Effect of N/P ratios on physicochemical stability, cellular association, and gene silencing efficiency for trimethyl chitosan/small interfering RNA complexes
In this study, the influence of the N/P ratio on TMC/siRNA complexes was systematically investigated and TMC was found to be an effective vector for siRNA delivery using optimized formulations. (Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers)
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - November 7, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Liu, X., Ma, L., Qin, W., Gao, C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Cytotoxic effect of 4-hydroxytamoxifen conjugate material on human Schwann cells: Synthesis and characterization
In this study, the toxicity of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) on human Schwann cells (HSCs) was evaluated. Substantial alterations in the cell morphology and viability were observed at 4-OHT concentrations higher than 3 µg/mL. Therefore, we designed and synthesized a drug–polymer conjugate, based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and ethyl acrylate (EA) for delivering 4-OHT to the target tissue without the detrimental consequences of the systemic therapy currently used. The macromer carrier of 4-OHT (MATX), with a functionalization degree of 80%, was synthesized in two steps and verified by 1H-NMR and mat...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - November 7, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Escobar Ivirico, J. L., Beaumont, M., Garcia Cruz, D. M., Gomez-Pinedo, U. A., Pradas, M. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Biosynthetic alginate-polyester hydrogels with inherent free radical scavenging activity promote cellular response
The prevention of deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species on the cell growth by biosynthetic hydrogels based on alginate–polyester copolymer was studied using H2O2 as the model ROS molecule. Chemically cross-linked biosynthetic hydrogels of alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–n-butyl methacrylate, alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–methyl methacrylate, alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and alginate-co-poly(propylene fumarate)–N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide with different biostabilities were prepared. We found that they were able to resist reactive oxygen...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - November 7, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Thankam, F. G., Muthu, J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Biocompatibility, biodegradability, and drug carrier ability of hybrid collagen-based hydrogel nanocomposites
The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and drug carrier capacity of new types of hybrid hydrogels were evaluated for potential medical applications. The effects of swelling and deswelling of the hybrid hydrogels on drug loading and release capacity were evaluated. The hybrid hydrogels with Dellite® 67G and Cloisite® 93A had superior collagenase resistance compared to hydrogels without the inorganic nanoparticles. The effect of the hybrid hydrogels on the immune response parameters was followed by evaluating the chronic inflammation in rats. These hybrid hydrogels have the potential for medical and pharmaceutical a...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - November 7, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Nistor, M. T., Vasile, C., Chiriac, A. P., Tartau, L. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Synthesis and characterization of a pH- and enzyme-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-hyaluronic acid-melphalan prodrug
In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) and melphalan, an anticancer drug, were linked to the backbone of hyaluronic acid via amide bonds using carbodiimide chemistry to synthesize a poly(ethylene glycol)–hyaluronic acid–melphalan prodrug. The physicochemical properties of the prodrug were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro drug release profiles and the corresponding in vitro cell evaluation of the prodrug were investigated. The poly(ethylene glycol)&n...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - November 7, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Zhang, X., Xu, H., Newaz, Z., Zhang, Y., Liu, M., Huang, Z., Liu, H., Niu, X., Wang, J., Xu, P. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Corrigendum
to article ‘Hybrid biodegradable membranes of silane-treated chitosan/soy protein for biomedical applications’ by Simone S Silva, Joaquim M Oliveira, Johan Benesch, Sofia G Caridade, João F Mano, and Rui L Reis (2013), Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers 28(4) 385-397, DOI: 10.1177/0883911513490361. On page numbers 301, 385 and back cover, the last author’s name was misspelled as RUI R REIS. The correct name is RUI L REIS. (Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers)
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Tags: Corrigendum Source Type: research

Analytical characterization and antimicrobial properties of novel copper nanoparticle-loaded electrosynthesized hydrogel coatings
In this study, a novel antimicrobial coating was developed to avoid infections and to provide sterile conditions for stainless steel devices. Poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) hydrogel thin films were modified with copper-based nanoparticles, following two different entrapment procedures. These coatings were firmly attached on metal substrates by means of a simple and fast electrochemical polymerization technique. The surface composition of the Cu nanoparticles–modified hydrogel coatings and their bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was studied, and the efficacy of such systems in pr...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Cometa, S., Iatta, R., Ricci, M. A., Ferretti, C., De Giglio, E. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Fibrous star poly({varepsilon}-caprolactone) melt-electrospun scaffolds for wound healing applications
Polymeric fibrous scaffolds based on the biocompatible and biodegradable three-arm-branched star poly(-caprolactone) (Mw = 189,000 g/mol) were prepared by a melt electrospinning technique. The possibility of processing polymers without the use of organic solvents is one of the main advantages over solution electrospinning. Scaffolds were biologically tested for their ability of supporting skin tissue regeneration. For this purpose, mouse embryo fibroblast (BALB/3T3 clone A31) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines were selected as models, and seeded onto the polymeric supports both as single and co-culture. Cell viabili...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Gazzarri, M., Bartoli, C., Mota, C., Puppi, D., Dinucci, D., Volpi, S., Chiellini, F. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Alternative methodology for chitin-hydroxyapatite composites using ionic liquids and supercritical fluid technology
An alternative, green method was used to develop chitin-based biocomposite (ChHA) materials by an integrated strategy using ionic liquids, supercritical fluid drying, and salt leaching. ChHA matrices were produced by dissolving chitin in 1-butyl-methylimidazolium acetate along with salt and/or hydroxyapatite particles and then subsequent drying. The ChHA composite formed had a heterogeneous porous microstructure with 65%–85% porosity and pore sizes in the range of 100–300 µm. The hydroxyapatite was found to be well distributed within the composite structures and had a positive effect in the viability and ...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Silva, S. S., Duarte, A. R. C., Oliveira, J. M., Mano, J. F., Reis, R. L. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Mineralization of porous hydrogels based on semi-interpenetrated networks of poly[2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate] and hyaluronic acid in simulated body fluid
Poly[2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate] and hyaluronic acid hydrogels were synthesized via free-radical polymerization of 2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate, hyaluronic acid and different crosslinkers. The ability of these hydrogels to induce apatite formation by incubating in simulated body fluid was investigated. The effect of hyaluronic acid content, crosslinkers and immersion time on mineralization behaviour and interface properties as well as the metabolic activity of different cultured cells were also determined. The bioactivity of the poly[2-ethyl(2-pyrrolidone) methacrylate] and hyaluronic acid hydrogels along w...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Magalhaes, J., Crawford, A., Hatton, P. V., Blanco, F. J., Roman, J. S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Dose-dependent enhancement of bone marrow stromal cells adhesion, spreading and osteogenic differentiation on atmospheric plasma-treated poly(L-lactic acid) nanofibers
Although poly(l-lactic acid) nanofibers are known to promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells, their relative hydrophobicity and surface inertia tend to hinder their biomedical application. We explored a feasible and effective technique to improve the bioactivity and biocompatibility of poly(l-lactic acid) fibers for further application in regenerative medicine. A low-temperature atmospheric plasma was used to treat poly(l-lactic acid) nanofibers for 1, 5, and 10 min, and the surface properties and dose-dependent effects on the behavior of bone marrow stromal cells were studied. Both the amino group ...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Liu, W., Cai, Q., Zhang, F., Wei, Y., Zhang, X., Wang, Y., Deng, X., Deng, X. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

De novo bone formation on macro/microporous silk and silk/nano-sized calcium phosphate scaffolds
In this study, we evaluated the new bone formation ability in rat femur of the SC16 scaffolds in vivo, using silk fibroin scaffolds (S16) as control. The CaP distribution profile in the scaffolds was characterized by micro-computed tomography and the CaP phase was found to be distributed homogeneously in the SC16 scaffolds. Mineralization was only observed in SC16 scaffolds, and both scaffolds gradually degraded with time. By staining the explants, new bone growth was observed directly on the SC16 surface and with higher density than that observed on the S16 scaffolds. These results demonstrated that the SC16 hybrid scaffo...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Yan, L.-P., Salgado, A. J., Oliveira, J. M., Oliveira, A. L., Reis, R. L. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Preparation of collagen scaffolds with controlled pore structures and improved mechanical property for cartilage tissue engineering
In this study, pre-prepared ice particulates were used as a porogen material to prepare collagen porous scaffolds with well-controlled pore structures and improved mechanical properties. Porogen ice particulates initiated the formation of interconnected large spherical pores surrounded by small pores. The large spherical pores were well compacted and increased the elastic modulus of the scaffolds. The unique pore structures facilitated cell penetration, resulting in a homogeneous cell distribution throughout the scaffolds. The excellent mechanical properties protected the scaffolds from deformation during cell culturing an...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Zhang, Q., Lu, H., Kawazoe, N., Chen, G. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Microencapsulation of cells in alginate through an electrohydrodynamic process
The encapsulation of living cells within a semi-permeable matrix is an attractive process for transplanting nonautologous cells by limiting the interaction with the host immune system. The electrohydrodynamic process is a low-cost and high-throughput system to encapsulate cells by means of a static potential. We evaluated the use of this system for cell entrapment by assessing and then manufacturing capsules that had the best dimensions. The effect of different cell densities on the beads was determined to set up the basic parameters of the encapsulation system. The cell viability inside the beads and as a function of rele...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - September 13, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Gasperini, L., Maniglio, D., Migliaresi, C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Silver sulfadiazine-immobilized celluloses as biocompatible polymeric biocides
Sulfadiazine was immobilized onto cotton cellulose using ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether as a binder. Upon treatment with diluted silver nitrate aqueous solution, the sulfadiazine moieties in the immobilized celluloses were transformed into silver–sulfadiazine coordination complexes. The resulting silver sulfadiazine–immobilized celluloses provided a 6-log reduction of 108 CFU mL–1 of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (drug-resistant bacteria), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (drug-resistant bac...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - July 5, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Cao, Z., Sun, X., Yao, J., Sun, Y. Tags: Articles Source Type: research