In recent years, multifunctional nanocarriers that provide simultaneous drug delivery and imaging have attracted enormous attention, especially in cancer treatment. In this research, a biocompatible fluorescent multifunctional nanocarrier is designed for the co-delivery of capsaicin (CPS) and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) using the pH sensitive amphiphilic block copolymer (poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone), PEtOx-b-PCL). The effects of the critical formulation parameters (the amount of copolymer, the concentration of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a stabilizing agent in the inner aqueous phase, and volume of the inner phase) are evaluated to achieve optimal nanoparticle (NP) properties using Central Composite Design. The optimized NPs demonstrated a desirable size distribution (167.8 ± 1.4 nm) with a negative surface charge (-19.9 ± 0.4) and a suitable loading capacity for CPS (70.80 ± 0.05%). The CPS & N-GQD NPs are found to have remarkable toxicity on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7). The solid fluorescent signal is acquired from cells containing multifunctional NPs, according to the confocal microscope imaging results, confirming the significant cellular uptake. This research illustrates the enormous potential for cellular imaging and enhanced cancer therapy offered by multifunctional nanocarriers that combine drug substances with the novel fluorescent agents.

• MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• dusík * chemie   MeSH
• fluorescenční barviva chemie   MeSH
• grafit * chemie   MeSH
• kapsaicin * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• kvantové tečky * chemie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• MFC-7 buňky MeSH
• nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• nosiče léků chemie   MeSH
• polymery chemie   MeSH
• teranostická nanomedicína * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the problem of efficient, low-cost materials enabling the effective protection of people from viruses transmitted through the air or via surfaces. Nanofibers can be a great candidate for efficient air filtration due to their structure, although they cannot protect from viruses. In this work, we prepared a wide range of nanofibrous biodegradable samples containing Ag (up to 0.6 at.%) and Cu (up to 20.4 at.%) exhibiting various wettability. By adjusting the magnetron current (0.3 A) and implanter voltage (5 kV), the deposition of TiO2 and Ag+ implantation into PCL/PEO nanofibers was optimized in order to achieve implantation of Ag+ without damaging the nanofibrous structure of the PCL/PEO. The optimal conditions to implant silver were achieved for the PCL-Ti0.3-Ag-5kV sample. The coating of PCL nanofibers by a Cu layer was successfully realized by magnetron sputtering. The antiviral activity evaluated by widely used methodology involving the cultivation of VeroE6 cells was the highest for PCL-Cu and PCL-COOH, where the VeroE6 viability was 73.1 and 68.1%, respectively, which is significantly higher compared to SARS-CoV-2 samples without self-sanitizing (42.8%). Interestingly, the samples with implanted silver and TiO2 exhibited no antiviral effect. This difference between Cu and Ag containing nanofibers might be related to the different concentrations of ions released from the samples: 80 μg/L/day for Cu2+ versus 15 μg/L/day for Ag+. The high antiviral activity of PCL-Cu opens up an exciting opportunity to prepare low-cost self-sanitizing surfaces for anti-SARS-CoV-2 protection and can be essential for air filtration application and facemasks. The rough cost estimation for the production of a biodegradable nanohybrid PCL-Cu facemask revealed ~$0.28/piece, and the business case for the production of these facemasks would be highly positive, with an Internal Rate of Return of 34%.

• MeSH
• antivirové látky chemie   MeSH
• biokompatibilní potahované materiály chemie   MeSH
• Cercopithecus aethiops MeSH
• COVID-19 prevence a kontrola   přenos   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• měď chemie   MeSH
• nanovlákna chemie   MeSH
• polyestery chemie   MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 chemie   MeSH
• titan chemie   MeSH
• Vero buňky MeSH
• zlato chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Copper-coated nanofibrous materials are desirable for catalysis, electrochemistry, sensing, and biomedical use. The preparation of copper or copper-coated nanofibers can be pretty challenging, requiring many chemical steps that we eliminated in our robust approach, where for the first time, Cu was deposited by magnetron sputtering onto temperature-sensitive polymer nanofibers. For the first time, the large-scale modeling of PCL films irradiation by molecular dynamics simulation was performed and allowed to predict the ions penetration depth and tune the deposition conditions. The Cu-coated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were thoroughly characterized and tested as antibacterial agents for various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Fast release of Cu2+ ions (concentration up to 3.4 µg/mL) led to significant suppression of E. coli and S. aureus colonies but was insufficient against S. typhimurium and Ps. aeruginosa. The effect of Cu layer oxidation upon contact with liquid media was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealing that, after two hours, 55% of Cu atoms are in form of CuO or Cu(OH)2. The Cu-coated nanofibers will be great candidates for wound dressings thanks to an interesting synergistic effect: on the one hand, the rapid release of copper ions kills bacteria, while on the other hand, it stimulates the regeneration with the activation of immune cells. Indeed, copper ions are necessary for the bacteriostatic action of cells of the immune system. The reactive CO2/C2H4 plasma polymers deposited onto PCL-Cu nanofibers can be applied to grafting of viable proteins, peptides, or drugs, and it further explores the versatility of developed nanofibers for biomedical applications use.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Regeneration of large bone defects caused by trauma or tumor resection remains one of the biggest challenges in orthopedic surgery. Because of the limited availability of autograft material, the use of artificial bone is prevalent; however, the primary role of currently available artificial bone is restricted to acting as a bone graft extender owing to the lack of osteogenic ability. To explore whether surface modification might enhance artificial bone functionality, in this study we applied low-pressure plasma technology as next-generation surface treatment and processing strategy to chemically (amine) modify the surface of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) artificial bone using a CH4/N2/He gas mixture. Plasma-treated β-TCP exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, facilitating the deep infiltration of cells into interconnected porous β-TCP. Additionally, cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation on the plasma-treated artificial bone surfaces were also enhanced. Furthermore, in a rat calvarial defect model, the plasma treatment afforded high bone regeneration capacity. Together, these results suggest that amine modification of artificial bone by plasma technology can provide a high osteogenic ability and represents a promising strategy for resolving current clinical limitations regarding the use of artificial bone.

• MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály metabolismus   MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace fyziologie   MeSH
• fosforečnany vápenaté metabolismus   MeSH
• kostní náhrady metabolismus   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• osteogeneze fyziologie   MeSH
• regenerace kostí fyziologie   MeSH
• transplantace kostí metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Amine-coated biodegradable materials based on synthetic polymers have a great potential for tissue remodeling and regeneration because of their excellent processability and bioactivity. In the present study, we have investigated the influence of various chemical compositions of amine plasma polymer (PP) coatings and the influence of the substrate morphology, represented by polystyrene culture dishes and polycaprolactone nanofibers (PCL NFs), on the behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although all amine-PP coatings improved the initial adhesion of VSMCs, 7-day long cultivation revealed a clear preference for the coating containing about 15 at.% of nitrogen (CPA-33). The CPA-33 coating demonstrated the ideal combination of good water stability, a sufficient amine group content, and favorable surface wettability and morphology. The nanostructured morphology of amine-PP-coated PCL NFs successfully slowed the proliferation rate of VSMCs, which is essential in preventing restenosis of vascular replacements in vivo. At the same time, CPA-33-coated PCL NFs supported the continuous proliferation of VSMCs during 7-day long cultivation, with no significant increase in cytokine secretion by RAW 264.7 macrophages. The CPA-33 coating deposited on biodegradable PCL NFs therefore seems to be a promising material for manufacturing small-diameter vascular grafts, which are still lacking on the current market.

• MeSH
• aminy škodlivé účinky   chemie   imunologie   farmakologie   MeSH
• biokompatibilní potahované materiály škodlivé účinky   chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• buněčná adheze účinky léků   imunologie   MeSH
• fotoelektronová spektroskopie MeSH
• krevní plazma chemie   imunologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• makrofágy účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• myocyty hladké svaloviny účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nanovlákna škodlivé účinky   chemie   MeSH
• polyestery chemie   MeSH
• polymery škodlivé účinky   chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti účinky léků   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• RAW 264.7 buňky MeSH
• svaly hladké cévní cytologie   účinky léků   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• tkáňové podpůrné struktury škodlivé účinky   chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were indicated in vascular repair, angiogenesis of ischemic organs, and inhibition of formation of initial hyperplasia. Differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived endothelial cells (hiPSC-ECs) provides an unlimited supply for clinical application. Furthermore, magnetic cell labelling offers an effective way of targeting and visualization of hiPSC-ECs and is the next step towards in vivo studies. METHODS: ECs were differentiated from hiPSCs and labelled with uncoated superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (uSPIONs). uSPION uptake was compared between hiPSC-ECs and mature ECs isolated from patients by software analysis of microscopy pictures after Prussian blue cell staining. The acute and long-term cytotoxic effects of uSPIONs were evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay) and Annexin assay. RESULTS: We showed, for the first time, uptake of uncoated SPIONs (uSPIONs) by hiPSC-ECs. In comparison with mature ECs of identical genetic background hiPSC-ECs showed lower uSPION uptake. However, all the studied endothelial cells were effectively labelled and showed magnetic properties even with low labelling concentration of uSPIONs. uSPIONs prepared by microwave plasma synthesis did not show any cytotoxicity nor impair endothelial properties. CONCLUSION: We show that hiPSC-ECs labelling with low concentration of uSPIONs is feasible and does not show any toxic effects in vitro, which is an important step towards animal studies.

• MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace * MeSH
• endoteliální buňky pupečníkové žíly (lidské) MeSH
• endoteliální buňky cytologie   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky cytologie   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetické nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• viabilita buněk MeSH
• železité sloučeniny * chemie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

We report on the successful application of carboxyl-rich plasma polymerized (PP) films as a matrix layer for bioreceptor immobilization in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensing. Composition and chemical properties of the carboxyl-rich PP films deposited from a mixture of maleic anhydride and acetylene were investigated. Changes in the films stored in air, water, and buffer were studied and the involved chemical changes were described. Performance in SPR immunosensing was evaluated on interactions of human serum albumin (HSA) with a specific monoclonal antibody. The comparison with the mixed self-assembled monolayer of mercaptoundecanoic acid and mercaptohexanol (MUA/MCH) and one of the most widely used surfaces for SPR, the 2D and 3D carboxymethylated dextran (CMD), was presented to show the efficacy of plasma polymerized matrix layers for biosensing. The PP film-based SPR immunosensor provided a similar detection limit of HSA (100 ng/mL) as MUA/MCH- (100 ng/mL) and 3D CMD (50 ng/mL)-based sensors. However, the response levels were about twice higher in case of the PP film-based immunosensor than in case of MUA/MCH-based alternative. The PP film surfaces had similar binding capacity towards antibody as the 3D CMD layers. The response of PP film-based sensor towards HSA was comparable to 3D CMD-based sensor up to 2.5 μg/mL. For the higher concentrations (> 10 μg/mL), the response of PP film-based immunosensor was lower due to inaccessibility of active sites of the immobilized antibody inside the flat PP film surface. We have demonstrated that due to its high stability and cost-effective straightforward preparation, the carboxyl-rich PP films represent an efficient alternative to self-assembled monolayers (SAM) and dextran-based layers in label-free immunosensing. Graphical abstract.

• MeSH
• acetylen chemie   MeSH
• biosenzitivní techniky MeSH
• limita detekce MeSH
• maleinanhydridy chemie   MeSH
• mikroskopie atomárních sil MeSH
• plazmové plyny * MeSH
• polymery chemie   MeSH
• povrchová plasmonová rezonance metody   MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• sulfhydrylové sloučeniny chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In this study, biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers (PCL-NF), collagen-coated PCL nanofibers (Col-c-PCL), and titanium dioxide-incorporated PCL (TiO2-i-PCL) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning technique to study the surface and structural compatibility of these scaffolds for skin tisuue engineering. Collagen coating over the PCL nanofibers was done by electrospinning process. Morphology of PCL nanofibers in electrospinning was investigated at different voltages and at different concentrations of PCL. The morphology, interaction between different materials, surface property, and presence of TiO2 were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurement, energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). MTT assay and cell adhesion study were done to check biocompatibilty of these scaffolds. SEM study confirmed the formation of nanofibers without beads. FTIR proved presence of collagen on PCL scaffold, and contact angle study showed increment of hydrophilicity of Col-c-PCL and TiO2-i-PCL due to collagen coating and incorporation of TiO2, respectively. EDX and XPS studies revealed distribution of entrapped TiO2 at molecular level. MTT assay and cell adhesion study using L929 fibroblast cell line proved viability of cells with attachment of fibroblasts over the scaffold. Thus, in a nutshell, we can conclude from the outcomes of our investigational works that such composite can be considered as a tissue engineered construct for skin wound healing.

• MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály chemie   MeSH
• buněčná adheze fyziologie   MeSH
• fibroblasty chemie   MeSH
• fotoelektronová spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• hydrofobní a hydrofilní interakce MeSH
• kolagen chemie   MeSH
• kůže chemie   MeSH
• nanovlákna chemie   MeSH
• polyestery chemie   MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• titan chemie   MeSH
• tkáňové inženýrství metody   MeSH
• tkáňové podpůrné struktury MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Recently, diamondlike carbon (DLC) thin films have gained interest for biological applications, such as hip and dental prostheses or heart valves and coronary stents, thanks to their high strength and stability. However, the biocompatibility of the DLC is still questionable due to its low wettability and possible mechanical failure (delamination). In this work, DLC:N:O and DLC: SiOx thin films were comparatively investigated with respect to cell proliferation. Thin DLC films with an addition of N, O, and Si were prepared by plasma enhanced CVD from mixtures of methane, hydrogen, and hexamethyldisiloxane. The films were optically characterized by infrared spectroscopy and ellipsometry in UV-visible spectrum. The thickness and the optical properties were obtained from the ellipsometric measurements. Atomic composition of the films was determined by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy combined with elastic recoil detection analysis and by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of the films were studied by depth sensing indentation technique. The number of cells that proliferate on the surface of the prepared DLC films and on control culture dishes were compared and correlated with the properties of as-deposited and aged films. The authors found that the level of cell proliferation on the coated dishes was high, comparable to the untreated (control) samples. The prepared DLC films were stable and no decrease of the biocompatibility was observed for the samples aged at ambient conditions.

• MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály chemická syntéza   chemie   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• chemické jevy MeSH
• krevní plazma MeSH
• myoblasty fyziologie   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• proliferace buněk * MeSH
• spektrální analýza MeSH
• testování materiálů * MeSH
• uhlík toxicita   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH