Polysaccharide Composite Alginate-Pectin Hydrogels as a Basis for Developing Wound Healing Materials

This article presents materials that highlight the bioengineering potential of polymeric systems of natural origin based on biodegradable polysaccharides, with applications in creating modern products for localized wound healing. Exploring the unique biological and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides offers a promising avenue for the atraumatic, controlled restoration of damaged tissues in extensive wounds. The study focused on alginate, pectin, and a hydrogel composed of their mixture in a 1:1 ratio. Atomic force microscopy data revealed that the two-component gel exhibits greater cohesion and is characterized by the presence of filament-like elements. The dynamic light scattering method indicated that this structural change results in a reduction in the damping of acoustic modes in the gel mixture compared to the component gels. Raman spectroscopy research on these gels revealed the emergence of new bonds between the components' molecules, contributing to the observed effects. The biocompatibility of the gels was evaluated using dental pulp stem cells, demonstrating that all the gels exhibit biocompatibility.

Biocompatibility of biphasic α,β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics in vitro

The biocompatibility of biphasic α,β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics, obtained by annealing a compact preform based on β-tricalcium phosphate powder, was studied in vitro. It was found that within 10–30 days the adhesion of primary dental pulp stem cells located on the surface of biphasic α,β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics is suppressed. Decrease of the cell number on the surface of biphasic α,β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics, most likely, can be associated with both the pH level (acidic) as a result of hydrolysis of the more soluble phase of α-tricalcium phosphate and with the nature of surface that changes as a result of the formation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals.

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In vitro tests of biphasic α,β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics enriched with 65% of α-Ca₃(PO4)² modification were carried out.

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Surface morphology of α,β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics gradually changed during in vitro tests for 30 days.

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Sharp edges of hydroxyapatite plate crystallites formed at the surface of ceramics suppressed the cell activity.

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Acidification near the surface of ceramics containing biodegradable α-tricalcium phosphate suppressed the cell activity.

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Acidifying α-tricalcium phosphate is a perspective phase of ceramic composites in combination with alkalinizing phases.

Interaction of Lymphocytes with Mesenchymal Stem Cells

We studied the interaction of neural stem cells and dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells with lymphocytes from autologous and heterologous donors. Flow cytometry analysis with the use of CFSE-labeled lymphocytes demonstrated an increase in the content of proliferating CD8, CD16 and CD56 cells, but not CD4 cells in cultures of HLA-DR-negative mesenchymal stromal cells from the dental pulp co-cultured with lymphocytes. In neural cultures expressing HLA-DR, all subpopulations of T cells and NK cells were activated. No differences between the autologous and heterologous cultures were revealed.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles stimulate proliferation of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts in vitro

The increasing application of cell therapy technologies in the treatment of various diseases requires the development of new effective methods for culturing primary cells. The major limitation for the efficient use of autologous cell material is the low rate of cell proliferation. Successful cell therapy requires sufficient amounts of cell material over a short period of time with the preservation of their differentiation and proliferative potential. In this regard, the development of novel, highly efficient stimulators of proliferative activity in stem cells is a truly urgent task. In this paper we have demonstrated that citrate-stabilized cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) enhance the proliferative activity of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts in vitro. Cerium oxide nanoparticles stimulate cell proliferation in a wide range of concentrations (10(-3)М-10(-9)M) through reduction of intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the lag phase of cell growth and by modulating the expression level of the major antioxidant enzymes. We found the optimal concentration of nanoceria, which provides the greatest acceleration of cell proliferation in vitro, while maintaining the levels of intracellular ROS and mRNA of antioxidant enzymes in the physiological range. Our results confirm that nanocrystalline ceria can be considered as a basis for effective and inexpensive supplements in cell culturing.

Effect of sunlight transformed by luminophore-containing materials on cell functions in vitro and in vivo

Effect of sunlight transformed by luminophore-containing materials on cell viability and functional state of the retina was assessed using the photodamage model. Exposure to the luminescent component of light improved viability of NIH 3T3 cells and promoted recovery of electric activity in rabbit retina after photodamage.

[New type titan alloy with shape memory for use in dental implantology]

The paper summarizes the results of in vitro and in vivo studies that have proved biocompatibility and medical safety of Ta and Ti-Nb-Ta-bases alloys. According to some in vitro data Ti-Nb-Ta-based alloy possesses certain advantages when comparing to Ta-based. In particular, it contributes to elevation of viability of cellular elements and to definite increase of their adhesive potential.

[Perspectives of use of polytetrafluoroethylene with nanostructured surface in dentistry]

The perspectives of use of porous polytetrafluorethilen (PTPE) with modified surface combined with mesenchymal stem cells for tissue-engineering constructions were studied. The paper also describes the mode of PTPE surface modification consisting in nanostructured metallic or ceramic layer application resulting in biocompatibility and surface adhesion rates increase. The magnetic atomizing of Ti and Ti-Ca-P-C-O-N nanolayers enhances the material integration potential as well as adhesion rates thus making it perspective when combined with mesenchymal stem cells for bone defects plasty.

Evaluation of collagen gel microstructure by scanning electron microscopy

We performed qualitative comparison of freeze drying and chemical drying as methods of preparing 3D wet specimens for scanning electron microscopy. Human fibroblasts immobilized in collagen gel were used as a model system. Specimens fixed with glutaraldehyde were frozen in liquid nitrogen and freeze-dried at low temperature in high vacuum. In parallel experiments, glutaraldehyde-fixed samples were dehydrated in ascending ethanol solutions, absolute ethanol, and 100% hexamethyldisilazane and then dried at room temperature. Scanning electron microscopy microphotographs of collagen fibers and cells were characterized by high resolution and the absence of collapsed or deformed structures even at high magnification (×50,000) for both chemical drying and high-vacuum freeze drying. However, high-vacuum freeze drying is superior to chemical drying for the investigation of the internal space of 3D scaffolds, because sample fracture can be prepared directly in liquid nitrogen. These techniques are a part of the sample preparation process for scanning electron microscopy and can also be used for studies of cell adhesion, morphology, and arrangement in wet specimens (3D gels and flexible tissue engineering scaffolds).

Bactericidal effects of non-thermal argon plasma in vitro, in biofilms and in the animal model of infected wounds

Non-thermal (low-temperature) physical plasma is under intensive study as an alternative approach to control superficial wound and skin infections when the effectiveness of chemical agents is weak due to natural pathogen or biofilm resistance. The purpose of this study was to test the individual susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to non-thermal argon plasma and to measure the effectiveness of plasma treatments against bacteria in biofilms and on wound surfaces. Overall, Gram-negative bacteria were more susceptible to plasma treatment than Gram-positive bacteria. For the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cenocepacia and Escherichia coli, there were no survivors among the initial 105 c.f.u. after a 5 min plasma treatment. The susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria was species- and strain-specific. Streptococcus pyogenes was the most resistant with 17 % survival of the initial 105 c.f.u. after a 5 min plasma treatment. Staphylococcus aureus had a strain-dependent resistance with 0 and 10 % survival from 105 c.f.u. of the Sa 78 and ATCC 6538 strains, respectively. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecium had medium resistance. Non-ionized argon gas was not bactericidal. Biofilms partly protected bacteria, with the efficiency of protection dependent on biofilm thickness. Bacteria in deeper biofilm layers survived better after the plasma treatment. A rat model of a superficial slash wound infected with P. aeruginosa and the plasma-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus strain Sa 78 was used to assess the efficiency of argon plasma treatment. A 10 min treatment significantly reduced bacterial loads on the wound surface. A 5-day course of daily plasma treatments eliminated P. aeruginosa from the plasma-treated animals 2 days earlier than from the control ones. A statistically significant increase in the rate of wound closure was observed in plasma-treated animals after the third day of the course. Wound healing in plasma-treated animals slowed down after the course had been completed. Overall, the results show considerable potential for non-thermal argon plasma in eliminating pathogenic bacteria from biofilms and wound surfaces.

Biosynthetic wound coatings as susbtrates for cell growth

Experimental studies of composite materials formed on the basis of fluorine-containing latex and bioactive polysaccharides showed that physicochemical properties of composite materials and their adhesion characteristics can be modulated by variations of polysaccharide-latex ratio and the nature of polysaccharides. The ratio of components ensuring the formation of biosynthetic films that meet the standards for modern wound coating and maintain adhesion and growth of substrate-dependent mammalian cells was determined. These materials can considerably increase the efficiency of treatment of extensive and deep skin wounds in cases when application of cell cultures is indicated.

Immobilization and long-term culturing of mouse embryonic stem cells in collagen-chitosan gel matrix

We propose a method of creation of a 3D matrix consisting of native collagen fibers and natural polysaccharide chitosan. The collagen-chitosan hydrogels maintain viability and prolipherative activity of embryonic stem cells obtained from internal cells of mouse blastocyst. The proposed system forming hydrogels in situ can be used in cell therapy for immobilization and targeted delivery of stem cells.

Use of thermosensitive polymer material on the basis of N-isopropylacrylamide and N-tert-butylacrylamide copolymer in cell technologies

We developed thermosensitive polymer substrates on the basis of N-isopropylacrylamide and N-tert-butylacrylamide co-polymer and studied their interaction with cultured substrate-dependent mammalian cells. It was shown that these polymers promote cell adhesion and proliferation at a level comparable to polystyrene treated for cell culturing and provide effective cell detachment after lowering culturing temperature below a critical level determined by phase transition temperature in aqueous solutions of polymers. A dependence of phase transition temperature on the ratio between N-isopropylacrylamide and N-tert-butylacrylamide was demonstrated. Differences in the dynamics of cell detachment from the surface of polymer substrates with various proportions between the components were shown.

Factors affecting survival of reconstructed mouse embryos after nuclear transfer

Reconstruction of mouse embryos was performed by injection of donor genetic material from differentiated cells of various types (cumulus cells, cardiomyocytes, and epithelial cells) into recipient cells (mature oocytes and zygotes). A medium for microsurgery was selected, which enhanced survival of both embryonic and somatic cells during the reconstructive manipulations. Special preparation of somatic cells to transplantation was carried out, which employed factors synchronizing the cells in a certain phase of the cell cycle in order to enhance their capacity to maintain the development of reconstructed embryos. The processes of nucleus reprogramming in specialized cells under the action of cytoplasmic factors of oocytes and zygotes were examined. During in vitro culturing of reconstructed embryos, the most successful development was observed in embryos implanted with donor material from cumulus cells. Mouse embryos reconstructed with a certain genome and subsequent production and use of stem cells are considered as the model system for developing the basic principles of replacement therapy.

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymer films as vehicles for the sustained delivery of proteins to vascular endothelial cells

The aim of this study was to establish the capacity of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymer films to deliver bioactive concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) to human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) over an extended time period. Films were prepared using a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of non-crosslinkable and crosslinkable copolymers of the following monomer compositions (w/w): 85:15, N-isopropylacrylamide (NiPAAm):N-tert-butylacrylamide (NtBAAm); and 85:13:2 NiPAAm:NtBAAm:acrylamidobenzophenone (ABzPh, crosslinking agent), respectively. After crosslinking by UV irradiation, the ability of films to incorporate a fluorescently labeled carrier protein (FITC-labeled BSA, 1 mg loaded per film), at 4 degrees C, was first established. Incorporation into the matrix was confirmed by the observation that increasing film thickness from 5 to 10 microm increased release from collapsed films at 37 degrees C (1.76 +/- 0.15 and 10.98 +/- 3.38 microg/mL, respectively, at 24 h postloading) and that this difference was maintained at 5 days postloading (1.81 +/- 0.25 and 13.8 +/- 2.3 microg/mL, respectively). Incorporation was also confirmed by visualization using confocal microscopy. When 10-microm films were loaded with a BSA solution (1 mg/mL) containing VEGF165 (3 microg/mL), sustained release of VEGF165 was observed (10.75 +/- 3.11 ng at 24 h; a total of 31.32 +/- 8.50 ng over 7 days). Furthermore, eluted VEGF165 increased HAEC proliferation by 18.2% over control. The absence of cytotoxic species in medium released from the copolymer films was confirmed by the lack of effect of medium (incubated with copolymer films for 3 days) on HAEC viability. In conclusion this study has shown that NiPAAm:NtBAAm copolymers can be loaded with a therapeutic protein and can deliver bioactive concentrations to human vascular endothelial cells over an extended time period.

[A study of the effect of irradiation hardness on the properties of the fluoropolymeric matrix modified by polyanionic biologically active substances]

The properties of a synthetic substrate responsible for the behavior of substrate-dependent cells in the culture were studied. The effect of the composition of a system water-soluble biopolymer (sodium alginate or methyl cellulose)-synthetic latex SKF-26 and the effect of various types of radiations on its biophysical properties were studied. The results obtained indicate that the addition of water-soluble biopolymeric additives to synthetic polymeric films improves the adhesion of cells to the substrate, the adhesion being closely related to the concentration of additives. It was found that the modification methods that determine changes in the charge of the substrate affect the capacity of different cell types for adhesion and proliferation. It was also found that the hardness of irradiation does not affect the vapor permeability and the extent of film swelling.

[Self-assembly of collagen type I molecules without telopeptides]

The effect of temperature on the kinetics of formation of fibrils from rat tail collagen molecules devoid of telopeptides was studied. It was shown that the rats of fibril formation at 30 and 35 degrees C increases five- and eightfold, respectively, as compared with that at 25 degrees C. It was found that enthalpy of fibril denaturation at 30 degrees C is maximal for the collagen both with intact telopeptides and devoid of telopeptides. It was found that essential for the fibrilogenesis of type I collagen devoid of telopeptides are temperatures of 30 and 35 degrees C.

[The use of 1H-NMR spectroscopy for the study of cell cultures]

Production of lactate by the HSR-1, HSR-8, HET-SR fibroblasts have been investigated by 1H-NMR method. Were investigated both monolayer cell cultures and cells immobilized in collagen lattice. Represented data demonstrate the possibility of the NMR-spectroscopy to investigate growth's processes in the cell cultures.

[Use of polarized thermomicroscopy for recording formation and degrading processes of collagen fibrils]

Polarized thermomicroscopic method were used for registration of collagen fibril formation and thermal degradation processes. It was compared with differential scanning microcalorimetry and optical density measurement methods and recommended as a fast method for registration of collagen fibril formation and degradation processes.

[Collagen gels, chondroitin-4-sulfate. Proteolytic stability]

Differential scanning microcalorimetry and polarized thermomicroscopic methods were used for studying of collagen type I and chondroitin-4-sulfate complexes. It was shown that fast heating till 37 degrees C lead to collagen gel formation, which is stable for collagenase action.

[Construction of a gene coding for the precursor of human tumor necrosis factor]

The cDNA sequence for human tumor necrosis factor (hTNF) was reconstructed in vitro from genomic sequence. Using the oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis, a site for restriction endonuclease ClaI was introduced into the end of the first exon. The nucleotide sequence representing the second and third exons flanked with restriction sites ClaI and XhoI was obtained by means of chemical enzymatic synthesis. Assembly of the total gene coding for precursor of hTNF was accomplished in pTNF33 plasmid containing semisynthetic gene for mature hTNF with appropriate restriction sites.