Incorporation Of Biomolecules Research Articles

Effect of sodium L-lactate on bioactive properties of chitosan-hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone conduits for peripheral nerve tissue engineering

Biomaterials and synthetic polymers have been widely used to replicate the regenerative microenvironment of the peripheral nervous system. Chitosan-based conduits have shown promise in the regeneration of nerve injuries. However, to mimic the regenerative microenvironment, the scaffold structure should possess bioactive properties. This can be achieved by the incorporation of biomolecules (e.g., proteins, peptides) or trophic factors that should preferably be aligned and/or released with controlled kinetics to activate the process of positive axon chemotaxis. In this study, sodium L-lactate has been used to enhance the bioactive properties of chitosan-hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone electrodeposits. Next, two methods have been developed to incorporate NGF-loaded microspheres - Method 1 involves entrapment and co-deposition of NGF-loaded microspheres, while Method 2 is based on absorption of NGF-loaded microspheres. The study shows that modification of chitosan-hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone conduits by sodium L-lactate significantly improves their bioactive, biological, and physicochemical properties. The obtained implants are cytocompatible, enhancing the neurite regeneration process by stimulating its elongation. The absorption of NGF-loaded microspheres into the conduit structure may be considered more favorable for the stimulation of axonal elongation compared to entrapment, as it allows for trophic factor dose-dependent controlled release. The developed conduits possess properties essential for the successful treatment of peripheral nerve discontinuities.

Self-Assembled Block Copolymers as a Facile Pathway to Create Functional Nanobiosensor and Nanobiomaterial Surfaces.

Block copolymer (BCP) surfaces permit an exquisite level of nanoscale control in biomolecular assemblies solely based on self-assembly. Owing to this, BCP-based biomolecular assembly represents a much-needed, new paradigm for creating nanobiosensors and nanobiomaterials without the need for costly and time-consuming fabrication steps. Research endeavors in the BCP nanobiotechnology field have led to stimulating results that can promote our current understanding of biomolecular interactions at a solid interface to the never-explored size regimes comparable to individual biomolecules. Encouraging research outcomes have also been reported for the stability and activity of biomolecules bound on BCP thin film surfaces. A wide range of single and multicomponent biomolecules and BCP systems has been assessed to substantiate the potential utility in practical applications as next-generation nanobiosensors, nanobiodevices, and biomaterials. To this end, this Review highlights pioneering research efforts made in the BCP nanobiotechnology area. The discussions will be focused on those works particularly pertaining to nanoscale surface assembly of functional biomolecules, biomolecular interaction properties unique to nanoscale polymer interfaces, functionality of nanoscale surface-bound biomolecules, and specific examples in biosensing. Systems involving the incorporation of biomolecules as one of the blocks in BCPs, i.e., DNA-BCP hybrids, protein-BCP conjugates, and isolated BCP micelles of bioligand carriers used in drug delivery, are outside of the scope of this Review. Looking ahead, there awaits plenty of exciting research opportunities to advance the research field of BCP nanobiotechnology by capitalizing on the fundamental groundwork laid so far for the biomolecular interactions on BCP surfaces. In order to better guide the path forward, key fundamental questions yet to be addressed by the field are identified. In addition, future research directions of BCP nanobiotechnology are contemplated in the concluding section of this Review.

Biomolecules-Loading of 3D-Printed Alginate-Based Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications: A Review on Current Status and Future Prospective.

Osteoarthritis (OA) can arise from various factor including trauma, overuse, as well as degeneration resulting from age or disease. The specific treatment options will vary based on the severity of the condition, and the affected joints. Some common treatments for OA include lifestyle modifications, medications, physical therapy, surgery and tissue engineering (TE). For cartilage tissue engineering (CTE), three-dimension (3D) scaffolds are made of biocompatible natural polymers, which allow for the regeneration of new cartilage tissue. An ideal scaffold should possess biological and mechanical properties that closely resemble those of the cartilage tissue, and lead to improved functional of knee. These scaffolds are specifically engineered to serve as replacements for damaged and provide support to the knee joint. 3D-bioprinted scaffolds are made of biocompatible materials natural polymers, which allow for the regeneration of new cartilage. The utilization of 3D bioprinting method has emerged as a novel approach for fabricating scaffolds with optimal properties for CTE applications. This method enables the creation of scaffolds that closely mimic the native cartilage in terms of mechanical characteristics and biological functionality. Alginate, that has the capability to fabricate a cartilage replacement customized for each individual patient. This polymer exhibits hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, along with shear-thinning properties. These unique properties enable Alginate to be utilized as a bio-ink for 3D bioprinting method. Furthermore, chondrogenesis is the complex process through which cartilage is formed via a series of cellular and molecular signaling. Signaling pathway is as a fundamental mechanism in cartilage formation, enhanced by the incorporation of biomolecules and growth factors that induce the differentiation of stem cells. Accordingly, ongoing review is focusing to promote of 3D bioprinting scaffolds through the utilization of advanced biomolecules-loading of Alginate-based that has the capability to fabricate a cartilage replacement tailored specifically to each patient's unique needs and anatomical requirements.

Recent advancements in bionanomaterial applications of peptide nucleic acid assemblies.

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a unique combination of peptides and nucleic acids. PNA can exhibit hydrogen bonding interactions with complementary nucleobases like DNA/RNA. Also, its polyamide backbone allows easy incorporation of biomolecules like peptides and proteins to build hybrid molecular constructs. Because of chimeric structural properties, PNA has lots of potential to build diverse nanostructures. However, progress in the PNA material field is still immature compared with its massive applications in antisense oligonucleotide research. Examples of well-defined molecular assemblies have been reported with PNA amphiphiles, self-assembling guanine-PNA monomers/dimers, and PNA-decorated nucleic acids/ polymers/ peptides. All these works indicate the great potential of PNA to be used as bionanomaterials. The review summarizes the recent reports on PNA-based nanostructures and their versatile applications. Additionally, this review shares a perspective to promote a better understanding of controlling molecular assembly by the systematic structural modifications of PNA monomers.

Light-sensitive and strain-controlled flexible DNA/graphene/GaN bio-hybrid sensor based on the piezophototronic effect

A significant need exists for high-sensitivity, high-flexibility, and low-power piezophototronic sensors (PS) capable of monitoring small deformations or vibrations and polarization-sensitive photodetection in critical situations. Recently, interest in flexible optoelectronics has been initiated with the incorporation of biomolecules into photoelectric and piezoelectric principles, particularly because of the rapid development of organic-inorganic-based bio-hybrid PSs (Bio-HPSs). In this study, we provide a novel method for fabricating flexible, light-sensitive Bio-HPS based on the piezophototronic effect by employing DNA biomolecules on a graphene/GaN substrate. Flexible Bio-HPSs are responsive to infrared, halogen, and ultraviolet (UV) wavebands. Furthermore, in the dark, the flexible Bio-HPS displayed a gauge factor of 459 at an applied compressive strain of −0.32%. Furthermore, the gauge factors for the infrared, halogen, and UV wavelengths increased to 645, 788, and 898, respectively, under the same strain conditions. The integration of high-mobility graphene with DNA biomolecules on a GaN substrate through the piezophototronic effect may be the cause of the fluctuation in gauge factor values under various lighting conditions. These findings facilitate adaptable applications in real-world industries such as soft robotics, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

Recent Advances in Various Inorganic Nanoparticle Embedded Chitosan-based Multifunctional Materials for Wound Healing

Abstract: Scarless wound management remains a clinical challenge worldwide because of its com-plicated and overlapping phases of inflammation, clearing, and regeneration. Among the currently available dressing materials, hydrogels have attracted emerging attention as potential wound dress-ing materials because of their specific properties, such as porosity, tissue-mimicking architecture, softness, and improved mechanical, biological as well as physicochemical properties. However, naturally driven hydrogels have shown several advantages over conventional hydrogels because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, and functionality. Recently, na-noparticle (NPs) integrated polymeric hydrogels (metals, non-metals, metal oxides, and polymeric moieties) have been established as analogous to these naturally driven hydrogels because of the synergistic effects of the NPs and polymers in the three-dimensional composite material. Over the years, researchers have reported the synthesis and potential applications of diverse inorganic and organic nanocomposite gels with antioxidant or antibacterial properties where they have exploited the intelligent incorporation of biomolecules into the NP-polymeric network that are beneficial for wound healing. Among various natural polymers as hydrogel matrix, chitosan-mediated hydrogel dressings have received extensive interest resulting in improved mechanical, biological, and physi-cochemical properties due to the well-reported antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and tissue re-generation efficacies of chitosan polymer. This review is intended to summarize the recent devel-opments of inorganic nanoparticle-incorporated chitosan-based hydrogels as wound dressing mate-rials where various synthetic methodologies of these nanocomposite gels are extensively discussed via incorporating nanoparticles, active biomolecules, and other substances into the intrinsic struc-ture of the gels. In addition, the future and prospects of chitosan-based nanocomposite hydrogels as a novel wound dressing as well as tissue engineering materials are also highlighted.

Self-assembling peptide-laden electrospun scaffolds for guided mineralized tissue regeneration.

Electrospun scaffolds are a versatile biomaterial platform to mimic fibrillar structure of native tissues extracellular matrix, and facilitate the incorporation of biomolecules for regenerative therapies. Self-assembling peptide P11-4 has emerged as a promising strategy to induce mineralization; however, P11-4 application has been mostly addressed for early caries lesions repair on dental enamel. Here, to investigate P11-4's efficacy on bone regeneration, polymeric electrospun scaffolds were developed, and then distinct concentrations of P11-4 were physically adsorbed on the scaffolds. P11-4-laden and pristine (P11-4-free) electrospun scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluid and mineral precipitation identified by SEM. Functional groups and crystalline phases were analyzed by FTIR and XRD, respectively. Cytocompatibility, mineralization, and gene expression assays were conducted using stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. To investigate P11-4-laden scaffolds potential to induce in vivo mineralization, an established rat calvaria critical-size defect model was used. We successfully synthesized nanofibrous (∼ 500nm fiber diameter) scaffolds and observed that functionalization with P11-4 did not affect the fibers' diameter. SEM images indicated mineral precipitation, while FTIR and XRD confirmed apatite-like formation and crystallization for P11-4-laden scaffolds. In addition, P11-4-laden scaffolds were cytocompatible, highly stimulated cell-mediated mineral deposition, and upregulated the expression of mineralization-related genes compared to pristine scaffolds. P11-4-laden scaffolds led to enhanced in vivo bone regeneration after 8 weeks compared to pristine PCL. Electrospun scaffolds functionalized with P11-4 are a promising strategy for inducing mineralized tissues regeneration in the craniomaxillofacial complex.

Review on classification, physicochemical properties and applications of microbial surfactants

Abstract Biosurfactants are amphiphilic microbial compounds synthesized from plants and micro organisms that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones, which are classified into liquid-liquid, liquid-solid and liquid-gas interfaces. Due to their versatile nature, low toxicity, and high reactivity at extreme temperatures, as well as – extremely important – their good biodegradability and environmental compatibility, biobased surfactants provide approaches for use in many environmental industries. Biosurfactants produced by microorganisms have potential applications in bioremediation as well as in the petroleum, agricultural, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. In this review article, we include a detailed overview of the knowledge obtained over the years, such as factors influencing bio-surfactant production and developments in the incorporation of biomolecules in different industries and future research needs.

Clay Mineral Minerals as a Strategy for Biomolecule Incorporation: Amino Acids Approach.

The potential use of amino acids by ruminal microorganisms converting them into microbial protein for ruminants makes it challenging to supplement these nutrients in an accessible form in animals’ diets. Several strategies to protect amino acids from ruminal degradation were reported, producing amino acids available for the protein used in the intestine called “bypass.” The intercalation of biomolecules in clay mineral minerals has gained notoriety due to its ability to support, protect, transport, physicochemical properties and non-toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the incorporation of L-lysine (Lys), L-methionine (Met), and L-tryptophan (Trp) amino acids in the clay minerals sepiolite (Sep) and Veegum® (Veg) using the adsorption method. The characterization techniques of X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of biomolecules in the inorganic matrices. Elemental and thermal analyzes monitored the percentages of incorporated amino acids. They showed better incorporation capacities for Veg, such as Met-Veg < Lys-Veg < Trp-Veg and Lys-Sep < Met-Sep < Trp-Sep for sepiolite, except for the incorporation of Met. Matrices provide a promising alternative for planning the administration of biomolecules, using essential amino acids as models, and may offer an alternative to improve functional diet strategies.

Prospects of Exploring the Metal-Organic Framework for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance.

Infectious diseases are a major public health concern globally. Infections caused by pathogens with resistance against commonly used antimicrobial drugs or antibiotics (known as antimicrobial resistance, AMR) are becoming extremely difficult to control. AMR has thus been declared as one of the top 10 global public health threats, as it has very limited solutions. The drying pipeline of effective antibiotics has further worsened the situation. There is no absolute treatment, and the limitations of existing methods warrant further development in antimicrobials. Recent developments in the nanomaterial field present them as promising therapeutics and effective alternative to conventional antibiotics and synthetic drugs. The metal-organic framework (MOF) is a recent addition to the antimicrobial category with superior properties. The MOF exerts antimicrobial action on a wide range of species and is highly biocompatible. Additionally, their porous structures allow the incorporation of biomolecules and drugs for synergistic antimicrobial action. This review provides an inclusive summary of the molecular events responsible for resistance development and current trends in antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance and explores the potential role of the MOF in tackling the drug-resistant microbial species.

Biomimetic Hydrogels to Promote Wound Healing.

Wound healing is a common physiological process which consists of a sequence of molecular and cellular events that occur following the onset of a tissue lesion in order to reconstitute barrier between body and external environment. The inherent properties of hydrogels allow the damaged tissue to heal by supporting a hydrated environment which has long been explored in wound management to aid in autolytic debridement. However, chronic non-healing wounds require added therapeutic features that can be achieved by incorporation of biomolecules and supporting cells to promote faster and better healing outcomes. In recent decades, numerous hydrogels have been developed and modified to match the time scale for distinct stages of wound healing. This review will discuss the effects of various types of hydrogels on wound pathophysiology, as well as the ideal characteristics of hydrogels for wound healing, crosslinking mechanism, fabrication techniques and design considerations of hydrogel engineering. Finally, several challenges related to adopting hydrogels to promote wound healing and future perspectives are discussed.

Novel composite platform: biomolecule incorporation for biocatalysis, separation and biopharmaceutical formulations

Novel composite platform: biomolecule incorporation for biocatalysis, separation and biopharmaceutical formulations

State-of-the-Art and Prospects of Biomolecules: Incorporation in Functional Metal–Organic Frameworks

Given the unique properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) including adjustable porosity, high surface area, and easy modification, they have attracted great attention as excellent solid supports for the incorporation of biomolecules. The formed biomolecules-MOFs composites show promising prospects in various fields such as biocatalysis, drug delivery, and biosensing. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of biomolecules-incorporation using MOFs. Moreover, the relationship between properties of MOFs and biomolecules-incorporation is also discussed and highlighted. We hope this work will inspire the innovation in this emerging field for highly efficient synthesis of biomolecules-MOFs composites with various properties and advanced applications.

Mapping out the Degree of Freedom of Hosted Enzymes in Confined Spatial Environments

Summary The integration of enzymes with solid materials is crucial for promoting their industrialization. Understanding the enzyme behavior upon association within a confined space, though of fundamental importance for biocomposite development, remains a persistent, unresolved challenge. Here, we present a comprehensive elucidation of the spatial environment’s impact on hosted enzymes’ degree of freedom and, consequently, their accompanying reactivity. Site-directed spin labeling in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy allows the direct detection of host-guest interactions at atomic resolution, while the tailorable synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) enables an evaluation of factors affecting such interactions. Specifically, lysozyme is found to be more constrained and less active along with increasing hydrophilicity of the COFs. These results support the establishment of a connection between the hydrophilicity of the spatial environment and the resulting biocomposites’ reactivity, enabling the prediction of the performance of unknown biocomposites. This study provides a unique insight into the mechanistic pathways underpinning biocatalysis.

Protein Biophotosensitizer-Based IGZO Photo-thin Film Transistors for Monitoring Harmful Ultraviolet Light.

The development of health monitoring devices to prevent skin cancers or various diseases arising from exposure to harmful light has attracted increasing scientific interest and has led to the exploration of hybrid inorganic-biological systems through the incorporation of biomolecules. Here, ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors based on transistors incorporating green fluorescent protein (GFP) molecules on multilayer-stacked indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) thin films are studied, where the top layer of the IGZO films has different surface properties. Light-sensitive GFP can play a role as a biophotosensitizer due to light-induced electron transfer during photoexcitation. Intriguingly, the IGZO photo-thin film transistors (TFTs) with GFP molecules on a relatively more hydrophilic surface (less defective surface) have better device performance and exhibit a dramatic decrease in the photocurrent after turning the UV light off compared to the cases without GFP molecules on the more hydrophilic surface and on the less hydrophilic surface (more defective surface). A physical mechanism based on energy band diagrams is proposed, and the light-induced threshold voltage shift in the IGZO photo-TFTs is estimated and explained in terms of oxygen-related vacancy sites and trap/interface conditions in the IGZO film and light-induced electron transfer from the GFP molecules.

Organic–inorganic collagen/iota‐carrageenan/hydroxyapatite hybrid membranes are bioactive materials for bone regeneration

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to produce biomembranes with controlled degradability for application in bone regeneration in order to stimulate biological reactions necessary to improve bone formation. Hydrogels were prepared by dissolving hydrolyzed collagen (HC) and iota‐carrageenan (ι‐Carr) in aqueous mixtures containing CaCl2 and H3PO4. A rise in pH by exposure to NH3(g) caused mineral precipitation into the hydrogel. Subsequently, the membranes were fabricated by solvent casting. Infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction attested hydroxyapatite formation. The crystallite size was close to 12 nm, which was smaller than the size reported for human bone apatite. The membranes induced bone‐like apatite precipitation in simulated body fluid. The carrageenan content modulated the membrane mechanical behavior. Membranes with controlled degradability were obtained by using higher amount of this polysaccharide. These membranes were able to release HC in physiological conditions. The surface properties were evaluated in terms of wettability and surface energy (γS) by means of contact angle (θc) measurements. Low θc (8.5–16.8) indicated that the hybrid membranes were hydrophilic, while higher γS values, around 70.6 mJ.m−2, could favor biomolecule incorporation into the surface. Our data set evidenced that these materials could potentially be used as a temporary guided tissue regeneration membrane with the possibility of inducing bone regeneration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48004.

Electrochemical characterization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/κ-carrageenan as a biocompatible conductive coat for biologic applications

Abstract

Synthetic Approach to Readily Accessible Benzofuran-Fused Borondipyrromethenes as Red-Emitting Laser Dyes.

We took advantage of the chemoselective meso-functionalization of 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo-8-methylthioBODIPY 6 to prepare a series of 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo-8-arylBODIPY derivatives suitable for SNAr substitution reactions with phenols exclusively at positions 3 and 5. Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular arylation reaction ensued on the remaining brominated positions 2 and 6 to give a new family of benzofuran-fused BODIPY dyes. This method utilizes readily available starting materials and allows for the preparation of the title compounds with excellent functional group tolerance. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the methodology described herein is amenable for the incorporation of biomolecules. The photophysical and lasing properties of the benzofuran-fused BODIPY dyes were thoroughly analyzed with the aid of electrochemical measurements and quantum mechanical simulations. These dyes show bright and intriguing emission (both fluorescence and laser) toward the red edge of the visible spectrum with remarkable tolerance under strong and continuous irradiation.

Peptide-Based Polyelectrolyte Promotes Directional and Long Neurite Outgrowth.

Neural tissue engineering has emerged as a promising technology to cure neural damages. Although various synthetic polymers with good biocompatibility and biodegradability have been adopted as candidate materials for scaffolds, most of them require the incorporation of biomolecules or conductive materials to promote the growth of long axons. Herein we demonstrate for the first time a unique peptide-based polyelectrolyte that is ionically conductive and contains a neurotransmitter, glutamic acid. The designed polymer, sodium salt of poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate)-r-poly(l-glutamic acid) (PBGA20-Na), was synthesized and fabricated into a 3D fibrous scaffold with aligned fibers. Neuron-like rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were cultured on the scaffolds to evaluate cell proliferation and differentiation with or without electrical stimulation. The results show that with both electrical and biochemical cues presented in the polyelectrolyte, PBGA20-Na promotes longer neurite outgrowth compared with the neutral poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) (PBG) and the poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate)-r-poly(l-glutamic acid) (PBGA20). Furthermore, the neurite length of the cells cultured on PBGA20-Na is more than twice as long compared with the conventional biopolymer, polycaprolactone. In conclusion, PBGA20-Na is a promising biomaterial for neural tissue engineering and drug-screening platforms.

Microstructural investigation of porous titanium coatings, produced by thermal spraying techniques, using plasma atomization and hydride-dehydride powders, for orthopedic implants

The present study focuses on porous titanium (commercially pure Ti) coatings for future use on medical implants, manufactured by specific thermal spray method. Its objective is to investigate the possibility of Ti porosity to offer room for medication storage in addition to bone growth promotion. Three specimens for each different type of coating were produced by different sets of thermal spray process/feedstock powder, namely, (1) Flame Spray (FS) with spherical Plasma Atomization (PA) powder, (2) Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) with spherical PA powder and (3) APS with angular Hydride – Dehydride (HDH) powder. The specific types of specimens along with the two powders produced by the PA and HDH processes were characterized using various techniques, namely (a) Roughness measurements of the coated surfaces and thickness measurements of the coatings, which disclosed the highest values for the FS-PA coating, Ra = 11.19 ± 0.21 μm and average thickness of 281 μm, (b) Optical microscopy and SEM-EDS to study the surface morphology and microstructure of the coatings and discover any possible oxidation or other phases. The porosity percentage was measured and the pore size distribution was also estimated. The porosity percentages of the coatings ranged from 12% on the APS-PA coating to 34% on the FS-PA coating, (c) XRD analyses which showed varying titanium oxide formations for each type of specimen. These oxides may prove to be beneficial for the development of osseous tissue, (d) assessment of biological response of the coatings in vitro that resulted in satisfactory primary response in a physiological environment and the formation of calcium phosphate phases with Ca/P ratio of 1.61 and (e) Vickers microhardness measurements, which resulted in values that fluctuated from 786.6 for the FS-PA coating to 967.6 for the APS-HDH coating. Overall, the produced FS-PA coating is characterized by high porosity content and satisfactory bioactivity, in order to fulfill the objective of the project for biomolecule incorporation and drug storage.