Particularities of Bone Regeneration in Rats after Implantation of Polycaprolactone Scaffold Mineralized with Vaterite with Adsorbed Tannic Acid.

We studied the particularities of osteo- and angiogenesis in albino rats after implantation of polycaprolactone scaffolds mineralized with vaterite with adsorbed tannic acid in the femoral bone defect. It was found that the processes of angio- and osteogenesis in the bone tissue after scaffolds implantation depend on their biocompatibility. Implantation of non-biocompatible scaffolds was followed by activation of angio- and osteogenesis aimed at separation of these scaffold from surrounding tissues. Implantation of polycaprolactone/vaterite scaffolds containing tannic acid stimulated angio- and osteogenesis leading to vascularization and bone tissue formation in the matrix. This demonstrate prospects of clinical approbation of these scaffolds for stimulation of bone regeneration in traumatological and orthopedic patients.

Hybrid PCL/CaCO3 scaffolds with capabilities of carrying biologically active molecules: Synthesis, loading and in vivo applications.

Designing advanced biomaterials for tissue regeneration with drug delivery and release functionalities remains a challenge in regenerative medicine. In this research, we have developed novel composite scaffolds based on polymeric polycaprolactone fibers coated with porous calcium carbonate structures (PCL/CaCO3) for tissue engineering and have shown their drug delivery and release in rats. In vivo biocompatibility tests of PCL/CaCO3 scaffolds were complemented with in vivo drug release study, where tannic acid (TA) was used as a model drug. Release of TA from the scaffolds was realized by recrystallization of the porous vaterite phase of calcium carbonate into the crystalline calcite. Cell colonization and tissue vascularization as well as transplantability of developed PCL/CaCO3+TA scaffolds were observed. Detailed study of scaffold transformations during 21-day implantation period was followed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies before and after in vivo implantation. The presented results demonstrate that PCL/CaCO3 scaffolds are attractive candidates for implants in bone regeneration and tissue engineering with a possibility of loading biologically active molecules and controlled release.

STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN AND OTHER MAMMALIAN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS.

Endothelial cells perform a number of important functions in the organism, and their dysfunction plays an important role in pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases. This review deals with the current literature data on structural characteristics of endothelial cells. A special section is devoted to endothelial cells development and differentiation. Structural aspects of endothelial cells cytoplasm and transport structures organization are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the structural heterogeneity of endothelial cells. Data on planar and apical- basal polarity of endothelial cells are reviewed separately.