Research

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17 pages, 3913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Apatite-Forming Ability and Visible Light-Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of CuO-Supported TiO₂ Formed on Titanium by Chemical and Thermal Treatments

by Po-Cheng Sung, Taishi Yokoi, Masaya Shimabukuro, Takayuki Mokudai and Masakazu Kawashita

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(5), 114; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb15050114 - 24 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Titanium with apatite-forming ability as well as antibacterial activity is useful as a component of antibacterial dental implants. When Ti was subjected to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), copper acetate (Cu(OAc)₂), and heat (H₂O₂-Cu(OAc)₂ [...] Read more.

Titanium with apatite-forming ability as well as antibacterial activity is useful as a component of antibacterial dental implants. When Ti was subjected to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), copper acetate (Cu(OAc)₂), and heat (H₂O₂-Cu(OAc)₂-heat) treatments, a network structure of anatase and rutile titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and fine copper oxide (CuO) particles was formed on the Ti surface. The resulting samples accumulated a dense and uniform apatite layer on the surface when incubated in simulated body fluid and showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under visible-light irradiation. Electron spin resonance spectra of H₂O₂-Cu(OAc)₂-heat-treated samples showed that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) were generated from the samples, and the concentration of ·OH increased with increasing Cu concentration of the Cu(OAc)₂ solution. The enhanced antibacterial activity of these samples under visible-light irradiation may be attributable to the generation of ·OH from samples. These results suggest that Ti implants obtained using H₂O₂-Cu(OAc)₂-heat treatments and subjected to regular or on-demand visible-light irradiation may provide a decreased risk of peri-implantitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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14 pages, 2773 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings on Silicon Wafers and Printed Zirconia

by Antoine Chauvin, Marie-Rose Garda, Nathan Snyder, Bai Cui, Nicolas Delpouve and Li Tan

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(1), 11; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb15010011 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1597

Abstract

Dental surgery needs a biocompatible implant design that can ensure both osseointegration and soft tissue integration. This study aims to investigate the behavior of a hydroxyapatite-based coating, specifically designed to be deposited onto a zirconia substrate that was intentionally made porous through additive [...] Read more.

Dental surgery needs a biocompatible implant design that can ensure both osseointegration and soft tissue integration. This study aims to investigate the behavior of a hydroxyapatite-based coating, specifically designed to be deposited onto a zirconia substrate that was intentionally made porous through additive manufacturing for the purpose of reducing the cost of material. Layers were made via sol–gel dip coating by immersing the porous substrates into solutions of hydroxyapatite that were mixed with polyethyleneimine to improve the adhesion of hydroxyapatite to the substrate. The microstructure was determined by using X-ray diffraction, which showed the adhesion of hydroxyapatite; and atomic force microscopy was used to highlight the homogeneity of the coating repartition. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed successful, selective removal of the polymer and a preserved hydroxyapatite coating. Finally, scanning electron microscopy pictures of the printed zirconia ceramics, which were obtained through the digital light processing additive manufacturing method, revealed that the mixed coating leads to a thicker, more uniform layer in comparison with a pure hydroxyapatite coating. Therefore, homogeneous coatings can be added to porous zirconia by combining polyethyleneimine with hydroxyapatite. This result has implications for improving global access to dental care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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19 pages, 5198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Hydrogels of Ultrasound-Assisted-Digested Formic Acid-Decellularized Extracellular Matrix and Sacchachitin Nanofibers Incorporated with Platelet-Rich Plasma for Diabetic Wound Treatment

by Chien-Ju Lin, Hong-Liang Lin, Wen-Chen You, Hsiu-O Ho, Ming-Thau Sheu, Ling-Chun Chen and Wei-Jie Cheng

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(8), 423; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb14080423 - 11 Aug 2023

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Abstract

In this study, an ultrasound-assisted digestion method of a formic acid-decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) of porcine skin was developed and optimized to form UdECM hydrogels for diabetic wound healing. Results demonstrated that ultrasonication improved the extraction rate of collagen from dECM samples, preserved [...] Read more.

In this study, an ultrasound-assisted digestion method of a formic acid-decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) of porcine skin was developed and optimized to form UdECM hydrogels for diabetic wound healing. Results demonstrated that ultrasonication improved the extraction rate of collagen from dECM samples, preserved the collagen content of dECM, reduced residual cells, and extracted greater DNA contents. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were performed, which demonstrated the optimal porosity on the surface and density of the cross-section in the hydrogel structure, which could control the release of growth factors embedded in UdECM hydrogels at desirable rates to boost wound healing. A wound-healing study was conducted with six different composite hydrogels, both empty materials and materials enriched with rat platelet-rich plasma (R-PRP), sacchachitin nanofibers (SCNFs), and TEMPO-oxidized sacchachitin in diabetic rats. The assessment based on scars stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome (MT), and a cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) staining showed that the UdECM/SC/R-PRP treatment group had the most significant efficacy of promoting healing and even recovery of diabetic wounds to normal tissues. UdECM/R-PRP and UdECM/SCNFs demonstrated better healing rates than UdECM hydrogel scaffolds, which had only recovered 50% resemblance to normal skin. Treatment with both UdECM/TEMPO 050 and UdECM/TEMPO 050/R-PRP hydrogel scaffolds was ranked last, with even poorer efficacy than UdECM hydrogels. In summary, formulated UdECM and SCNF hydrogels loaded with PRP showed synergistic effects of accelerating wound healing and ultimately stimulating the wound to recover as functional tissues. This newly UdECM/SCNF composite hydrogel has promising potential for healing and regenerating diabetic wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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13 pages, 6764 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Influence of the Loading with Newly Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Equisetum sylvaticum on the Antibacterial Activity and Surface Hardness of a Composite Resin

by Ionuț Tărăboanță, Ana Flavia Burlec, Simona Stoleriu, Andreia Corciovă, Adrian Fifere, Denisa Batir-Marin, Monica Hăncianu, Cornelia Mircea, Irina Nica, Andra Claudia Tărăboanță-Gamen and Sorin Andrian

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(8), 402; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb14080402 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1020

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and surface hardness of a light-activated microhybrid composite resin modified with green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were synthesized using an Equisetum sylvaticum extract and characterized through different methods such as UV-Vis, EDX, [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and surface hardness of a light-activated microhybrid composite resin modified with green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were synthesized using an Equisetum sylvaticum extract and characterized through different methods such as UV-Vis, EDX, and FTIR. The obtained AgNPs were mixed with a microhybrid composite resin (Herculite XRV, Kerr Corp., Orange, CA, USA) in different concentrations: 0% (group A-control); 0.5% (group B); 1% (group C); and 1.5% (group D). A total of 120 composite resin disk-shaped samples were obtained and divided into 4 groups (n = 30) according to AgNP concentration. Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup 1—samples were not soaked in 0.01 M NaOH solution; and subgroup 2—samples were soaked in 0.01 M NaOH solution. The antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans was determined using a direct contact test. A digital electronic hardness tester was used to determine the composite resin’s Vickers surface hardness (VH). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric tests with a confidence level of 95%. Groups C and D showed higher antibacterial activity against S. mutans when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded between VH values (p > 0.05). The use of AgNPs synthesized from Equisetum sylvaticum as a composite resin filler in 1% wt. and 1.5% wt. reduced the activity of Streptococcus mutans. Soaking of the experimental composite resin decreased the antibacterial efficacy. The loading of a microhybrid composite resin with AgNPs in concentrations of 0.5% wt., 1% wt., and 1.5% wt. did not influence the surface hardness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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19 pages, 3449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solid Lipid–Polymer Hybrid Nanoplatform for Topical Delivery of siRNA: In Vitro Biological Activity and Permeation Studies

by Margarete Moreno de Araujo, Livia Neves Borgheti-Cardoso, Fabíola Garcia Praça, Priscyla Daniely Marcato and Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(7), 374; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb14070374 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1329

Abstract

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules have limited transfection efficiency and stability, necessitating the use of delivery systems to be effective in gene knockdown therapies. In this regard, lipid–polymeric nanocarriers have emerged as a promising class of nanoparticles for siRNA delivery, particularly for topical [...] Read more.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules have limited transfection efficiency and stability, necessitating the use of delivery systems to be effective in gene knockdown therapies. In this regard, lipid–polymeric nanocarriers have emerged as a promising class of nanoparticles for siRNA delivery, particularly for topical applications. We proposed the use of solid lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (SLPHNs) as topical delivery systems for siRNA. This approach was evaluated by assessing the ability of SLPHNs–siRNA complexes to internalize siRNA molecules and both to penetrate skin layers in vitro and induce gene knocking down in a skin cell line. The SLPHNs were formed by a specific composition of solid lipids, a surfactant polymer as a dispersive agent, and a cationic polymer as a complexing agent for siRNA. The optimized nanocarriers exhibited a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was found to be 200 nm, and the zeta potential was measured to be +20 mV. Furthermore, these nanocarriers demonstrated excellent stability when stored at 4 °C over a period of 90 days. In vitro and in vivo permeation studies showed that SLPHNs increased the cutaneous penetration of fluorescent-labeled siRNA, which reached deeper skin layers. Efficacy studies were conducted on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, showing that SLPHNs maintained cell viability and high cellular uptake. Furthermore, SLPHNs complexed with siRNA against Firefly luciferase (siLuc) reduced luciferase expression, proving the efficacy of this nanocarrier in providing adequate intracellular release of siRNA for silencing specific genes. Based on these results, the developed carriers are promising siRNA delivery systems for skin disease therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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15 pages, 3929 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of an Injectable Biphasic Calcium Sulfate/Hydroxyapatite Cement for the Augmentation of Fenestrated Pedicle Screws in Osteoporotic Vertebrae: A Biomechanical Cadaver Study

by Xinggui Tian, Deepak B. Raina, Corina Vater, David Kilian, Tilman Ahlfeld, Ivan Platzek, Ute Nimtschke, Magnus Tägil, Lars Lidgren, Alexander Thomas, Uwe Platz, Klaus-Dieter Schaser, Alexander C. Disch and Stefan Zwingenberger

J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 269; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb13040269 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2037

Abstract

Cement augmentation of pedicle screws is one of the most promising approaches to enhance the anchoring of screws in the osteoporotic spine. To date, there is no ideal cement for pedicle screw augmentation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an [...] Read more.

Cement augmentation of pedicle screws is one of the most promising approaches to enhance the anchoring of screws in the osteoporotic spine. To date, there is no ideal cement for pedicle screw augmentation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an injectable, bioactive, and degradable calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) cement could increase the maximum pull-out force of pedicle screws in osteoporotic vertebrae. Herein, 17 osteoporotic thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were obtained from a single fresh-frozen human cadaver and instrumented with fenestrated pedicle screws. The right screw in each vertebra was augmented with CaS/HA cement and the un-augmented left side served as a paired control. The cement distribution, interdigitation ability, and cement leakage were evaluated using radiographs. Furthermore, pull-out testing was used to evaluate the immediate mechanical effect of CaS/HA augmentation on the pedicle screws. The CaS/HA cement presented good distribution and interdigitation ability without leakage into the spinal canal. Augmentation significantly enhanced the maximum pull-out force of the pedicle screw in which the augmented side was 39.0% higher than the pedicle-screw-alone side. Therefore, the novel biodegradable biphasic CaS/HA cement could be a promising material for pedicle screw augmentation in the osteoporotic spine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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Review

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14 pages, 1305 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Use of Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators in Biomaterial-Based Immunomodulation

by Ana Beatriz Sousa and Judite N. Barbosa

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 223; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb14040223 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2185

Abstract

The implantation of a biomaterial will lead to the immediate onset of an acute inflammatory response, which is of key importance in shaping the quality of the repair process. However, the return to homeostasis is critical to prevent a chronic inflammatory response that [...] Read more.

The implantation of a biomaterial will lead to the immediate onset of an acute inflammatory response, which is of key importance in shaping the quality of the repair process. However, the return to homeostasis is critical to prevent a chronic inflammatory response that may impair the healing process. The resolution of the inflammatory response is now recognized as an active and highly regulated process, being described as specialized immunoresolvents that have a fundamental role in the termination of the acute inflammatory response. These mediators collectively coined as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are a family of endogenous molecules that include lipoxins (Lx), resolvins (Rv), protectins (PD), maresins (Mar), Cysteinyl-SPMs (Cys-SPMs) and n-3 docosapentaenoic acid-derived SPMs (n-3 DPA-derived SPMs). SPMs have important anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive actions such as decreasing the recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), inducing the recruitment of anti-inflammatory macrophages, and increasing macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells through a process known as efferocytosis. Over the last years, the trend in biomaterials research has shifted towards the engineering of materials that are able to modulate the inflammatory response and thus stimulate appropriate immune responses, the so-called immunomodulatory biomaterials. These materials should be able to modulate the host immune response with the aim of creating a pro-regenerative microenvironment. In this review, we explore the potential of using of SPMs in the development of new immunomodulatory biomaterials and we propose insights for future research in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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18 pages, 5956 KiB

Open AccessReview

Proteinoid Polymers and Nanocapsules for Cancer Diagnostics, Therapy and Theranostics: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

by Ella Itzhaki, Yuval Elias, Neta Moskovits, Salomon M. Stemmer and Shlomo Margel

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 215; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb14040215 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1552

Abstract

Proteinoids—simple polymers composed of amino acids—were suggested decades ago by Fox and coworkers to form spontaneously by heat. These special polymers may self-assemble in micrometer structures called proteinoid microspheres, presented as the protocells of life on earth. Interest in proteinoids increased in recent [...] Read more.

Proteinoids—simple polymers composed of amino acids—were suggested decades ago by Fox and coworkers to form spontaneously by heat. These special polymers may self-assemble in micrometer structures called proteinoid microspheres, presented as the protocells of life on earth. Interest in proteinoids increased in recent years, in particular for nano-biomedicine. They were produced by stepwise polymerization of 3–4 amino acids. Proteinoids based on the RGD motif were prepared for targeting tumors. Nanocapsules form by heating proteinoids in an aqueous solution and slowly cooling to room temperature. Proteinoid polymers and nanocapsules suit many biomedical applications owing to their non-toxicity, biocompatibility and immune safety. Drugs and/or imaging reagents for cancer diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic applications were encapsulated by dissolving them in aqueous proteinoid solutions. Here, recent in vitro and in vivo studies are reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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17 pages, 2263 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biodegradable Cements for Bone Regeneration

by Dachuan Liu, Chen Cui, Weicheng Chen, Jiaxu Shi, Bin Li and Song Chen

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(3), 134; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfb14030134 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

Bone cements such as polymethyl methacrylate and calcium phosphates have been widely used for the reconstruction of bone. Despite their remarkable clinical success, the low degradation rate of these materials hampers a broader clinical use. Matching the degradation rate of the materials with [...] Read more.

Bone cements such as polymethyl methacrylate and calcium phosphates have been widely used for the reconstruction of bone. Despite their remarkable clinical success, the low degradation rate of these materials hampers a broader clinical use. Matching the degradation rate of the materials with neo bone formation remains a challenge for bone-repairing materials. Moreover, questions such as the mechanism of degradation and how the composition of the materials contribute to the degradation property remain unanswered. Therefore, the review provides an overview of currently used biodegradable bone cements such as calcium phosphates (CaP), calcium sulfates and organic-inorganic composites. The possible degradation mechanism and clinical performance of the biodegradable cements are summarized. This paper reviews up-to-date research and applications of biodegradable cements, hoping to provide researchers in the field with inspirations and references. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Biomedical Materials and Their Applications)

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