Polycaprolactone Research Articles

Multicomponent biopolymer hydrogels based on polycaprolactone with the combination of nano silver and linalool for the healing of infectious wounds.

This study aimed to develop novel hydrogels using polycaprolactone (PCL), nano-silver (Ag), and linalool (Lin) to address the challenge of increasing antimicrobial resistance in healing infected wounds. The hydrogels' morphological properties, in vitro release profiles, antibacterial efficacy, and safety were investigated. Hydrogels were prepared from PCL/Ag, PCL/Lin, and PCL/Ag/Lin formulations and applied to infected wounds. Assessments included wound closure rates, bacterial counts, histopathological parameters, and immunofluorescence staining for Ki-67, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), collagen type I (COL1A), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206), cluster of differentiation (CD31) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The hydrogel structures demonstrated significant safety and antibacterial activity. Administration of hydrogels accelerated wound healing by reducing bacterial counts in granulation tissue and edema, while promoting fibroblast activity and epithelization. Additionally, there was increased expression of VEGF, CD31, ERK1/2, CD206, bFGF, Ki-67, KGF, and COL1A compared to control groups (P=0.000). Synergistic interactions between Ag and Lin were observed in enhancing the wound healing process. In conclusion, these hydrogels effectively accelerated wound healing through antibacterial properties and modulation of gene expression.

3D-Printed PCL Scaffolds Loaded with bFGF and BMSCs Enhance Tendon-Bone Healing in Rat Rotator Cuff Tears by Immunomodulation and Osteogenesis Promotion.

Rotator cuff tears are the most common conditions in sports medicine and attract increasing attention. Scar tissue healing at the tendon-bone interface results in a high rate of retears, making it a major challenge to enhance the healing of the rotator cuff tendon-bone interface. Biomaterials currently employed for tendon-bone healing in rotator cuff tears still exhibit limited efficacy. As a promising technology, 3D printing enables the customization of scaffold shapes and properties. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have multidifferentiation potential and valuable immunomodulatory effects. The basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), known for its role in proliferation, has been reported to promote osteogenesis. These properties make them applicable in tissue engineering. In this study, we developed a 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold loaded with bFGF and BMSCs (PCLMF) to restore the tendon-bone interface and regulate the local inflammatory microenvironment. The PCLMF scaffolds significantly improved the biomechanical strength, histological score, and local bone mineral density at regenerated entheses at 2 weeks postsurgery and achieved optimal performance at 8 weeks. Furthermore, PCLMF scaffolds facilitated BMSC osteogenic differentiation and suppressed adipogenic differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, RNA-seq showed that PCLMF scaffolds could regulate macrophage polarization and inflammation through the MAPK pathway. The implanted scaffold demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. Therefore, this study proposes a promising and practical strategy for enhancing tendon-bone healing in rotator cuff tears.

Enhancing performance of in-situ synthesized biocompatible shape memory polyurethane acrylate by cellulose nanocrystals.

This study presents the development of biocompatible and biodegradable nanocomposites utilizing renewable cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in polycaprolactone (PCL)-based polyurethane acrylates (PUA) through in situ polymerization. First, CNCs were derived from cotton linter via acid hydrolysis; then functionalized with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane to produce silane-modified CNCs (S-CNCs). CNCs offered uniform dispersion in PUA up to 2 wt% loading, resulting in significant property enhancements, including ~60 % increase in tensile strength and ~25 % increase in Young's modulus. Despite the chemical interaction of S-CNCs with PUA, they tended to agglomerate beyond 0.5 wt% loading due to the promotion of chemical interactions between S-CNC particles at higher concentrations. Despite this, comparable improvements (e.g. ~50 % in tensile strength and ~25 % in Young's modulus) were observed at just 0.5 wt% S-CNC loading. Both neat PUA and PUA nanocomposites demonstrated exceptional shape memory properties, with shape fixity exceeding 95 % and shape recovery approaching 100 %. However, S-CNCs also halved the shape recovery time compared to neat PUA, a critical advancement for time-sensitive applications. Meanwhile, the biocompatibility of PUA was largely preserved in the presence of the nanoparticles, particularly for S-CNC.

3D-Printed Myocardium-Specific Structure Enhances Maturation and Therapeutic Efficacy of Engineered Heart Tissue in Myocardial Infarction.

Despite advancements in engineered heart tissue (EHT), challenges persist in achieving accurate dimensional accuracy of scaffolds and maturing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), a primary source of functional cardiac cells. Drawing inspiration from cardiac muscle fiber arrangement, a three-dimensional (3D)-printed multi-layered microporous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold is created with interlayer angles set at 45° to replicate the precise structure of native cardiac tissue. Compared with the control group and 90° PCL scaffolds, the 45° PCL scaffolds exhibited superior biocompatibility for cell culture and improved hiPSC-CM maturation in calcium handling. RNA sequencing demonstrated that the 45° PCL scaffold promotes the mature phenotype in hiPSC-CMs by upregulating ion channel genes. Using the 45° PCL scaffold, a multi-cellular EHT is successfully constructed, incorporating human cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. These complex EHTs significantly enhanced hiPSC-CM engraftment in vivo, attenuated ventricular remodeling, and improved cardiac function in mouse myocardial infarction. In summary, the myocardium-specific structured EHT developed in this study represents a promising advancement in cardiovascular regenerative medicine.

Investigating How All-Trans Retinoic Acid Polycaprolactone (atRA-PCL) Microparticles Alter the Material Properties of 3D Printed Fibrin Constructs.

The 3D printing of human tissue constructs requires carefully designed bioinks to support the growth and function of cells. Here it is shown that an additional parameter is how drug-releasing microparticles affect the material properties of the scaffold. A microfluidic platform is used to create all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) polycaprolactone (PCL) microparticles with a high encapsulation efficiency (85.9 ± 5.0%), and incorporate them into fibrin constructs to investigate their effect on the material properties. An encapsulation that is around 25-35% higher than the current state of the art batch methods is achieved. It is also found that the drug loading concentration affects the microparticle size, which can be controlled using the microfluidic platform. It is shown that the release of atRA is slower in fibrin constructs than in buffer, and that the presence of atRA in the microparticles modulates both the degradation and the rheological properties of the constructs. Finally, it is shown that the fibrin material exhibits a stronger solid-like state in the presence of atRA-PCL microparticles. These findings establish a basis for understanding the interplay between drug-releasing microparticles and scaffold materials, paving the way for bioinks that achieve tailored degradation and mechanical properties, together withsustained drug delivery for tissue engineeringapplications.

Biofabricated tissue model for determining biocompatibility of metallic coatings.

Metallic biomaterials are extensively used in orthopedics and dentistry, either as implants or coatings. In both cases, metal ions come into contact with surrounding tissues causing a particular cell response. Here, we present a biofabricated in vitro tissue model, consisting of a hydrogel reinforced with a melt electrowritten mesh, to study the effects of bound and released metal ions on surrounding cells embedded in a hydrogel matrix. We evaluate the biocompatibility, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties of these metal coatings. Our approach involves integrating physical vapour deposition coating technology with 3D bioprinting methods. To produce tissue models, melt electrowritten (MEW) meshes composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) were printed and integrated into cell-laden methacrylated galatin (GelMa). The mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3) was used. GelMa concentration and printing parameters for MEW were adjusted and mechanical analysis of the models was performed to find the optimal material composition. Optimized models were placed on the glass slide surfaces coated with typically non-toxic metals, i.e. titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), zirconium (Zr), silver (Ag), tungsten (W), and niobium (Nb). Except for W, all other coatings were stable in a physiological wet environment, as studied by SEM. The viability of the cells at different distances from the coated surface was analyzed. Antibacterial tests against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were used to assess the models' resistance, important for infection control. While Ag coatings showed toxicity, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Zr coatings promoted fibroblast growth, with the highest cell viability after 14 days of culture revealed for Ta and Nb. The strongest antimicrobial effect against E. coli and S. aureus was observed for Ag and W, while Ta exhibited antibacterial activity only against S. aureus. From a broader perspective, our work offers an effective 3D in vitro model for an in-depth characterization of the biocompatibility of metals and metal coatings.

Production and Characterization of H. perforatum Oil-Loaded, Semi-Resorbable, Tri-Layered Hernia Mesh.

Hernia repair is the most common surgical operation applied worldwide. Mesh prostheses are used to support weakened or damaged tissue to decrease the risk of hernia recurrence. However, the patches currently used in clinic applications have significant short-term and long-term risks. This study aimed to design, produce, and characterize a three-layered semi-resorbable composite hernia mesh using the electrospinning technique, where the upper layer (parietal side) was made of non-resorbable polypropylene (PP-Cl) fibers, the partially resorbable middle layer was made of PP-Cl and polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers, and the fully resorbable lower layer (visceral side) was made of H. perforatum oil-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG) fibers. The extracellular matrix-like fibrous structure of the patches provided low density and high porosity, minimizing the risk of long-term foreign body reactions, and the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of the surfaces and the detected swelling rates supported biocompatibility. The patches exhibited mechanical properties comparable to commercially available products. Controlled release of therapeutic oil could be achieved from the oil-integrated patches due to the dissolution of PEG in the acute process. In vitro cell culture studies with the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line revealed that the meshes do not have a cytotoxic nor a biomaterial-induced necrotic effect that will induce apoptosis of the cells. The visceral side of the meshes exhibited non-adherence of cell-like structures to the surface due to the dissolution of PEG. The composite hernia patches were concluded to reduce the risk of adhering to internal organs in the hernia area, have the potential to be used in in vivo biomedical applications, and will support the search for an ideal hernia mesh that can be used in the treatment of abdominal hernias.

Bone Enzyme-Responsive Biodegradable Poly(propylene fumarate) and Polycaprolactone Polyphosphoester Dendrimer Cross-Linked via Click Chemistry for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Traditional polymer systems often rely on toxic initiators or catalysts for cross-linking, posing significant safety risks. For bone tissue engineering, another issue is that the scaffolds often take a longer time to degrade, inconsistent with bone formation pace. Here, we developed an enzyme-responsive biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and polycaprolactone (PCL) polyphosphoester (PPE) dendrimer cross-linked utilizing click chemistry (EnzDeg-click-PFCLPE scaffold) for enhanced biocompatibility and degradation. The strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) offers high efficiency and biocompatibility without harmful agents. The polyphosphoesters render polymer cleavage responsive to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme in bone formation, ensuring facilitated scaffold biodegradation. The in vitro testing confirmed biocompatibility, enzyme-responsive degradation, and capability to support stem cell differentiation. Further in vivo implantation in rat demonstrated bone regeneration and scaffold integration. In summary, this polymer system combining click chemistry with ALP-responsive biodegradation ensures initial bone support and facilitates scaffold degradation synchronized with the natural bone healing process.

Liquid Crystal Polycaprolactone Copolymer Elastomer With Low Autonomous Driving Temperature

ABSTRACTLiquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are liquid crystal polymers with moderate crosslinking that exhibit elasticity in both their isotropic and liquid crystal states. These materials can be programmed through chemical design and geometric configuration to achieve autonomous actuation at specific temperatures. Typically, the autonomous actuation temperature of LCEs exceeds the phase transition temperature of their isotropic states, with most reported LCEs requiring temperatures above 100°C. Such high temperatures pose challenges for use in soft robotics due to increased energy consumption and limited operational flexibility. In this study, we introduce a small amount of polycaprolactone (PCL) into the main chain of LCEs, effectively lowering their phase transition temperature while maintaining over 90% of the reversible shrinkage strain characteristic of pure LCEs. By adjusting the PCL content, the number of twists, and the helix density, we successfully obtained an LCE‐PCL actuator with improved autonomous actuation performance at temperatures ranging from 45°C to 105°C. Moreover, by modulating the degree of torsion and the operating temperature, the LCE‐PCL autonomous actuator demonstrates the ability to perform complex motions, such as reversing and parking. This work offers new insights into the design and application of LCEs with reduced phase transition temperatures and enhanced self‐driving capabilities.

Electrospun nanofibers as controlled release systems for the combined pheromones of Grapholita molesta and Cydia pomonella.

As sex pheromones are environmentally friendly and specific, they are often used to monitor and control oriental fruit moths (OFMs). Currently, non-biodegradable polymers are commonly employed as carriers to prepare controlled sex pheromone release systems for plant protection. Electrospinning is a relatively simple technique for preparing biodegradable nanofibers that allows for the controlled release of sex pheromones. This study aimed to develop a biodegradable controlled release system for the combination of OFM pheromone and codlemone via electrospinning, in which codlemone was used as a synergist for OFM pheromone. New systems for the controlled release of combined pheromones from OFM and colding moths were developed using electrospun nanofibers from polycaprolactone (PCL), cellulose acetate (CA), and polylactic acid (PLA). In the indoor experiments, the load ratio and release stability of CA nanofibers loaded with combined pheromones (CA-SP) were superior to those of the other two nanofiber types. In the field experiments, among all the treatments, 10 mg of CA-SP was the most attractive to OFMs, and its effective duration was approximately 6 weeks. The optimum storage temperature for all nanofibers was -20 °C. Electrospun CA-SP nanofibers were biodegradable and environmentally friendly, with stable release. This study presents a new technique that could be beneficial for the monitoring and control of OFMs. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Long-term cultivation of retinal pigment epithelium cells on nanofiber scaffolds.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal degenerative diseases. The introduction of healthy RPE cell cultures into the subretinal space offers a potential treatment strategy. The aim of this study was the long-term culture and characterisation of RPE cells on nanofiber scaffolds. Nanofiber scaffolds consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) and collagen were prepared by electrospinning. Porcine RPE cell cultures were maintained on PCL scaffolds, PCL-collagen scaffolds, and controls at the bottom of 24-well plates. Cell culture analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry, while the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and PDGF-β was measured by ELISA and multiplex assays. Ultrastructural features were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The observation period averaged 42.7 weeks for controls, 38.7 weeks for PCL scaffold cultures, and 36.1 weeks for PCL-collagen scaffold cultures, with cell number and morphology remaining stable. TNF-α levels in the supernatants were minimal, IL-6 levels were consistently low, and IL-8 levels decreased from initially high to lower levels over time. RPE cells were stably cultured on nanofiber scaffolds for extended periods of time. The long-term physiological properties of RPE cells, including phagocytic ability and visual cycle enzyme activity, need to be further investigated before clinical application. In addition, controlling the expression of inflammatory mediators is a major challenge. Despite these hurdles, overcoming them is critical given the increasing prevalence of retinal degenerative diseases.

Calcium Phosphate (CaP) Composite Nanostructures on Polycaprolactone (PCL): Synergistic Effects on Antibacterial Activity and Osteoblast Behavior.

Bone tissue engineering aims to develop biomaterials that are capable of effectively repairing and regenerating damaged bone tissue. Among the various polymers used in this field, polycaprolactone (PCL) is one of the most widely utilized. As a biocompatible polymer, PCL is easy to fabricate, cost-effective, and offers consistent quality control, making it a popular choice for biomedical applications. However, PCL lacks inherent antibacterial properties, making it susceptible to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, which can lead to implant failure. To address this issue, this study aims to enhance the antibacterial properties of PCL by incorporating calcium phosphate composite (PCL_CaP) nanostructures onto its surface via hydrothermal synthesis. The resulting "PCL_CaP" nanostructured surfaces exhibited improved wettability and demonstrated mechano-bactericidal potential against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The flake-like morphology of the fabricated CaP nanostructures effectively disrupted bacteria membranes, inhibiting bacterial growth. Furthermore, the "PCL_CaP" surfaces supported the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts, indicating their potential for bone tissue engineering applications. This study demonstrates the promise of calcium phosphate composite nanostructures as an effective antibacterial coating for implants and medical devices, with further research required to evaluate their long-term stability and in vivo performance.

Influence of Different Solvents on the Mechanical Properties of Electrospun Scaffolds.

This article investigates the influence of different solvents on the mechanical properties of biocompatible and biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. During the research, using electrospinning technology, 27 samples of polycaprolactone nanofibers exposed to different solvents were produced. A tensile test was performed on the produced nanofiber samples, and the nanofiber mechanical properties, yield strength, elastic modulus, and elastic elongation were calculated, and load-displacement and stress-strain dependence diagrams were compared from the obtained results. The strongest nanofiber was singled out, and its mechanical properties were compared with those of biological tissues and its application in tissue engineering. The structure was determined using a scanning electron microscope, and the structures of nanofibers exposed to different solvents were compared. After calculating the influence of different solvents on the mechanical properties of the nanofibers, the strongest structure was identified, PCL and chloroform, which has an elastic modulus of 9.86 MPa and a yield strength of 1.11 ± 0.32 MPa. The type of solvent used in the production of the solution affects the homogeneity of the fibre and the shape of the filaments. In solvents with lower viscosity, the fibre filaments are more homogeneous and more evenly distributed.

Antimicrobial membranes based on polycaprolactone:pectin blends reinforced with zeolite faujasite for cloxacillin-controlled release

Multifunctional membranes applied to biomedical materials become attractive to support the biological agents and increase their properties. In this study, biopolymeric fibers based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and pectin (PEC) were reinforced with faujasite zeolite (FAU) for cloxacillin antibiotic (CLX) loading. FAU with a high specific surface area (347 ± 8 m2 g−1), high crystallinity and particles with a diameter of up to 100 nm were produced under optimized synthesis conditions (100 °C/4 h). Zeolites were incorporated into polymeric nanofibers to be a cloxacillin (CLX) carrier in wound treatment, using electrospinning as an efficient synthesis method. The fibers produced showed good mechanical resistance and the incorporation of CLX was proven by assays to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The controlled release of CLX in different pH conditions, which simulate the wound environment, was carried out for up to 229 h, achieving a released CLX concentration of up to 6.18 ± 0.02 mg L−1. These results prove that obtaining a hybrid fiber (polymer-zeolite) to incorporate drugs to be released in a controlled manner was successfully achieved. The bactericidal activity of this material shows that its use for measured applications could be an alternative to conventional methods.Graphical abstract

Characterization of Thin Polymer Layer Prepared from Liposomes and Polyelectrolytes for TGF-β3 Release in Tissue Engineering.

Implant-integrated drug delivery systems that enable the release of biologically active factors can be part of an in situ tissue engineering approach to restore biological function. Implants can be functionalized with drug-loaded nanoparticles through a layer-by-layer assembly. Such coatings can release biologically active levels of growth factors. Sustained release is desired for many in vivo applications. The layer-by-layer technique also allows for the addition of extra layers, which can serve as "barriers" to delay the release. Electrospun Polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber mats are modified with a Chitosan (CS) grafted with PCL sidechains (CS-g-PCL24) and coated with transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) loaded Chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles as a drug delivery system. Additional layers including polystyrene sulfonate, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, and liposomes (phosphatidylcholine) are applied. Streaming potential and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicated a strong interpenetration of the chitosan and polyanion layers, while liposomes formed separate layers, which are more promising for sustained release. All samples release TGF-β3 at different cumulative levels without altering release kinetics. Variations in layer structure, interpenetration, and stability depending on the chitosan used are observed, which ultimately has minimal impact on the release kinetics. Polyelectrolyte layers strongly interpenetrated the active layers and therefore do not act as effective diffusion barriers, while the liposome layer, though separated, lacked sufficient stability.

SELECTION OF POLYMER FOR STENT-GRAFT COATING IN TERMS OF BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND BIODEGRADATION CHARACTERISTICS

HighlightsCoated stents or stent-grafts are widely used in endovascular surgery to close arterial perforations, dissections and aneurysms, as well as in stenting of arteries with loose atherosclerotic plaques in order to reduce the risk of emboli and strokes. The material of stent coating is of great importance in the prevention of early thrombosis and restenosis of stent grafts. Biodegradable polymers have an advantage over non-biodegradable polymers because they do not remain in the patient's tissues for a long period of time and do not cause chronic inflammation. The study of the dynamics and biodegradation characteristics of polymer coating can provide information about its suitability and safety in the stent graft. Annotation Aim. To screen potentially suitable polymers for stent-graft coating with the following assessment of biocompatibility and biodegradation dynamics in an in vivo experiment.Methods. The coating was applied on the stent by electrospinning from a solution of polymers: Polycaprolactone (PCL); polydioxanone (PDO); polylactide-co-caprolactone (P(LA/CL)) with lactide: caprolactone ratio – 70:30; polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) with lactide: glycolide ratio – 50:50. Chloroform (CHCl3) and 1,1,1,1,3,3,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFP) were used as a solvent. Gore-Tex polymer membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) was used as control. In order to evaluate biocompatibility and biodegradation dynamics in vivo, the studied polymeric samples were implanted subcutaneously in male Wistar rats for periods of 7 and 14 days, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. After explantation all samples were studied histologically.Results. 14 days after implantation a moderate inflammatory reaction developed on all polymer specimens. The PTFE material was separated from the surrounding tissues by a thin ordered fibrous capsule, confirming its satisfactory biocompatible properties. The porous structure of PCL membranes was filled by fibroblasts and the specimens were tightly integrated into the surrounding tissues. P(LA/CL) degrades with the formation of large fragments. The composite polymer P(LA/CL)/PDO degraded to form small fragments that are tightly integrated with the fibrous capsule. PLGA membranes showed high rates of degradation - membrane fragments were detected 3 months after implantation, after 6 months the samples were completely degraded.Conclusion. The results of biocompatibility and biodegradation assessment in vivo indicate that the most promising polymers for stent-graft creation are PCL, PLGA and composite polymer P(LA/CL)/PDO. In order to finalize the choice of polymer, it is necessary to conduct further studies to assess the biocompatibility and degradation of polymer coating during implantation of stent-grafts into the arterial bed of large laboratory animals.

A screening method for polyester films-degrading microorganisms and enzymes.

Enzymatic degradation of plastic pollution offers a promising environmentally friendly waste management strategy, however, suitable biocatalysts must be screened and developed. Traditional screening methods using soluble or solubilised polymers do not necessarily identify enzymes that are effective against solid or crystalline polymers. This study presents a simple, time-saving and cost-effective method for identifying microorganisms and enzymes capable of degrading polymeric films. The method was tested on polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactate (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate/polyhydroxyvalerate (PHB/PHV) films. It involves two steps: first, screening for PCL diol (PCLD)-degrading microorganisms on agar plates, and second, testing these microorganisms on polyester films. Using this screening method, over 100 PCLD-degrading microorganisms and 27 E. coli clones carrying genomic or metagenomic DNA fragments have been isolated. In addition, recombinant cutinases from Streptomyces scabiei and Thermobifida fusca have been tested. Approximately 66 % of the microorganisms forming halos on PCLD agar plates hydrolysed PCL and 6 % - the biaxially oriented PET film. In addition, five PLA- and four PHB/PHV-degrading esterases have been identified. The proposed method is effective for detecting both wild-type and recombinant microorganisms, as well as recombinant enzymes from in vitro transcription-translation reactions. Screening for thermostable and thermophilic enzymes, including those resistant to organic solvents or environmental inhibitors, is also easily implemented.

A novel suture-free nephroplication with 4D-printed biodegradable bag for giant hydronephrosis: initial experience from hydromechanics and clinical application.

Giant hydronephrosis as an rare condition is often caused by chronic ureteral obstruction. Nephroplication is a crucial procedure to improve urinary drainage in the kidney-sparing surgery for patients with giant hydronephrosis. However, traditional nephroplication via suturing kidney has technical difficulty and many potential risks. We devised a novel suture-free nephroplication by using a 4 dimension (4D)-printed biodegradable bag. Structures of the bag were observed by a scanning electron microscope. Hydromechanical analysis was conducted to explore the mechanism of this novel surgery. Patients with giant hydronephrosis caused by ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) were recruited. Computed tomography (CT) and renal emission computed tomography (ECT) were used to evaluate the renal morphology and function in preoperative examination and follow-up. 4D-printed biodegradable bag was fabricated using polycaprolactone (PCL). Hydromechanical analysis indicated that reduced space of renal pelvis after the nephroplication could improve urinary drainage. Finally, three patients were recruited, and underwent this novel suture-free nephroplication successfully. Postoperative CT and renal ECT performed at three months after the operation revealed significant recovery of affected kidney. Among them, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of affected kidneys in two patients increased from less than 10mL/min to 13.11mL/min and 14.30mL/min respectively, indicating the significant recovery of split renal function. This is a novel suture-free nephroplication for treating benign giant hydronephrosis, in which the 4D-printed biodegradable bag simplified and standardized surgical procedures significantly. Initial experience from clinical application is encouraging, suggesting that the nephrectomy for patients with benign giant hydronephrosis might be avoided. Future investigations on long-term outcomes of this new surgery are warranted.

Polycaprolactone for Hard Tissue Regeneration: Scaffold Design and In Vivo Implications.

In the last thirty years, tissue engineering (TI) has emerged as an alternative method to regenerate tissues and organs and restore their function by implanting specific lineage cells, growth factors, or biomolecules functionalizing a matrix scaffold. Recently, several pathologies have led to bone loss or damage, such as malformations, bone resorption associated with benign or malignant tumors, periodontal disease, traumas, and others in which a discontinuity in tissue integrity is observed. Bone tissue is characterized by different stiffness, mechanical traction, and compression resistance as a function of the different compartments, which can influence susceptibility to injury or destruction. For this reason, research into repairing bone defects began several years ago to find a scaffold to improve bone regeneration. Different techniques can be used to manufacture 3D scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration based on optimizing reproducible scaffolds with a controlled hierarchical porous structure like the extracellular matrix of bone. Additionally, the scaffolds synthesized can facilitate the inclusion of bone or mesenchymal stem cells with growth factors that improve bone osteogenesis, recruiting new cells for the neighborhood to generate an optimal environment for tissue regeneration. In this review, current state-of-the-art scaffold manufacturing based on the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration will be described by reporting relevant studies focusing on processing techniques, from traditional-i.e., freeze casting, thermally induced phase separation, gas foaming, solvent casting, and particle leaching-to more recent approaches, such as 3D additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing/bioprinting, electrofluid dynamics/electrospinning), as well as integrated techniques. As a function of the used technique, this work aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the benefits/limitations of PCL-based scaffolds in order to establish a relationship between scaffold composition, namely integration of other biomaterial phases' structural properties (i.e., pore morphology and mechanical properties) and in vivo response.

New Rat Model Mimicking Sacrocolpopexy for POP Treatment and Biomaterials Testing via Unilateral Presacral Suspension.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) impacts women's health and quality of life. Post-surgery complications can be severe. This study uses rat models to replicate sacrocolpopexy and test materials for pelvic support, verifying the 4-week postoperative mortality rate, the mechanical properties of the mesh tissue, and the collagen content. Twenty-one 12-week-old female Wistar rats were used. Eighteen rats were subjected to POP induction by cervical suction and constant traction. One week after prolapse modeling, 18 prolapsed rats underwent unilateral presacral suspension (UPS) surgery with polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds, decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffolds, or polypropylene (PP) meshes (n = 6 each). UPS rats were compared with normal rats (n = 3). After 4 weeks, conditions and mortality were recorded. The rats were then euthanized for biomechanical testing and collagen analysis. Ultimate load (N) was defined as the highest load before the failure of the target sample. The UPS procedure requires 42.9 ± 4.5min with no complications or deaths over 4 weeks. SIS was the stiffest mesh (14.53 ± 0.86 N), followed by PP (8.43 ± 0.40 N), and PCL was the least stiff (0.66 ± 0.05 N). After 4 weeks, the ultimate load of the PCL complex increased to 1.71 ± 0.41 N (p = 0.0120), but showed no significant difference from parametrial fascia (1.25 ± 0.85 N) and uterosacral ligament (0.66 ± 0.41 N). The ultimate load of the SIS complex decreased to 5.99 ± 0.37 N, still higher than native tissue. The PP complex's ultimate load (10.02 ± 1.80 N) showed no significant difference from PP alone. The collagen ratio of the PCL complex (48.11 ± 9.88%) was closest to that of the uterosacral ligament (36.66 ± 11.64%), whereas SIS and PP complexes had significantly higher collagen ratios than USL. Unilateral presacral suspension mimics classical surgery for human POP in rats. First, this procedure can investigate the mechanical properties of pelvic floor tissues at the cellular level after correcting POP. Second, it can be used to validate new materials for the surgical treatment of POP, including but not limited to foreign body reactions with surrounding tissues, absorption time, etc. Third, it can be used to study the biological mechanisms of mesh exposure.