Robust Isolated Attosecond Pulse Generation with Self-Compressed Subcycle Drivers from Hollow Capillary Fibers.

High-order harmonic generation (HHG) arising from the nonperturbative interaction of intense light fields with matter constitutes a well-established tabletop source of coherent extreme-ultraviolet and soft X-ray radiation, which is typically emitted as attosecond pulse trains. However, ultrafast applications increasingly demand isolated attosecond pulses (IAPs), which offer great promise for advancing precision control of electron dynamics. Yet, the direct generation of IAPs typically requires the synthesis of near-single-cycle intense driving fields, which is technologically challenging. In this work, we theoretically demonstrate a novel scheme for the straightforward and compact generation of IAPs from multicycle infrared drivers using hollow capillary fibers (HCFs). Starting from a standard, intense multicycle infrared pulse, a light transient is generated by extreme soliton self-compression in a HCF with decreasing pressure and is subsequently used to drive HHG in a gas target. Owing to the subcycle confinement of the HHG process, high-contrast IAPs are continuously emitted almost independently of the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) of the optimally self-compressed drivers. This results in a CEP-robust scheme which is also stable under macroscopic propagation of the high harmonics in a gas target. Our results open the way to a new generation of integrated all-fiber IAP sources, overcoming the efficiency limitations of usual gating techniques for multicycle drivers.

DEAE/Catechol-Chitosan Conjugates as Bioactive Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Applications.

This work provides the first description of the synthesis and characterization of water-soluble chitosan (Cs) derivatives based on the conjugation of both diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) and catechol groups onto the Cs backbone (Cs-DC) in order to obtain a Cs derivative with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The degree of substitution [DS (%)] was 35.46% for DEAE and 2.53% for catechol, determined by spectroscopy. Changes in the molecular packing due to the incorporation of both pendant groups were described by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. For Cs, the crystallinity index was 59.46% and the maximum decomposition rate appeared at 309.3 °C, while for Cs-DC, the values corresponded to 16.98% and 236.4 °C, respectively. The incorporation of DEAE and catechol groups also increases the solubility of the polymer at pH > 7 without harming the antimicrobial activity displayed by the unmodified polymer. The catecholic derivatives increase the radical scavenging activity in terms of the half-maximum effective concentration (EC50). An EC50 of 1.20 µg/mL was found for neat hydrocaffeic acid (HCA) solution, while for chitosan-catechol (Cs-Ca) and Cs-DC solutions, concentrations equivalent to free HCA of 0.33 and 0.41 µg/mL were required, respectively. Cell culture results show that all Cs derivatives have low cytotoxicity, and Cs-DC showed the ability to reduce the activity of reactive oxygen species by 40% at concentrations as low as 4 µg/mL. Polymeric nanoparticles of Cs derivatives with a hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of around 200 nm, unimodal size distributions, and a negative ζ-potential were obtained by ionotropic gelation and coated with hyaluronic acid in aqueous suspension, providing the multifunctional nanoparticles with higher stability and a narrower size distribution.

Optimization of pulse self-compression in hollow capillary fibers using decreasing pressure gradients.

The improvement of techniques for the generation of near-infrared (NIR) few-cycle pulses is paving the way for new scenarios in time-resolved spectroscopy and the generation of ultrashort extreme-ultraviolet pulses through high-harmonic generation. In this work, we numerically study how to optimize the self-compression of NIR pulses using decreasing pressure gradients in hollow capillary fibers (HCFs). We identify a moderate nonlinear regime in which sub-cycle pulses are obtained with very good temporal quality from an input 30 fs pulse centered at a 800 nm wavelength and coupled as the fundamental mode of an argon-filled HCF fully evacuated at the output end. Surprisingly, we observe that there is a relatively broad region of parameters for which the optimum self-compression takes place, defined by a simple relation between the input pulse energy and the initial gas pressure.

Chemically crosslinked hyaluronic acid-chitosan hydrogel for application on cartilage regeneration.

Articular cartilage is an avascular tissue that lines the ends of bones in diarthrodial joints, serves as support, acts as a shock absorber, and facilitates joint's motion. It is formed by chondrocytes immersed in a dense extracellular matrix (principally composed of aggrecan linked to hyaluronic acid long chains). Damage to this tissue is usually associated with traumatic injuries or age-associated processes that often lead to discomfort, pain and disability in our aging society. Currently, there are few surgical alternatives to treat cartilage damage: the most commonly used is the microfracture procedure, but others include limited grafting or alternative chondrocyte implantation techniques, however, none of them completely restore a fully functional cartilage. Here we present the development of hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid and chitosan loaded with chondroitin sulfate by a new strategy of synthesis using biodegradable di-isocyanates to obtain an interpenetrated network of chitosan and hyaluronic acid for cartilage repair. These scaffolds act as delivery systems for the chondroitin sulfate and present mucoadhesive properties, which stabilizes the clot of microfracture procedures and promotes superficial chondrocyte differentiation favoring a true articular cellular colonization of the cartilage. This double feature potentially improves the microfracture technique and it will allow the development of next-generation therapies against articular cartilage damage.

Development of bioactive catechol functionalized nanoparticles applicable for 3D bioprinting.

Efficient wound treatments to target specific events in the healing process of chronic wounds constitute a significant aim in regenerative medicine. In this sense, nanomedicine can offer new opportunities to improve the effectiveness of existing wound therapies. The aim of this study was to develop catechol bearing polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and to evaluate their potential in the field of wound healing. Thus, NPs wound healing promoting activities, potential for drug encapsulation and controlled release, and further incorporation in a hydrogel bioink formulation to fabricate cell-laden 3D scaffolds are studied. NPs with 2 and 29 M % catechol contents (named NP2 and NP29) were obtained by nanoprecipitation and presented hydrodynamic diameters of 100 and 75 nm respectively. These nanocarriers encapsulated the hydrophobic compound coumarin-6 with 70% encapsulation efficiency values. In cell culture studies, the NPs had a protective effect in RAW 264.7 macrophages against oxidative stress damage induced by radical oxygen species (ROS). They also presented a regulatory effect on the inflammatory response of stimulated macrophages and promoted upregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in fibroblasts and endothelial cells. In particular, NP29 were used in a hydrogel bioink formulation using carboxymethyl chitosan and hyaluronic acid as polymeric matrices. Using a reactive mixing bioprinting approach, NP-loaded hydrogel scaffolds with good structural integrity, shape fidelity and homogeneous NPs dispersion, were obtained. The in vitro catechol NPs release profile of the printed scaffolds revealed a sustained delivery. The bioprinted scaffolds supported viability and proliferation of encapsulated L929 fibroblasts over 14 days. We envision that the catechol functionalized NPs and resulting bioactive bioink presented in this work offer promising advantages for wound healing applications, as they: 1) support controlled release of bioactive catechol NPs to the wound site; 2) can incorporate additional therapeutic functions by co-encapsulating drugs; 3) can be printed into 3D scaffolds with tailored geometries based on patient requirements.

DEAE-chitosan nanoparticles as a pneumococcus-biomimetic material for the development of antipneumococcal therapeutics.

Advanced biomaterials provide an interesting and versatile platform to implement new and more effective strategies to fight bacterial infections. Chitosan is one of these biopolymers and possesses relevant features for biomedical applications. Here we synthesized nanoparticles of chitosan derivatized with diethylaminoethyl groups (ChiDENPs) to emulate the choline residues in the pneumococcal cell wall and act as ligands for choline-binding proteins (CBPs). Firstly, we assessed the ability of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) to sequester the CBPs present in the bacterial surface, thus promoting chain formation. Secondly, the CBP-binding ability of ChiDENPs was purposed to encapsulate a bio-active molecule, the antimicrobial enzyme Cpl-711 (ChiDENPs-711), with improved stability over non-derivatized chitosan. The enzyme-loaded system released more than 90% of the active enzybiotic in ≈ 2 h, above the usual in vivo half-life of this kind of enzymes. Therefore, ChiDENPs provide a promising platform for the controlled release of CBP-enzybiotics in biological contexts.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated naproxen-nanoparticles selectively target breast cancer stem cells through COX-independent pathways.

Cytotoxic chemotherapy continues to be the main therapeutic option for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Several studies have reported a significant association between chronic inflammation, carcinogenesis and the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC). We hypothesized that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs targeted to the CSC population could help reducing tumor progression and dissemination in otherwise hard to treat metastatic breast cancer. Within this study cationic naproxen (NAP)-bearing polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by self-assembly and they were coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) via electrostatic interaction. HA-coated and uncoated NAP-bearing NPs with different sizes were produced by changing the ionic strength of the aqueous preparation solutions (i.e. 300 and 350 nm or 100 and 130 nm in diameter, respectively). HA-NPs were fully characterized in terms of physicochemical parameters and biological response in cancer cells, macrophages and endothelial cells. Our results revealed that HA-coating of NPs provided a better control in NAP release and improved their hemocompatibility, while ensuring a strong CSC-targeting in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the best polymeric NPs formulation significantly (p < 0.001) reduced MCF-7 cells viability when compared to free drug (i.e. 45 ± 6% for S-HA-NPs and 87 ± 10% for free NAP) by p53-dependent induction of apoptosis; and the migration of these cell line was also significantly (p < 0.01) reduced by the nano-formulated NAP (i.e. 76.4% of open wound for S-HA-NPs and 61.6% of open wound for NAP). This increased anti-cancer activity of HA-NAP-NPs might be related to the induction of apoptosis through alterations of the GSK-3ß-related COX-independent pathway. Overall, these findings suggest that the HA-NAP-NPs have the potential to improve the treatment of advanced breast cancer by increasing the anti-proliferative effect of NAP within the CSC subpopulation.

Ultrashort visible energetic pulses generated by nonlinear propagation of necklace beams in capillaries.

The generation of ultrashort visible energetic pulses is investigated numerically by the nonlinear propagation of infrared necklace beams in capillaries. We have developed a (3+1)D model that solves the nonlinear propagation equation, including the complete spatio-temporal dynamics and the azimuthal dependence of these structured beams. Due to their singular nonlinear propagation, the spectrum broadening inside the capillary extends to the visible region in a controlled way, despite the high nonlinearity, avoiding self-focusing. The results indicate that the features of these necklace beams enable the formation of visible pulses with pulse duration below 10 fs and energies of 50 µJ by soliton self-compression dynamics for different gas pressures inside the capillary.

Microfluidics generation of chitosan microgels containing glycerylphytate crosslinker for in situ human mesenchymal stem cells encapsulation.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are an attractive source for cell therapies because of their multiple beneficial properties, i.e. via immunomodulation and secretory factors. Microfluidics is particularly attractive for cell encapsulation since it provides a rapid and reproducible methodology for microgel generation of controlled size and simultaneous cell encapsulation. Here, we report the fabrication of hMSC-laden microcarriers based on in situ ionotropic gelation of water-soluble chitosan in a microfluidic device using a combination of an antioxidant glycerylphytate (G1Phy) compound and tripolyphosphate (TPP) as ionic crosslinkers (G1Phy:TPP-microgels). These microgels showed homogeneous size distributions providing an average diameter of 104 ± 12 µm, somewhat lower than that of control (127 ± 16 µm, TPP-microgels). The presence of G1Phy in microgels maintained cell viability over time and upregulated paracrine factor secretion under adverse conditions compared to control TPP-microgels. Encapsulated hMSCs in G1Phy:TPP-microgels were delivered to the subcutaneous space of immunocompromised mice via injection, and the delivery process was as simple as the injection of unencapsulated cells. Immediately post-injection, equivalent signal intensities were observed between luciferase-expressing microgel-encapsulated and unencapsulated hMSCs, demonstrating no adverse effects of the microcarrier on initial cell survival. Cell persistence, inferred by bioluminescence signal, decreased exponentially over time showing relatively higher half-life values for G1Phy:TPP-microgels compared to TPP-microgels and unencapsulated cells. In overall, results position the microfluidics generated G1Phy:TPP-microgels as a promising microcarrier for supporting hMSC survival and reparative activities.

Vitamin B9 derivatives as carriers of bioactive cations for musculoskeletal regeneration applications: Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation.

The development of new drugs for musculoskeletal regeneration purposes has attracted much attention in the last decades. In this work, we present three novel vitamin B9 (folic acid)-derivatives bearing divalent cations (ZnFO, MgFO and MnFO), providing their synthesis mechanism and physicochemical characterization. In addition, a strong emphasis has been placed on evaluating their biological properties (along with our previously reported SrFO) using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). In all the cases, pure folate derivatives (MFOs) with a bidentate coordination mode between the metal and the folate anion, and a 1:1 stoichiometry, were obtained in high yields. A non-cytotoxic dose of all the MFOs (50 µg/mL) was demonstrated to modulate by their own the mRNA profiles towards osteogenic-like or fibrocartilaginous-like phenotypes in basal conditions. Moreover, ZnFO increased the alkaline phosphatase activity in basal conditions, while both ZnFO and MnFO increased the matrix mineralization degree in osteoinductive conditions. Thus, we have demonstrated the bioactivity of these novel compounds and the suitability to further studied them in vivo for musculoskeletal regeneration applications.

Trains of attosecond pulses structured with time-ordered polarization states.

Ultrafast laser pulses generated at the attosecond timescale represent a unique tool to explore the fastest dynamics in matter. An accurate control of their properties, such as polarization, is fundamental to shape three-dimensional laser-driven dynamics. We introduce a technique to generate attosecond pulse trains whose polarization state varies from pulse to pulse. This is accomplished by driving high-harmonic generation with two time-delayed bichromatic counter-rotating fields with proper orbital angular momentum (OAM) content. Our simulations show that the evolution of the polarization state along the train can be controlled via OAM, pulse duration, and time delay of the driving fields. We, thus, introduce an additional control into structured attosecond pulses that provides an alternative route to explore ultrafast dynamics with potential applications in chiral and magnetic materials.

Chitosan-stabilized silver nanoclusters with luminescent, photothermal and antibacterial properties.

The aim of this paper is to achieve in situ photochemical synthesis of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) stabilized by the multiple-amine groups of chitosan (Ch@AgNCs) with luminescent and photothermal properties. Ch@AgNCs were obtained by applying a fast and simple methodology previously described by our group. Direct functionalization of AgNCs with chitosan template provided new nanohybrids directly in water solution, both in the presence or absence of oxygen. The formation of hybrid AgNCs could be monitored by the rapid increase of the absorption and emission maximum band with light irradiation time. New Ch@AgNCs not only present photoluminescent properties but also photothermal properties when irradiated with near infrared light (NIR), transducing efficiently NIR into heat and increasing the temperature of the medium up to 23 °C. The chitosan polymeric shell associated to AgNCs works as a protective support stabilizing the metal cores, facilitating the storage of nanohybrids and preserving luminescent, photothermal and bactericide properties.

3D Printing of a Reactive Hydrogel Bio-Ink Using a Static Mixing Tool.

Hydrogel-based bio-inks have recently attracted more attention for 3D printing applications in tissue engineering due to their remarkable intrinsic properties, such as a cell supporting environment. However, their usually weak mechanical properties lead to poor printability and low stability of the obtained structures. To obtain good shape fidelity, current approaches based on extrusion printing use high viscosity solutions, which can compromise cell viability. This paper presents a novel bio-printing methodology based on a dual-syringe system with a static mixing tool that allows in situ crosslinking of a two-component hydrogel-based ink in the presence of living cells. The reactive hydrogel system consists of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) and partially oxidized hyaluronic acid (HAox) that undergo fast self-covalent crosslinking via Schiff base formation. This new approach allows us to use low viscosity solutions since in situ gelation provides the appropriate structural integrity to maintain the printed shape. The proposed bio-ink formulation was optimized to match crosslinking kinetics with the printing process and multi-layered 3D bio-printed scaffolds were successfully obtained. Printed scaffolds showed moderate swelling, good biocompatibility with embedded cells, and were mechanically stable after 14 days of the cell culture. We envision that this straightforward, powerful, and generalizable printing approach can be used for a wide range of materials, growth factors, or cell types, to be employed for soft tissue regeneration.

Anti-Inflammatory Polymeric Nanoparticles Based on Ketoprofen and Dexamethasone.

Polymeric nanoparticles that combine dexamethasone and naproxen reduce inflammation and synergistically inhibit Interleukin-12b (Il12b) transcription in macrophages. This effect can be the result of a cyclooxygenase-dependent or a cyclooxygenase-independent mechanism. The aim of this work is to obtain potent anti-inflammatory polymeric nanoparticles by the combination of dexamethasone and ketoprofen, one of the most efficient cyclooxygenase-inhibitors among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with appropriate hydrodynamic properties to facilitate accumulation and co-release of drugs in inflamed tissue. Nanoparticles are spherical with hydrodynamic diameter (117 ± 1 nm), polydispersity (0.139 ± 0.004), and surface charge (+30 ± 1 mV), which confer them with high stability and facilitate both macrophage uptake and internalization pathways to favor their retention at the inflamed areas and lysosomal degradation and drug release, respectively. In vitro biological studies concluded that the dexamethasone-loaded ketoprofen-bearing system is non-cytotoxic and efficiently reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide release. The RT-qPCR analysis shows that the ketoprofen nanoparticles were able to reduce to almost basal levels the expression of tested pro-inflammatory markers and increase the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines under inflammatory conditions. However, the synergistic inhibition of Il12b observed in nanoparticles that combine dexamethasone and naproxen was not observed in nanoparticles that combine dexamethasone and ketoprofen, suggesting that the synergistic trans-repression of Il12b observed in the first case was not mediated by cyclooxygenase-dependent pathways.

Glycerylphytate crosslinker as a potential osteoinductor of chitosan-based systems for guided bone regeneration.

Chitosan-based membranes are promising systems for guided bone regeneration. In this work, we used glycerylphytate as ionic crosslinker and osteinductor compound for the fabrication of chitosan membranes as supports for human mesenchymal stem cells. Three different glycerylphytate-crosslinked membranes were developed by changing the crosslinker concentration, from 2.5-10 wt-%, respect to chitosan. Physico-chemical characterization in terms of composition, morphology, and thermal behavior was further analyzed. Swelling degree, crosslinking density, and crosslinker release showed a glycerylphytate content-dependent behavior. Glycerylphytate suggested to improve osteointegration ability of chitosan surfaces by the formation of apatite-like aggregates after incubation in body simulated fluid. Stem cells cultured on the membranes increased their viability over time, and the incorporation of glycerylphytate improved osteogenic and osteoinductivity potential of chitosan by increasing calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity on cultured stem cells. These results demonstrated a potential application of glycerylphytate-crosslinked chitosan systems for promising bone tissue regeneration.

Polymeric Nanoparticles that Combine Dexamethasone and Naproxen for the Synergistic Inhibition of Il12b Transcription in Macrophages.

Recent studies have demonstrated in vivo synergistic immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory capacity of dexamethasone (Dx) and naproxen (NAP) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. However, the molecular basis of this synergistic effect is barely understood. The low solubility of these drugs and their adverse effects hamper their efficacy on the treatment of inflammatory processes making nanoparticulated systems promising candidates to overcome these drawbacks. The aim of this work is the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) that combine NAP and Dx in different concentrations, and the evaluation of the expression of key genes related to autoimmune diseases like CIA. To do so, self-assembled polymeric NPs that incorporate covalently-linked NAP and physically entrapped Dx are designed to have hydrodynamic properties that, according to bibliography, may improve retention and colocalization of both drugs at inflammation sites. The rapid uptake of NPs by macrophages is demonstrated using coumarine-6-loaded NPs. Dx is efficiently encapsulated and in vitro biological studies demonstrate that the Dx-loaded NAP-bearing NPs are noncytotoxic and reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced NO released levels at any of the tested concentrations. Moreover, at the molecular level, a significant synergistic reduction of Il12b transcript gene expression when combining Dx and NAP is demonstrated.

Bioadhesive functional hydrogels: Controlled release of catechol species with antioxidant and antiinflammatory behavior.

Chronic wounds are particularly difficult to heal and constitute an important global health care problem. Some key factors that make chronic wounds challenging to heal are attributed to the incessant release of free radicals, which activate the inflammatory system and impair the repair of the wound. Intrinsic characteristics of hydrogels are beneficial for wound healing, but the effective control of free radical levels in the wound and subsequent inflammation is still a challenge. Catechol, the key molecule responsible for the mechanism of adhesion of mussels, has been proven to be an excellent radical scavenger and anti-inflammatory agent. Our approach in this work lies in the preparation of a hybrid system combining the beneficial properties of hydrogels and catechol for its application as a bioactive wound dressing to assist in the treatment of chronic wounds. The hydrogel backbone is obtained through a self-covalent crosslinking between chitosan (Ch) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (HAox) in the presence of a synthetic catechol terpolymer, which is subsequently coordinated to Fe to obtain an interpenetrated polymer network (IPN). The structural analysis, catechol release profiles, in vitro biological behavior and in vivo performance of the IPN are analyzed and compared with the semi-IPN (without Fe) and the Ch/HAox crosslinked hydrogels as controls. Catechol-containing hydrogels present high tissue adhesion strength under wet conditions, support growth, migration and proliferation of hBMSCs, protect cells against oxidative stress damage induce by ROS, and promote down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß. Furthermore, in vivo experiments reveal their biocompatibility and stability, and histological studies indicate normal inflammatory responses and faster vascularization, highlighting the performance of the IPN system. The novel IPN design also allows for the in situ controlled and sustained delivery of catechol. Therefore, the developed IPN is a suitable ECM-mimic platform with high cell affinity and bioactive functionalities that, together with the controlled catechol release, will enhance the tissue regeneration process and has a great potential for its application as wound dressing.

Glycerylphytate compounds with tunable ion affinity and osteogenic properties.

Phytic acid (PA) is a natural-occurring antioxidant, which plays an important role in many biological processes. PA is recognized as a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation because of its high affinity to multivalent cations, and it can play a role in osteogenic processes. However, its powerful chelating capacity is controversial because it can lead to a severe reduction of mineral availability in the organism. For this reason, compounds with beneficial biological properties of PA, but a modular ion binding capacity, are of high interest. In this work, we report the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of two hydroxylic derivatives of PA, named glycerylphytates (GPhy), through a condensation reaction of PA with glycerol (G). Both derivatives present antioxidant properties, measured by ferrozine/FeCl2 method and chelating activity with calcium ions depending on the content of glyceryl groups incorporated. Besides, the hydroxylic modification not only modulates the ion binding affinity of derivatives but also improves their cytocompatibility in human bone marrow mesenchymal cells (MSCs). Furthermore, GPhy derivatives display osteogenic properties, confirmed by COL1A and ALPL expression depending on composition. These positive features convert GPhy compounds into potent alternatives for those skeletal diseases treatments where PA is tentatively applied.