In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of decellularized cellulose scaffolds functionalized with chitosan and platelet rich plasma for tissue engineering applications.

This study describes the fabrication of cellulose scaffold (CS) and cellulose-chitosan (CS/CHI) scaffolds from the immature endosperm of Borassus flabellifer (Linn.) (BF) loaded with platelet rich plasma (PRP). Thus, developed scaffolds were evaluated for their physicochemical and mechanical behavior, growth factor release and biological performance. Additionally, in vivo response was assessed in a sub cutaneous rat model to study vascularization, host inflammatory response and macrophage polarization. The results of this study demonstrated that CS and CS/CHI scaffolds with PRP demonstrated favorable physiochemical and morphogical properties. The scaffold groups CS-PRP and CS/CHI-PRP were able to release growth factors in a well sustained manner under physiological conditions. The presence of PRP in cellulosic scaffolds did show significant differences in their behavior when investigated under in vitro studies, where the release of diverse cytokines improved the cellular proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Finally, the PRP enriched scaffolds when studied under in vivo conditions showed increased angiogenesis and re-epithelialization with adequate collagen deposition and tissue remodeling. Our results suggest that besides the conventional carrier systems, this new-generation of plant-based cellulosic scaffolds with/without any modification can serve as a suitable carrier for PRP encapsulation and release, which can be used in numerous tissue regenerative therapies.

Decellularized natural 3D cellulose scaffold derived from Borassus flabellifer (Linn.) as extracellular matrix for tissue engineering applications.

In this study, Borassus flabellifer (Linn.) (BF) immature endosperm was decellularized to produce three dimensional (3D) cellulose scaffolds that can support mammalian 3D cell culture. To this regard, we first evaluated the chemical composition, nutritive profile and pharmacological activities of BF endosperm. The results demonstrated that the BF tissue represented a complex concoction of polysaccharides with intrinsic phyto-ingredients which provide excellent pharmacological properties. Furthermore cellulosic scaffolds (CS) obtained from BF was treated with chitosan to produce cellulose-chitosan (CS/CHI) hybrid scaffolds. The comparative investigation on both scaffolds exhibited adequate swelling with controlled porosity and pore-size distribution. The physiochemical characterization showed reduced biodegradation, improved thermal stability and enhanced compressive strength in CS/CHI group. Biological studies reported favorable adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts with evident cellular penetration and colonization on the both scaffolds. Taken together, plant derived cellulosic scaffolds could be used as an alternative scaffolding material in regenerative medicine.

Recent trends in natural polysaccharide based bioinks for multiscale 3D printing in tissue regeneration: A review.

Biofabrication by three-dimensional (3D) printing has been an attractive technology in harnessing the possibility to print anatomical shaped native tissues with controlled architecture and resolution. 3D printing offers the possibility to reproduce complex microarchitecture of native tissues by printing live cells in a layer by layer deposition to provide a biomimetic structural environment for tissue formation and host tissue integration. Plant based biomaterials derived from green and sustainable sources have represented to emulate native physicochemical and biological cues in order to direct specific cellular response and formation of new tissues through biomolecular recognition patterns. This comprehensive review aims to analyze and identify the most commonly used plant based bioinks for 3D printing applications. An overview on the role of different plant based biomaterial of terrestrial origin (Starch, Nanocellulose and Pectin) and marine origin (Ulvan, Alginate, Fucoidan, Agarose and Carrageenan) used for 3D printing applications are discussed elaborately. Furthermore, this review will also emphasis in the functional aspects of different 3D printers, appropriate printing material, merits and demerits of numerous plant based bioinks in developing 3D printed tissue-like constructs. Additionally, the underlying potential benefits, limitations and future perspectives of plant based bioinks for tissue engineering (TE) applications are also discussed.

Acid-responsive microcapsules: the loading-unloading processes.

A simple and convenient method to prepare acid-responsive microcapsules by using functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes and ytterbium triflate has been developed. Fluorescence active compounds were "pre-loaded" or "post-loaded" in the microcapsules and released later in acidic medium. An interesting "zip-unzip" phenomenon was observed while filming the action of acid on microcapsules under a microscope.