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Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is currently the most widely used bone augmentation technique in oral clinics. However, infection and soft tissue management remain the greatest challenge. In this study, a Janus sponge/electrospun fibre membrane containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and chlorhexidine (CHX) were prepared to optimize its application as a barrier membrane for GBR. The loose sponge part was covalently bonded with the fiber part which has a dense structure. The composed scaffold exhibited superior biocompatibility and antibacterial activity verified by in vitro test. A rat model of unilateral skull bone injury was used to confirm the effectiveness on both hard and soft tissue regeneration. The chitosan sponge on the soft tissue side containing EGF, bFGF and CHX had a loose structure, promoting collagen and cell regeneration and exerting an antibacterial effect. Meanwhile, the dense PLGA/PCL layer on the hard tissue side prevented fibroblast entry into the bone defect, thereby facilitating bone regeneration. The Janus composite scaffold provides a promising strategy for oral tissue restoration. [Display omitted] • A Janus fibre/sponge composite combining EGF, bFGF and CHX was successfully fabricated for oral guided tissue regeneration. • The composite had a Janus structure and showed superior antimicrobial ability. • The composite can work as barrier membrane to screen the fibroblast, as well as a scaffold to promote bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma-related excessive bleeding is one of the leading causes of death. Chitosan (CS) sponges have unique advantages in the treatment of massive bleeding, but their application is limited by poor stability and toxic crosslinking agent. In this work, chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone/zein (CS/PVP/Zein) sponges with macroporous structure were prepared, which exhibited rapid water absorption capacity and water-triggered expanding property with low cytotoxicity and low hemolysis ratio. In vitro blood coagulation experiments showed that CS/PVP/Zein sponges could clot blood significantly faster than commercial surgical gauze. Further investigation of the hemostatic mechanism suggested that the CS/PVP/Zein sponges could accelerate coagulation by promoting attachment of erythrocytes, activation of platelets, and rapid plasma protein absorption. Prepared sponges were also found effective in the rat femoral artery transection model to control bleeding. Overall, the CS/PVP/Zein sponges exhibited the potential to control trauma-related hemorrhage. • Chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone/zein sponges possessed rapid water absorption, expandable property and good biocompatibility. • Without crosslinking, these sponges could maintain shape well after swelling. • In these sponges, zein promoted adhesion of blood cells, and polyvinylpyrrolidone improved absorption of plasma protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel application of whey protein isolate (WPI) for surface coating of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is demonstrated. WPI-modified MNPs (WPI-MNPs) were prepared via chemical co-precipitation of ferrous and ferric salts. A mixture of chitosan and MNPs (or WPI-MNPs) was subject to lyophilization to produce magnetic composite sponges (designated as Chi-MNPs, and Chi-WPI-MNPs, respectively). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images clearly show improvement in dispersibility of WPI-MNPs on Chi-WPI-MNPs compared to the uncoated samples. The saturation magnetization profiles of all MNP samples, which were measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), show superparamagnetic properties. The pore structure determined by mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) reveals a larger average pore size for Chi-WPI-MNPs compared to Chi-MNPs. The percentages for methylene blue (MB) dye removal of Chi-WPI-MNPs increased by 23.3% and 12.7% when compared to those of neat and Chi-MNPs sponges, respectively. The adsorption isotherms of all sponges can be described by both Langmuir and Freundlich models. The sponge containing WPI-MNPs could be reused with a 23.7% reduction in adsorption efficiency after 4 cycles of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, nanocomposites that combine mucopenetrating and mucoadhesive properties in a single system are proposed as innovative strategy to increase drug residence time in the intestine following oral administration. To this aim, novel mucoadhesive chitosan (CH) sponges loaded with mucopenetrating nanoemulsions (NE) were developed via freeze-casting technique. The NE mucopenetration ability was determined studying the surface affinity and thermodynamic binding of the nanosystem with mucins. The ability of nanoparticles to penetrate across a preformed mucins layer was validated by 3D-time laps Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy imaging. Microscopy observations (Scanning Electron Microscopy and Optical Microscopy) showed that NE participated in the structure of the sponge affecting its stability and in vitro release kinetics. When incubated with HCT 116 and Caco-2 cell lines, the NE proved to be cytocompatible over a wide concentration range. Finally, the in vivo biodistribution of the nanocomposite was evaluated after oral gavage in healthy mice. The intestinal retention of NE was highly enhanced when loaded in the sponge compared to the NE suspension. Overall, our results demonstrated that the developed nanocomposite sponge is a promising system for sustained drug intestinal delivery. [Display omitted] • Nanocomposites embedding nanoemulsions (NE) in chitosan (CH) sponges are produced by freeze-drying. • Modulation of nanocomposite structural features affects sponge stability and NE release in simulated intestinal fluids. • PEGylated NE shows effective mucopenetrating properties. • Mucoadhesive ability of CH sponges increases NE intestinal residence time following oral administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to produce three chitosan-based biodegradable sponge composites from collagen, gelatin, and sodium alginate and through addition of curcumin to investigate their biological effects on wound healing. To this end, the Chitosan-Collagen-Curcumin (Chs, Col, Cur), Chitosan-Gelatin-Curcumin (Chs, Gel, Cur), and Chitosan-Alginate-Curcumin (Chs, Alg, Cur) sponge composites were prepared and subject to FT-IR, SEM, TGA, water absorption, biodegradability, wound healing and anti-bacterial analyses. Based on the results, the highest and lowest water absorptions were associated with Chitosan-Alginate-Curcumin and Chitosan-Collagen-Curcumin composites, respectively. Moreover, according to the SEM images, the highest porosity and the largest cavity size were associated with the Chitosan-Alginate-Curcumin composite. The biodegradability analysis results revealed that Chitosan-Alginate-Curcumin was completely destroyed in 4 days, while the Chitosan-Collagen-Curcumin composite showed the lowest level of destruction. Moreover, the highest amount of curcumin was released by the Chitosan-Gelatin-Curcumin composite which happened during the first hour. Finally, the highest wound healing effect was achieved within a 10-day period using the Chitosan-Gelatin-Curcumin composite, completely healing the wound on the mouse skin. On the other hand, the lowest effect was associated with the Chitosan-Alginate-Curcumin composite. The antibacterial tests suggested that all composites exhibited anti-bacterial capabilities, the highest level of which was associated with the Chitosan-Gelatin-Curcumin composite. Moreover, based on the histological tests, the fastest tissue repair process with the highest quality was achieved using the Chitosan-Gelatin-Curcumin sponge composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation aims to study the chitosan sponge as a carrier matrix for the sustained antibiotic release system for the prophylaxis of orthopedic implant-associated infections (OIAIs). We have prepared sponges of three broad-spectrum antibiotics, namely vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime possessing different physicochemical properties. The blank, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime loaded chitosan sponges were denoted as Blank-CH, CH-VAN, CH-CIP, and CH-CEF sponges. Chitosan sponges were assessed for morphology, drug-release, antibacterial potential, and preclinical evaluation using a rat subcutaneous implantation model. The results revealed that the physicochemical properties of the drug incorporated into the chitosan matrix play an important role in the morphology, degradation and drug release profile. Due to the highly hydrophilic properties of vancomycin, the CH-VAN sponge showed the highest swelling and fastest degradation profile. The CH-VAN sponge demonstrated the short-term release in contrast with the CH-CEF and CH-CIP sponges, which showed sustained release along with sustainable antibacterial activity. The preclinical evaluation proved that the CH-CIP and CH-CEF sponges were biodegradable, non-toxic and biocompatible. Further, the CH-CIP and CH-CEF sponges were able to maintain minimum plasma concentration with higher local tissue antibiotic concentration. Therefore, the CH-CIP and CH-CEF sponges could be promising candidates for the long-term prophylaxis of OIAIs. Unlabelled Image • Chitosan sponges containing Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime were prepared by freeze drying process • The CH-VAN showed short-term release while CH-CIP and CH-CEF demonstrated sustained release for 13 and 30 days, respectively. • The preclinical evaluation proved biocompatibility, safety and efficacy of CH-CIP and CH-CEF sponges • The CH-CIP and CH-CEF were able to maintain higher local tissue concentration with lower plasma concentration • The CH-CIP and CH-CEF sponges are potential candidates for the prophylaxis of orthopedic implant associated infections [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of saliva as a diagnostic biofluid offers many advantages over traditional blood-based diagnostics, and has the potential to revolutionize the field of point-of-care and personalized medicine. However, there remains a strong demand for precise and convenient saliva sampling and an all-in-one system that can achieve saliva sample loading and biomarker detection in a patient-friendly, easy-to-use, and cost-effective manner. In this study, we developed a biodegradable fluidic device for use in point-of-care diagnostics using saliva as a sample biofluid. The device comprised a sample loading zone and a detection zone connected through channels. A chitosan sponge was used to sample artificial saliva owing to its large absorption capacity and ability to release absorbed saliva, and polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel entrapping enzymes and dyes were used as the sensing module for the colorimetric detection of target biomarkers. When a saliva-absorbed chitosan sponge was inserted into the loading zone and squeezed, the absorbed saliva was released from the sponge and moved to the detection zone containing the hydrogel-based sensing module, where it initiated an enzyme-catalyzed reaction and subsequently induced a color change in the hydrogel. The enzyme-based detection of glucose and creatinine in a clinically useful concentration range confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed fluidic system. The proposed system enabled the quantitative detection of glucose and creatinine both spectrophotometrically and via smartphone-based analysis, highlighting its potential in point-of-care diagnostics. • Saliva-based biosensor was developed using a biodegradable fluidic device. • Chitosan sponge facilitated loading and releasing of saliva samples. • Enzyme entrapped hydrogel was used for enhanced detection of biomarkers in saliva. • Point-of-care potential was demonstrated via colorimetric detection of glucose and creatinine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hardwood vessel-inspired chitosan-based sponge was prepared. • The sponge showed superior strength, MPs adsorption and recycling durability. • Strength was enhanced by double cross-linked network and biomimetic structure. • MPs adsorption efficiency was increased due to the biomimetic structure. • Adsorption mechanism of sponge was analyzed and discussed in this work. Microplastics (MPs) in water that are hazardous and recalcitrant pose formidable risks for human health, necessitating the development of efficient, sustainable removal methods. This study introduces a chitosan/bacterial cellulose sponge with superior compressibility and remarkable recyclability for polystyrene (PS) MPs rapid adsorption, inspired by the robustness and directional, rapid nutrient transport characteristics of hardwood vessels. The unique structure of sponge, featuring tunable oriented cellular channels and strong walls, is achieved via temperature-controlled directional freezing and double cross-linking. This structure enables the sponge to maintain high wet compressive reversibility, with a retention rate of 94.9% after 100 compression cycles. Moreover, the as-prepared sponge demonstrates a high MPs adsorption capacity of 0.26 mg·g−1. Owing to its excellent wet compressibility and adsorption performance, the sponge demonstrates remarkable cycling removal efficiency of 47.30% after 20 cycles. The experimental results together with theoretical fitting provide insight into how the hardwood-like structure and active sites of Chitosan enhance MPs adsorption. This work advances the development of efficient and sustainable MPs removal technologies using biomimetic and high-performance adsorbents and expands the insight into the MPs adsorption mechanism by chitosan-based sponge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic chitosan sponge (MCTCS) was successfully prepared via a facile freeze-drying method with the assistance of TPP/citral crosslinking and octadecanethiol modification. The three dimensional porous structure endowed the MCTCS sponges with large pore volume and good compressive property. Moreover, the MCTCS sponge could effectively absorb oil with an absorptive capacity up to 60 times of its own weight. More importantly, the MCTCS sponge could selectively absorb the emulsified oils in water effectively, and achieve continuous oil–water separation with the assistance of peristaltic pump. The oil and water separation efficiency was up to 99%. Furthermore, the MCTCS sponge still maintained a highly absorptive capacity after being reused for many cycles and possessed ideal biodegradability. It was believed that the superhydrophobic/superoleophilic chitosan sponge would be a promising absorbent material for the removal of oil from water in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosorption using microbes has been proved to be an efficient technology to remove heavy metals from wastewater, whereas the imperfections in mechanical property and separation limit their practical application. In this study, Pseudomonas putida I3 and Talaromyces amestolkiae Pb respectively combined with xanthate-modified thiourea chitosan sponge (PXTCS and TXTCS) were synthesized to investigate the Pb(II) removal ability from solutions. The prepared biosorbents possessed a three-dimensional macroporous structure convenient for separation. Experimental data indicated their biosorption behaviors well followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum biosorption capacities of PXTCS and TXTCS were 232.03 and 241.61 mg g −1 with 40% P. putida I3 and 15% T. amestolkiae Pb, respectively. For the effects of co-existing metal ions on Pb(II) biosorption, the promoting degree followed the sequence: Zn(II) > Na(I) ≈ K(I) > Ca(II) > Mg(II) ≈ Al(III) ≫ Cd(II) > Fe(III). Both prepared biosorbents were effective in removing heavy metals from simulated industrial effluents containing various trace-level heavy metals or high concentration Pb(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In this study, we aimed to determine if there is a difference in the rates of wound dehiscence, delayed union, nonunion, and unanticipated surgery after the use of bioabsorbable local antibiotic-delivery systems (LADS), specifically comparing antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate pellets (Osteoset-T, Wright Medical Technology Inc., Arlington, TN, USA, hereafter referred to as beads) and chitosan sponge (Sentrex BioSponge, Bionova Medical, Germantown, TN, USA, hereafter referred to as sponges) in the management of acute and chronic extremity wounds. Methodology We conducted a retrospective comparative cohort study in the setting of a level 1 trauma center. All patients who received either beads or sponges as an adjunct to surgical debridement from January 2010 to December 2017 were included, and 136 patients met the inclusion criteria. The intervention studied was extremity wounds that were treated with bioabsorbable LADS, either beads or sponges. The main outcome measurement was wound dehiscence and the need for unanticipated surgery. Results Of the 136 patients in the study cohort, 78% (106/136) were treated with beads, and 22% (30/136) were treated with sponges. Of the 136 patients, 50 (37%) experienced wound dehiscence, and 49 patients required unanticipated surgery. Overall, 62% (31/50) of patients with wound dehiscence and 67.4% (33/49) of patients requiring unanticipated surgery were seen in the bead cohort (p = 0.0001 and 0.025, respectively). However, in multivariable analyses, we found that the odds of having wound dehiscence and undergoing unanticipated surgery were, respectively, 4.9 (p = 0.001) and 2.8 (p = 0.021) times more likely to occur in the sponge than in the bead group. Conclusions Sentrex sponges appear to be associated with higher rates of wound dehiscence and the need for unanticipated surgery compared to Osteoset beads., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, McKee et al.)

An injectable, guanosine 5′-diphosphate (GDP)-crosslinked chitosan sponge was investigated as a drug delivery system (DDS) for accelerating biomineralization in critical size bone defects (CSBDs). Two approaches were examined both individually, and in combination, in order to achieve this goal. The first approach involved the encapsulation and release of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP-7), a powerful mineralization stimulant. Results confirmed that the rapid gelation of the chitosan sponge prompted high encapsulation of BMP-7 and provided a controlled release over a period of 30 days with no burst release. The second approach was aimed at encapsulating pyrophosphatase (PPtase) in the chitosan sponge to cleave pyrophosphate (PPi) – a mineralization inhibitor and a degradation by-product of the chitosan sponge – into phosphate ions (Pi). PPtase was successfully encapsulated in the chitosan sponge and was able to completely eliminate PPi from the media by cleaving them to Pi. Chitosan sponges releasing Pi into the media were shown to increase overall biomineralization fourfold as compared to controls, an amount equivalent to biomineralization caused by direct injection of 1 μg of free BMP-7 to the cells. Even though the combined encapsulation of 1 μg BMP-7 and PPtase in the sponges did not demonstrate an additional increase in biomineralization, encapsulation of low concentrations of BMP-7 can promote mesenchymal stem cell migration into the sponge after application in vivo. The findings suggest that the sponge-PPtase system likely allows excellent bone regeneration with lower concentrations of BMP-7, reducing risks and expense of the treatment. Statement of significance There are bone defects, known as critical size defects, which do not heal on their own and require a therapeutic intervention. The current commercially-available therapies use large quantities of growth factors, such as Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), which makes them expensive and a source for a myriad of unwanted side effects. In this manuscript we demonstrate, for the first time, the use of an injectable chitosan-based sponge that contains no inorganic components, but can nonetheless act as a source of phosphate ions to improve bone mineralization. We also demonstrate that this sponge can entrap small concentrations of BMP-7 and provide controlled release over time. The ability to release phosphate ions and low concentrations of BMP-7 makes this therapeutic intervention clinically-relevant, affordable, and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan-based adsorbents (chitosan powder, chitosan film, and chitosan sponge) were prepared and employed for the adsorption of La(III) ions. The materials presented significant differences in their properties, reflected in different La(III) adsorption performances. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were studied. The chitosan materials showed very effective La(III) removal due to their unique characteristics, such abundance of functional groups on their surfaces. In addition, the chitosan sponge's high surface area contributed to La(III) adsorption. The equilibrium data followed the Liu isotherm model. Based on this model, the Q max values obtained were 85.31 and 93.50 mg g−1 (328 K) for powder and film chitosan, respectively. For chitosan sponges, the equilibrium model followed the Two-step Langmuir model attaining a maximum sorption capacity of 265.6 mg g−1 (298 K). The thermodynamics studies indicate that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption process suggests that electrostatic interactions and coordination/chelation were the main acting mechanisms of La(III) removal. Pore filling also played an important role in the adsorption process for the chitosan sponge. In brief, the CTS materials with different configurations presented a good potential to uptake the rare earth element La(III) from water. [Display omitted] • Lanthanum uptake from water using chitosan with different configurations; • Chitosan powder, film, and sponge were used for La(III) adsorption; • Powder and film presented similar profiles with capacities around 90 mg g−1; • Sponge presented different features, and the adsorption capacity was 265 mg g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to develop and characterize the chitosan sponges loading with doxycycline hyclate and their antibacterial activities. The pore density of chitosan sponge prepared with freeze drying technique was increased as the higher concentrated chitosan solution was used. The sponge prepared from 10% w/ w of the chitosan solution and crosslinking with glutaraldehyde solution was utilized for loading with doxycycline hyclate. The drug release and sustainable antibacterial activity of fabricated sponge were assessed using dissolution test and agar diffusion test, respectively. Drug release from non-crosslinked sponge into phosphate buffer pH7.4 was slower than that from crosslinked sponge since the former could absorb the medium and form gel to retard the initial drug diffusion. Sustainable antibacterial activity of developed sponge was evident against S. aureus and E. coli. In conclusion, the in vitro release profile and antibacterial efficiency indicated that doxycycline hyclate could be sustained using chitosan sponge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was the preparation and characterization of chitosan sponges including a model antibiotic (i.e., norfloxacin). The chitosan sponges were prepared by a solvent evaporation method. The matrix was also cross-linked during the preparation. The results indicated that the chitosan sponges were in the fibrillar structure. The swelling behavior, norfloxacin loading, in vitro release characteristics, and antibacterial activity were determined. The effects of cross-linker concentration, norfloxacin/chitosan ratio, chitosan molecular weight, and base concentration were investigated. The most effective parameter was found to be the degree of neutralization. It was also observed that the equilibrium swelling ratio decreased with increasing cross-linking density. The norfloxacin release was found to be swelling controlled initially and diffusion controlled at the extended release periods. It was also found that the antibacterial activity was directly proportional to the release rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS was fabricated by combining of oxidized CNTs with chitosan sponge. • COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS shows the effective and selective adsorption of Gd(III). • COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS can be rapidly retrieved after adsorption process. • COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS is cost-efficient and its preparation process is eco-friendly. From economical and environmental standpoint, it is very meaningful for selective recovery of Gd(III) via adsorption from the real waste solution. At present, conventional adsorbents are impeded by poor adsorption capacity, low selectivity, complicated preparation and eco-pollution. To this end, a novel imprinted CNTs-chitosan hybrid sponge (COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS) with 3D network structure was fabricated via easy polymerization-lyophilization method for selective adsorption of Gd(III). The imprinting sites dispersing on the surface of channels in COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS can achieve the selective adsorption to Gd(III) and improve adsorption capacity. The combining of biomass chitosan sponge with oxidized CNTs not only further enhances the adsorption capacity and mechanical strength of COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS but also actualizes its rapid retrieval by the squeeze of elastic sponge. Systematic adsorption tests indicate that COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS has a maximum adsorption capacity of 71.95 mg g−1, and can adsorb 88.9% of the ultimate adsorption within 60 min. The selectivity tests show that COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS exhibits preferential adsorption for Gd(III) with a distribution coefficient of 0.656 L g−1. Furthermore, COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS has excellent regeneration performance. Considering its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, user-friendliness, easy preparation and favorable adsorption performance, COOH-CNTs/CS-IIS holds great promise in selective recovery of Gd(III) from the real waste solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All assays were performed using gas scrubber effluent from the production of fertilizer industry. • Carbon nanotube was anchored onto chitosan sponge and used like adsorbent. • The adsorption capacity for fluoride reach around 975.4 mg g−1 in kinetic assays. • Reuse and regeneration were investigated and 5 cycles were obtained. • The adsorption capacity kept similar values in all cycles. Adsorption of fluoride from fertilizer industry effluent using carbon nanotubes stabilized in chitosan sponge as adsorbent was evaluated. The effluent was produced in the washing of acid gases during the reaction in fertilizer production and all assays were performed using this hazardous material. Adsorbent characterization and ions interactions were elucidated from differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analyses, X–ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy dispersive energy X–ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effluent presented pH 3 and its value not changed in the adsorption assays, maintaining the conditions of the process. The kinetics assays of fluoride from industry effluent were performed in different stirring rates from 100 to 300 rpm. It was observed that adsorption was initially fast reaching the equilibrium at 300 rpm in 20 min. The adsorption capacity was around 975.4 mg g−1, showing the potential of the hybrid material to remove fluoride from a real matrix. The high adsorption capacity was attributed to the chitosan functional groups and the high interaction area promoted by sponge form and the carbon nanotube. Reuse and regeneration of the CNT-CS were investigated and 5 cycles were obtained. The adsorption capacity kept similar values in all cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal disease is the main reason for tooth loss in adults. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are advanced technologies used to manage soft and hard tissue defects caused by periodontal disease. We developed a transforming growth factor-β3/chitosan sponge (TGF-β3/CS) to repair periodontal soft and hard tissue defects. We investigated the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation behaviors of primary human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) to determine the bioactivity and potential application of TGF-β3 in periodontal disease. We employed calcein-AM/propidium iodide (PI) double labeling or cell membranes (CM)-Dil labeling coupled with fluorescence microscopy to trace the survival and function of cells after implantation in vitro and in vivo. The mineralization of osteogenically differentiated hPDLSCs was confirmed by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content. The levels of COL I, ALP, TGF-βRI, TGF-βRII, and Pp38/t-p38 were assessed by western blotting to explore the mechanism of bone repair prompted by TGF-β3. When hPDLSCs were implanted with various concentrations of TGF-β3/CS (62.5–500 ng/mL), ALP activity was the highest in the TGF-β3 (250 ng/mL) group after 7 d (p < 0.05 vs. control). The calcium content in each group was increased significantly after 21 and 28 d (p < 0.001 vs. control). The optimal result was achieved by the TGF-β3 (500 ng/mL) group. These results showed that TGF-β3/CS promotes osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, which may involve the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. TGF-β3/CS has the potential for application in the repair of incomplete alveolar bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we developed a facile approach for the fabrication of stearic acid-modified starch/chitosan composite sponge with asymmetric wettability and gradient wettability via mediating the amount of starch. The starch/chitosan composite sponge exhibited heterogeneous wetting properties on its two surfaces after stearic acid modification. The superhydrophobic top surface with a water contact angle of 150° could prevent water, blood, and bacterial permeation without losing the breathability of the sponge, whereas the superhydrophilic bottom surface possessed optimal water and blood absorption and clotting abilities. The asymmetric wettability of starch/chitosan composite sponge was attributed to the synergistic contribution of gradient distribution of starch, rough three-dimensional skeleton structure induced capillary effect and the nonuniform surface distribution of hydrophilic/hydrophobic groups. Furthermore, the sponge also possessed good biodegradability and noncytotoxicity to the human normal hepatocyte. The results indicated that the stearic acid-modified starch/chitosan composite sponge with ideal liquid absorption, vapor transmission rate, self-cleaning and stain-repellent ability could be used as a promising candidate for wound dressing.

The orthopedic community has learned much about the treatment of open fractures from the tremendous work of Ramon Gustilo, Michael Patzakis, and others; however, open fractures continue to be very difficult challenges. Type III open fractures continue to be associated with high infection rates. Some combination of systemic and local antibiotics may be most appropriate in these high-grade open fractures. Further research is still necessary in determining optimal systemic antibiotic regimens as well as the role of local antibiotics. Any new discoveries related to novel systemic antibiotics or local antibiotic carriers will need to be evaluated related to cost., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)