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Long-term stability of microbubbles is crucial to their effectiveness. Using a new microfluidic device connecting three T-junction channels of 100 μm in series, stable monodisperse SiQD-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein microbubbles down to 22.8 ± 1.4 μm in diameter were generated. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the integration of SiQD on the microbubble surface, which retained the same morphology as those without SiQD. The microbubble diameter and stability in air were manipulated through appropriate selection of T-junction numbers, capillary diameter, liquid flow rate, and BSA and SiQD concentrations. A predictive computational model was developed from the experimental data, and the number of T-junctions was incorporated into this model as one of the variables. It was illustrated that the diameter of the monodisperse microbubbles generated can be tailored by combining up to three T-junctions in series, while the operating parameters were kept constant. Computational modeling of microbubble diameter and stability agreed with experimental data. The lifetime of microbubbles increased with increasing T-junction number and higher concentrations of BSA and SiQD. The present research sheds light on a potential new route employing SiQD and triple T-junctions to form stable, monodisperse, multi-layered, and well-characterized protein and quantum dot-loaded protein microbubbles with enhanced stability for the first time.

Fibrous constructs with incorporated cinnamon‐extract have previously been shown to have potent antifungal abilities. The question remains to whether these constructs are useful in the prevention of bacterial infections in fiber form and what the antimicrobial effects means in terms of toxicity to the native physiological cells. In this work, cinnamon extract containing poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) fibers were successfully manufactured by pressurized gyration and had an average size of ∼2 μm. Cinnamon extract containing PCL fibers were tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis bacterial species to assess their antibacterial capacity; it was found that these fibers were able to reduce viable cell numbers of the bacterial species up to two orders of magnitude lower than the control group. The results of the antibacterial tests were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The constructs were also tested under indirect MTT tests where they showed little to no toxicity, similar to the control groups. Additionally, cell viability fluorescent imaging displayed no significant toxicity issues with the fibers, even at their highest tested concentration. Here we present a viable method for the production the non‐toxic and naturally abundant cinnamon extracted fibers for numerous biomedical applications., Cinnamon directly extracted into a polycaprolactone polymer base was spun with pressurized gyration to produce a high yield of cinnamon‐extracted bandage‐like fibers. These fibers where then characterized and tested for cytotoxity and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.

Bayram, Cem/0000-0001-8717-4668; Keceli, Huseyin Gencay/0000-0001-6695-2133 WOS:000557380800001 PubMed: 32776328 Objective To test the surface properties and in vitro effects of a new sequential release system on MC3T3-E1 cells for improved osseointegration. Background BMP6-loaded anodized titanium coated with PDGF containing silk fibroin (SF) may improve osseointegration. Methods Titanium surfaces were electrochemically anodized, and SF layer was covered via electrospinning. Five experimental groups (unanodized Ti (Ti), anodized Ti (AnTi), anodized + BMP6-loaded Ti (AnTi-BMP6), anodized + BMP6 loaded + silk fibroin-coated Ti (AnTi-BMP6-SF), and anodized + BMP6-loaded + silk fibroin with PDGF-coated Ti (AnTi-BMP6-PDGF-SF)) were tested. After SEM characterization, contact angle analysis, and FTIR analysis, the amount of released PDGF and BMP6 was detected using ELISA. Cell proliferation (XTT), mineralization, and gene expression (RUNX2andALPL) were also evaluated. Results After successful anodization and loading of PDGF and BMP6, contact angle measurements showed hydrophobicity for TiO(2)and hydrophilicity for protein-adsorbed surfaces. In FTIR, protein-containing surfaces exhibited amide-I, amide-II, and amide-III bands at 1600 cm(-1)-1700 cm(-1), 1520 cm(-1)-1540 cm(-1), and 1220 cm(-1)-1300 cm(-1)spectrum levels with a significant peak in BMP6- and/or SF-loaded groups at 1100 cm(-1). PDGF release and BMP6 release were delayed, and relatively slower release was detected in SF-coated surfaces. Higher MC3T3-E1 proliferation and mineralization and lower gene expression ofRUNX2andALPLwere detected in AnTi-BMP6-PDGF-SF toward day 28. Conclusion The new system revealed a high potential for an improved early osseointegration period by means of a better factor release curve and contribution to the osteoblastic cell proliferation, mineralization, and associated gene expression. Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma KurumuTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [113S804] Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu, Grant/Award Number: 113S804

When sessile nanofluid droplets evaporate, solid nanoparticles can be organized in a wide variety of patterns on the substrate. The composition of the nanofluid, internal flow type of droplet and the rate of drying affect drop geometry, and the final pattern. Using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)(PLGA-b-PEG) as the example, we produced micro-stripe patterning from nanoparticles by drying of sessile fluid droplets. We investigated the nanoparticle properties and flow dynamics to clarify their effects on the patterning. Nanoparticles were prepared by hydrodynamic flow focusing using a T-junction microfluidic device with high production efficiency and the ability to generate an extremely narrow size distribution. PLGA-b-PEG was prepared as oil phase in acetonitrile and water/oil flow rate was changed from 1 to 3 at constant oil phase flow rate (50 μL/min). Then, nanofluid was collected on the surface as sessile droplets within acetonitrile/water binary dispersed phase. Depending on size, charge and size-distribution, the nanoparticles deposited on the surface exhibited various patterns. Dynamic Light and X-ray Scattering measurements showed that, approximately 100 nm particles with relatively low PDI (0.04) were produced for the first time in surfactant free conditions in a microfluidic device and they generated self-assembled ordered patterns, which are regulated by the type of internal flow in the sessile nanofluid droplet during sequential evaporation of acetonitrile and water.

Silk fibroin (SF) fibers are highly regarded in tissue engineering because of their outstanding biocompatibility and tunable properties. A challenge remains in overcoming the trade-off between functioning and biocompatible fibers and the use of cytotoxic, environmentally harmful organic solvents in their processing and formation. The aim of this research was to produce biocompatible SF fibers without the use of cytotoxic solvents, via pressurized gyration (PG). Aqueous SF was blended with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in ratios of 80:20 (labeled SF-PEO 80:20) and 90:10 (labeled SF-PEO 90:10) and spun into fibers using PG, assisted by a range of applied pressures and heat. Pure PEO (labeled PEO-Aq) and SF solubilized in hexafluoro-isopropanol (HFIP) (labeled SF-HFIP) and aqueous SF (labeled SF-Aq) were also prepared for comparison. The resulting fibers were characterized using SEM, TGA, and FTIR. Their in vitro cell behavior was analyzed using a Live/Dead assay and cell proliferation studies with the SaOS-2 human bone osteosarcoma cell line (ATCC, HTB-85) and human fetal osteoblast cells (hFob) (ATCC, CRL-11372) in 2D culture conditions. Fibers in the micrometer range were successfully produced using SF-PEO blends, SF-HFIP, and PEO-Aq. The fiber thickness ranged from 0.71 ± 0.17 μm for fibers produced using SF-PEO 90:10 with no applied pressure to 2.10 ± 0.78 μm for fibers produced using SF-PEO 80:10 with 0.3 MPa applied pressure. FTIR confirmed the presence of SF via amide I and amide II bands in the blend fibers because of a change in structural conformation. No difference was observed in thermogravimetric properties among varying pressures and no significant difference in fiber diameters for pressures. SaOS-2 cells and hFOb cell studies demonstrated higher cell densities and greater live cells on SF-PEO blends when compared to SF-HFIP. This research demonstrates a scalable and green method of producing SF-based constructs for use in bone-tissue engineering applications.

Chronic illnesses and situations requiring long-term hospitalization bring psychosocial burdens for children and their families. Especially in children who need organ transplants, family and child should be carefully examined in terms of preoperative and postoperative periods and necessary social support systems should be mobilized. It is known that in this period, patients could not express their thoughts and feelings about possible tissue / organ rejection, not being able to verbalize their anxiety and fears and make effective coping methods difficult to care and treatment. For these reasons, it is necessary to cooperate with mental health professionals with the related medicine fields in order to ensure compliance of the patient after transplantation and to provide psychiatric support and treatment. In this case report, we aimed to emphazise the importance of psychiatric evaluation before and after transplantation in a patient with diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy and then underwent a heart transplantation from the national emergency transplant list.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis. In this study, we prepared topical gel network for enhancement of ibuprofen penetration, maintenance of controlled release and increased patient compliance. Nanoparticles containing ibuprofen were prepared by means of emulsion formation/solvent diffusion method using synthesized copolymer. Nanoparticles were then conjugated with aminoethylmethacrylate, resulting in ibuprofen-loaded nanoparticles in PLGA

This study aimed to develop sorafenib loaded magnetic microspheres for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. To achieve this goal, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesised and encapsulated in alginate microspheres together with an antineoplastic agent, sorafenib. In the study, firstly SPIONs were synthesised and characterised by dynamic light scattering, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Then, alginate-SPIONs microspheres were developed, and further characterised by electron spin resonance spectrometer and vibrating sample magnetometer. Besides the magnetic properties of SPIONs, alginate microspheres with SPIONs were also found to have magnetic properties. The potential use of microspheres in hyperthermia treatment was then investigated and an increase of about 4°C in the environment was found out. Drug release studies and cytotoxicity tests were performed after sorafenib was encapsulated into the magnetic microspheres. According to release studies, sorafenib has been released from microspheres for 8 h. Cytotoxicity tests showed that alginate-SPION-sorafenib microspheres were highly effective against cancerous cells and promising for cancer therapy.

This work focuses on the synthesis of oil-layered microbubbles using two microfluidic T-junctions in series and evaluation of the effectiveness of these microbubbles loaded with doxorubicin and curcumin for cell invasion arrest from 3D spheroid models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), MDA-MB-231 cell line. Albumin microbubbles coated in the drug-laden oil layer were synthesized using a new method of connecting two microfluidic T-mixers in series. Double-layered microbubbles thus produced consist of an innermost core of nitrogen gas encapsulated in an aqueous layer of bovine serum albumin (BSA) which in turn, is coated with an outer layer of silicone oil. In order to identify the process conditions leading to the formation of double-layered microbubbles, a regime map was constructed based on capillary numbers for aqueous and oil phases. The microbubble formation regime transitions from double-layered to single layer microbubbles and then to formation of single oil droplets upon gradual change in flow rates of aqueous and oil phases. In vitro dissolution studies of double-layered microbubbles in an air-saturated environment indicated that a complete dissolution of such bubbles produces an oil droplet devoid of a gas bubble. Incorporation of doxorubicin and curcumin was found to produce a synergistic effect, which resulted in higher cell deaths in 2D monolayers of TNBC cells and inhibition of cell proliferation from 3D spheroid models of TNBC cells compared to the control.

© 2020 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic DentistryStatement of problem: The separation of a denture liner from the denture base can be a clinical problem. Different surface treatments to increase the bond have been evaluated, but studies comparing the effect of argon plasma and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser on the bond between acrylic resin and a denture liner are lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of argon plasma and Er:YAG laser treatments on the bond strengths of acrylic resin to 2 denture liners. Materials and methods: Heat-polymerized acrylic resin (Acron Duo) was bonded to silicone soft-liner materials (Molloplast B, n=30; Mollosil, n=30) to create control specimens (n=10), argon plasma treatment (n=10), and Er:YAG laser treatment (n=10). Silicone liners were polymerized on resin specimens. The tensile bond strength test was performed with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min with a 10-N load until failure. Data were analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test and unpaired t test (α=.05). Results: The laser group showed significantly higher bond strength than the argon plasma group for both Molloplast-B (P=.001) and Mollosil (P

Early diagnosis of cancer is the most important factor that increases the success of treatment. Therefore, the development of new diagnostic tools is a necessity. In this study, a new electrode surface was developed via modification of a disposable titanium electrode with anodic oxidation and coating of gold nanoparticle and chitosan. Titanium electrodes were anodized by several anodization parameters to obtain a nanoporous surface and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Electrodes anodized in optimum conditions were modified with gold nanoparticles and chitosan for enhancing conductivity and functionalizing the surface of electrode, respectively. To detect prostate specific antigen (PSA), anti-PSA was bound onto the functional electrode surface. Modified electrodes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry and used for chronoamperometric detection of PSA. Limit of detection (LOD) of the designed electrode was found to be 7.8 ng mL-1 for PSA in a linear range of 0 - 100 ng mL-1.

Amphiphilic block copolymers are widely used in science owing to their versatile properties. In this study, amphiphilic block copolymer poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)- block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA- b-PEG) was used to create microdroplets in a T-junction microfluidic device with a well-defined geometry. To compare interfacial characteristics of microdroplets, dichloromethane (DCM) and chloroform were used to prepare PLGA- b-PEG solution as an oil phase. In the T-junction device, water and oil phases were manipulated at variable flow rates from 50 to 300 μL/min by increments of 50 μL/min. Fabricated microdroplets were directly collected on a glass slide. After a drying period, porous two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures were obtained as honeycomb-like structure. Pore sizes were increased according to increased water/oil flow rate for both DCM and chloroform solutions. Also, it was shown that increasing polymer concentration decreased the pore size of honeycomb-like structures at a constant water/oil flow rate (50:50 μL/min). Additionally, PLGA- b-PEG nanoparticles were also obtained on the struts of honeycomb-like structures according to the water solubility, volatility, and viscosity properties of oil phases, by the aid of Marangoni flow. The resulting structures have a great potential to be used in biomedical applications, especially in drug delivery-related studies, with nanoparticle forming ability and cellular responses in different surface morphologies.

The present study aspires towards fabricating core-sheath fibrous scaffolds by state-of-the-art pressurized gyration for bone tissue engineering applications. The core-sheath fibers comprising dual-phase poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) core and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheath are fabricated using a novel "co-axial" pressurized gyration method. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals are embedded in the sheath of the fabricated scaffolds to improve the performance for application as a bone tissue regeneration material. The diameter of the fabricated fiber is 3.97 ± 1.31 µm for PCL-PVA/3%HA while pure PCL-PVA with no HA loading gives 3.03 ± 0.45 µm. Bead-free fiber morphology is ascertained for all sample groups. The chemistry, water contact angle and swelling behavior measurements of the fabricated core-sheath fibrous scaffolds indicate the suitability of the structures in cellular activities. Saos-2 bone osteosarcoma cells are employed to determine the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, wherein none of the scaffolds possess any cytotoxicity effect, while cell proliferation of 94% is obtained for PCL-PVA/5%HA fibers. The alkaline phosphatase activity results suggest the osteogenic activities on the scaffolds begin earlier than day 7. Overall, adaptations of co-axial pressurized gyration provides the flexibility to embed or encapsulate bioactive substances in core-sheath fiber assemblies and is a promising strategy for bone healing.

The major focus of this study was to prepare poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres containing atorvastatin calcium (ATR) in combination with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). PLGA microspheres will maintain dual-release for providing neuroprotective effects for peripheral nerve injury. For this purpose, micro spheres were prepared by spray dryer with different drug:polymer ratios. Microsphere formulations were evaluated for particle size distribution, preparation and encapsulation efficiency, surface morphology, in-vitro release and dose dependent cytotoxicity test with L-929 and B-35 cells. TGA, DSC and FTIR analysis were performed for the investigation of physicochemical properties of the PLGA microspheres. Encapsulation efficiencies were calculated as > 70% for ALA and > 62% for ATR. FTIR results indicated that there was no interaction between the polymer and the active ingredients. A novel analytical method has been developed and fully validated, which would allow for quantification of ATR and ALA simultaneously. Release profiles showed that ALA is released within the first 17 h and ATR release lasted for 17 days. Finally, results showed that there was no any toxicity associated with ALA and ATR containing PLGA formulations on both B-35 and L-929 cells. It was concluded that PLGA formulations with dual effects are promising systems for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bayram, Cem/0000-0001-8717-4668; CELIK, EKIN/0000-0003-1966-3907 WOS: 000377737000027 PubMed: 27207058 Peptide based hydrogels gained a vast interest in the tissue engineering studies thanks to great superiorities such as biocompatibility, supramolecular organization without any need of additional crosslinker, injectability and tunable nature. Fmoc-diphenylalanine (FmocFF) is one of the earliest and widely used example of these small molecule gelators that have been utilized in biomedical studies. However, Fmoc-peptides are not feasible for long term use due to low stability and weak mechanical properties at neutral pH. In this study, Fmoc-FF dipeptides were mechanically enhanced by incorporation of alginate, a biocompatible and absorbable polysaccharide. The binary hydrogel is obtained via molecular self-assembly of FmocFF dipeptide in alginate solution followed by ionic crosslinldng of alginate moieties with varying concentrations of calcium chloride. Hydrogel characterization was evaluated in terms of morphology, viscoelastic moduli and diffusional phenomena and the structures were tested as 3D scaffolds for bovine chondrocytes. In vitro evaluation of scaffolds lasted up to 14 days and cell viability, sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) levels, collagen type II synthesis were determined. Our results showed that alginate incorporation into FmocFF hydrogels leads to better mechanical properties and higher stability with good biocompatibility. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Hacettepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (HU-BAP) [1136] This study was supported by the Hacettepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (HU-BAP, project no: 1136).

Bayram, Cem/0000-0001-8717-4668; CELIK, EKIN/0000-0003-1966-3907 WOS: 000382858400005 Currently, the main focus on tissue engineering strategies is to mimic the extracellular matrix of the related tissues. Many studies accomplished to build tissue scaffolds to act as the natural surroundings of the specific interest, which can be established to behave like either healthy or unhealthy tissues. The latter one of these conditions is a quite new approach and crucial for the design of three-dimensional in vitro disease models. This study investigates the potential of a composite scaffold consisting hydroxyapatite-integrated fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl diphenylalanine hydrogels by focusing on the optimization of this hybrid scaffold for the development of an in vitro model of degenerative cartilage. Cell growth, chondrocyte proliferation, extracellular matrix production, hypertrophy marker monitoring, scaffold mechanical properties, and morphological analysis were evaluated. Fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl diphenylalanine dipeptides were dissolved in null cell culture media and pH decreased sequentially to compel peptides to self-organize into fibrous hydrogel scaffolds. Nano-hydroxyapatite crystals were incorporated into fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl diphenylalanine hydrogels during the gelation to investigate the effect on chondrocytes. It is observed that hydroxyapatite incorporation into peptide hydrogels significantly increased the alkaline phosphatase activity and assymetrical cell divisions, which is appraised as an outcome of chondrocyte hypertrophy. It is concluded that chondrocytes develop a hypertrophic potential when they are cultured in a media with nano-hydroxyapatites in a three-dimensional cell culture matrix mimicking the extracellular matrix conditions of degenerative cartilage.

Bozdoğan, Betül ( Aksaray, Yazar ), The breath figure (BF) method is an effective process for fabricating porous polymeric films. In this study, we fabricated porous polymer films from thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) through static BF with CHCl3 as a solvent under 55–80% relative humidity. The porous PU films were prepared within various pore structures and sizes, which were adjustable, depending on the fabrication conditions. The humidity and exposure time were examined as variable parameters affecting the surface morphology, wettability, and cytotoxicity. Atorvastatin calcium, a hyperlipidemic agent, was loaded into the porous films during the casting process, and the drug‐loading and drug‐releasing behaviors of the porous PU membranes were evaluated. Approximately 60–80% of the drug was released in 14 days. The films exhibited sustained drug‐release performances because of the hydrophobicity and nonbiodegradable nature of PU for perivascular drug administration.

WOS: 000472241700072 PubMed ID: 31147048 Degenerative cartilage is the pathology of severe depletion of extracellular matrix components in articular cartilage. In diseases like osteoarthritis, misregulation of microRNAs contributes the pathology and collectively leads to disruption of the homeostasis. In this study chondroitin sulfate/hyaluronic acid/chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and successfully characterized chemically and morphologically. Results demonstrated higher chondroitin sulfate amounts led smaller nanoparticles, but lower surface zeta potential due to high electronegativity. After optimization of chondroitin sulfate amounts regarding size and charge, nanoparticles were loaded with microRNA-149-5p, a therapeutic miRNA downregulated in osteoarthritis, and evaluated focusing on their loading efficiency, release behaviour, cytotoxicity and gene transfection efficiency in vitro. Results showed all nanoparticle formulations were non-toxic and promising gene delivery agents, due to increased levels of microRNA-149-5p and decreased mRNA levels of microRNA's target, FUT-1. Highest gene transfection efficiency was obtained with the nanoparticle formulation which had the highest chondroitin sulfate load and smallest size. In addition, owing to their high chondroitin sulfate cargo, all nanoparticles were reported to enhance chondrogenesis, which was demonstrated by gene expression analysis and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) staining. The obtained data suggest that the delivery of microRNA-149-5p via polysaccharide based carriers could achieve collaborative impact in cartilage regeneration and have a potential to enhance osteoarthritis treatment.

WOS: 000353058700010, Heavy metal pollution has become a serious problem for living organisms. In this study, silk fibroin (SF)/nylon-6 nanofiber matrices were formed by electrospinning and their surface was modified with calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals to increase the affinity of divalent heavy metals. The properties of matrices were evaluated as a filter matrix for copper adsorption from aqueous solution. Attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and alizarin red staining method were used for characterization. Adsorption studies were performed by batch and continuous system. The various parameters regarding adsorption process such as pH of solution, surface area, initial copper concentration, and flow rate were optimized. Toxicity values were assessed before and after the Cu(II) adsorption studies. The resultant SF/nylon-6 nanofiber matrices indicate an excellent fibrous structure without beads (fiber diameter at 250 +/- A 50 nm) and modified successfully with CaP crystals. Adsorption results showed that the removal efficiency of copper could reach 32 % by continuous flow system whereas 77 % by batch system. Acute toxicity bioassays using Vibrio fischeri showed that the toxicity decreased after continuous and batch flow systems. For desorption study, different concentrations of various desorption solutions were used and the percentage of Cu(II) desorption was determined as 11 %, approximately., TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey) [111T671], This study was financially supported by TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey) under the Grant No. 111T671.

This study aims to generate a bactericidal agent releasing surface via nanotube layer on titanium metal and to investigate how aspect ratio of nanotubes affects drug elution time and cell proliferation. Titania nanotube layers were generated on metal surfaces by anodic oxidation at various voltage and time parameters. Gentamicin loading was carried out via simple pipetting and the samples were tested against S. aureus for the efficacy of the applied modification. Drug releasing time and cell proliferation were also tested in vitro. Titania nanotube layers with varying diameters and lengths were prepared after anodization and anodizing duration was found as the most effective parameter for amount of loaded drug and drug releasing time. Drug elution lasted up to 4 days after anodizing for 80 min of the samples, whereas release completed in 24 h when the samples were anodized for 20 min. All processed samples had bactericidal properties against S. aureus organism except unmodified titanium, which was also subjected to drug incorporation step. The anodization also enhanced water wettability and cell adhesion results. Anodic oxidation is an effective surface modification to enhance tissue-implant interactions and also resultant titania layer can act as a drug reservoir for the release of bactericidal agents. The use of implants as local drug eluting devices is promising but further in vivo testing is required.

The control of pore size and uniform porosity remains as an important challenge in gelatin scaffolds. The precise control in building blocks of tissue scaffolds without any additional porogen is possible with costly equipment and techniques, though some pre‐requirements for polymeric material, such as photo‐polymerizability or sintering ability, may be needed prior to construction. Herein, a method for the fabrication of gelatin scaffolds with homogenous porosity using simple T‐junction microfluidics is described. The size of the microbubbles is precisely controlled with 5% deviation from the average. Porous gelatin scaffolds are obtained by building‐up the monodispersed microbubbles in dilute cross‐linker solutions. The effect of cross‐linker density on pore diameter is also investigated. After cross‐linking, pore size of the resultant five scaffold groups are precisely controlled as 135 ± 11, 193 ± 11, 216 ± 9, 231 ± 5, and 250 ± 12 µm. Porosity ratios above 65% are achieved in every sample group. According to the cell culture experiments, structures support high cell adhesion, viability, and migration through the porous network via interconnectivity. This study offers a practical and economical approach for the preparation of porous gelatin scaffolds with homogenous porosity which can be utilized in diverse tissue engineering applications.

WOS: 000327493400020, Topography plays a key role in osseointegration and surface modifications at the subcellular level, increasing initial cell attachment in the early period. In the past decade, nanosized texture on metal like a nanotube layer and also more recently extracellular matrix like surface modifications - such as polymeric nanofibrils - have been proposed for a better osseointegration in the literature. Here, we investigate two types of nanoscaled modifications alone and together for the first time. We characterized different types of surface modifications morphologically and investigated how they affected osteoblast cells in vitro, in terms of cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content. We anodized titanium samples with a thickness of 0.127 mm to obtain a nanotubular titania layer and the silk fibroin (SF), as a biocompatible polymeric material, was electrospun onto both anodized and unanodized samples to acquire 4 sample groups. We analyzed the resulting samples morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content were evaluated at 3,7 and 14 days. We found that cell proliferation increased by 70% on the groups having two modifications respect to unmodified titanium and after 7 days, ALP activity and calcium content were 110% and 150%, respectively, higher on surfaces having both surface treatments than that of unmodified group. In conclusion, a nanotube layer and SF nanofibers on a titanium surface enhanced cell attachment and proliferation most. Comodification of titanium surfaces by anodization and SF electrospinning may be useful to enhance osseointegration but it requires in vivo confirmation

In this work, preparation and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotube–chitosan (SWNT–chitosan) modified disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was carried out. Firstly, commercial single-walled carbon nanotube was purified and characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX) for this purpose. Purified SWNT was mixed with chitosan polymer for preparing their composite. Then, PGE was modified with this composite. The characterization of the modified electrode was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The electrochemical behaviour of the obtained electrode was investigated and compared with the electrochemical behaviour of chitosan modified and unmodified PGEs using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and alternative current (AC) impedance spectroscopy. In order to obtain more sensitive electrochemical signals, the effect of SWNT concentration was studied. This modified electrode also showed electrocatalytic effect for hydrogen evolution.

Triamcinolone acetonide loaded in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3 hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHx) microspheres were prepared to treat cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and acute posterior segment inflammation associated with uveitis. The PHBHx microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation technique using methylene chloride as the solvent and aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) emulsifier as the dispersion medium. The PHBHx microspheres obtained were well formed with narrow size distribution; the average size prepared ranged from 40-200 µm depending on the formulation used. The stirring rate of the dispersion medium, emulsifier concentration, and polymer/solvent ratio parameters were varied to determine their effect on the size and size distribution of the PHBHx microspheres. Increasing the stirring rate and emulsifier concentration decreased the size and the size distribution of the microspheres, while increasing the polymer/solvent ratio caused the opposite effect. The polymer/drug ratio was the most effective parameter for controlling drug loading and release properties. More than 90% of the loaded drug was released within the first 24 h; after that, the release rate was slower for all formulations. © SAGE Publications 2008.

The treatment of periodontal diseases with their associated anomalies and replacement of lost teeth by endosseous dental implants sometimes undertakes a stringent process with high variations in success rates and predictability of regeneration. An applied biomedical research area, tissue engineering, aims to develop biomaterials or procedures for replacing damaged tissues with new ones by adhering to the principles of developmental biology, biomaterials science and cell biology. Nanotechnology came out as a new scientific discipline in 1990s and with significant developments on techniques and materials, various treatment strategies have been defined and functional tissue regeneration have become a reality. Today, an elaborated oral health care achievement is now beyond the expectance by the utilization of tissue engineering modalities and nanobiomaterials. This chapter aims to highlight and discuss the role of nanobiomaterials and their diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive potential in periodontics and implants dentistry, with particular emphasis given to current challenges and future possibilities related with the strategies of tissue engineering in periodontology and implant dentistry.

Nanoparticles, which can be considered as one of the largest group of nanocarriers, have an important role in diagnostics and therapy. Incorporation of the nanoparticles prepared by synthetic and natural polymers with magnetic-based structures increases its efficiency. These nanoparticles, which respond to the magnetic field from the external environment and can be oriented magnetically, have been commonly used in cell isolation, controlled drug delivery, hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gene transfection, and tissue engineering. Magnetic nanoparticles are widely used in cancer, gene, and cardiovascular therapies. They are modified by ligands which are specific to the target organ or tissues‘ receptor sites. These magnetic nanoparticles can also carry the agent to target organs or tissues by receptor–ligand binding. The magnetic targeting method involves targeting of the magnetic nanoparticles carrying therapeutic agents to target organs or tissues by intravenous injection of nanoparticles with manipulation of the magnetic field. Loading therapeutic agents to magnetic nanocarriers in the presence of a magnetic field provides chemotherapy and hyperthermia as well as targeting the drug. The magnetic field on magnetic nanoparticles will also increase the heat at the targeted site, which is also especially advantageous for cancer therapies.

Cem Bayram, Zeeshan Ahmad, Emir B. Denkbas, Eleanor Stride, Mohan J. Edirisinghe* Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine Division, The Institute For Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University,06800, Ankara, Turkey School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, United Kingdom Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, Old Road Campus Research Building, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom

Bayram, Cem (Aksaray, Yazar) Erol Demirbilek, Melike (Aksaray, Yazar), Early phase osseointegration is crucial for orthopedic implants. For the improvement of osseointegrative properties of orthopedic implants several surface modification methods such as acid etching, hydroxyapatite (HA) coating and sandblasting can be applied. In this article titanium implants were anodized to possess nanotubular titania structures on the surface. Titania nanotube structures with a 45-50 nm of average inner diameter were obtained and to enhance bioactivity, samples were soaked in 10X simulated body fluid (SBF) for apatite deposition on surface for different time periods (1, 2, 3, 5, 8 hours). Apatitic calcium phosphate deposited surfaces were analyzed with infrared spectrometry and wettability studies. Effect of soaking time on osteoblast cell was investigated by cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity tests and morphological evaluations. As a result, 3 hours of soaking time was found as the optimum time period (p < 0.005). This in vitro study indicated that soaking in 10X SBF can be a rapid and economical technique to enhance osseointegration of anodized titanium implants however excess and/or uncontrolled HA coating of titania layer limits the bioactive potential of the implant.

In this work, we utilize a recently developed microbubbling process to generate controlled protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) coated bubbles and then manipulate these to fabricate a variety of structures suitable for several generic biomedical applications, tissue engineering, and biosensor coatings. Using BSA solutions with varying concentrations (20, 25, and 30 wt %) and cross-linking (terephthaloyl chloride) mechanisms, structures were fabricated including porous thin films with variable pore sizes and thickness (partially cross-linked coupled to bubble breakdown), scaffolds with variable pore morphologies (fully cross-linked), and coated bubbles (no cross-linking), which can be used as stand-alone delivery devices and contrast agents. The movement of typical biosensor chemicals (catechol and hydrogen peroxide) across appropriate film structures was studied. The potential of formed scaffold structures for tissue engineering applications was demonstrated using mouse cell lines (L929). In addition to low cost, providing uniform structure generation and high output, the size of the bubbles can easily be controlled by adjusting simplistic processing parameters. The combination of robust processing and chemical modification to uniform macromolecule bubbles can be utilized as a competing, yet novel, tool with current technologies and processes in advancing the biomaterials and biomedical engineering remits.

Chemical and biological substances have been used as warfare agents by terrorists by varying degree of sophistication. It is critical that these agents be detected in real-time with high level of sensitively, specificity, and accuracy. Many different types of techniques and systems have been developed to detect these agents. But there are some limitations in these conventional techniques and systems. Limitations include the collection, handling and sampling procedures, detection limits, sample transfer, expensive equipment, personnel training, and detection materials. Due to the unique properties such as quantum effect, very high surface/volume ratio, enhanced surface reactivity, conductivity, electrical and magnetic properties of the nanomaterials offer great opportunity to develop very fast, sensitive, accurate and cost effective detection techniques and systems to detect chemical and biological (chem.-bio) warfare agents. Furthermore, surface modification of the materials is very easy and effective way to get functional or smart surfaces to be used as nano-biosensor platform. In that respect many different types of nanomaterials have been developed and used for the detection, remediation and protection, such as gold and silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, Nano chips and arrays, fluorescent polymeric and magnetic nanoparticles, fiber optic and cantilever based nanobiosensors, nanofibrillar nanostructures etc. This study summarizes preparation and characterization of nanotechnology based approaches for the detection of and remediation and protection against chem.-bio warfare agents.

The objective of this study is the preparation and characterization of poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) membrane loaded with a vasodialative agent (i.e., papaverine hydrochloride) as a blood vessel coverage strip to be used in the prevention of undesired vascular vasospasm. Papaverine-loaded PHB membranes were especially designed to act locally and provide an efficient, long term, and sustained prevention of vasospasm at the site of the newly created vascular anastomosis without any systemic vasodilation effect of the papaverine, which may be life-threatening for the patient. The membranes were prepared by gelation of PHB followed by solvent casting. PHB membranes were characterized in terms of morphology, chemical structure, swelling behavior, in vitro drug release, degradation, and blood compatibility studies as in vitro coagulation tests. Activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen concentration were measured by blood coagulation assays. Investigated and evaluated parameters for in vitro drug release, degradation, and in vitro coagulation studies were the concentration of PHB and drug content. Similar effective parameters were used for swelling behavior studies (i.e., concentration of PHB and drug content). Drug release, swelling behavior, degradation, and in vitro coagulation of the membranes were found to be influenced by these parameters. Obtained results showed that papaverine-loaded PHB membranes provide an efficient and advantegous means for the prevention of vasospasm during vascular anastomosis as a local application.

A single walled carbon nanotube–chitosan (SWCNT–chitosan) modified disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was used in this study for the electrochemical detection of Vitamin B12. Electrochemical behaviors of SWCNT–chitosan PGE and chitosan modified PGE were compared by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), square-wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. SWCNT–chitosan modified electrode was also used for the quantification of Vitamin B12 in pharmaceutical products. The results show that this electrode system is suitable for sensitive Vitamin B12 analysis giving good recovery results. The surface morphologies of the SWCNT–chitosan PGE, chitosan modified PGE and unmodified PGE were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

WOS: 000282277300025, PubMed: 20844318, 316L-type stainless steel is a raw material mostly used for manufacturing metallic coronary stents. The purpose of this study was to examine the chemical, wettability, cytotoxic and haemocompatibility properties of 316L stainless steel stents which were modified by plasma polymerization. Six different polymeric compounds, polyethylene glycol, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, ethylenediamine, acrylic acid, hexamethyldisilane and hexamethyldisiloxane, were used in a radio frequency glow discharge plasma polymerization system. As a model antiproliferative drug, mitomycin-C was chosen for covalent coupling onto the stent surface. Modified SS 316L stents were characterized by water contact angle measurements (goniometer) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. C1s binding energies showed a good correlation with the literature. Haemocompatibility tests of coated SS 316L stents showed significant latency (t-test, p < 0.05) with respect to SS 316L and control groups in each test., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey; Health Sciences Research Group (SBAG) [106S182], This work was funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Health Sciences Research Group (SBAG) project number 106S182. Additionally, the stents used in this study were kindly gifted by Alvimedica Medical Inc., Turkey.

Polymeric nanoparticles with magnetic properties can be potentially used in many fields such as biotechnology, separation processes, optoelectronic, catalysts and/or sensors, medical diagnosis and therapy. In this respect, biopolymers give promising trends due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore in this study, magnetic chitosan/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared according to the procedure based on the ionic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions. The formation of the particles was a result of the interaction between the negatively charged groups of the tripolyphosphate and the positively charged amino groups of chitosan. The prepared samples were observed by atomic force microscopy to obtain information about the morphology. The mean particle size of the nanoparticles was determined by dynamic light scattering measurements. Nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a particle size range of about 250–400 nm according to obtained data. Magnetic properties of the nanoparticles were determined by using ESR and VSM.