Effects of 17-β-estradiol released from shape-memory terpolymer rods on sciatic nerve regeneration after injury and repair with chitosan nerve conduit in female rats.

The aim of this study was to assess 17-β-estradiol (E2) influence on sciatic nerve regeneration after injury followed by a repair with chitosan conduit in ovariectomized female rats. The study was performed in 2 groups (n = 16) of rats: OVChit - after excision of a fragment of the sciatic nerve, a chitosan conduit was implanted; OVChitE10 group - additionally to chitosan conduit, shape-memory terpolymer rods based on poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide- co-trimethylene carbonate) releasing 17-β-estradiol for 20 weeks were implanted. The mean number of regenerating axons and mean fiber area were significantly greater in 17-β-estradiol-treated animals.

Biopolymers and Biomaterials for Special Applications within the Context of the Circular Economy.

The main challenge of the economy is counteracting the adverse effects of progressive industrialisation on the environment around the world. Economic development that accompanies this trend correlates to production increase in not only consumer articles but also special application articles that are difficult to remanufacture, such as medical supplies. For many researchers, discovering innovative materials for special applications that could become an essential element of circular economy production is important.

Modification of Poly(lactic acid) by the Plasticization for Application in the Packaging Industry.

Plastic products, especially in the packaging industry, have become the main commodities penetrating virtually every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, their omnipresence is not neutral to the natural environment. Pollution in the form of microplastics is a global problem.

Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam with Keratin and Flame-Retardant Additives.

Viscoelastic polyurethane (VEPUR) foams with increased thermal resistance are presented in this article. VEPUR foams were manufactured with the use of various types of flame retardant additives and keratin fibers. The structure of the modified foams was determined by spectrophotometric-(FTIR), thermal-(DSC), and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Composites of Semi-Rigid Polyurethane Foams with Keratin Fibers Derived from Poultry Feathers and Flame Retardant Additives.

Semi-rigid composites of polyurethane foams (SRPUF) modified with the addition of keratin flour from poultry feathers and flame retardant additives were manufactured. Ten percent by mass of keratin fibers was added to the foams as well as halogen-free flame retardant additives such as Fyrol PNX, expandable graphite, metal oxides, in amounts such that their total mass did not exceed 15%. Thermal and mechanical properties were tested.

Improved Thermal Insulating Properties of Renewable Polyol Based Polyurethane Foams Reinforced with Chicken Feathers.

In the present work, sustainable rigid polyurethane foams (RPUF) reinforced with chicken feathers (CF) were prepared and characterized. The bio-based polyol used to formulate the foams was obtained from castor oil. This investigation reports the influence of the chicken feathers fibers as reinforcement of RPUF, on water absorption, thermal, mechanical and morphological properties (field-emission scanning electron microscope-FESEM) and thermal conductivity on water-blown biofoams.

Molecular and Supramolecular Changes in Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) and Polybutylene Succinate Adipate (PBSA) Copolymer during Degradation in Various Environmental Conditions.

In this paper, the influence of the various degradation conditions, on the molecular and supramolecular structure of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) copolymer during degradation is described. The experiment was carried out by the use of injection molded samples and normalized conditions of biodegradation in soil, composting and artificial weathering. Materials were studied by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD).

Anti-bacterial materials based on hyaluronic acid: Selection of research methodology and analysis of their anti-bacterial properties.

In the frame of the presented research, highly-porous structures made of hyaluronic acid modified with bioactive compounds were prepared. The method of microbiological testing of hygroscopic materials has been elaborated by verification of the JIS L 1902:2002 and ASTM E2149-13a test methods. The research has shown that the method developed in accordance with ASTM E2149-13a is suitable for testing the activity of hyaluronic acid samples against bacteria.

An in vivo biocompatibility study of surgical meshes made from bacterial cellulose modified with chitosan.

Bacterial cellulose modified with chitosan (MBC) is an innovative biomaterial used in regenerative medicine which may potentially improve treatment outcomes mesh for hernia repair surgery by facilitating better absorption in native tissue with less risk of mesh-related infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of mesh based on MBC, and determine whether immunological reactions occur due to hypersensitivity to the implants. Forty five Imp:WIST rats were randomly assigned to be implanted with one of three mesh types: simple polypropylene mesh (n = 15), mesh modified by bacterial cellulose only (n = 15) and MBC mesh (n = 15) and evaluated after one and three months following intramuscular implantation.

Design of New-Generation Usable Forms of Topical Haemostatic Agents Containing Chitosan.

Designing usable forms of topical haemostatic agents is the most important activity during the design process, resulting in strengthened functional properties of the final medical devices. This study aimed to propose indications for a research programme based on risk management supporting the development of two usable forms of a topical haemostatic agent: chitosan/alginate lyophilized foam and chitosan/alginate impregnated gauze. Both of the usable forms of the topical haemostatic agent, being the main part of the modified combat gauze, were fabricated using the chitosan/alginate complex.

The evaluation of resorbable haemostatic wound dressings in contact with blood in vitro.

Purpose: For many years research has been conducted on the development of resorbable, polymer, haemostatic materials designed to provide first aid and preliminary protection of injuries. The biological properties in vitro of a dressing in powder form called Hemoguard are expected to provide the ability to instantaneously stem bleeding with safe conditions of use. The aim of the study was to evaluate the haemostatic properties of a model of dressing based on micro- and nanofibrids of the chitosan, sodium/calcium alginate and/or carboxymethylcellulose complex.

Poly(D,L-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Tubes With Multifilament Chitosan Yarn or Chitosan Sponge Core in Nerve Regeneration.

Purpose: The influence of different kinds of nerve guidance conduits on regeneration of totally transected rat sciatic nerves through a 7-mm gap was examined.

Materials And Methods: Five different types of conduits made of chitosan and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) were constructed and tested in vivo. We divided 50 animals into equal groups of 10, with a different type of conduit implanted in each group: chitosan sponge core with an average molecular mass of polymer (Mv) of 287 kDa with 7 channels in a PLGA sleeve, chitosan sponge core with an Mv of 423 kDa with 7 channels in a PLGA sleeve, chitosan sponge core (Mv, 423 kDa) with 13 channels in a PLGA sleeve, chitosan multifilament yarn in a PLGA sleeve, and a PLGA sleeve only.