Viability Of Fibroblast Cells Research Articles

Cold atmospheric plasma activation of human gingival fibroblasts for improved wound healing

Abstract Soft tissue regeneration plays a crucial role after oral surgery, as the successful healing of the soft tissue is a primary indicator of an efficacious intervention. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic modality, exhibiting notable effects on cell migration and proliferation. Despite its potential, the dental application of CAP remains underexplored. This in vitro study aims to elucidate the impact of CAP activated medium on human gingival fibroblast responses, for future wound healing strategies. The study was divided into four parts: initial characterization of the plasma Jet, assessment of cell concentration, exploration of treatment distance effects, and treatment time dynamics. Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to complete DMEM medium (without sodium pyruvate) activated with CAP at treatment distances of 2, 5, 7, and 9 mm, and treatment times of 15, 60, 120, 180, and 300 s for 1, 2 and 3 d of culture. The cell viability was evaluated using resazurin-based method, while wound healing dynamics was assessed via the scratch assay technique using phase-contrast microscopy. The cell morphology was characterised through fluorescence microscopy using propidium iodide and phalloidin staining, complemented by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that treatment distances and exposure times can influence the cell behaviour depending on the cell concentration. For the selected concentration of 1 × 104 cells ml−1, a treatment distance of 9 mm appeared to enhance human gingival fibroblast viability compared to a treatment distance of 2 mm and the control group. The images revealed adherent cells with a pattern typical of fibroblasts. However, no differences were observed for exposure times of 15 s and 180 s. The observed results further evidence that the exposure of the medium to the CAP device promoted an increase in cell viability, proliferation, and attachment in human gingival fibroblasts.

Pristine Photopolymerizable Gelatin Hydrogels: A Low-Cost and Easily Modifiable Platform for Biomedical Applications.

The study addresses the challenge of temperature sensitivity in pristine gelatin hydrogels, widely used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, low cost, and cell adhesion properties. Traditional gelatin hydrogels dissolve at physiological temperatures, limiting their utility. Here, we introduce a novel method for creating stable hydrogels at 37 °C using pristine gelatin through photopolymerization without requiring chemical modifications. This approach enhances consistency and simplifies production and functionalization of the gelatin with bioactive molecules. The stabilization mechanism involves the partial retention of the triple-helix structure of gelatin below 25 °C, which provides specific crosslinking sites. Upon activation by visible light, ruthenium (Ru) acts as a photosensitizer that generates sulphate radicals from sodium persulphate (SPS), inducing covalent bonding between tyrosine residues and "locking" the triple-helix conformation. The primary focus of this work is the characterization of the mechanical properties, swelling ratio, and biocompatibility of the photopolymerized gelatin hydrogels. Notably, these hydrogels supported better cell viability and elongation in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) compared to GelMA, and similar performance was observed for human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). As a proof of concept for functionalization, gelatin was modified with selenous acid (GelSe), which demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities, particularly against E. coli and S. aureus. These results suggest that pristine gelatin hydrogels, enhanced through this new photopolymerization method and functionalized with bioactive molecules, hold potential for advancing regenerative medicine and tissue engineering by providing robust, biocompatible scaffolds for cell culture and therapeutic applications.

Assessing design-induced elasticity of 3D printed auxetic scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Auxetic scaffolds fabricated via additive manufacturing can enable cyclic mechanical stimulation to promote the biomechanical functionalization of engineered tissues. Typical designs of additively manufactured scaffolds used in tissue engineering literature (e.g., 0/90˚ strand laydown) are not amenable to cyclic loading due to their rigidity, which is in part due to the high stiffness of biopolymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL). Auxetic scaffolds can help overcome this due to their design-induced elasticity while recapitulating negative Poisson’s ratios seen in various natural tissues. In this study, we investigated the effects of auxetic design patterns and unit cell sizes on the mechanical properties of 3D bioplotted PCL scaffolds. First, we assessed the monotonic tensile properties of two auxetic patterns – re-entrant honeycomb and missing rib (unit cell = 3 × 3 mm2 for both) – in comparison to a uniaxial control (0/0˚ strand laydown) using finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental design (n = 3/group). The results showed that the scaffold design significantly impacted scaffold elasticity (p < 0.05), with the missing rib auxetic design demonstrating significantly higher yield strain (48.2 %) compared to the re-entrant honeycomb design (11.0 %) and the control (4.8 %). The missing rib design also possessed significantly lower elastic modulus and tensile strength (11.5 MPa/g and 10 MPa/g, respectively) compared to the re-entrant honeycomb (58 MPa/g and 35.7 MPa/g, respectively) (p < 0.05). For the missing rib design, we further investigated the effect of unit cell size (2 × 2, 3 × 2, 3 × 3 mm2) on the mechanical properties. Both 3 × 2 and 3 × 3 mm2 unit cell scaffolds (n = 3/group) possessed similar mechanical properties whereas the 2 × 2 mm2 unit cell scaffolds possessed significantly lower yield strain and higher elastic modulus and tensile strength (p < 0.05). The missing rib auxetic scaffolds were also tested under tensile cyclic loading for up to 6000 cycles at 10 % of maximum strain at 0.5 Hz. The 2 × 2 mm2 unit cell scaffolds degraded significantly faster than the other two groups. Overall, the 3 × 2 mm2 unit cell scaffolds performed better under cyclic loading in terms of maintaining their tensile strength. Finally, biocompatibility testing of the missing rib 3 × 2 mm2 unit cell scaffolds demonstrated their ability to support the adhesion and viability of fibroblast cells. In future, this knowledge will be leveraged to engineer scaffolds for connective tissues such as tendons and cardiac muscle.

CAPE derivatives: Multifaceted agents for chronic wound healing.

Chronic wounds significantly impact the patients' quality of life, creating an urgent interdisciplinary clinical challenge. The development of novel agents capable of accelerating the healing process is essential. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has demonstrated positive effects on skin regeneration. However, its susceptibility to degradation limits its pharmaceutical application. Chemical modification of the structure improves the pharmacokinetics of this bioactive phenol. Hence, two novel series of CAPE hybrids were designed, synthesized, and investigated as potential skin regenerative agents. To enhance the stability and therapeutic efficacy, a caffeic acid frame was combined with quinolines or isoquinolines by an ester (1a-f) or an amide linkage (2a-f). The effects on cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and HaCaT cells were evaluated at different concentrations; they are not cytotoxic, and some proved to stimulate cell proliferation. The most promising compounds underwent a wound-healing assay in HGFs and HaCaT at the lowest concentrations. Antimicrobial antioxidant properties were also explored. The chemical and thermal stabilities of the best compounds were assessed. In silico predictions were employed to anticipate skin penetration capabilities. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) derivatives 1a and 1d as skin regenerative agents, being able to stimulate cell proliferation, control bacterial growth, regulate ROS levels, and being thermally and chemically stable. An interesting structure-activity relationship was discussed to suggest a promising multitargeted approach for enhanced wound healing.

Fine carbonyl iron particles grafted with poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline): A potential embolization agent for cancer therapy

Despite the significant success of clinical trials on cancer patients using the therapy with carbonyl iron (CI) particles, this topic laid dormant for over two decades. In this context, we developed a CI particle-based embolization agent via polymer surface engineering and tested its biocompatibility and behavior in contact with human blood. The finest grade of the CI particles was controllably grafted with poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx) using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to achieve a system combining the properties of suitable size, high magnetization, and advantages at the cellular level connected to the presence of PiPOx. The cell viability of 3T3 fibroblasts and P388.D1 macrophages was investigated after treatment with particle extracts and was found to be concentration-dependent but generally demonstrated no or mild cytotoxicity. The PiPOx-grafted particles showed negligible effect on the breakdown of human erythrocytes and significantly improved hydrophilic-hemophilic properties when compared to bare CI. The magnetorheological (MR) activity of the particles dispersed in human blood was studied in vitro under shear mode conditions showing slightly decreased shear stresses but improved sedimentation stability. Moreover, the effect of PiPOx molecular weight on the studied parameters was monitored across the whole range of tests. The study demonstrates the potential of prepared core-shell structures in biomedical and related fields of application.

In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Moringa oleifera Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract on Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Background. The market for wound healing biomaterials is a rapidly growing industry globally. Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a plant that has gained attention for its benefit in buccal mouthwashes and antiseptic products. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic potential of MO hydroalcoholic extract on human primary gingival fibroblasts. Methods. The gingival tissue was collected from a healthy adult male at Umm Al-Qura University Dental Teaching Hospital. Gingival fibroblasts were isolated and cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). MO leaves were dried, powdered, and extracted with 80% ethanol. Various concentrations of MO alcohol extract were used to assess the cell viability of gingival fibroblasts using the MTT assay. Results. The gingival fibroblasts treated with higher concentrations of MO hydroalcoholic extract (10, 5, and 2.5 mg/ml) showed significant morphological changes, including cytoplasm swelling, ruptured cells, nuclear changes, and apoptotic bodies. At these concentrations, cell viability decreased sharply. However, at a lower concentration of 2.5 mg/ml, the cells showed better viability. MO alcohol extract at concentrations of 1.25 mg/ml or lower did not have cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts, with cell viability comparable to that of the control. Conclusions. MO alcohol extract at concentrations of 1.25 mg/ml or lower is not cytotoxic and does not induce dystrophic changes in morphology. Further research is needed to understand MO’s impact on oral health and to assess its potential use in oral care products in vivo.

The effect of hydrogen peroxide and subsequent resveratrol application to CAD-CAM blocks on the cell viability of fibroblasts.

The aim is to assess viability of fibroblasts exposed to 2 CAD-CAM blocks and a nanohybrid resin after application of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and resveratrol with 2 extraction media at 24h, 48h, and 72h. Eighteen specimens were obtained from Lava Ultimate (LU), Vita Enamic (VE), and Grandio (GR). Specimens of each material were divided into 3 groups (material only, bleached, resveratrol applied) for 2 extraction media as artificial saliva (AS) and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (n = 3). For bleached group, 40% HP was applied to specimens for 20min twice. For resveratrol group, 0.5µM resveratrol was applied after bleaching for 10min. Mouse fibroblast cells were exposed to extracts of each group. The viability of cells was determined with MTT assay at 24h, 48h, and 72h. Cell viability data (%) were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey test. Bleached materials showed the lowest cell viability (PBS; p < 0.01/ AS; p < 0.001). There is no statistically significant difference between resveratrol applied and bleached groups (PBS; p = 0.14/ AS; p = 0.072). Regardless of period of time and procedure, GR showed lower viable cell numbers than LU and VE (p < 0.001). Viable cell numbers were higher at 24h than at 72h (p < 0.001). There was no statistically difference between AS and PBS (p > 0.05). For all materials, the application of resveratrol did not affect the cell viability which decreased after bleaching over time. The decrease in nanohybrid resin was more critical than hybrid CAD-CAM blocks. The type of extraction media had no effect on cell viability results.

Potential effect of Yemeni Sidr Honey on the Viability of Gingival Fibroblasts and Osteoblast Cells

Background/aim: The aim of this research is to investigate the potential beneficial effects of Yemen Sidr honey on human gingival fibroblast and osteoblast cell viability and proliferation. Materials and methods: MTT assays were conducted, and the cells were analyzed using an ELISA reader at 590nm. Cell viability was determined based on the optical density readings. Results: At a lower concentration 5μL, the fibroblast and osteoblast cells exhibited a cell viability percentage of over 50%. Conclusion: Yemen Sidr honey is biocompatible and non-toxic to the cultured fibroblast and osteoblast cells.

Fabrication and Characterization of Polycaprolactone-Baghdadite Nanofibers by Electrospinning Method for Tissue Engineering Applications.

This work investigates the essential constituents, production methods, and properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) and Baghdadite fibrous scaffolds. In this research, electrospinning was used to produce fiber ropes. In this study, the Baghdadite powder was synthesized using the sol-gel method and incorporated into PCL's polymeric matrix in formic acid and acetic acid solvents. The present work examined PCL-Baghdadite fibrous scaffolds at 1%, 3%, and 5 wt% for morphology, fiber diameter size, hydrophilicity, porosity, mechanical properties, degradability, and bioactivity. The introduction of Baghdadite nanopowder into pure PCL scaffolds reduced fiber diameter. The wetting angle decreased when Baghdadite nanopowder was added to fibrous scaffolds. Pure PCL reduced the wetting angle from 93.20° to 70.53°. Fibrous PCL scaffolds with Baghdadite nanopowder have better mechanical characteristics. The tensile strength of pure PCL fibers was determined at 2.08 ± 0.2 MPa, which was enhanced by up to 3 wt% by adding Baghdadite nanopowder. Fiber elasticity increased with tensile strength. Baghdadite at a 5% weight percentage reduced failure strain percentage. Fibers with more Baghdadite nanopowder biodegrade faster. Adding Baghdadite ceramic nanoparticles resulted in increased bioactivity and caused scaffolds to generate hydroxyapatite. The results show that Baghdadite PCL-3 wt% fibers have promising shape, diameter, and mechanical qualities. After 24 h, L-929 fibroblast cell viability was greater in the scaffold with 3% Baghdadite weight compared to the pure PCL. PCL-3 wt% Baghdadite fibers generated hydroxyapatite on the surface and degraded well. Based on the above findings, PCL fibers having 3 wt% of Baghdadite are the best sample for tissue engineering applications that heal flaws.

A grafting approach for nisin-chitosan bio-based antibacterial films: preparation and characterization

Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium,Lactococcus lactisand currently recognized in the Generally Recognızed as Safe (GRAS) category due to its non-toxicity. Herein, nisin has been grafted to chitosan structure to obtain natural bio-active films with enhanced antibacterial activity. Grafting was performed using ethyl ester lysine diisocyanate and dimer fatty acid-based diisocyanate (DDI); two different close to fully bio-based diisocyanates and Disuccinimidyl suberate; a homo-bifunctional molecule acting as a crosslinker between amino groups. The grafting process allowed the chemical immobilization of nisin to chitosan structure. Physicochemical characterization studies showed the successful grafting of nisin. The antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureuswas evident for all nisin modified chitosan films and best pronounced when DDI was used as a crosslinker with a maximum zone of inhibition of ∼13 mm. All nisin grafted chitosan films were cytocompatible and the cell viability of L929 fibroblasts were >80% pointing out the non-toxic structure. Considering the results of the presented study, bio-based diisocyanates and homo-bifunctional crosslinkers are effective molecules in synthesis of nisin grafted chitosan structures and the new chitosan based antibacterial biopolymers obtained after nisin modification come forward as promising non-toxic and bioactive candidates to be applied in medical devices, implants, and various food coating products.

GelMA loaded with platelet lysate promotes skin regeneration and angiogenesis in pressure ulcers by activating STAT3

Pressure ulcers (PU) are caused by persistent long-term pressure, which compromises the integrity of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous adipose tissue layer by layer, making it difficult to heal. Platelet products such as platelet lysate (PL) can promote tissue regeneration by secreting numerous growth factors based on clinical studies on skin wound healing. However, the components of PL are difficult to retain in wounds. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is a photopolymerizable hydrogel that has lately emerged as a promising material for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The PL liquid was extracted, flow cytometrically detected for CD41a markers, and evenly dispersed in the GelMA hydrogel to produce a surplus growth factor hydrogel system (PL@GM). The microstructure of the hydrogel system was observed under a scanning electron microscope, and its sustained release efficiency and biological safety were tested in vitro. Cell viability and migration of human dermal fibroblasts, and tube formation assays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were applied to evaluate the ability of PL to promote wound healing and regeneration in vitro. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analyses were performed to elucidate the skin regeneration mechanism of PL. We verified PL’s therapeutic effectiveness and histological analysis on the PU model. PL promoted cell viability, migration, wound healing and angiogenesis in vitro. Real-time PCR and western blot indicated PL suppressed inflammation and promoted collagen I synthesis by activating STAT3. PL@GM hydrogel system demonstrated optimal biocompatibility and favorable effects on essential cells for wound healing. PL@GM also significantly stimulated PU healing, skin regeneration, and the formation of subcutaneous collagen and blood vessels. PL@GM could accelerate PU healing by promoting fibroblasts to migrate and secrete collagen and endothelial cells to vascularize. PL@GM promises to be an effective and convenient treatment modality for PU, like chronic wound treatment.

Antifungal recombinant psoriasin of human origin effectively inhibits fungal growth on denture base.

To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant psoriasin as a novel treatment for oral candidiasis by eliminating Candida albicans growth on polymethyl methacrylate denture base. Recombinant psoriasin protein was expressed and purified from E. coli, and Candida growth was monitored invitro with varying concentrations of psoriasin. Subsequently, denture-base polymethyl methacrylate was immersed in psoriasin's solution or voriconazole, and fungal growth on the acrylic base and in the medium was examined by scanning electron microscopy and optical density, respectively. Cellular viability of HeLa and human gingival fibroblast cells treated with psoriasin was measured by methylene blue assay. The findings reveal an effective antifungal activity of psoriasin, completely inhibiting Candida albicans growth in RPMI at a protein concentration above 400 nM. Immersing the polymethyl methacrylate with 50 μM psoriasin completely eradicates fungal growth. Psoriasin has low cytotoxicity in HeLa cells at a concentration higher than 12 μM and no toxic effect on human gingival fibroblasts. This study marks psoriasin as an effective alternative to conventional antifungal treatments for denture stomatitis and a safe alternative to chemical antifungals in dental medicine and beyond.

An investigation of the dose-dependent safety of bemiparin sodium: A cell culture study

Aim: Fibroblasts are common cells in subcutaneous tissue and they have an important role on healing process. Although patients who are receiving first-generation low molecular weight heparins are more likely to experience skin responses, there is no study evaluating the effect of bemiparin sodium on subcutaneous fibroblasts following administration. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of bemiparin sodium on fibroblast cell viability in cell culture model. Material and Methods: The L929 cells were incubated for 12 hours in 96-well culture dishes. Fresh medium containing different concentrations of bemiparin was added in five different concentrations (Dilution I: 3,500 IU; Dilution II: 1,750 IU; Dilution III: 875 IU; Dilution IV: 437.5 IU; Dilution V: 218.75 IU). A control group was established with drug-free culture medium. Cell viability analysis was performed after 48 hours of incubation by the standard 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. The change in cell morphology was examined at each dilution by direct and acridine orange/propidium iodide staining. Results: The highest cytotoxic effect was observed in dilution I compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). There is a clear deviation from the fibroblastic morphology of the cells in dilution I. The cells have a round morphology with degeneration and nuclear condensation. Conclusion: Although it seems that high doses of bemiparin may have a negative effect on fibroblast cells in subcutaneous tissue, it can be considered that the cytotoxic effects of high concentrations of the drug at the application site will not be clinically significant due to using a single dose per day.

Bioactive Hydrogel Formulation Based on Ferulic Acid-Grafted Nano-Chitosan and Bacterial Nanocellulose Enriched with Selenium Nanoparticles from Kombucha Fermentation.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have specific properties that result from their biosynthesis particularities. Chitosan can prevent pathogenic biofilm development. A wide palette of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) biological and physical-chemical properties are known. The aim of this study was to develop a hydrogel formulation (SeBNCSFa) based on ferulic acid-grafted chitosan and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) enriched with SeNPs from Kombucha fermentation (SeNPsK), which could be used as an adjuvant for oral implant integration and other applications. The grafted chitosan and SeBNCSFa were characterized by biochemical and physical-chemical methods. The cell viability and proliferation of HGF-1 gingival fibroblasts were investigated, as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity. The inflammatory response was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of the proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in cell culture medium. Likewise, the amount of nitric oxide released was measured by the Griess reaction. The antimicrobial activity was also investigated. The grafting degree with ferulic acid was approximately 1.780 ± 0.07% of the total chitosan monomeric units, assuming single-site grafting per monomer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy evidenced a convolution of BNC and grafted chitosan spectra, and X-ray diffraction analysis highlighted an amorphous rearrangement of the diffraction patterns, suggesting multiple interactions. The hydrogel showed a high degree of cytocompatibility, and enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potentials.

Production of recombinant human epidermal growth factor fused with HaloTag protein and characterisation of its biological functions.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) protein is a crucial biomolecule involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, migration and differentiation, which is used in various therapeutic applications, such as wound healing and tissue regeneration. The production of recombinant EGF is essential for studying its biological function and for its clinical translation. However, EGF protein expressed in prokaryotic cells often occurs in inclusion bodies, and co-expression with soluble tag protein is an effective method to prepare recombinant EGF. In this study, we expressed recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) fused to a HaloTag (Halo-rhEGF) and a large portion of Halo-rhEGF was found in the soluble fraction. Cell growth assay showed that the purified Halo-rhEGF protein could promote the proliferation of fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epithelial cells (HaCaT), and significantly increased their viability. Phosphorylation of the intracellular signaling proteins, ERK1/2 and c-Jun, was stimulated by treatment with Halo-rhEGF and the expression levels of proteins regulating cell proliferation were significantly increased. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that rhEGF could increase the transcription of genes enriched in ribosome generation and cell proliferation. Moreover, Halo-rhEGF can be labelled by HaloTag ligand for fluorescence imaging and can be slowly released in tissue repair by binding to anion biomaterials. In conclusion, HaloTag is an efficient fusion tag for rhEGF protein expression, purification and controlled release, and Halo-rhEGF can promote the proliferation and viability of epithelial and fibroblast cells.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Performance of Polycaprolactone Electrospun-Based Nanofibers Incorporating Propolis and Quercus Infectoria Gall Extracts

Background: A highly effective antibacterial wound dressing was developed in this investigation by developing a novel bioactive functional nanostructure. Methods: Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) and Q.infectoria galls (QIG) were processed to obtain their respective extracts. The antibacterial properties of the individual EEP and QIG extracts and their combined effects were investigated. Based on the antibacterial test results, solutions containing polycaprolactone (PCL), PCL/EEP, PCL/QIG and PCL/EEP/QIG were prepared. These solutions were then used to fabricate nanobased mats through electrospinning. The resulting nanofibers were examined in terms of their physical, chemical and biological traits. In order to assess the wound healing capabilities, in vivo experiments were conducted, wherein the efficacy of the scaffolds in combating Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections on wounds was evaluated. Results: The nanoscale structure of the electrospun nanofibers was confirmed through FESEM analysis, while the successful integration of EEP and QIG in the PCL-based electrospun nanofiber was validated using FTIR. By including both EEP and QIG bioactive extracts in the nanofiber, improved antibacterial and antioxidant activities were achieved without compromising the viability of human fibroblast cells. The use of PCL/EEP/QIG dressings led to wound closure rates of 85% and 100% on the 5th and 15th day of treatment, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combination of EEP and QIG extracts. Conclusions: The remarkable outcomes have presented encouraging prospects for using PCL/EEP/QIG as a highly effective wound dressing with antibacterial properties in clinical trials.

Chitosan microflower-embedded gelatin sponges for advanced wound management and hemostatic applications

The study explored the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and hemostatic properties of chitosan microflowers (CMF) in sponge form. The main objective was to enhance the preparation of CMF by employing varying quantities of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and tripolyphosphate (TPP). CMF was then combined with gelatin (GE) in different proportions to produce three sponge samples: CMF0@GE, CMF1@GE, and CMF2@GE. The CMF had a morphology like that of a flower and produced surfaces with a porous sponge-like structure. The antibacterial activity, as determined by the zone of inhibition (ZOI), increased with greater doses of CMF. Among the tested samples, CMF2@GE had the greatest activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium. CMF2@GE successfully suppressed biofilm formation, decreased clotting time to an average of 212.67 s, and exhibited excellent biocompatibility by preserving over 90 % viability of human skin fibroblast cells at dosages below 100 μg/mL. The results indicated that gelatin sponges filled with CMF have considerable promise as flexible medical instruments for wound healing and infection control.

152 Three-Dimensional Printing Bespoke Polycaprolactone Tracheal Splint for Treatment of Tracheomalacia

Abstract Aim Tracheomalacia can be a fatal airway disease with limited treatment options. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has led to various patient-specific tracheal stents and splints. However, these are limited by mismatched stiffness and resulting granulation tissue formation and fibrosis. We aimed to develop a non-toxic and biodegradable polycaprolactone expandable tracheal splint by 3D printing. By fine-tuning mechanical properties, we hypothesised that the splint would match the native trachea and accommodate tracheal growth in tracheomalacia patients. Method We designed splints consisting of concave topological patterns with varying angles and aspect ratios. Fabrication occurred using polycaprolactone filaments in a 3D fuse deposition modelling printer. Uniaxial tensile studies were performed on splints to assess Young’s Modulus, Toughness, Ultimate strain, Strength, and Poisson ratio. Splints displaying optimal mechanical properties were tested for human lung fibroblast cell viability, proliferation, and morphology. Results On a mechanical testing rig, uniaxial tensile studies confirmed that splint designs with smaller angles and negative Poisson ratios of up to strains of 25%, better mimicked mechanical properties of native human trachea, accommodating tracheal growth. In vitro studies using these tracheal splints demonstrated successful human lung cell proliferation with low cell toxicity. Conclusions This study characterised 3D printed bespoke tracheal splints with various 2D structures, showing mechanical properties that match the native trachea. However, in vivo studies investigating cellular interactions on our splint must be performed to further evaluate the ability for endogenous tissue formation.

The methanol extract of Centaurea depressa M. Bieb. -Containing nanoemulsion formulation: In vitro characterization and scratch assay

Centaurea depressa M. Bieb. is used in traditional medicine as wound healing, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antimalarial, antirheumatic, diuretic, antipyretic, antibacterial, tonic, astringent, choleretic. It is popularly used as poultice, pounded, infusion, decoction, external, and internal. This study aimed to develop and in vitro characterize the methanol extract of Centaurea depressa (MCD)-containing nanoemulsion formulation (MCD-NEF) to heal the wound effectively and analyze the phenolic compounds. MCD-NEF was prepared and its droplet size, PDI, and ZP, and viscosity were determined. The effect of MCD and MCD-NEF on human dermal fibroblast cell viability was examined by MTT assay. MCD's phenolic compound profiles were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Also, MCD and MCD-NEF's wound healing potential was evaluated using the scratch assay. The droplet size, PDI, ZP, pH and viscosity values for the MCD-NEF were found to be 152.42 ± 3.50 nm, 0.187 ± 0.020, (−)27.67 ± 1.68 mV, 5.57 ± 0.03, and 1.891 ± 0.010 cP, respectively. In the cell viability assay, the highest percentage of living cells was obtained at concentration of 16 μg/mL for the MCD and MCD-NEF. In the scratch assay, MCD-NEF showed significantly ameliorated wound closure % rates at 24 and 30 h than the control, MCD and blank-NEF (without MCD) groups (p < 0.001). In this study, immunofluorescence staining was carried out. TGF-β1 and FGFR-2 expressions in MCD-NEF-treated fibroblast cells increased significantly at 24 and 30 h compared to the control, MCD, and B-NEF groups (p < 0.001). MCD's. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds, including quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, cynaroside, cosmosiin, protocatechuic acid and isoquercitrin were determined by LC-MS/MS to be major phytochemical compounds in MCD. Our findings show that MCD-NEF may be promising for better wound healing.

Composite polymer/wax coatings as a corrosion barrier of bioresorbable magnesium coronary stents

Magnesium and its alloys are suitable materials for biodegradable biomedical implants such as cardiovascular stents. Here we introduce an innovative composite polyelectrolyte multilayer/wax coating applied to commercial coronary Mg-based stents serving as a barrier layer effectively retarding corrosion. This hydrophobic coating, build by layer-by-layer technology, appeared very thin, smooth, homogeneous, strongly adherent and completely covering the surface of the Mg-stent. In-vitro degradation tests showed greater resistance to degradation of coated Mg-stents compared to uncoated and passivated ones. Cytocompatibility studies proved that Mg-stent coated with the composite coating was non-cytotoxic and improved fibroblast cell viability compared to the uncoated Mg-stent.