Fabrication of Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) Scaffolds with Nano- and Micro-Topographical and Morphological Features.

The design of biomimetic biomaterials for cell culture has become a great tool to study and understand cell behavior, tissue degradation, and lesion. Topographical and morphological features play an important role in modulating cell behavior. In this study, a dual methodology was evaluated to generate novel gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-based scaffolds with nano and micro topographical and morphological features.

Effect of poly (l-lactic acid) scaffolds seeded with aligned diaphragmatic myoblasts overexpressing connexin-43 on infarct size and ventricular function in sheep with acute coronary occlusion.

Diaphragmatic myoblasts (DM) are stem cells of the diaphragm, a muscle displaying high resistance to stress and exhaustion. We hypothesized that DM modified to overexpress connexin-43 (cx43), seeded on aligned poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) sheets would decrease infarct size and improve ventricular function in sheep with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sheep with AMI received PLLA sheets without DM (PLLA group), sheets with DM (PLLA-DM group), sheets with DM overexpressing cx43 (PLLA-DMcx43) or no treatment (control group, n = 6 per group).

Aligned ovine diaphragmatic myoblasts overexpressing human connexin-43 seeded on poly (L-lactic acid) scaffolds for potential use in cardiac regeneration.

Diaphragmatic myoblasts (DMs) are precursors of type-1 muscle cells displaying high exhaustion threshold on account that they contract and relax 20 times/min over a lifespan, making them potentially useful in cardiac regeneration strategies. Besides, it has been shown that biomaterials for stem cell delivery improve cell retention and viability in the target organ. In the present study, we aimed at developing a novel approach based on the use of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds seeded with DMs overexpressing connexin-43 (cx43), a gap junction protein that promotes inter-cell connectivity.

Physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of boron-complexed polyglycerol-chitosan dendrimers.

A polyglycerol with dendritic structure (PGLD) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of deprotonated glycidol using a polyglycerol as core functionality in a step-growth process. Then, PGLD reacted with O-carboxymethylated chitosan to obtain PGLD-chitosan dendrimer (PGLD-Ch). After the reaction of PGLD-Ch with boric acid, there was a marked increase in the bulk viscosity evidencing physically that boron can initiate a charge transfer complex formation, (PGLD-Ch)B.

Macroporous poly(epsilon-caprolactone) with antimicrobial activity obtained by iodine polymerization.

The most serious problem usually encountered in the field of implanted biomedical devices is infectious morbidity as a primary source of mortality. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of a macroporous iodine-based sanitizer (iodophor), poly(caprolactone)-iodine (PCL-I(2)), are presented. Characterization methods include nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and scanning electron microscopy.

Development of new hydroactive dressings based on chitosan membranes: characterization and in vivo behavior.

Different poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan lactate (ChL)-blended hydrogels containing nitrofurazone as a local anti-infective drug were prepared by the phase-inversion technique. The swelling degree, surface free energy, mechanical properties, and nitrofurazone release of these membranes were determined. Blood compatibility of these systems was evaluated by the open-static platelet adhesion test with whole human blood.