Here, we present surface analysis and biocompatibility evaluation of novel composite material based on graphene oxide traded as Hastalex. First, the surface morphology and elemental analysis of the pristine material were examined by atomic force and scanning electron microscopies, and by energy-dispersive and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, respectively. The Hastalex surface was then modified by plasma (3 and 8 W with exposure times up to 240 s), the impact of which on the material surface wettability and morphology was further evaluated. In addition, the material aging was studied at room and elevated temperatures. Significant changes in surface roughness, morphology, and area were detected at the nanometer scale after plasma exposure. An increase in oxygen content due to the plasma exposure was observed both for 3 and 8 W. The plasma treatment had an outstanding effect on the cytocompatibility of Hastalex foil treated at both input powers of 3 and 8 W. The cell number of human MRC-5 fibroblasts on Hastalex foils exposed to plasma increased significantly compared to pristine Hastalex and even to tissue culture polystyrene. The plasma exposure also affected the fibroblasts' cell growth and shape.

• Klíčová slova
• Carbon composite, Cytocompatibility, Morphology, Nanostructure, Pattern, Polymer stability, Surface chemistry, Surface modification,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In this study, we present a simple approach for developing a biocompatible polymer scaffold with a honeycomb-like micropattern. We aimed to combine a plasma treatment of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) substrate with an improved phase separation technique. The plasma exposure served for modification of the polymer surface properties, such as roughness, surface chemistry, and wettability. The treated FEP substrate was applied for the growth of a honeycomb-like pattern from a solution of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The properties of the pattern were strongly dependent on the conditions of plasma exposure of the FEP substrate. The physico-chemical properties of the prepared pattern, such as changes in wettability, aging, morphology, and surface chemistry, were determined. Further, we have examined the cellular response of human osteoblasts (U-2 OS) on the modified substrates. The micropattern prepared with a selected combination of surface activation and amount of PMMA for honeycomb construction showed a positive effect on U-2 OS cell adhesion and proliferation. Samples with higher PMMA content (3 and 4 g) formed more periodic hexagonal structures on the surface compared to its lower amount (1 and 2 g), which led to a significant increase in the pattern cytocompatibility compared to pristine or plasma-treated FEP.

• Klíčová slova
• FEP, PMMA, cell adhesion, cell growth, cytocompatibility, honeycomb-like pattern, material morphology, plasma modification, polymer,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Five types of amide-amine Carbon Nano-Particles (CNPs) were prepared by functionalization of CNPs and characterized by several analytical methods. The successful grafting of amines on CNPs was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), organic elemental analysis and electrokinetic analysis. The size and morphology of CNPs were determined from transmission electron microscopy. The surface area and porosity of CNPs were examined by adsorption and desorption isotherms. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate thermal stability of CNPs. The amount of bonded amine depends on its dimensionality arrangement. Surface area and pore volumes of CNPs decrease several times after individual amino-compound grafting. Selected types of functionalized CNPs were grafted onto a plasma activated surface of HDPE. The successful grafting of CNPs on the polymer surface was verified by XPS. Wettability was determined by contact angle measurements. Surface morphology and roughness were studied by atomic force microscopy. A dramatic decrease of contact angle and surface morphology was observed on CNP grafted polymer surface. Cytocompatibility of modified surfaces was studied in vitro, by determination of adhesion, proliferation and viability of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Grafting of CNPs onto the polymer surface has a positive effect on the adhesion, proliferation and viability of VSMCs.

• Klíčová slova
• Carbon nanoparticles, Cytocompatibility, Nanoparticles characterization, Surface amine functionalization, Surface characterization,
• MeSH
• aminy chemie   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• myocyty hladké svaloviny cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• nanočástice škodlivé účinky   chemie   MeSH
• polyethylen chemie   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• smáčivost MeSH
• svaly hladké cévní cytologie   MeSH
• uhlík chemie   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• aminy MeSH
• polyethylen MeSH
• uhlík MeSH

Degradable zinc-based alloys with an appropriate corrosion rate are promising materials for the preparation of temporary orthopaedic implants. Previously, we prepared and characterised a novel Zn1.5Mg alloy. This paper is focused on the characterisation of this alloy after a surface pre-treatment, which should mimic processes occurring in vivo. The samples of the Zn1.5Mg alloy were immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C for 14days in order to form a protective layer of corrosion products. Thereafter, these samples were used for the corrosion rate determination, an indirect in vitro cytotoxicity test, as well as for a direct contact test and were compared with the non-treated samples. The protective layer was characterized by SEM and its chemical composition was determined by EDS and XPS analysis. The corrosion rate was significantly decreased after the pre-incubation. The protective layer of corrosion products was rich in Ca and P. The pre-incubated samples exhibited increased cytocompatibility in the indirect test (metabolic activity of L929 cells was above 70%) and we also observed osteoblast-like cell growth directly on the samples during the contact tests. Thus, the pre-incubation in SBF leading to improved cytocompatibility could represent more appropriate model to in vivo testing.

• Klíčová slova
• Biodegradable alloys, Cytocompatibility, In vitro testing, Zinc,
• MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• hořčík * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• koroze MeSH
• myši MeSH
• osteoblasty cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• slitiny * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• tělesné tekutiny chemie   MeSH
• testování materiálů * MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• vstřebatelné implantáty * MeSH
• zinek * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• hořčík * MeSH
• slitiny * MeSH
• zinek * MeSH

The development of antibacterial materials has great importance in avoiding bacterial contamination and the risk of infection for implantable biomaterials. An antibacterial thin film coating on the surface via chemical bonding is a promising technique to keep native bulk material properties unchanged. However, most of the polymeric materials are chemically inert and highly hydrophobic, which makes chemical agent coating challenging Herein, immobilization of chlorhexidine, a broad-spectrum bactericidal cationic compound, onto the polylactic acid surface was performed in a multistep physicochemical method. Direct current plasma was used for surface functionalization, followed by carbodiimide chemistry to link the coupling reagents of N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) and N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHs) to create a free bonding site to anchor the chlorhexidine. Surface characterizations were performed by water contact angle test, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The antibacterial activity was tested using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Finally, in vitro cytocompatibility of the samples was studied using primary mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. It was found that all samples were cytocompatible and the best antibacterial performance observed was the Chlorhexidine immobilized sample after NHs activation.

• Klíčová slova
• biomaterial associated infection, chlorhexidine, cytocompatibility, plasma treatment, polylactic acid,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

UNLABELLED: The application of biodegradable magnesium-based materials in the biomedical field is highly restricted by their low fatigue strength and high corrosion rate in biological environments. Herein, we treated the surface of a biocompatible magnesium alloy AZ31 by severe shot peening in order to evaluate the potential of surface grain refinement to enhance this alloy's functionality in a biological environment. The AZ31 samples were studied in terms of micro/nanostructural, mechanical, and chemical characteristics in addition to cytocompatibility properties. The evolution of surface grain structure and surface morphology were investigated using optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Surface roughness, wettability, and chemical composition, as well as in depth-microhardness and residual stress distribution, fatigue behaviour and corrosion resistance were investigated. Cytocompatibility tests with osteoblasts (bone forming cells) were performed using sample extracts. The results revealed for the first time that severe shot peening can significantly enhance mechanical properties of AZ31 without causing adverse effects on the growth of surrounding osteoblasts. The corrosion behavior, on the other hand, was not improved; nevertheless, removing the rough surface layer with a high density of crystallographic lattice defects, without removing the entire nanocrystallized layer, provided a good potential for improving corrosion characteristics after severe shot peening and thus, this method should be studied for a wide range of orthopedic applications in which biodegradable magnesium is used. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A major challenge for most commonly used metals for bio-implants is their non-biodegradability that necessitates revision surgery for implant retrieval when used as fixation plates, screws, etc. Magnesium is reported among the most biocompatible metals that resorb over time without adverse tissue reactions and is indispensable for many biochemical processes in human body. However, fast and uncontrolled degradation of magnesium alloys in the physiological environment in addition to their inadequate mechanical properties especially under repeated loading have limited their application in the biomedical field. The present study providesdata on the effect of a relatively simple surface nanocrystallziation method with high potential to tailor the mechanical and chemical behavior of magnesium based material while maintaining its cytocompatibility.

• Klíčová slova
• Biocompatible magnesium alloy, Cytocompatibility, Severe shot peening, Surface grain refinement,
• MeSH
• elektrochemie MeSH
• koroze MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanostruktury chemie   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• osteoblasty cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• slitiny farmakologie   MeSH
• testování materiálů metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• Mg-Al-Zn-Mn-Si-Cu alloy MeSH Prohlížeč
• slitiny MeSH

This study investigates the effect of graphene scaffold on morphology, viability, cytoskeleton, focal contacts, mitochondrial network morphology and activity in BALB/3T3 fibroblasts and provides new data on biocompatibility of the "graphene-family nanomaterials". We used graphene monolayer applied onto glass cover slide by electrochemical delamination method and regular glass cover slide, as a reference. The morphology of fibroblasts growing on graphene was unaltered, and the cell viability was 95% compared to control cells on non-coated glass slide. There was no significant difference in the cell size (spreading) between both groups studied. Graphene platform significantly increased BALB/3T3 cell mitochondrial activity (WST-8 test) compared to glass substrate. To demonstrate the variability in focal contacts pattern, the effect of graphene on vinculin was examined, which revealed a significant increase in focal contact size comparing to control-glass slide. There was no disruption in mitochondrial network morphology, which was branched and well connected in relation to the control group. Evaluation of the JC-1 red/green fluorescence intensity ratio revealed similar levels of mitochondrial membrane potential in cells growing on graphene-coated and uncoated slides. These results indicate that graphene monolayer scaffold is cytocompatible with connective tissue cells examined and could be beneficial for tissue engineering therapy.

• Klíčová slova
• cytocompatibility, fibroblast, focal contact, graphene, mitochondria,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Ti-based alloys have increased importance for biomedical applications due to their excellent properties. In particular, the two recently developed TiZrPdSi(Nb) alloys, with a predominant β-Ti phase microstructure, have good mechanical properties, such as a relatively low Young's modulus and high hardness. In the present work, the cytocompatibility of these alloys was assessed using human osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Cells grown on the alloys showed larger spreading areas (more than twice) and higher vinculin content (nearly 40% increment) when compared with cells grown on glass control surfaces, indicating a better cell adhesion. Moreover, cell proliferation was 18% higher for cells growing on both alloys than for cells growing on glass and polystyrene control surfaces. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by quantifying the expression of four osteogenic genes (osteonectin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein), the presence of three osteogenic proteins (alkaline phosphatase, collagen I, and osteocalcin) and the activity of alkaline phosphatase at different time-points. The results demonstrated that TiZrPdSi and TiZrPdSiNb alloys enhance osteoblast differentiation, and that cells grown on TiZrPdSiNb alloy present higher levels of some late osteogenic markers during the first week in culture. These results suggest that the TiZrPdSi(Nb) alloys can be considered as excellent candidates for orthopaedical uses. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 834-842, 2018.

• Klíčová slova
• Saos-2 cells, Ti-based alloy, cytocompatibility, osteogenic gene expression, protein adsorption,
• MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace účinky léků   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• modul pružnosti * MeSH
• niob chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• osteoblasty cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• osteogeneze účinky léků   MeSH
• palladium chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• silikony chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• slitiny * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• testování materiálů * MeSH
• titan chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• zirkonium chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• niob MeSH
• palladium MeSH
• silikony MeSH
• slitiny * MeSH
• titan MeSH
• zirkonium MeSH

The aim of this study was to develop a biodegradable nanostructured electrospun layer based on collagen (COL), hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA), vancomycin hydrochloride (V), gentamicin sulphate (G) and their combination (VG) for the treatment of prosthetic joint infections and the prevention of infection during the joint replacement procedure. COL/HA layers containing different amounts of HA (0, 5 and 15 wt%) were tested for the in vitro release kinetics of antibiotics, antimicrobial activity against MRSA, gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis isolates and cytocompatibility using SAOS-2 bone-like cells. The results revealed that the COL/HA layers released high concentrations of vancomycin and gentamicin for 21 days and performed effectively against the tested clinically-relevant bacterial isolates. The presence of HA in the collagen layers was found not to affect the release kinetics of the vancomycin from the layers loaded only with vancomycin or its combination with gentamicin. Conversely, the presence of HA slowed down the release of gentamicin from the COL/HA layers loaded with gentamicin and its combination with vancomycin. The combination of both antibiotics exerted a positive effect on the prolongation of the conversion of vancomycin into its degradation products. All the layers tested with different antibiotics exhibited potential antibacterial activity with respect to both the tested staphylococci isolates and enterococci. The complemental effect of vancomycin was determined against both gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis in contrast to the application of gentamicin as a single agent. This combination was also found to be more effective against MRSA than is vancomycin as a single agent. Importantly, this combination of vancomycin and gentamicin in the COL/HA layers exhibited sufficient cytocompatibility to SAOS-2, which was independent of the HA content. Conversely, only gentamicin caused the death of SAOS-2 independently of HA content and only vancomycin stimulated SAOS-2 behaviour with an increased concentration of HA in the COL/HA layers. In conclusion, COL/HA layers with 15 wt% of HA impregnated with vancomycin or with a combination of vancomycin and gentamicin offer a promising treatment approach and the potential to prevent infection during the joint replacement procedures.

• Klíčová slova
• Antimicrobial activity, Collagen, Cytocompatibility, Gentamicin, Hydroxyapatite, Nanofibers, Nanoparticles, Release kinetics, Synergistic effect, Vancomycin,
• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• Enterococcus faecalis účinky léků   MeSH
• gentamiciny chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• hydroxyapatit chemie   MeSH
• infekce spojené s protézou mikrobiologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• kinetika MeSH
• kolagen chemie   MeSH
• kostní cementy chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• methicilin rezistentní Staphylococcus aureus účinky léků   MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti metody   MeSH
• Staphylococcus epidermidis účinky léků   MeSH
• synergismus léků MeSH
• vankomycin chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky MeSH
• gentamiciny MeSH
• hydroxyapatit MeSH
• kolagen MeSH
• kostní cementy MeSH
• vankomycin MeSH

The cytocompatibility of cardiomyocytes derived from embryonic stem cells and neural progenitors, which were seeded on the surface of composite films made of graphene oxide (GO) and polypyrrole (PPy-GO) or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT-GO) are reported. The GO incorporated in the composite matrix contributes to the patterning of the composite surface, while the electrically conducting PPy and PEDOT serve as ion-to-electron transducers facilitating electrical stimulation/sensing. The films were fabricated by a simple one-step electropolymerization procedure on electrically conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) and graphene paper (GP) substrates. Factors affecting the cell behaviour, i.e. the surface topography, wettability, and electrical surface conductivity, were studied. The PPy-GO and PEDOT-GO prepared on ITO exhibited high surface conductivity, especially in the case of the ITO/PPy-GO composite. We found that for cardiomyocytes, the PPy-GO and PEDOT-GO composites counteracted the negative effect of the GP substrate that inhibited their growth. Both the PPy-GO and PEDOT-GO composites prepared on ITO and GP significantly decreased the cytocompatibility of neural progenitors. The presented results enhance the knowledge about the biological properties of electroactive materials, which are critical for tissue engineering, especially in context stimuli-responsive scaffolds.

• Klíčová slova
• Cardiomyocytes, Composites, Graphene oxide, Neural progenitors, PEDOT, Polypyrrole,
• MeSH
• bicyklické sloučeniny heterocyklické chemie   MeSH
• elektrická vodivost * MeSH
• elektrochemie * MeSH
• grafit farmakologie   MeSH
• kardiomyocyty cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nervové kmenové buňky cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• neurogeneze účinky léků   MeSH
• polymery chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• pyrroly chemie   MeSH
• voda chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• bicyklické sloučeniny heterocyklické MeSH
• grafit MeSH
• graphene oxide MeSH Prohlížeč
• poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) MeSH Prohlížeč
• polymery MeSH
• polypyrrole MeSH Prohlížeč
• pyrroly MeSH
• voda MeSH