Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and highly mechanically resilient FDA-approved material (for specific biomedical applications, e.g. as drug delivery devices, in sutures, or as an adhesion barrier), rendering it a promising candidate to serve bone tissue engineering. However, in vivo monitoring of PCL-based implants, as well as biodegradable implants in general, and their degradation profiles pose a significant challenge, hindering further development in the tissue engineering field and subsequent clinical adoption. To address this, photo-cross-linkable mechanically resilient PCL networks are developed and functionalized with a radiopaque monomer, 5-acrylamido-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (AATIPA), to enable non-destructive in vivo monitoring of PCL-based implants. The covalent incorporation of AATIPA into the crosslinked PCL networks does not significantly affect their crosslinking kinetics, mechanical properties, or thermal properties, but it increases their hydrolysis rate and radiopacity. Complex and porous 3D designs of radiopaque PCL networks can be effectively monitored in vivo. This work paves the way toward non-invasive monitoring of in vivo degradation profiles and early detection of potential implant malfunctions.
- MeSH
- Biocompatible Materials chemistry MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Polyesters * chemistry MeSH
- Porosity MeSH
- Materials Testing MeSH
- Tissue Engineering methods MeSH
- Tissue Scaffolds * chemistry MeSH
- Absorbable Implants MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The alveolar-capillary interface is the key functional element of gas exchange in the human lung, and disruptions to this interface can lead to significant medical complications. However, it is currently challenging to adequately model this interface in vitro, as it requires not only the co-culture of human alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells but mainly the preparation of a biocompatible scaffold that mimics the basement membrane. This scaffold should support cell seeding from both sides, and maintain optimal cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation conditions. Our study investigates the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers as a versatile substrate for such cell cultures, aiming to model the alveolar-capillary interface more accurately. We optimized nanofiber production parameters, utilized polyamide mesh UHELON as a mechanical support for scaffold handling, and created 3D-printed inserts for specialized co-cultures. Our findings confirm that PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are manageable and support the co-culture of diverse cell types, effectively enabling cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Our research establishes a proof-of-concept model for the alveolar-capillary interface, offering significant potential for enhancing cell-based testing and advancing tissue-engineering applications that require specific nanofibrous matrices.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of bleaching agents based on carbamide or hydrogen peroxide on dental ceramics in vitro, utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). METHODS: CAD/CAM ceramics (IPS e.max®CAD, IPS Empress®CAD, Vitablocs® Mark II, Celtra Duo, and inCoris TZI) were treated with bleaching agents using either 10%, 20%, 30% carbamide peroxide or with 35%, and 40% hydrogen peroxide. RESULTS: Surface elemental release was not significantly affected by the type or concentration of bleaching agent (p>0.05). Ion release in feldspathic ceramics was significantly higher than in other ceramic materials (p⟨0.0001). Microstructural surface changes were observed in all materials except for lithium disilicate and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics. CONCLUSIONS: All bleaching agents tested in this study showed a similar impact within each material type tested regarding total mass loss, elemental composition, or surface structure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lithium disilicate and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics were the most resistant to bleaching agents. In contrast, feldspathic ceramic showed the highest ion release and surface deterioration when exposed to all bleaching agents tested.
- MeSH
- Computer-Aided Design * MeSH
- Carbamide Peroxide * chemistry MeSH
- Ceramics * chemistry MeSH
- Tooth Bleaching Agents * chemistry MeSH
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning MeSH
- Hydrogen Peroxide * chemistry MeSH
- Surface Properties MeSH
- Materials Testing MeSH
- Zirconium chemistry MeSH
- Dental Porcelain * chemistry MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- MeSH
- Biocompatible Materials therapeutic use MeSH
- Light-Curing of Dental Adhesives MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Inlays methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures methods MeSH
- Molar surgery pathology MeSH
- Nanocomposites therapeutic use MeSH
- Organically Modified Ceramics * therapeutic use MeSH
- Oral Surgical Procedures methods MeSH
- Dental Caries surgery MeSH
- Dental Restoration Repair methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Case Reports MeSH
- Keywords
- BioRoot Flow,
- MeSH
- Biocompatible Materials therapeutic use MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Gutta-Percha * therapeutic use MeSH
- Injections methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Molar pathology MeSH
- Root Canal Obturation * methods MeSH
- Periodontitis therapy MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Case Reports MeSH
Graphene-based materials (GBMs) have shown significant promise in cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization. Their ability to target solid tumors, penetrate the tumor microenvironment (TME), and act as efficient drug delivery platforms highlights their potential in nanomedicine. However, the complex and dynamic nature of the TME, characterized by metabolic heterogeneity, immune suppression, and drug resistance, poses significant challenges to effective cancer treatment. GBMs offer innovative solutions by enhancing tumor targeting, facilitating deep tissue penetration, and modulating metabolic pathways that contribute to tumor progression and immune evasion. Their functionalization with targeting ligands and biocompatible polymers improves their biosafety and specificity, while their ability to modulate immune cell interactions within the TME presents new opportunities for immunotherapy. Given the role of metabolic reprogramming in tumor survival and resistance, GBMs could be further exploited in metabolism-targeted therapies by disrupting glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and lipid metabolism to counteract the immunosuppressive effects of the TME. This review focuses on discussing research studies that design GBM nanocomposites with enhanced biodegradability, minimized toxicity, and improved efficacy in delivering therapeutic agents with the intention to reprogram the TME for effective anticancer therapy. Additionally, exploring the potential of GBM nanocomposites in combination with immunotherapies and metabolism-targeted treatments could lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies. By addressing these challenges, GBMs could play a pivotal role in overcoming current limitations in cancer treatment and advancing precision oncology.
- MeSH
- Graphite * chemistry therapeutic use MeSH
- Immunotherapy methods MeSH
- Drug Delivery Systems methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Tumor Microenvironment * drug effects MeSH
- Neoplasms * drug therapy metabolism MeSH
- Nanocomposites * chemistry therapeutic use MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the force degradation of intermaxillary elastics (IE) in vitro and in vivo while stretching the IE to a precise diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IE 3/16′′ medium Dentaurum from five different batches of packaging were analyzed. The in vivo study involved 10 volunteers, of which 100 IE were examined. To achieve three times the original diameter of the elastic, the distance between the upper canine and the lower dental arch was measured. Buttons were then placed in the mouth accordingly, and IE and passive aligners were inserted for five sessions of 48 h each. To investigate in vitro, 100 IE were placed in an incubator set at 37°C in a humid environment and stretched three times their diameter. The force of the elastics was measured in both investigations using a force meter at 0, 2, 8, 24, and 48 h. RESULTS: In all patients except one, the three times diameter distance extended from the upper canine to the lower second premolar. The force degradation in vivo at 2, 8, 24, and 48 h was 20.58%, 26.78%, 34.81%, and 38.56% and in vitro was 16.38%, 22.83%, 28.32%, and 30.78%. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of stretching of IE varies for each patient when using standard insertion points. The force of IE decreases exponentially, the force degradation in vivo being higher. The clinician must consider the force decrease when advising the patient of the time interval to change the elastics.
- MeSH
- Dental Stress Analysis MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Latex * chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Stress, Mechanical MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Orthodontic Appliances MeSH
- Orthodontic Appliance Design MeSH
- Materials Testing * MeSH
- Dental Arch MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
BACKGROUND: Current therapy for in-stent restenosis (ISR) is based on drug-eluting stents (DES) or drug-eluting balloon catheters. This prospective randomized study compared the efficacy of a novel sirolimus-eluting balloon (SEB) catheter to that of a paclitaxel-eluting balloon (PEB) catheter for the treatment of bare-metal stent (BMS-ISR) or DES-ISR. METHODS: A total of 145 patients with 158 BMS or DES-ISR lesions were randomly assigned to the treatment with either SEB or PEB. The in-segment late lumen loss at 12 months, the 12-month incidence of binary ISR, and major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization) were compared between groups. RESULTS: The noninferiority of SEB compared with PEB in the treatment of BMS/DES-ISR with respect to late lumen loss was not demonstrated (Δlate lumen loss, -0.024 mm [95% CI, -0.277 to 0.229]; for a noninferiority margin of 0.20 mm), except in the post hoc subanalysis for the BMS-ISR group (-0.203 mm [95% CI, -0.584 to 0.178]). No significant differences in the incidence of repeated binary ISR (31.6% versus 30.4%, P=0.906) or 12-month major adverse cardiac events (31% for both; P>0.999) between the SEB and PEB groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The noninferiority of SEB relative to PEB in the treatment of BMS/DES-ISR with respect to late lumen loss was not confirmed. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03667313.
- MeSH
- Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary * adverse effects instrumentation MeSH
- Coated Materials, Biocompatible * administration & dosage MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Cardiovascular Agents administration & dosage adverse effects MeSH
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention * adverse effects instrumentation MeSH
- Coronary Restenosis * diagnostic imaging therapy mortality etiology MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Coronary Artery Disease * diagnostic imaging therapy mortality MeSH
- Paclitaxel * administration & dosage adverse effects MeSH
- Prospective Studies MeSH
- Prosthesis Design MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Sirolimus * administration & dosage adverse effects MeSH
- Cardiac Catheters MeSH
- Drug-Eluting Stents adverse effects MeSH
- Stents adverse effects MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Equivalence Trial MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
Pulmonary artery banding is a surgical procedure performed when there is a shunt between the left and right ventricle. Its aim is to constrict the lumen of the pulmonary artery by using a band to reduce blood flow to the lungs. In this study, we report the results of investigating the mechanical properties of a composite composed of poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) layers and a collagen matrix (PLCL-COLL). PLCL layers were obtained by electrospinning, impregnated with collagen solution, and finally cross-linked to increase the stiffness of the material. Bands of PLCL-COLL were implanted into a rat peritoneum and explanted after 1, 3, and 6 months in vivo. The mechanical properties of the material before and after implantation were determined using uniaxial tensile tests. The same was done with samples of strips prepared from GORE-TEX material. By comparing the results of tensile tests before implantation and after explantation, it was found that PLCL-COLL degrades in the rat's body and that it exhibits a mechanical response showing of elastic modulus values that correspond well to arterial biomechanics (elastic modulus measured in the initial linear region of the deformation was found to be: 4.14 MPa ± 1.11 MPa, 2.34 MPa ± 1.02 MPa, 1.11 MPa ± 0.77 MPa, and 0.88 MPa ± 0.60 MPa before implantation, and 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation respectively). Similar to the elastic modulus, the strength of the PLCL-COLL composite decreased during in vivo exposure (1.32 ± 0.32 MPa, 0.60 ± 0.26 MPa, 0.44 ± 0.11 MPa, and 0.46 ± 0.28 MPa before implantation, and 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation respectively). In our experiments, PLCL-COLL material was always more compliant than GORE-TEX (elastic modulus 34.7 MPa ± 2.06 MPa before implantation, and 9.35 MPa ± 6.80 MPa after implantation). The results suggest that PLCL-COLL could be a suitable candidate for the development of artery banding tapes, and also for further use in cardiovascular surgery.
- MeSH
- Pulmonary Artery * surgery MeSH
- Biocompatible Materials chemistry MeSH
- Biomechanical Phenomena MeSH
- Collagen * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Mechanical Phenomena * MeSH
- Peritoneum * surgery MeSH
- Tensile Strength MeSH
- Polyesters * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Materials Testing MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
