Fibroblast Cell Proliferation Research Articles

Low‐intensity continuous ultrasound effect on proliferation and morphology of fibroblast cells

AbstractRecently, the use of ultrasound (US) for triggering drug release to specific tissues was explored, but its direct effects on cells have not been thoroughly understood. For this reason, this study aimed to investigate the impact of US powers and US irradiation times on fibroblast cells (NIH‐3T3). The results showed that the diverse US settings had varying effects on cell proliferation and distribution in the polystyrene culture dish. Interestingly, at 10 W, 43 kHz with changing exposed time up to 30 min either stimulated or inhibited fibroblast cell growth after 24 and 72 h of cultivation compared to the control sample in the absence of US, while longer US exposure time led to a moderate reduction in cell quantity. Moreover, higher US levels of 20 and 30 W could cause an aggregation of cells and sublethal damage to the cells. Importantly, the morphology of fibroblast was changed from stellate‐shape to round‐shape under greater US powers. Elevated US power also influenced interactions between proteins and lipids, affecting the atomic and molecular charges, leading to changes in both zeta potential and pH of the dispensed cell solution.

Physicochemical and biological characterization of propolis-loaded composite polyamide-6/soybean protein nanofibers for wound healing applications

Dressings are pivotal in aiding wound recovery, yet they are burdened by significant constraints. In addition to possessing antibacterial properties, the effectiveness of a wound dressing must be rigorously assessed for its potential utility across diverse medical applications. Propolis (Pro) is widely acknowledged for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for wound healing and tissue engineering applications. This study presents a novel composite nanofiber (NF) material comprising polyamide-6 (PA6) and soybean protein as matrix components, incorporating Pro as a payload. We aimed to mimic the extracellular matrix, thus promotion the proliferation and adhesion of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) on the scaffold's surface. The morphology and composition of the NFs, examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The Pro-loaded fibers exhibited diameters ranging from 102 to 270 nm. Notably, the NFs demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in porosity, water vapor transmission rate, and fluid uptake capacity. However, the hydrophilic categorized nanofibers (NFs) did not exhibit a concentration-dependent effect on contact angle measurements. After a 15-day period, the Pro-loaded fibers experienced degradation within the range of 39–53 %. Using UV–visible spectrophotometry, the amount of pro released was measured. The rates of release were found to be 29.93 %, 41.02 %, and 60.06 % within 24 h for PA6/Soy/Pro5 %, PA6/Soy/Pro10 %, and PA6/Soy/Pro20 % NFs, respectively. Importantly, our study showcased the significant inhibitory effects of Pro-loaded fibers on the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, with inhibition increasing proportionally with higher Pro concentrations. This observation underscores the potential of Pro-based composite NFs as effective antimicrobial agents for wound dressings and tissue scaffolds. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the fabricated nanofibrous mats was confirmed through the MTT test, affirming the non-toxic nature of all formulations. SEM imaging further demonstrated the optimal adhesion of cells on the NFs, confirming the findings of the MTT test and highlighting the suitability of Pro-loaded NFs for cell attachment and proliferation.

Potency of the Combination of Chitosan and Hydroxyapatite on Angiogenesis and Fibroblast Cell Proliferation in Direct Pulp Capping of Rattus norvegicus.

The aim of this research was to analyze expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), blood vessels, and fibroblast cell proliferation in direct pulp capping treatment of Rattus norvegicus using a combination of chitosan and hydroxyapatite paste. The samples were male R. norvegicus strains of Wistar rats, weighing 200 to 250 g and aged between 8 and 16 weeks. The occlusal surface of the molars of R. norvegicus was prepared with class I cavity and then perforated with the tip of an explorer. Sixty male R. Norvegicus rats were divided into the following: control group (KA) in which the cavity was filled with glass ionomer cement; control group (KB), in which the cavity was filled with Ca(OH)2; PA group, in which the cavity was filled with chitosan (CH); PB group, in which the cavity was filled with hydroxyapatite (HA); and PC group, in which the cavity was filled with chitosan and hydroxyapatite (CH-HA). Each group was divided into 3-, 7-, and 14-day observation groups. The mandibular bone of the molar was cut and histopathological examination was performed to analyze the blood vessels and fibroblast cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry examination was done to examine the expression of VEGF. The data variation was analyzed with One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and continued with multiple comparison Least Significant (LSD) test to determine the different pairs of group. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant increase in the expression of VEGF, blood vessels, and fibroblast cell proliferations (p ≤ 0.05;), especially in the PC group compared to the other four groups. The least significant test (LSD) test showed significant differences between the groups on the expression of VEGF, blood vessels, and fibroblast cell proliferations. The combination of chitosan and hydroxyapatite could promote healing of direct pulp capping treatment by increasing the expression of VEGF, blood vessel, and fibroblast cell proliferation.

Superior hemostatic and wound-healing properties of tetrastigma polysaccharide

Hemostatic materials that allow fast and convenient hemostasis are urgently needed. However, obtaining an ideal hemostatic agent that exhibits biocompatibility, biodegradability, and hemostatic efficacy remains challenging. Recent studies demonstrate that morphological characteristics of hemostatic materials impact their efficacy. This study reports on the importance of morphological modification of traditional Chinese medicine plant polysaccharides. The hemostatic properties of Three-leaf Qing polysaccharides, optimized in particle (SYQ-P) and sponge (SYQ-S) forms, were investigated in vitro and in vivo. SYQ-S and SYQ-P exhibit excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, thereby improving fibroblast cell proliferation. The hemostatic mechanism involves stable blood clot formation through intrinsic coagulation pathways. In a lethal mouse liver defect bleeding model, blood loss and clotting time were lower with polysaccharides use than with commercial hemostatic drugs. SYQ-S demonstrates instant water-triggered expansion and high absorption capacity, while the sponge-like morphological characteristics effectively improve blood component concentrations. With efficient hemostasis and excellent biocompatibility, SYQ-S dramatically accelerated wound healing in a full-thickness skin defect model in vivo. Thus, SYQ-S effectively promotes the formation of granulation tissue, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis, which ultimately accelerates wound healing. Our work highlights the design of natural Chinese medicine polysaccharides and presents a promising hemostatic agent for widespread clinical application.

The Role of TNF-Alpha in the Wound Healing Process: Molecular and Clinical Perspectives - A Systematic Literature Review

Wounds are conditions of damage and partial loss of body tissue caused by physical trauma, sharp objects, blunt objects, temperature fluctuations, chemical exposure. Wound healing is a complex interaction between cells, cytokines, mediators, and blood vessels as a natural physiological response to tissue damage. TNF-α has a crucial role in the wound healing process, facilitating body immunity, immune cell mobilization, fibroblast cell proliferation, keratinocytes, and growth factor expression. Although TNF-alpha has benefits in the early stages of wound healing, excessively high levels or a sustained inflammatory response can lead to problems, such as excessive scar tissue formation or blockages, which can impede the wound healing process. This study utilized the PRISMA-ScR (Scoping Review) protocol. A review was conducted of articles discussing the Role of TNF-Alpha in the Wound Healing Process: Molecular and Clinical Perspectives within the last 10 years. Literature search in this study using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Elsivier and Google Scolar databases Search using English, abstract and full text. After searching with the keywords: The Role of TNF-Alpha, 19,022 articles were found. The search continued using the keyword The Role of TNF-Alpha in the Wound Healing found 346 articles. The last search using the keyword The Role of TNF-Alpha in the Wound Healing: Molecular and Clinical found 26 articles. TNF-α plays an important role in the early stages of cutaneous wound healing, significantly delayed after day 3, but not by day 7. TNF-α has a crucial role in the early stages of skin wound healing, and its administration is recognized to have a positive impact on the healing response, which may pave the way for innovative strategies to address chronic skin wound healing problems.

Clinico-haematobiochemical and cardiac alterations in Trypanosoma evansi infected buffaloes of Andhra Pradesh, India.

The present research aimed to document the incidence, clinical signs, haematological, and serum biochemical alterations, as well as electrocardiography and echocardiography findings in 62 buffaloes (selected from a total of 240) infected with Trypanosoma evansi. The study spanned one year, from January 2022 to December 2022. Morphological identification of Trypanosoma evansi was done by the presence of a centrally positioned nucleus with a small sub-terminal kinetoplast at the posterior position through microscopic examination of Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears. The incidence of trypanosomosis were determined to be 26% (62/240) using stained blood smear examination and 41% (98/240) through polymerase chain reaction assay. Clinical signs exhibited by buffaloes with trypanosomosis included the lack of rumination (94%; 58/62), anorexia (90%; 56/62), emaciation (87%; 54/62), loss of milk yield (84%; 52/62), ocular discharges (82%; 51/62), depressed demeanour (81%; 50/62), sunken eye balls (61%; 38/62), fever (60%; 37/62), scleral congestion (56%; 35/62) and intermittent fever (42%; 26/62). Cardiovascular clinical findings in affected buffaloes included tachycardia (44%; 27/62), cardiac arrhythmia (24%; 15/62), cardiac murmurs (19%; 12/62) and muffled heart sounds (18%; 11/62). In the present study, buffaloes with trypanosomosis exhibited significant reduction in haemoglobin (p = 0.008), packed cell volume (p = 0.004), total erythrocyte count (p = 0.003), mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.042), total leucocyte count (p = 0.048) and absolute neutrophil count (p = 0.012); a significant increase in absolute eosinophil count (p = 0.011) and absolute monocyte count (p = 0.008) compared to the apparently healthy buffaloes. Additionally significant decrease in albumin (p = 0.001), A/G ratio (p = 0.007), calcium (p = 0.008), glucose (p = 0.007), phosphorous (p = 0.048), sodium (p = 0.008), potassium (p = 0.041) and chloride (p = 0.046) were observed in buffaloes with trypanosomosis compared to healthy ones. Buffaloes with trypanosomosis also showed significant increase in globulin (p = 0.004), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.008), bilirubin (p = 0.034), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.071), creatinine (p = 0.029), cholesterol (p = 0.046), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.009), gamma-glutamyl transferase (p = 0.004) and creatine kinase-myoglobin binding levels (p = 0.005). Electrocardiography explorations in buffaloes with trypanosomosis revealed sinus tachycardia, low voltage QRS complex, ST segment elevation, wide QRS complex, sinus arrhythmia, sinus bradycardia, wandering pace maker, first degree atrio ventricular block, biphasic T wave and tall T wave. Echocardiography examination unveiled cardiac chamber dilatation, ventricular wall thickening and indications of pericarditis/cardiac tamponade. Necropsy was carried on the dead buffaloes during the study period disclosed severely congested blood vessels on epicardial surface, endocardial haemorrhages, and presence of pericardial fluid. Histopathological examination of the heart revealed hyaline degeneration, haemorrhages in the cardiac muscles and varying degrees of degenerative changes. Additionally, the pericardium displayed increased thickness due to presence of more elastic fibres, fibroblast cells in the myocardium, discontinuity of muscle layers, vascular congestion, perivascular mono nuclear cell infiltration and augmented thickness of the endocardium with fibroblast cell proliferation. The study's conclusion highlights cardiac alterations as secondary complications in buffaloes infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate therapeutic modifications and refine the treatment paradigm.

Gelselegine-gelsedine type bisindoles as well as the units from Gelsemium elegans with promoting proliferation of oral mucosa fibroblast cells

Two undescribed bisindole alkaloids, gelseginedine A (1) and its rearranged gelseginedine B (2), and seven unreported gelselegine-type oxindole alkaloids (3–9) were isolated from the stems and leaves of Gelsemium elegans, together with five known alkaloids (10–14). Compounds 1 and 2 represented the first examples of gelselegine-gelsedine type alkaloids which bridged two units by a double bond. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by means of HRESIMS, NMR and calculational chemistry. The performed bioassay revealed that 14 could promote the proliferation of human oral mucosa fibroblast cells.

Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Modulators of Inflammation and Wound Healing in Primary Dermal Fibroblasts of Ulcers.

Venous leg ulcers are one of the most common nonhealing conditions and represent an important clinical problem. The application of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (PRF-EMFs), already applied for pain, inflammation, and new tissue formation, can represent a promising approach for venous leg ulcer amelioration. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PRF-EMF exposure on the inflammatory, antioxidant, cell proliferation, and wound healing characteristics of human primary dermal fibroblasts collected from venous leg ulcer patients. The cells' proliferative and migratory abilities were evaluated by means of a BrdU assay and scratch assay, respectively. The inflammatory response was investigated through TNFα, TGFβ, COX2, IL6, and IL1β gene expression analysis and PGE2 and IL1β production, while the antioxidant activity was tested by measuring GSH, GSSG, tGSH, and GR levels. This study emphasizes the ability of PRF-EMFs to modulate the TGFβ, COX2, IL6, IL1β, and TNFα gene expression in exposed ulcers. Moreover, it confirms the improvement of the proliferative index and wound healing ability presented by PRF-EMFs. In conclusion, exposure to PRF-EMFs can represent a strategy to help tissue repair, regulating mediators involved in the wound healing process.

Immune system-related plasma extracellular vesicles in healthy aging.

To identify age-related plasma extracellular vehicle (EVs) phenotypes in healthy adults. EV proteomics by high-resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate EV protein stability and discover age-associated EV proteins (n=4 with 4 serial freeze-thaws each); validation by high-resolution flow cytometry and EV cytokine quantification by multiplex ELISA (n=28 healthy donors, aged 18-83 years); quantification of WI-38 fibroblast cell proliferation response to co-culture with PKH67-labeled young and old plasma EVs. The EV samples from these plasma specimens were previously characterized for bilayer structure, intra-vesicle mitochondria and cytokines, and hematopoietic cell-related surface markers. Compared with matched exo-EVs (EV-depleted supernatants), endo-EVs (EV-associated) had higher mean TNF-α and IL-27, lower mean IL-6, IL-11, IFN-γ, and IL-17A/F, and similar mean IL-1β, IL-21, and IL-22 concentrations. Some endo-EV and exo-EV cytokine concentrations were correlated, including TNF-α, IL-27, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, but not IL-11, IL-17A/F, IL-21 or IL-22. Endo-EV IFN-γ and exo-EV IL-17A/F and IL-21 declined with age. By proteomics and confirmed by flow cytometry, we identified age-associated decline of fibrinogen (FGA, FGB and FGG) in EVs. Age-related EV proteins indicated predominant origins in the liver and innate immune system. WI-38 cells (>95%) internalized similar amounts of young and old plasma EVs, but cells that internalized PKH67-EVs, particularly young EVs, underwent significantly greater cell proliferation. Endo-EV and exo-EV cytokines function as different biomarkers. The observed healthy aging EV phenotype reflected a downregulation of EV fibrinogen subpopulations consistent with the absence of a pro-coagulant and pro-inflammatory condition common with age-related disease.

Experimental study of Pruthvisara taila in excised wound model in Wistar albino rats

Pruthvisara taila is a formulation indicated in the chikitsa of vrana as topical medicine in classical text Chakradatta. It contains Shuddha chitrakamoola, Shuddha vatsanabha, Shuddha karaveera, Nirgundi moola, Nadibeeja, Kanji and Karanja taila as the base. Aims and Objectives: Evaluation of wound healing property of Pruthvisara taila through experimental study. Methodology: Wound healing property in albino rats by excision wound healing model and its histopathology study. Results: Results of the study on the parameters assessed like percentage of wound contraction and histopathology study; percentage of wound closure was observed in Control group was 94.92%, in standard it was 93.73% and in test drug the percentage of wound contraction was 95.73%.The test drug, Pruthvisara taila showed more angiogenesis and formation of new blood vessels than standard group and in control group there was absence of formation of new blood vessels and proliferation of fibroblast cells. The control group did not show any collagen formation and scab formation the test drug Pruthvisara taila showed moderate formation and deposition compared to standard drug. Compared to control and standard group, the test drug, Pruthvisara taila selected in this study showed remarkable wound healing property in excised wound.

Effects of a Bioengineered Allogeneic Cellularized Construct (BACC) on Primary Human Macrophage Phenotype.

The mechanisms behind the pro-healing effects of multicellular, bioengineered allogeneic cellularized constructs (BACC) are not known. Macrophages are key regulators of every phase of the wound healing process and the primary cells that mediate the response to biomaterials. It is hypothesized that cells within the BACC modulate macrophage behavior, which may contribute to the mechanism by which BACC promotes healing. To probe the influence of cells within the BACC compared to effects of the underlying collagen substrate, primary human macrophages are cultured in direct or indirect contact with BACC or with the same collagen substrate used in the BACC manufacturing. Macrophage phenotype is characterized over time via multiplex gene expression, protein secretion, multidimensional flow cytometry, and functional assays with fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The BACC causes macrophages to exhibit a predominately reparative phenotype over time compared to relevant collagen substrate controls, with multiple subpopulations expressing both pro-inflammatory and reparative markers. Conditioned media from macrophage-BACC co-cultures causes distinct effects on fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and network formation. Given the critical role of the reparative macrophage phenotype in wound healing, these results suggest that modulation of macrophage phenotype may be a critical part of the mechanisms behind BACC's pro-healing effects.

Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Promoting the Proliferation and Migration of Human Fibroblast Cells.

Chronic wound healing is often a prolonged process with the migration and proliferation of fibroblast cells playing crucial roles. Electrical stimulation (ES) has emerged as a promising physical therapy modality to promote these key events. In this study, we address this issue by employing a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as an electrical stimulator for both drug release and the stimulation of fibroblast cells. The flexible TENG with a sandwich structure was fabricated using a PCL nanofibrous layer, Kapton, and silicon rubber. The TENG could be folded to any degree and twisted, and it could return to its original shape when the force was removed. Cultured cells received ES twice and three times daily for 8 days, with a 30 min interval between sessions. By applying current in a safe range and appropriate time (twice daily), fibroblasts demonstrate an accelerated proliferation and migration rate. These observations were confirmed through cell staining. Additionally, in vitro tests demonstrated the TENG's ability to simultaneously provide ES and release vitamin C from the patch. After 2 h, the amount of released drug increased 2 times in comparison to the control group. These findings provide support for the development of a TENG for the treatment of wounds, which underlines the promise of this new technique for developing portable electric stimulation devices.

Combined Amniotic Membrane and Self-Powered Electrical Stimulator Bioelectronic Dress Promotes Wound Healing.

Human amniotic membranes (hAMs) are widely used as wound management biomaterials, especially as grafts for corneal reconstruction due to the structure of the extracellular matrix and excellent biological properties. However, their fragile nature and rapid degradation rate hinder widespread clinical use. In this work, we engineered a novel self-powered electronic dress (E-dress), combining the beneficial properties of an amniotic membrane and a flexible electrical electrode to enhance wound healing. The E-dress displayed a sustained discharge capacity, leading to increased epidermal growth factor (EGF) release from amniotic mesenchymal interstitial stem cells. Live/dead staining, CCK-8, and scratch-wound-closure assays were performed in vitro. Compared with amniotic membrane treatment alone, the E-dress promoted cell proliferation and migration of mouse fibroblast cells and lower cytotoxicity. In a mouse full-skin defect model, the E-dress achieved significantly accelerated wound closure. Histological analysis revealed that E-dress treatment promoted epithelialization and neovascularization in mouse skin. The E-dress exhibited a desirable flexibility that aligned with tissue organization and displayed maximum bioactivity within a short period to overcome rapid degradation, implying great potential for clinical applications.

3D-printing of alginate/gelatin scaffold loading tannic acid@ZIF-8 for wound healing: In vitro and in vivo studies

In the present study, ZIF-8 metal-organic framework (MOF) modified with Tannic acid (TA@ZIF-8) was synthesized and impregnated in alginate-gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogel. The Alg-Gel scaffolds containing 0, 5, and 10 % of TA@ZIF-8 were fabricated through the 3D printing method specifically denoted as Alg-Gel 0 %, Alg-Gel 5 %, and Alg-Gel 10 %. XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and EDX physically and chemically characterized the synthesized ZIF-8 and TA@ZIF-8 MOFs. Besides, Alg-Gel containing TA@ZIF-8 prepared scaffolds and their biological activity were also evaluated. SEM images verified the nano-size formation of MOFs. Improved swelling and decreased degradation rates after adding TA@ZIF-8 were also reported. Increased compression strength from 0.628 to 1.63 MPa in Alg-Gel 0 % and Alg-Gel 10 %, respectively, and a 2.19 increase in elastic modulus in Alg-Gel 10 % scaffolds were exhibited. Biological activity of scaffolds, including Live-dead and Cell adhesion, antibacterial, in-vivo, and immunohistochemistry assays, demonstrated desirable fibroblast cell proliferation and adhesion, increased bacterial growth inhibition zone, accelerated wound closure and improved expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in Alg-Gel 10 % scaffolds. The findings of this study confirm that Alg-Gel 10 % scaffolds promote full-thickness wound healing and could be considered a potential candidate for full-thickness wound treatment purposes.

Microenvironment with NIR-Controlled ROS and Mechanical Tensions for Manipulating Cell Activities in Wound Healing.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) orchestrates cell behavior and tissue regeneration by modulating biochemical and mechanical signals. Manipulating cell-material interactions is crucial for leveraging biomaterials to regulate cell functions. Yet, integrating multiple cues in a single material remains a challenge. Here, near-infrared (NIR)-controlled multifunctional hydrogel platforms, named PIC/CM@NPs, are introduced to dictate fibroblast behavior during wound healing by tuning the matrix oxidative stress and mechanical tensions. PIC/CM@NPs are prepared through cell adhesion-medicated assembly of collagen-like polyisocyanide (PIC) polymers and cell-membrane-coated conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CM@NPs), which closely mimic the fibrous structure and nonlinear mechanics of ECM. Upon NIR stimulation, PIC/CM@NPs composites enhance fibroblast cell proliferation, migration, cytokine production, and myofibroblast activation, crucial for wound closure. Moreover, they exhibit effective and toxin removal antibacterial properties, reducing inflammation. This multifunctional approach accelerates healing by 95%, highlighting the importance of integrating biochemical and biophysical cues in the biomaterial design for advanced tissue regeneration.

ANALYSIS OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA LINN) ESSENTIAL OIL FROM DIFFERENT GROWING LOCATIONS USING FTIR/GC-MS SPECTROSCOPY COUPLED TO CHEMOMETRICS AND ITS WOUND HEALING ACTIVITIES

Objective: This study aims to determine the wound-healing activity of turmeric essential oil (TEO) collected from seven growing locations in West Sumatra, classify it based on fingerprint patterns of IR spectra combined with chemometrics, and identify their metabolite profiling using GC-MS spectroscopy.
 Methods: Fresh turmeric rhizome was extracted by the hydrodistillation method. TEO classification was carried out by PCA (Principal Component Analysis), and PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis) was used for predicting characteristic functional groups and metabolites (VIP>1) in TEO. Wound healing activity was performed using in vitro fibroblast cell proliferation and migration assay. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with a 95% confidence level.
 Results: PCA analysis based FTIR spectra was able to determine highland and lowland-originated TEO. The metabolites responsible for TEO classification were α-Phellandrene and D-limonene. The result showed that TEO originating from both lowlands and highlands enhanced fibroblast cell proliferation and fibroblast cell migration.
 Conclusion: The combination of IR spectral fingerprint patterns and chemometric analysis could classify TEO based on the height location of growth. The results showed that the altitude of the growing location had no significant effect on the wound-healing activity of TEO from West Sumatra (p>0.05).

Experimental Study on Rapid Hemostasis Using Peptide Hydrogels.

Uncontrolled hemorrhaging resulting from trauma, surgery, and disease-associated or drug-induced blood disorders can cause significant morbidities and mortalities in civilian and military populations. Self-assembling peptide nanofibers are particularly attractive due to their rapid and efficient hemostasis, biocompatibility, and wound-healing properties. In this study, we designed two types of 12-residue peptides by using a strong fishnet-like peptide sequence and a pro-cell adhesion sequence (Arg-Gly-Asp, RGD). The peptides are HN2-X-Ser-Phe-Cys-Phe-Lys-Phe-Glu-X-Arg-Gly-Asp-OH (where X is Pro or Tyr), which dissolve in deionized (DI) water and form stable and transparent functional hydrogels. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the two peptides self-assemble into nanowebs and nanofibers, forming a fishnet-like and three-dimensional network structure. Circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the self-assembled peptides mainly adopt a β-sheet structure with β-turn and α-helix as auxiliary assembly growth. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and SEM analysis showed that the cell survival rates were very good, delivering an obvious promotion of cell proliferation of fibroblasts and hepatocytes. Importantly, in vivo hemostasis delivered that the self-assembled peptide nanowebs and nanofibers had a good hemostatic effect on rat saphenous vein and liver bleeding, achieving 38 s faster hemostasis, which was better than commercial "Instantaneous" hemostatic powder. Accoupling the fast hemostasis and effective promotion of liver defect rapid repair, the peptide self-assembly strategy offers a clinically promising treatment option for life-threatening liver bleeding and serves as a renewed impetus for the development of peptide hydrogels as effective hemostatic agents.

Electrospun statin‐loaded nanofibers for treating diabetic wounds

AbstractThis study aims to develop, characterize, and evaluate the best statin‐loaded Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers by electrospinning technique. The characterization and evaluation results reveal that nanofibers had shown an aligned Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers distribution of fibers and aliment of collagen and silver nanoparticle coating material on the surface of the nanofibers. Furthermore, the electrospun nanofibers have shown no interaction between the drug and collagen and PCL polymeric material and have demonstrated controlled drug release for 360 h and significant degradation for 60 days of the study. In vitro, among the nanofiber treatment groups and the control groups, Pravastatin Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers have shown cell proliferation and migration of NHDF cells and blood vessel development in the CAM assay and potential anti‐bacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. In vivo, the Pravastatin Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers have demonstrated improved wound recovery, re‐epithelization, fibroblast cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling and enhanced VEGF‐sprouting in the excised tissues of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats for 7, 14, and 21 days of the study. Therefore, the developed Pravastatin Collagen Silver nanoparticle‐coated polycaprolactone nanofibers could be a promising wound‐dressing platform for effectively treating and managing diabetic wounds.Highlights Nanofiber wound dressings provide numerous structural features in biomaterials. Polycaprolactone can release the repurposed statin molecules into the wound site in a controlled manner. In diabetic wounds, ECM tissue remodeling stimulates repair and vessel growth. Pravastatin has been demonstrated to improve angiogenesis and ECM secretion for wound healing in diabetic conditions.

Electrospun Nanofibers Encapsulated with Natural Products: A Novel Strategy to Counteract Skin Aging.

The skin is the primary tissue affected by wounds and aging, significantly impacting its protective function. Natural products are widely used in cosmetics, representing a new approach to preventing age-related damage. Nanomedicine combines nanotechnology and traditional treatments to create innovative drugs. The main targets of nanotechnological approaches are wound healing, regeneration, and rejuvenation of skin tissue. The skin barrier is not easily permeable, and the creation of modern nanodevices is a way to improve the passive penetration of substances. In this study, Helichrysum italicum oil (HO) was combined with different types of electrospun nanofibers to study their protective activity on the skin and to evaluate their future application for topical treatments. In the present research, we used biodegradable polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). All results show a positive trend in cell proliferation and viability of human skin stem cells (SSCs) and BJ fibroblasts pre-treated with combined nanofibers and then exposed to UV stress. Gene expression analysis revealed the activation of a molecular rejuvenation program in SSCs treated with functionalized nanofibers before UV exposure. Understanding the mechanisms involved in skin changes during aging allows for the future application of nanomaterials combined with HO directly to the patients.

The Effects In Vitro of Photobiomodulation Over Fibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production of human fibroblasts (FN1) cultured in 2D. Background: Patients with healing difficulties suffer injuries that take time to recover. In addition, aging can be seen in our faces daily when we look in the mirror; in both situations, collagen production is reduced. Fibroblasts act in the beginning and at the end of the inflammation phase, signaling to immune agents, and platelets, and producing collagen, coordinating repair. PBM increases cell viability, proliferation, and mRNA production. Methods: Human fibroblasts were irradiated three times after cell seed (after 24, 48, and 72 h) using a gallium-aluminum arsenideGaAlAs low-level laser (LLL). Cell viability, proliferative response, synthesis of collagen types I and III, and soluble collagen production were analyzed. The statistical significance of differences between groups was determined using unpaired one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) p < 0.05. Results: PBM increased significantly the number of fibroblasts, and the production of collagen types I (Col I) and III (Col III), after three sessions of LLL with 2.5 J per session, every 24 h, for 3 consecutive days; total energy delivered after 72 h is 7.5 J. Conclusions: This energy density of LLL increases fibroblast proliferation and collagen production in vitro without side effects.