FTIR spectroscopic analyses of human placental membranes

Bioactive Hydrogel Based on Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Enriched with Freeze-Dried Sheep Placenta for Wound Healing Support

In an increasingly aging society, there is a growing demand for the development of technology related to tissue regeneration. It involves the development of the appropriate biomaterials whose properties will allow the desired biological response to be obtained. Bioactivity is strongly affected by the proper selection of active ingredients. The aim of this study was to produce bioactive hydrogel materials based on hyaluronic acid and collagen modified by the addition of placenta. These materials were intended for use as dressings, and their physicochemical properties were investigated under simulated biological environmental conditions. The materials were incubated in vitro in different fluids simulating the environment of the human body (e.g., simulated body fluid) and then stored at a temperature close to body temperature. Using an FT-IR spectrophotometer, the functional groups present in the composites were identified. The materials with the added placenta showed an increase in the swelling factor of more than 300%. The results obtained confirmed the potential of using this material as an absorbent dressing. This was indicated by pH and conductometric measurements, sorption, degradation, and surface analysis under an optical microscope. The results of the in vitro biological evaluation confirmed the cytosafety of the tested biomaterials. The tested composites activate monocytes, which may indicate their beneficial properties in the first phases of wound healing. The material proved to be nontoxic and has potential for medical use.

Nano-Scale Modifications of Amniotic Membrane Induced by UV and Antibiotic Treatment: Histological, AFM and FTIR Spectroscopy Evidence

The efficiency of amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation in different types of ocular surface disorders is due to its outstanding properties such as antifibrotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic, working as a versatile scaffold to promote corneal tissue epithelialization. A proper preparation, preservation and clinical application are crucial for the best outcomes in the treatment of different severe ocular disorders, taking into account its fragility. In this context, by combining high-sensitivity tools such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with histological and immunohistochemical examination, we aimed to investigate the ultrastructural modifications of the amniotic membrane (AM) upon UV exposure and/or antibiotic treatment, with relevance for clinical applications in ocular surface surgery. From the morphological point of view, we noticed a loss of cuboidal cells in the basal membrane, accompanied by the splitting of collagen fibers upon UV and/or gentamicin treatment, while structural alteration of proteins was evidenced by the FTIR quantitative analysis of the secondary structure. A decrease in α-helix and β-sheet content, accompanied by increased content in less ordered structures (turns, random and side chains), was noticed after all the treatments. At the nano-scale, AFM details showed modifications of collagen fibrils in terms of their thickness and network compaction upon gentamicin and/or UV treatment. The enzymatic digestion assay demonstrated that UV exposure significantly reduces the degradation rate of the AM, while gentamicin treatment promotes an accelerated enzymatic digestion upon UV exposure. In order to highlight the clinical impact of the research, a clinical case is presented showing the relevance of amniotic membrane transplantation in pterygium surgery.

FT Raman spectroscopy in the evaluation of biomarkers of normal and pathological placenta tissue

The basic precondition of proper intrauterine growth is appropriate supply of nutrients transported through placenta. Placenta capacity in the scope of transportation is dependent on transport systems and the structure of the basement membrane and syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane. The present pilot study demonstrates preliminary results of the analysis of placenta structure in the course of selected pathologies by FT Raman spectroscopy analysis. The observed changes of the molecular structure in the so-called average spectra, independent of methodical processing, may be an indicator of the efficiency of transportation controlled by syncytiotrophoblast. In particular, an increase in the intensity of dispersion and transfer within the frequency of 3425-3300 cm^-1 demonstrate the dynamics of the interaction in the scope of hydrogen bonds in healthy tissues. Changes in the molecular structure within the frequency of 950-750 cm^-1 and conformational changes within disulphide bonds differentiate the healthy tissue from the pathological one. Changes in the molecular structure observed in the FTR spectra are a spectroscopic image of placenta functions in the course of various pathologies. They also document a complex goal of our research that is finding spectroscopic biomarkers of regular and pathological placental tissue.

Fetal membrane transport enhancement using ultrasound for drug delivery and noninvasive detection

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on mass transport across fetal membrane for direct fetal drug delivery and sensing of the amniotic fluid in a noninvasive manner.

METHODS

Post-delivery human fetal membranes (chorioamnion) were used for in vitro experiments, in which the effect of ultrasound on transport across fetal membrane of fluorescent model molecule (250 kDa) was evaluated. Ex vivo experiments were carried out on a whole rat amniotic sac. The model molecule or alpha-fetoprotein was injected into the amniotic sac through the placenta. Transport of these molecules across pre- and post-insonation of the amniotic sac was evaluated. The ultrasound enhancement's mechanism was also assessed.

RESULTS

The greatest enhancement in mass transport (43-fold) in vitro was achieved for 5 min of insonation (20 kHz, 4.6 W/cm(2), 5 mm distance). Ex vivo results showed a rapid increase (23-fold) in mass transport of the model molecule and also for alphafetoprotein following 30 s of insonation (20 kHz, 4.6 W/cm(2), 5 mm distance).

CONCLUSIONS

Mass transport across fetal membranes was enhanced post-insonation both in vitro and ex vivo in a reversible and transient manner. We suggest that exterior (to the amniotic sac) ultrasound-induced cavitation is the main mechanism of action.

Nature of light: spectroscopic techniques in obstetrics and gynecology applications

In recent years, advances in spectroscopic techniques led to an increase in their medical applications. In medical sciences, emphasis is increasingly placed on instrumental techniques and accurate, quantitative measurements. It is especially apparent in diagnosis, where imaging techniques and laboratory results have became invaluable and compulsory. Breakthroughs in biochemistry made it possible to characterize physiological processes and living organisms at the molecular level. This led to a proliferation of new methods such as DNA tests and the use of biomarkers in daily clinical practice. Characterization of molecular structure and determination of the composition of a mixture are the fields of analytical chemistry and analytical biochemistry.