Silanization Strategies for Tailoring Peptide Functionalization on Silicon Surfaces: Implications for Enhancing Stem Cell Adhesion.

Biomaterial surface engineering and the integration of cell-adhesive ligands are crucial in biological research and biotechnological applications. The interplay between cells and their microenvironment, influenced by chemical and physical cues, impacts cellular behavior. Surface modification of biomaterials profoundly affects cellular responses, especially at the cell-surface interface.

Peptide grafting on intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses to promote sealing with skin cells: Potential to limit infections.

The long-term success of intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses (ITAPs) mainly relies on dermal attachment of skin cells to the implant. Otherwise, bacteria can easily penetrate through the interface between the implant and the skin. Therefore, infection at this implant/skin interface remains a significant complication in orthopedic surgeries in which these prostheses are required.

Polyethylene terephthalate textile heart valve: How poly(ethylene glycol) grafting limits fibrosis.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an alternative technique to surgical valve replacement for over 300,000 patients worldwide. The valve material used in the TAVR is made of biological tissues, whose durability remains unknown. The success of the TAVR favors the research toward synthetic valve leaflet materials as an alternative to biological tissues.

Fibronectin grafting to enhance skin sealing around transcutaneous titanium implant.

Intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis is a new approach in orthopedic implants that overcomes socket prosthesis problems. Its long-term performance requires a tight skin-implant seal to prevent infections. In this study, fibronectin (Fn), a widely used adhesion protein, was adsorbed or grafted onto titanium alloy.

Bioactive micropatterning of biomaterials for induction of endothelial progenitor cell differentiation: Acceleration of in situ endothelialization.

Synthetic grafts do not provide an appealing surface for endothelial cells to adhere and colonize the inner surface. To promote in situ endothelialization the following aspect has to be taken into account, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) needs to be mobilized on the surface of the graft. The surface of the graft has to be sufficiently biocompatible to create a prone environment for the EPCs to adhere, proliferate and, differentiate to form a layer and subsequently improve graft patency.

Effect of linking arm hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature, length and end-group on the conformation and the RGD accessibility of surface-immobilized fibronectin.

In order to stimulate the cellular response to implant materials, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen and fibronectin (FN), are immobilized on the implant surface. Amongst all ECM proteins used for biomimetic materials for medical applications, FN is one of the most investigated proteins thanks to its ability to promote cell adhesion and its contribution to important physiological processes. However, its conformation and hence its bioactivity strongly depend on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the surface as well as on immobilization strategies.

Validation of reference genes for real-time PCR of cord blood mononuclear cells, differentiating endothelial progenitor cells, and mature endothelial cells.

In the last ten years, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have gained interest as an attractive cell population in regenerative medicine for vascular applications. This population is defined as the precursor of endothelial mature cells (ECs) through a process of differentiation. To our knowledge, no single marker can be used to discriminate them from mature ECs.

Design, Degradation Mechanism and Long-Term Cytotoxicity of Poly(L-lactide) and Poly(Lactide-co-ϵ-Caprolactone) Terpolymer Film and Air-Spun Nanofiber Scaffold.

Degradable nanofiber scaffold is known to provide a suitable, versatile and temporary structure for tissue regeneration. However, synthetic nanofiber scaffold must be properly designed to display appropriate tissue response during the degradation process. In this context, this publication focuses on the design of a finely-tuned poly(lactide-co-ϵ-caprolactone) terpolymer (PLCL) that may be appropriate for vascular biomaterials applications and its comparison with well-known semi-crystalline poly(l-lactide) (PLLA).

Grafting of a model protein on lactide and caprolactone based biodegradable films for biomedical applications.

Thermoplastic biodegradable polymers displaying elastomeric behavior and mechanical consistency are greatly appreciated for the regeneration of soft tissues and for various medical devices. However, while the selection of a suitable base material is determined by mechanical and biodegradation considerations, it is the surface properties of the biomaterial that are responsible for the biological response. In order to improve the interaction with cells and modulate their behavior, biologically active molecules can be incorporated onto the surface of the material.

Structure and membrane interactions of the β-amyloid fragment 25-35 as viewed using spectroscopic approaches.

The β-amyloid fragment peptide 25-35 (Aβ(25-35)) is recognized as the cytotoxic sequence of the parent peptide Aβ. However, it remains unclear whether its neurotoxicity originates from its fibrillar form, how it interacts with lipid membranes, and whether cholesterol modulates these interactions. These questions have been addressed at a molecular level using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.

Surface modification of gadolinium oxide thin films and nanoparticles using poly(ethylene glycol)-phosphate.

The performance of nanomaterials for biomedical applications is highly dependent on the nature and the quality of surface coatings. In particular, the development of functionalized nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires the grafting of hydrophilic, nonimmunogenic, and biocompatible polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Attached at the surface of nanoparticles, this polymer enhances the steric repulsion and therefore the stability of the colloids.

Ultra-small gadolinium oxide nanoparticles to image brain cancer cells in vivo with MRI.

The majority of contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is based on the rare-earth element gadolinium. Gadolinium-based nanoparticles could find promising applications in pre-clinical diagnostic procedures of certain types of cancer, such as glioblastoma multiforme. This is one of the most malignant, lethal and poorly accessible forms of cancer.