Abstract
We previously described the novel synthesis of a copper high-aspect ratio structure (CuHARS) biohybrid material using cystine. While extremely stable in water, CuHARS is completely (but slowly) degradable in cellular media. Here, integration of the CuHARS into cellulose matrices was carried out to provide added control for CuHARS degradation. Synthesized CuHARS was concentrated by centrifugation and then dried. The weighed mass was re-suspended in water. CuHARS was stable in water for months without degradation. In contrast, 25 μg/mL of the CuHARS in complete cell culture media was completely degraded (slowly) in 18 days under physiological conditions. Stable integration of CuHARS into cellulose matrices was achieved through assembly by mixing cellulose micro- and nano-fibers and CuHARS in an aqueous (pulp mixture) phase, followed by drying. Additional materials were integrated to make the hybrids magnetically susceptible. The cellulose-CuHARS composite films could be transferred, weighed, and cut into usable pieces; they maintained their form after rehydration in water for at least 7 days and were compatible with cell culture studies using brain tumor (glioma) cells. These studies demonstrate utility of a CuHARS-cellulose biohybrid for applied applications including: (1) a platform for biomedical tracking and (2) integration into a 2D/3D matrix using natural products (cellulose).
Highlights
Nano- and micro-scale materials are increasingly being introduced into our environment, including the broad areas of biomedical materials and non-biomedical materials [1,2,3,4]
We have demonstrated the effective degradation of CuHARS under physiological conditions, and compatibility with cells under in vitro conditions
A digital image focused at the Z-plane of the cellulose matrix and another
Summary
Nano- and micro-scale materials are increasingly being introduced into our environment, including the broad areas of biomedical materials and non-biomedical materials [1,2,3,4]. Unless the material is to be a long-lasting implant [7] or external body covering such as a bandage, the fate of the materials used should be of concern as far as clearance by the body and/or possible inflammatory response [8,9]. For non-biomedical materials, nano- and micro-scale substances may be “out-of-sight” to many of us, but not disappear from the environment, as we have seen in the case of plastic microparticles [10,11]. Public Health 2018, 15, 844; doi:10.3390/ijerph15050844 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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