Enhanced Cell Attachment Research Articles

Improvement in bioactivity, hardness and friction resistance of 3 % manganese-doped hydroxyapatite coated on alumina using radio frequency magnetron sputtering

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a common hard tissue implant material known for its superior biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. However, its poor mechanical strength, brittleness and slow degradation limit the applications. This study explores the enhancement of HAP mechanical properties and bioactivity by coating 3 wt% manganese-doped HAP (Mn-HAP) on another inert biomaterial alumina (Mn-HAP/Al2O3) substrates using the RF magnetron sputtering technique. Characterization of these samples was performed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) techniques. Mechanical property was assessed through Vicker's hardness and adhesion of the film was studied by scratch testing. Corrosion resistance was evaluated using Tafel plots in Ringer's solution by Electrochemical analyser (ECA), and dielectric properties were measured using Impedance analyser. Biocompatibility was examined by wettability tests, thrombogenicity, antioxidant test, antimicrobial investigation and MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The results show that Mn-HAP/Al2O3 coatings exhibit superior properties as compared to pure HAP, alumina, and HAP/Al2O3. Mn-HAP showed enhanced crystallinity and grain refinement, leading to improved hardness of 1198 HV for Mn-HAP/Al2O3 as compared to 39.84 HV for pure HAP and 1028 HV for HAP/Al2O3. The friction coefficient was found to be best in the Mn-HAP/Al2O3 sample. Corrosion rate significantly decreases in Mn-HAP/Al2O3 (1.63 ± 0.28) mmpy after coating on alumina. In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation after Mn-HAP coating on alumina. Antimicrobial tests revealed improved resistance against E. coli and S. aureus, with Mn-HAP/Al2O3 showing a larger zone of inhibition. The study concludes that 3 wt% Mn-HAP coatings deposited by RF magnetron sputtering hold great promise for enhancing the performance and longevity of hard tissue implants, paving the way for advanced biomedical applications.

The Role of Chitosan and Gelatin-Based Scaffolds in Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review.

Guided bone regeneration facilitates the growth of new bone in areas where there is a bone defect or insufficiency. This technique involves placing a barrier membrane over the bone graft site, and the membrane prevents the invasion of soft tissue (such as gingival tissue) into the bone graft area. This allows the slower-growing bone cells to populate the area without competition, promoting proper bone regeneration. When combined, chitosan and gelatin create composite scaffolds that leverage the strengths of both materials. Chitosan provides structural integrity and antimicrobial properties, and gelatin enhances cell attachment and proliferation, which improves mechanical properties and makes it more suitable for supporting bone regeneration in load-bearing areas.This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness ofchitosan and gelatin-based scaffolds in bone regeneration. Various databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILAC, and Google Scholar were screened to adhere to the eligibility criteria. The included studies in the review were the in vivo and in vitro assessment of the chitosan and gelatin efficiency as a scaffold. Six studies were investigated for the involvement of chitosan and gelatin-based scaffolds in bone regeneration. Of these, two in vivostudies examined bone regeneration by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) using different staining techniques, while the remaining four in vitro studies used histologic and histometric analysis where stem cells, chemicals, and other biopolymers were compared. Chitosan and gelatin scaffolds consistently showed better results in terms of bone repair throughout all six experiments. Gelatin's capacity for regeneration can be increased by mixing itwith chitosan. For additional advancement, future researchers need to focus on incorporating biopolymers.The potential of scaffolds composed of gelatin and chitosan to replace tissue lost due to periodontitis shows great clinical significance.

The Effect of Marginal Zn2+ Excess Released from Titanium Coating on Differentiation of Human Osteoblastic Cells.

Composite coatings based on chitosan and zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) were successfully produced on Ti13Zr13Nb substrates by cathodic electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The unfavorable phenomenon of water electrolysis-induced nonuniformity was reduced by applying a low voltage (20 V) and a short deposition time (1 min). Surface analysis (roughness and hydrophilicity) reveals the potential of these coatings for enhancing cell attachment and bone-implant integration. However, there is a concern about adhesion and strength; therefore, incorporating ZnNPs shows promise for enhancing mechanical properties, suggesting opportunities for further optimization of the process. The aim of this work was to investigate whether Zn2+ released from coating yields overt cellular impairment. hFOB1.19 osteoblastic cells were used as a model in this study. A subtoxic, 0.125 mmol/L, Zn concentration did not cause significant negative changes in cultured osteoblastic cells, as there was no significant change in their viability and their mitochondrial metabolism. Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were aggravated. However, a high, over 0.175 mmol/L, Zn2+ concentration caused total cell death. This was caused by the inhibition of mitochondrial enzymes' activities. Our data indicate that composite coatings releasing Zn2+ may be used as the differentiating factor toward osteoblastic cells.

Phytotherapeutic Hierarchical PCL-Based Scaffolds as a Multifunctional Wound Dressing: Combining 3D Printing and Electrospinning.

This study focuses on developing hybrid scaffolds incorporating phytotherapeutic agents via a combination of three-dimensional (3D) printing and electrospinning to enhance mechanical properties and provide antibacterial activity, in order to address the limitations of traditional antibiotics. In this regard, 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) struts are first fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM). Then, alkaline surface treatment is applied to improve the adhesion of electrospun nanofibers. Finally, peppermint oil (PEP) or clove oil (CLV)-incorporated PCL-gelatin (GEL) electrospun nanofibers are collected on top of the 3D-printed PCL scaffolds by electrospinning. Incorporating PEP or CLV into PCL-GEL electrospun nanofibers enhances the scaffold's layer detachment and adhesion force. In addition, the DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay indicates that incorporating PEP or CLV improves the antioxidant properties of the scaffolds. Further, antibacterial activity results reveal that PEP or CLV incorporated scaffolds exhibit inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Moreover, anti-inflammatory assays show that scaffolds reduce the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) released from Raw 264.7 macrophage-like cells. On the other hand, the phytotherapeutic hierarchical scaffolds have no toxic effect on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells, and PEP or CLV enhance cell attachment and proliferation. Overall, incorporating natural phytotherapeutic agents into hierarchical scaffolds shows promise for advancing wound healing applications.

REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE: THE ROLE OF NANOMATERIALS IN TISSUE ENGINEERING AND MEDICAL THERAPIES

Nanomaterials are revolutionizing tissue engineering and medical practices through their unique attributes, such as high surface area, diverse physical and chemical properties, and their ability to engage with biological systems at the molecular level. In tissue engineering, these materials significantly improve scaffold designs, which supports enhanced cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation necessary for effective tissue regeneration. They are also crucial for the advancement of controlled drug delivery systems, which are integral to developing functional tissue models. In medical applications, nanomaterials are increasingly being used for diagnostic procedures, targeted drug delivery, and various treatments, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced side effects. Their use in imaging and diagnostics facilitates early disease detection and supports tailored treatment strategies, transforming patient care. Ongoing research into nanomaterials is expected to tackle complex healthcare issues, resulting in the development of safer and more innovative medical therapies.

Highly architectural MEW scaffolds with superior performance

Melt electrospinning writing (MEW) combines the fundamental principles of electrospinning, a fiber forming technology, and 3D printing. The process, however, is highly complex and the quality of the fabricated structures strongly depends on the interplay of key printing parameter settings including processing temperature, applied voltage, collection speed, and applied pressure. These parameters act in unison, comprising the principal forces on the electrified jet: pushing the viscous polymer out of the nozzle and mechanically and electrostatically dragging it for deposition towards the collector. This article will reveal the correlation between the printing process parameters and the fiber morphology for curved printing fibers below the critical translation speed (CTS), and prepare controllable curved scaffolds by adjusting the electric field strength, which have fully interconnected pores and allow cells to migrate and proliferate. Furthermore, the study verified the advantages of these scaffolds through mechanical and in vitro culture experiments. The results showed that compared with the linearly printed scaffolds, the curved printed scaffolds exhibited better mechanical properties and enhanced cell attachment and proliferation.

Bioengineering Approaches and Novel Biomaterials to Enhance Sternal Wound Healing after Cardiac Surgery: A Crosstalk between Innovation and Surgical Practice.

Median sternotomy and steel wires for sternal closure are the standard approach for cardiac surgery. An incomplete repair associated with chest wall motion, especially in the presence of predisposing factors, can lead to life-threatening deep sternal wound infection, also known as mediastinitis, in 2-5% of cases. Despite current antibiotic and surgical treatments, mediastinitis is associated with a 10-40% mortality rate and a significant increase in morbidity and hospital stay. High mortality and difficult treatment appear to be due to bacterial biofilm, a self-produced extracellular polymeric product that incorporates host tissue and is responsible for the failure of immune defenses and standard antimicrobial therapies. Nanostructures are an effective strategy to enhance the healing process, as they establish a favorable environment for the neosynthesis of the extracellular matrix, supporting tissue development. Synthetic polymers have been proven to exhibit suitable biodegradable and mechanical properties, and their biofunctionalization to enhance cell attachment and interaction with the extracellular matrix is being widely investigated. The use of antibiotic treatments suspended in poly-D,L-lactide and polyethylene oxide and electrospun into nanofibers, or in sponges, has been shown to inhibit bacterial biofilm production. Additionally, growth factors can be incorporated into 3D bioresorbable scaffolds with the aim of constituting a structural and biological framework to organize and expedite the healing process. Therefore, these combined approaches may change the treatment of mediastinitis in the near future.

Investigating the Effect of Carbon Nanomaterials Reinforcing Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Printed Scaffolds for Bone Repair Applications.

Scaffolds, three-dimensional (3D) substrates providing appropriate mechanical support and biological environments for new tissue formation, are the most common approaches in tissue engineering. To improve scaffold properties such as mechanical properties, surface characteristics, biocompatibility and biodegradability, different types of fillers have been used reinforcing biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. This paper investigates and compares the mechanical and biological behaviors of 3D printed poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds reinforced with graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO) at different concentrations. Results show that contrary to G which improves mechanical properties and enhances cell attachment and proliferation, GO seems to show some cytotoxicity, particular at high contents.

Starvation Process Would Induce Different Bacterial Mobilities and Attachment Performances in Porous Media without and with Nutrients on Surfaces.

The influence and mechanisms of starvation on the bacterial mobile performance in porous media with different nutrition conditions are not well understood. The present study systematically investigated the impacts of starvation on the mobility and attachment of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains in porous media without and with nutrients on surfaces in both simulated and real water samples. We found that regardless of strain types and water chemistries, starvation would greatly inhibit bacterial attachment onto bare porous media without nutrients yet could significantly enhance cell attachment onto porous media with nutrients on their surfaces. The mechanisms driving the opposite transport behaviors induced by starvation in porous media without and with nutrients were totally different. We found that the starvation process decreased cell motility and increased repulsive force between bacteria and porous media via decreasing cell sizes and zeta potentials, reducing EPS secretion and cell hydrophobicity, thus increasing transport/inhibiting attachment of bacteria in porous media without nutrients on sand surfaces. In contrast, through strengthening the positive chemotactic response of bacteria to nutrients, the starvation process greatly enhanced bacterial attachment onto porous media with nutrients on sand surfaces. Clearly, via modification of the nutrient conditions in porous media, the mobility/attachment performance of bacteria could be regulated.

Fabrication of bacterial cellulose/PVP nanofiber composites by electrospinning.

This study aimed to address a significant challenge in the application of bacterial cellulose (BC) within tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by tackling its inherent insolubility in water and organic solvents. Our team introduced a groundbreaking approach by utilizing zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) as a solvent to render BC soluble, a novel contribution to the literature. Subsequently, the obtained soluble BC was combined with varying concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Notably, we pioneered the fabrication of BC/PVP composite scaffolds with customizable fiber surface morphology and regulated degradation rates through the electrospun technique. Several key parameters, such as PVP concentration (8%, 15%, 12%, and 20% w/v), applied voltage (22, 15, and 12 kV), and a fixed nozzle-collector distance of 10 cm with a flow rate of 0.9 mL/h, were systematically evaluated so as to find the optimum parameter created BC/PVP product with electrospun. For electrospun BC/PVP products, a voltage of 12 kV was found to be optimal. Intriguingly, our findings revealed enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation in BC/PVP electrospun products compared with using PVP membranes alone. Specifically, cell viability for PVP and PVP/BC electrospun products was determined as 50.73% and 79.95%, respectively. In terms of thermal properties, the BC/PVP electrospun product exhibited a mass loss of 82.6% at 380°C, while PVP alone experienced 90.2% mass loss at around 280°C. Furthermore, the protein adhesion capacities were measured at 62.3 ± 1.2 μg for PVP and 99.4 ± 2 μg for BC/PVP electrospun products, whereas product showed no biodegradation over 28 days and had notable water retention capacity. In conclusion, our research not only successfully attained nanofiber morphology but also showcased enhanced cell attachment and proliferation on the BC/PVP electrospun product.

Creating and evaluating a novel small diameter PCL/PU vascular graft for finger reconstruction: A comprehensive analysis of structural, mechanical, in vitro, and in vivo assessments

This study addresses vascular repair challenges during digital replantation by developing an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold using PCL and PU for small-diameter vascular grafts (<2 mm). Structural validation employed diverse techniques such as FE-SEM, DSC, and FTIR analysis, while mechanical properties like stress and strain were rigorously evaluated. Functionality was assessed through in vitro assays and in vivo experiments, including subcutaneous implantation in rats and femoral artery insertion in rabbits. The scaffold demonstrated favorable mechanical properties and enhanced cell attachment, with minimal lumen fibrosis and good blood compatibility observed. Post-implantation in rabbits showed well-established blood flow and signs of tissue formation, suggesting potential for regenerative medicine. In conclusion, the PU85/PCL15 scaffold exhibited promising outcomes, highlighting its potential in microvascular tissue engineering Level of evidenceLevel V

GELATIN AND VEGF INCORPORATION IN PVA-TYRAMINE HYDROGELS AS A STRATEGY TO ENHANCE VASCULAR INFILTRATION AND TREAT AVASCULAR NECROSIS

INTRODUCTIONStimulation of angiogenesis via the delivery of growth factors (GFs) like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a promising strategy for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN). Tyraminated poly-vinyl-alcohol hydrogels (PVA-Tyr), which have the ability to covalently incorporate GFs, were proposed as a platform for the controlled delivery of therapeutic levels VEGF to the necrotic areas[1]. Nevertheless, PVA hydrophilicity and bioinertness limits its integration with the host tissues. The aim of this study was to investigated the effectiveness of incorporating gelatin, an FDA-approved, non-immunogeneic biomaterial with biological recognition sites, as a strategy to facilitate blood vessels invasion of PVA-Tyr hydrogels and to restore the vascular supply to necrotic tissues.METHODSProgressively higher gelatin concentrations (0.01–5wt%) were incorporated in the PVA-Tyr network. Hydrogel physico-chemical properties and endothelial cell attachment were evaluated. Afterwards, the capability of the released VEGF and gelatin to promote vascularization was evaluated via chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. VEGF-loaded PVA-Tyr hydrogels with or without gelatin (n=7) were implanted in a subcutaneous mouse model for 3 weeks. Vascularization (CD31+ cells) and cell infiltration (H&amp;E) were evaluated. Finally, AVN was induced in 6 weeks old male piglets as previously described [2]. A transphyseal hole (3mm) was drilled and PVA-Tyr hydrogels with 1% gelatin were delivered in the defects. Piglets were euthanized after 4 weeks and microCT analysis was performed.RESULTSThe incorporation of 1% gelatin significantly enhanced cell attachment without compromising hydrogels physical properties, degradation time, VEGF retention and release. Thus, this gelatin concentration was selected for further analysis. Additionally, the covalent incorporation of VEGF or gelatin to the PVA-Tyr network does not hamper their bioactivity, as both still promoted neo-angiogenesis in a CAM assay. Following subcutaneous implantation, the presence of gelatin did not increase the cellular infiltration in the PVA-Tyr hydrogels. Nevertheless, higher vascular infiltration was observed in the groups where either gelatin or VEGF were included. Additionally, preliminary microCT results indicated that the delivery of PVA-Tyr hydrogels containing 1% gelatin in an AVN model was effective in preventing the necrosis-associated resorption of the bone.DISCUSSION &amp; CONCLUSIONSThese results indicated that the presence of either gelatin or VEGF was sufficient to promote vascular infiltration. Additionally, preliminary results suggested the suitability of the developed hydrogels to treat AVN.

Development of Biocompatible Electrospun PHBV-PLLA Polymeric Bilayer Composite Membranes for Skin Tissue Engineering Applications.

Bilayer electrospun fibers aimed to be used for skin tissue engineering applications were fabricated for enhanced cell attachment and proliferation. Different ratios of PHBV-PLLA (70:30, 80:20, and 90:10 w/w) blends were electrospun on previously formed electrospun PHBV membranes to produce their bilayers. The fabricated electrospun membranes were characterized with FTIR, which conformed to the characteristic peaks assigned for both PHBV and PLLA. The surface morphology was evaluated using SEM analysis that showed random fibers with porous morphology. The fiber diameter and pore size were measured in the range of 0.7 ± 0.1 µm and 1.9 ± 0.2 µm, respectively. The tensile properties of the bilayers were determined using an electrodynamic testing system. Bilayers had higher elongation at break (44.45%) compared to the monolayers (28.41%) and improved ultimate tensile strength (7.940 MPa) compared to the PHBV monolayer (2.450 MPa). In vitro cytotoxicity of each of the scaffolds was determined via culturing MC3T3 (pre-osteoblastic cell line) on the membranes. Proliferation was evaluated using the Alamar Blue assay on days 3, 7, and 14, respectively. SEM images of cells cultured on membranes were taken in addition to bright field imaging to visually show cell attachment. Fluorescent nuclear staining performed with DAPI was imaged with an inverted fluorescent microscope. The fabricated bilayer shows high mechanical strength as well as biocompatibility with good cell proliferation and cell attachment, showing potential for skin substitute applications.

Saliva exposure reduces gingival keratinocyte growth on TiO2-coated titanium

Bioactive, nanoporous TiO2-coating has been shown to enhance cell attachment on titanium implant surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate, whether the saliva proteins affect the epithelial cell adhesion on TiO2-coated and non-coated titanium. Grade V titanium discs were polished. Half of the discs were provided with TiO2-coating produced in sol with polycondensation method. Half of the TiO2-coated and non-coated discs were treated with pasteurized saliva for 30 min. After saliva treatment, the total protein amounts on surfaces were measured. Next, the hydrophilicity of discs were measured with water contact angle measurements. Further, the gingival keratinocyte adhesion strength was measured after 2 and 6 h of cultivation using serial trypsinization. In addition, cell growth and proliferation were measured after 1, 3, and 7 days of cell culture. Finally, cell morphology, spreading and adhesion protein signals were detected with high resolution confocal microscopy. As a result, in sol coated TiO2-surface had significantly higher hydrophilicity when compared to non-coated titanium, meanwhile both non-coated and TiO2-coated surfaces with saliva treatment had a significant increase in hydrophilicity. Importantly, the amounts of adhered saliva proteins were equal between TiO2-coated and non-coated surfaces. Adhesion strength against enzymatic detachment was weakest on non-coated titanium after saliva exposure. Cell proliferation and cell spreading were highest on TiO2-coated titanium, but saliva exposure significantly decreased cell proliferation and spreading on TiO2-coated surface. To conclude, even though saliva exposure makes titanium surfaces more hydrophilic, it seems to neutralize the bioactive TiO2-coating and decrease cell attachment to TiO2-coated surface.Graphical

Coatless modification of 3D-printed Ti6Al4V implants through tailored Cu ion implantation combined with UV photofunctionalization to enhance cell attachment, osteogenesis and angiogenesis

The three-dimensional-printed Ti6Al4V implant (3DTi) has been widely accepted for the reconstruction of massive bone defects in orthopedics owing to several advantages, such as its tailored shape design, avoiding bone graft and superior bone-implant interlock. However, the osteoinduction activity of 3DTi is inadequate when applied clinically even though it exhibits osteoconduction. This study developes a comprehensive coatless strategy for the surface improvement of 3DTi through copper (Cu) ion implantation and ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization to enhance osteoinductivity. The newly constructed functional 3DTi (UV/Ti-Cu) achieved stable and controllable Cu doping, sustained Cu2+ releasing, and increased surface hydrophilicity. By performing cellular experiments, we determined that the safe dose range of Cu ion implantation was less than 5×1016 ions/cm2. The implanted Cu2+ enhanced the ALP activity and the apatite formation ability of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) while slightly decreasing proliferation ability. When combined with UV photofunctionalization, cell adhesion and proliferation were significantly promoted and bone mineralization was further increased. Meanwhile, UV/Ti-Cu was conducive to the migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, theoretically facilitating vascular coupling osteogenesis. In conclusion, UV/Ti-Cu is a novel attempt to apply two coatless techniques for the surface modification of 3DTi. In addition, it is considered a potential bone substrate for repairing bone defects.

On-Demand Bioactivation of Inert Materials With Plasma-Polymerized Nanoparticles.

Conventional gas plasma treatments are crucial for functionalizing materials in biomedical applications, but have limitations hindering their broader use. These methods require exposure to reactive media under vacuum conditions, rendering them unsuitable for substrates that demand aqueous environments, such as proteins and hydrogels. In addition, complex geometries are difficult to treat, necessitating extensive customization for each material and shape. To address these constraints, an innovative approach employing plasma polymer nanoparticles (PPN) as a versatile functionalization tool is proposed. PPN share similarities with traditional plasma polymer coatings (PPC) but offer unique advantages: compatibility with aqueous systems, the ability to modify complex geometries, and availability as off-the-shelf products. Robust immobilization of PPN on various substrates, including synthetic polymers, proteins, and complex hydrogel structures is demonstrated in this study. This results in substantial improvements in surface hydrophilicity. Materials functionalization with arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD)-loaded PPN significantly enhances cell attachment, spreading, and substrate coverage on inert scaffolds compared to passive RGD coatings. Improved adhesion to complex geometries and subsequent differentiation following growth factor exposure is also demonstrated. This research introduces a novel substrate functionalization approach that mimics the outcomes of plasma coating technology but vastly expands its applicability, promising advancements in biomedical materials and devices.

O121: Advancing Surgical Innovations: A Novel Approach to Engineering an Off-The-Shelf Bone-Tendon Junction Scaffold Suitable for Transplantation

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal injuries occurring at a staggering rate of 1.7 billion annually, frequently involve the complex bone-tendon junction (BTJ) often due to tear from tendon end due to cyclical strain. Current treatment options, varying from repair to reconstruction usually result in suboptimal outcomes due to structural inconsistencies. Methods In this novel study, we developed comprehensive approach to tackle this clinical challenge. We subjected BTJ tissue harvested from rabbit lower limbs (N=22) to decellularisation process. This involved 5-day demineralisation with 5% formic acid, followed by 8-day proprietary decellularisation method. Further, decellularised bone segments were immersed in Ca-P simulated body fluid for 24 hours to achieve mineral phase and enhance cell attachment. To facilitate recellularisation, adipose-derived stem cells were cultured in differentiating media for 14 days, differentiating into osteoblasts and fibroblasts for bone and tendon segments respectively. Cell phenotype was characterised using cell identification assays. Precise injection of differentiated cells into respective segments was conducted under cyclical mechanical loading with innovative stepper motor device, simulating native tissue physiology. Results Confirmation of effective decellularisation was established through histological characterisation and DNA quantification, with DNA content reduced to &amp;lt;50ng/mg (p&amp;lt;0.05) in bone segment. Successful recellularisation of decellularised scaffold and cell alignment in direction of mechanical load was confirmed through histological analysis on day 5. Comparative analysis revealed similarities in properties between control, remineralised, and recellularised bone, presenting this approach as a promising regenerative technique. Conclusion Our approach offers hope to potentially revolutionise clinical outcomes in this challenging domain by effectively replicating native tissue properties.

Plasma‐Activated Coated Glass: A Novel Platform for Optimal Optical Performance and Cell Culture Substrate Customization

Borosilicate glass surpasses polystyrene in optical quality; however, it is less frequently used for cell culture due to poor protein and cell adhesion. To overcome this impasse, the surface of glass coverslips requires functionalization to enable facile covalent attachment of proteins to promote cell attachment and differentiation. Herein, a novel approach is presented to covalently attach proteins to glass by depositing a thin layer of radical‐rich carbon film using a plasma polymerization process. The surface chemistry of these plasma‐activated coatings can be controlled by varying the gas composition used during the deposition. Mass spectrometry reveals different protein profiles attached to functionalized glass coverslips when they are exposed to cell culture media. Mouse embryonic stem cell adhesion and subsequent differentiation into neural lineage on plasma‐treated coverslips are significantly enhanced compared to bare coverslips. Importantly, the coatings are in the nanometer range, preserve the optical properties of the glass coverslips for imaging, and remain stable for at least 4 weeks in simulated body fluid. These results demonstrate the utility of covalently attaching proteins to glass for enhanced cell attachment and stem cell differentiation and provide a promising technique to achieve better outcomes in cell culture in a range of biomedical applications.

Improving bioactivity in 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V alloy scaffold via CaO-MgO-SiO2 glass-ceramic coating

This work proposes an effective design of bioactive 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V scaffold with the CaO-MgO-SiO2 glass-ceramic coating to realize a comparable elastic modulus of bone tissue and boost osteogenic differentiation. The improved elastic modulus and stiffness of Ti alloy were achieved via effectively increasing surface area of Ti alloy to reduce stress shielding effect. A hydrophilic surface and bioactive glass-ceramic coating were conducted via chemical etching and heat-treatment under argon atmosphere to enhance cells attachment and boost cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The expression of osteogenic genes in bioactive CaO-MgO-SiO2 glass-ceramic was evaluated through ALP, OPN, Runx2, and Col1A1 gene markers to explore the mechanism of superior osteogenic differentiation. Significant increase in OPN expression level confirmed the effect of CaO-MgO-SiO2 coating for the enhancement of osteogenic bioactivity. This work provides a feasible approach through surface etching and bioactive CaO-MgO-SiO2 glass-ceramic coating on the Ti alloy surface to enhance bioactivity and osteogenesis.

Preparation of NO-Releasing electrospun chitosan nanofibrous scaffolds for osteoconduction

ABSTRACT This study focuses on fabricating sodium nitroprusside-releasing chitosan-based (CS/SNP) nanofibers through electrospinning. Based on SEM images and FTIR spectroscopy, the application of one-step photocrosslinking significantly improved the stability of the nanofibers in aqueous environments. SEM images showed that the porous nanofibrous structure was maintained for up to 24 h. Incorporating SNP into the nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated an enhanced biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. The cell viability increased with rising SNP content. Enhanced cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation were also observed through fluorescence microscope images of CS/SNP nanofibers, followed by the positive regulation of Smad and Runx2 pathway. The crosstalk between CS and NO reduced the possible toxicity and enhanced the osteoinductivity of NO. Furthermore, the nanofibers contributed to escalated osteogenic differentiation and mineralization, as evidenced by heightened expression of osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and calcium deposition. Overall, the photo-crosslinked electrospun CS/SNP nanofibers demonstrate substantial potential as scaffolds in the field of bone tissue engineering.