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Appropriate protection and guiding are crucial during peripheral nerves repair. New generation nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) should not only provide mechanical support for the damaged nerve but also support healing processes. One of the most promising tissue regeneration applications is fibrous biomaterials since they are characterized by high porosity, flexibility, and strength. Additionally, they enable cell adhesion and proliferation. In this study, novel fibrous nanocomposites were obtained by applying the electrospinning technique, using polylactic acid (PLA) as a polymeric matrix which was further modified with metallic nanoparticles coated with conductive polymers. Such an approach resulted in the obtainment of biomaterials with a potential ability to conduct nerve impulses. The chemical structure of the obtained composites, as well as the morphology of ready products and separate nanocomponents, were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Furthermore, conductive and swelling properties in various media were determined. Finally, biomaterials were confirmed to be non-cytotoxic to L929 mouse fibroblasts and 1321N1 human glial cells. Based on the presented results, it can be concluded that nanofibrous nerve guidance conduits have all the key properties in the process of peripheral nerve regeneration and may constitute an important step in novel NGCs development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering constitutes the most promising method of severe peripheral nerve injuries treatment and is considered as an alternative to autografts. To provide appropriate conditions during recovery special biomaterials called nerve guide conduits are required. An ideal candidate for this purpose should not only be biocompatible and protect newly forming tissue but also promote the recovery process. In this article a novel, multilayered biomaterial based on polyvinylpyrrolidone, collagen and chitosan of gradient structure modified with conductive nanoparticles is presented. Products were obtained by the combination of electrospinning and electrospraying techniques. Nerve guide conduits were subjected to FT-IR analysis, morphology and elemental composition study using SEM/EDS as well as biodegradation. Furthermore, their effect on 1321N1 human cell line was investigated by long-term cell culture. Lack of cytotoxicity was confirmed by XTT assay and morphology study. Obtained results confirmed a high potential of newly developed biomaterials in the field of nerve tissue regeneration with a special focus on injured nerves recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study aimed to assess the feasibility of chitosan biomaterial and subcutaneous gel implantation in an ovine model, with implications for women with genital prolapse. Twenty-four ewes were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): chitosan type B, chitosan type C, chitosan unmodified injections, and polypropylene mesh. Ovine models were chosen due to their morphological resemblance to human reproductive organs. Animals were sacrificed after 90 days for macroscopic, pathomorphological, and immunohistochemical analysis. In the chitosan type B group, IL-6 and IL-10 levels decreased after 28 days, while chitosan type C and injection groups exhibited higher IL-6 than IL-10 levels. The polypropylene group displayed the highest IL-6 and lowest IL-10 levels. Histological examination of the polypropylene group revealed no degenerative changes or inflammation, whereas chitosan injection induced local inflammation. Other groups exhibited no degenerative changes. Ewes implanted with chitosan displayed reduced inflammation compared to polypropylene-implanted ewes. Chitosan implantation facilitated vaginal tissue healing, in contrast to polypropylene mesh, which led to extrusion. While chitosan holds promise as an alternative to polypropylene mesh, further research is imperative for comprehensive evaluation. This study suggests the potential of a chitosan biomaterial in pelvic organ prolapse treatment, warranting additional investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of tooth replacement procedures ending with implant failure generates a great need for the delivery of novel biomedical solutions with appropriate mechanical characteristics that would mimic natural tissue and undergo biodegradation. This phenomenon constitutes a significant difficulty for scientists, since currently applied biomaterials dedicated for this purpose are based on stainless steel, Ti, and Ti and CoCr alloys. One of the most promising raw materials is magnesium, which has been proven to promote bone regeneration and accelerate the tissue healing process. Nevertheless, its high reactivity with body fluid components is associated with fast and difficult-to-control biocorrosion, which strongly limits the application of Mg implants as medical devices. The achievement of appropriate functionality, both physiochemical and biological, to enable the commercial use of Mg biomaterials is possible only after their superficial modification. Therefore, the obtainment of uniform, reproducible coatings increasing resistance to the aqueous environment of the human body combined with a nanostructured surface that enhances implant–cell behaviors is an extremely important issue. Herein, we present a successful strategy for the modification of Mg implants via the PEO process, resulting in the obtainment of biomaterials with lower corrosion rates and superior biological properties, such as the promotion of extracellular matrix formation and a positive impact on the proliferation of MG-63 cells. The implants were investigated regarding their chemical composition using the FT-IR and XRD methods, which revealed that MgO layer formation, as well as the incorporation of electrolyte components such as fluorine and silica, were responsible for the increased microhardness of the samples. An extensive study of the biomaterials' morphology confirmed that successful surface modification led to a microporous structure suitable for the attachment and proliferation of cells. The three-layer nature of the newly-formed coatings, typical for PEO modification, was confirmed via cross-section analysis. A biocorrosion and biodegradation study proved that applied modification increased their resistance to body fluids. The cell culture study performed herein confirmed that the correct adjustment of modification parameters results in a lack of cytotoxicity of the magnesium implants, cell proliferation enhancement, and improvement in extracellular matrix formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin is the first barrier against pathogens and harmful external factors. Each damage of this tissue may cause microbial infection and danger to internal organs. Burns which may be a result of the exposure to radiation, chemicals or high temperature leads to the significant disruption of skin functions. The most promising method for this tissue recovery is regenerative medicine which requires application of three-dimensional biocompatible scaffolds. The biomaterials enable skin cells proliferation and new tissue formation under in vitro conditions. They can be prepared from synthetic and natural polymers and their combination. The application of additional components such as nanoparticles may enhance their mechanical properties and have a positive impact on fibroblasts divisions and extra cellular formation. One of the most promising raw materials for scaffolds is chitosan -a chitin derivative. It may be obtained from waste biomass such as crabs, shrimps and lobsters exoskeletons. Chitosan is non-toxic, biodegradable and have antibacterial properties. The aim of the following study was to obtain novel chitosan derivatives doped with the gold nanoparticles using only natural components such as orange peels and fatty acid derivative. Proposed modification strategy resulted in the preparation of the novel, biodegradable and biocompatible material with interesting properties. The products were analysed by UV-Vis and FT-IR methods. The scaffolds were investigated over their susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. Finally, the biomaterials were verified over their cyto-compability with human dermal fibroblasts. The results showed that the proposed synthesis pathway resulted in the obtained of the chitosan biomaterials with high potential in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering is a branch of science that focuses on methods and techniques for the creation of new tissues and organs for the therapeutic reconstruction of the damaged organ by providing support structures, cells, molecular and mechanical signals for regeneration to the desired region. Conventional implants made of inert materials can eliminate only physical and mechanical defects of damaged tissues. The goal of tissue engineering is to restore biological functions, that is regeneration of tissues, and not only to replace it with a substitute made of synthetic material. The most important challenges of tissue engineering include the development of new biomaterials that will be used as three-dimensional scaffolds for cell cultures. Such scaffolding must be characterized by biocompatibility and biodegradability. The aim of the research was to obtain biomaterials based on acylated chitosan. The result of the work was to obtain three-dimensional scaffolding with bioactive properties based on raw materials of natural origin. The biomaterials were modified with ferrimagnetic nanoparticles which are capable of electromagnetic stimulation of proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are objects with a size less than 10 nm that have the ability to emit radiation in the visible range from blue to red depending on the excitation radiation used. Quantum dots are used in in vitro bioimaging of cell structures or creation of biosensors. In contrast to classic nanodots, which are obtained from simple sulphides, selenides or metal tellurides, carbon quantum dots are constructed from a non-toxic, biocompatible carbon core, thanks to which it is possible to apply quantum carbon dots in bio-imaging in-vitro or in-vivo biological structures with minimal cytotoxic effect on cells. The aim of the research was to obtain carbon nanodots capable of emitting fluorescence using lignin from waste biomass. The CQDs were functionalized with amino-acids. The result of the work was to obtain a series of CQDs with advanced luminescence properties using hydrothermal and microwave assisted methods. Ready products were investigated over their cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, burn wounds are one of the most emerging problems of medicine. Tissue engineering seems to be a promising solution since it enables new tissue formation on 3 D scaffolds. In this article, a novel strategy for N-acylated chitosan 3 D scaffolds obtainment method is presented. Biomaterials were synthesized according to Green Chemistry principles under microwave-assisted conditions using unsaturated fatty acid chlorides. Ready products were characterized over their physicochemical properties, morphology, mechanical, and biological properties. Performed analyses confirmed obtainment of N-acylated biomaterial with a very porous structure and enhanced durability. Prepared scaffolds were biodegradable and had a positive impact on mouse fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid regenerative medicine development requires new advanced biomaterials. Chitosan which is known of its unique properties like biocompability, biodegradability, bioactivity, antibacterial activity is a great candidate for scaffolds for cell culture. In this paper, a novel strategy for antioxidant aerogels obtainment method is presented. Biomaterials were synthesized under microwave-assisted conditions and modified with Tiliaplatyphyllos extract. Ready products were characterized over their physicochemical properties, morphology and biological properties including bioactivity and antimicrobial activity. Performed analyses confirmed obtainment of crosslinked biomaterial with advanced properties such as positive effect on cells proliferation and inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive blood loss is still a great challenge for modern medicine. To stop the hemorrhage during the surgery or after injury apart from suturing or electrocoagulation, the most efficient method of hemostasis restoration is the use of hemostatic agents. Although there are numerous products on the market, there is still a need for biomaterials that are capable of fast and efficient bleeding management without affecting wound closure or embolism. Chitosan is known for its hemostatic activity; however, its quite poor mechanical properties and heterogenous chemical composition still needs some improvements to become superior compared to biological adhesives. The following study deals with the preparation and evaluation of chitosan-derived natural biomaterials containing Kalanchoe pinnata extract with the potential application as a blood-clotting agent. The materials were obtained under microwave-assisted conditions in two different forms (granules/dressing), whose chemical structure and morphology were studied. Their antioxidant properties have been proven. The chitosan-derived hemostatic agents exhibited superior blood sorption abilities and lack of cytotoxicity to L929 mouse fibroblasts. The study also showed the differences in biological properties depending on their preparation method. The potential mechanism of action was proposed as well as their potential in hemostasis revival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing number of female reproductive system disorders creates a need for novel treatment methods. Tissue engineering brings hope for patients, which enables damaged tissue reconstruction. For this purpose, epithelial cells are cultured on three-dimensional scaffolds. One of the most promising materials is chitosan, which is known for its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The aim of the following study was to verify the potential of chitosan-based biomaterials for pelvic organ prolapse regeneration. The scaffolds were obtained under microwave-assisted conditions in crosslinking reactions, using dicarboxylic acids and aminoacid as crosslinkers, including l-glutamic acid, adipic acid, malonic acid, and levulinic acid. The products were characterized over their physicochemical and biological properties. FT–IR analysis confirmed formation of amide bonds. The scaffolds had a highly porous structure, which was confirmed by SEM analysis. Their porosity was above 90%. The biomaterials had excellent swelling abilities and very good antioxidant properties. The cytotoxicity study was performed on vaginal epithelial VK2/E6E7 and human colon cancer HCT116 cell lines. The results showed that after certain modifications, the proposed scaffolds could be used in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of promising chitosan beads with advanced properties were obtained under microwave radiation according to Green Chemistry principles. Biomaterials were prepared using chitosan as raw material and glutamic acid/1,5-pentanodiol mixture as crosslinking agents. Additionally beads were modified with Tilia platyphyllos extract to enhance their antioxidant properties. Beads were investigated over their chemical structure by FT-IR analysis. Also their morphology has been investigated by SEM method. Additionally swelling capacity of the obtained hydrogels was determined. Lack of cytotoxicity has been confirmed by MTT assay. Proliferation studies were carried out on L929 mouse fibroblasts. Advanced properties of the obtained beads were investigated by studying pH sensitivity and antioxidant properties by DPPH method. Also susceptibility to degradation and biodegradation by Sturm Test method was evaluated. Results shows that proposed chitosan beads and their eco-friendly synthesis method can be applied in cell therapy and tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]