Types Of Scaffolds Research Articles

Review on vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing of bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds.

Bone defects frequently occur in clinical settings due to trauma, disease, tumors, and other causes. The clinical use of autologous bones and allograft bone, however, has several limitations, such as limited sources, donor site morbidity, and immunological rejection. Nevertheless, there is newfound hope for regenerating and repairing bone defects through the development and integration of bone tissue engineering scaffold and additive manufacturing (AM) technology, also known as 3D printing. In particular, vat photopolymerization (VPP)-AM of bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds has garnered significant interest from interdisciplinary researchers in recent years. On the one hand, VPP-AM demonstrates clear advantages in printing accuracy and speed compared to other AM and non-AM technologies. On the other hand, bioactive ceramic materials exhibit superior bioactivity, biodegradability, and mechanical properties compared to metals, polymers, and bioinert ceramics, making them one of the most promising biomaterials for developing bone scaffolds. This paper reviews the research progress of VPP-AM of bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds, covering the process principles of various VPP-AM technologies, the performance requirements and preparation process of VPP ceramic slurry, the VPP process of bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds, and the research progress on different material types of VPP bioactive ceramic scaffolds. Firstly, we provide a brief introduction to the process principles and medical applications of various VPP technologies. Secondly, we explore the composition of the VPP ceramic slurry system, discussing the function of various components and their effects on printing quality. Thirdly, we delve into the performance requirements of bone scaffolds and summarize the research progress of VPP bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds of various material types including hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), bioglass (BG), etc.; Finally, we discuss the challenges currently faced by VPP-AM bioactive ceramic bone scaffolds and propose possible development directions for the future.

Parametric Scaffold Design for Property Control of Multi-Material Structure in Metallic Hybrid Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have lots of advantages to fabricate complex structures in both shape and material composition. However, there is rarely a single-step AM process for high-performance ceramic-reinforced metal matrix composite (MMC) with complex geometric shapes. To achieve the fabrication of MMC structures with controlled mechanical properties, this paper proposes a novel design and manufacturing method for the modular hybrid AM process combining a binder jetting sintering process with conventional casting. At first, different material compositions are assigned to these two processes, and then a parametric design method is applied to control the generation of a qualified (self-supported) scaffold, which will be printed as a ceramic reinforcement frame with less AM post-processing. Finally, the whole sintered scaffold is immersed in molten metal for casting control. In this way, by changing the unit cell type, size, and porosity ratio of the parametric scaffold, the composition ratio of materials changes, which results in the change of the structure's mechanical properties. A case study is presented at the end to prove the proposed concept.

The Dual Effect of 3D-Printed Biological Scaffolds Composed of Diverse Biomaterials in the Treatment of Bone Tumors.

Bone tumors, including primary bone tumors, invasive bone tumors, metastatic bone tumors, and others, are one of the most clinical difficulties in orthopedics. Once these tumors have grown and developed in the bone system, they will interact with osteocytes and other environmental cells in the bone system's microenvironment, leading to the eventual damage of the bone's physical structure. Surgical procedures for bone tumors may result in permanent defects. The dual-efficacy of tissue regeneration and tumor treatment has made biomaterial scaffolds frequently used in treating bone tumors. 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing or rapid printing prototype, is the transformation of 3D computer models into physical models through deposition, curing, and material fusion of successive layers. Adjustable shape, porosity/pore size, and other mechanical properties are an advantage of 3D-printed objects, unlike natural and synthetic material with fixed qualities. Researchers have demonstrated the significant role of diverse 3D-printed biological scaffolds in the treatment for bone tumors and the regeneration of bone tissue, and that they enhanced various performance of the products. Based on the characteristics of bone tumors, this review synthesized the findings of current researchers on the application of various 3D-printed biological scaffolds including bioceramic scaffold, metal alloy scaffold and nano-scaffold, in bone tumors and discussed the advantages, disadvantages, and future application prospects of various types of 3D-printed biological scaffolds. Finally, the future development trend of 3D-printed biological scaffolds in bone tumor is summarized, providing a theoretical foundation and a larger outlook for the use of biological scaffolds in the treatment of patients with bone tumors.

Automated Cell Viability Analysis in Tissue Scaffolds

Image processing techniques are frequently used for extracting quantitative information (cell area, cell size, cell counting, etc.) from different types of microscopic images. Image analysis of cell biology and tissue engineering is time consuming and requires personal expertise. In addition, evaluation of the results may be subjective. Therefore, computer-based learning applications have been rapidly developed in recent years. In this study, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) images of the viable pre-osteoblastic mouse MC3T3-E1 cells in 3D bioprinted tissue scaffolds, captured from a bone tissue regeneration study, were analyzed by using image processing techniques. The goal of this study is to develop a reliable and fast algorithm for semi-automatic analysis of CLSM images. Percentages of live and dead cell areas in the scaffolds were determined with image correlation, and then, total cell viabilities were calculated. The other goal of this study is to determine the depth profile of viable cells in 3D tissue scaffold. Manual measurements of four different analysts were obtained. The measurement variations of analysts, also known as the coefficient of variation, were determined from 13.18% to 98.34% for live cell images and from 9.75% to 126.02% for dead cell images. To overcome this subjectivity, a semi-automatic algorithm was developed. Consequently, cross-sectional image sets of three different types of tissue scaffolds were analyzed. As a result, maximum cell viabilities were obtained at intervals of 63 µm and 90 µm from the scaffold surface.

A Framework of Rhetorical Moves Designed to Scaffold the Research Proposal Development Process

Aim/Purpose: To provide a research proposal writing framework to help doctoral students argue and motivate their efforts at furthering the existing knowledge available to understand some phenomenon or theory. Background: I discuss how the cognitive process theory of writing and the science writing heuristic can lead to a set of rhetorical moves and question prompts that students can use to develop the content of their research proposals. Methodology: I searched the literature on research proposal writing and, more broadly, academic writing to locate teaching and learning concepts associated with my recent question prompt approach used to guide my doctoral students. I used search words such as “writing” and “question prompts.” My review led me to the cognitive process theory of writing and heuristic scaffolding. I searched further using keywords such as “rhetorical move” and “heuristic prompts.” I performed several iterations of literature searches and reviews. Contribution: Instead of guiding a linearly developed research proposal that begins with an Introduction and proceeds to a Literature Review and then a Research Design and Methods section, the framework reveals a research proposal’s underlying logical flow and content by describing five rhetorical moves: establishing a topic question from an interesting phenomenon, establishing research opportunities, selecting a research question, providing a tentative solution, and establishing a plan to investigate the solution. Thus, the framework contributes to scholarship about how educators can facilitate independent reflection and broader problem-solving at the doctoral research proposal development stage. Particularly for the social sciences, it reveals the promise of the cognitive process theory of writing, dual problem space model of reflection, and heuristic scaffolding as valuable theoretical perspectives for the supervision of the planning phase of doctoral research. Recommendations for Practitioners: Teachers and advisors may use the framework’s rhetorical moves and question prompts as cognitive scaffolds to help students navigate an ill-structured problem typical of doctoral research projects in the social sciences. The question type of scaffolding gives the research student more responsibility; rather than the thesis supervisor or advisor articulating a model or nominating the technique, they require the student to self-regulate and develop it independently. This helps deal with the oft-experienced circumstance in which the supervisor does not have time to interact directly and regularly with the student.

Impact of a staggered scaffold structure on the mechanical properties and cell response in bone tissue engineering.

The primary goal of bone tissue engineering is to fabricate scaffolds that can provide a microenvironment similar to that of natural bone. Therefore, various scaffolds have been designed to replicate the bone structure. Although most tissues exhibit complicated structures, their basic structural unit includes stiff platelets arranged in a staggered micro-array. Therefore, many researchers have designed scaffolds with staggered patterns. However, relatively few studies have comprehensively analyzed this type of scaffold. In this review, we have analyzed scientific research pertaining to staggered scaffold designs and summarized their effects on the physical and biological properties of scaffolds. Compression tests or finite element analysis are typically used to evaluate the mechanical properties of scaffolds, and most studies have performed experiments in cell cultures. Staggered scaffolds improve mechanical strength and are beneficial for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation in comparison with conventional designs. However, very few have been studied in vivo experiments. Additionally, studies on the effect of staggered structures on angiogenesis or bone regeneration in vivo, particularly in large animals, are required. Currently, with the prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies, highly optimized models can be developed, resulting in better discoveries. In the future, AI can be used to deepen our understanding on the staggered structure, promoting its use in clinical applications.

Dithioallyl cation (3 + 2) cycloadditions under aprotic reaction conditions: rapid access to spiro-fused cyclopentane scaffolds.

We report a general method to effect all-carbon (3 + 2) cycloadditions that can elaborate cyclopentenes from a range of olefins. The required dithioallyl cation reagents can be generated in a newly developed mild protocol starting from 2-allyloxypyridine precursors, thus avoiding the use of strong Brønsted acids. The novel method significantly expands the substrate scope, which now also includes acid-sensitive olefins, and thus enables the preparation of previously inaccessible spiro-fused scaffold types from simple and readily available starting materials.

Using Scaffolding to Support Students’ English Speaking: What Does The Teacher Think?

This study aims to explore the scaffolding instruction used in developing students’ speaking and describe the teacher's perspective after using scaffolding to support and help students develop their English speaking skills. A qualitative descriptive research method was used in this study that aims to describe the situation observed in the field more precisely, transparently, and in-depth. The focus of this study was one English teacher in a primary school. In collecting the data, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews and observations to obtain the teacher’s perception and the instructional scaffolding used in teaching speaking. Then in analyzing data, the researcher adopts Miles and Huberman's (1994) method consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion or drawing. The results showed that the types of scaffolding used by the researcher in teaching English were two types: modelling and bridge, and then the positive and negative effects were provided. Significantly, this study can be used as a reference in supporting students to develop their speaking skills through instructional scaffolding.

Effects of Scaffolding Type and Metacognition Level on Higher-order Thinking Skills and Task Performance in Mathematical Learning: Lens of Neo-Vygotskian Theoretical Learning

Neo-Vygotskian theoretical learning was developed based on Vygotsky’s notions of scientific knowledge as psychological tools and teaching these tools as major instructional content. Vygotsky’s adherents challenged the validity of the theoretical assumptions of guided discovery learning and argued that this scaffolding strategy was probably not a proper way to teach students scientific knowledge. Therefore, this paper investigated the effects of these different scaffolds and learners’ metacognition on their higher-order thinking skills and task performance in mathematical learning. Eighty-four eighth grade students participated in our study. The learning sessions consisting of eight 40-minute lessons were conducted by a single teacher. The results showed that the theoretical learning group developed significantly better higher-order thinking skills and performed better than did the guided discovery learning group or the didactic learning group. Moreover, our study did not find a significant interaction between scaffolding type and metacognition, which indicated that the theoretical learning scaffold was more effective than were the other scaffolds regardless of the levels of metacognition.

Periodontal Ligament-Mimetic Fibrous Scaffolds Regulate YAP-Associated Fibroblast Behaviors and Promote Regeneration of Periodontal Defect in Relation to the Scaffold Topography.

Although multiple regenerative strategies are being developed for periodontal reconstruction, guided periodontal ligament (PDL) regeneration is difficult because of its cellular and fibrous complexities. Here, we manufactured four different types of PDL-mimic fibrous scaffolds on a desired single mat. These scaffolds exhibited a structure of PDL matrix and human PDL fibroblasts (PDLFs) cultured on the scaffolds resembling morphological phenotypes present in native PDLF. The scaffold-seeded PDLF exerted proliferative, osteoblastic, and osteoclastogenic potentials depending on the fiber topographical cues. Fiber surface-regulated behaviors of PDLF were correlated with the expression patterns of yes-associated protein (YAP), CD105, periostin, osteopontin, and vinculin. Transfection with si-RNA confirmed that YAP acted as the master mechanosensing regulator. Of the as-spun scaffolds, aligned or grid-patterned microscale scaffold regulated the YAP-associated behavior of PDLF more effectively than nanomicroscale or random-oriented microscale scaffold. Implantation with hydrogel complex conjugated with microscale-patterned or grid-patterned scaffold, but not other types of scaffolds, recovered the defected PDL with native PDL-mimic cellularization and fiber structure in the reformed PDL. Our results demonstrate that PDL-biomimetic scaffolds regulate topography-related and YAP-mediated behaviors of PDLF in relation to their topographies. Overall, this study may support a clinical approach of the fiber-hydrogel complex in guided PDL regenerative engineering.

Designing Silk-Based Cryogels for Biomedical Applications.

There is a need to develop the next generation of medical products that require biomaterials with improved properties. The versatility of various gels has pushed them to the forefront of biomaterials research. Cryogels, a type of gel scaffold made by controlled crosslinking under subzero or freezing temperatures, have great potential to address many current challenges. Unlike their hydrogel counterparts, which are also able to hold large amounts of biologically relevant fluids such as water, cryogels are often characterized by highly dense and crosslinked polymer walls, macroporous structures, and often improved properties. Recently, one biomaterial that has garnered a lot of interest for cryogel fabrication is silk and its derivatives. In this review, we provide a brief overview of silk-based biomaterials and how cryogelation can be used for novel scaffold design. We discuss how various parameters and fabrication strategies can be used to tune the properties of silk-based biomaterials. Finally, we discuss specific biomedical applications of silk-based biomaterials. Ultimately, we aim to demonstrate how the latest advances in silk-based cryogel scaffolds can be used to address challenges in numerous bioengineering disciplines.

Tomato based gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel as an effective natural and low-cost scaffold for accelerative wound healing

Oxidative stress and infection are the main reasons for postponement of wound healing rate. They can potentially lead to serious inflammation and eventually lead to a longer and more painful recovery phase. Although wound dressings based on synthetic materials with antioxidative property have been proved to exhibit remarkable effect in controlling ROS level and improving wound healing, issues, such as high cost in raw materials, complicated procedures, usage of various toxic additives, and potential allergies, have significantly confined further clinical applications. In this study, a novel type of tissue engineering scaffold, based on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicon) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), was prepared via facile lyophilization and photo cross-link method (SL/GelMA). By taking advantages of various antioxidative components, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin E, and vitamin C in tomatoes, SL/GelMA can effectively regulate ROS level, relieve the oxidative stress in wound bed, promote cell migration and angiogenesis, contribute to collagen deposition, and thus accelerate the rate of wound enclosure. Along with its high biocompatibility and low allergic potential, we believe that the food-derived wound dressing with facile preparation method, easy accessibility, and high cost-effectiveness can be translated for clinical treatments of various chronic wounds.

Periodontal ligament stem cell-based bioactive constructs for bone tissue engineering.

Objectives: Stem cell-based tissue engineering approaches are promising for bone repair and regeneration. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are a promising cell source for tissue engineering, especially for maxillofacial bone and periodontal regeneration. Many studies have shown potent results via PDLSCs in bone regeneration. In this review, we describe recent cutting-edge researches on PDLSC-based bone regeneration and periodontal tissue regeneration. Data and sources: An extensive search of the literature for papers related to PDLSCs-based bioactive constructs for bone tissue engineering was made on the databases of PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. The papers were selected by three independent calibrated reviewers. Results: Multiple types of materials and scaffolds have been combined with PDLSCs, involving xeno genic bone graft, calcium phosphate materials and polymers. These PDLSC-based constructs exhibit the potential for bone and periodontal tissue regeneration. In addition, various osteo inductive agents and strategies have been applied with PDLSCs, including drugs, biologics, gene therapy, physical stimulation, scaffold modification, cell sheets and co-culture. Conclusoin: This review article demonstrates the great potential of PDLSCs-based bioactive constructs as a promising approach for bone and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Electrospinning vs. Electro-Assisted Solution Blow Spinning for Fabrication of Fibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Biodegradable polymeric fibrous non-woven materials are widely used type of scaffolds for tissue engineering. Their morphology and properties could be controlled by composition and fabrication technology. This work is aimed at development of fibrous scaffolds from a multicomponent polymeric system containing biodegradable synthetic (polylactide, polycaprolactone) and natural (gelatin, chitosan) components using different methods of non-woven mats fabrication: electrospinning and electro-assisted solution blow spinning. The effect of the fabrication technique of the fibrous materials onto their morphology and properties, including the ability to support adhesion and growth of cells, was evaluated. The mats fabricated using electrospinning technology consist of randomly oriented monofilament fibers, while application of solution blow spinning gave a rise to chaotically arranged multifilament fibers. Cytocompatibility of all fabricated fibrous mats was confirmed using in vitro analysis of metabolic activity, proliferative capacity and morphology of NIH 3T3 cell line. Live/Dead assay revealed the formation of the highest number of cell-cell contacts in the case of multifilament sample formed by electro-assisted solution blow spinning technology.

Genetically Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Harboring Transmembrane Scaffolds Exhibit Differences in Their Size, Expression Levels of Specific Surface Markers and Cell-Uptake.

Human cell-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) are versatile nanomaterials suitable for disease-targeted drug delivery and therapy. Native EVs, however, usually do not interact specifically with target cells or harbor therapeutic drugs, which limits their potential for clinical applications. These functions can be introduced to EVs by genetic manipulation of membrane protein scaffolds, although the efficiency of these manipulations and the impacts they have on the properties of EVs are for the most part unknown. In this study, we quantify the effects of genetic manipulations of different membrane scaffolds on the physicochemical properties, molecular profiles, and cell uptake of the EVs. Using a combination of gene fusion, molecular imaging, and immuno-based on-chip analysis, we examined the effects of various protein scaffolds, including endogenous tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, and CD81) and exogenous vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG), on the efficiency of integration in EV membranes, the physicochemical properties of EVs, and EV uptake by recipient cells. Fluorescence imaging and live cell monitoring showed each scaffold type was integrated into EVs either in membranes of the endocytic compartment, the plasma membrane, or both. Analysis of vesicle size revealed that the incorporation of each scaffold increased the average diameter of vesicles compared to unmodified EVs. Molecular profiling of surface markers in engineered EVs using on-chip assays showed the CD63-GFP scaffold decreased expression of CD81 on the membrane surface compared to control EVs, whereas its expression was mostly unchanged in EVs bearing CD9-, CD81-, or VSVG-GFP. The results from cell uptake studies demonstrated that VSVG-engineered EVs were taken up by recipient cells to a greater degree than control EVs. We found that the incorporation of different molecular scaffolds in EVs altered their physicochemical properties, surface protein profiles, and cell-uptake functions. Scaffold-induced changes in the physical and functional properties of engineered EVs should therefore be considered in engineering EVs for the targeted delivery and uptake of therapeutics to diseased cells.

Proliferation and Morphological Assessment of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblast towards Bovine Pericardium Membranes: An In Vitro Study.

Over the past decade regenerative branches of dentistry have taken on more and more importance, resulting in the development of performing scaffold materials. These should induce cell adhesion, support, and guide the tissues' growth. Among the developed materials, we can include resorbable or non-membranes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the proliferation abilities and the attachment of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLIFs) over two bovine pericardium membranes with different thicknesses, 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively. These membranes have been decellularized by the manufacturer, preserving the three-dimensional collagen's structure. The HPLFs were cultured in standard conditions and exposed to the tested materials. XTT was performed to assess cell proliferation, while light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations assessed fibroblast morphology at different times (T1, T2, and T3). Proliferation assays have shown a statistically significant difference in growth at T1 (p < 0.05) in the cells cultured with a thicker membrane compared to the thinner one. LM analysis showed healthy fibroblasts in contact with the membranes, appearing larger and with a polygonal shape. SEM observation demonstrated thickening of the fibroblasts which continued to adhere to the membrane's surface, with enlarged polygonal shape and developed filipodia and lamellipodia. These results showed a similar cell behavior over the two bovine pericardium membranes, demonstrating a cellular migration along and within the layers of the membrane, binding with membrane fibers by means of filopodial extensions. Knowledge of the effects of the collagen membranes derived from bovine pericardium on cellular behavior will help clinicians choose the type of scaffolds according to the required clinical situation.

The Efficacy of Advanced Platelet-rich Fibrin in Revascularization of Immature Necrotic Teeth

The present study aims to compare advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) and conventional blood clot as scaffolds in the regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) and to evaluate their effectiveness in the development of traumatized nonvital immature teeth roots. Regenerative endodontic procedure was carried out on 20 traumatized nonvital immature maxillary incisors of 17 patients between the ages of 8 and 12 years. Irrigation with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid was done following minimal mechanical debridement. Canal disinfection was achieved using calcium hydroxide paste. According to the scaffold type, teeth were randomly allocated into A-PRF (n = 10) and conventional blood-clot groups (n = 10). Apical width and root dimensions (length and thickness) were analyzed radiographically and statistically after 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Fifteen patients with 18 teeth (A-PRF n = 9, blood clot n = 9) completed the follow-up, and 2 patients were excluded. Patients in both groups were asymptomatic. There was a significant increase within each group in respect to root length, root thickness at one- and two-thirds, and root apex width for all timepoints. While percent of change between the two groups was statistically insignificant. Regenerative endodontic procedure for traumatized immature nonvital teeth with either conventional blood clot or A-PRF as scaffold was comparable, except in cases where adequate bleeding cannot be achieved. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin provides a suitable scaffold that can be used in REP of teeth with close proximity to vital structures such as inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) or mental nerve, where using a sharp instrument to induce bleeding can cause damage and also in cases where adequate bleeding cannot be achieved.

The Rising Star Scaffolding Guide: Supporting Young Children's Early Spelling Skills

AbstractSupporting early writing skills in pre‐kindergarten lays an important foundation for later writing achievement as well as reading achievement. Specifically, encouraging children to write affords teachers the opportunity to provide scaffolds to improve spelling development. Teachers, however, tend to provide more support than necessary to guide children's early spelling, which may stifle children's opportunities to engage in important thinking that helps them to grow in their literacy knowledge. In this article, we introduce the Rising Star Scaffolding Decision Guide, a step‐by‐step framework for teachers to use when selecting instructional moves to support spelling development while engaging in one‐on‐one writing interactions with children. We describe the types of scaffolds that teachers can use with children, with an emphasis on low‐support scaffolds (RISE) and high‐support scaffolds (STAR). We include examples of teacher–child interactions to illustrate specific scaffolding techniques based on children's writing attempts.

Channel Aperture Characteristics of Carbonate Apatite Honeycomb Scaffolds Affect Ingrowths of Bone and Fibrous Tissues in Vertical Bone Augmentation.

Synthetic scaffolds with the ability to prevent fibrous tissue penetration and promote bone augmentation may realize guided bone regeneration without the use of a barrier membrane for dental implantation. Here, we fabricated two types of honeycomb scaffolds of carbonate apatite, a bone mineral analog, whose channel apertures were square (HC-S) and rectangular (HC-R). The side lengths of the HC-Ss and HC-Rs were 265.8 ± 8.9; 817.7 ± 2.4 and 267.1 ± 5.2 μm, respectively. We placed cylindrical HC-Ss and HC-Rs on the rabbit calvaria. At 4 weeks post-implantation, the HC-Ss prevented fibrous tissue penetration from the top face via the channels, which allowed the new bone to reach the top of the scaffold from the bottom face or the calvarium. In contrast, in the HC-Rs, fibrous tissues filled the channels in the top region. At 12 weeks post-implantation, the HC-Ss were partially replaced with new bone. In the top region of the HC-Rs, although new bone had formed, fibrous tissue remained. According to the findings here and in our previous study, the longer side length rather than the shorter side length of a rectangular scaffold channel aperture is the dominant factor that affects fibrous tissue penetration and new bone augmentation. Furthermore, even though channel aperture areas are similar, bone and fibrous tissue ingrowths are different when the aperture shapes are different.

Films, Gels and Electrospun Fibers from Serum Albumin Globular Protein for Medical Device Coating, Biomolecule Delivery and Regenerative Engineering.

Albumin is a natural biomaterial that is abundantly available in blood and body fluids. It is clinically used as a plasma expander, thereby increasing the plasma thiol concentration due to its cysteine residues. Albumin is a regulator of intervascular oncotic pressure, serves as an anti-inflammatory modulator, and it has a buffering role due to its histidine imidazole residues. Because of its unique biological and physical properties, albumin has also emerged as a suitable biomaterial for coating implantable devices, for cell and drug delivery, and as a scaffold for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. As a biomaterial, albumin can be used as surface-modifying film or processed either as cross-linked protein gels or as electrospun fibers. Herein we have discussed how albumin protein can be utilized in regenerative medicine as a hydrogel and as a fibrous mat for a diverse role in successfully delivering drugs, genes, and cells to targeted tissues and organs. The review of prior studies indicated that albumin is a tunable biomaterial from which different types of scaffolds with mechanical properties adjustable for various biomedical applications can be fabricated. Based on the progress made to date, we concluded that albumin-based device coatings, delivery of drugs, genes, and cells are promising strategies in regenerative and personalized medicine.