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IntroductionDecellularized uterine extracellular matrix has emerged as a pivotal focus in the realm of biomaterials, offering a promising source in uterine tissue regeneration, research on disease diagnosis and treatments, and ultimately uterine transplantation. In this study, we examined various protocols for decellularizing porcine uterine tissues, aimed to unravel the intricate dynamics of DNA removal, bioactive molecules preservation, and microstructural alterations.MethodsPorcine uterine tissues were treated with 6 different, yet rigorously selected and designed, protocols with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton® X-100, peracetic acid + ethanol, and DNase I. After decellularization, we examined DNA quantification, histological staining (H&E and DAPI), glycosaminoglycans (GAG) assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).ResultsA comparative analysis among all 6 protocols was conducted with the results demonstrating that all protocols achieved decellularization; while 0.1% SDS + 1% Triton® X-100, coupled with agitation, demonstrated the highest efficiency in DNA removal. Also, it was found that DNase I played a key role in enhancing the efficiency of the decellularization process by underscoring its significance in digesting cellular contents and eliminating cell debris by 99.79% (19.63 ± 3.92 ng/mg dry weight).ConclusionsOur findings enhance the nuanced understanding of DNA removal, GAG preservation, microstructural alteration, and protein decomposition in decellularized uterine extracellular matrix, while highlighting the importance of decellularization protocols designed for intended applications. This study along with our findings represents meaningful progress for advancing the field of uterine transplantation and related tissue engineering/regenerative medicine.

Objectives:Many advantages have been attributed to dental zirconia ceramics in terms of mechanical and physical properties; however, the bonding ability of this material to dental structure and/or veneering ceramics hasalways been a matter of concern. On the other hand, hydroxyapatite (HA) shows excellent biocompatibility and good bonding ability to tooth structure, with mechanically unstable and brittle characteristics, that make it clinically unacceptable for use in high stress bearing areas. The main purpose of this study was to introduce two simple yet practical methods to deposit the crystalline HA nanoparticles on zirconia ceramics. Materials and Methods: zirconia blocks were treated with HA via two different deposition methods namely thermal coating and air abrasion. Specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results: In both groups, the deposition techniques used were successfully accomplished, while the substrate showed no structural change. However, thermal coating group showed a uniform deposition of crystalline HA but in air abrasion method, there were dispersed thin islands of HA. Conclusions: Thermal coating method has the potential to significantly alter the surface characteristics of zirconia. The simple yet practical nature of the proposed method may be able to shift the bonding paradigm of dental zirconia ceramics. This latter subject needs to be addressed in future investigations. Keywords: Zirconium Oxide; Hydroxyapatites; Dental Bonding; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission

Abstract Scaffolds play a key role in bone tissue engineering (BTE) as they provide a mechanically and biologically supportive template to treat bone defects. Yet, the ideal scaffold structures are far from certain, leaving a lot to be discovered in terms of the scaffold structure–performance relationships. In this study, we investigated the influence of pore size and internal structure on osteoblast performance in vitro. Three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds were printed from polycaprolactone (PCL) reinforced with 30% (wt.) nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHAp), with two different internal structures (lattice and staggered) and four pore sizes (0.280, 0.380, 0.420, and 0.550 mm). Scaffolds were seeded with pre‐osteoblast cells (MC3T3‐E1). Metabolic activity of cells, osteoblast differentiation, and capability of osteoblasts to deposit mineralized matrix were examined in vitro. Staggered scaffolds better supported cellular performance. The pore size of 0.280 mm was more favorable to support cell proliferation while the pore size ≥0.420 mm was more effective to promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Findings revealed that osteoblast activities were affected differently by the pore size. Our study further suggests that the structure with a gradient pore size would be better than a single size in terms of supporting cell proliferation, differentiation, and secretion of a mineralized matrix.