Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Secreted Extracellular Matrix Coating on a Woven Nanotextile Vascular Patch for Improved Endothelial Cell Response.

Biomedical implants possessing the structural and functional characteristics of extracellular matrix (ECM) are pivotal for vascular applications. This study investigated the potential of recreating a natural ECM-like structural and functional environment on the surface of biodegradable polymeric nanotextiles for vascular implants. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were grown on a suitably engineered polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous textile and were allowed to modify its surface through the deposition of MSC-specific ECM. This surface-modified nanotextile showed mechanical characteristics and functionality appropriate for vascular patch material. The uniformity of ECM coating significantly improved the viability, proliferation, and migration of human endothelial cells compared to bare and xenogeneic collagen-coated PCL nanotextile patches. Thus, a polymeric nanotextile, which is surface modified using MSC-driven ECM, provided a rapid and improved endothelialization, thereby suggesting its potential for vascular patch applications.

Superabsorbent sodium carboxymethyl cellulose membranes based on a new cross-linker combination for female sanitary napkin applications.

The main intent of this investigation was to retain the strength and superabsorbency of natural and non-toxic biodegradable polymers using an innovative combination of cross-linkers for application as the absorbent core of sanitary napkins. For this, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and starch were blend to form membranes by phase inversion and lyophilisation, using an optimized cross-linker combination of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and aluminium sulphate (AlS). Optimal cross-linking of NaCMC and starch hampered membrane dissolution and disintegration, yielding a microtextured surface morphology. The membranes were biodegradable and yet possessed the requisite flexibility and mechanical strength for the proposed application, without compromise of superabsorbency. Lyophilised membranes possessed higher immediate water and blood sorption with ∼50% water retention capabilities when compared to the phase inversion technology. The results suggest that the developed membranes can be a cost-effective degradable alternative to the commercial polyacrylate-based nonbiodegradable sanitary products.

In-vitro evaluation on drug release kinetics and antibacterial activity of dextran modified polyurethane fibrous membrane.

pH stimuli drug release nanofibrous membranes of polyurethane/dextran were developed for tailoring of antibacterial wound dressings. Incorporation of dextran in polyurethane (PU) showed increment in hydrophilicity, vapour transmission rate, percentage sorption values, and biodegradability. Dextran also acts as reinforcement filler in PU matrix. Dextran induces a high degree of platelet adhesion and hemostasis potential which is essential for promoting the wound healing process. Moreover, 20 wt% dextran loaded membranes (PU/20D) exhibited enhanced cell proliferation, attachment and viability against 3T3 fibroblasts. Curcumin loaded PU/20 dextran membrane exhibited pH-controlled drug release potency and synergistic antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. It is confirmed that, PU/20D membranes could promote, pH-controlled drug release and synergistic antibacterial activity for a promising wound dressing material.