New 3D Printed Scaffolds Based on Walstromite Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method.

This study explores the potential utilization of walstromite (BaCa2Si3O9) as a foundational material for creating new bioceramics in the form of scaffolds through 3D printing technology. To achieve this objective, this study investigates the chemical-mineralogical, morphological, and structural characteristics, as well as the biological properties, of walstromite-based bioceramics. The precursor mixture for walstromite synthesis is prepared through the sol-gel method, utilizing pure reagents. The resulting dried gelatinous precipitate is analyzed through complex thermal analysis, leading to the determination of the optimal calcination temperature. Subsequently, the calcined powder is characterized via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, indicating the presence of calcium and barium silicates, as well as monocalcium silicate. This powder is then employed in additive 3D printing, resulting in ceramic scaffolds. The specific ceramic properties of the scaffold, such as apparent density, absorption, open porosity, and compressive strength, are assessed and fall within practical use limits. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of walstromite as a single phase in the ceramic scaffold. In vitro studies involving immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 and 14 days, as well as contact with osteoblast-like cells, reveal the scaffold's ability to form a phosphate layer on its surface and its biocompatibility. This study concludes that the walstromite-based ceramic scaffold exhibits promising characteristics for potential applications in bone regeneration and tissue engineering.

Blended Natural Support Materials-Collagen Based Hydrogels Used in Biomedicine.

Due to their unique properties-the are biocompatible, easily accessible, and inexpensive with programmable properties-biopolymers are used in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, as well as in cosmetics and food. Collagen is one of the most-used biomaterials in biomedicine, being the most abundant protein in animals with a triple helices structure, biocompatible, biomimetic, biodegradable, and hemostatic. Its disadvantages are its poor mechanical and thermal properties and enzymatic degradation. In order to solve this problem and to use its benefits, collagen can be used blended with other biomaterials such as alginate, chitosan, and cellulose. The purpose of this review article is to offer a brief paper with updated information on blended collagen-based formulations and their potential application in biomedicine.

Synthesis, characterization and bioevaluation of drug-collagen hybrid materials for biomedical applications.

This work presents a study based on the preparation and characterization of drug-collagen hybrid materials. Materials used for obtaining drug-collagen hybrids were collagen type I (Coll) as matrix and fludarabine (F) and epirubicin (E) as hydrophilic active substances. After incorporation of drugs into Coll in different ratios, the obtained hybrid materials (Coll/F and Coll/E) could be used according to our results as potential drug delivery systems in medicine for the topical (local) treatment of cancerous tissues (e.g. the treatment of breast, stomach, lung, colorectal or advanced ovarian cancer). The materials were characterized considering their composition (by XRD, FT-IR and DTA-TG) and their morphology (by SEM). The delivery of drug was assessed by UV-vis. The in vitro citotoxicity demonstrates an antitumoral activity of the obtained hybrid materials and their potential use for biomedical applications as drug delivery systems in tumoral treatments.