cultured in 3D collagen type-I hydrogel. The proper involvement of metalloproteases (MMP2/MMP9) and serine proteases in basal lamina and extracellular matrix ECM degradation during the angiogenesis were concurrently assessed by the evaluation of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. These results suggest that collagen type-I hydrogel provides an adequate 3D environment supporting the activation of the vascularization process. As a proof of concept, we exploited 3D collagen hydrogel for the setting of ad-MVF–islet of Langerhans coculture to improve the islets vascularization. Our results suggest potential employment of the proposed in vitro system for regenerative medicine applications, such as the improving of the islet of Langerhans engraftment before transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Salamone
- Abiel s.r.l., c/o Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (C.M.B.)
| | - Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Abiel s.r.l., c/o Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (C.M.B.)
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Simona Campora
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Marco Bruno
- Abiel s.r.l., c/o Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (C.M.B.)
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Abiel s.r.l., c/o Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (C.M.B.)
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Rigogliuso S, Salamone M, Barbarino E, Barbarino M, Nicosia A, Ghersi G. Production of Injectable Marine Collagen-Based Hydrogel for the Maintenance of Differentiated Chondrocytes in Tissue Engineering Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165798. [PMID: 32806778 PMCID: PMC7461064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cartilage is an avascular tissue with limited ability of self-repair. The use of autologous chondrocyte transplants represent an effective strategy for cell regeneration; however, preserving the differentiated state, which ensures the ability to regenerate damaged cartilage, represents the main challenge during in vitro culturing. For this purpose, we produced an injectable marine collagen-based hydrogel, by mixing native collagen from the jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo with hydroxy-phenyl-propionic acid (HPA)-functionalized marine gelatin. This biocompatible hydrogel formulation, due to the ability of enzymatically reticulate using horseradish peroxidase (HPR) and H2O2, gives the possibility of trap cells inside, in the absence of cytotoxic effects, during the cross-linking process. Moreover, it enables the modulation of the hydrogel stiffness merely varying the concentration of H2O2 without changes in the concentration of polymer precursors. The maintenance of differentiated chondrocytes in culture was then evaluated via morphological analysis of cell phenotype, GAG production and cytoskeleton organization. Additionally, gene expression profiling of differentiation/dedifferentiation markers provided evidence for the promotion of the chondrogenic gene expression program. This, combined with the biochemical properties of marine collagen, represents a promising strategy for maintaining in vitro the cellular phenotype in the aim of the use of autologous chondrocytes in regenerative medicine practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Monica Salamone
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Enza Barbarino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (E.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Maria Barbarino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (E.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.N.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (M.S.)
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (E.B.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.N.); (G.G.)
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Salamone M, Rigogliuso S, Nicosia A, Tagliavia M, Campora S, Cinà P, Bruno C, Ghersi G. Neural Crest-Derived Chondrocytes Isolation for Tissue Engineering in Regenerative Medicine. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040962. [PMID: 32295228 PMCID: PMC7226976 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chondrocyte transplantation has been successfully tested and proposed as a clinical procedure aiming to repair articular cartilage defects. However, the isolation of chondrocytes and the optimization of the enzymatic digestion process, as well as their successful in vitro expansion, remain the main challenges in cartilage tissue engineering. In order to address these issues, we investigated the performance of recombinant collagenases in tissue dissociation assays with the aim of isolating chondrocytes from bovine nasal cartilage in order to establish the optimal enzyme blend to ensure the best outcomes of the overall procedure. We show, for the first time, that collagenase H activity alone is required for effective cartilage digestion, resulting in an improvement in the yield of viable cells. The extracted chondrocytes proved able to grow and activate differentiation/dedifferentiation programs, as assessed by morphological and gene expression analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Salamone
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (A.N.); (M.T.)
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies [STEBICEF], University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marcello Tagliavia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (A.N.); (M.T.)
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies [STEBICEF], University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Campora
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (C.B.)
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies [STEBICEF], University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Cinà
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmelo Bruno
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Abiel s.r.l, c/o University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.); (S.R.); (S.C.); (P.C.); (C.B.)
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies [STEBICEF], University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Sabatino MA, Carfì Pavia F, Rigogliuso S, Giacomazza D, Ghersi G, La Carrubba V, Dispenza C. Development of injectable and durable kefiran hydro-alcoholic gels. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 149:309-319. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Carfì Pavia F, Ciappa M, Lepedda A, Fiorentino SM, Rigogliuso S, Brucato V, Formato M, Ghersi G, La Carrubba V. A poly-L-lactic acid/ collagen/glycosaminoglycan matrix for tissue engineering applications. J CELL PLAST 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x17695093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adhesion of tissue cells to biomaterials is a prerequisite of paramount importance for the effectiveness of a tissue engineering construct (cell and scaffolds). Functionalization of polymeric scaffolds with organic polymers, such as collagen or proteoglycans, is a promising approach in order to improve the cytocompatibility. As a matter of fact, organic polymers, isolated directly from the extracellular matrix, contain a multitude of surface ligand (fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin) and arginine–glycine–aspartic acid-containing peptides that promote cell adhesion. In tissue engineering, the combination of organic and synthetic polymers gives rise to scaffolds characterized simultaneously by the mechanical strength of synthetic materials and the biocompatibility of natural materials. In this work, porous poly-L-lactide acid scaffolds were functionalized with a synthetic collagen–glycosaminoglycans matrix in order to improve cell adhesion. For this purpose, a protocol for collagen–glycosaminoglycans conjugation into the pores of the scaffolds was set up. Moreover, an innovative protocol for the quantification of the conjugated glycosaminoglycans inside the scaffolds was created and adopted. The results have confirmed the effectiveness of the developed protocol: a collagen–glycosaminoglycans conjugation, with an efficiency of about 21% was obtained inside the scaffold. Moreover, SEM analysis highlighted the presence of the homogeneous synthetic matrix into the bulk of porous scaffolds. Finally, cell culture assays carried out by utilizing mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed that cell proliferation on poly-L-lactide acid-collagen–glycosaminoglycans scaffold is higher than on poly-L-lactide acid collagen scaffold (utilized as control). Therefore, it can be stated that the presence of glycosaminoglycans not only increases the mechanical strength of the matrix, thanks to their cross-linking effect, but also it seems to lead to a more significant cell growth. Overall, it is reasonable to state that the concerned protocol may be proposed as a reliable route to increase the rate of proliferation and in some cases to stimulate the cell differentiation in tissue engineering devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Carfì Pavia
- Civil Environmental Aerospace and Materials Engineering Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Ciappa
- Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Lepedda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - SM Fiorentino
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - S Rigogliuso
- Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - V Brucato
- Civil Environmental Aerospace and Materials Engineering Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Formato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - G Ghersi
- Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - V La Carrubba
- Civil Environmental Aerospace and Materials Engineering Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Scaffaro R, Lopresti F, Botta L, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G. Integration of PCL and PLA in a monolithic porous scaffold for interface tissue engineering. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 63:303-313. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Scaffaro R, Lopresti F, Botta L, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G. Preparation of three-layered porous PLA/PEG scaffold: relationship between morphology, mechanical behavior and cell permeability. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 54:8-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Palumbo FS, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G, Pitarresi G, Fiorica C, Di Stefano M, Giammona G. Correction to “Dexamethasone Dipropionate Loaded Nanoparticles of α-Elastin-g-PLGA for Potential Treatment of Restenosis”. Mol Pharm 2014. [DOI: 10.1021/mp400767q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Palumbo FS, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G, Pitarresi G, Fiorica C, Calogero F, Di Stefano M, Giammona G. Dexamethasone dipropionate loaded nanoparticles of α-elastin-g-PLGA for potential treatment of restenosis. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:4603-10. [PMID: 24206105 DOI: 10.1021/mp4004157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A graft copolymer of α-elastin with poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) has been synthesized and successfully employed to produce nanoparticles. Exploiting the known biological activity of α-elastin to promote the maintenance of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contractile phenotype and the antiproliferative effect of glucocorticoids, the aim of this research was to produce drug-loaded nanoparticles suitable for potential treatment of restenosis. In particular, nanoparticles of α-elastin-g-PLGA with a mean size of 200 nm have been produced and loaded with dexamethasone dipropionate (10% w/w), chosen as a model drug that inhibits proliferation of vascular SMCs. These nanoparticles are able to prolong the drug release and show a pronounced sensibility to elastase. Drug unloaded nanoparticles stimulate the differentiation of human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs) toward the contractile phenotype as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, flow cytofluorimetric, and western blotting analyses. Finally, drug-loaded nanoparticles efficiently reduce viability of HUASMCs as evidenced by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2- (4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio S Palumbo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Plesso di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo , Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
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14
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Dispenza C, Adamo G, Sabatino MA, Grimaldi N, Bulone D, Bondì ML, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G. Oligonucleotides-decorated-poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) nanogels for gene delivery. J Appl Polym Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/app.39774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Dispenza
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica; Gestionale; Informatica; Meccanica; Università degli Studi di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6 90128 Palermo Italy
- CNR - Istituto di Biofisica (IBF) UOS Palermo; Via U. La Malfa, 153 90146 Palermo Italy
| | - Giorgia Adamo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche; Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF); Università degli Studi di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Sabatino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica; Gestionale; Informatica; Meccanica; Università degli Studi di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Natascia Grimaldi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica; Gestionale; Informatica; Meccanica; Università degli Studi di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Donatella Bulone
- CNR - Istituto di Biofisica (IBF) UOS Palermo; Via U. La Malfa, 153 90146 Palermo Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Bondì
- CNR - Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) UOS Palermo; via Ugo La Malfa, 153 90146 Palermo Italy
| | - Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche; Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF); Università degli Studi di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche; Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF); Università degli Studi di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 90128 Palermo Italy
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Dispenza C, Rigogliuso S, Grimaldi N, Sabatino M, Bulone D, Bondì M, Ghersi G. Structure and biological evaluation of amino-functionalized PVP nanogels for fast cellular internalization. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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Palumbo FS, Pitarresi G, Fiorica C, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G, Giammona G. Chemical hydrogels based on a hyaluronic acid-graft-α-elastin derivative as potential scaffolds for tissue engineering. Materials Science and Engineering: C 2013; 33:2541-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2013.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pitarresi G, Fiorica C, Palumbo FS, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G, Giammona G. Heparin functionalized polyaspartamide/polyester scaffold for potential blood vessel regeneration. J Biomed Mater Res A 2013; 102:1334-41. [PMID: 23733561 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
An interesting issue in tissue engineering is the development of a biodegradable vascular graft able to substitute a blood vessel and to allow its complete regeneration. Here, we report a new scaffold potentially useful as a synthetic vascular graft, produced through the electrospinning of α,β-poly(N-2-hydroxyethyl) (2-aminoethylcarbamate)-D,L-aspartamide-graft-polylactic acid (PHEA-EDA-g-PLA) in the presence of polycaprolactone (PCL). The scaffold degradation profile has been evaluated as well as the possibility to bind heparin to electrospun fibers, being it a known anticoagulant molecule able to bind growth factors. In vitro cell compatibility has been investigated using human vascular endothelial cells (ECV 304) and the ability of heparinized PHEA-EDA-g-PLA/PCL scaffold to retain basic fibroblast growth factor has been evaluated in comparison with not heparinized sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pitarresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Plesso di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy; IBIM-CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
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18
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Scaffaro R, Re GL, Rigogliuso S, Ghersi G. 3D polylactide-based scaffolds for studying human hepatocarcinoma processes in vitro. Sci Technol Adv Mater 2012; 13:045003. [PMID: 27877503 PMCID: PMC5090559 DOI: 10.1088/1468-6996/13/4/045003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the combination of leaching techniques and melt blending of polymers and particles for the preparation of highly interconnected three-dimensional polymeric porous scaffolds for in vitro studies of human hepatocarcinoma processes. More specifically, sodium chloride and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were used as water-soluble porogens to form porous and solvent-free poly(L,D-lactide) (PLA)-based scaffolds. Several characterization techniques, including porosimetry, image analysis and thermogravimetry, were combined to improve the reliability of measurements and mapping of the size, distribution and microarchitecture of pores. We also investigated the effect of processing, in PLA-based blends, on the simultaneous bulk/surface modifications and pore architectures in the scaffolds, and assessed the effects on human hepatocarcinoma viability and cell adhesion. The influence of PEG molecular weight on the scaffold morphology and cell viability and adhesion were also investigated. Morphological studies indicated that it was possible to obtain scaffolds with well-interconnected pores of assorted sizes. The analysis confirmed that SK-Hep1 cells adhered well to the polymeric support and emitted surface protrusions necessary to grow and differentiate three-dimensional systems. PEGs with higher molecular weight showed the best results in terms of cell adhesion and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scaffaro
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Aerospace and Materials Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 6, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giada Lo Re
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Aerospace and Materials Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 6, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Current address: UMONS—Université de Mons, Place du Parc, 23, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Salvatrice Rigogliuso
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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Dispenza C, Sabatino MA, Grimaldi N, Bulone D, Bondì ML, Casaletto MP, Rigogliuso S, Adamo G, Ghersi G. Minimalism in radiation synthesis of biomedical functional nanogels. Biomacromolecules 2012; 13:1805-17. [PMID: 22571354 DOI: 10.1021/bm3003144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A scalable, single-step, synthetic approach for the manufacture of biocompatible, functionalized micro- and nanogels is presented. In particular, poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)-grafted-(aminopropyl)methacrylamide microgels and nanogels were generated through e-beam irradiation of PVP aqueous solutions in the presence of a primary amino-group-carrying monomer. Particles with different hydrodynamic diameters and surface charge densities were obtained at the variance of the irradiation conditions. Chemical structure was investigated by different spectroscopic techniques. Fluorescent variants were generated through fluorescein isothiocyanate attachment to the primary amino groups grafted to PVP, to both quantify the available functional groups for bioconjugation and follow nanogels localization in cell cultures. Finally, a model protein, bovine serum albumin, was conjugated to the nanogels to demonstrate the attachment of biologically relevant molecules for targeting purposes in drug delivery. The described approach provides a novel strategy to fabricate biohybrid nanogels with a very promising potential in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Dispenza
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, Gestionale, Informatica, Meccanica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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20
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Salamone M, Seidita G, Cuttitta A, Rigogliuso S, Mazzola S, Bertuzzi F, Ghersi G. A new method to value efficiency of enzyme blends for pancreatic tissue digestion. Transplant Proc 2011; 42:2043-8. [PMID: 20692403 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.05.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Islet transplantation, since the 1990s, has been an example of human cell therapy. Nevertheless, the islet isolation procedure is not completely standardized; in fact, >50% of islet procedures do not eventuate in transplantation due both to the variability of a donor's pancreas and to the unpredictable efficiency of an enzymatic blend. The enzymes used in pancreas isolation to digest several substrates are extracted from Clostridium histolyticum. In particular, they have strong collagenolytic activity compared with vertebrate collagenases. However, several impediments persist in human islet isolation success, probably owing to the variable composition and concentration of collagenases employed during the digestion phase. For islet isolation processes, neutral proteases play important roles. However, they should be considered to be double-edged swords, contributing to tissue dissociation but, sometimes, decreasing islet yield through fragmentation, breakdown, and inactivation. Protease activities cannot be preciously adjusted in a narrow range, there is no approach to determine the optimal dosage and composition of enzymes for extraction of human islets from the pancreas. At this time, available data on commercial enzymatic activity are not sufficient to predict their efficiency for pancreas digestion; consequently, it is difficult to select enzyme batches. For these reasons, we sought to generate an innovative evaluation assay to select enzymes useful for isolation procedures of pancreatic islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Salamone
- IAMC-CNR, U.O. Capo Granitola, Mazara del Vallo, Trapani, Italy.
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Taverna
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Monica Salamone
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, Italy
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22
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Taverna S, Ghersi G, Ginestra A, Rigogliuso S, Pecorella S, Alaimo G, Saladino F, Dolo V, Dell'Era P, Pavan A, Pizzolanti G, Mignatti P, Presta M, Vittorelli ML. Shedding of Membrane Vesicles Mediates Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Release from Cells. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:51911-9. [PMID: 14523006 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m304192200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), a polypeptide with regulatory activity on cell growth and differentiation, lacks a conventional secretory signal sequence, and its mechanism of release from cells remains unclear. We characterized the role of extracellular vesicle shedding in FGF-2 release. Viable cells released membrane vesicles in the presence of serum. However, in serum-free medium vesicle shedding was dramatically down-regulated, and the cells did not release FGF-2 activity into their conditioned medium. Addition of serum to serum-starved cells rapidly induced intracellular FGF-2 clustering under the plasma membrane and into granules that colocalized with patches of the cell membrane with typical features of shed vesicle membranes. Shed vesicles carried three FGF-2 isoforms (18, 22, 24 kDa). Addition of vesicles to endothelial cells stimulated chemotaxis and urokinase plasminogen activator production, which were blocked by anti-FGF-2 antibodies. Treatment of intact vesicles with 2.0 m NaCl or heparinase, which release FGF-2 from membrane-bound proteoglycans, did not abolish their stimulatory effect on endothelial cells, indicating that FGF-2 is carried inside vesicles. The comparison of the stimulatory effects of shed vesicles and vesicle-free conditioned medium showed that vesicles represent a major reservoir of FGF-2. Thus, FGF-2 can be released from cells through vesicle shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Taverna
- Dipartimento Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, Palermo 90128, Italy
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