Cell Proliferation Tests Research Articles

An antibacterial porous calcium phosphate bilayer functional coatings on titanium dental implants

BackgroundThe design of biological active and antibacterial implant coating remains a challenging topic to ensure early implant fixation and to prevent peri-implantitis. In this laboratory work, we reported a newly designed antibacterial porous calcium phosphate (CP) bilayer functional coating on titanium implant incorporated with molybdenum trioxide. MethodsThe coating was prepared by using a sol-gel template process. The physicochemical and biological properties of the coatings were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), in vitro coating degradation, in vitro mineral calcium phosphate formation, cell proliferation and antibacterial tests. Resultsthe porous calcium phosphate bilayer coating enhanced the mineral calcium phosphate formation compared with calcium phosphate coating. Cell proliferation test using MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts showed that the porous calcium phosphate bilayer coating promoted cell growth. Antibacterial test against S. aureus showed that the porous calcium phosphate bilayer coating incorporated with molybdenum oxide exhibited a better antibacterial activity than calcium phosphate coating Conclusionsa combination of porous structure, bilayer coating and doped molybdenum oxide is crucial to improve the performance of calcium phosphate coating.

Silk fibroin nanofiber scaffold (SFNS) as a graft material for myringoplasty- in vitro and in vivo

Tympanic membrane (TM) perforation repair or myringoplasty is one of the most common surgeries performed in ENT practice. This surgery uses graft materials such as temporalis muscle fascia, pinna cartilage, perichondrium, and even artificial materials such as silicone and polymers to restore the hearing mechanism in deaf people and stops ear discharge. Some disadvantages of this surgery include the requirement for complex microsurgical skills, high cost, graft site complications, and anesthesia-related risks. To overcome these drawbacks, a variety of bioengineered graft materials, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), silk polymers are being used. In this study, we used in vitro and in vivo investigations to assess the potential use of silk fibroin nanofiber scaffolds (SFNS) as a graft material. Cell proliferation, viability studies and DNA quantification tests were performed on rat primary TM epithelial cells and human mammary fibroblast (HMF) cells to evaluate SFNS in vitro. The results demonstrated that both rat primary TM epithelial cells and HMF cells are compatible with SFNS graft material and showed cell proliferation. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to image the rat primary TM epithelial cells on SFNS and found the cells integrated into SFNS, proving that the graft material is nontoxic. The in vivo experiments included creating TM perforations in Sprague Dawley rats and performing myringoplasty with SFNS as a graft. Five out of six rats demonstrated effective perforation healing, including evidence of neovascularization at the pars tensa, indicating that the SFNS is biocompatible and can be employed for TM perforation repair.

Value of 3D Printed PLGA Scaffolds for Cartilage Defects in Terms of Repair.

Objective To examine the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and sodium alginate (SA) scaffolds produced by 3D printing technology, access the healing morphology of bones following PLGA/SA implantation within rat cartilage, and examine osteogenesis-related factors in rat serum to determine the efficacy of PLGA/SA scaffolds in healing animal cartilage injuries. To identify the potential of this material to repair a tissue engineering osteochondral injury. Methods Polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer and sodium alginate were used as raw materials to create PLGA/SA scaffolds. We observed the scaffold's macrostructure and microstructure, and the scaffold's microstructure was observed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical toughness of a stent was assessed using a biomechanical device. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed immune rejection after embedding the scaffolds under the skin of SD rats. The CCK-8 cell proliferation test kit was used to measure cell proliferation. An experimental model of cartilage injury in the knee joint was created in rats. Rats were used to establish an experimental model of cartilage damage in the knee joint. 120 female rats aged 5 weeks were chosen at random from the pool and divided into the experimental and control groups. They were all completely anesthetized with an anesthetic before having the lateral skin of the knee articular cartilage incised. Implanted PLGA/SA scaffolds were not used in the control group and only in the experiment group. Both groups of rats had their muscles and skin sutured and covered in plaster bandages. On the third, seventh, fourteenth, twenty-first, twenty-eighth, and thirty-fifth days after the procedure, the two groups of rats were divided into groups. At various stages, bone tissue, blood samples, and cartilage were examined and evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the local bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). Results (1) PLGA/SA was successfully used to build an artificial cartilage scaffold. (2) Macroscopic and SEM observation results showed the material had increased density and numerous microvoids on the surface. (3) The result of the biomechanical test showed that the PLGA/SA scaffold had superior biomechanical characteristics. (4) The stent did not exhibit any noticeable immunological rejection, according to the results of the subcutaneous embedding experiment performed on rats. (5) The CCK-8 data demonstrated that as the cell development time rose, the number of cells gradually increased. However, there was not statistically significant difference between the growth of the cells in the scaffold extract and the control group (P > 0.05). (6) A successful rat model based on a cartilage defect of the medial knee joint has been built. (7) Observations of specimens revealed that the experimental group's bone tissue score was higher than that of the control group. (8) Using immunohistochemistry, it was found that the experimental group's BMP2 expression was higher on the 7th, 14th, and 28th days than it was in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Strong mechanical and biological properties are present in stable, biodegradable PLGA/SA scaffolds that mimic cartilage. We demonstrated that the cartilage biomimetic PLGA/SA scaffold may repair cartilage and prevent negative reactions such as osteoarthritis in rat knee cartilage, making it suitable as a cartilage scaffolding material for tissue engineering. The PLGA/SA scaffold was also able to promote BMP2 expression in the bone healing zone when inserted into a knee cartilage lesion. Improved cartilage damage is the outcome of BMP2's promotion of bone formation and restriction of bone resorption in the bone healing zone.

Effect of Graphene Oxide/Hydroxyapatite fine-grained AZ91D on blood compatibility and cytocompatibility

Magnesium alloy has excellent physical and mechanical properties and is expected to become a new generation of medical degradable materials. In this paper, the blood compatibility analysis of Graphene Oxide(GO)/Hydroxyapatite(HA)-AZ91D was carried out to improve the blood compatibility of magnesium alloy materials. AZ91D was used as the control group and GO/HA-AZ91D was used as the experimental group. The two samples were studied in vitro by hemolysis rate test, cell proliferation test, NO release and T-AOC test. The results combined with the work of the research group showed that the blood compatibility and cell compatibility of the GO/HA-AZ91D group were significantly improved, providing an effective idea for future corrosion resistant coatings on magnesium alloys.

A programmable culture platform for hydrostatic stimulation and in situ pH sensing of lung cancer cells with organic electrochemical transistors

In this work, we present a programmable dynamic cell culture stimulation platform designed to work in a CO 2 incubator, compatible with a standard multi-well plate. An epithelial lung cell culture can be mechanically stimulated with a cyclic increase of the hydrostatic pressure inside the culture chamber in the range 1–12 kPa, trying to mimic the human respiration rate. An in situ live pH-monitoring system based on PEDOT:PSS Organic ElectroChemical Transistors was also designed, fabricated and characterized, in order to merge both the stimulated cell culture and the pH sensing in a compact platform. • A culture chamber for the stimulation of lung cells by means of the cyclic increaseof its internal pressure was fabricated. • The tightness of the chamber and its reliability have been tested. • PEDOT:PSS based Organic ElectroChemical Transistors were fabricated by using photolithographic steps. • OECTs were tested in NaCl 0.1 M solution and in cell culture medium, showing good electrical response. • Cell proliferation tests were carried out inside the chamber, showing identical proliferation with respect to control. • pH tests have been carried out with OECTs, showing high sensitivity below pH 4.

A systemic pan-cancer analysis of MPZL3 as a potential prognostic biomarker and its correlation with immune infiltration and drug sensitivity in breast cancer

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the role of myelin protein zero-like 3 (MPZL3), a single membrane glycoprotein, in prognosis, tumor immune infiltration, and drug susceptibility in human cancers.MethodsData regarding MPZL3 were extracted from the TCGA, GTEx, CellMiner, CCLE, TIMER, GSEA, and USCS Xena databases. The expression difference, survival outcomes, DNA methylation, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR), tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell infiltration, and drug sensitivity of MPZL3 were analyzed by R language software. Cell proliferation and drug sensitivity tests were applied to analyze the biological role of MPZL3 and drug sensitivities in breast cancer.ResultsMPZL3 was highly expressed in most cancer types and correlated with unfavorable survival outcomes in several cancers. TMB, MSI, MMR, DNA methylation, and RNA modification played a significant role in mediating MPZL3 dysregulation in cancers, and MPZL3 was closely linked to CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T immune infiltration. The MPML3 mRNA level was associated with protein secretion, the Notch signaling pathway, and heme metabolism. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis and validation also indicated that MPZL3 expression influenced the sensitivity of therapeutics targeting EGFR, ABL, FGFR, etc. Additionally, MPZL3 overexpression contributed to proliferation and drug sensitivity in different subtypes of breast cancer.ConclusionsThis study provides a comprehensive analysis and understanding of the oncogenic roles of the pan-cancer gene MPZL3 across different tumors, including breast cancer. MPZL3 could be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Effect of femtosecond laser ablate ultra-fine microgrooves on surface properties of dental zirconia materials

ObjectivesZirconia is an important dental implant material, yet it surfaces milling method is still under investigation. To explore the feasibility of laser etching in processing fine micro grooves on the surface of zirconia and to observe fine micro groove structure’ influence on mouse embryonic osteoblasts, the survey was conducted. Methods31 zirconia discs were made and polished to mirror surface. Then, they were divided into 3 groups: the mirror group, the femtosecond laser ablated microgroove group and the air blasted + acid etched group. Then, the surface properties of zirconia discs were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM/EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), water contact angle test and micro-Vickers hardness test. The biocompatibility of each machined zirconia was tested by cell proliferation test and SEM analyze of cell morphology. Then, the effect of these surface treatment to MC-3T3-E1’s osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by Q-PCR test. ResultsSEM image showed that the femtosecond laser is a reliable method for forming regular-arranged microgrooves with pitch width of around 5 μm. EDS and XRD indicated that there were stable and purified tetragonal crystal system on the laser-roughened surface. AFM suggested that laser machining generated rougher surface (Ra) (271.7 ± 67.2 nm) than other groups. Furthermore, the contact angle showed laser ablated grooves induced anisotropic wetting. The micro-Vickers hardness test ascertained that laser-ablation strengthened zirconia surface. In vitro experiment showed that MC-3T3-E1 grown along the long axis of microgrooves on the first day. Besides, Real time PCR implied that osteogenesis-related gene expression OPN and ALP was much higher than the rest groups. SignificanceFemtosecond laser is able to machine zirconia with ultra-fine microgrooves (around 2.5 μm). These structures promoted MC-3T3-E1 cell to line along the microstructure and differentiate into osteogenic cells. Thus, femtosecond laser might be a potential processing options for zirconia micro-texturing.

Effect of SiO2in situ cross-linked CS/PVA on SrFe12O19 scaffolds prepared by 3D gel printing for targeting

The design of magnetic composite scaffolds with superior properties has the potential to construct a targeted delivery platform with hyperthermia. In this study, strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19, SrM) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were obtained by the chemical precipitation method. Non-toxic cross-linked biogels were prepared for adhesive ceramic scaffolds, and chitosan/polyvinylalcohol (CS/PVA)-bonded SrM magnetic nanoscaffolds were successfully prepared by 3D gel printing (3DGP) method. The effects of PVA physical cross-linking and in situ formed SiO2 on the properties of CS-bonded scaffolds were evaluated, and the compressive strengths were increased from 6.13 ± 2.45 MPa to 8.80 ± 2.02 MPa and 17.18 ± 2.15 MPa, respectively. The results showed that the saturation magnetization of SiO2/CS/PVA/SrM composite scaffolds was 59.96 emu/g. In vitro immersion experiments showed that the degradation rates of SiO2/CS/PVA/SrM scaffolds were 4.90% after 28 days, and the in situ SiO2 improved the deposition of calcium salts on the scaffolds. The experiments showed that the SrM magnetic scaffolds could not only concentrate magnetic fields to improve the efficiency of targeting deposition but also achieve a weak targeting process without external magnetic field assistance. In vitro cell proliferation test showed that MC3T3-E1 cells had good adhesion and proliferation on the surface of SiO2/CS/PVA/SrM scaffolds, which indicated that the scaffolds may be used for bone repairing.

Biocompatibility evaluation of electrospun PLCL/fibrinogen nanofibers in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and function of poly(lactic-acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL)/fibrinogen nanofibers (P/F-Ns), and provide theoretical basis for the clinical application. The surface morphology, mechanical properties, the hydrophilicity and the fibrinogen content of P/F-Ns were tested by scanning electron microscope, the material testing machine, the contact angle meter and the microplate reader, respectively. The cell adhesion, proliferation and ligament remodeling genes expression of Hig-82 cells on P/F-Ns were conducted through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and real-time quantitative PCR analyses, respectively. The results showed that with the increase of the fibrinogen content, the pore sizes and hydrophilicity of three P/F-Ns increased, but the mechanical properties decreased. Cell adhesion and proliferation tests showed that P/F-N-2 held the best ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. The ligament remodeling genes expressions of Hig-82 cells on P/F-N-1, P/F-N-2 and P/F-N-3 were all up-regulated compared to P/F-N-0 on days 3 and 7. All the three P/F-Ns containing fibrinogen (P/F-N-1, P/F-N-2 and P/F-N-3) had better biocompatibility compared to P/F-N-0, and could be efficiently applied to the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.

Siloxane Hybrid Material-Encapsulated Highly Robust Flexible μLEDs for Biocompatible Lighting Applications.

Flexible micro-light-emitting diodes (f-μLEDs) have been regarded as an attractive light source for the next-generation human-machine interfaces, thanks to their noticeable optoelectronic performances. However, when it comes to their practical utilizations fulfilling industrial standards, there have been unsolved reliability and durability issues of the f-μLEDs, despite previous developments in the high-performance f-μLEDs for various applications. Herein, highly robust flexible μLEDs (f-HμLEDs) with 20 × 20 arrays, which are realized by a siloxane-based organic-inorganic hybrid material (SHM), are reported. The f-HμLEDs are created by combining the f-μLED fabrication process with SHM synthesis procedures (i.e., sol-gel reaction and successive photocuring). The outstanding mechanical, thermal, and environmental stabilities of our f-HμLEDs are confirmed by a host of experimental and theoretical examinations, including a bending fatigue test (105 bending/unbending cycles), a lifetime accelerated stress test (85 °C and 85% relative humidity), and finite element method simulations. Eventually, to demonstrate the potential of our f-HμLEDs for practical applications of flexible displays and/or biomedical devices, their white light emission due to quantum dot-based color conversion of blue light emitted by GaN-based f-HμLEDs is demonstrated, and the biocompatibility of our f-HμLEDs is confirmed via cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests with muscle, bone, and neuron cell lines. As far as we can tell, this work is the first demonstration of the flexible μLED encapsulation platform based on the SHM, which proved its mechanical, thermal, and environmental stabilities and biocompatibility, enabling us to envisage biomedical and/or flexible display applications using our f-HμLEDs.

The therapeutic potential of chondroitin sulfate in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

PurposeTo explore the therapeutic effect of chondroitin sulfate (CS) on Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis. MethodsThe nontoxic concentration of CS was determined using the Draize eye test and cell counting kit-8. Cell scratch test and cell proliferation test were evaluated the impact of CS on the proliferation and migration of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Adherence assay and plate counting were used to detect fungal load in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Clinical score and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were applied to assess the therapeutic effects of CS in an A. fumigatus keratitis mice model. The neutrophil infiltration and activity were detected by flow cytometry (FCM), immunofluorescence staining, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) expression in RAW 264.7 cells and mouse cornea was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR), western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to examine the expression of inflammatory mediators. ResultsCS at 400 μg/mL (non-cytotoxic) significantly promoted proliferation and migration of HCECs. In an A. fumigatus keratitis mice model, CS treatment alleviated fungal keratitis (FK) severity by decreasing corneal fungal load and inhibiting neutrophil infiltration. In RAW 264.7 cells, the mRNA and protein levels of TLR-4, phosphorylated nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p-NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) were remarkably lower in the siTLR-4 treated group, while higher in rTLR-4 treated group than in the corresponding control group. CS treatment suppressed rTLR-4 induced the mRNA and protein expression of TLR-4, p-NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α, and MIP-2 in RAW cells. ConclusionCS may ameliorate the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis by promoting corneal epithelial proliferation, inhibiting the recruitment and activity of neutrophils, and inhibiting the inflammatory response by down-regulation of the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling.

In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with and without Bromelain Enzyme from Pineapple Waste (Ananas comosus (L) Merr)

Immunomodulators are an essential part of the prevention process for treating various diseases related to the body’s immune system. This study aimed to determine the immunomodulatory activity of virgin coconut oil (VCO) with and without the enzyme bromelain in pineapple waste extract on the proliferation of mice lymphocyte cells through an in vitro test. VCO was made using two methods: enzymatic using bromelain enzyme (VCOb) from pineapple waste with 10, 25, and 50%, and mixing method without bromelain enzyme (VCOm). The two types of VCO produced were calculated for the yield, moisture content, free fatty acids (FFA), and physicochemical properties. For immunomodulatory activity, the test solution was taken from VCOb and VCOm with a variation concentration of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL. Isolation of lymphocyte cells was obtained from the spleen organ of Swiss Webster strain mice which was performed aseptically with a ketamine-xylazine anesthetic. The lymphocyte cell proliferation test was performed using the MTT Assay, and the Optical Density was measured using a microplate reader at 550 nm. The results showed that 50% VCOb produced the highest yield and 22.22% higher than VCOm. However, the results showed that increasing bromelain enzyme concentration would increase the moisture content and free fatty acid content, but still below 0.2%. The VCOb and VCOm had immunomodulatory activity against mice lymphocyte cell proliferation. However, the immunomodulatory activity of VCO with bromelain enzyme from pineapple waste extract (VCOb) was higher than without bromelain enzyme (VCOm). The highest immunomodulatory activity was obtained at 100 µg/mL of VCOb with a percentage increase of 158.26% compared to negative controls, followed by VCOm of 100 µg/mL with a percentage increase of 137.66% compared to negative controls. The optimum dose of VCOm and VCOb for increasing the proliferation of mice lymphocyte cells has not been found.

DLP-printable fully biobased soybean oil composites

Composites reinforced with micro-particles are widely used in engineering fields. Unfortunately, the traditional manufacturing processes do not allow customization and shape complexity achievable with additive manufacturing technologies. In particular, VAT polymerization enables the highest printing resolution. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of fully-biobased composites consisting of a matrix of acrylated soybean oil (ASO) and a lignocellulose waste derived from the macadamia nut industry (macadamia nut-shell, MAC) as reinforcing agent. Different formulations were prepared by varying the content of MAC, and their reactivity was evaluated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photorheology. The suitability of the formulated novel biobased inks for digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing was illustrated by successful printing of complex 3D-structures with a high resolution. The thermo-mechanical and mechanical properties of the 3D-printed composites were tested by DSC, DMTA and tensile tests, which revealed that. increasing MAC contents reflected into higher glass transition temperatures, ranging from 25 to 46 °C, and higher Young's modulus, ranging from 15 to 100 MPa. The morphology of the samples and the dispersion of the MAC in the ASO network was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, while the surface roughness of the printed composites was analysed with profilometry. Cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and cell proliferation tests with human fibroblast cells were carried out in view of the fabrication of scaffolds for bioengineering and the results envisage good potential for these fully bio-based composites in the biomedical field.

Preparation and properties of T-ZnOw enhanced BCP scaffolds with double-layer structure by digital light processing

Bone scaffolds require both good bioactivity and mechanical properties to keep shape and promote bone repair. In this work, T-ZnOw enhanced biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds with triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS)-based double-layer porous structure were fabricated by digital light processing (DLP) with high precision. Property of suspension was first discussed to obtain better printing quality. After sintering, T-ZnOw reacts with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to form Ca19Zn2(PO4)14, and inhibits the phase transition to α-TCP. With the content of T-ZnOw increasing from 0 to 2 wt%, the flexural strength increases from 40.9 to 68.5 MPa because the four-needle whiskers can disperse stress, and have the effect of pulling out as well as fracture toughening. However, excessive whiskers will reduce the cure depth, and cause more printing defects, thus reducing the mechanical strength. Besides, T-ZnOw accelerates the deposition of apatite, and the sample with 2 wt% T-ZnOw shows the fastest mineralization rate. The good biocompatibility has been proved by cell proliferation test. Results confirmed that doping T-ZnOw can improve the mechanical strength of BCP scaffolds, and keep good biological property, which provides a new strategy for better bone repair.

Experiment on the effect of Artemisia sieversiana extract on hair loss prevention and cell growth

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the safety, effects on proliferation of hair papilla cells, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of Artemisia sieversiana Ehrh. ex Willd. (AS) extract.Methods: Safety tests through purity testing, acute toxicity tests, and repeated toxicity tests were performed using AS extract (ASE) which had been dried for over two years. Cell culture and proliferation tests were conducted; VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), and EGF (epidermal growth factor) and protein expression analyses were performed for mechanistic evaluation; and inhibitory effects of ASE on the RNA expression of testosterone, 5α-reductase, and aromatase was assessed. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of ASE was confirmed by measuring the levels of nitric oxide, inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and PGE2), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), and chemokine MCP-1.Results: The safety of ASE was confirmed. The mechanism of cell proliferation in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells involved the promotion of VEGF, bFGF, and EGF expression. ASE decreased mRNA expression of testosterone, 5α-reductase, and aromatase-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. PGE2 and TNF-α production by inflammatory mediators was also significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression was inhibited.Conclusions: ASE is suggested to promote papillary cell growth at the cellular level, to suppress expression of various enzymes involved in hair cycle and cell death, and to inhibit hair loss through anti-androgen, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

In situ cell electrospun using a portable handheld electrospinning apparatus for the repair of wound healing in rats.

Slow or non-healing wounds caused by full-thickness skin wounds of various origins have become a difficult challenge in clinical wound treatment. In particular, large full-thickness skin wounds often lead to serious chronic skin wounds that do not heal. Electrospinning technology and stem cell treatment for wound repair have attracted much attention due to its unique advantages. In the current study， we electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) by a handheld electrospinning device, the distribution and interaction of cells and fibres were determined by light and electron microscopy and the cell viability and proliferation were determined by live/dead cell staining. The tissues were analysed by histology with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining. We found that the fibres were distributed uniformly and BMSCs were distributed between the fibres. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests proved its good biocompatibility. Histological staining shows it can accelerate wound healing and appendages regeneration by promoting granulation tissue repair. The instant PVA/stem cell fibres prepared by a handheld electrospinning device strongly promote the repair of full-thickness skin wounds in rats. The proposed electrospinning technology is expected to have great potential in household, outdoor and battlefield first aid.

The effect and mechanisms of melatonin on the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to observe the effects and mechianisms of melatonin on the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer (LC) cells. A549 cells were treated with a concentration gradient (0–100 μM) of melatonin for 24 hours, and cell viability was detected by XTT ((2,3-Bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl) −2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide)) colorimetry. Melatonin with a concentration of 50 μM was selected to interact with the LC cells for ten days, and then a colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation of the LC cells. TUNEL (Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling) staining was used to evaluate the amount of apoptosis in the two groups. Finally, Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of related proteins in the p38MAP (mitogen-activated protein) signaling pathway. Meanwhile, another experiment, CCK-8 cell proliferation test, was conducted to detect the OD540 absorbance of LC cells at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Melatonin inhibited the proliferation of LC cells in a concentration-dependent (5–100 μM) manner (P < 0.05), and inhibited the proliferation of LC cells in a time-dependent (0–96 hour) manner (P < 0.05). Melatonin (50 μM) could significantly inhibit the colony formation ability of LC cells (P < 0.05). The ratio of LC cells in the G0/G1 phase in the melatonin group increased, while the ratio of cells in the G2/M and S phase was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Melatonin significantly promoted the apoptosis of LC cells (P < 0.05) and activate the phosphorylation of p38 (P < 0.05).

Mechanical and permeability properties of porous scaffolds developed by a Voronoi tessellation for bone tissue engineering.

Irregular porous structures for guided bone regeneration applications have gained increasing attention as they are similar to human bone and more suitable for bone tissue growth. However, pore irregularity as a critical characteristic has been poorly explored. This study proposed a method for parametrically designing porous scaffolds based on a Voronoi tessellation which were manufactured by selective laser sintering (SLS) using the polyamide 12 (PA12) material. The deformation mechanism and energy absorption properties of the prepared Voronoi scaffolds were investigated by quasi-static compression experiments. The results demonstrated that the Voronoi scaffold underwent bending deformation subsequent to transverse expansion under compression, and the Voronoi scaffold simultaneously had been indicated to be effective in improving the carrying capacity and energy absorption performance. Subsequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and cell proliferation tests were introduced to comprehensively assess the influence of the scaffolds on cell growth. CFD analysis showed that the permeability of the surveyed scaffolds is between 3.65 × 10-8 and 12.05 × 10-8 m2 similar to that of natural cancellous bone. The cell test expressed that the scaffold exhibits good cell activity, which can be used to promote cell adhesion and migration with superior potential for development and application.

Effect of Optimal Mixing Ratio of Dendropanax, Sea Salt, and Other Extracts on the Alleviation of Hair Loss Symptoms

Purpose: This study was conducted to select the optimal mixing ratio (OMR) of extracts including Dendropanax, sea salt, and others from Jeollanam-do and to develop functional cosmetics that can help alleviate hair loss symptoms.Methods: Our research team determined the OMR through cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests, and confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects of the final selected OMR.Results: The cytotoxicity was low when the OMR was 0.1:1:5:1, but cell proliferation was high, and anti-inflammatory activity effectively inhibited the expression of IL–6 and iNOS. The anti-microbial activity also had an effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.Conclusion: This study selected OMR (1:0.1:5:1) to develop functional cosmetics that can help alleviate hair loss symptoms. The final selection of OMR confirmed low cytotoxicity, high cell proliferation, inhibition of expression of IL–6 and iNOS, and anti-microbial activity. Therefore, it is expected to serve as a functional cosmetic that can help alleviate hair loss symptoms in the future.

Chromane Derivatives from Underground Parts of Iris tenuifolia and Their In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity and Antiproliferative Evaluation.

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract of underground parts of Iris tenuifolia Pall. afforded five new compounds; an unusual macrolide termed moniristenulide (1), 5-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-4-O-2′-cycloflavan (2), 5,7,2′,3′-tetrahydroxyflavanone (3), 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyisoflavone-2′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9), 5,2′,3′-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyisoflavone (10), along with seven known compounds (4–8, 11–12). The structures of all purified compounds were established by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds 1–3, 5, 9, and 10 was investigated using the agar diffusion method against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In consequence, new compound 3 was found to possess the highest antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis VRE and Mycobacterium vaccae. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity tests were also applied on all isolated compounds and plant crude extract in vitro with the result of potent inhibitory effect against leukemia cells. In particular, the newly discovered isoflavone 10 was active against both of the leukemia cells K-562 and THP-1 while 4–6 of the flavanone type compounds were active against only THP-1.