Effect of the Addition of Graphene Flakes on the Physical and Biological Properties of Composite Paints.

In this study, graphene flakes were obtained using an electrolytic method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Graphene-based composites with varying concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 3% by weight were prepared with acrylic paint, enamel and varnish matrices. The mechanical properties were evaluated using micro-hardness testing, while wettability and antimicrobial activity against three pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus 33591, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15442, Candida albicans 10231) were also examined. The results indicate that the addition of graphene flakes significantly enhances both the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the coatings.

The Effect of Pore Size Distribution and l-Lysine Modified Apatite Whiskers (HAP) on Osteoblasts Response in PLLA/HAP Foam Scaffolds Obtained in the Thermally Induced Phase Separation Process.

In this research, we prepared foam scaffolds based on poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and apatite whiskers (HAP) using thermally induced phase separation technique supported by the salt leaching process (TIPS-SL). Using sodium chloride having a size of (a) 150-315 µm, (b) 315-400 µm, and (c) 500-600 µm, three types of foams with different pore sizes have been obtained. Internal structure of the obtained materials has been investigated using SEM as well as µCT. The materials have been studied by means of porosity, density, and compression tests. As the most promising, the composite prepared with salt size of 500-600 µm was prepared also with the l-lysine modified apatite. The osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell response for the scaffolds was also investigated by means of cell viability, proliferation, adhesion/penetration, and biomineralization. Direct contact cytotoxicity assay showed the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds. All types of foam scaffolds containing HAP whiskers, regardless the pore size or l-lysine modification induced significant stimulatory effect on the cal-cium deposits formation in osteoblasts. The PLLA/HAP scaffolds modified with l-lysine stimulated hFOB 1.19 osteoblasts proliferation. Compared to the scaffolds with smaller pores (150-315 µm and 315-400 µm), the PLLA/HAP foams with large pores (500-600 µm) promoted more effective ad-hesion of osteoblasts to the surface of the biomaterial.

Three Component Composite Scaffolds Based on PCL, Hydroxyapatite, and L-Lysine Obtained in TIPS-SL: Bioactive Material for Bone Tissue Engineering.

In this research, we describe the properties of three-component composite foam scaffolds based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as a matrix and hydroxyapatite whiskers (HAP) and L-Lysine as fillers (PCL/HAP/Lys with wt% ratio 50/48/2). The scaffolds were prepared using a thermally induced phase separation technique supported by salt leaching (TIPS-SL). All materials were precisely characterized: porosity, density, water uptake, wettability, DSC, and TGA measurements and compression tests were carried out. The microstructure of the obtained scaffolds was analyzed via SEM. It was found that the PCL/HAP/Lys scaffold has a 45% higher Young's modulus and better wettability compared to the PCL/HAP system. At the same time, the porosity of the system was ~90%. The osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell response was also investigated in osteogenic conditions (39 °C) and the cytokine release profile of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was determined. Modification of PCL scaffolds with HAP and L-Lysine significantly improved the proliferation of pre-osteoblasts cultured on such materials.

Cytotoxicity Study of UV-Laser-Irradiated PLLA Surfaces Subjected to Bio-Ceramisation: A New Way towards Implant Surface Modification.

In this research we subjected samples of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) extruded film to ultraviolet (193 nm ArF excimer laser) radiation below the ablation threshold. The modified film was immersed in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) at 37 °C for 1 day or 7 days to obtain a layer of apatite ceramic (CaP) coating on the modified PLLA surface. The samples were characterized by means of optical profilometry, which indicated an increase in average roughness (Ra) from 25 nm for the unmodified PLLA to over 580 nm for irradiated PLLA incubated in SBF for 1 day. At the same time, the water contact angle decreased from 78° for neat PLLA to 35° for irradiated PLLA incubated in SBF, which suggests its higher hydrophilicity. The obtained materials were investigated by means of cell response fibroblasts (3T3) and macrophage-like cells (RAW 264.7). Properties of the obtained composites were compared to the unmodified PLLA film as well as to the UV-laser irradiated PLLA. The activation of the PLLA surface by laser irradiation led to a distinct increase in cytotoxicity, while the treatment with SBF and the deposition of apatite ceramic had only a limited preventive effect on this harmful impact and depended on the cell type. Fibroblasts were found to have good tolerance for the irradiated and ceramic-covered PLLA, but macrophages seem to interact with the substrate leading to the release of cytotoxic products.

PGS/HAp Microporous Composite Scaffold Obtained in the TIPS-TCL-SL Method: An Innovation for Bone Tissue Engineering.

In this research, we synthesize and characterize poly(glycerol sebacate) pre-polymer (pPGS) (1H NMR, FTiR, GPC, and TGA). Nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp) is synthesized using the wet precipitation method. Next, the materials are used to prepare a PGS-based composite with a 25 wt.% addition of HAp. Microporous composites are formed by means of thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) followed by thermal cross-linking (TCL) and salt leaching (SL). The manufactured microporous materials (PGS and PGS/HAp) are then subjected to imaging by means of SEM and µCT for the porous structure characterization. DSC, TGA, and water contact angle measurements are used for further evaluation of the materials. To assess the cytocompatibility and biological potential of PGS-based composites, preosteoblasts and differentiated hFOB 1.19 osteoblasts are employed as in vitro models. Apart from the cytocompatibility, the scaffolds supported cell adhesion and were readily populated by the hFOB1.19 preosteoblasts. HAp-facilitated scaffolds displayed osteoconductive properties, supporting the terminal differentiation of osteoblasts as indicated by the production of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and osteopontin. Notably, the PGS/HAp scaffolds induced the production of significant amounts of osteoclastogenic cytokines: IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, which induced scaffold remodeling and promoted the reconstruction of bone tissue. Initial biocompatibility tests showed no signs of adverse effects of PGS-based scaffolds toward adult BALB/c mice.

Brief review on poly(glycerol sebacate) as an emerging polyester in biomedical application: Structure, properties and modifications.

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is an aliphatic polyester which attracted significant scientific attention in recent years due to its vast potential in biomedical applications with regard to tissue engineering. It has been presented in the literature in the form of 2D films, porous scaffolds or nonwovens, to name just a few. Moreover, various applications have been proposed as a component of composite materials or polymer blends. Its physicochemical properties can be significantly adjusted by means of synthesis and post-synthetic modifications, including cross-linking or chemical modification, such as copolymerization. Many scientists have discussed PGS as a new-generation polymer for biomedical applications. Its regenerative potential has been confirmed, in particular, in tissue engineering of soft tissues (including nerve, cartilage and cardiac tissues). Therefore, we must anticipate a growing importance of PGS in contemporary biomedical applications. This brief review aims to familiarize the readers with this relatively new polymeric material for tissue engineering applications.

Layer-by-layer assembly of poly-l-lysine/hyaluronic acid protein reservoirs on poly(glycerol sebacate) surfaces.

The modification of biomaterial surfaces has become increasingly relevant in the context of ongoing advancements in tissue engineering applications and the development of tissue-mimicking polymer materials. In this study, we investigated the layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of polyelectrolyte multilayer protein reservoirs consisting of poly-l-lysine (PLL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on the hydrophobic surface of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) elastomer. Using the methods of isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance, we systematically investigated the interactions between the polyelectrolytes and evaluated the deposition process in real time, providing insight into the phenomena associated with film assembly. PLL/HA LbL films deposited on PGS showed an exceptional ability to incorporate bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) compared to other growth factors tested, thus highlighting the potential of PLL/HA LbL films for osteoregenerative applications. The concentration of HA solution used for film assembly did not affect the thickness and topography of the (PLL/HA)10 films, but had a notable impact on the hydrophilicity of the PGS surface and the BMP-2 release kinetics. The release kinetics were successfully described using the Weibull model and hyperbolic tangent function, underscoring the potential of these less frequently used models to compare the protein release from LbL protein reservoirs.

Bioactive Materials for Bone Regeneration: Biomolecules and Delivery Systems.

Novel tissue regeneration strategies are constantly being developed worldwide. Research on bone regeneration is noteworthy, as many promising new approaches have been documented with novel strategies currently under investigation. Innovative biomaterials that allow the coordinated and well-controlled repair of bone fractures and bone loss are being designed to reduce the need for autologous or allogeneic bone grafts eventually. The current engineering technologies permit the construction of synthetic, complex, biomimetic biomaterials with properties nearly as good as those of natural bone with good biocompatibility. To ensure that all these requirements meet, bioactive molecules are coupled to structural scaffolding constituents to form a final product with the desired physical, chemical, and biological properties. Bioactive molecules that have been used to promote bone regeneration include protein growth factors, peptides, amino acids, hormones, lipids, and flavonoids. Various strategies have been adapted to investigate the coupling of bioactive molecules with scaffolding materials to sustain activity and allow controlled release. The current manuscript is a thorough survey of the strategies that have been exploited for the delivery of biomolecules for bone regeneration purposes, from choosing the bioactive molecule to selecting the optimal strategy to synthesize the scaffold and assessing the advantages and disadvantages of various delivery strategies.

Influence of cross-linking time on physico-chemical and mechanical properties of bulk poly(glycerol sebacate).

In the presented study, a PGS prepolymer (pPGS) was synthesized utilizing polycondensation technique (equimolar sebacic acid:glycerol ratio, 130 °C, 24 h). Subsequently, the pPGS was thermally cross-linked in vacuum oven in 130 °C for 84 and 168 h. The cylindrical and dumbbell-shaped samples were subjected for physico-chemical and thorough mechanical analysis including tensile and compressive strength evaluation as well as dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The study allowed for the investigation of alteration of PGS properties during cross-linking and decay of elastomeric properties over prolonged cross-linking time. Moreover, a deconvolution in FTIR analysis allowed to glimpse into the hydrogen bonding structure of the materials which weakens during the cross-linking. The obtained results can be utilized during designing PGS-based bulk materials for biomedical application where bearing mechanical loads and tuned chemical character is of vital importance.

From hazardous waste to fertilizer: Recovery of high-value metals from smelter slags.

This work proposes a method to valorize lead slag for fertilizer purposes. The research concept was to selectively recover valuable microelements (Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II) in an amount of at least 0.2% m/v of each) by chemical leaching while retaining toxic elements in the slag (i.e. As and Pb). Among acids, hydroxides, salts and their mixtures tested for slag treatment, it was potassium hydrogen sulfate and ammonia liquor under strongly oxidizing conditions (in the presence of hydrogen peroxide) that proved to be the most effective leaching agents. Response Surface Methodology applied to optimize the slag leaching conditions set the most favorable process parameters (concentration of leaching agents, slag to reagent weight ratio, and temperature). As a result, the concentration of Cu(II) in the extract was 3751 mg/L (for ammonia liquor) and Fe(II) and Zn(II) concentrations in potassium hydrogen sulfate were 4738 mg/L and 6102 mg/L, respectively. To close the life cycle of the waste, immobilization in polyethylene and binding to cement were indicated as methods to manage the solid waste material after leaching. The mixed extracts rich in Cu(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II) ions were tested in germination tests on cucumber. No phytotoxic effect was observed, which raises the possibility of utilizing the solutions after chemical leaching of slag as an alternative source of micronutrients for the production of multicomponent fertilizers. The results are promising and fit in the assumptions of circular economy.

'Cookies on a tray': Superselective hierarchical microstructured poly(l-lactide) surface as a decoy for cells.

In this research we developed a micro-sized hierarchical structures on a poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) surface. The obtained structures consist of round-shaped protrusions with a diameter of ~20 µm, a height of ~3 µm, and the distance between them ~30 µm. We explored the effect of structuring PLLA to design a non-cytotoxic material with increased roughness to encourage cells to settle on the surface. The PLLA films were prepared using the casting melt extrusion technique and were modified using ultra-short pulse irradiation - a femtosecond laser operating at λ = 1030 nm. A hierarchical microstructure was obtained resembling 'cookies on a tray'. The cellular response of fibro- and osteoblasts cell lines was investigated. The conducted research has shown that the laser-modified surface is more conducive to cell adhesion and growth (compared to unmodified surface) to such an extent that allows the formation of highly-selectively patterns consisting of living cells. In contrast to eukaryotic cells, the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus covered modified and unmodified structures in an even, non-preferential manner. In turn, adhesion pattern of eukaryotic fungus Saccharomyces boulardii resembled that of fibro- and osteoblast cells rather than that of Staphylococcus. The discovered effect can be used for fabrication of personalized and smart implants in regenerative medicine.

Three dimensional (3D) printed polylactic acid with nano-hydroxyapatite doped with europium(III) ions (nHAp/PLLA@Eu3+) composite for osteochondral defect regeneration and theranostics.

In the current research previously developed composites composed from poly (l-lactide) (PLLA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (10 wt% nHAp/PLLA) were functionalized with different concentrations of europium (III) (Eu3+). The aim of this study was to determine whether Eu3+ ions doped within the 10 wt% nHAp/PLLA scaffolds will improve the bioactivity of composites. Therefore, first set of experiments was designed to evaluate the effect of Eu3+ ions on morphology, viability, proliferation and metabolism of progenitor cells isolated from adipose tissue (hASC). Three different concentration were tested i.e. 1 mol%, 3 mol% and 5%mol. We identified the 10 wt% nHAp/PLLA@3 mol% Eu3+ scaffolds as the most cytocompatible. Further, we investigated the influence of the composites doped with 3 mol% Eu3+ ions on differentiation of hASC toward bone and cartilage forming cells. Our results showed that 10 wt% nHAp/PLLA@3 mol% Eu3+ scaffolds promotes osteogenesis and chondrogenesis of hASCs what was associated with improved synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix proteins specific for bone and articular cartilage tissue. We also proved that obtained biomaterials have bio-imaging function and their integration with bone can be monitored using micro computed tomography (µCT).

Laser-modified PLGA for implants: in vitro degradation and mechanical properties.

PURPOSE: Irradiations by CO2 laser poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) surface lead to alterations of physicochemical properties of a copolymer. Effects of PLGA irradiations are results of photochemical and photothermal processes leading to polymer degradation. The scale of the degradation depends on the inducted surface modification. Hence the main goal of presented studies was to define the influence of CO2 laser irradiation with different process parameters, inducing three cases of surface modification, on mechanical properties and topography of PLGA during degradation in the aqueous environment. METHODS: Hydrolytic degradation were performed in distilled (demineralized) water. Mechanical properties were conducted in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 527-3:1998 standard. pH of incubating solution, specimens' topography, mass and geometrical dimensions were controlled during process. RESULTS: During the hydrolytic degradation, gradual changes in failure mode were observed from ductile failure characteristic for untreated PLGA to brittle failure of incubated PLGA regardless of the case of triggered modification. Tensile strength decreased with degradation time regardless of the case of surface modification with insignificant fluctuation in means Young's moduli. pH for each case decreased and topography od specimens become smoother with incubation time. CONCLUSIONS: PLGA surface modification by CO2 laser below the ablation threshold (P1) and at the ablation threshold (P2) leaded to surface functionalization, however, irradiation above the ablation threshold (P3) caused marked degradation of PLGA and accelerated specimens disintegration during incubation in the aquatic environment.

The Comprehensive Approach to Preparation and Investigation of the Eu3+ Doped Hydroxyapatite/poly(L-lactide) Nanocomposites: Promising Materials for Theranostics Application.

In response to the need for new materials for theranostics application, the structural and spectroscopic properties of composites designed for medical applications, received in the melt mixing process, were evaluated. A composite based on medical grade poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) doped with Eu3+ ions was obtained by using a twin screw extruder. Pure calcium Hap, as well as the one doped with Eu3+ ions, was prepared using the precipitation method and then used as a filler. XRPD (X-ray Powder Diffraction) and IR (Infrared) spectroscopy were applied to investigate the structural properties of the obtained materials. DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) was used to assess the Eu3+ ion content on phase transitions in PLLA. The tensile properties were also investigated. The excitation, emission spectra as well as decay time were measured to determine the spectroscopic properties. The simplified Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory was applied and a detailed analysis in connection with the observed structural and spectroscopic measurements was made and described.

New approach to modification of poly (l-lactic acid) with nano-hydroxyapatite improving functionality of human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) through increased viability and enhanced mitochondrial activity.

The aim of this study was to determine the cytocompatibility of poly (l-lactide) (PLLA) scaffolds fabricated using co-rotating twin screw extrusion technique and functionalized with different concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp). The efforts were aimed on the designing bioactive scaffolds improving the viability and metabolic activity of human adipose-derived multipotent stromal cells (hASCs). The in vitro study was designed to determine the optimal nHAp concentration, based on analysis of hASCs morphology, adhesion rate, as well as metabolic and proliferative potential. Initially, the PLLA filled with three different concentrations of the nHAp were tested i.e. 5%, 10% and 15 wt%. The obtained results indicated that the 10 wt% nHAp in the PLLA (10% nHAp/PLLA) matrices improved the adhesion and proliferation of the hASCs, what was in good agreement with the results of tensile properties of the composites. Further, we performed profound studies regarding the cytotoxicity of 10% nHAp/PLLA. The analysis included the evaluation of the biomaterial influence on viability, apoptosis-related markers expression profile and mitochondrial function. The cytocompatibility of 10% nHAp/PLLA scaffolds toward the hASCs was confirmed. The hASCs propagated on 10% nHAp/PLLA were more viable then those propagated on the plain PLLA. The level of pro-apoptotic markers, i.e. caspase-3 and Bax in cultures on 10% nHAp/PLLA was significantly decreased. Obtained results correlated with higher mitochondrial membrane potential of hASCs in those cultures. The obtained composites may improve therapeutic potential of hASCs via directing their adhesion, enhancing proliferation and viability as well as increasing mitochondrial potential, thus may find potential application in tissue engineering.