Evaluation of contact angle and mechanical properties of resin monomers filled with graphene oxide nanofibers

Abstract This in vitro study synthesized hybrid nanofibers embedded in graphene oxide (GO) and incorporated them into experimental resin composite monomers to evaluate their physical-mechanical properties. Inorganic-organic hybrid nanofibers were produced with precursor solutions of 1% wt. GO-filled Poly (d,l-lactide, PLA) fibers and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) characterized the morphology and chemical composition of the spun fibers. Resin composite monomers were developed and a total of 5% nanofibers were incorporated into the experimental materials. Three groups were developed: G1 (control resin monomers), G2 (resin monomers/PLA nanofibers), and G3 (resin monomers/inorganic-organic hybrid nanofibers). Contact angle (n=3), flexural strength (n=22), elastic modulus (n=22), and Knoop hardness (n=6) were evaluated. The mean of the three indentations was obtained for each sample. The normality of data was assessed by QQ Plot with simulated envelopes and analyzed by Welch's method (p<0.05). Overall, SEM images showed the regular shape of nanofibers but were non-aligned. Compositional analysis from EDS (n=6) revealed the presence of carbon and oxygen (present in GO composition) and Si from the functionalization process. The results of contact angle (°) and hardness (Kg/mm2) for each group were as follow, respectively: G1 (59.65±2.90; 37.48±1.86a), G2 (67.99±3.93; 50.56±1.03b) and G3 (62.52±7.40; 67.83±1.01c). The group G3 showed the highest Knoop hardness values (67.83 kg/mm2), and the flexural strength of all groups was adversely affected. The experimental resin composite composed of hybrid nanofibers with GO presented increased hardness values and hydrophilic behavior.

Resumo Este estudo in vitro sintetizou nanofibras híbridas embebidas em óxido de grafeno (GO), incorporando-as à uma resina composta experimental de monômeros para avaliar suas propriedades físico-mecânicas. Nanofibras híbridas inorgânica-orgânicas foram produzidas com soluções precursoras de fibras poli (d, l-lactídeo, PLA) preenchidas com GO a 1% em peso e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia de raio-X de energia dispersiva (EDS) caracterizaram a morfologia e composição química das fibras. Monômeros de resina composta foram desenvolvidos e um total de 5% de nanofibras foi incorporado aos materiais experimentais. Três grupos foram desenvolvidos: G1 (monômeros de resina controle), G2 (monômeros de resina/ nanofibras de PLA) e G3 (monômeros de resina/nanofibras híbridas inorgânico-orgânicas). Ângulo de contato (n=3), resistência à flexão (n=22), módulo de elasticidade (n=22) e dureza Knoop (n=6) foram avaliados. A média das três endentações foi obtida para cada amostra. A normalidade dos dados foi avaliada pelo QQ Plot com envelopes simulados e analisada pelo método de Welch (p<0,05). No geral, as imagens de MEV mostraram forma regular de nanofibras, mas não alinhadas. A análise composicional de EDS (n=6) revelou a presença de carbono e oxigênio (presentes na composição do GO) e Si resultante do processo de funcionalização. Os resultados do ângulo de contato (°) e dureza (Kg/mm2) para cada grupo foram os seguintes, respectivamente: G1 (59,65±2,90; 37,48±1,86a), G2 (67,99±3,93; 50,56±1,03b) e G3 (62,52±7,40; 67,83±1,01c). G3 apresentou os maiores valores de dureza Knoop (67,83 kg/mm2), e a resistência à flexão de todos os grupos foi prejudicada. A resina composta experimental composta por nanofibras híbridas com GO apresentou maiores valores de dureza e comportamento hidrofílico.

Eletrofiação aplicada a cicatrização de feridas: revisão de literatura / Electrospinning applied to wound healing: literature review / Electroalambre aplicado a la cicatrización de heridas: revisión de la literatura

feridas correspondem a interrupção da continuidade da pele, com a perda de uma ou mais camadas do tecido cutâneo. Curativos tradicionalmente aplicados em feridas cutâneas buscam principalmente fornecer uma barreira de proteção e permitir o desenvolvimento dos eventos celulares e bioquímicos que compreendem a cicatrização. Objetivou-se com este estudo apresentar sob a forma de revisão de literatura narrativa os principais eventos relacionados ao processo de reparo tecidual da pele, bem como abordar a aplicabilidade da técnica de eletrofiação no desenvolvimento de curativos funcionais biocompatíveis. Foram selecionados artigos voltados à caracterização dos eventos chave ocorridos a nível tecidual durante a cicatrização e, na sequência, buscou-se artigos voltados à produção, caracterização e aplicação de filmes nanoeletrofiados com ênfase na utilização de biopolímeros e substâncias bioativas. Observou-se que a maioria dos trabalhos recentes, voltados a pesquisa de base, descrevem a resposta vascular como o principal evento do processo cicatricial, sendo responsável pelas etapas que se desenrolam a seguir, que compreendem as fases inflamatória, proliferativa e de remodelamento, classicamente já descritas. Os curativos funcionais baseados em polímeros eletrofiados apresentam resultados superiores quanto testados in vitro e in vivo. As características morfoestruturais mimetizam a matriz extracelular e podem atuar em tecidos alvo como dispositivos de entrega de substâncias. Conclui-se que a atualização e reorganização de conceitos relativos à cicatrização podem contribuir no desenvolvimento de inovações, como os curativos produzidos por eletrofiação. Embora promissora, as desvantagens da técnica encontram-se principalmente no processo de obtenção e disponibilidade, que limitam a aplicação clínica em escala comercial.

Wounds correspond to the interruption of skin continuity, with the loss of one or more layers of skin tissue. Dressings traditionally applied to cutaneous wounds mainly seek to provide a protective barrier and allow the development of cellular and biochemical events that comprise healing. The objective of this study was to present, in the form of a narrative literature review, the main events related to the skin tissue repair process, as well as to address the applicability of the electrospinning technique in the development of biocompatible functional dressings. Articles focused on the characterization of the key events that occurred at the tissue level during healing were selected and, subsequently, articles focused on the production, characterization and application of nanoelectrospun films with emphasis on the use of biopolymers and bioactive substances were sought. It was observed that most recent works, focused on basic research, describe the vascular response as the main event of the healing process, being responsible for the steps that follow, which include the inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling phases, classically already described. Functional dressings based on electrospun polymers show superior results when tested in vitro and in vivo. The morphostructural features mimic the extracellular matrix and can act in target tissues as substance delivery devices. It is concluded that the updating and reorganization of concepts related to healing can contribute to the development of innovations, such as dressings produced by electrospinning. Although promising, the technique's disadvantages lie mainly in the process of obtaining and availability, which limit clinical application on a commercial scale.

Las heridas corresponden a la interrupción de la continuidad de la piel, con la pérdida de una o más capas de tejido cutáneo. Los apósitos aplicados tradicionalmente a las heridas cutáneas buscan principalmente proporcionar una barrera protectora y permitir el desarrollo de los eventos celulares y bioquímicos que comprenden la curación. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar en forma de revisión bibliográfica narrativa los principales acontecimientos relacionados con el proceso de reparación tisular de la piel, así como abordar la aplicabilidad de la técnica de electrodeposición en el desarrollo de apósitos funcionales biocompatibles. Se seleccionaron artículos dirigidos a la caracterización de los eventos chave ocurridos a nivel técnico durante la cicatrización y, a continuación, se buscaron artículos dirigidos a la producción, caracterización y aplicación de películas nanoelectrofíricas con énfasis en el uso de biopolímeros y sustancias bioativas. Se observa que la mayoría de los trabajos recientes, realizados en la investigación de base, describen la respuesta vascular como el principal evento del proceso cicatricial, siendo responsable de las etapas que se desarrollan a continuación, que comprenden las fases inflamatoria, proliferativa y de remodelación, clásicamente descritas. Los apósitos funcionales basados en polímeros electro-tejidos presentan resultados superiores cuando se prueban in vitro e in vivo. Las características morfoestruturales mimetizan la matriz extracelular y pueden actuar en tejidos alvos como dispositivos de entrega de sustancias. Se concluye que la actualización y la reorganización de los conceptos relativos a la cicatrización pueden contribuir al desarrollo de innovaciones, como las curativas producidas por la electrofagia. Aunque es prometedora, las desventajas de la técnica radican principalmente en el proceso de obtención y la disponibilidad, que limitan la aplicación clínica a escala comercial.

Sustained release of drug loaded nanofibers for wound dressing applications

Global burden of chronic wounds has increased drasticallyas they are vulnerable to bacterial infections that causes inflammation, thereby leads to a delay in the healing process. Furthermore, wound care and dressing industry is subjected to a global market of $30.4 billion by 2024. Our work entails fabrication of polymeric electrospun nanofibers loaded with different concentration of the amoxicillin (AMX) antibiotic. Biodegradable and biocompatible poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA)/poly(meth)(methacrylate)(PMMA) polymerswere blended with different AMX concentration (100, 150, 200 and 250 mg) and fabricated by electrospinning technique. Morphology, structural properties and drug release from electrospun nanofibers depend on the different concentrations of drug incorporated in PVA:PMMA blend of polymer. Furthermore, these studies revealed drug-excipient compatibility and drug encapsulation within the nanofiber. In-vitro release study showed the AMX release time from PVA: PMMA: AMX was extended up to 7 days for AMX-250 with an initial burst release of 70% and further sustained drug release. Electrospun nanofibers of PVA:PMMA:AMX showed greater zone of inhibition of S. aureus as 2.1±0.4 cm for 100-AMX, 2.3±0.5 cm for 150-AMX, 2.4±0.1 for 200-AMX and 3.4±0.3 cm for 250-AMX. These results demonstrate that AMX retains the anti-bacterial activity and hence can be used as a potential wound dressing candidate.

Biocompatibility evaluation of electrospun PLCL/fibrinogen nanofibers in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 生物医学工程学杂志

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and function of poly(lactic-acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL)/fibrinogen nanofibers (P/F-Ns), and provide theoretical basis for the clinical application. The surface morphology, mechanical properties, the hydrophilicity and the fibrinogen content of P/F-Ns were tested by scanning electron microscope, the material testing machine, the contact angle meter and the microplate reader, respectively. The cell adhesion, proliferation and ligament remodeling genes expression of Hig-82 cells on P/F-Ns were conducted through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and real-time quantitative PCR analyses, respectively. The results showed that with the increase of the fibrinogen content, the pore sizes and hydrophilicity of three P/F-Ns increased, but the mechanical properties decreased. Cell adhesion and proliferation tests showed that P/F-N-2 held the best ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. The ligament remodeling genes expressions of Hig-82 cells on P/F-N-1, P/F-N-2 and P/F-N-3 were all up-regulated compared to P/F-N-0 on days 3 and 7. All the three P/F-Ns containing fibrinogen (P/F-N-1, P/F-N-2 and P/F-N-3) had better biocompatibility compared to P/F-N-0, and could be efficiently applied to the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.

Advantages and characteristics of electrospun aligned nanofibers as scaffolds for tissue engineering / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering technology relies on biomaterial scaffolds as supporting structures for tissue repair and regeneration. Among these biological scaffolds, electrospun fiber scaffolds have been widely applied in regenerative medicine owing to their mimicry of the natural structure of extracellular matrix. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current application of electrospun aligned nanofibers in the field of tissue engineering. METHODS: Relevant articles included in PubMed from January 2010 to March 2020 were searched by the first author, with key words of “electrospinning; aligned nanofibers; tissue engineering; regenerative medicine; bioactive materials” in English. Relevant articles included in CNKI and Wanfang database from January 2010 to March 2020 were searched with key words of “electrospinning; aligned nanofibers; oriented fiber; tissue engineering; tissue regeneration” in Chinese. Finally, 67 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Electrospinning is a simple and effective technology for the preparation of nanomaterials. In recent years, many kinds of natural materials or polyester materials with good biocompatibility and biodegradability have been prepared into electrospun nanofiber scaffolds with different structures by electrospinning technology, which are widely used in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and other fields. Among them, the electrospun oriented nanofiber scaffolds, inspired by the highly directional characteristics of natural extracellular matrix, have highly consistent fiber arrangement direction, which can promote cell adhesion and migration through contact guidance, and the combination with cells or growth factors can further promote cell proliferation and differentiation, and ultimately achieve tissue regeneration in nerve, myocardium, tendon and bone tissue. In the field of regeneration and wound healing, it has great potential and wide application prospect.

A drug-loading system for electrospinning wound repair: Component selection and construction strategy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: As an excellent material in recent years, electrospinning membrane provides a new method to promote the healing of wound. Based on the diversity of its fibrous base and active components, it is flexible to build a drug delivery system for electrospinning wound repair. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the mechanism and functional characteristics of the components belonging to electrospinning fiber membrane drug-loading system, and to guide the selection of construction strategies for wound healing materials. METHODS: The literature search was performed in Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, and WanFang databases. The key words were “electrospinning, wound dressing, nanofibers, wound healing, drug deliver”. Ninety articles were included in this review finally. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The construction strategies of electrospinning wound repair drug-delivery system were diverse. Through electrospinning technology, different polymers could be used to carry stem cell components or other small functional bioactive “drugs”, thus constructing a variety of effective composite systems. These materials might be applied to all aspects of the wound healing process, and finally achieve the purpose of promoting wound soft tissue healing. The excellent drug-loading system/drug-loading strategies have expanded the vision of wound treatment. Compared with traditional hydrogel and accessory treatment products, the multi-mechanism, function and possibility characteristics of electrospinning wound repair drug-delivery system determined its advantages in wound treatment.

Preparation and characterization of naftifine-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate electrospun nanofibers

In this study, naftifine (a topical antifungal drug) loaded poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA) nanofibrous mats were prepared using the single-needle electrospinning technique. The produced nanofibers were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GTA) vapor. The morphology and diameter of the electrospun nanofibers were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images showed the smoothness of the nanofibers and indicated that the fiber diameter increased with crosslinking and drug loading. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images confirmed the uniform production of the scaffolds, and elemental mapping via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the uniform distribution of the drug within the nanofibers. An attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy study demonstrated that naftifine has sufficient secondary interactions with the polymer blend. The crosslinking treatment decreased the burst drug release effectively and the release mechanism followed Korsmeyer-Peppas Super Case-II transport. Overall, these findings suggest the potential use of naftifine-loaded PVA/SA nanofibers as a topical antifungal drug delivery system.

Cinética de la adsorción de fluoruro y arsénico usando nano-fibras de alúmina / Kinetics of the fluoride and arsenic adsorption using alumina nanofibers

Resumen En muchos países del mundo, incluido México, la presencia de elementos tóxicos, como el arsénico y flúor por encima de los niveles máximos permitidos en el agua potable (0.01 mg/L y 1.5 mg/L), respectivamente está generando problemas a la salud, como el cáncer y la fluorosis esquelética, respectivamente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la cinética del proceso de adsorción del fluoruro y arsénico en soluciones sintéticas, utilizando gamma alúmina (γ-Al2O3) para establecer si el proceso se desarrolla espontáneamente. Se sintetizó γ-Al2O3 nano-fibrilar, con alta área superficial /g), por precipitación homogénea, y se (352 m2 secó por espray. El nanomaterial adsorbente obtenido se usó para eliminar el fluoruro y el arsénico total de soluciones sintéticas. La morfología de la nano-fibra de γ-Al2O3 mesoporosa se analizó usando microscopía electrónica de transmisión y de barrido. El área superficial se determinó por adsorción-desorción a pH 7 de nitrógeno. Las isotermas de adsorción del proceso de remoción coincidieron con el modelo de Langmuir para ambos elementos. La γ-Al2O3 eliminó hasta 96 % de iones flúor y 92 % de arsénico total a pH 5, mientras que a pH 7 se alcanzó una remoción del 90 % y 94.2 % de fluoruro y arsénico, respectivamente. La cinética de remoción siguió el modelo de seudo-segundo orden, y el parámetro de equilibrio adimensional y la energía libre estándar de Gibbs confirmaron que el proceso se desarrolló espontáneamente. La gamma alúmina nano-fibrilar permitió la remoción natural y espontánea de arsénico y fluoruro presente en las soluciones utilizadas en este estudio.

Abstract In many countries of the world including Mexico, the presence of toxic elements such as arsenic and fluoride on the maximum levels permitted in drinking water (0.01 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L) is causing health problems such as cancer and skeletal fluorosis, respectively. For this reason, the objective of this work was to determine the kinetics of adsorption process of the fluoride and arsenic in synthetic water using gamma alumina (γ-Al2O3) and to determine whether the process develops spontaneously. Nanofiber γ-Al2O3 with high surface area was synthesized by homogeneous precipitation and spray dry method. This adsorbent nanomaterial was used to remove fluoride and total arsenic from synthetic water. Nanofiber morphology of the mesoporous γ-Al2O3 was analyzed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The high surface area (352 m2/g) was determined by nitrogen adsorption-desorption. The adsorption isotherms of the removal process concur by the Langmuir model for both toxic elements. γ-Al2O3 removes up to 96 % of fluoride ions and 92 % of total arsenic at pH5, while a removal of 90 % and 94.2 % at pH7 of fluoride and arsenic, respectively, is achieved. The removal kinetics follows the pseudo-second order model, and the dimensionless equilibrium parameter and Gibbs standard free energy confirm that the process is performed spontaneously. The gamma nano-fibrillar alumina is a good material for the natural and spontaneous removal of arsenic and fluoride present in synthetic water used in this study.

Proliferation and differentiation of mouse spermatogonial stem cells on a three-dimensional surface composed of PCL/gel nanofibers / Proliferación y diferenciación de células madre espermatogónicas de ratón en una superficie tridimensional compuesta de nanofibras PCL / gel

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have self-renewal and differentiation capacity essential for sperm production throughout the male reproductive life. The electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gel) nanofibrous scaffold mimics important features of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which can provide a promising technique for the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs in vitro. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of PCL/Gel nanofibrous scaffold on the propagation and differentiation of neonate mouse SSCs (mSSCs). mSSCs were enzymatically isolated, and the cells were purified by differential plating method and seeded on scaffold. After 2 weeks, viability, colony number and diameter, and expression of specific spermatogonial cell genes were investigated. After mSSCs propagation, the cells were cultivated in a differentiation medium on the scaffold for another 2 weeks, and differentiating cells were analyzed by real-time PCR. The number of mSSC colony (P<0.01) and expression levels of specific spermatogonial genes Plzf and Inga6 (P<0.01) and also differentiation genes c-Kit, Tp1 and Ptm1 (P<0.05) were higher in scaffold group compared with control during the culture period. We conclude that mSSCs can be expanded and can differentiate toward spermatid cells on PCL/Gel nanofibrous scaffold with improved developmental parameters.

Las células madre espermatogónicas (CME) tienen capacidad de auto renovación y diferenciación esenciales para la producción de esperma a lo largo de la vida reproductiva masculina. El «scaffold¼ nanofibroso de policaprolactona / gelatina (PCL / Gel) electrohilado imita características importantes de la matriz extracelular (MEC), que puede proporcionar una técnica prometedora para la proliferación y diferenciación de CME in vitro. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar los efectos del «scaffold¼ nanofibroso PCL / Gel en la propagación y diferenciación de CME de ratones neonatos (mSSC). Los mSSC se aislaron enzimáticamente y las células se purificaron mediante un método de siembra diferencial y se sembraron en un «scaffold¼. Después de 2 semanas, se investigaron la viabilidad, el número y el diámetro de las colonias y la expresión de genes específicos de células espermatogónicas. Después de la propagación de mSSC, las células se cultivaron en un medio de diferenciación en el «scaffold¼ durante otras 2 semanas, y las células se analizaron mediante PCR en tiempo real. El número de colonias mSSC (P <0,01) y los niveles de expresión de los genes espermatogónicos específicos Plzf e Inga6 (P <0,01) y también los genes de diferenciación c-Kit, Tp1 y Ptm1 (P <0,05) fueron mayores en el grupo de «scaffold¼ en comparación con el control durante el período de cultivo. Concluimos que los mSSC pueden expandirse y diferenciarse en células espermátidas en un «scaffold¼ de nanofibras PCL / Gel con parámetros de desarrollo mejorados.

Radially patterned polycaprolactone nanofibers as an active wound dressing agent

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to design polycaprolactone nanofibers with a radial pattern using a modified electrospinning method and to evaluate the effect of radial nanofiber deposition on mechanical and biological properties compared to non-patterned samples. METHODS: Radially patterned polycaprolactone nanofibers were prepared with a modified electrospinning method and compared with randomly deposited nanofibers. The surface morphology of samples was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tensile properties of nanofibrous mats were measured using a tabletop uniaxial testing machine. Fluorescence-stained human bone marrow stem cells were placed along the perimeter of the radially patterned and randomly deposited. Their migration toward the center was observed on days 1, 4, and 7, and quantitatively measured using ImageJ software. RESULTS: Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in mechanical properties between the two types of polycaprolactone nanofibrous mats. SEM images of the obtained samples suggested that the directionality of the nanofibers was toward the central area, regardless of where the nanofibers were located throughout the entire sample. Florescence images showed stronger fluorescence inside the circle in radially aligned nanofibers, with significant differences on days 4 and 7, indicating that migration was quicker along radially aligned nanofibers than along randomly deposited nanofibers. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we successfully used modified electrospinning to fabricate radially aligned nanofibers with similar mechanical properties to those of conventional randomly aligned nanofibers. In addition, we observed faster migration along radially aligned nanofibers than along randomly deposited nanofibers. Collectively, the radially aligned nanofibers may have the potential for tissue regeneration in combination with stem cells.

Application of activated carbon-decorated polyacrylonitrile nanofibers as an adsorbent in dispersive solid-phase extraction of fluoroquinolones from wastewater / 药物分析学报

A cheap and simple sample preparation method, consisting of a dispersive solid-phase method and an ad-sorbent, activated carbon decorated PAN nanofibers, was employed and used for the extraction of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, and enrofloxacin) in wastewater. Electrospun PAN nanofibers that were deco-rated with activated carbon produced from waste tires were used as the solid phase and the antibiotics analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Parameters such as pH, mass of adsorbent (MA), extraction volume (EV), and extraction time (ET) were optimized owing to their potential effect on the extraction of antibiotics from water. The recovery of all antibiotics was satisfactory, in the range of 90％–99％. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.05, 0.11, 0.20, and 0.53, 1.21, 2.17 μg/L, respectively. The precision was determined from the repeatability and reproducibility and expressed as the intra-day (n = 20) and inter-day (n = 5) precision. The intra-day and inter-day precision was reported in terms of the per-centage relative standard deviation, which was 3％ and 4％, respectively. The adsorption capacity of the ac-tivated carbon-decorated PAN nanofibers was satisfactory, and the reusability of the adsorbent was im-pressive when reused ten times. The accuracy of the dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) was validated by spike recovery tests; the results proved the reliability and efficiency of adsorbing antibiotics from was-tewater. Finally, the proposed method was applied to wastewater samples collected from a wastewater treatment plant, which included influent, secondary, and effluent wastewater.

Synthesis and morphological characterization of Polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with tara extract (Caesalpinia spinosa) / Síntese e caracterização morfológica de membranas eletrofiadas de Policaprolactona (PCL) com extrato de tara (Caesalpinia spinosa)

Objective: This study aimed the synthesis and morphological characterization of PCL electrospun fibers containing tara extract. Material and Methods: For this, tara extract synthesis was performed by two different extraction methods: rotary evaporator and extractor soxhlet. Then, two solutions were prepared by dissolving 3g of PCL in 2mL of Acetone. The first solution used 0.4 mL tara extract obtained by RE and the second solution used 0.4 mL tara extract obtained by SE. After the solutions electrospinning, under different parameters, obtaining It was obtained the experimental groups: ChTa 1 nanofibers with RE extract, under 12 Kv; ChTa 2 nanofibers with RE extract, under 15 Kv; ChTa 3 nanofibers with ES extract, under 12Kv and ChTa 4 nanofibers with ES extract, under 15kV. Scanning electron micrographs were performed for morphological analysis. Results: Fiber formation was observed for all parameters. About the fiber diameter: ChTa 1 presented a mean of 0.82 ± 0.36µm, ChTa 2 1.232 ±0471µm, ChTa 3 1.469 ± 0.614µm and ChTa 4 1.017 ± 0.417. Also the beads formation was analyzed: ChTa 1 group presented 8 beads, ChTa 2 presented 5, ChTa 3 presented 30 and ChTa 4 presented 15 beads. Conclusion: It can be concluded that it is possible to obtain an effective synthesis of electrospun membranes of PCL and Caesalpinia spinosa extract, indicating a potential of therapeutic application for lesions such as prosthetic stomatitis. (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou a síntese e a caracterização morfológica de fibras eletrofiadas de PCL contendo extrato de tara, caracterizando sua morfologia. Material e Métodos: Para isso, a síntese do extrato de Tara foi realizada por dois diferentes métodos de extração: Evaporador rotativo e Extrator de soxhlet. Em seguida, duas soluções foram preparadas dissolvendo 3g de PCL em 2 mL de acetona. A primeira solução utilizou 0,4 mL de extrato de Tara obtida por ER. A segunda solução utilizou 0,4 mL de extrato de Tara obtida por ES. Após as soluções serem eletrofiadas, sob diferentes parâmetros, obtiveram-se os grupos experimentais: ChTa 1 nanofibras com extrato de RE, sob 12Kv; ChTa 2 nanofibras com extrato de RE, sob 15Kv; ChTa 3 nanofibras com extrato de ES, com menos de 12Kv e nanofibras de ChTa 4 com extrato de ES, sob 15kV. Micrografias eletrônicas de varredura foram realizadas para análise morfológica. Resultados: A formação de fibras foi observada para todos os parâmetros. Quanto ao diâmetro da fibra: ChTa 1 apresentou uma média de 0,82 ± 0,36 µm, o ChTa 2 1,232 ± 0471 µm, o ChTa 3 1,469 ± 0,614 µm e o ChTa 4 1,017 ± 0,417. Também foi analisada a formação dos beads: o grupo ChTa 1 apresentou 8 beads, o ChTa 2 5, o ChTa 3 30 e o ChTa 4 15. Conclusão: Pôde-se concluir que é possível obter uma síntese efetiva de membranas eletrofiadas de extrato de PCL e Caesalpinia spinosa, indicando um potencial de aplicação terapêutica para lesões como a estomatite protética. (AU)

Application of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in pulp regeneration / 口腔疾病防治

@#Electrospinning technology is currently the only technology capable of directly and continuously preparing polymer nanofibers. It can prepare a variety of nanofibers with different characteristics by using high voltage electrostatic field. These electrospun nanofibers have an inherently high porosity, high surface-to-volume ratio and good mechanical properties, allowing the engineering of scaffolds with a nanoscale topography and high porosity similar to that of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) to facilitate cell attachment, migration, proliferation, differentiation and functional expression. Thus, electrospun nanofibers have been widely applied in tissue engineering for different purposes such as bone, cartilage, neural, vascular, and skin regeneration and are being developed for pulp regeneration. This review briefly describes the preparation process and biological characteristics of electrospun nanofibers; furthermore, the most recent and state-of-the-art work on electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, primarily their composition and structure in pulp tissue engineering, is introduced.

Preparation of thymopentin supramolecular hydrogel and its application in immunomodulatory / 天津医药

Objective To prepare a thymopentin-contained supramolecular hydrogel, and characterize its micromorphology and mechanical property, and further investigate its effects on the cellular uptake and the immunomodulatory performance in vitro . Methods The self-assembling peptide containing thymopentin was prepared by solid phase synthesis method and identified using LC-MS after being purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Supramolecular hydrogel was prepared through a heating-cooling process, and its micromorphology and mechanical property were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and rheology. The cellular uptake efficiencies of free thymopentin and thymopentin nanofibers were observed by inverted fluorescence microscope after FITC-labeling. The abilities of free thymopentin and thymopentin nanofibers to stimulate RAW 264.7 cells to secrete tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results A macroscopic visible supramolecular hydrogel was obtained by a heating-cooling process, composing with long cross-linked nanofibers and possessing good ductility of mechanics. Compared with free thymopentin, thymopentin nanofibers showed much more enhanced cellular uptake, and better immunomodulation property as stimulating the RAW 264.7 cells to produce much higher concentration of TNF-α in vitro . Conclusion After rational structural modification, the cellular uptake and immunomodulatory activity of thymopentin, which formed nanomedicine, were significantly enhanced. This study can provide new methods and guidance for improving the therapeutic effect of thymopentin in clinical application.

A Comparison of the Effects of Silica and Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles on Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Chitosan Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

BACKGROUND: The major challenge of tissue engineering is to develop constructions with suitable properties which would mimic the natural extracellular matrix to induce the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL, PCEC), chitosan (CS), nano-silica (n-SiO₂) and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) are biomaterials successfully applied for the preparation of 3D structures appropriate for tissue engineering. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of n-HA and n-SiO₂ incorporated PCEC-CS nanofibers on physical properties and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle and mechanical test were applied to evaluate the physicochemical properties of nanofibers. Cell adhesion and proliferation of hDPSCs and their osteoblastic differentiation on nanofibers were assessed using MTT assay, DAPI staining, alizarin red S staining, and QRT-PCR assay. RESULTS: All the samples demonstrated bead-less morphologies with an average diameter in the range of 190–260 nm. The mechanical test studies showed that scaffolds incorporated with n-HA had a higher tensile strength than ones incorporated with n-SiO₂. While the hydrophilicity of n-SiO₂ incorporated PCEC-CS nanofibers was higher than that of samples enriched with n-HA. Cell adhesion and proliferation studies showed that n-HA incorporated nanofibers were slightly superior to n-SiO₂ incorporated ones. Alizarin red S staining and QRT-PCR analysis confirmed the osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs on PCEC-CS nanofibers incorporated with n-HA and n-SiO₂. CONCLUSION: Compared to other groups, PCEC-CS nanofibers incorporated with 15 wt% n-HA were able to support more cell adhesion and differentiation, thus are better candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.

Fabricación de nanofibras de TiO2/ZnO para aplicaciones de almacenamiento de energía / Fabrication of TiO2/ZnO nanofibers for energy storage applications / Fabricação de nanofibras TiO2/ZnO para aplicações de armazenamento de energia

Resumen Se estudiaron nanofibras de TiO2/ZnO preparadas por calcinación de fibras precursoras de poli (vinil acetato), isopropóxido de titanio y nano polvo de zinc elaboradas por la técnica de electrohilado. La estructura y la morfología de las nanofibras de TiO2/ZnO y fibras precursoras se caracterizaron por Microscopia Electrónica de Barrido (SEM), Microscopia Electrónica de Barrido de Emisión de Campo equipado con Espectroscopia Dispersiva de Rayos X (FESEM-EDS), Espectroscopia de Infrarrojo con Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) y Difracción de Rayos X (XRD). El análisis XRD mostró la estructura cristalina de los óxidos de titanio (anatasa) y de zinc (wurzita hexagonal), después de calcinar las fibras precursoras a 500°C. Las microfotografías de SEM muestran que tanto las fibras precursoras como las nanofibras forman redes uniformes y buena morfología. Estas nanofibras de dióxido de titanio /óxido de zinc presentan buen área de superficie y diámetros de 200 nm apropiados que podrían ser de aplicación potencial en el campo de energía renovable, en particular, para la fabricación de celdas solares.

Abstract The TiO2 /ZnO nanofibers prepared by the calcination of polyvinyl acetate of precursor fibers, titanium isopropoxide and nano zinc powder produced by the electrospinning technique were studied. The structu-re and morphology of TiO2 /ZnO nanofibers and precursor fibers were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRD (X Ray Diffraction). XRD analysis displayed crystalline structures of titanium oxides (anatase) and zinc (hexagonal wurzite), after calcining the precursor fibers at 500 °C. SEM microphotographs display that both precursor fibers and nanofibers form uniform networks and good morphology. These titanium dioxide / zinc oxide nanofibers get good surface area and appropriate 200 nm diameters which could potentially be applied in the renewable energy field, particularly for solar cells manufacturing.

Resumo Nanofibras de TiO2 /ZnO preparado por calcinação de fibras precursoras de poli (acetato de vinila), isopropóxido de titânio e pó nano de zinco produzidos por eletrofiação técnica estudada. A estrutura e morfologia das nanofibras de TiO2/ ZnO e fibras precursores foram caracterizados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM), Microscopia eletrônica de varredura de emissão de campo equipada com espectroscopia de raios-X dispersiva (FESEM-EDS), Espectroscopia de Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) e difração de raios X (DRX). A análise de XRD mostrou a formação de estruturas de cristal de óxido de titânio (anatase) e zinco (wurtzita hexagonal), depois de fibras precursoras de calcinação a 500 °C. Micrografias mostram que tanto o precursor e fibras nanofibras uniformes formar redes e boa morfologia. Estas nanofibras de dióxido de titanio /óxido de zinco apresentam bom área de superfície e diâmetros de 200 nm apropriados que poderiam ser de aplicativo potencial no campo de energia renovável, em particular, para a fabricação de celas solares.

Research on Cataluminescence Type Formaldehyde Sensor Based on CeO2-Co3 O4 Nanofibers / 分析化学

CeO2-Co3 O4 composite nanofibers were prepared by the double jets electrospinning method. The nanofibers were then deposited onto the surface of a ω-type heating coil as cataluminescence material to prepare a new cataluminescence ( CTL ) type formaldehyde gas sensor. The crystalline phase and microstructure of CeO2-Co3 O4 composite nanofibers were characterized by X-ray diffraction ( XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the cataluminescence mechanism and electrochemical characteristic of formaldehyde on the surface of CeO2-Co3 O4 nanofibers were analyzed by H2 temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under the optimal conditions (500 nm of wavelength, 0. 2 L/ min of flow rate and 550℃), there was a good relationship between the CTL intensity of this formaldehyde gas sensor (Ce30) and formaldehyde concentration in the range of 1. 2 -50 μg / m3 , the sensitivity was 40. 04 a. u. / (μg / m3 ), the detection limit was 1. 2 μg / m3 , the dynamic response time and recover time of formaldehyde gas were 2. 4 s and 3. 5 s, respectively. The formaldehyde sensor was successfully applied to the determination of formaldehyde in the automotive exhaust, with relative errors of 0. 39% -1. 07% and relative standard deviations of less than 3% .

Simultaneous Extraction of Atrazine and Its Toxic Metabolites Based on Functionalized Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Mat / 分析化学

A novel solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent for simultaneous extraction of atrazine (ATZ) and its metabolites, deisopropylatrazine (DIA) and deethylatrazine (DEA) from environmental water samples was prepared. Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PAN NFs) mat was prepared via electrospinning, and was further functionalized to obtain polypyrrole modified polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PPy-PAN NFs) mat, hydrazine modified polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (NH2-PAN NFs) mat and carboxyl modified polyacrylonitrile (COOH-PAN NFs) mat. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of COOH-PAN NFs mat was better than other three NFs mats in both static (2.0 mg/g) and dynamic (0.19 mg/g) experiments. Meanwhile, the runoff ratios of COOH-PAN NFs mat were the lowest (less than 30.0％) in the adsorption of three analytes, especially for high polar analytes, which showed that the hydrogen bond between carboxyl groups and analytes was the main interactive force. A combination of mat-based SPE and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection was further established for determination of 3 analytes in environmental water samples. The recoveries were 81.4％-120.3％ and the limits of detection were 0.12 ng/mL for DIA, 0.09 ng/mL for DEA and ATZ, respectively.

Carboxymethylchitosan nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization and Antibacterial activity.

Herein we prepare antibacterial composite from carboxymethylchitosan (CMCS) nanofibers and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as reducing, capping and fiber aiding material and investigated to be used in biomedical applications. The AgNPs has spherical shapes and its diameter ranged from 15 to 25 nm and distributed within the prepared nanofibers. The electrospinning parameters from the effect of the CMCS and PVA mass ratio, extrusion rate and field were studied. The optimum condition for electrospinning were 7% for CMCS and 8% from PVA. UV-vis, TEM and XRD used to characterize AgNPs whereas FTIR and SEM used to characterize nanofibers. Results showed that ultra-fine fibers were generated after addition of PVA to CMCS in different mass ratios to from 8 wt. % concentration solutions. Electrospun PVA (AgNPs)/CMCS nanofibers showed good antibacterial effects towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activities of electrospun nanofibers increased by increasing both CMCS and AgNPs content in the electrospun nanofibers.

Designing a Low Cost Electrospinning Device for Practical Learning in a Bioengineering Biomaterials Course / Diseño de un dispositivo de electrohilado de bajo costo para la enseñanza práctica en un curso de Biomateriales en Bioingeniería

Abstract The electrospinning device is used in the biomaterials research field nowadays for fabricating nanofibers that can be used for manufacturing artificial skin and muscular tissue, blood vessels (vascular grafts), orthopedic components (bones, cartilages, and ligaments/tendon), and peripheral or central nervous system components. Electrospun nanofibers act as ideal scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems because they can mimic the functions of native extracellular matrices. A low cost electrospinning device was designed and built for undergraduate practical learning in the Biomaterials course in the area of Bioengineering at Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, México. The methodology includes 3D CAD designing, manufacturing of the acrylic cabinet, different collectors and the fabrication of poly (vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous scaffolds, in order to validate the functionality of the electrospinning system. The prototype is an affordable device; its cost is 95% less than the laboratory commercial devices.

Resumen El dispositivo de electrohilado es actualmente empleado en la investigación de biomateriales, utilizado para sintetizar nanofibras que ofrecen un potencial para la manufactura de piel artificial y tejido muscular, vasos sanguíneos (implantes vasculares), componentes ortopédicos (hueso, cartílago y tendones/ligamentos) y componentes del sistema nervioso central y periférico. Las nanofibras producidas por electrohilado pueden ser usadas como andamios ideales para ingeniería de tejidos y liberación controlada de fármacos debido a que mimetizan las funciones de la matriz extracelular. El dispositivo de electrohilado de bajo costo fue diseñado y construido para al aprendizaje practico de estudiantes de licenciatura en la asignatura de Biomateriales de la carrera de Bioingeniería. La metodología incluye diseños CAD 3D, manufactura del gabinete de acrílico, diferentes colectores y fabricación de los andamios de nanofibras de Poli (vinil alcohol) para validar la correcta funcionalidad del sistema de electrohilado. El prototipo es un dispositivo accesible económicamente, su costo es un 95% más barato que los dispositivos de tipo comercial.