Multifunctional scaffolds for biomedical applications: Crafting versatile solutions with polycaprolactone enriched by graphene oxide.

The pressing need for multifunctional materials in medical settings encompasses a wide array of scenarios, necessitating specific tissue functionalities. A critical challenge is the occurrence of biofouling, particularly by contamination in surgical environments, a common cause of scaffolds impairment. Beyond the imperative to avoid infections, it is also essential to integrate scaffolds with living cells to allow for tissue regeneration, mediated by cell attachment. Here, we focus on the development of a versatile material for medical applications, driven by the diverse time-definite events after scaffold implantation. We investigate the potential of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into polycaprolactone (PCL) and create a composite for 3D printing a scaffold with time-controlled antibacterial and anti-adhesive growth properties. Indeed, the as-produced PCL-GO scaffold displays a local hydrophobic effect, which is translated into a limitation of biological entities-attachment, including a diminished adhesion of bacteriophages and a reduction of E. coli and S. aureus adhesion of ∼81% and ∼69%, respectively. Moreover, the ability to 3D print PCL-GO scaffolds with different heights enables control over cell distribution and attachment, a feature that can be also exploited for cellular confinement, i.e., for microfluidics or wound healing applications. With time, the surface wettability increases, and the scaffold can be populated by cells. Finally, the presence of GO allows for the use of infrared light for the sterilization of scaffolds and the disruption of any bacteria cell that might adhere to the more hydrophilic surface. Overall, our results showcase the potential of PCL-GO as a versatile material for medical applications.

Implementation, testing and pilot clinical evaluation of superelastic splints that decrease joint stiffness.

The present work aims at demonstrating that a customised choice of shape memory alloy (SMA) composition, thermo-mechanical treatment and shaping can lead to effective rehabilitation devices applicable to sub-acute and chronic spastic paresis in paediatric patients. SMA pseudoelasticity is regarded as a means to implement a corrective action on posture without hindering residual voluntary or reflex mobility of the affected limb. Specific hinges containing NiTi or NiTiNb elements were designed and constructed to transfer pseudoelastic recovery force to fitted splints for the elbow or the ankle joint. The devices were mechanically tested and showed complete stability after 20-100 cycles, and unchanged characteristics after 1000 full-range deflections. Repositioning splints equipped with patient-specific pseudoelastic hinges were prescribed to 25 individuals (aged 7.75 ± 5.40 years) with mild to severe spastic tetraparesis. Clinical and instrumental evaluations were carried out during crossover trials with traditional and pseudoelastic splints. The sequence of treatment steps was randomized for each subject. The results show that, compared to fixed-angle braces, pseudoelastic devices decrease passive joint stiffness while providing the same control on limb posture. Dynamic pseudoelastic braces are therefore an innovative treatment for spastic paresis, which may reduce joint stiffness.