Geopolymers from DC plasma-treated air polution control residues, metakaolin, and granulated blast furnace slag - Kourti, I.; Rani, D. Amutha; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Cheeseman, C. R. (Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 2011)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2011.tech.IW.LM.geopol

Geopolymers from DC plasma treated APC residues, metakaolin and GGBFS, ASCE's - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 2010)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2010.tech.IW.LM.geopol

Glass and glass-ceramic matrix composites for advanced applications: Part II: Applications - Boccaccini, Dino; Cannio, Maria; Bernardo, Enrico; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Elsevier, 2021)
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-11-19

Glass and glass-ceramic matrix composites for advanced applications: Part I: Properties and manufacturing technologies - Boccaccini, Dino; Cannio, Maria; Bernardo, Enrico; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Elsevier, 2021)
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-11-19

Glass-ceramic composites from borosilicate glass and alumina-rich residues - Chinnam, Rama Krishna Satish; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bernardo, Enrico; Epstein, Howard (International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, 2015)
Valoxy, an alumina-rich waste, was mixed with borosilicate glass (BSG) powder in 10, 20, and 30 wt% concentrations. Sintering was carried out at 850 and 950°C for 30 min. Glass-ceramics (GC) were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Diametral compression strength (DCS) tests were performed on sintered samples before and after thermal shock. GC samples containing calcined Valoxy showed superior properties in all compositions and processing temperatures compared with samples containing as-received Valoxy. Maximum density of 2.2 g/cm3, water absorption below 1 wt% and DCS of ∼24MPa were measured for 10 wt% calcined Valoxy + BSG GC composites sintered at 850°C.

Glass-Ceramic Foams from "Weak Alkali Activation' and Gel-Casting of Waste Glass/Fly Ash Mixtures - Romero, Acacio Rincon; Toniolo, Nicoletta; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bernardo, Enrico (Materials, 2019)
A weak alkali activation' was applied to aqueous suspensions based on soda lime glass and coal fly ash. Unlike in actual geopolymers, an extensive formation of zeolite-like gels was not expected, due to the low molarity of the alkali activator (NaOH) used. In any case, the suspension underwent gelation and presented a marked pseudoplastic behavior. A significant foaming could be achieved by air incorporation, in turn resulting from intensive mechanical stirring (with the help of a surfactant), before complete hardening. Dried foams were later subjected to heat treatment at 700-900 degrees C. The interactions between glass and fly ash, upon firing, determined the formation of new crystal phases, particularly nepheline (sodium alumino-silicate), with remarkable crushing strength (6 MPa, with a porosity of about 70%). The fired materials, finally, demonstrated a successful stabilization of pollutants from fly ash and a low thermal conductivity that could be exploited for building applications.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2019-03-26
Keywords: Fly ash; Alkali activation; Inorganic gel casting; Glass-ceramic foams; Waste glass

Glass-ceramic proppants from sinter-crystallisation of waste-derived glasses - Toniolo, Nicoletta; Rincon Romero, Acacio; Marangoni, Mauro; Binhussain, Mohammed; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bernardo, Enrico (Advances in Applied Ceramics, 2017)
Keywords: crystallisation; Glass-ceramics; hydraulic fracking; proppant; sintering

Glass-ceramic seal to join Crofer 22 APU alloy to YSZ ceramic in planar SOFCs - Smeacetto, F.; Salvo, M.; Ferraris, M.; Cho, J.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2008)
This work describes the design and development of a glass-ceramic seal to produce a hermetic joint between the ceramic electrolyte and the metallic interconnect of planar SOFC stacks. The glass-ceramic composition was designed considering the chemical compatibility with the ceramic electrolyte (yttria stabilized zirconia) and the oxidation resistant metal alloy interconnect (Crofer 22 APU), the thermo-mechanical properties (characteristic temperatures, thermal expansion coefficient), and the wettability on the substrates. The designed glass-ceramic seal is a barium-free silica-based glass, which partially crystallizes during the heat treatment after being deposited on Crofer 22 APU substrate by slurry coating or by electrophoretic deposition. The sealing process of the glass-ceramic was optimized, also taking into account that the maximum processing temperature should be lower that 950 °C (upper limit for the metallic interconnect) and the maximum heating rate of about 5 °C/min (limit for ceramic components). The joined ceramic/seal/metal samples were morphologically characterized and preliminary tested for 400 h in air atmosphere at the fuel cell operating temperature of 800 °C. Thermal ageing in air caused a Cr-diffusion from Crofer 22 APU alloy to the seal only when the alloy was used in the as-received condition. The preoxidised one did not diffuse Cr ions through the seal under the same ageing conditions. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2008.tech.IW.LM.glassc
Keywords: Fuel cell; Glass-ceramic; Interconnect; Joining

Glass-ceramics from plasma treated air pollution control (APC) residues - Amutha Rani, D.; Roether, J. A.; Gomez, E.; Deegan, D. E.; Cheeseman, C. R.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Glass Technology, 2009)
Air pollution control (APC) residues from a UK energy from waste plant were blended with alumina and silica, and melted using DC plasma arc technology to produce a glass. Results from the compliance leaching test BS EN12457-4 demonstrated that the APC residue derived glass released only trace levels of metals, e.g. Pb (0-011 mg/kg), Zn (0-009 mg/kg) and Cl- (0-2 mg/kg). These are significantly below the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) limit values for the disposal of waste to inert landfill. A powder processing method was used to convert the APC residues derived glass to a glass-ceramic during which the crystallisation behaviour and microstructural features were studied. Our results have shown that plasma treatment of APC residues produces an inert glass that has potential applications as a bulk material in civil engineering applications, or as a higher value glass-ceramic product after a crystallisation heat treatment.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2009.tech.IW.LM.glassc

Glass-Ceramic Tiles Prepared by Pressing and Sintering DC Plasma-Vitrified Air Pollution Control Residues - Devaraj, Amutha Rani; Cheeseman, Chris R.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Deegan, David (International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, 2010)
Air pollution control (APC) residues produced from cleaning gas emissions at energy from waste (EfW) plants processing municipal solid waste are a problematic hazardous waste. In this research they have been treated using DC plasma technology and this produces an inert glass. Glass-ceramic tiles were prepared by powder pressing and sintering fritted APC residue-derived glass. Tile samples prepared with high levels of plasma treated APC residue glass had comparable physical properties to commercially available ceramics such as porcelain and monoporosa, with high bulk density (2.4 g/cm3), low water absorption (<6%) and high flexural strength (∼60 MPa). © 2009 The American Ceramic Society.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2010.tech.IW.LM.glassc

Glasses and ceramics from waste - Colombo, Paolo; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Lee, W. E. (Bill) (Advances in Applied Ceramics, 2009)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2009.tech.IW.LM.glasse

Glasses in Healthcare Preface - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Rahaman, Mohamed N. (Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 2016)

Glass matrix composites for transparent security measures - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; McPhail, David; Pang, Bo (Materials World, 2011)
The work at Imperial College London is processing and characterizing a range of opto-mechanical composites with a focus on alumina fiber-reinforced borosilicate glass matrix composites. In a typical experiment, oxalic acid solution is slowly poured into zirconyl chloride octahydrate solution and mixed under constant stirring. The air inside the fiber bundle can be evacuated using a vacuum pump. As the air is extracted, the sol is seen to bubble. Coated fibers are heat treated at 500°C for three hours at a slow heating rate of one degree per minute to diminish surface cracking. Sintering occurs at 1300°C after this calcination step. A hybrid sol-gel coating method has been developed to improve the coated surface's quality. After surface treatment, the composite exhibits qualitatively good transparency. The average strength of the composites is found to be in the range 30-4OMPa, with decreased spacing and increased fiber content resulting in a slightly higher average flexural strength.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2011.tech.IW.LM.glassm

Graphene Oxide/Polymer-Based Biomaterials - Ege, Duygu; Kamali, Ali Reza; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2017)

Growth of hydroxyapatite plate-like nanoparticles by additive free precipitation for the deposition of aligned coatings - Baştan, Fatih E.; Şen, Behlül; Özgenç, Şule; Beltrán, Ana M.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Ceramics International, 2023)
In recent years, nanoparticles' morphology has been tailored to tune nanoparticle specific properties for several applications. In particular, plate-like particles have been synthesized to create an analog of nacre microstructure exhibiting outstanding mechanical performance attributed to nacre's micro and nano hierarchy. However, the synthesis of equiaxed hydroxyapatite (HA) plates for constructing an oriented architecture has remained as an astounding challenge. In this study, we designed an additive-free chemical precipitation route in which the pH was increased stepwise to maintain the particles' equiaxed 2d shape. Our results showed that the produced particles exhibited HA's crystal structure and highly sustained the equiaxed/rectangular plate morphology of the octacalcium phosphate (OCP) phase, formed as an interphase during the precipitation. The reaction time, reactant concentration, and heat treatment were found essential in controlling the particles' morphology, size, and crystal symmetry. The crystal features of the particles were dissected via high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopes (HRSEM and HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Moreover, the Williamson-Hall plot and Rietveld Size-strain algorithm were implemented to calculate the crystallite size and strain of the particles. HRSEM and HRTEM micrographs showed that ultrathin (10–20 nm) 2d HA particles with mean lengths of 140–150 nm grew through the c-axis. In the last stage, we attempted to use the particles to deposit oriented coatings by electrophoretic deposition (EPD).
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-06-23
Keywords: Controlled growth; Plate hydroxyapatite; Size-strain analysis; Willamson-Hall

Guest editorial: GlaCERCo: Glass and ceramic composites for high technology applications - Marie Curie initial training network - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Ferraris, Monica; Reece, Michael J.; Salvo, Milena (Advances in Applied Ceramics, 2015)

Guest editors’ preface - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Fenn, Michael; Jones, Julian R.; Kasuga, Toshihiro; Norton, M. Grant; Rahaman, Mohammed N.; Verne, Enrica; Zanotto, Edgar D. (Journal of Materials Science, 2017)
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-08-05

Hemp Fiber Reinforced Red Mud/Fly Ash Geopolymer Composite Materials: Effect of Fiber Content on Mechanical Strength - Taye, Eyerusalem; Roether, Judith; Schubert, Dirk W.; Redda, Daniel Tilahun; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials, 2021)
Novel hemp fiber reinforced geopolymer composites were fabricated. The matrix was a new geopolymer based on a mixture of red mud and fly ash. Chopped, randomly oriented hemp fibers were used as reinforcement. The mechanical properties of the geopolymer composite, such as diametral tensile (DTS) (or Brazilian tensile) strength and compressive strength (CS), were measured. The geopolymer composites reinforced with 9 vol.% and 3 vol.% hemp fiber yielded average DTS values of 5.5 MPa and average CS values of 40 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were carried out to evaluate the microstructure and fracture surfaces of the composites. The results indicated that the addition of hemp fiber is a promising approach to improve the mechanical strength as well as to modify the failure mechanism of the geopolymer, which changed from brittle to “pseudo-ductile.<br
Keywords: hemp fiber; geopolymer composite; mechanical properties; red mud; fly ash; microstructural analysis

Hierarchical microchannel architecture in chitosan/bioactive glass scaffolds via electrophoretic deposition positive-replica - Ghalayani Esfahani, Arash; Soleimanzade, Mehdi; Campiglio, Chiara Emma; Federici, Angelica; Altomare, Lina; Draghi, Lorenza; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; De Nardo, Luigi (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 2019)
One of the main challenges in the design of scaffolds for cortical bone regeneration is mimicking the highly oriented, hierarchical structure of the native tissue in an efficient, simple, and consistent way. As a possible solution to this challenge, positive replica based on electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was here evaluated as a technique to produce organic/inorganic scaffolds with oriented micro-porosities mimicking Haversian canals diameter and spacing. Two different sizes of 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) powders were chosen as inclusions and loaded in a chitosan matrix via EPD on micro-patterned cathodes. Self-standing chitosan scaffolds, with a homogeneous dispersion of BG particles and regularly-oriented micro-channels (ϕ = 380 ± 50 μm, inter-channel spacing = 600 ± 40 μm), were obtained. In vitro analysis in simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed the ability to induce a deposition of a homogenous layer of hydroxyapatite (HA), with Ca/P nucleation reactions appearing kinetically favored by smaller BG particles. Cell interaction with hybrid scaffolds was evaluated in vitro with bone osteosarcoma cells (SAOS-2). The osteoconductive potential of EPD structures was assessed by evaluating cells proliferation, viability and scaffold colonization. Results indicate that EPD is a simple yet extremely effective technique to prepare composite micro-patterned structures and can represent a platform for the development of a new generation of bone scaffolds. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2019.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-05-07
Keywords: bioactive glass 45S5; bone regeneration; chitosan; electrophoretic deposition (EPD); micro-structured hybrid scaffolds

Hierarchical multi-layered scaffolds based on electrofluidodynamic processes for tissue engineering - Piegat, Agnieszka; Niemczyk, Agata; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; El Fray, Miroslawa; Liverani, Liliana (Biomedical Materials, 2021)
The aim of this study was to obtain hierarchical scaffolds combining 3D printing and two electrofluidodynamic methods. The multi-layered scaffold is composed by 3D printed struts, electrospun fibers obtained from poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and electrosprayed spheres produced from hydrophobically modified chitosan, namely chitosan grafted with linoleic acid (CHLA). Since CHLA has been used for the first time in the electrospraying (electro dynamic spraying, EDS) process, the formation of spheres needed an optimization process. The EDS process was strongly affected by the solvent mixture composition, concentration of acid used for CHLA dissolution and solution flow rate. By using the optimized electrospraying conditions, uniformly distributed spheres have been obtained, decorating struts and nanofibers. Preliminary biological tests with mouse preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) were performed to investigate the effect of the hierarchical scaffold on cell seeding efficacy. Results showed that the hierarchical structure enhances cell seeding efficacy, respect to the 3D printed struts alone, preventing that the cells passed through the struts during the seeding. Moreover, the addition of the electrosprayed nanoparticles does not affect the cell seeding efficiency. The versatility of the proposed structure, with the added value of CHLA nanoparticles decoration could be suitable for several applications in tissue engineering, mainly related to drug delivery systems.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2021-04-02

Highly dispersed lithium doped mesoporous silica nanospheres regulating adhesion, proliferation, morphology, ALP activity and osteogenesis related gene expressions of BMSCs. - Zhang, Jue; Cai, Liang; Tang, Liangchen; Zhang, Xiaochen; Yang, Lili; Zheng, Kai; He, Axiang; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Wei, Jie; Zhao, Jun (Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces, 2018)
Lithium (Li) doped mesoporous silica nanospheres (LMSNs) were synthesized by incorporation of 5 wt% Li into mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) using sol-gel method. The results showed that LMSNs with a mean size of approximate 300 nm exhibited uniform and highly dispersed spherical morphology, which was similar to the morphology of MSNs. Moreover, the degradability of MSNs was significantly increased after the incorporation of Li, and LMSNs could release both silicon (Si) and Li ions in a sustained manner. Due to the release of Li ions, LMSNs showed higher stimulatory effects on the attachment and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) than MSNs. In addition, LMSNs could also enhance the ALP activity of BMSCs as well as improving osteogenesis related genes (OPN, ALP, Runx2 and OCN) expression of BMSCs. In summary, LMSNs have shown the capability of being a carrier of biologically active ions, which exhibit great potential in bone repair/regeneration applications.

Highly elastomeric poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) based natural polymer composite for enhanced keratinocyte regeneration - Rai, Ranjana; Roether, Judith; Knowles, Jonathan C.; Mordan, Nicola; Salih, Vehid; Locke, Ian C.; Gordge, Michael P.; McCormick, Aine; Mohn, Dirk; Stark, Wendelin J.; Keshavarz, Tajalli; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (International Journal of Polymeric Materials and Polymeric Biomaterials, 2017)
Keywords: Bioactive glass; composites; poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate); skin tissue engineering; wound healing

Highly porous polymer-derived bioceramics based on a complex hardystonite solid solution - Elsayed, Hamada; Secco, Michele; Zorzi, Federico; Schuhladen, Katharina; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bernardo, Enrico (Materials, 2019)
Highly porous bioceramics, based on a complex hardystonite solid solution, were developed fromsilicone resins and micro-sized oxide fillers fired in air at 950 °C. Besides CaO, SrO, MgO, and ZnO precursors, and the commercial embedded silicone resins, calcium borate was essential in providing the liquid phase upon firing and favouring the formation of an unprecedented hardystonite solid solution, corresponding to the formula (Ca0.70Sr0.30)2(Zn0.72Mg0.15Si0.13) (Si0.85B0.15)2O7. Silicone-filler mixtures could be used in the form of thick pastes for direct ink writing of reticulated scaffolds or for direct foaming. The latter shaping option benefited from the use of hydrated calcium borate, which underwent dehydration, with water vapour release, at a low temperature (420 °C). Both scaffolds and foams confirmed the already-obtained phase assemblage, after firing, and exhibited remarkable strength-to-density ratios. Finally, preliminary cell tests excluded any cytotoxicity that could be derived from the formation of a boro-silicate glassy phase.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-12-13
Keywords: 3D printed scaffolds; Biosilicate ceramics; Direct ink writing (DIW); Foams; Hardystonite; Polymer derived ceramics (PDCs)

High-resolution synchrotron X-ray analysis of bioglass-enriched hydrogels - Gorodzha, Svetlana; Douglas, Timothy E L; Samal, Sangram K.; Detsch, Rainer; Cholewa-Kowalska, Katarzyna; Braeckmans, Kevin; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Skirtach, Andre G.; Weinhardt, Venera; Baumbach, Tilo; Surmeneva, Maria A.; Surmenev, Roman A. (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 2016)
Enrichment of hydrogels with inorganic particles improves their suitability for bone regeneration by enhancing their mechanical properties, mineralizability, and bioactivity as well as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of bone-forming cells, while maintaining injectability. Low aggregation and homogeneous distribution maximize particle surface area, promoting mineralization, cell-particle interactions, and homogenous tissue regeneration. Hence, determination of the size and distribution of particles/particle agglomerates in the hydrogel is desirable. Commonly used techniques have drawbacks. High-resolution techniques (e.g., SEM) require drying. Distribution in the dry state is not representative of the wet state. Techniques in the wet state (histology, μCT) are of lower resolution. Here, self-gelling, injectable composites of Gellan Gum (GG) hydrogel and two different types of sol-gel-derived bioactive glass (bioglass) particles were analyzed in the wet state using Synchrotron X-ray radiation, enabling high-resolution determination of particle size and spatial distribution. The lower detection limit volume was 9 × 10 mm. Bioglass particle suspensions were also studied using zeta potential measurements and Coulter analysis. Aggregation of bioglass particles in the GG hydrogels occurred and aggregate distribution was inhomogeneous. Bioglass promoted attachment of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC) and mineralization.
Keywords: Bioglass; Composite; Hydrogel; Particle; X-ray

Hot-pressed phosphate glass-ceramic matrix composites containing calcium phosphate particles for nuclear waste encapsulation - Michie, E. M.; Grimes, R. W.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Science, 2008)
Sodium aluminium phosphate (NaAlP) glass-ceramic composites were produced as potential wasteforms for the immobilization of special categories of halide-containing radioactive waste. Sintering conditions for encapsulating a simulated waste (a calcinated mixture of calcium phosphate host and various oxides) in the cold-pressed NaAlP glass-ceramic were first determined and the results were compared with similar samples prepared by hot pressing. In both cases, the conditions aimed to provide a very high-density material, via as low production temperatures as possible, in conjunction with a high waste loading (75 wt.% simulated waste to 25 wt.% glass). It was found that by hot pressing and using a NaAlP glass-ceramic containing 2 mol% B2O3, significantly lower temperatures could be employed compared to the cold pressing and sintering route. The lowest temperature at which a sufficiently dense hot-pressed product was achieved (86% theoretical density), that exhibited mechanical properties similar to those of borosilicate glass (e.g. Young's modulus 67 ± 2 GPa), was 550 °C. This processing temperature is considerably lower than values reported in the literature for similar systems. As such, hot pressing can be considered as a convenient technique for the fabrication of this type of composite for waste encapsulation. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2008.tech.IW.LM.hotpre

How to Determine a Suitable Alginate for Biofabrication Approaches using an Extensive Alginate Library? - Karakaya, Emine; Schöbel, Lisa; Zhong, Yu; Hazur, Jonas; Heid, Susanne; Forster, Leonard; Tessmar, Joerg; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Detsch, Rainer (Biomacromolecules, 2023)
Alginate-based hydrogels are a promising class of biomaterials due to their usability, biocompatibility, and high water -binding capacity which is the reason for their broad use in biofabrication. One challenge of these biomaterials is, however, the lack of cell adhesion motifs. This drawback can be overcome by oxidizing alginate to alginate dialdehyde (ADA) and by subsequent cross-linking with gelatin (GEL) to fabricate ADA-GEL hydrogels, which offer improved cell-material interactions. The present work investigates four pharmaceutical grade alginates of different algae sources and their respective oxidized forms regarding their molecular weight and M/G ratio using 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. In addition, three different methods for determining the degree of oxidation (% DO) of ADA, including iodometric, spectroscopic, and titration methods, are applied and compared. Furthermore, the aforementioned properties are correlated with the resulting viscosity, degradation behavior, and cell-material interactions to predict the material behavior in vitro and thus choose a suitable alginate for an intended application in biofabrication. In the framework of the present work, easy and practicable detection methods for the investigations of alginate-based bioinks were summarized and shown. In this regard, the success of oxidation of alginate was confirmed by the three aforementioned methods and was further proven by solid-state 13C NMR, for the first time in the literature, that only guluronic acid (G) was attacked during the oxidation, leading to the formation of hemiacetals. Furthermore, it was shown that ADA-GEL hydrogels of alginates with longer G-blocks are more suitable for long-term experiments due to their stability over an incubation period of 21 days, while ADA-GEL hydrogels of alginates with longer mannuronic acid (M)-blocks are more suitable for short-term applications such as sacrificial inks due to their extensive swelling and subsequent loss of shape. Finally, it was proven that the M/G ratio did not show any influence on the biocompatibility or printability of the investigated alginate-based hydrogels. The physicochemical findings provide an alginate library for tailored application in biofabrication.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2023-05-05

Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells Produce Distinct Neural 3D In Vitro Models Depending on Alginate/Gellan Gum/Laminin Hydrogel Blend Properties - Kapr, Julia; Petersilie, Laura; Distler, Thomas; Lauria, Ines; Bendt, Farina; Sauter, Clemens M.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Rose, Christine R.; Fritsche, Ellen (Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2021)
Stable and predictive neural cell culture models are a necessary premise for many research fields. However, conventional 2D models lack 3D cell-material/-cell interactions and hence do not reflect the complexity of the in vivo situation properly. Here two alginate/gellan gum/laminin (ALG/GG/LAM) hydrogel blends are presented for the fabrication of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based 3D neural models. For hydrogel embedding, hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPCs) are used either directly or after 3D neural pre-differentiation. It is shown that stiffness and stress relaxation of the gel blends, as well as the cell differentiation strategy influence 3D model development. The embedded hiNPCs differentiate into neurons and astrocytes within the gel blends and display spontaneous intracellular calcium signals. Two fit-for-purpose models valuable for i) applications requiring a high degree of complexity, but less throughput, such as disease modeling and long-term exposure studies and ii) higher throughput applications, such as acute exposures or substance screenings are proposed. Due to their wide range of applications, adjustability, and printing capabilities, the ALG/GG/LAM based 3D neural models are of great potential for 3D neural modeling in the future.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2021-07-16

Human nasoseptal chondrocytes maintain their differentiated phenotype on PLLA scaffolds produced by thermally induced phase separation and supplemented with bioactive glass 1393 - Conoscenti, Gioacchino; Pavia, Francesco Carfi; Ongaro, Alfred; Brucato, Valerio; Goegele, Clemens; Schwarz, Silke; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Stoelzel, Katharina; La Carrubba, Vincenzo; Schulze-Tanzil, Gundula (Connective Tissue Research, 2019)
Damage of hyaline cartilage such as nasoseptal cartilage requires proper reconstruction, which remains challenging due to its low intrinsic repair capacity. Implantation of autologous chondrocytes in combination with a biomimetic biomaterial represents a promising strategy to support cartilage repair. Despite so far mostly tested for bone tissue engineering, bioactive glass (BG) could exert stimulatory effects on chondrogenesis.The aim of this work was to produce and characterize composite porous poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/1393BG scaffolds via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique and assess their effects on chondrogenesis of nasoseptal chondrocytes.The PLLA scaffolds without or with 1, 2.5, 5% BG1393 were prepared via TIPS technique starting from a ternary solution (polymer/solvent/non-solvent) in a single step. Scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC). Human nasoseptal chondrocytes were seeded on the scaffolds with 1 and 2.5% BG for 7 and 14days and cell survival, attachment, morphology and expression of SOX9 and cartilage-specific extracellular cartilage matrix (ECM) components were monitored.The majority of chondrocytes survived on all PLLA scaffolds functionalized with BG for the whole culture period. Also inner parts of the scaffold were colonized by chondrocytes synthesizing an ECM which contained glycosaminoglycans. Type II collagen and aggrecan gene expression increased significantly in 1% BG scaffolds during the culture. Chondrocyte protein expression for cartilage ECM proteins indicated that the chondrocytes maintained their differentiated phenotype in the scaffolds.BG could serve as a cytocompatible basis for future scaffold composites for osteochondral cartilage defect repair.Abbreviations: AB: alcian blue ACAN: gene coding for aggrecan; BG: Bioactive glass; 2D: two-dimensional; 3D: three-dimensional; COL2A1: gene coding for type II collagen; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium; DMMB: dimethylmethylene blue; DSC: Differential scanning calorimetric analysis; ECM: extracellular matrix; EDTA: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; EtBr: ethidium bromide; FCS: fetal calf serum; FDA: fluorescein diacetate; GAG: glycosaminoglycans; HDPE: high density polyethylene; HE: hematoxylin and eosin staining; HCA: hydoxylapatite; PBE: phosphate buffered EDTA100mM Na2HPO4 and 5mM EDTA, pH8; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; PFA: paraformaldehyde; PG: proteoglycans; PI: propidium iodide; PLLA: Poly-L-Lactic Acid Scaffold; RT: room temperature; SD: standard deviation; SEM: scanning electron microscopy; sGAG: sulfated glycosaminoglycans; SOX9/Sox9: SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 9 protein; TBS: TRIS buffered saline; TIPS: Thermally Induced Phase Separation; XRD: X-ray diffraction analysis
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2019-07-09

Hybrid gelatin/oxidized chondroitin sulfate hydrogels incorporating bioactive glass nanoparticles with enhanced mechanical properties, mineralization, and osteogenic differentiation - Zhou, Lei; Fan, Lei; Zhang, Feng Miao; Jiang, Yuhe; Cai, Min; Dai, Cong; Luo, Yi An; Tu, Ling Jie; Zhou, Zheng Nan; Li, Xiao Jun; Ning, Cheng Yun; Zheng, Kai; et al. (Bioactive Materials, 2021)
Biopolymer based hydrogels are characteristic of their biocompatibility and capability of mimicking extracellular matrix structure to support cellular behavior. However, these hydrogels suffer from low mechanical properties, uncontrolled degradation, and insufficient osteogenic activity, which limits their applications in bone regeneration. In this study, we developed hybrid gelatin (Gel)/oxidized chondroitin sulfate (OCS) hydrogels that incorporated mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) as bioactive fillers for bone regeneration. Gel-OCS hydrogels could be self-crosslinked in situ under physiological conditions in the presence of borax. The incorporation of MBGNs enhanced the crosslinking and accelerated the gelation. The gelation time decreased with increasing the concentration of MBGNs added. Incorporation of MBGNs in the hydrogels significantly improved the mechanical properties in terms of enhanced storage modulus and compressive strength. The injectability of the hydrogels was not significantly affected by the MBGN incorporation. Also, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and rat cranial defect restoration in vivo were significantly promoted by the hydrogels in the presence of MBGNs. The hybrid Gel-OCS/MBGN hydrogels show promising potential as injectable biomaterials or scaffolds for bone regeneration/repair applications given their tunable degradation and gelation behavior as well as favorable mechanical behavior and osteogenic activities.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-10-23
Keywords: Bioactive glasses; Biopolymers; Bone regeneration; Hybrids; Hydrogels

Hybrid hydrogels based on keratin and alginate for tissue engineering - Silva, Raquel; Singh, Raminder; Sarker, Bapi; Papageorgiou, Dimitrios G.; Juhasz, Judith A.; Roether, Judith; Cicha, Iwona; Kaschta, Joachim; Schubert, Dirk W.; Chrissafis, Konstantinos; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2014)
Novel hybrid hydrogels based on alginate and keratin were successfully produced for the first time. The self-assembly properties of keratin, and its ability to mimic the extracellular matrix were combined with the excellent chemical and mechanical stability and biocompatibility of alginate to produce 2D and 3D hybrid hydrogels. These hybrid hydrogels were prepared using two different approaches: sonication, to obtain 2D hydrogels, and a pressure-driven extrusion technique to produce 3D hydrogels. All results indicated that the composition of the hydrogels had a significant effect on their physical properties, and that they can easily be tuned to obtain materials suitable for biological applications. The cell-material interaction was assessed through the use of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and the results demonstrated that the alginate/keratin hybrid biomaterials supported cell attachment, spreading and proliferation. The results proved that such novel hybrid hydrogels might find applications as scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration. © 2014 the Partner Organisations.

Hybrid particles derived from alendronate and bioactive glass for treatment of osteoporotic bone defects - Diba, Mani; Camargo, Winston A.; Zinkevich, Tatiana; Grünewald, Alina; Detsch, Rainer; Kabiri, Yoones; Kentgens, Arno P. M.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Van Den Beucken, Jeroen J. J. P.; Leeuwenburgh, Sander C. G. (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2019)
Osteoporosis is the most widespread metabolic bone disease which represents a major public health burden. Consequently, novel biomaterials with a strong capacity to regenerate osteoporotic bone defects are urgently required. In view of the anti-osteoporotic and osteopromotive efficacy of alendronate and 45S5 bioactive glass, respectively, we investigated the feasibility to synthesize novel hybrid particles by exploiting the strong interactions between these two compounds. Herein, we demonstrate the facile preparation of a novel class of hybrid particles of tunable morphology, chemical composition and structure. These hybrid particles (i) release alendronate and various inorganic elements (Ca, Na, Si, and P) in a controlled manner, (ii) exhibit a strong anti-osteoclastic effect in vitro, and (iii) stimulate regeneration of osteoporotic bone in vivo. Consequently, this novel class of hybrid biomaterials opens up new avenues of research on the design of bone substitutes with specific activity to facilitate regeneration of bone defects in osteoporotic patients.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-07-19

Hydrogel films and microcapsules based on soy protein isolate combined with alginate - Tansaz, Samira; Durmann, Ann-Katrin; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2016)
Alginate hydrogels are combined with soy protein isolate (SPI), a plant derived protein with low immunogenicity, appropriate biodegradability and low cost, to produce biocompatible films, and microcapsules. The cell–material interaction is assessed through the use of mouse embryotic fibroblast cells (MEF cells) on films, and the results illustrate that the alginate/SPI hydrogel films support cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. Cell biology results combined with degradation studies suggest that such hydrogels are promising biomaterials for soft tissue regeneration or as wound dressing materials.
Keywords: alginate; biomedical applications; hydrogels; soy protein isolate

Hydrogel-inorganic filler composites for 3D bioprinting - Bider, Faina; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Elsevier, 2023)
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies provide opportunities to create cell-laden complex scaffolds for tissue engineering. Hydrogels are the materials of choice for 3D bioprinting applications due to their capability to encapsulate cells in a water-rich environment. Their structure is similar to the one of the natural extracellular matrix. However, standard hydrogels possess usually low mechanical properties and lack adequate functionalities, which can be overcome through the development of multimaterial systems, for example, by incorporation of inorganic fillers. Addition of inorganic fillers, such as hydroxyapatite, nanoclays, bioactive glass (nano)particles and carbonaceous nanomaterials usually results in improved printability of 3D scaffolds due to the possibility to adjust the viscosity and to enhance the mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels. In addition, inorganic fillers provide novel biological functionalities to the hydrogel matrix. The following book chapter gives an outline of the combinations of hydrogels with inorganic fillers, both biodegradable and persistent fillers, including also anisotropic fillers, which are being developed for 13D-bioprinting applications.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-11-24
Keywords: 3D bioprinting; bioactive glasses; biofabrication; bioinks; composites; Hydrogels; inorganic filler

Hydrogel matrices based on elastin and alginate for tissue engineering applications - Silva, Raquel; Singh, Raminder; Sarker, Bapi; Papageorgiou, Dimitrios G.; Juhasz-Bortuzzo, Judith A.; Roether, Judith; Cicha, Iwona; Kaschta, Joachim; Schubert, Dirk W.; Chrissafis, Konstantinos; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2018)
Hydrogels from natural polymers are widely used in tissue engineering due to their unique properties, especially when regarding the cell environment and their morphological similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native tissues. In this study, we describe the production and characterization of novel hybrid hydrogels composed of alginate blended with elastin from bovine neck ligament. The properties of elastin as a component of the native ECM were combined with the excellent chemical and mechanical stability as well as biocompatibility of alginate to produce two hybrid hydrogels geometries, namely 2D films obtained using sonication treatment and 3D microcapsules produced by pressure-driven extrusion. The resulting blend hydrogels were submitted to an extensive physico-chemical characterization. Furthermore, the biological compatibility of these materials was assessed using normal human dermal fibroblasts, indicating the suitability of this blend for soft tissue engineering. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Alginate; Elastin; Hybrid hydrogels; Soft matrices; Tissue engineering

Hydroxyapatite-Coated SPIONs and Their Influence on Cytokine Release - Friedrich, Bernhard; Auger, Jean-Philippe; Dutz, Silvio; Cicha, Iwona; Schreiber, Eveline; Band, Julia; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Krönke, Gerhard; Alexiou, Christoph; Tietze, Rainer (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021)
Hydroxyapatite- or calcium phosphate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles have a high potential for use in many biomedical applications. In this study, a co-precipitation method for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite-coated nanoparticles (SPIONHAp), was used. The produced nanoparticles have been characterized by dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, atomic emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed a successful synthesis of 190 nm sized particles and their stable coating, resulting in SPIONHAp. Potential cytotoxic effects of SPIONHAp on EL4, THP-1, and Jurkat cells were tested, showing only a minor effect on cell viability at the highest tested concentration (400 mu g Fe/mL). The results further showed that hydroxyapatite-coated SPIONs can induce minor TNF-alpha and IL-6 release by murine macrophages at a concentration of 100 mu g Fe/mL. To investigate if and how such particles interact with other substances that modulate the immune response, SPIONHAp-treated macrophages were incubated with LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and dexamethasone. We found that cytokine release in response to these potent pro- and anti-inflammatory agents was modulated in the presence of SPIONHAp. Knowledge of this behavior is important for the management of inflammatory processes following in vivo applications of this type of SPIONs.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2021-05-14

Hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate coatings electrophoretically deposited on titanium substrates: microstructure and properties - Moskalewicz, Tomasz; Warcaba, Maciej; Cieniek, Łukasz; Sitarz, Maciej; Gajewska, Marta; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Applied Surface Science, 2021)
The aim of the present work was to develop the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of composite bioinspired hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate (HA/SA) coatings on titanium and coatings characterization. The EPD was performed from water-based suspensions with different content of HA. The influence of the EPD parameters on the coating homogeneity, morphology and properties are discussed. Depending on the HA content in suspension, it was possible to obtain dense coatings with different amounts and sizes of HA agglomerates, exhibiting different surface morphology. The state of preparation of the substrate surface and the HA content in suspension significantly affects the coating adhesion. All composite coatings had better adhesion to chemically treated titanium in comparison with the adhesion of pure SA coatings. Strong variations of coating microstructure were observed depending on the HA content and suspension pH due to a cross-linking process between HA and SA. All coatings, regardless of the HA content revealed hydrophilic character. HA/SA coatings exhibited about 10% higher values of surface free energy than the pure SA ones. This work confirmed that EPD is a useful technique to co-deposit HA nanoparticles and SA to fabricate a wide range of coatings with tailored microstructure and surface morphology with potential for biomedical applications.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-11-27
Keywords: Bioinspired coatings; Electrophoretic deposition; Hydroxyapatite; Sodium alginate; Titanium

Hydroxycarbonate apatite formation, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial properties of rubidium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles - Pantulap, Usanee; Ünalan, Irem; Zheng, Kai; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Porous Materials, 2024)
Rubidium (Rb) has been shown to impact biological activity. This work synthesized Rb-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) based on the composition 70SiO2–30CaO mol% with a sol-gel method. Rb2O was substituted for CaO in concentrations of 5 and 10 mol%. The influence of Rb incorporation on the hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) formation, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial capacity of particles was evaluated. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous structure of the particles. In vitro, biomineralization studies showed HCA on the surface of MBGN and Rb-doped MBGN pellets after 7 days of soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF). An inhibition zone of Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) around Rb-doped MBGN pellets was detected, while MBGN pellets did not show any inhibition zone. Additionally, MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells demonstrated cytocompatibility when exposed to Rb-MBG suspensions at different concentrations of up to 250 µg/ml. Based on their overall properties, Rb-containing MBGNs are proposed for biomedical applications, such as filler nanoparticles in composite bone scaffolds.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2024-03-15
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Mesoporous; Nanoparticle; Rubidium; Sol-gel method

Hyperelastic parameter identification of human articular cartilage and substitute materials - Weizel, A.; Distler, Thomas; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Paulsen, Friedrich; Seitz, H.; Budday, Silvia; Bräuer, Lars (Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2022)
Numerical simulations are a valuable tool in the field of tissue engineering for cartilage repair and can help to understand which mechanical properties affect the behavior of chondrocytes and contribute to the success or failure of surrogate materials as implants. However, special attention needs to be paid when identifying corresponding material parameters in order to provide reliable numerical predictions of the material's response. In this study, we identify hyperelastic material parameters for numerical simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics (R) v. 5.6 for human articular cartilage and two surrogate materials, commercially available ChondroFiller(liquid), and oxidized alginate-gelatin (ADA-GEL) hydrogels. We consider several hyperelastic isotropic material models and provide separate parameter sets for the unconditioned and the conditioned material response, respectively, based on previously generated experimental data including both compression and tension experiments. We compare a direct parameter identification approach assuming homogeneous deformation throughout the specimen and an inverse approach, where the experiments are simulated using a finite element model with realistic boundary conditions in COMSOL Multiphysics (R) v. 5.6. We demonstrate that it is important to consider both compression and tension data simultaneously and to use the inverse approach to obtain reliable parameters. The one-term Ogden model best represents the unconditioned response of cartilage, while the conditioned response of cartilage and ADA-GEL is equally well represented by the two-term Ogden and five-term Mooney-Rivlin models. The five-term Mooney-Rivlin model is also most suitable to model the unconditioned response of ADA-GEL. For ChondroFiller(liquid), we suggest using the five-term Mooney-Rivlin or two-term Ogden model for the unconditioned and the two-term Ogden model for the conditioned material response. These results will help to choose appropriate material models and parameters for simulations of whole joints or to advance mechanical-stimulation assisted cartilage tissue engineering in the future.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-07-01
Keywords: Parameter identification; Finite hyperelasticity; Human articular cartilage; Hydrogels; Tissue engineering

Hypericin-bearing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for selective drug delivery in photodynamic therapy - Unterweger, Harald; Subatzus, Daniel; Tietze, Rainer; Janko, Christina; Poettler, Marina; Stiegelschmitt, Alfons; Schuster, Matthias; Maake, Caroline; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Alexiou, Christoph (International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2015)
Combining the concept of magnetic drug targeting and photodynamic therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of cancer. A high selectivity as well as significant fewer side effects can be achieved by this method, since the therapeutic treatment only takes place in the area where accumulation of the particles by an external electromagnet and radiation by a laser system overlap. In this article, a novel hypericin-bearing drug delivery system has been developed by synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with a hypericin-linked functionalized dextran coating. For that, sterically stabilized dextran-coated SPIONs were produced by coprecipitation and crosslinking with epichlorohydrin to enhance stability. Carboxymethylation of the dextran shell provided a functionalized platform for linking hypericin via glutaraldehyde. Particle sizes obtained by dynamic light scattering were in a range of 55-85 nm, whereas investigation of single magnetite or maghemite particle diameter was performed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction and resulted in approximately 4.5-5.0 nm. Surface chemistry of those particles was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ζ potential measurements, indicating successful functionalization and dispersal stabilization due to a mixture of steric and electrostatic repulsion. Flow cytometry revealed no toxicity of pure nanoparticles as well as hypericin without exposure to light on Jurkat T-cells, whereas the combination of hypericin, alone or loaded on particles, with light-induced cell death in a concentration and exposure time-dependent manner due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, the combination of SPIONs’ targeting abilities with hypericin’s phototoxic properties represents a promising approach for merging magnetic drug targeting with photodynamic therapy for the treatment of cancer.
Keywords: Hypericin; Magnetic drug targeting; Photodynamic therapy; SPION

Identification of Process Limits for Electro-Spinning of aligned – Nano Fibres of the CPL/PGS 1: 1 blend - Bischoff, S.; Küng, Florian; Stafiej, Piotr; Fuchsluger, Thomas; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Schubert, Dirk W. (14th Bayreuth Polymer Symposium, 2015)

Identifying key processing parameters for the electrospinning of aligned polymer nanofibers - Dörgens, Anna; Roether, Judith; Dippold, Dirk; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Schubert, Dirk W. (Materials Letters, 2015)
Aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers of interest for numerous applications requiring contact guidance and textured topography were fabricated by electrospinning onto a rotating collector using tangential velocities ranging from 0 m/s to 11 m/s. The deposition characteristics of the fibers were investigated by microscopic methods to gather information about fiber diameter, collection angle theta, and number of fibers per reference length. It was shown that the deposition angle ranged from -2.0 degrees to 1.6 degrees and the diameter of the developed fibers averaged 587 nm to 878 nm. Furthermore the deposition angle was found to be independent of die rotation velocity. Homogeneity of the fiber mats was improved with increasing rotation velocity. The number of fibers per reference length, a measure for collection.efficiency, proved to be dependent on the rotation velocity, following a modified Weibull function. Hence the collection efficiency of the process can be improved by increasing the rotation velocity above a critical value. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Electrospinning; Fiber alignment; Polymers; Fiber technology; Porous materials

Immunomodulatory bioactive glasses for tissue regeneration - Zheng, Kai; Niu, Wen; Lei, Bo; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Acta Biomaterialia, 2021)
The regulatory functions of the immune response in tissue healing, repair, and regeneration have been evidenced in the last decade. Immune cells play central roles in immune responses toward inducing favorable tissue regenerative processes. Modulating and controlling the immune cell responses (particularly macrophages) is an emerging approach to enhance tissue regeneration. Bioactive glasses (BGs) are multifunctional materials exhibiting osteogenic, angiogenic, and antibacterial properties, being increasingly investigated for various tissue regeneration scenarios, including bone regeneration and wound healing. On the other hand, the immunomodulatory effects of BGs in relation to regenerating tissues have started to be understood, and key knowledge is emerging. This is the first review article summarizing the immunomodulatory effects of BGs for tissue repair and regeneration. The immune response to BGs is firstly introduced, discussing potential mechanisms regarding the immunomodulation effects induced by BGs. Moreover, the interactions between the immune cells involved in the immunomodulation process and BGs (dissolution products) are summarized in detail. Particularly, a well-regulated and timely switch of macrophage phenotype from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory is crucial to constructive tissue regeneration through modulating osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and angiogenesis. The influence of BG characteristics on macrophage responses is discussed. We highlight the strategies employed to harness macrophage responses for enhanced tissue regeneration, including the incorporation of active ions, surface functionalization, and controlled release of immunomodulatory molecules. Finally, we conclude with our perspectives on future research challenges and directions in the emerging field of immunomodulatory BGs for tissue regeneration. Statement of significance: Immunomodulatory effects of bioactive glasses (BGs) in relation to bone regeneration and wound healing have started to be understood. We summarize those studies which have focused on immunomodulatory BGs for tissue regeneration. We first introduce the potential mechanisms of the immunomodulation effects induced by BGs. Interactions between the cells involved in immunomodulation processes and BGs (and their dissolution products, biologically active ions) are elaborated. We highlight the strategies employed to modulate macrophage responses for enhancing tissue regeneration, including incorporation of active ions, surface functionalization, and controlled release of immunomodulatory agents. This is the first review article summarizing and outlining the immunomodulatory effects of BGs for tissue regeneration. We anticipate that increasing research efforts will start to emerge in the area of immunomodulatory BGs.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-09-10
Keywords: Bioactive glasses; Bone tissue regeneration; Immune response; Immunomodulation; Macrophages; Wound healing

IMPACT OF 45S5-BIOACTIVE GLASS ON SYNOVIAL CELLS IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS - IN VITRO STUDY - Marinescu, M. R.; Renkawitz, T.; Tripel, E.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Moradi, B.; Westhauser, F.; Platzer, H. (OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE, 2022)
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-04-22

Impact of Copper-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanospheres on the Polymerisation Kinetics and Shrinkage Stress of Dental Resin Composites - Marovic, Danijela; Par, Matej; Taubock, Tobias T.; Haugen, Havard J.; Mandic, Visnja Negovetic; Wuethrich, Damian; Burrer, Phoebe; Zheng, Kai; Attin, Thomas; Tarle, Zrinka; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022)
We embedded copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) with antibacterial and ion-releasing properties into experimental dental composites and investigated the effect of Cu-MBGN on the polymerisation properties. We prepared seven composites with a BisGMA/TEGDMA (60/40) matrix and 65 wt.% total filler content, added Cu-MBGN or a combination of Cu-MBGN and silanised silica to the silanised barium glass base, and examined nine parameters: light transmittance, degree of conversion (DC), maximum polymerisation rate (R-max), time to reach R-max, linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress (PSS), maximum PSS rate, time to reach maximum PSS rate, and depth of cure. Cu-MBGN without silica accelerated polymerisation, reduced light transmission, and had the highest DC (58.8 +/- 0.9%) and R-max (9.8 +/- 0.2%/s), but lower shrinkage (3 +/- 0.05%) and similar PSS (0.89 +/- 0.07 MPa) versus the inert reference (0.83 +/- 0.13 MPa). Combined Cu-MBGN and silica slowed the R-max and achieved a similar DC but resulted in higher shrinkage. However, using a combined 5 wt.% Cu-MBGN and silica, the PSS resembled that of the inert reference. The synergistic action of 5 wt.% Cu-MBGN and silanised silica in combination with silanised barium glass resulted in a material with the highest likelihood for dental applications in future.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-08-26

Impact of electrospun scaffold topology on the performance of in-vitro Folliculogenesis applied to preantral ovine follicles - Di Berardino, C.; Liverani, Liliana; Capacchietti, G.; Peserico, A.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Barboni, B. (HUMAN REPRODUCTION, 2022)
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-10-21

Impact of zinc-or copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles on the osteogenic differentiation and matrix formation of mesenchymal stromal cells - Westhauser, Fabian; Decker, Simon; Nawaz, Qaisar; Rehder, Felix; Wilkesmann, Sebastian; Moghaddam, Arash; Kunisch, Elke; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials, 2021)
Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) have gained relevance in bone tissue engineering, especially since they can be used as vectors for therapeutically active ions like zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu). In this study, the osteogenic properties of the ionic dissolution products (IDPs) of undoped MBGNs (composition in mol%: 70 SiO2, 30 CaO) and MBGNs doped with 5 mol% of either Zn (5Zn-MBGNs) or Cu (5Cu-MBGNs; compositions in mol%: 70 SiO2, 25 CaO, 5 ZnO/CuO) on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were evaluated. Extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and calcification were assessed, as well as the IDPs’ influence on viability, cellular osteogenic differentiation and the expression of genes encoding for relevant members of the ECM. The IDPs of undoped MBGNs and 5Zn-MBGNs had a comparable influence on cell viability, while it was enhanced by IDPs of 5Cu-MBGNs compared to the other MBGNs. IDPs of 5Cu-MBGNs had slightly positive effects on ECM formation and calcification. 5Zn-MBGNs provided the most favorable pro-osteogenic properties since they increased not only cellular osteogenic differentiation and ECM-related gene expression but also ECM formation and calcification significantly. Future studies should analyze other relevant properties of MBGNs, such as their impact on angiogenesis.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-04-23
Keywords: Copper; Extracellular matrix; Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles; Osteogenic differentiation; Zinc

Improved 3D Printing and Cell Biology Characterization of Inorganic-Filler Containing Alginate-Based Composites for Bone Regeneration: Particle Shape and Effective Surface Area Are the Dominant Factors for Printing Performance - Bednarzig, Vera; Schrüfer, Stefan; Schneider, Tom; Schubert, Dirk W.; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022)
The use of organic–inorganic 3D printed composites with enhanced properties in biomedical applications continues to increase. The present study focuses on the development of 3D printed alginate-based composites incorporating inorganic fillers with different shapes (angular and round), for bone regeneration. Reactive fillers (bioactive glass 13–93 and hydroxyapatite) and non-reactive fillers (inert soda–lime glass) were investigated. Rheological studies and the characterization of various extrusion-based parameters, including material throughput, printability, shape fidelity and filament fusion, were carried out to identify the parameters dominating the printing process. It was shown that the effective surface area of the filler particle has the highest impact on the printing behavior, while the filler reactivity presents a side aspect. Composites with angular particle morpholo-gies showed the same high resolution during the printing process, almost independent from their reactivity, while composites with comparable amounts of round filler particles lacked stackability after printing. Further, it could be shown that a higher effective surface area of the particles can circumvent the need for a higher filler content for obtaining convincing printing results. In addition, it was proven that, by changing the particle shape, the critical filler content for the obtained adequate printability can be altered. Preliminary in vitro biocompatibility investigations were carried out with the bioactive glass containing ink. The 3D printed ink, forming an interconnected porous scaffold, was analyzed regarding its biocompatibility in direct or indirect contact with the pre-osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1. Both kinds of cell tests showed increased viability and a high rate of proliferation, with complete coverage of the 3D scaffolds’ surface already after 7 d post cell-seeding.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-05-06
Keywords: 3D printing; alginate; bioactive glasses; organic–inorganic composites; rheology

Improvement of the Layer Adhesion of Composite Cardiac Patches - Ruther, Florian; Zimmermann, Andrea; Engel, Felix; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2019)
The major purpose of cardiac patches is to deliver healthy cells to infarcted tissues. Such cardiac patches must fulfill specific mechanical as well as chemical requirements. Herein, bi-component cardiac patches are investigated with regard to their layer adhesion. Combinations of salt-leached porous poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) films with a layer of electrospun-gelatin fibers are produced. Gelatin fibers are fabricated by solution electrospinning using 20 wt% gelatin in 98 v% formic acid. Fibers are attached to PGS films either via direct electrospinning on top of the film or via combining as spun fiber mats with PGS using gelatin as glue. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that fiber mats adapt to the rough surface of the porous PGS film. In contrast, fibers spun directly onto films show poor adhesion and only a few fibers are attached to the PGS substrate. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, contact-angle measurements, and pull-off adhesion tests of the bi-component patches confirm these results. Modified pull-off adhesion tests of the two layers show that combining as spun gelatin fiber mats with porous PGS substrates by gluing leads to excellent material adhesion before and after incubation for up to 14 days.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-11-19
Keywords: bi-layer adhesions; cardiac patches; electrospinning; gelatin; porous poly (glycerol sebacate)

Improvement of the microstructure and mechanical properties of bioceramic scaffolds using electrohydrodynamic spraying with template modification - Muthutantri, Anushini I.; Edirisinghe, Mohan J.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2010)
Porous scaffolds play a key role in tissue engineering (TE) approaches and new processing methods and materials are constantly being developed to cater for the wide range of specifications and requirements. Electrospraying is a relatively new processing method used for producing open-pore scaffolds. In this work, the electrospraying technique was manipulated to make the process more efficient, and the effect of spraying time on the pore size and strut thickness of zirconia scaffolds was explored. Scaffolds of adequate pore size and interconnectivity, with an average compressive strength of ∼7.5 MPa, by electrospraying for only 10 min are reported. The effect of modifying the sacrificial template on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the sintered scaffolds was also investigated. A combination of template surface hydroxylation and improved conductivity produced a thicker ceramic coating, leading to enhanced mechanical properties. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2010.tech.IW.LM.improv

Improving alginate printability for biofabrication: establishment of a universal and homogeneous pre-crosslinking technique - Hazur, Jonas; Detsch, Rainer; Karakaya, Emine; Kaschta, Joachim; Teßmar, Jörg; Schneidereit, Dominik; Friedrich, Oliver; Schubert, Dirk W.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biofabrication, 2020)
Many different biofabrication approaches as well as a variety of bioinks have been developed by researchers working in the field of tissue engineering. A main challenge for bioinks often remains the difficulty to achieve shape fidelity after printing. In order to overcome this issue, a homogeneous pre-crosslinking technique, which is universally applicable to all alginate-based materials, was developed. In this study, the Young's Modulus after post-crosslinking of selected hydrogels, as well as the chemical characterization of alginate in terms of M/G ratio and molecular weight, were determined. With our technique it was possible to markedly enhance the printability of a 2% (w/v) alginate solution, without using a higher polymer content, fillers or support structures. 3D porous scaffolds with a height of around 5 mm were printed. Furthermore, the rheological behavior of different pre-crosslinking degrees was studied. Shear forces on cells as well as the flow profile of the bioink inside the printing nozzle during the process were estimated. A high cell viability of printed NIH/3T3 cells embedded in the novel bioink of more than 85% over a time period of two weeks could be observed.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-07-24
Keywords: alginate; bioink; bioprinting; pre-crosslinking; printability; rheology; shape fidelity

Incorporation of bioactive glasses containing Mg, Sr, and Zn in electrospun PCL fibers by using benign solvents - Sergi, Rachele; Cannillo, Valeria; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Liverani, Liliana (Applied Sciences, 2020)
Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and PCL/bioactive glass composite fiber mats were produced by electrospinning technique. To improve cell adhesion and proliferation (i) 45S5, (ii) a bioactive glass containing strontium and magnesium oxides, and (iii) a bioactive glass containing zinc oxide were separately added to the starting PCL solution before electrospinning. A good incorporation of bioactive glass particles in PCL electrospun mats was confirmed by SEM and FTIR analyses. Bioactivity was evaluated by immersion of PCL mats and PCL/bioactive glass electrospun fiber mats in simulated body fluid (SBF). Bone murine stromal cells (ST-2) were employed in WST-8 assay to assess cell viability, cell morphology, and proliferation. The results showed that the presence of bioactive glass particles in the fibers enhances cell adhesion and proliferation compared to neat PCL mats. Furthermore, PCL/bioactive glass electrospun mats showed higher wound-healing rate (measured as cell migration rate) in vitro compared to neat PCL electrospun mats. Therefore, the characteristics of the PCL matrix combined with biological properties of bioactive glasses make PCL/bioactive glass composite ideal candidate for biomedical application.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-09-04
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Composite; Electrospinning; PCL; Wound healing

Incorporation of bioactive glass nanoparticles in electrospun PCL/chitosan fibers by using benign solvents - Liverani, Liliana; Lacina, Jonas; Roether, Judith; Boccardi, Elena; Killian, Manuela; Schmuki, Patrik; Schubert, Dirk W.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Bioactive Materials, 2018)

Incorporation of Boron in Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles Reduces Inflammatory Response and Delays Osteogenic Differentiation - Zheng, Kai; Fan, Yuqian; Torre, Elisa; Balasubramanian, Preethi; Taccardi, Nicola; Cassinelli, Clara; Morra, Marco; Iviglia, Giorgio; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Particle & Particle Systems Characterization, 2020)
Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBG) are multifunctional building blocks for tissue regeneration and nanomedicine applications. Incorporation of biologically active ions can endow MBG with additional functionalities toward promoted therapeutic effects. Here, boron is incorporated into MBG by using a sol–gel approach. The concentration of boron incorporated is controllable by tuning the amount of boron precursor. Two types of boron-doped MBG, namely 10B- and 15B-MBG (5.8 and 6.5 mol% of B2O3, respectively) are synthesized. Boron incorporation does not significantly influence the particle morphology. All synthesized particles exhibit a sphere-like shape with a size ranging from 100 to 300 nm. 10B- and 15B-MBG show large specific surface area (346 and 320 m² g−1, respectively) and pore volume. Both boron-doped MBG exhibit remarkable in vitro bioactivity and noncytotoxicity. Boron incorporation is shown to reduce the inflammatory response linked to macrophages as indicated by downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory genes. However, boron incorporation delays the osteogenic differentiation in osteoblasts as indicated by the downregulated expression of pro-osteogenic genes. The results demonstrate the promising potential of using boron-doped MBG to modulate inflammatory response for bone regeneration under inflammatory conditions, as shown in this study for the first time.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-06-09
Keywords: bioactive glasses; bioactivity; boron; inflammatory response; osteogenic activity

Incorporation of calcium containing mesoporous (MCM-41-type) particles in electrospun PCL fibers by using benign solvents - Liverani, Liliana; Boccardi, Elena; Maria Beltran, Ana; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Polymers, 2017)
Keywords: Benign solvents; Composites; Electrospinning; Mesoporous silica calcium containing MCM-41; Nanofibers; Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)

Incorporation of copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres in experimental dental composites: Chemical and mechanical characterization - Marovic, Danijela; Haugen, Håvard J.; Negovetic Mandic, Visnja; Par, Matej; Zheng, Kai; Tarle, Zrinka; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials, 2021)
Experimental dental resin composites incorporating copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) were designed to impart antibacterial and remineralizing properties. The study evaluated the influence of Cu-MBGN on the mechanical properties and photopolymer-ization of resin composites. Cu-MBGN were synthesized using a microemulsion-assisted sol–gel method. Increasing amounts of Cu-MBGN (0, 1, 5, and 10 wt %) were added to the organic polymer matrix with inert glass micro-and nanofillers while maintaining a constant resin/filler ratio. Six tests were performed: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), Vickers microhardness (MH), and degree of conversion (DC). FS and MH of Cu-MBGN composites with silica fillers showed no deterioration with aging, with statistically similar results at 1 and 28 days. FM was not influenced by the addition of Cu-MBGN but was reduced for all tested materials after 28 days. The specimens with 1 and 5% Cu-MBGN had the highest FS, FM, MH, and DC values at 28 days, while controls with 45S5 bioactive glass had the lowest FM, FS, and MH. DC was high for all materials (83.7–93.0%). Cu-MBGN composites with silica have a potential for clinical implementation due to high DC and good mechanical properties with adequate resistance to aging.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-06-11
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Copper; Dental; Mesoporous; Nanoparticles; Resin composites

Incorporation of Cu-Containing Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles in Gelatin-Coated Scaffolds Enhances Bioactivity and Osteogenic Activity - Zheng, Kai; Wu, Jingjing; Li, Wei; Dippold, Dirk; Wan, Ying; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 2018)
Keywords: bioactive nanoparticles; bone regeneration; silicate bioactive glasses; copper; porous scaffolds

Incorporation of vitamin E in poly(3hydroxybutyrate)/Bioglass composite films: effect on surface properties and cell attachment - Misra, Superb K.; Philip, Sheryl E.; Chrzanowski, Wojciech; Nazhat, Showan N.; Roy, Ipsita; Knowles, Jonathan C.; Salih, Vehid; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 2009)
This study investigated the possibility of incorporating α-tocopherol (vitamin E) into poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB))/Bioglass composites, which are being developed for bone tissue engineering matrices. P(3HB) films with 20 wt% Bioglass and 10 wt% vitamin E were prepared using the solvent casting technique. Addition of vitamin E significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the composites along with increasing the total protein adsorption. The presence of protein adsorbed on the composite surface was further confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Preliminary cell culture studies using MG-63 human osteoblasts showed that the addition of vitamin E in the P(3HB)/20 wt% Bioglass films significantly increased cell proliferation. The results achieved in this study confirmed the possibility of incorporating vitamin E as a suitable additive in P(3HB)/Bioglass composites to engineer the surface of the composites by promoting higher protein adsorption and increasing the hydrophilicity. © 2008 The Royal Society.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2009.tech.IW.LM.incorp
Keywords: α-tocopherol; Bioglass; Composites; tissue engineering; MG-63 osteoblasts; Poly(3hydroxybutyrate)

Incorporation of zinc into binary SiO2-CaO mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles enhances anti-inflammatory and osteogenic activities - Sun, Haishui; Zheng, Kai; Zhou, Tian; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Pharmaceutics, 2021)
During the healing and repair of bone defects, uncontrolled inflammatory responses can compromise bone regeneration. Biomaterials with anti-inflammatory activity are favorable for bone tissue regeneration processes. In this work, multifunctional Zn-containing mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Zn-MBGs) exhibiting favorable osteogenic and anti-inflammatory activities were produced employing a sol-gel method. Zn-MBGs exhibited a mesoporous spherical shape and nanoscale particle size (100 ± 20 nm). They were degradable in cell culture medium, and could release Si, Ca, and Zn in a sustained manner. Zn-MBGs also exhibited a concentration-dependent cellular response. The extract of Zn-MBGs obtained by incubation at 0.1 mg/mL (in culture medium) for 24 h could enhance in vitro mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, the expression of osteogenesis-related genes, and the production of intracellular protein osteocalcin of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Moreover, the extract of Zn-MBGs at 0.1 mg/mL could significantly downregulate the expression of inflammatory genes and the production of inducible nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells, particularly under stimulation of inflammatory signals interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Zn-MBGs also inhibited the pro-inflammatory M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS and IFN-γ. In summary, we successfully synthesized Zn-MBGs with concentration-dependent osteogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. Zn-MBGs show their great potential in immunomodulation strategies for bone regeneration, representing a multifunctional biomaterial that can be applied to regenerate bone defects under inflammatory conditions.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-12-31
Keywords: Anti-inflammatory; Bioactive glasses; Immunomodulation; Osteogenic differentiation; Zinc

Increase in VEGF secretion from human fibroblast cells by bioactive glass S53P4 to stimulate angiogenesis in bone - Detsch, Rainer; Stoor, Patricia; Gruenewald, Alina; Roether, Judith; Lindfors, Nina C.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 2014)
Bioactive glasses (BAGs) are being investigated for the repair and reconstruction of bone defects, as they exhibit osteoconductive and osteostimulatory potential. However, successful bone regeneration requires also the neovascularization of the construct which is, among other factors, guided by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, BAG S53P4 (53% SiO, 23% NaO, 20% CaO, 4% PO) is investigated in relation to VEGF-release and response of fibroblast cells. Human CD-18CO fibroblasts were cultivated in contact with different granules of different sizes (0.5-0.8 mm, 1.0-2.0 mm, and 2.0-3.15 mm) and at different concentrations (0-1 wt/vol % of BAG) for 72 h. The analysis of morphology revealed no toxic effect for all granule sizes and concentrations. Compared with the reference, lactate dehydrogenase-activity of CCD-18CO cells increased in contact with BAG samples. The VEGF release from CCD-18CO fibroblasts cultured on different granule sizes and at different concentrations after 72 h of incubation was quantified. It was found that particles of 0.5-0.8 mm and 1.0-2.0 mm in size enhanced VEGF release, whereas BAG particle sizes of 2.0- 3.15 mm led to inhibition of VEGF release. The results are relevant to understand the influence of the particle size and concentration of BAG S53P4 on VEGF expression and neovascularization.
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Bone tissue engineering; Fibroblast; Vascularization; VEGF

Induction of VEGF secretion from bone marrow stromal cell line (ST-2) by the dissolution products of mesoporous silica glass particles containing CuO and SrO - Balasubramanian, Preethi; Salinas, Antonio J.; Sanchez-Salcedo, Sandra; Detsch, Rainer; Vallet-Regi, Maria; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 2018)
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Bioactive glasses; Mesoporosity; Bone marrow stromal cells; Ion release

Influence of Copper-Strontium Co-Doping on Bioactivity, Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Mesoporous Bioactive Glass - Anand, Akrity; Sengupta, Susanta; Kankova, Hana; Svancarkova, Anna; Beltran, Ana M.; Galusek, Dusan; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Galuskova, Dagmar (Gels, 2022)
Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) is an extensively studied biomaterial used for the healing of bone defects. Its biological applications can be tailored by introducing metallic ions, such as strontium (Sr) and copper (Cu), which can enhance its functionalities, including osteogenetic, angiogenetic and antibacterial functionalities. In this study, Cu and Sr ions were co-doped (ratio 1:1) with x = 0.5, 1 and 2 mol% each in glass with an intended nominal composition of 80SiO(2)-(15-2x)CaO-5P(2)O(5)-xCuO-xSrO and synthesized with an evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA)-based sol-gel technique. XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of the glass, while compositional analysis using ICP-OES confirmed the presence of dopant ions with the required amounts. A TEM study of the MBG powders showed fringes that corresponded to the formation of a highly ordered mesoporous structure. The Cu-Sr-doped MBG showed a positive effect on apatite formation when immersed in SBF, although the release of Cu and Sr ions was relatively slow for 1 mol% of each co-dopant, which signified a stable network structure in the glass. The impact of the Cu and Sr ions on the osteoblast-like cell line MG-63 was assessed. At the particle concentrations of 1 wt./vol.% or lower, the cell viability was above 50%. An antibacterial test was conducted against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria. With a sequential increase in the co-doped ion content in the glass, the zone of inhibition for bacteria increased. The results suggest that the doping of MBG with Cu and Sr ions at up to 2 mol% can result in tailored sustained release of ions to enhance the applicability of the studied glass as a functional biomaterial for bone regeneration applications.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2023-01-06

Influence of dissolution products of a novel Ca-enriched silicate bioactive glass-ceramic on VEGF release from bone marrow stromal cells - Balasubramanian, Preethi; Detsch, Rainer; Esteban-Tejeda, Leticia; Grünewald, Alina; Moya, Jose S.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomedical Glasses, 2017)

Influence of functionalized halloysite clays (HNT) on selected properties of multiblock (e)PBS-EG copolymer obtained by enzymatic catalysis - Gradzik, Boguslawa; Stenzel, Alexander; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; El Fray, Miroslawa (Designed Monomers and Polymers, 2015)
In this paper, we discuss the functionalization of halloysite aluminosilicate clays (HNT) with anionic surfactant - sodium dodecanoate (NaL) and their use in new polymeric nanocomposites preparation via solvent casting. The selected polymer matrix were segmented; copoly(ester-ether)s - poly(butylene succinate-co-ethylene glycol) (PBS-EG) were synthesized for the first time with the use of enzymatic catalyst from Candida antarctica lipase B. The influence of variable concentration of NaL, temperature, and time on functionalization and finally on the chemical structure (IR) and colloidal stability (zeta potential) of functionalized HNT (f-HNT) was examined. Nanocomposites were prepared via solvent casting process, where 1 wt% of HNTs and 1 wt% of f-HNT clays were added to the (e)PBS-EG solution in chloroform. The chemical structure, topography, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of prepared nanocomposites were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy, and water contact angle. It was observed that higher concentration of NaL, longer modification time, and higher temperature lead to even distribution of f-HNT into (e)PBS-EG matrix. Halloysite clays in general improved the hydrophilicity of (e)PBS-EG and f-HNT was found to act as nucleating agent during polymer crystallization.
Keywords: aluminosilicates; enzymatic synthesis; halloysite clays; nanocomposites; poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)

Influence of Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Particles Doped with Cu and Mg on the Microstructure and Properties of Zein-Based Coatings Obtained by Electrophoretic Deposition - Maciąg, F.; Moskalewicz, T.; Cholewa-Kowalska, K.; Hadzhieva, Zoya; Dziadek, M.; Dubiel, B.; Łukaszczyk, A.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2023)
Cu- and Mg-doped mesoporous sol-gel bioactive glasses (MSGG) were developed and their microstructure was investigated. Selected biological tests were also performed to assess their suitability for the functionalization of polymer zein coatings. The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) conditions to obtain composite coatings on Ti-13Nb-13Zr substrates were determined. The coatings with excellent adhesion to the substrates were macroscopically uniform, exhibiting open porosity and high roughness. The surfaces of the samples coated with MSGG/zein coatings became more hydrophilic than the titanium alloy substrates. However, with increase of the volume fraction of glass particles in the coatings, the contact angle increased. The coated alloy showed enhanced resistance to electrochemical corrosion in Ringer’s solution. The chemical composition of the glass used in the coating affected the parameters of wettability and resistance to electrochemical corrosion. Both coating types showed an increase in the antibacterial properties against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria compared to pure zein. However, no significant differences were observed after a 24 h-long test.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-08-25
Keywords: coating; electrophoretic deposition; mesoporous sol-gel bioactive glass; titanium biomaterials; zein

Influence of metakaolin characteristics on the mechanical properties of geopolymers - Kuenzel, C.; Neville, T. P.; Donatello, Shane; Vandeperre, Luc; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Cheeseman, C. R. (Applied Clay Science, 2013)
The relationship between the properties of geopolymers and the characteristics of metakaolin samples used in their preparation has been investigated. Three commercial metakaolin samples have been characterised using 27Al-NMR to determine the coordination number of Al (IV, V and VI), and by acid and alkali dissolution to determine the reactive Si and Al content. The setting and mechanical properties of geopolymers formed from the metakaolin samples under identical conditions are reported, using Weibull statistics to analyse strength data. Although the metakaolin samples contained different levels of five coordinated aluminium (Al (V)) the mechanical properties of the geopolymers formed were very similar. The reactive fraction of metakaolinite determined by dissolution in 8M NaOH provides the most relevant long-term indicator of geopolymer performance. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2013.tech.IW.LM.influe
Keywords: Geopolymer; Metakaolin; Reactive content; Weibull statistics

Influence of proteins on the corrosion behavior of a chitosan-bioactive glass coated magnesium alloy - Höhlinger, Michael; Christa, Daniel; Zimmermann, Victoria; Heise, Svenja; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Virtanen, Sannakaisa (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2019)
The current study explored the degradation behavior of a WE43 Mg alloy during immersion tests in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) for 3d and 7d, for a bare alloy surface as well as for samples with surface pretreatment, and finally for samples coated with chitosan-bioactive glass. The immersion tests were conducted with and without addition of serum, to study the influence of proteins on the degradation process. Mass-loss was measured to determine the corrosion rate after 3d and 7d of immersion. The samples were analyzed by SEM with respect to their surface morphology and the chemical composition was screened by high-resolution XPS. The results demonstrate not only a significant, time-dependent influence of serum addition on the corrosion behavior of the materials studied, but noteworthy is that depending on the sample type, proteins in solution were observed to either accelerate or inhibit corrosion. These results are discussed in correlation to observed changes in surface chemistry taking place upon immersion in the absence and presence of proteins.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2019-06-04

Influence of random and designed porosities on 3D printed tricalcium phosphate-bioactive glass scaffolds - Bose, Susmita; Bhattacharjee, Arjak; Banerjee, Dishary; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bandyopadhyay, Amit (Additive Manufacturing, 2021)
Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based ceramics are a popular choice for bone-graft applications due to their compositional similarities with bone. Similarly, Bioactive glass (BG) is also common for bone tissue engineering applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and bone binding ability. We report tricalcium phosphate (TCP)-BG (45S5 BG) composite scaffolds using conventional processing and binder jetting-based 3D printing (3DP) technique. We hypothesize that BG's addition in TCP will enhance densification via liquid phase sintering and improve mechanical properties. Further, BG addition to TCP should modulate the dissolution kinetics in vitro. This work's scientific objective is to understand the influence of random vs. designed porosity in TCP-BG ceramics towards variations in compressive strength and in vitro biocompatibility. Our findings indicate that a 5 wt% BG in TCP composite shows a compressive strength of 26.7 ± 2.7 MPa for random porosity structures having a total porosity of 47.9%. The same composition in a designed porosity structure shows a compressive strength of 21.3 ± 2.9 MPa, having a total porosity of 54.1%. Scaffolds are also tested for their dissolution kinetics and in vitro bone cell materials interaction, where TCP-BG compositions show favorable bone cell materials interactions. The addition of BG enhances a flaky hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer in 8 weeks in vitro. Our research shows that the porous TCP- BG scaffolds, fabricated via binder jetting method with enhanced mechanical properties and dissolution properties can be utilized in bone graft applications.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-03-19
Keywords: 3D printing; Bioactive glass; Cytocompatibility; In vitro dissolution; Scaffolds

Influence of sand on the mechanical properties of metakaolin geopolymers - Kuenzel, C.; Li, L.; Vandeperre, Luc; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Cheeseman, C. R. (Construction and Building Materials, 2014)
Metakaolin geopolymers require a high water content to have appropriate rheology for use in some applications and these mixes exhibit extensive drying shrinkage and cracking. This work aimed to understand the effect of adding sand as inert filler to metakaolin geopolymers. It is found that the viscosity increases with sand addition and mortars become unworkable when more than 40 vol% sand is added. Linear drying shrinkage was reduced from about 8% in the absence of sand to less than 1% with 38 vol% sand addition. Moreover, geopolymer mortars containing more than 15 vol% sand can withstand drying at 110 °C without cracking. Because sand addition to metakaolin geopolymer mortars increases viscosity less than a reduction in water content it is possible to formulate mortars that flow but do not crack on drying and these materials have potential for use in a range of architectural and restoration applications. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Drying shrinkage; Fillers; Geopolymers; Mechanical properties; Mortars

Influence of Si3N4 and CuO Nanoparticles on the Microstructure and Properties of Multiphase Graphite Oxide/Hydroxyapatite/Sodium Alginate Coatings Obtained By Electrophoretic Deposition on Titanium Alloy - Moskalewicz, Tomasz; Warcaba, Maciej; Hadzhieva, Zoya; Lukaszczyk, Alicja; Jelen, Piotr; Sitarz, Maciej; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2022)
In this work, we report an electrophoretic deposition path for efficient fabrication of advanced multiphase coatings, consisting of Ca cross-linked sodium alginate with graphite oxide n-GtO flakes mixed into bioactive hydroxyapatite and CuO or Si3N4 antibacterial nanoparticles. Anionic sodium alginate molecules ensured electrosteric stabilisation of the suspension. The effects of the chemical composition of the suspension and deposition parameters on coating morphology were investigated. Hydroxyapatite and antibacterial agents formed agglomerates fairly well spread within the alginate matrix. The coatings with Si3N4 incorporation presented outstanding adhesion to the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy substrates. All coatings revealed hydrophilic surfaces and showed a high ability to protect the alloy substrates from corrosion in Ringer's solution. A hydroxyapatite layer was formed as a result of soaking the coated samples in simulated body fluid for 3 weeks. CuO-containing samples showed significantly improved antibacterial properties against E. coli. The incorporation of n-GtO alone did not induce any cytotoxic effects of the coatings against MG-63 cells but its combination with CuO and Si3N4 reduced the cell viability. However, this behaviour was much more pronounced for the CuO-containing coatings. This work demonstrates the outstanding development potential of electrophoretically deposited multifunctional coatings with potential application in long-term titanium bone implants.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-10-07

Influence of the replacement of silica by boron trioxide on the properties of bioactive glass scaffolds - Schuhladen, Katharina; Pantulap, Usanee; Engel, Kristin; Jeleń, Piotr; Olejniczak, Zbigniew; Hupa, Leena; Sitarz, Maciej; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (International Journal of Applied Glass Science, 2021)
The dissolution properties and bioactivity of bioactive glasses (BGs) are mainly determined by their composition and glass network structure. Silicate BGs are arguable the most popular representatives of BGs. However, borate BGs have gained increasing interest due to their faster degradation rate. By adding boron trioxide in the silicate network, borosilicate BGs can be fabricated with controlled degradation rates. Since the kind and amount of network former determines the resulting BG properties, the aim of this study was to examine the glass structure of silicate, borosilicate and borate BGs. Also, the effect of changing the network former on the ability to fabricate BG scaffolds by the foam replica method was investigated. The resulting silicate, borosilicate, and borate scaffolds were further examined on their chemical, morphological, mechanical, and bioactive properties. Structural analyses showed that the introduction of boron trioxide into silicate BGs leads to the depolymerization of the silicate network. Accordingly, the ion release profile and the ability to form hydroxyapatite of the different scaffolds were affected. Thus, this study shows that tailored BG compositions with case-specific properties can be designed and used to fabricate 3D scaffolds for potential use in bone tissue engineering.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-04-09
Keywords: bioactive glass; bioactivity; borate; borosilicate; scaffolds; structural analyses

Influence of zinc ions on structure, bioactivity, biocompatibility and antibacterial potential of melt-derived and gel-derived glasses from CaO-SiO2 system - Wajda, Aleksandra; Goldmann, Wolfgang; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Sitarz, Maciej (Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 2019)
Several different compositions of zinc-containing glasses in the CaO-SiO2 system were obtained by both traditional melting technique and the sol-gel method. The influence of zinc ions addition in the glass composition was evaluated using different spectroscopic methods (FTIR and Si-29 MAS-NMR). It was demonstrated that ZnO has a significant effect on glass structure and, as a consequence, on thermal properties, texture and bioactivity. EDX and ICP data showed that zinc ions reduce glass bioactivity and incorporate in the newly forming HCA layer. Evaluation of the in vitro biocompatibility of the obtained materials was performed by indirect tests using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. All samples were found to be biocompatible and zinc ions enhanced the cell viability. Antibacterial tests against gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) were carried out to evaluate the antibacterial potential of the zinc-doped glasses.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2019-04-18

Influences of mesoporous magnesium silicate on the hydrophilicity, degradability, mineralization and primary cell response to a wheat protein based biocomposite - Feng, Shipeng; Li, Jianyou; Jiang, Xuesheng; Li, Xiongfeng; Pan, Yongkang; Zhao, Liming; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Zheng, Kai; Yang, Lili; Wei, Jie (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2016)

Inhibition of calcification of polymer-ceramic composites incorporating nanocrystalline TiO2 - Piegat, A.; El Fray, M.; Jawad, H.; Chen, Q. Z.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Advances in Applied Ceramics, 2008)
An emerging problem related to the development of polymer surfaces resistant to calcification was addressed in this work. Multiblock copolymers containing poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (30 wt-%) as hard segment and dilinoleic acid (DLA) as soft segment were prepared in the presence of two concentrations of TiO2 particles (23 nm diameter) as nanofiller (0·2 and 0·4 wt-%) via in situ polycondensation process. Changes of thermal properties as well as investigations of topography of these nanocomposites suggest that addition of small amount of TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in higher crystallinity and roughness of the copolymer surface. Incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) increased the roughness of all copolymers characterised by root mean square (rms) values; however, no hydroxyapatite layer was formed on the samples surface. The highest difference of rms values was found for the neat PET/DLA material. The addition of nanocrystalline TiO2 seems to prevent the material surface from calcification which represents a positive effect when such nanocomposite is intended for medical applications, especially for uses in contact with soft tissue. © 2008 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2008.tech.IW.LM.inhibi
Keywords: Nanocomposites; Polyesters; TiO

Initial Attatchment of rMSC and MG-63 Cells on Patterned Bioglass® Substrates - Detsch, Rainer; Guillon, Olivier; Wondraczek, Lothar; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2012)
A soft lithography technique was used to introduce surface patterns on the surface of sintered bioactive glass substrates. Osteoblast-like MG-63 cells and rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC) seeded on micropatterned bioactive glass surfaces showed different behavior with rMSC exhibiting a better initial attachment than MG-63 cells. Both cytoskeleton formation and cell spreading of rMSC were supported by the bioactive surfaces. In addition, the structured surfaces seemed to guide MG-63 cells to a larger extent than rMSC. The in vitro results are important considering the continuous development of bone tissue scaffolds based on silicate bioactive glasses. Soft lithography technique based on micromolding can be applied to introduce well-defined micropatterns on the surface of sintered bioactive glass substrates. Investigations with osteoblast-like cells and mesenchymal stem cells indicate that surface microstructuring can affect cytocompatibility and enable the assessment of the effects that different topographies have on different cell types. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2012.tech.IW.LM.initia

Initial studies on the cytotoxicity of ceramics prepared from dry discharge incinerator bottom ash dust - Bourtsalas, A. (Thanos); Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Cheeseman, Christopher (Ceramics International, 2016)
Keywords: A. Incinerator bottom ash; B. Energy-from-Waste; C. Resource efficiency; D. Cytotoxicity; E. Up-cycling

Injectable bone cements: What benefits the combination of calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses could bring? - Demir-Oğuz, Öznur; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Loca, Dagnija (Bioactive Materials, 2022)
Out of the wide range of calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterials, calcium phosphate bone cements (CPCs) have attracted increased attention since their discovery in the 1980s due to their valuable properties such as bioactivity, osteoconductivity, injectability, hardening ability through a low-temperature setting reaction and moldability. Thereafter numerous researches have been performed to enhance the properties of CPCs. Nonetheless, low mechanical performance of CPCs limits their clinical application in load bearing regions of bone. Also, the in vivo resorption and replacement of CPC with new bone tissue is still controversial, thus further improvements of high clinical importance are required. Bioactive glasses (BGs) are biocompatible and able to bond to bone, stimulating new bone growth while dissolving over time. In the last decades extensive research has been performed analyzing the role of BGs in combination with different CaPs. Thus, the focal point of this review paper is to summarize the available research data on how injectable CPC properties could be improved or affected by the addition of BG as a secondary powder phase. It was found that despite the variances of setting time and compressive strength results, desirable injectable properties of bone cements can be achieved by the inclusion of BGs into CPCs. The published data also revealed that the degradation rate of CPCs is significantly improved by BG addition. Moreover, the presence of BG in CPCs improves the in vitro osteogenic differentiation and cell response as well as the tissue-material interaction in vivo.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-04-29
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Bone regeneration; Calcium phosphate; Calcium phosphate bone cements; Injectable bone cements

Injectable osteogenic and angiogenic nanocomposite hydrogels for irregular bone defects - Vishnu Priya, M.; Sivshanmugam, A.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Goudouri, Ourania Menti; Sun, Wook; Hwang, Nathaniel; Deepthi, S.; Nair, Shantikumar V.; Jayakumar, R. (Biomedical Materials, 2016)
Keywords: angiogenesis; bone regeneration; chitin; fibrin nanoparticles; injectable hydrogel; Mg-doped bioglass; osteogenesis

Injectable self-gelling composites for bone tissue engineering based on gellan gum hydrogel enriched with different bioglasses - Douglas, Timothy E. L.; Piwowarczyk, Wojciech; Pamula, Elzbieta; Liskova, Jana; Schaubroeck, David; Leeuwenburgh, Sander C. G.; Brackman, Gilles; Balcaen, Lieve; Detsch, Rainer; Declercq, Heidi; Cholewa-Kowalska, Katarzyna; Dokupil, Agnieszka; et al. (Biomedical Materials (Bristol), 2014)
Hydrogels of biocompatible calcium-crosslinkable polysaccharide gellan gum (GG) were enriched with bioglass particles to enhance (i) mineralization with calcium phosphate (CaP); (ii) antibacterial properties and (iii) growth of bone-forming cells for future bone regeneration applications. Three bioglasses were compared, namely one calcium-rich and one calcium-poor preparation both produced by a sol-gel technique (hereafter referred to as A2 and S2, respectively) and one preparation of composition close to that of the commonly used 45S5 type (hereafter referred to as NBG). Incubation in SBF for 7 d, 14 d and 21 d caused apatite formation in bioglass-containing but not in bioglass-free samples, as confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, ICP-OES, and measurements of dry mass, i.e. mass attributable to polymer and mineral and not water. Mechanical testing revealed an increase in compressive modulus in samples containing S2 and NBG but not A2. Antibacterial testing using biofilm-forming meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) showed markedly higher antibacterial activity of samples containing A2 and S2 than samples containing NBG and bioglass-free samples. Cell biological characterization using rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) revealed a stimulatory effect of NBG on rMSC differentiation. The addition of bioglass thus promotes GG mineralizability and, depending on bioglass type, antibacterial properties and rMSC differentiation. © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd.
Keywords: bioglass; bone tissue engineering; gellan gum; hydrogel; injectable; osteoblast

Innovations in Electrophoretic Deposition: Alternating current and pulsed direct current methods-A - Chavez-Valdez, Alejandra; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Electrochimica Acta, 2012)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2012.tech.IW.LM.innova

In silico design of magnesium implants: Macroscopic modeling - Sanz-Herrera, J. A.; Reina-Romo, E.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2018)
Keywords: Biodegradable metals; Computational simulation; Magnesium implants; Mathematical modeling; Tissue Engineering

In-situ Cu-doped MnCo-spinel coatings for solid oxide cell interconnects processed by electrophoretic deposition - Sabato, A. G.; Molin, S.; Javed, H.; Zanchi, E.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Smeacetto, F. (Ceramics International, 2019)
The Cu doping of the Mn–Co spinel is obtained “in-situ” by electrophoretic co-deposition of CuO and Mn1.5Co1.5O4 powders and subsequent two-step reactive sintering. Cu-doped Mn1.5Co1.5O4 coatings on Crofer22APU processed by electrophoretic co-deposition method are tested in terms of long term oxidation resistance and area specific resistance tests up to 3600 h. The introduction of Cu in the spinel lead to higher level of densification of coatings for all the considered aging periods at 800 °C and stabilizes the cubic phase of the Mn1.5Co1.5O4 spinel. Corrosion rate of the Cu-doped Mn1.5Co1.5O4 coated Crofer22APU is ∼10x lower than for the uncoated Crofer22APU. The stabilization of the cubic phase due to Cu doping, which reduces the extent of the tetragonal-cubic phase transition and limits possible thermal stresses due to mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion or volume changes, is reviewed and discussed by means of electrical conductivity measurements together with diffraction patterns and elemental analyses. These novel electrophoretic co-deposited Cu-doped MnCo spinel coatings represent an innovative approach to obtain coatings with higher density and have future applications in the view of reaching lower rates of Cr evaporation form the steel.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-06-28
Keywords: Coating; EPD; Solid oxide cell; Spinel

Integration of mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles and curcumin into PHBV microspheres as biocompatible composite for drug delivery applications - Aguilar Rabiela, Arturo Elias; Leal-Egaña, Aldo; Nawaz, Qaisar; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Molecules, 2021)
Bioactive glasses (BGs) are being increasingly considered for biomedical applications. One convenient approach to utilize BGs in tissue engineering and drug delivery involves their combination with organic biomaterials in order to form composites with enhanced biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this work, mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGN) have been merged with polyhydroxyalkanoate microspheres with the purpose to develop drug carriers. The composite carriers (microspheres) were loaded with curcumin as a model drug. The toxicity and delivery rate of composite microspheres were tested in vitro, reaching a curcumin loading efficiency of over 90% and an improving of biocompatibility of different concentrations of MBGN due to its administrations through the composite. The composite microspheres were tested in terms of controlled release, biocompatibility and bioactivity. Our results demonstrate that the composite microspheres can be potentially used in biomedicine due to their dual effects: bioactivity (due to the presence of MBGN) and curcumin release capability.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-06-18
Keywords: Bioactive glass nanoparticles; Composite microspheres; Drug delivery systems; PHBV

Interaction of HEPES buffer with glass-ceramic scaffold: Can HEPES replace TRIS in SBF? - Rohanova, Dana; Horkavcova, Diana; Paidere, Laine; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bozdechova, Pavlina; Bezdicka, Petr (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B-Applied Biomaterials, 2016)
Keywords: biomaterial; glass-ceramic scaffold; HEPES buffer; in vitro test; simulated body fluid

Interaction of MOPS buffer with glass-ceramic scaffold: Effect of (PO4)(3-) ions in SBF on kinetics and morphology of formatted hydroxyapatite - Horkavcova, Diana; Rohanova, Dana; Stribny, Adam; Schuhladen, Katharina; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bezdicka, Petr (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 2019)
The international standard ISO 23317:2014 for the in vitro testing of inorganic biomaterials in simulated body fluid (SBF) uses TRIS buffer to maintain neutral pH. In our previous papers, we investigated the interaction of a glass-ceramic scaffold with TRIS and HEPES buffers. Both of them speeded up glass-ceramic dissolution and hydroxyapatite (HAp) precipitation, thereby demonstrating their unsuitability for the in vitro testing of highly reactive biomaterials. In this article, we tested MOPS buffer (3-[N-morpholino] propanesulfonic acid), another amino acid from the group of "Goods buffers". A highly reactive glass-ceramic scaffold (derived from Bioglass (R)) was exposed to SBF under static-dynamic conditions for 13/15 days. The kinetics and morphology of the newly precipitated HAp were studied using two different concentrations of (PO4)(3-) ions in SBF. The pH value and the Si-IV, Ca2+, and (PO4)(3-) concentrations in the SBF leachate samples were measured every day (AAS, spectrophotometry). The glass-ceramic scaffold was monitored by SEM/EDS, XRD, WD-XRF, and BET before and after 1, 3, 7, 11, and 13/15 days of exposure. As in the case of TRIS and HEPES, the preferential dissolution of the glass-ceramic crystalline phase (Combeite) was observed, but less intensively. The lower concentration of (PO4)(3-) ions slowed down the kinetics of HAp precipitation, thereby causing the disintegration of the scaffold structure. This phenomenon shows that the HAp phase was predominately generated by the presence of (PO4)(3-) ions in the SBF, not in the glass-ceramic material. Irrespective of this, MOPS buffer is not suitable for the maintenance of pH in SBF.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2019-12-27

International Journal of Applied Glass Science: Special Issue Editorial - Bernardo, Enrico; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Duran, Alicia; Galusek, Dusan; Wondraczek, Lothar (International Journal of Applied Glass Science, 2021)
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-06-11

Introduction to focus issue on electrophoretic deposition - Dickerson, J. H.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2015)

Investigating the effect of salicylate salt in enhancing the corrosion resistance of AZ91 magnesium alloy for biomedical applications - Francis, Adel; Virtanen, Sannakaisa; Turhan, Metehan C.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (BioNanoMaterials, 2015)
Keywords: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Magnesium and magnesium alloys; Pretreatment and corrosion protection; Salicylate salts

Investigating the Vascularization of Tissue-Engineered Bone Constructs Using Dental Pulp Cells and 45S5 Bioglass® Scaffolds - El-Gendy, Reem; Kirkham, Jennifer; Newby, Phillipa J.; Mohanram, Yamuna; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Yang, Xuebin B. (Tissue Engineering - Part A, 2015)
Identification of a suitable cell source combined with an appropriate 3D scaffold is an essential prerequisite for successful engineering of skeletal tissues. Both osteogenesis and angiogenesis are key processes for bone regeneration. This study investigated the vascularization potential of a novel combination of human dental pulp stromal cells (HDPSCs) with 45S5 Bioglass® scaffolds for tissue-engineered mineral constructs in vivo and in vitro. 45S5 Bioglass scaffolds were produced by the foam replication technique with the standard composition of 45wt% SiO2, 24.5wt% Na2O, 24.5wt% CaO, and 6wt% P2O5. HDPSCs were cultured in monolayers and on porous 45S5 Bioglass scaffolds under angiogenic and osteogenic conditions for 2-4 weeks. HDPSCs expressed endothelial gene markers (CD34, CD31/PECAM1, and VEGFR2) under both conditions in the monolayer. A combination of HDPSCs with 45S5 Bioglass enhanced the expression of these gene markers. Positive immunostaining for CD31/PECAM1 and VEGFR2 and negative staining for CD34 supported the gene expression data, while histology revealed evidence of endothelial cell-like morphology within the constructs. More organized tubular structures, resembling microvessels, were seen in the constructs after 8 weeks of implantation in vivo. In conclusion, this study suggests that the combination of HDPSCs with 45S5 Bioglass scaffolds offers a promising strategy for regenerating vascularized bone grafts.

Investigation and characterization of the additive manufacturing of polycaprolactone/bioactive glass hybrid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering via material extrusion processing - Gritsch, Lukas; Askanian, Haroutioun; Bednarzig, Vera; Schrüfer, Stefan; Kaschta, Joachim; Blavignac, Christelle; Peuble, Steve; Gallice, Frederic; Jallot, Edouard; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Lao, Jonathan (Progress in Additive Manufacturing, 2023)
Thanks to its versatility and effectiveness, additive manufacturing is expected to completely revolutionize the biomedical science field. In bone regenerative medicine, in particular, additive manufacturing has the great potential of opening new avenues of development for patient-specific ad hoc therapies. In theory, a defect could be scanned and precisely replicated, thus offering the best fitting for each patient. The main bottleneck to date is the relatively scarce availability of materials that can be printed reliably and consistently. This is the case for organic/inorganic hybrids, materials produced by sol–gel chemistry that combine the advantages of polymers and bioinorganics at the molecular scale. Due to their complex structure and unique rheological and mechanical properties, the printing of hybrids remains challenging. With this study, we aim to investigate the rheological, thermal and molecular properties of a class I polycaprolactone/bioactive glass hybrid and discover how they correlate with the printability of the material. The molecular weight distribution (gel permeation chromatography), thermal properties (thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry) and rheological properties of each hybrid material were investigated at all stages of processing. Printing trials via direct material extrusion processing followed by morphological characterization were performed on both polymers and hybrids. Their apatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and particle-induced X-ray emission. Results confirmed the successful manufacturing of organic/inorganic hybrids using direct material extrusion processing for the first time. Three-dimensional scaffolds were successfully produced without the need for further processing. No additional solvents or convoluted indirect approaches were necessary. Thanks to the thermal analysis, an ideal temperature window for printing was identified. SBF immersion assays confirmed that the material's bioactivity is retained after printing. Considering the presented findings, material extrusion processing might develop into an essential technique for fabricating superior 3D bioactive scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-09-29
Keywords: Additive manufacturing; Bioactive glasses; Bioactivity; Fused deposition modeling; Hybrids; Polycaprolactone

Investigation of catalytic activation of peroxydisulfate on cu-doped mesoporous silica-based particles (Cu-BMS) for efficient degradation of methylene blue - Sajjadi, Saeed; Anand, Akrity; Beltrán, Ana M.; Dvoranová, Dana; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Galusková, Dagmar; Jaška, David; Klement, Róbert (Catalysis Communications, 2024)
The Cu-doped mesoporous silica-based particles (Cu-BMS) were prepared using an evaporation-induced self-assembly sol-gel procedure as a heterogeneous catalyst for the activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS). The formation of well-organized mesoporous structures with amorphous nature and high surface area of 286 m2/g was demonstrated. The catalytic activity of Cu-BMS in the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and the effects of operating parameters, including Cu-BMS dosage, initial PDS amount, initial MB concentration, temperature and initial pH, were investigated in details. The Cu-BMS demonstrated a remarkable catalytic activity (93.5% degradation efficiency within 60 min) and good stability.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2024-01-19
Keywords: Advanced oxidation process (AOP); Mesoporous catalyst; Organic pollutant; Persulfate activation

Investigation of the batch-to-batch inconsistencies of Collagen in PCL-Collagen nanofibers. - Dippold, Dirk; Hardt, Moritz; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Horch, Raymund E.; Beier, Justus P.; Schubert, Dirk W.; Cai, Aijia (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2019)
The application of tissue engineered constructs is an approach in regenerative therapies to support regeneration of damaged muscular tissue. Therefore the development of highly aligned electrospun scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and collagen enables a versatile development towards tailor made applications. However, the application of natural polymers like collagen brings the risk of batch-to-batch inconsistencies, which influence the reproducibility of the electrospinning process. Aligned PCL-Collagen nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using benign solvents. The spinnability of different collagen batches and polymer concentrations in diluted acetic acid as solvent was investigated. Furthermore spinning parameters and fiber morphology were investigated in order to determine the most stable spinning conditions and analyze the batch-to-batch variations. Finally the effect of the solution temperature and the time of pure collagen in solution were investigated, to complete the analysis of the influences on the spinning behavior.

In vitro and in ovo impact of the ionic dissolution products of boron-doped bioactive silicate glasses on cell viability, osteogenesis and angiogenesis - Decker, Simon; Arango Ospina, Marcela; Rehder, Felix; Moghaddam, Arash; Simon, Rolf; Merle, Christian; Renkawitz, Tobias; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Westhauser, Fabian (Scientific Reports, 2022)
Due to the pivotal role of angiogenesis in bone regeneration, the angiogenic properties of biomaterials are of high importance since they directly correlate with the biomaterials' osteogenic potential via 'angiogenic-osteogenic coupling' mechanisms. The impact of bioactive glasses (BGs) on vascularization can be tailored by incorporation of biologically active ions such as boron (B). Based on the ICIE16-BG composition (in mol%: 49.5 SiO2, 36.3 CaO, 6.6 Na2O, 1.1 P2O5, 6.6 K2O), three B-doped BGs have been developed (compositions in mol%: 46.5/45.5/41.5 SiO2, 36.3 CaO, 6.6 Na2O, 1.1 P2O5, 6.6 K2O, 3/4/8 B2O3). The influence of B-doping on the viability, cellular osteogenic differentiation and expression of osteogenic and angiogenic marker genes of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) was analyzed by cultivating BMSCs in presence of the BGs' ionic dissolution products (IDPs). Furthermore, the influence of the IDPs on angiogenesis was evaluated in ovo using a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The influence of B-doped BGs on BMSC viability was dose-dependent, with higher B concentrations showing limited negative effects. B-doping led to a slight stimulation of osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro. In contrast to that, B-doping significantly enhanced vascularization in ovo, especially in higher concentrations. Differences between the results of the in vitro and in ovo part of this study might be explained via the different importance of vascularization in both settings. The implementation of new experimental models that cover the 'angiogenic-osteogenic coupling' mechanisms is highly relevant, for instance via extending the application of the CAM assay from solely angiogenic to angiogenic and osteogenic purposes.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-06-03

In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of alginate dialdehyde/gelatin hydrogels with and without nanoscaled bioactive glass for bone tissue engineering applications - Rottensteiner, Ulrike; Sarker, Bapi; Heusinger, Dominik; Dafinova, Diana; Rath, Subha N.; Beier, Justus; Kneser, Ulrich; Horch, Raymund E.; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Arkudas, Andreas (Materials, 2014)
In addition to good mechanical properties needed for three-dimensional tissue engineering, the combination of alginate dialdehyde, gelatin and nano-scaled bioactive glass (45S5) is supposed to combine excellent cellular adhesion, proliferation and differentiation properties, good biocompatibility and predictable degradation rates. The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility as a first step on the way to its use as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering. In vitro evaluation showed good cell adherence and proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells seeded on covalently crosslinked alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) hydrogel films with and without 0.1% nano-Bioglass® (nBG). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)- and mitochondrial activity significantly increased in both ADA-GEL and ADA-GEL-nBG groups compared to alginate. However, addition of 0.1% nBG seemed to have slight cytotoxic effect compared to ADA-GEL. In vivo implantation did not produce a significant inflammatory reaction, and ongoing degradation could be seen after four weeks. Ongoing vascularization was detected after four weeks. The good biocompatibility encourages future studies using ADA-GEL and nBG for bone tissue engineering application. © 2014 by the authors.
Keywords: Alginate dialdehyde; Biocompatibility; Gelatin; Mesenchymal stem cells; Nano-Bioglass®; Tissue engineering

In vitro antistaphylococcal effects of a novel 45S5 bioglass/agar-gelatin biocomposite films - Rivadeneira, J.; Carina Audisio, M.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Gorustovich, A. A. (Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2013)
Aims: To assess the antibacterial efficacy of new composite materials developed from microparticles of 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) and agar-gelatin films. Methods and Results: In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus spp. because of the importance of this pathogen in damaged tissues and in failures associated with biomaterial implants. To our knowledge, this is the first paper reporting on the suitable combination of BG and agar-gelatin for bioactive and antibacterial films. Bacterial suspensions up or below 105 CFU ml-1 reflecting situations of wound infection and of noninfection, respectively, were prepared and then put in contact with the biomaterials at 37°C. After 24 and 48 h of incubation, the pH value was measured and the staphylococci strains viability was determined by counting in Mueller-Hinton agar plates. Moreover, the biomaterials were prepared for observation under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biocomposites (BCs) showed a strong antibacterial effect against all staphylococci strains tested. Some differences were found depending on the strain, the inoculum size and the contact time. This effect was correlated with an alkalinization of the media. By SEM analyses, no bacterial presence was observed on the surface of BCs in any of the cell concentrations tested at any time. Conclusions: Overall, the coating of 45S5 BG on agar-gelatin films promoted BCs with strong antistaphylococcal activity. The effect was efficient under bacterial concentration up or below 105 CFU ml-1. Additionally, none of the strains were found on BCs surfaces. Significance and Impact of Study: 45S5 bioglass/agar-gelatin biocomposite films are reported for the first time. The results suggest a potential application as wound dressing. © 2013 The Society for Applied Microbiology.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2013.tech.IW.LM.invitr
Keywords: Antibacterial activity; Bioactive glass; Biocomposites; Biopolymers

In-vitro bioactivity and cytotoxicity of polarized (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 ceramics as a novel biomaterial for bone repair - Hermann-Muñoz, J. A.; Rincón-López, J. A.; Fernández-Benavides, D. A.; Detsch, Rainer; Alvarado-Orozco, J. M.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Muñoz-Saldaña, J. (Materials Letters, 2020)
Poled (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 ceramics were firstly evaluated in the present study for their potential application as a novel biomaterial for bone repair. The formation of bone-like apatite was only observed on polarized surfaces showing a clear influence of polarity on its growth and maturation process after bioactivity tests. A non-cytotoxic effect of (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 ceramics on MC3T3-E1 cells was shown in the viability test. Cells spread along the surface showed slight differences in shape and size due to polarity. Bioactive and non-cytotoxic behavior exhibited by poled (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 ceramics makes them a promising material with tunable in-vitro properties for biomedical applications.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-06-16
Keywords: Bismuth-sodium titanate; Bone repair; In-vitro assessment; Piezoelectric ceramics; Surface polarity

In vitro biocompatibility of 45S5 Bioglass (R)-derived glass-ceramic scaffolds coated with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Tissue Engineering -Larchmont, 2009)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2009.tech.IW.LM.invitr_7

In vitro cell response to Co-containing 1393 bioactive glass - Hoppe, Alexander; Brandl, Andreas; Bleiziffer, Oliver; Arkudas, Andreas; Horch, Raymund E.; Jokic, Bojan; Janackovic, Djordje; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2015)
Abstract Cobalt ions are known to stimulate angiogenesis via inducing hypoxic conditions and hence are interesting agents to be used in conjunction with bioactive glasses (BGs) in bone tissue engineering approaches. In this work we investigated in vitro cell biocompatibility of Co releasing 1393 BG composition (in wt.%: 53SiO2, 6Na2O, 12K2O, 5MgO, 20CaO, and 4P2O5) derived scaffolds with osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (hDMECs). Cell viability, cell number and cell morphology of osteoblast-like cells in contact with particulate glass and 3D scaffolds were assessed showing good biocompatibility of 1393 reference material and with 1 wt.% CoO addition whereby 5 wt.% of CoO in the glass showed cytotoxicity. Furthermore for 1393 with 1 wt.% of CoO increased mitochondrial activity was measured. Similar observations were made with hDMECs: while 1393 and 1393 with 1 wt.% CoO were biocompatible and the endothelial phenotype was retained, 5 wt.% CoO containing BG showed cytotoxic effects after 1 week of cell culture. In conclusion, 1 wt.% Co containing BG was biocompatible with osteoblast like cells and endothelial cells and showed slightly stimulating effects on osteoblast-like cells whereas the addition of 5 wt.% CoO seems to exceed the vital therapeutic ranges of Co ions being released in physiological fluids.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Bioactive glass; Cobalt; Endothelial cells

In vitro cytocompatibility and antibacterial studies on biodegradable Zn alloys supplemented by a critical assessment of direct contact cytotoxicity assay - Watroba, Maria; Bednarczyk, Wiktor; Szewczyk, Piotr K.; Kawalko, Jakub; Mech, Krzysztof; Grünewald, Alina; Ünalan, Irem; Taccardi, Nicola; Boelter, Gabriela; Banzhaf, Manuel; Hain, Caroline; Bala, Piotr; et al. (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 2022)
In vitro cytotoxicity assessment is indispensable in developing new biodegradable implant materials. Zn, which demonstrates an ideal corrosion rate between Mg- and Fe-based alloys, has been reported to have excellent in vivo biocompatibility. Therefore, modifications aimed at improving Zn's mechanical properties should not degrade its biological response. As sufficient strength, ductility and corrosion behavior required of load-bearing implants has been obtained in plastically deformed Zn-3Ag-0.5Mg, the effect of simultaneous Ag and Mg additions on in vitro cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties was studied, in relation to Zn and Zn-3Ag. Direct cell culture on samples and indirect extract-based tests showed almost no significant differences between the tested Zn-based materials. The diluted extracts of Zn, Zn-3Ag, and Zn-3Ag-0.5Mg showed no cytotoxicity toward MG-63 cells at a concentration of <= 12.5%. The cytotoxic effect was observed only at high Zn2+ ion concentrations and when in direct contact with metallic samples. The highest LD50 (lethal dose killing 50% of cells) of 13.4 mg/L of Zn2+ ions were determined for the Zn-3Ag-0.5Mg. Similar antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was observed for Zn and Zn alloys, so the effect is attributed mainly to the released Zn2+ ions exhibiting bactericidal properties. Most importantly, our experiments indicated the limitations of water-soluble tetrazolium salt-based cytotoxicity assays for direct tests on Zn-based materials. The discrepancies between the WST-8 assay and SEM observations are attributed to the interference of Zn2+ ions with tetrazolium salt, therefore favoring its transformation into formazan, giving false cell viability quantitative results.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-09-02

In vitro degradation and bioactivity of composite poly-l-lactic (PLLA)/bioactive glass (BG) scaffolds: comparison of 45S5 and 1393BG compositions - Conoscenti, Gioacchino; Pavia, Francesco Carfi; Ciraldo, Francesca; Liverani, Liliana; Brucato, Valerio; La Carrubba, Vincenzo; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Science, 2018)

In vitro endothelial cell response to ionic dissolution products from boron-doped bioactive glass in the SiO2-CaO-P2O5-Na2O system - Durand, Luis A. Haro; Gongora, Adrian; Lopez, Jose M. Porto; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Zago, M. Paola; Baldi, Alberto; Gorustovich, Alejandro (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2014)
As it has been established that boron (B) may perform functions in angiogenesis and osteogenesis, the controlled and localized release of B ions from bioactive glasses (BGs) is expected to provide a promising therapeutic alternative for regenerative medicine of vascularized tissues, such as bone. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro angiogenic effects of the ionic dissolution products (IDPs) from BGs in the SiO-CaO-NaO-PO (45S5) system and of those from 45S5 BG doped with 2 wt% BO (45S5.2B). The results show, for the first time, the IDPs from 45S5.2B BG stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration that were associated with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p38 protein. It was also shown that IDPs from 45S5.2B BG could enhance in vitro HUVEC tubule formation and secretion of interleukin 6 (IL6) and the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The effects observed are attributed to the presence of B in the IDPs. These findings are relevant to bone tissue engineering and regeneration because the IDPs from 45S5.2B BG may act as inexpensive inorganic angiogenic agents providing a convenient alternative to the application of conventional angiogenic growth factors.

In vitro evaluation of 45S5 Bioglass-derived glass-ceramic scaffolds coated with carbon nanotubes - Meng, Decheng; Rath, Subha Narayan; Mordan, Nichola; Salih, Vehid; Kneser, Ulrich; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 2011)
Highly porous (>90% porosity) 45S5 Bioglass®-derived glass-ceramic scaffolds were fabricated by foam replication method, and coated with carbon nanotubes (CNT) (coating thickness: 1 μm) using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). In vitro cell culture using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was carried out on both scaffold systems (with and without CNT coating) over a 4-week period. By using AlamarBlue ™, BSA and alkaline phosphatase assays; the cell viability and differentiation were measured quantitatively measured and compared between the two scaffold types. The results showed that both scaffold systems are biocompatible with MSCs and they can support the cellular activity. No cytotoxic effects of CNT were observed under the conditions of the present experiments. Although a lower initial cell viability on the CNT-coated scaffolds was observed, no significant differences were found after 4 weeks of culture compared with the uncoated scaffolds. This work therefore shows that there is in principle no significant improvement of cellular responses by creating a CNT-coating on this type of highly bioactive scaffolds. However, the electrical conductivity introduced by the coating might have the potential to increase cell viability and differentiation when cell culture is carried out under the effect of electrical stimulation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2011.tech.IW.LM.invitr
Keywords: bioactive glass; bone tissue engineering; carbon nanotubes; scaffolds

In vitro evaluation of poly (vinyl alcohol)/collagen blended hydrogels for regulating human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and gingival fibroblasts - Zhou, Tian; Zheng, Kai; Sui, Baiyan; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Sun, Jiao (International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2020)
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can destroy periodontal tissue. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is widely applied to treat periodontitis. However, the challenge is to develop a GTR membrane capable of simultaneously regenerating periodontal tissue and preventing epithelial downgrowth into the defect. Herein, blended hydrogels composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and fish collagen (Col) were prepared as GTR membranes. The morphology, Col release, and cellular behavior of the blended hydrogels were evaluated. The results showed that the surface porosity and Col release of the PVA/Col blended hydrogels were enhanced by increasing the Col concentration. The adhesion and proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on the PVA/Col blended hydrogels can be regulated by tuning the PVA/Col ratio. The PVA/Col (50:50) blended hydrogel exhibited the highest cell proliferation rate for HPDLFs with spread cell morphology; the lowest viability for HGFs was found on the PVA/Col (100:0) hydrogel. Thus, by controlling the ratio of PVA to Col, multifunctional PVA/Col blended hydrogels able to regulate the cellular behavior of HPDLFs and HGFs can be developed, demonstrating their potential as GTR membrances for guiding periodontal tissue regeneration.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-10-09
Keywords: Fish collagen; Hydrogels; PVA

In vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cells response to ionic dissolution products from lithium-containing 45S5 bioactive glass - Haro Durand, Luis A.; Vargas, Gabriela E.; Vera-Mesones, Rosa; Baldi, Alberto; Zago, Maria P.; Fanovich, Maria A.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Gorustovich, Alejandro (Materials, 2017)
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Endothelial cell; Lithium

In-vitro mechanical and biological evaluation of novel zirconia reinforced bioglass scaffolds for bone repair - Gouveia, Paula F.; Mesquita-Guimarães, Joana; Galárraga-Vinueza, María E.; Souza, Júlio C.M.; Silva, Filipe S.; Fredel, Márcio C.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Detsch, Rainer; Henriques, Bruno (Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2021)
Bone defects resulting from infections, tumors, or traumas represent a major health care issue. Tissue engineering has been working togehter with medicine to develop techniques to repair bone damage and increase patient's life quality. In that context, scaffolds composed of bioactive ceramics have been explored, although their poor mechanical properties restrain their clinical applications as highly porous structures. As an alternative solution, this study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties and biological response of novel zirconia reinforced bioactive glass scaffolds (ZRBG) manufactured by the replica method. The microstructure, chemical composition, compressive strength, density, in-vitro bioactivity, and cell viability were analyzed and compared to scaffolds made of monolithic zirconia of similar architecture (45, 60 and 85 ppi). The microstructure of ZRGB scaffolds consisted of a bioactive glass matrix with dispersed zirconia particles ( 33% glassy phase) and the compressive strength values (ZRBG scaffolds: 0.33 ± 0.11, 0.41 ± 0.20 and 0.48 ± 0.6 MPa; ZRBG scaffolds with extra BG coating: 0.38 ± 0.13, 0.45 ± 0.11 and 0.50 ± 0.14 MPa for 45, 60 and 80 ppi, respectively) were not statistically different from those of zirconia scaffolds (0.25 ± 0.14 MPa for 45 ppi, 0.32 ± 0.11 MPa for 60 ppi and 0.44 ± 0.07 MPa for 80 ppi). No bioactivity was exhibited by monolithic zirconia scaffolds while significant bioactive response was found for ZRBG scaffolds. The cell viability of ZRBG scaffolds in osteogenic medium was improved up to 171% over zirconia scaffolds. This work provides promosing results for further exploring this technique for implant dentistry.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-01-15
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Bioactivity; Cell culture; Scaffolds; Tissue engineering; Zirconia

In Vitro Osteocompatibility and Enhanced Biocorrosion Resistance of Diammonium Hydrogen Phosphate-Pretreated/Poly(ether imide) Coatings on Magnesium for Orthopedic Application - Yang, Yuyun; Zhou, Juncen; Chen, Qiang; Detsch, Rainer; Cui, Xiufang; Jin, Guo; Virtanen, Sannakaisa; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2019)
Magnesium, as a biodegradable metal, is a promising candidate for biomedical applications. To modify the degradation behavior of magnesium and improve its osteocompatibility, chemical conversion and spin coating methods were combined to develop a diammonium hydrogen phosphate-pretreated/poly(ether imide) (DAHP/PEI) co-coating system. The diammonium hydrogen phosphate pretreatment was employed to enhance the attachment between PEI coatings and the magnesium substrate; meanwhile, it could serve as another bioactive and anticorrosion layer when PEI coatings break down. Surface characterization, electrochemical tests, and short-term immersion tests in DMEM were performed to evaluate DAHP/PEI coatings. Electrochemical measurements showed that DAHP/PEI coatings significantly improved the corrosion resistance of pure magnesium. No obvious changes of the chemical compositions of DAHP/PEI coatings occurred after 72 h of immersion in DMEM. An in vitro cytocompatibility study confirmed that viability and LDH activity of human osteoblast-like cells on DAHP/PEI coatings showed higher values than those on the DAHP-pretreated layer and pure magnesium. The DAHP-pretreated layer could still enhance the ALP activity of MG-63 cells after the degradation of PEI in DAHP/PEI coatings. Besides that, the in vitro cellular response to the treated magnesium was investigated to gain knowledge on the differentiation and proliferation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). Cell distribution and morphology were observed by fluorescence and SEM images, which demonstrated that DAHP/PEI coatings facilitated cell differentiation and proliferation. The high level of C-terminals of collagen type I production of hADSCs on DAHP/PEI coatings indicated the potential of the coating for promoting osteogenic differentiation. Positive results from long-term cytocompatibility and proliferation tests indicate that DAHP/PEI coatings can offer an excellent surface for hADSCs.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-08-27
Keywords: coatings; corrosion; cytocompatibility; diammonium hydrogen phosphate; magnesium; osteocompatibility; poly(ether imide); stem cells

In vitro reactivity of Cu doped 45S5 Bioglass® derived scaffolds for bone tissue engineering - Hoppe, Alexander; Meszaros, Robert; Staehli, Christoph; Romeis, Stefan; Schmidt, Jochen; Peukert, Wolfgang; Marelli, Benedetto; Nazhat, Showan N.; Wondraczek, Lothar; Lao, Jonathan; Jallot, Edouard; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2013)
Cu-doped 45S5 bioactive glasses with varying Cu contents were fabricated and used to process 3D porous scaffolds via the foam replica technique. Cu-doping results in the weakening of the glass network and a decrease in its glass transition temperature. Acellular in vitro studies revealed very high bioactivity independent of Cu doping as indicated by the fast formation of a carbonated hydroxyapatite layer (CHA) on scaffold surfaces after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The kinetics of the glass-ceramic scaffold's transition to an amorphous calcium phosphate layer (ACP) and the crystallisation of CHA were explored by FT-IR and SEM analyses. The elemental distribution in the scaffold/fluid interface region was monitored by the advanced micro-PIXE-RBS (particle induced X-ray emission/Rutherford backscattering spectrometry) method. Cu-containing glasses showed slower release of Si, Ca and P from the scaffold periphery, whereas traces of Cu were found incorporated in the CaP layer on the scaffold surface. Cu release kinetics from the scaffolds in SBF were found to depend on culturing conditions while highest Cu concentrations of ∼3.1 ppm and ∼4.6 ppm under static and quasi-dynamic conditions, respectively, were observed. Since Cu exhibits potential angiogenic and osteogenic properties, the Cu-containing scaffolds are suggested as promising materials for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2013.tech.IW.LM.invitr_2

In vitro reactivity of Sr-containing bioactive glass (type 1393) nanoparticles - Hoppe, Alexander; Sarker, Bapi; Detsch, Rainer; Hild, N.; Mohn, D.; Stark, W. J.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 2014)
Nanosized bioactive glass (nBG) particles show high in vitro reactivity as a result of their high specific surface making them promising materials for bone tissue engineering. In this study, we investigate the in vitro reactivity of Sr-containing nanosized bioactive glass particles (type 1393) in simulated body fluid (SBF). Hydroxyapatite (HAp) formation was monitored by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showing that HAp crystallization was delayed with increasing Sr-content due to the inhibitory effect of Sr on HAp mineralization. The HAp forming ability of bioactive glasses gives insight into their surface reactivity which is relevant for application of nanoscaled bioactive glass particles in bone regeneration. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Bioactive glasses; Bioactivity; Mineralization; Nanoparticles

In vitro study of bioactive glass coatings obtainedby atmospheric plasma spraying - Cañas, Eugeni; Grünewald, Alina; Detsch, Rainer; Orts, María José; Sánchez, Enrique; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Boletin De La Sociedad Espanola De Ceramica Y Vidrio, 2020)
This research has addressed a complete study of the bioactivity of bioactive glass coatingsobtained by atmospheric plasma spraying. The coatings have been characterized in termsof microstructure, adhesion, crystalline phases and bioactivity. Hydroxycarbonate apatiteformation was also monitored following a standard protocol and the in vitro cell responsewas evaluated by human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63 cells) incubation.The obtained coatings shown a microstructure typical of glass coatings. A simulated bodyfluid test proved that coatings are capable of developing a surface layer of hydroxycarbon-ate apatite whereas the appearance of this phase takes place at a longer time than thatobserved for the powder feedstock. Cell-culture test showed multidirectional growth of MG-63 cells which promoted good contact between cells and the surface of the coating. Thisstudy has confirmed a positive effect of the coatings in terms of surface bioactivity and, moreinterestingly, it has proven an adequate cell-material interaction on the coating surface.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-08-28
Keywords: Atmospheric plasma spraying; Bioactive glass coatings; Bioactive glass powder; Cell culture test; Simulated body fluid

In vitro study of polycaprolactone/bioactive glass composite coatings on corrosion and bioactivity of pure Mg. - Yang, Yuyun; Michalczyk, Caroline; Singer, Ferdinand; Virtanen, Sannakaisa; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Applied Surface Science, 2015)

In vitro Study of the Antibacterial Activity of Bioactive Glass-ceramic Scaffolds - Gorriti, Marta F.; Porto Lopez, Jose M.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Audisio, Carina; Gorustovich, Alejandro A. (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2009)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2009.tech.IW.LM.invitr

In-vitro study of the bioactivity and cytotoxicity response of Ti surfaces modified by Nb and Mo diffusion treatments - Urena, Julia Maria; Tsipas, Sophia Alexandra; Jimenez-Morales, A.; Gordo, E.; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Surface & Coatings Technology, 2018)
Keywords: Bioactivity; Cytotoxicity; Powder technology; Surface modification; β-Gradient titanium

In Vivo Validation of Spray-Dried Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Microspheres Acting as Prolonged Local Release Systems for BMP-2 to Support Bone Regeneration - Berkmann, Julia C.; Herrera Martin, Aaron X.; Pontremoli, Carlotta; Zheng, Kai; Bucher, Christian H.; Ellinghaus, Agnes; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Fiorilli, Sonia; Vitale Brovarone, Chiara; Duda, Georg N.; Schmidt-Bleek, Katharina (Pharmaceutics, 2020)
Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a known key mediator of physiological bone regeneration and is clinically approved for selected musculoskeletal interventions. Yet, broad usage of this growth factor is impeded due to side effects that are majorly evoked by high dosages and burst release kinetics. In this study, mesoporous bioactive glass microspheres (MBGs), produced by an aerosol-assisted spray-drying scalable process, were loaded with BMP-2 resulting in prolonged, low-dose BMP-2 release without affecting the material characteristics. In vitro, MBGs were found to be cytocompatible and to induce a pro-osteogenic response in primary human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). In a pre-clinical rodent model, BMP-2 loaded MBGs significantly enhanced bone formation and influenced the microarchitecture of newly formed bone. The MBG carriers alone performed equal to the untreated (empty) control in most parameters tested, while additionally exerting mild pro-angiogenic effects. Using MBGs as a biocompatible, pro-regenerative carrier for local and sustained low dose BMP-2 release could limit side effects, thus enabling a safer usage of BMP-2 as a potent pro-osteogenic growth factor.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2020-11-06

Ionically and Enzymatically Dual Cross-Linked Oxidized Alginate Gelatin Hydrogels with Tunable Stiffness and Degradation Behavior for Tissue Engineering - Distler, Thomas; Mcdonald, Kilian; Heid, Susanne; Karakaya, Emine; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 2020)
Hydrogels that allow for the successful long-term in vitro culture of cell-biomaterial systems to enable the maturation of tissue engineering constructs are highly relevant in regenerative medicine. Naturally derived polysaccharide-based hydrogels promise to be one material group with enough versatility and chemical functionalization capability to tackle the challenges associated with long-term cell culture. We report a marine derived oxidized alginate, alginate dialdehyde (ADA), and gelatin (GEL) system (ADA-GEL), which is cross-linked via ionic (Ca2+) and enzymatic (microbial transglutaminase, mTG) interaction to form dually cross-linked hydrogels. The cross-linking approach allowed us to tailor the stiffness of the hydrogels in a wide range (from <5 to 120 kPa), without altering the initial ADA and GEL hydrogel chemistry. It was possible to control the degradation behavior of the hydrogels to be stable for up to 30 days of incubation. Increasing concentrations of mTG cross-linker solutions allowed us to tune the degradation behavior of the ADA-GEL hydrogels from fast (<7 days) to moderate (14 days) and slow (>30 days) degradation kinetics. The cytocompatibility of mTG cross-linked ADA-GEL was assessed using NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and ATDC-5 mouse teratocarcinoma cells. Both cell types showed highly increased cellular attachment on mTG cross-linked ADA-GEL in comparison to Ca2+ cross-linked hydrogels. In addition, ATDC-5 cells showed a higher proliferation on mTG cross-linked ADA-GEL hydrogels in comparison to tissue culture polystyrene control substrates. Further, the attachment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on ADA-GEL (+) mTG was confirmed, proving the suitability of mTG+Ca2+ cross-linked ADA-GEL for several cell types. Summarizing, a promising platform to control the properties of ADA-GEL hydrogels is presented, with the potential to be applied in long-term cell culture investigations such as cartilage, bone, and blood-vessel engineering, as well as for biofabrication.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2020-08-07

Ionic dissolution products of Cerium-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles promote cellular osteogenic differentiation and extracellular matrix formation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells - Westhauser, F.; Rehder, F.; Decker, S.; Kunisch, E.; Moghaddam, A.; Zheng, Kai; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomedical Materials, 2021)
Cerium (Ce) is a promising candidate ion for application in bone tissue engineering (BTE) since it reduces the presence of reactive oxygen species. Ce-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) serving as vectors for the local application of Ce already demonstrated stimulating effects on the expression of pro-osteogenic genes in Saos-2 cells. So far, there is no evidence available about the effects of Ce-doped MBGNs on the viability, osteogenic differentiation and the formation of the osseous extracellular matrix (ECM) of primary human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). Therefore, in this study, the biocompatibility of the ionic dissolution products (IDPs) of MBGNs containing increasing concentrations of CeO2 (0.05 MCe-MBGNs, composition in mol%: 86.6SiO2-12.1CaO-1.3CeO2; and 0.2 MCe-MBGNs, composition in mol%: 86.0SiO2-11.8CaO-2.2CeO2) and unmodified MBGNs (composition in mol%: 86SiO2-14CaO) was evaluated using human BMSCs. Eventually, the impact of the MBGNs’ IDPs on the cellular osteogenic differentiation and their ability to build and mature a primitive osseous ECM was assessed. The Ce-doped MBGNs had a positive influence on the viability and stimulated the cellular osteogenic differentiation of human BMSCs evaluated by analyzing the activity of alkaline phosphate as a marker enzyme for osteoblasts in the present setting. Furthermore, the formation and calcification of a primitive osseous ECM was significantly stimulated in the presence of Ce-doped MBGNs in a positive concentration-dependent manner as demonstrated by an elevated presence of collagen and increased ECM calcification. The results of this in-vitro study show that Ce-doped MBGNs are attractive candidates for further application in BTE.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-04-02
Keywords: Bone tissue engineering; Cerium; Extracellular matrix; Human mesenchymal stromal cells; Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles

Ion Release, Hydroxyapatite Conversion, and Cytotoxicity of Boron-Containing Bioactive Glass Scaffolds - Balasubramanian, Preethi; Grünewald, Alina; Detsch, Rainer; Hupa, Leena; Jokic, Bojan; Tallia, Francesca; Solanki, Anu K.; Jones, Julian R.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (International Journal of Applied Glass Science, 2016)
Keywords: bioactive glasses; bone tissue engineering; borate glasses; borosilicate glasses; scaffolds

Iron and iron-based alloys for temporary cardiovascular applications - Francis, Adel; Yang, Yuyun; Virtanen, Sannakaisa; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 2015)

Iron doped manganese cobaltite spinel coatings produced by electrophoretic co-deposition on interconnects for solid oxide cells: Microstructural and electrical characterization - Zanchi, E.; Molin, S.; Sabato, A. G.; Talic, B.; Cempura, G.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Smeacetto, F. (Journal of Power Sources, 2020)
We report a systematic microstructural and electrical characterization of iron doped Mn–Co spinel coatings processed by electrophoretic co-deposition of Mn1.5Co1.5O4 and Fe2O3 powders on Crofer 22 APU and AISI 441 steel substrates. Iron addition to Mn–Co spinel coating leads to a reduction of the area specific resistance on both substrates, after 3200 h at 750 °C. The Fe doped Mn–Co coating both leads to a thinner oxide scale and reduces the sub scale oxidation for the Crofer 22 APU substrate. Fe doped Mn–Co on AISI 441 shows both a thicker oxide scale and low area specific resistance values, likely due to a doping effect of the oxide scale by minor alloying elements. The different mechanisms by which iron doping of Mn–Co spinels can influence elemental interdiffusion at the steel-oxide scale-coating interfaces and relative contributions to the overall area specific resistance are evaluated by means of advanced electron microscopy. The promising results are further confirmed in a cell test, where the Fe doped MnCo coated interconnect does not induce any degradation of the oxygen electrode, proving its efficiency.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-03-10
Keywords: Coating; Electron microscopy; Electrophoretic deposition; Solid oxide cells

Iron oxide nanoparticle-based nanocomposites in biomedical application - Yang, Yuyun; Liu, Yuejun; Song, Laiming; Cui, Xiufang; Zhou, Juncen; Jin, Guo; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Virtanen, Sannakaisa (Trends in Biotechnology, 2023)
Iron-oxide-based biomagnetic nanocomposites, recognized for their significant properties, have been utilized in MRI and cancer treatment for several decades. The expansion of clinical applications is limited by the occurrence of adverse effects. These limitations are largely attributed to suboptimal material design, resulting in agglomeration, reduced magnetic relaxivity, and inadequate functionality. To address these challenges, various synthesis methods and modification strategies have been used to tailor the size, shape, and properties of iron oxide nanoparticle (FeONP)-based nanocomposites. The resulting modified nanocomposites exhibit significant potential for application in diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic contexts, including MRI, drug delivery, and anticancer and antimicrobial activity. Yet, their biosafety profile must be rigorously evaluated. Such efforts will facilitate the broader clinical translation of FeONP-based nanocomposites in biomedical applications.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-09-29
Keywords: biomedical application; iron oxide nanoparticles; nanocomposites

Iron surface functionalization system - Iron oxide nanostructured arrays with polycaprolactone coatings: Biodegradation, cytocompatibility, and drug release behavior - Zhou, Juncen; Yang, Yuyun; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Virtanen, Sannakaisa (Applied Surface Science, 2019)
A surface functionalization system targeted for iron-based materials is developed by combining two biodegradable components, iron oxide nanostructured arrays and polycaprolactone (PCL) coatings. Iron oxide nanoporous and nanotubular arrays are superior surface functionalization matrices, while their stability and cytocompatibility can be further improved by PCL coatings, the morphology of which can modify the drug release behavior. The biodegradation behavior of this system was investigated firstly by electrochemical tests, and further biodegradation information (including the surface morphology and chemical composition) was collected from samples used in a long-term in vitro cytocompatibility test over 21 days of incubation with human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Moreover, the drug release behavior of these arrays coated with various PCL coatings was studied using tetracycline as a model drug. Experimental results demonstrate that PCL coatings can endow iron oxide nanostructured arrays a proper biodegradation behavior with bioactive degradation products on the surface, also leading to high cytocompatibility characterized by the production of collagen type I and cell distribution on the PCL-coated samples. Furthermore, with the barrier effect of PCL, the whole functionalization system shows sustainable drug release behavior.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-07-16
Keywords: Cytocompatibility; Degradation; Iron; Nanostructures; Polycaprolactone

Is non-buffered DMEM solution a suitable medium for in vitro bioactivity tests? - Rohanova, Dana; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Horkavcova, Diana; Bozdechova, Pavlina; Bezdicka, Petr; Castoralova, Marketa (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2014)
Several laboratories had tested bioactivity of the materials in commercially available solution DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium) that is normally used for cultivation of cell cultures. The objective of this work was to find out whether it is possible to replace TRIS-buffered SBF currently used for bioactivity tests with the non-buffered DMEM solution. To understand the role of the organic part of the DMEM solution in the process of crystallization, we have prepared non-buffered solution simulating only its inorganic part (identified as I-solution). It was found that under static-dynamic test conditions calcite (CaCO) and the amorphous phase of calcium phosphate (ACP) formed on the surface of the glass-ceramic (45S5 bioactive glass based) scaffold exposed to both solutions. Additionally, halite (NaCl) formed at the beginning of exposure to DMEM. Hydroxyapatite phase was not detected on the surface in either non-buffered solution. Organic components contained in the DMEM solution failed to prevent formation of crystalline phases. The present results indicate that it is not recommendable to use DMEM for bioactivity tests of glass-ceramic materials due to its low concentration of Ca ions, high concentration of HCO ions and the necessity to maintain sterile environment during the test. © 2014 the Partner Organisations.

Isotopically modified nanoparticles for enhanced detection in bioaccumulation studies - Misra, Superb K.; Dybowska, Agnieszka; Berhanu, Deborah; Croteau, Marie Noele; Luoma, Samuel N.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Valsami-Jones, Eugenia (Environmental Science & Technology, 2012)
This work presents results on synthesis of isotopically enriched (99% 65Cu) copper oxide nanoparticles and its application in ecotoxicological studies. 65CuO nanoparticles were synthesized as spheres (7 nm) and rods (7 × 40 nm). Significant differences were observed between the reactivity and dissolution of spherical and rod shaped nanoparticles. The extreme sensitivity of the stable isotope tracing technique developed in this study allowed determining Cu uptake at exposure concentrations equivalent to background Cu concentrations in freshwater systems (0.2-30 μg/L). Without a tracer, detection of newly accumulated Cu was impossible, even at exposure concentrations surpassing some of the most contaminated water systems (>1 mg/L). © 2011 American Chemical Society.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2012.tech.IW.LM.isotop

Is quercetin an alternative natural crosslinking agent to genipin for long-term dermal scaffolds implantation? - Greco, Karin V.; Francis, Lydia; Huang, Honglei; Ploeg, Rutger; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Ansari, Tahera (Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 2018)
As biocompatible matrices, porcine dermal scaffolds have limited application in tissue engineering due to rapid degradation following implantation. This study compared the physical, chemical and biomechanical changes that occurred when genipin and quercetin were used to crosslink dermal scaffolds and to determine whether quercetin could be used as an alternative to genipin. Physicochemical changes in the collagen were assessed using spectroscopic methods [X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis]. The crosslinking reaction was evaluated by quantification of amino acids and the degree of this reaction by ninhydrin assay. Because the mechanical behaviour of the collagen matrices is highly influenced by crosslinking, the tensile strength of both sets of scaffolds was evaluated. The highest mechanical strength, stiffness, degree of crosslinking and changes in the packing features of collagen (measured by XRD) were achieved using genipin. Some of the results found in the quercetin-crosslinked scaffolds were possibly due to hydration and dehydration effects elicited by the solvents (phosphate-buffered saline or ethanol), as seen in the NMR results. In the quercetin-ethanol-crosslinked scaffolds, possible reorientation of the amino groups of the collagen molecule may have taken place. Therefore, depending on their proximity to the crosslinking reagent, different types and numbers of interactions may have occurred, inducing a higher crosslinking degree (as evidenced by the ninhydrin assay) and reduction in the free amino acids after reaction. Both crosslinking agents and solvents interfere in the physicochemical properties of collagen thereby inducing variations in the matrix structure. Quercetin-crosslinked scaffolds may have broader clinical application where a lower degree of crosslinking and stiffness is required. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

IVM Advances for Early Antral Follicle-Enclosed Oocytes Coupling Reproductive Tissue Engineering to Inductive Influences of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Ovarian Surface Epithelium Coculture - Peserico, Alessia; Di Berardino, Chiara; Capacchietti, Giulia; Camerano Spelta Rapini, Chiara; Liverani, Liliana; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Russo, Valentina; Mauro, Annunziata; Barboni, Barbara (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023)
In vitro maturation (IVM) is not a routine assisted reproductive technology (ART) for oocytes collected from early antral (EA) follicles, a large source of potentially available gametes. Despite substantial improvements in IVM in the past decade, the outcomes remain low for EA-derived oocytes due to their reduced developmental competences. To optimize IVM for ovine EA-derived oocytes, a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-mediated follicle-enclosed oocytes (FEO) system was compared with a validated cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) protocol. Gonadotropin stimulation (eCG and/or hCG) and/or somatic cell coculture (ovarian vs. extraovarian-cell source) were supplied to both systems. The maturation rate and parthenogenetic activation were significantly improved by combining hCG stimulation with ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) cells coculture exclusively on the FEO system. Based on the data, the paracrine factors released specifically from OSE enhanced the hCG-triggering of oocyte maturation mechanisms by acting through the mural compartment (positive effect on FEO and not on COC) by stimulating the EGFR signaling. Overall, the FEO system performed on a developed reproductive scaffold proved feasible and reliable in promoting a synergic cytoplasmatic and nuclear maturation, offering a novel cultural strategy to widen the availability of mature gametes for ART.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-04-21
Keywords: early antral follicle; EGF signaling; follicle-enclosed oocyte; human chorionic gonadotropin; in vitro oocyte maturation; ovarian surface epithelium; PCL electrospun scaffold; sheep

Large-scale production and efficient recovery of PHB with desirable material properties, from the newly characterised Bacillus cereus SPV - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Journal of Biotechnology, 2007)
A newly characterised Bacillus strain, Bacillus cereus SPV was found to produce PHB at a concentration of 38% of its dry cell weight in shaken flask cultures, using glucose as the main carbon source. Polymer production was then scaled up to 20 L batch fermentations where 29% dry cell weight of PHB was obtained within 48 h. Following this, a simple glucose feeding strategy was developed and the cells accumulated 38% dry cell weight of PHB, an increase in the overall volumetric yield by 31% compared to the batch fermentation. Sporulation is the cause of low PHB productivity from the genus Bacillus [Wu, Q., Huang, H., Hu, G.H., Chen, J., Ho, K.P., Chen, G.Q., 2001. Production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate by Bacillus sp. JMa5 cultivated in molasses media. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 80, 111-118]. However, in this study, acidic pH conditions (4.5-5.8) completely suppress sporulation, in accordance with Kominek and Halvorson [Kominek, L.A., Halvorson, H.O., 1965. Metabolism of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoin in Bacillus cereus. J. Bacteriol. 90, 1251-1259], and result in an increase in the yield of PHB production. This observation emphasises the potential of the use of Bacillus in the commercial production of PHB and other PHAs. The recovery of the PHB produced was optimised and the isolated polymer characterised to identify its material properties. The polymer extracted, was found to have similar molecular weight, polydispersity index and lower crystallinity index than others reported in literature. Also, the extracted polymer was found to have desirable material properties for potential tissue engineering applications. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2007.tech.IW.LM.larges
Keywords: Bacillus cereus SPV; Crystallinity index; Fermentation; Polydispersity index; Polyhydroxybutyrate; Polymer extraction

Layered scaffolds for periodontal regeneration - Goudouri, Ourania Menti; Kontonasaki, Eleana; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomaterials for Oral and Dental Tissue Engineering, 2017)
Periodontitis is one of the most common diseases in humans, affecting in its most severe form, approximately 10-15% of the population. To date the treatment of alveolus defects relies on the use of autologous bone grafts, which however carries along several limitations and donor site complication risks. Bilayered scaffolds have been proposed as a viable alternative to autologous bone in the regeneration of the periodontium. The techniques used for the construction of the scaffolds as well as their potential in regenerating periodontal tissues in vitro and in vivo are discussed in this chapter.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-08-05
Keywords: Alveolar defects; Bilayered scaffolds; Biological evaluation

Lithium-containing bioactive glasses for bone regeneration - Durand, Luis A.Haro; Vargas, Gabriela E.; Gomez-Gramajo, Fátima; Vera-Mesones, Rosa; Miguez-Pacheco, Valentina; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Gorustovich, Alejandro (Elsevier, 2018)
Since lithium (Li+) plays roles in angiogenesis and osteogenesis, the localized and controlled release of Li+ ions from bioactive glasses (BGs) represents a promising alternative therapy for bone regeneration. This chapter will review recent advances in the development of Li-containing BGs and their in vitro and in vivo angiogenic and osteogenic potential. Current issues and future directions for the use of these BGs for regenerative medicine of bone tissue are discussed.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-08-05
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Bioactive glass; Bone; Lithium; Regenerative medicine

Lithography-Based Additive Manufacturing of Cellular Ceramic Structures - Felzmann, Ruth; Gruber, Simon; Mitteramskogler, Gerald; Tesavibul, Passakorn; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Liska, Robert; Stampfl, Juergen (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2013)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2013.tech.IW.LM.lithog

Lithography-based additive manufacturing of customized bioceramic parts for medical applications - Felzmann, Ruth; Gruber, Simon; Mitteramskogler, Gerald; Pastrama, Maria; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Stampfl, Jürgen (Proceedings of the IASTED International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, BioMed 2013, 2013)
In the current study, materials and systems for the fabrication of customized bioceramic parts by using lithography-based additive manufacturing techniques (AMT) are presented. By using this modified system based on digital mirror devices, which relies on a selectively polymerization of a photosensitive ceramic filled resin, structures with a resolution of 40 um can be generated. By modifying the working DLP-system (Digital Light Processing) a resolution of 25 um could be reached. The building volume ranges from 77 × 43 × 115 mm to 115 × 65 × 160 mm, depending on the used optics. Photocurable ceramic suspensions with a high solid loading of ceramic powders can be processed. Depending on the ceramic powder and the field of application, delicate bioceramic parts with coordinated properties made of alumina, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or bioactive glass were fabricated and characterized.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-08-05
Keywords: Biomaterials; Ceramic filler; Complex geometries; Digital light processing; Photopolymerization

Long-term in vitro degradation of PDLLA/Bioglass bone scaffolds in acellular simulated body fluid - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Acta Biomaterialia, 2010)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2010.tech.IW.LM.longte

Low temperature spark plasma sintering of 45S5 Bioglass® - Grasso, Salvatore; Chinnam, Rama Krishna Satish; Porwal, Harshit; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Reece, Michael J. (Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 2013)
45S5 Bioglass® powder has been densified at low temperatures using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). By employing SPS with pressures ranging from 70 to 300 MPa, it was possible to achieve fully dense and completely amorphous 45S5 Bioglass® samples at temperatures as low as 500-550 C. By increasing the sintering temperature up to 600 C the dense samples crystallized to Na 2CaSi2O6 phase rather than Na 2Ca2Si3O9 which is usually achieved at higher temperature. Acellular in vitro test results in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) revealed that SPSed samples sintered at 600 C resulted in faster formation of hydroxyapatite compared to pressureless sintered ones (1050 C), which were highly crystallized. Amorphous Bioglass® and/or Na2CaSi 2O6 phase prepared by SPS could potentially produce Bioglass® composites with increased bioactivity. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2013.tech.IW.LM.lowtem
Keywords: 45S5®; amorphous; in vitro bioactivity; SPS

Macro-mesoporous composites containing PEEK and mesoporous diopside as bone implants: Characterization, in vitro mineralization, cytocompatibility, and vascularization potential and osteogenesis in vivo - Cai, Liang; Pan, Yongkang; Tang, Songchao; Li, Quan; Tang, Tingting; Zheng, Kai; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Wei, Shicheng; Wei, Jie; Su, Jiacan (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2017)

Macromolecular interactions in alginate-gelatin hydrogels regulate the behavior of human fibroblasts - Sarker, Bapi; Singh, Raminder; Zehnder, Tobias; Forgber, Tim; Alexiou, Christoph; Cicha, Iwona; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, 2017)
Keywords: alginate; fibroblast; gelatin; Hydrogels; tissue engineering

Magnesium-Containing Bioactive Glasses for Biomedical Applications - Diba, Mani; Tapia, Felipe; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Strobel, Leonie (International Journal of Applied Glass Science, 2012)
The importance of Mg in the human body, its key role in bone tissue development, in addition to its application to improve and modify physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of bioactive silicate glasses, make Mg a very interesting element as a component of bioactive glasses for medical applications. Although Mg is a typical element in the composition of numerous developed bioactive glasses, the analysis of the literature reveals that further research is required to gain comprehensive understanding about the effects of MgO on bioactive glass structure and properties. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the field of Mg-containing bioactive glasses discussing available compositions and summarizing existing knowledge on effects of MgO on glass properties. The biomedical applications of several developed glasses are discussed highlighting the distinct effects of Mg in relevant areas, such as bioactivity and cell response, and focusing on the most common applications for these glasses, such as bone cements, bioactive coatings, and scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The effect of Mg on bone development is discussed and avenues for future research in the field are proposed, emphasizing the need to investigate unstudied properties of (already developed) Mg-containing glass compositions, such as angiogenesis-stimulating action and the effect on osteoclast functions, to develop new Mg-containing bioactive glasses as well as to make products of different shape designs such as nanoparticles, fibers, and complex porous structures. © 2012 The American Ceramic Society and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2012.tech.IW.LM.magnes

Magnesium-containing bioactive polycrystalline silicate-based ceramics and glass-ceramics for biomedical applications - Diba, Mani; Goudouri, Ourania Menti; Tapia, Felipe; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Current Opinion in Solid State & Materials Science, 2014)
With improvement of orthopaedic technologies for bone replacement and regeneration, there is an increasing need for materials with superior properties. Mg-containing silicate ceramics and glass-ceramics have been shown to be bioactive and exhibit various advantages for biomedical applications. This review paper is intended to summarize and discuss the most relevant studies carried out in the field of Mg-containing bioactive silicate ceramics and glass-ceramics. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Bioactive materials; Ceramics; Glass-ceramics; Magnesium; Silicate

Magnetic 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: bioactive glass (45S5) coated with iron-loaded hydroxyapatite nanoparticles - Dittler, Maria Laura; Zelis, Pedro Mendoza; Beltran, Ana M.; Destch, Rainer; Grillo, Claudia A.; Gonzalez, Monica C.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomedical Materials, 2021)
Magnetic 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) based scaffolds covered with iron-loaded hydroxyapatite (Fe-HA-BG) nanoparticles were obtained and its cytotoxicity investigated. Fe-HA nanoparticles were synthesized by a wet chemical method involving the simultaneous addition of Fe2+/Fe3+ ions. BG based scaffolds were prepared by the foam replica procedure and covered with Fe-HA by dip-coating. Fe-HA-BG magnetic saturation values of 0.049 emu g(-1) and a very low remanent magnetization of 0.01 emu g(-1) were observed. The mineralization assay in simulated body fluid following Kokubo's protocol indicated that Fe-HA-BG scaffolds exhibited improved hydroxyapatite formation in comparison to uncoated scaffolds at shorter immersion times. The biocompatibility of the material in vitro was assessed using human osteoblast-like MG-63 cell cultures and mouse bone marrow-derived stroma cell line ST-2. Overall, the results herein discussed suggest that magnetic Fe-HA coatings seem to enhance the biological performance of 45S5 BG based scaffolds. Thus, this magnetic Fe-HA coated scaffold is an interesting system for bone tissue engineering applications and warrant further investigation.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2021-08-06

Magnetic glass ceramics by sintering of borosilicate glass and inorganic waste - Ponsot, Ines M. M. M.; Pontikes, Yiannis; Baldi, Giovanni; Chinnam, Rama Krishna Satish; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bernardo, Enrico (Materials, 2014)
Ceramics and glass ceramics based on industrial waste have been widely recognized as competitive products for building applications; however, there is a great potential for such materials with novel functionalities. In this paper, we discuss the development of magnetic sintered glass ceramics based on two iron-rich slags, coming from non-ferrous metallurgy and recycled borosilicate glass. The substantial viscous flow of the glass led to dense products for rapid treatments at relatively low temperatures (900-1000 °C), whereas glass/slag interactions resulted in the formation of magnetite crystals, providing ferrimagnetism. Such behavior could be exploited for applying the obtained glass ceramics as induction heating plates, according to preliminary tests (showing the rapid heating of selected samples, even above 200 °C). The chemical durability and safety of the obtained glass ceramics were assessed by both leaching tests and cytotoxicity tests. © 2014 by the authors.
Keywords: Borosilicate glass; Cytotoxicity tests; Induction heating; Iron-rich slags; Magnetic glass ceramics; Viscous flow sintering

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of remodeling by cardiac elastomeric tissue scaffold biomaterials in a rat model of myocardial infarction - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Tissue Engineering - Part A, 2010)

Manganese–cobalt based spinel coatings processed by electrophoretic deposition method: The influence of sintering on degradation issues of solid oxide cell oxygen electrodes at 750◦c - Zanchi, Elisa; Ignaczak, Justyna; Kamecki, Bartosz; Jasinski, Piotr; Molin, Sebastian; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Smeacetto, Federico (Materials, 2021)
This paper seeks to examine how the Mn–Co spinel interconnect coating microstructure can influence Cr contamination in an oxygen electrode of intermediate temperature solid oxide cells, at an operating temperature of 750◦C. A Mn–Co spinel coating is processed on Crofer 22 APU substrates by electrophoretic deposition, and subsequently sintered, following both the one-step and two-step sintering, in order to obtain significantly different densification levels. The electrochemical characterization is performed on anode-supported cells with an LSCF cathode. The cells were aged prior to the electrochemical characterization in contact with the spinel-coated Crofer 22 APU at 750◦C for 250 h. Current–voltage and impedance spectra of the cells were measured after the exposure with the interconnect. Post-mortem analysis of the interconnect and the cell was carried out, in order to assess the Cr retention capability of coatings with different microstructures.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-07-30
Keywords: Chromium poisoning; Electrophoretic deposition; Manganese–cobalt spinel; Solid oxide cell

Manuka honey and bioactive glass impart methylcellulose foams with antibacterial effects for wound-healing applications - Schuhladen, Katharina; Mukoo, Pratishtha; Liverani, Liliana; Nescakova, Zuzana; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomedical Materials, 2020)
Wound dressings able to deliver topically bioactive molecules represent a new generation of wound-regeneration therapies. In this article, foams based on methylcellulose cross-linked with Manuka honey were used as a platform to deliver borate bioactive glass particles doped additionally with copper. Borate bioactive glasses are of great interest in wound-healing applications due to a combination of favorable features, such as angiogenic and antibacterial properties. The multifunctional composite providing the dual effect of the bioactive glass and Manuka honey was produced by freeze-drying, and the resulting foams exhibit suitable morphology characterized by high porosity. Moreover, the performed tests showed improved wettability and mechanical performance with the addition of bioactive glass particles. Dissolution studies using simulated body fluid and cell biology tests using relevant skin cells further proved the excellent bioactivity and positive effects of the foams on cell proliferation and migration. Most interestingly, by the dual release of Manuka honey and ions from the copper-doped bioactive glass, an antibacterial effect againstE. coliandS. aureuswas achieved. Therefore, the multifunctional foams showed promising outcomes as potential wound dressings for the treatment of infected wounds.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2020-10-16

Manuka Honey and Zein Coatings Impart Bioactive Glass Bone Tissue Scaffolds Antibacterial Properties and Superior Mechanical Properties - Arango Ospina, Marcela; Lasch, Kristina; Weidinger, Julius; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Frontiers in Materials, 2021)
The combination of traditional herbal medicine (phytotherapeutic agents) with bioactive glasses is a promising strategy to generate advanced scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE). An old remedy used for wound care since ancient times is honey. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, in particular, make it an attractive substance for application in BTE scaffolds to prevent infections and biofilm formation. In this study 45S5 bioactive glass-based scaffolds produced via the foam replica technique were coated with corn protein zein and Manuka honey with two purposes: to improve the mechanical properties of the brittle scaffolds and to impart antibacterial properties. The morphology and chemical composition of the coated scaffolds were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively, demonstrating the presence of Manuka honey in the coating. The release of the honey was quantified via ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry; moreover, the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated via colony-forming units counting, reduction of Alamar blue and turbidity measurements. Our findings suggest the effective combination of Manuka honey and bioactive glass, adding one more system to the novel family of bioactive glass scaffolds functionalized with phytotherapeutic agents.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2021-03-05

Mapping the elemental and crystalline phase distribution in Cu2+ doped 45S5 bioactive glass upon crystallization - Nawaz, Qaisar; De Pablos-Martin, Araceli; Berthold, Lutz; De Souza E Silva, Juliana Martins; Hurle, Katrin; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (CrystEngComm, 2021)
Bioactive glasses (BGs) incorporating metallic ions to impart antibacterial activity and stimulation of osteogenesis and angiogenesis are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering. Silicate BGs of the 45S5 composition (45 SiO2, 24.5 Na2O, 24.5 CaO, 6 P2O5, (wt%)) crystallize readily during the high temperature processing of porous scaffolds. The crystallization slightly suppresses the bioactivity and dissolution of the glass. Structural changes during the high-temperature processing of metal ion-doped 45S5 BGs are challenging since metal ions may affect the formation of crystalline phases during thermal treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of Cu on structural changes during the sintering of Cu doped 45S5 BG (Cu-45S5). The Cu-45S5 BG was sintered at 900 degrees C and 1050 degrees C for 1 hour, and the resultant microstructures were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including elemental distribution mappings from energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), and X-ray nano-computed tomography (nano-CT). XRD patterns of thermally treated samples indicate the formation of combeite and rhenanite as crystalline phases. Besides the crystalline fraction, a residual glassy phase is also present, which is enriched with Na and P ions. The results reveal that the crystallinity of Cu-45S5 glass-ceramics can be adjusted over a range of 70-78% by applying appropriate heat treatment profiles. Moreover, the size of the crystals increases with increasing temperature under the investigated conditions. Cu is found to be localized in the residual glassy phase, together with Si and Na, which has an effect on the release of Cu ions in physiological environments.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2021-12-10

Materials for healthcare applications symposium, EUROMAT 2011 (Montpellier, France, 12-15 September 2011) - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Mano, Joao F.; Del Campo, Aranzazu; Verne, Enrica (Biomedical Materials (Bristol), 2012)

Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) of Poly(D,L lactide) (PDLLA) on Three Dimensional Bioglass (R) Structures - Califano, Valeria; Bloisi, Francesco; Vicari, Luciano R. M.; Yunos, Darmawati M.; Chatzistavrou, Xanthipi; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2009)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2009.tech.IW.LM.matrix

Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation of poly(D,L-lactide) for biomedical applications: effect of near infrared radiation - Califano, Valeria; Bloisi, Francesco; Vicari, Luciano R. M.; Bretcanu, Oana; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Biomedical Optics, 2008)
The deposition of thin films of poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) by using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique is investigated. PDLLA is a highly biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, with wide applicability in the biomedical field. The laser wavelength used in the MAPLE process is optimized to obtain a good-quality deposition. The structure of the polymer film is analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It is found that the chemical structure of PDLLA undergoes little or no damage during deposition with near-infrared laser radiation (1064nm). It is thus confirmed that at this wavelength, the MAPLE technique can be applied for fragile biopolymer molecules, which are easily damaged by other laser radiations (UV radiation). This method allows future development of tailored polymer coatings for biomedical applications. © 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2008.tech.IW.LM.matrix
Keywords: biopolymers; coatings; matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation; poly(D; L-lactide); thin films

Mechanical improvement of calcium carbonate cements by: In situ HEMA polymerization during hardening - Myszka, Barbara; Hurle, Katrin; Zheng, Kai; Wolf, Stephan; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2019)
Calcium carbonate cements are a promising alternative for calcium phosphate cements. Due to the higher solubility of calcium carbonate compared to apatite, it is expected to have an improved biodegradation rate; a clear advantage for prospective biomedical applications in a clinical context. As of yet, the poor mechanical performance of calcium carbonate cements precludes their exploitation as a bioceramic. Herein, we report a mechanically enhanced calcium carbonate cement, formulated of vaterite and magnesium-doped amorphous calcium carbonate, which was strengthened by in situ polymerization of incorporated 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) during setting in simulated body fluid (SBF). This approach allowed us to generate a pronouncedly strengthened polymer-ceramic composite whose mechanical properties can be tuned by the monomer fraction. Varying cement compositions were characterized with respect to their mechanical performance, morphology, and quantitative phase composition. HEMA polymer reinforcement strengthened the calcium carbonate cement distinctly in four-point bending test while, in stark contrast, the brittleness of the polymer-free cement simply made such tests impossible. Our results demonstrate that the chosen polymer-enforcement strategy is an efficient and straightforward approach and allows for tuning the mechanical properties of an otherwise brittle and thus unusable calcium carbonate cement towards biomedical application.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-06-25

Mechanical properties and drug release behavior of PCL/zein coated 45S5 bioactive glass scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application - Fereshteh, Zeinab; Nooeaid, Patcharakamon; Fathi, Mohammadhossein; Bagri, Akbar; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Data in Brief, 2015)
This article presents data related to the research article entitled "The effect of coating type on mechanical properties and controlled drug release of PCL/zein coated 45S5 bioactive glass scaffolds for bone tissue engineering" [1]. We provide data on mechanical properties, in vitro bioactivity and drug release of bioactive glass (BG) scaffolds coated by poly (. ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and zein used as a controlled release device for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). By coating the BG scaffolds with PCL or PCL/zein blend the mechanical properties of the scaffolds were substantially improved, i.e., the compressive strength increased from 0.004±0.001. MPa (uncoated BG scaffolds) to 0.15±0.02. MPa (PCL/zein coated BG scaffolds). A dense bone-like apatite layer formed on the surface of PCL/zein coated scaffolds immersed for 14 days in simulated body fluid (SBF). The data describe control of drug release and in vitro degradation behavior of coating by engineering the concentration of zein. Thus, the developed scaffolds exhibit attractive properties for application in bone tissue engineering research.
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Drug delivery; Mechanical properties; PCL/zein coating; Scaffolds

Mechanical properties of cell- and microgel bead-laden oxidized alginate-gelatin hydrogels - Distler, Thomas; Kretzschmar, Lena; Schneidereit, Dominik; Girardo, Salvatore; Goswami, Ruchi; Friedrich, Oliver; Detsch, Rainer; Guck, Jochen; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Budday, Silvia (Biomaterials Science, 2021)
3D-printing technologies, such as biofabrication, capitalize on the homogeneous distribution and growth of cells inside biomaterial hydrogels, ultimately aiming to allow for cell differentiation, matrix remodeling, and functional tissue analogues. However, commonly, only the mechanical properties of the bioinks or matrix materials are assessed, while the detailed influence of cells on the resulting mechanical properties of hydro- gels remains insufficiently understood. Here, we investigate the properties of hydrogels containing cells and spherical PAAm microgel beads through multi-modal complex mechanical analyses in the small- and large- strain regimes. We evaluate the individual contributions of different filler concentrations and a non-fibrous oxi- dized alginate-gelatin hydrogel matrix on the overall mechanical behavior in compression, tension, and shear. Through material modeling, we quantify parameters that describe the highly nonlinear mechanical response of soft composite materials. Our results show that the stiffness significantly drops for cell- and bead concen- trations exceeding four million per milliliter hydrogel. In addition, hydrogels with high cell concentrations (≥6 mio ml−1) show more pronounced material nonlinearity for larger strains and faster stress relaxation. Our findings highlight cell concentration as a crucial parameter influencing the final hydrogel mechanics, with implications for microgel bead drug carrier-laden hydrogels, biofabrication, and tissue engineering.

Mechanical Properties of Low-Density SiC-Coated Carbon-Bonded Carbon Fiber Composites - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, 2011)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2011.tech.IW.LM.mechan

Mechanical reinforcement of Bioglass®-based scaffolds by novel polyvinyl-alcohol/microfibrillated cellulose composite coating - Bertolla, L.; Dlouhy, Ivo; Philippart, Anahi; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials Letters, 2014)
The preparation and mechanical properties of Bioglass-based porous scaffolds reinforced by a composite coating constituted by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) are investigated. Samples produced by foam replication process and having nominally 90% of open porosity were coated by dipping into an aqueous solution of PVA and MFC. Tensile tests were conducted on samples according to a new testing methodology optimized for highly porous ceramics. The addition of PVA/MFC coating led to a 10 fold increase of the tensile strength of scaffolds. The reinforcing and toughening effect of the composite coating due to crack bridging and fracture of cellulose fibrils embedded in the PVA matrix was proved by SEM observations. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Cellulose; Coatings; Mechanical properties; Scaffolds

Medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates, promising new biomedical materials for the future - Rai, Ranjana; Keshavarz, T.; Roether, J. A.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Roy, I. (Materials Science & Engineering R-Reports, 2011)
Medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates, mcl-PHAs (C6-C 14 carbon atoms), are polyesters of hydroxyalkanoates produced mainly by fluorescent Pseudomonads under unbalanced growth conditions. These mcl-PHAs which can be produced using renewable resources are biocompatible, biodegradable and thermoprocessable. They have low crystallinity, low glass transition temperature, low tensile strength and high elongation to break, making them elastomeric polymers. Mcl-PHAs and their copolymers are suitable for a range of biomedical applications where flexible biomaterials are required, such as heart valves and other cardiovascular applications as well as matrices for controlled drug delivery. Mcl-PHAs are more structurally diverse than short chain length PHAs and hence can be more readily tailored for specific applications. Composites have also been fabricated using mcl-PHAs and their copolymers, such as poly (3-hydroxyoctanoate) [P(3HO)] combined with single walled carbon nanotubes and poly(3-hydroxbutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] combined with hydroxyapatite. Because of these attractive properties of biodegradability, biocompatibility and tailorability, Mcl-PHAs and their composites are being increasingly used for biomedical applications. However, studies remain limited mainly to P(3HO) and the copolymer P(3HB-co-3HHx), which are the only mcl-PHAs available in large quantities. In this review we have consolidated current knowledge on the properties and biomedical applications of these elastomeric mcl-PHAs, their copolymers and their composites. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2011.tech.IW.LM.medium
Keywords: Biomedical applications; Composites; Poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate); Polyesters; Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Tissue engineering

Melaleuca armillaris Essential Oil as an Antibacterial Agent: The Use of Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles as Drug Carrier - Ballarre, Josefina; Buldain, Daniel; Ünalan, Irem; Pastore, Juan I.; Mestorino, Nora; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Nanomaterials, 2023)
Bioactive glasses have been proposed for bone tissue engineering due to their excellent biocompatibility and osteo-inductive behaviour. The generation of mesoporous bioactive glass (nano) particles adds a high surface area for the dissolution and release of bioactive ions, and the possibility to load them with different drugs for antibacterial purposes. Essential oils (EO) are an interesting resource for alternative medical therapy, providing antimicrobial compounds that come from organic/natural resources like aromatic plants. Also, a biological polymer, such as chitosan, could be used to control the release of active agents from mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) loaded particles. This work presents MBG particles with nominal composition (in mol) 60% SiO2, 30% CaO and 10% P2O5, loaded with essential oil of Melaleuca armillaris, which contains 1,8-cineol as the main active component, with an inhibitory in vitro activity against several bacterial species. Also, co-loading with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, namely gentamicin, was investigated. The MBG particles were found to be of around 300nm in diameter and to exhibit highly porous open structure. The release of EO from the particles reached 72% of the initial content after the first 24 h, and 80% at 48 h of immersion in phosphate buffered solution. Also, the MBG particles with EO and EO-gentamicin loading presented in vitro apatite formation after 7 days of immersion in simulated body fluid. The antibacterial tests indicated that the main effect, after 24 h of contact with the bacteria, was reached either for the MBG EO or MBG EO-gentamicin particles against E. coli, while the effect against S. aureus was less marked. The results indicate that MBG particles are highly bioactive with the tested composition and loaded with EO of Melaleuca armillaris. The EO, also combined with gentamicin, acts as an antibacterial agent but with different efficacy depending on the bacteria type.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-01-20
Keywords: antibacterial properties; essential oil; Melaleuca armillaris; mesoporous bioactive glass

Melt electrospinning writing of defined scaffolds using polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) blends with 45S5 bioactive glass particles - Hochleitner, Gernot; Kessler, Martina; Schmitz, Michael; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Tessmar, Joerg; Groll, Juergen (Materials Letters, 2017)
Keywords: Additive manufacturing; Bioactive glass; Composite materials; Melt electrospinning writing; Scaffolds

Mending a broken heart by biomimetic 3D printed natural biomaterial-based cardiac patches: a review - Rosellini, Elisabetta; Cascone, Maria Grazia; Guidi, G. M.; Schubert, Dirk W.; Roether, Judith; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2023)
Myocardial infarction is one of the major causes of mortality as well as morbidity around the world. Currently available treatment options face a number of drawbacks, hence cardiac tissue engineering, which aims to bioengineer functional cardiac tissue, for application in tissue repair, patient specific drug screening and disease modeling, is being explored as a viable alternative. To achieve this, an appropriate combination of cells, biomimetic scaffolds mimicking the structure and function of the native tissue, and signals, is necessary. Among scaffold fabrication techniques, three-dimensional printing, which is an additive manufacturing technique that enables to translate computer-aided designs into 3D objects, has emerged as a promising technique to develop cardiac patches with a highly defined architecture. As a further step toward the replication of complex tissues, such as cardiac tissue, more recently 3D bioprinting has emerged as a cutting-edge technology to print not only biomaterials, but also multiple cell types simultaneously. In terms of bioinks, biomaterials isolated from natural sources are advantageous, as they can provide exceptional biocompatibility and bioactivity, thus promoting desired cell responses. An ideal biomimetic cardiac patch should incorporate additional functional properties, which can be achieved by means of appropriate functionalization strategies. These are essential to replicate the native tissue, such as the release of biochemical signals, immunomodulatory properties, conductivity, enhanced vascularization and shape memory effects. The aim of the review is to present an overview of the current state of the art regarding the development of biomimetic 3D printed natural biomaterial-based cardiac patches, describing the 3D printing fabrication methods, the natural-biomaterial based bioinks, the functionalization strategies, as well as the in vitro and in vivo application

Mesenchymal stem cells and myoblast differentiation under HGF and IGF-1 stimulation for 3D skeletal muscle tissue engineering - Witt, Ramona; Weigand, Annika; Boos, Anja; Dippold, Dirk; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Schubert, Dirk W.; Hardt, Moritz; Lange, Claudia; Arkudas, Andreas; Horch, Raymund E.; Beier, Justus; Cai, Aijia (Bmc Cell Biology, 2017)
Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells; Myogenic differentiation; HGF; IGF-1; PCL-collagen nanofibers; Skeletal muscle tissue engineering

Mesenchymal stem cells and myoblast differentiation under HGF and IGF-1 stimulation for 3D skeletal muscle tissue engineering - Witt, Ramona; Weigand, Annika; Boos, Anja; Dippold, Dirk; Schubert, Dirk W.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Arkudas, Andreas; Horch, Raymund E.; Beier, Justus (Bmc Cell Biology, 2017)
Keywords: HGF; IGF-1; Mesenchymal stem cells; Myogenic differentiation; PCL-collagen nanofibers; Skeletal muscle tissue engineering

Mesoporous 45S5 bioactive glass: Synthesis,: in vitro dissolution and biomineralization behavior - Kumar, Anil; Murugavel, Sevi; Aditya, Anusha; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2017)

Mesoporous bioactive glass embedding propolis and cranberry antibiofilm compounds. - Galarraga-Vinueza, Maria Elisa; Mesquita-Guimaraes, Joana; Magini, Ricardo S.; Souza, Julio C. M.; Fredel, Marcio C.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 2018)
/g, according to BJH and BET analyses. A hydroxyl-carbonate apatite (HCAp) layer was formed on all samples after SBF immersion for 72 h. Pure MBG showed the highest chemical reactivity after 72 h, with the resulting apatite layer exhibiting a Ca/P ratio of ∼1.6 in accordance to stoichiometric biological apatite. MBG embedding propolis and cranberry can be considered for future microbiological analysis since the presence of propolis or cranberry did not interfere with MBG's ability to develop a HCAp layer, which is an essential feature for bone regeneration applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1614-1625, 2018.

Mesoporous Bioactive Glasses in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy: Stimuli-Responsive, Toxicity, Immunogenicity, and Clinical Translation - Sharifi, Esmaeel; Bigham, Ashkan; Yousefiasl, Satar; Trovato, Maria; Ghomi, Matineh; Esmaeili, Yasaman; Samadi, Pouria; Zarrabi, Ali; Ashrafizadeh, Milad; Sharifi, Shokrollah; Sartorius, Rossella; Dabbagh Moghaddam, Farnaz; et al. (Advanced Science, 2021)
Cancer is one of the top life-threatening dangers to the human survival, accounting for over 10 million deaths per year. Bioactive glasses have developed dramatically since their discovery 50 years ago, with applications that include therapeutics as well as diagnostics. A new system within the bioactive glass family, mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs), has evolved into a multifunctional platform, thanks to MBGs easy-to-functionalize nature and tailorable textural properties—surface area, pore size, and pore volume. Although MBGs have yet to meet their potential in tumor treatment and imaging in practice, recently research has shed light on the distinguished MBGs capabilities as promising theranostic systems for cancer imaging and therapy. This review presents research progress in the field of MBG applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy, including synthesis of MBGs, mechanistic overview of MBGs application in tumor diagnosis and drug monitoring, applications of MBGs in cancer therapy (particularly, targeted delivery and stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms), and immunological profile of MBG-based nanodevices in reference to the development of novel cancer therapeutics.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-11-26
Keywords: cancer therapy; diagnosis; gene and drug delivery; immunotherapy; mesoporous bioactive glasses; toxicological profile

Mesoporous silica-based bioactive glasses for antibiotic-free antibacterial applications - Kaya, Seray; Cresswell, Mark; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2018)
Keywords: Antibacterial; Antibiotic-free; Bioactive glass; Mesoporous; Sol-gel technique

Mesoporous silica submicron particles (MCM-41) incorporating nanoscale Ag: synthesis, characterization and application as drug delivery coatings - Boccardi, Elena; Liverani, Liliana; Beltrán, A. M.; Günther, R.; Schmidt, Jennifer; Peukert, Wolfgang; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Porous Materials, 2018)
Keywords: Mesoporous particles; Scaffolds; Drug delivery; Silica; Silver

Metallic ions as therapeutic agents in tissue engineering scaffolds: an overview of their biological applications and strategies for new developments - Mourino, Viviana; Pablo Cattalini, Juan; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 2012)
This article provides an overview on the application of metallic ions in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, focusing on their therapeutic applications and the need to design strategies for controlling the release of loaded ions from biomaterial scaffolds. A detailed summary of relevant metallic ions with potential use in tissue engineering approaches is presented. Remaining challenges in the field and directions for future research efforts with focus on the key variables needed to be taken into account when considering the controlled release of metallic ions in tissue engineering therapeutics are also highlighted. © 2011 The Royal Society.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2012.tech.IW.LM.metall
Keywords: Bone; Controlled release; Drug delivery; Metallic ions; Scaffolds; Tissue engineering

Micro-computed-tomography-guided analysis of in vitro structural modifications in two types of 45S5 bioactive glass based scaffolds - Westhauser, Fabian; Ciraldo, Francesca; Balasubramanian, Preethi; Senger, Anne-Sophie; Schmidmaier, Gerhard; Moghaddam, Arash; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials, 2017)
Keywords: Bioactive Glass; Maritime national sponge; Polyurethane foam; μCT; tissue engineering; in vitro; dissolution behavior

Micropatterned Down-Converting Coating for White Bio-Hybrid Light-Emitting Diodes - Niklaus, Lukas; Tansaz, Samira; Dakhil, Haider; Weber, Katharina; Pröschel, Marlene; Lang, Martina; Kostrzewa, Monika Maria; Coto, Pedro B.; Detsch, Rainer; Sonnewald, Uwe; Wierschem, Andreas; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Advanced Functional Materials, 2017)
White hybrid light-emitting diodes (WHLEDs) are considered as a solid approach toward environmentally sustainable lighting sources that meet the "Green Photonics" requirements. Here, WHLEDs with protein-based down-converting coatings, i.e., Bio-WHLEDs, are demonstrated and exhibit worthy white color quality, luminous efficiency, and stability values. The coatings feature a multilayered cascade-like architecture with thicknesses of 1-3 mm. This limits the efficiency due to the low optical transmittance. Thus, submillimeter coatings, where the location of the proteins is well-defined, are highly desired. It is in this context where the thrust of this work sets in. Here, a straightforward way to design microstructured single-layer coatings, in which the proteins are placed at our command by using 3D printing, is presented. Based on comprehensive spectroscopic and rheological investigations, the optimization of the matrix and the plotting to prepare different micropatterns, i.e., lines, open-grids, and closed-grids, is rationalized. The latter are applied to prepare Bio-WHLEDs with approximate to 5-fold enhancement of the luminous efficiency compared to the reference devices with a cascade-like coating, without losing stability and color quality. As such, this work shows a new route to exploit proteins for optoelectronics, setting a new avenue of research into the emerging field of Bio-WHLEDs.

Microporous glass ceramics from combination of silicate, borate and phosphate wastes - Cicek, B.; Esposito, L.; Tucci, A.; Bernardo, Enrico; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Bingham, P. A. (Advances in Applied Ceramics, 2012)
Borate mineral wastes and phosphate ash resulting from the incineration of meat and bone meal represent two particularly abundant inorganic wastes. This paper is dedicated to the combination of such wastes, together with kaolin clay, focused on the development of highly porous ceramic bodies. Borate waste has a multiple effect, providing liquid phase at the sintering temperature (1050°C), gas release (from the decomposition of its calcite fraction) and a CaO source, which reacts with residues from clay and promotes the formation of anorthite crystals as a newly formed phase. Control of the heating rate, i.e. adoption of fast heating (20°C min -1) and, above all, introduction of recycled soda-lime-silica glass as secondary additive, allowed obtaining lightweight microporous bodies (density below 0·45 g cm -3) with uniform pore structure that could be useful for thermal and acoustic insulations. © 2012 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2012.tech.IW.LM.microp
Keywords: Boron; Glass ceramic; Meat bone and meal ash; Waste recycling

Microporous organic-inorganic nanocomposite coatings on stainless steel via electrophoretic deposition for biomedical applications - Abdullah, Hasan Zuhudi Bin; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (ECS Transactions, 2018)
Microporous organic-inorganic nanocomposite coatings (chitosan/gelatin/halloysite) were deposited on stainless steel for improving the surface biocompatibility providing enhanced functionality for biomedical applications. For fabricating the coating, chitosan and gelatin-based suspensions were prepared and then dissolved in hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution; to this, varying amounts of halloysite nanotubes were added. The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method was used at room temperature with low applied voltages (5 and 10 V) and short deposition times (1-5 minutes). Microporous coatings were characterised using optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. In vitro studies were performed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 3 days to evaluate the formation of bone-like apatite on the coating surface. The extent of porosity increased with increase in the applied voltage owing to the occurrence of bubbles at the interface between the suspension and substrate.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-08-05

Microstructural and compositional characterisation of the pyrocarbon interlayer in SiC coated low density carbon/carbon composites - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2010)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2010.tech.IW.LM.micros_5

Microstructural and electrical characterization of Mn-Co spinel protective coatings for solid oxide cell interconnects - Molin, Sebastian; Sabato, A. G.; Bindi, M.; Leone, P.; Cempura, G.; Salvo, M.; Polo, S. Cabanas; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Smeacetto, F. (Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2017)
Keywords: Area specific resistance; Electrophoretic deposition; Microstructure; Protective coating; Solid oxide cell

Microstructural and in vitro characterization of 45S5 bioactive glass coatings deposited by solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) - Canas, E.; Orts, M. J.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Sanchez, E. (Surface & Coatings Technology, 2019)
The present work focused on the development of bioactive glass coatings employing Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying. Precursors of SiO2, CaO, Na2O and P2O5 were mixed in distilled water to prepare concentrated solutions with a composition close to the 45S5 bioactive glass.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2019-07-12

Microstructural characterisation and electrical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/glass-ceramic nanocomposites - Giovanardi, Roberto; Montorsi, Monia; Ori, Guido; Cho, Johann; Subhani, Tayyab; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Siligardi, Cristina (Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2010)
We report on an improved processing method for fabricating multiwalled carbon nanotubes/glass-ceramic nanocomposites based on vanadium doped silicate glass matrices. Starting from the design of a stable aqueous dispersion of CNTs, achieved using a cationic surfactant, the interaction of CNTs with glass particles in suspension was improved using a co-solvent that provided access to nanocomposites exhibiting high quality CNT distribution in the matrix, which was confirmed by detailed micro/nano-structural and morphological characterisation. Considering that very few studies have focused on the functional properties of CNT/glass composites, in the present investigation the electrical resistivity of CNT/glass composites was measured and it was demonstrated that higher electrical conductivity values were obtained compared to previous similar materials fabricated by conventional powder processing. © 2010 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2010.tech.IW.LM.micros

Microstructure and chemical degradation of adobe and clay bricks - Calabria, Juliana A.; Vasconcelos, Wander L.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Ceramics International, 2009)
The environmental degradation of adobe and fired clay brick was studied. Leaching media based on Na2S2O5 solution and deionized water were used. The microstructure of the samples was evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BET method), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The predominant phases detected were kaolinite and quartz for both the adobe and fired brick samples. The high surface reactivity, associated with a large amount of OH groups, contributes to the significant degradation of adobe. The fired clay brick showed a significant decrease in the average pore diameter after the first day of the leaching process; its specific surface area exhibited a reduction of about three orders of magnitude. The results of the present investigation contribute to a better understanding of the correlation between structure and leaching behaviour in adobe and clay brick, attending the renewed interest in these materials as environmentally attractive building blocks. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2009.tech.IW.LM.micros_8
Keywords: Adobes; B. Microstructure; B. Porosity; D. Clays; E. Structural applications

Microstructure and properties of composite polyetheretherketone/Bioglass® coatings deposited on Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy for medical applications - Moskalewicz, Tomasz; Seuß, Sigrid; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Applied Surface Science, 2013)
Composite polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/Bioglass® coatings were electrophoretically deposited on two phase α + β Ti-6Al-7Nb titanium alloy substrates. A heat treatment was performed to improve the adhesion of the coatings to the substrate. The microstructure of the coatings and substrate was examined by light microscopy, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy methods as well as by X-ray diffractometry. Coatings deposited from suspensions with PEEK/Bioglass® weight ratio of 0.3 showed the best quality. Coatings of 40 μm thickness, exhibiting uniform porosity, without any cracks or presence of large voids were produced. The microstructure of the coatings was observed to be composed of Bioglass® particles fairly homogeneously embedded in a PEEK matrix. STEM-EDX line analysis revealed diffusion of Na from the glass to the PEEK matrix after heat-treatment. The results demonstrate that electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a very useful method to deposit uniform and reproducible microporous composite PEEK/Bioglass® coatings on titanium alloy substrate for biomedical applications. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2013.tech.IW.LM.micros
Keywords: Bioglass; Composite coating; EPD; Microstructure; PEEK; Titanium alloy

Microstructure characterization of erosion resitant coatings on carbon-bonded carbon fibre composites - Moskalewicz, Tomasz; Smeacetto, Federico; Salvo, Milena; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Czyrska-Filemonowicz, Aleksandra (Journal of Microscopy, 2010)
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2010.tech.IW.LM.charac_4

Microstructure of nanocrystalline TiO2 films produced by electrophoretic deposition on Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Surface & Coatings Technology, 2007)
Nanocrystalline TiO2 powders were electrophoretically deposited on the surface of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy substrate. Post heat treatment at 850 °C was performed to improve the adhesion strength of the coating. The microstructure of the coating and substrate has been examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, analytical TEM methods (SAED, EDS) and X-ray diffraction. TEM investigations of cross-section thin foils allowed for detailed analysis of the coating microstructure. The TiO2 film exhibited a nanocrystalline structure. SAED and XRD analyses show that the as-deposited nanocrystalline TiO2 films exhibited anatase and rutile phase. The micromechanical properties (microhardness, Young's modulus) were measured. The results obtained show that TiO2 films have low hardness and Young's modulus. During scratch tests any flaking or fracture was observed. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2007.tech.IW.LM.micros
Keywords: Electrophoretic deposition; Titanium alloy; Titanium oxide; Transmission electron microscopy

Mineral matrix deposition of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells exposed to silicocarnotite and nagelschmidtite bioceramics: In vitro comparison to hydroxyapatite - Rincón-López, July Andrea; Hermann-Muñoz, Jennifer Andrea; Detsch, Rainer; Rangel-López, Raúl; Muñoz-Saldaña, Juan; Jiménez-Sandoval, Sergio; Alvarado-Orozco, Juan Manuel; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 2024)
This work presents the effect of the silicocarnotite (SC) and nagelschmidtite (Nagel) phases on in vitro osteogenesis. The known hydroxyapatite of biological origin (BHAp) was used as a standard of osteoconductive characteristics. The evaluation was carried out in conventional and osteogenic media for comparative purposes to assess the osteogenic ability of the bioceramics. First, the effect of the material on cell viability at 24 h, 7 and 14 days of incubation was evaluated. In addition, cell morphology and attachment on dense bioceramic surfaces were observed by fluorescence microscopy. Specifically, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated as an osteogenic marker of the early stages of bone cell differentiation. Mineralized extracellular matrix was observed by calcium phosphate deposits and extracellular vesicle formation. Furthermore, cell phenotype determination was confirmed by scanning electron microscope. The results provided relevant information on the cell attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation processes after 7 and 14 days of incubation. Finally, it was demonstrated that SC and Nagel phases promote cell proliferation and differentiation, while the Nagel phase exhibited a superior osteoconductive behavior and could promote MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation to a higher extent than SC and BHAp, which was reflected in a higher number of deposits in a shorter period for both conventional and osteogenic media.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2024-03-15
Keywords: hydroxyapatite; MC3T3-E1 cell line; mineral matrix deposition; nagelschmidtite; silicocarnotite

Mn-Co spinel coatings on Crofer 22 APU by electrophoretic deposition: Up scaling, performance in SOFC stack at 850 °C and compositional modifications - Sabato, A. G.; Zanchi, E.; Molin, S.; Cempura, G.; Javed, H.; Herbrig, K.; Walter, C.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Smeacetto, F. (Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2021)
Ceramic coatings for metallic interconnects play a key role in limiting corrosion and chromium evaporation in solid oxide cells. This study presents the upscaling of the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique to process Mn-Co spinels on real-dimension Crofer 22 APU interconnects and the test in a SOFC stack. Area specific resistance of long-term test conducted for 5000 h at 850 °C demonstrated that two-steps sintering has a significant influence on the coating performance; an area specific resistance degradation rate of 0.5 mΩ cm2 kh−1 is recorded. Stack test, operated in fuel cell mode at 850 °C for 3000 h under application of 227 mA/cm², including 5 thermal cycles, demonstrated the effectiveness of the electrophoretically deposited Mn-Co spinel in limiting the oxide scale growth on the Crofer 22 APU. An advanced post mortem investigation showed the effectiveness of the EPD ceramic coating, even when considering different and complex surfaces of the Crofer 22 APU.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-04-09
Keywords: Coating; Electron microscopy; Electrophoretic deposition; SOFC; Spinel

Modelling bioactivity and degradation of bioactive glass based tissue engineering scaffolds - Sanz-Herrera, J. A.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2011)
Bioactive glasses are a class of inorganic biomaterials widely used in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Once implanted in the human body, these biomaterials react with the body fluid resulting in the formation of a surface hydroxyapatite (HA) layer, which exhibits the ability to form a stable chemical bond with the adjacent living bone tissue. The experimental evaluation of the degradation of bioactive glasses in contact with body fluid requires long-term in vitro assays. In this work, a novel mathematical model is proposed to numerically analyze the dissolution and bioactivity of bioactive glasses in relevant conditions for their in vitro and in vivo applications. A detailed framework is described for the numerical implementation using the Voxel-FEM method, in order to account for the microstructural evolution as consequence of degradation and HA layer formation. Two examples of application are highlighted, showing the suitability and usefulness of the proposed model for the evaluation of bioactive glasses in tissue engineering applications. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2011.tech.IW.LM.modell
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Computational simulation; Dissolution and precipitation; Reaction-diffusion equations; Tissue engineering

Model of dissolution in the framework of tissue engineering and drug delivery. - Sanz-Herrera, J. A.; Soria, L.; Reina-Romo, E.; Torres, Y.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomechanics and modeling in mechanobiology, 2018)
Dissolution phenomena are ubiquitously present in biomaterials in many different fields. Despite the advantages of simulation-based design of biomaterials in medical applications, additional efforts are needed to derive reliable models which describe the process of dissolution. A phenomenologically based model, available for simulation of dissolution in biomaterials, is introduced in this paper. The model turns into a set of reaction-diffusion equations implemented in a finite element numerical framework. First, a parametric analysis is conducted in order to explore the role of model parameters on the overall dissolution process. Then, the model is calibrated and validated versus a straightforward but rigorous experimental setup. Results show that the mathematical model macroscopically reproduces the main physicochemical phenomena that take place in the tests, corroborating its usefulness for design of biomaterials in the tissue engineering and drug delivery research areas.

Modification of in vitro degradation behavior of pure iron with ultrasonication treatment: Comparison of two different pseudo-physiological solutions - Zhou, Juncen; Fink, Michael; Bruns, Mark; Yang, Yuyun; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Ermert, Helmut; Virtanen, Sannakaisa (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2018)

Modulation of neuronal cell affinity of composite scaffolds based on polyhydroxyalkanoates and bioactive glasses - Lizarraga-Valderrama, Lorena R.; Nigmatullin, Rinat; Ladino, Bryan; Taylor, Caroline S.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Knowles, Jonathan C.; Claeyssens, Frederik; Haycock, John W.; Roy, Ipsita (Biomedical Materials, 2020)
The biocompatibility and neuron regenerating properties of various bioactive glass (BG)/polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) blend composites were assessed in order to study their suitability for peripheral nerve tissue applications, specifically as lumen structures for nerve guidance conduits. BG/PHA blend composites were fabricated using Bioactive glass (R) 45 S5 (BG1) and BG 1393 (BG2) with the 25:75 poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate/poly3-hydroxybutyrate), 25:75 P(3HO)/P(3HB) blend (PHA blend). Various concentrations of each BG (0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt% and 2.5 wt%) were used to determine the effect of BG on neuronal growth and differentiation, in single culture using NG108-15 neuronal cells and in a co-culture along with RN22 Schwann cells. NG108-15 cells exhibited good growth and differentiation on all the PHA blend composites showing that both BGs have good biocompatibility at 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt% and 2.5 wt% within the PHA blend. The Young's modulus values displayed by all the PHA blend/BG composites ranged from 385.6 MPa to 1792.6 MPa, which are able to provide the required support and protective effect for the regeneration of peripheral nerves. More specifically, the tensile strength obtained in the PHA blend/BG1 (1.0 wt%) (10.0 +/- 0.6 MPa) was found to be similar to that of the rabbit peroneal nerve. This composite also exhibited the best biological performance in supporting growth and neuronal differentiation among all the substrates. The neurite extension on this composite was found to be remarkable with the neurites forming a complex connection network.
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2020-07-31

Molecular changes induced in melanoma by cell culturing in 3D alginate hydrogels - Kappelmann-Fenzl, M.; Schmidt, Sonja; Fischer, Stefan; Schmid, Rafael; Lämmerhirt, Lisa; Fischer, Lena; Schrüfer, Stefan; Thievessen, Ingo; Schubert, Dirk W.; Matthies, Alexander Oliver; Detsch, Rainer; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Cancers, 2021)
Alginate hydrogels have been used as a biomaterial for 3D culturing for several years. Here, gene expression patterns in melanoma cells cultivated in 3D alginate are compared to 2D cultures. It is well-known that 2D cell culture is not resembling the complex in vivo situation well. However, the use of very intricate 3D models does not allow performing high-throughput screening and analysis is highly complex. 3D cell culture strategies in hydrogels will better mimic the in vivo situation while they maintain feasibility for large-scale analysis. As alginate is an easy-to-use material and due to its favorable properties, it is commonly applied as a bioink component in the growing field of cell encapsulation and biofabrication. Yet, only a little information about the transcriptome in 3D cultures in hydrogels like alginate is available. In this study, changes in the transcriptome based on RNA-Seq data by cultivating melanoma cells in 3D alginate are analyzed and reveal marked changes compared to cells cultured on usual 2D tissue culture plastic. Deregulated genes represent valuable cues to signaling pathways and molecules affected by the culture method. Using this as a model system for tumor cell plasticity and heterogeneity, EGR1 is determined to play an important role in melanoma progression.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-08-20
Keywords: 3D cultivation; Biomaterials; EGR1; Melanoma; Whole transcriptome

Monodispersed lysozyme-functionalized bioactive glass nanoparticles with antibacterial and anticancer activities - Zheng, Kai; Lu, Miao; Liu, Yufang; Chen, Qiang; Taccardi, Nicola; Hueser, Norbert; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomedical Materials, 2016)
In this study, highly monodispersed spherical bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGS) with a particle size of 408 ± 36 nm were synthesized using a modified Stöber method. The BGS was then functionalized with lysozyme (LY) via a simple electrostatic interaction routine under selected conditions. The LY-functionalized BGS (LY-BGS) exhibited monodispersity, spherical morphology and homogeneity in size. The incorporated content of LY could be tailored conveniently by adjusting the initial concentration of the LY precursor for functionalization. Hydroxyapatite (HA) formed on the LY-BGS after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 d, but the formation was retarded compared to the non-functionalized BGS. The LY-BGS showed antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive B. subtilis and >90% of the bacteria was killed within 24 h after culture with the LY-BGS at a concentration of 1 mg ml-1. The LY-BGS also showed cytotoxicity towards the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. In addition, the relative cytotoxicity increased with an increase in the concentration of the LY-BGS in contact with the cells. As a comparison, the LY-BGS exhibited reduced or no cytotoxicity towards human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at the same concentration with respect to the HepG2 groups. Notably, the relative cell viability of HepG2 was 45.9% after exposure to the LY-BGS at a concentration of 10 extgreekmg ml-1 for 24 h, while no decrease in relative viability for the HUVECs was observed under the same conditions. This cytotoxicity window between cancerous cells and healthy cells could be expected for cancer treatment. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties and the bioactivity of LY-BGS make it a promising material for biomedical applications, particularly in the treatment of bone defects caused by tumors.
Keywords: antibacterial activity; anticancer activity; bioactive glasses; lysozyme; nanocomposites

Morphological and mechanical characterization of chitosan/gelatin/silica-gentamicin/bioactive glass coatings on orthopaedic metallic implant materials - Aydemir, Tuba; Pastore, Juan I.; Jimenez-Pique, Emilio; Roa, Joan Josep; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Ballarre, Josefina (Thin Solid Films, 2021)
Metals are the most widely used materials for orthopedics and dentistry due to their high mechanical properties. However, for certain uses like fixation plates and screws, dental implants, and osseo-articular prosthesis, their surface characteristics such as non-toxic and non-corrosive behavior, good cell adhesion and proliferation, and resistance to bacterial biofilm formation should be accompanied with high mechanical performance. One way to improve metallic implant performance in vivo is to coat them with biopolymer or inorganic thin films. This work describes two multifunctional coating systems for orthopedic titanium and stainless steel implants. Titanium implants were coated with a system consisting of a base hybrid sol-gel layer with bioactive glass particles (applied via spraying) and a top chitosan/gelatin layer with silica-gentamicin nanoparticles (applied via electrophoretic deposition, EPD). Stainless steel implants, which are designed to be removable, were coated only with the top chitosan/gelatin/ silica-gentamicin nanoparticles layer with the aim of providing a temporal attachment to bone and to combat possible bacterial adhesion. The microstructural and mechanical characterization of the coatings was conducted by optical microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, digital image processing, as well as nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests to advance the understanding of their elastic-plastic, morphologic and adhesive behavior. The coatings were homogeneous, providing good coverage to both substrates. Their surface properties, such as roughness and wettability, indicate that they represent excellent substrates for cell attachment. Bioactive glass particles can be added to titanium implant systems as bioactive components without affecting adhesion or mechanical performance of the chitosan/gelatin/silica-gentamicin nanoparticle EPD coatings. The increase in both hardness and elastic modulus of the coated systems could be due to the presence of the silica-gentamicin nanoparticles and their compaction during the penetration of the indenter. When the samples are subjected to scratch tests, the critical load increases with the reinforcement of the coatings by the silica-gentamicin nanoparticles absorbing the applied load and maintaining the elastic properties of the coatings.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-07-02
Keywords: Bioactive glasses; Biopolymers; Electrophoretic deposition; Functional coatings; Mechanical properties; Metallic implants

MOULDING THE FUTURE OF 3D PRINTING: SACRIFICIAL MOULDS FOR THE FABRICATION OF HYDROGEL CONSTRUCTS - Robering, Jan W.; Reakasame, Supachai; Gao, Jie; Beier, Justus P.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Horch, Raymund E.; Boos, Anja M. (TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A, 2022)
CRIS-Team WoS Importer:2022-08-12

Multiferroic nanocomposite fabrication via liquid phase using anodic alumina template. - Kawamura, Go; Ohara, Kazuhiro; Tan, Wai Kian; Goto, Taichi; Nakamura, Yuichi; Inoue, Mitsuteru; Muto, Hiroyuki; Yamaguchi, Kazuhiro; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Matsuda, Atsunori (Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, 2018)
layers by a sol-gel spin-coating method to obtain the composite. Its multiferroicity was confirmed by measuring the magnetic and dielectric hysteresis loops.

Multifunctional bioactive glass scaffolds coated with layers of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(n-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels loaded with vancomycin - Olalde, B.; Garmendia, N.; Saez-Martinez, V.; Argarate, N.; Nooeaid, Patcharakamon; Morin, F.; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2013)
A new family of multifunctional scaffolds, incorporating selected biopolymer coatings on basic Bioglass® derived foams has been developed. The polymer coatings were investigated as carrier of vancomycin which is a suitable drug to impart antibiotic function to the scaffolds. It has been proved that coating with PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) with dispersed vancomycin-loaded microgels provides a rapid delivery of drug to give antibacterial effects at the wound site and a further sustained release to aid mid to long-term healing. Furthermore, the microgels also improved the bioactivity of the scaffolds by acting as nucleation sites for the formation of HA crystals in simulated body fluid. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2013.tech.IW.LM.multif
Keywords: Bioglass®; Drug delivery; Microgel; PLGA; Scaffold; Vancomycin

Multifunctional Chitosan-45S5 Bioactive Glass-Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Microsphere Composite Membranes for Guided Tissue/Bone Regeneration - Li, Wei; Ding, Yaping; Yu, Shanshan; Yao, Qingqing; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2015)
Novel multifunctional chitosan-45S5 bioactive glass-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) microsphere (CS-BG-MS) composite membranes were developed with applicability in guided tissue/bone regeneration (GTR/GBR). The incorporation of 45S5 BG and PHBV MS into CS membranes not only provided the membranes with favorable surface roughness, hydrophilicity, and flexibility but also slowed down their degradation rate. Moreover, the CS membranes became bioactive after the incorporation of 45S5 BG and capable of releasing drugs of different physicochemical properties in a controlled and sustained manner with the addition of PHBV MS. Cell culture tests showed that osteoblast-like MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells had significantly higher adhesion, cell proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity on CS-BG and CS-BG-MS membranes than on neat CS membranes. Therefore, the developed bioactive CS-BG-MS membranes with potential multidrug (e.g., antibacterial and antiosteoporosis drugs) delivery capability are promising candidate membranes for GTR/GBR applications.
Keywords: 45S5 bioactive glass; chitosan; drug delivery; guided bone regeneration; membrane; PHBV microsphere

Multifunctional chitosan/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/45S5 Bioglass® scaffolds for MC3T3-E1 cell stimulation and drug release - Yao, Qingqing; Li, Wei; Yu, Shanshan; Ma, Liwei; Jin, Dayong; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Liu, Yong (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2015)
Abstract Novel chitosan-polyvinyl pyrrolidone/45S5 Bioglass® (CS-PVP/BG) scaffolds were prepared via foam replication and chemical cross-linking techniques. The pristine BG, CS-PVP coated BG and genipin cross-linked CS-PVP/BG (G-CS-PVP/BG) scaffolds were synthesized and characterized in terms of chemical composition, physical structure and morphology respectively. Resistance to enzymatic degradation of the scaffold is improved significantly with the use of genipin cross-linked CS-PVP. The bio-effects of scaffolds on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were evaluated by studying cell viability, adhesion and proliferation. The CCK-8 assay shows that cell viability on the resulting G-CS-PVP/BG scaffold is improved obviously after cross-linking of genipin. Cell skeleton images exhibit that well-stretched F-actin bundles are obtained on the G-CS-PVP/BG scaffold. SEM results present significant improvement on the cell adhesion and proliferation for cells cultured on the G-CS-PVP/BG scaffold. The drug release performance on the as-synthesized scaffold was studied in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. Vancomycin is found to be released in burst fashion within 24 h from the pristine BG scaffold, however, the release period from the G-CS-PVP/BG scaffold is enhanced to 7 days, indicating improved drug release properties of the G-CS-PVP/BG scaffold. Our results suggest that the G-CS-PVP/BG scaffolds possess promising physicochemical properties, sustained drug release capability and good biocompatibility for MC3T3-E1 cells' proliferation and adhesion, suggesting their potential applications in areas such as MC3T3-E1 cell stimulation and bone tissue engineering.
Keywords: 45S5 Bioglass®; Chitosan; Drug release; MC3T3-E1 cells; Polyvinyl pyrrolidone; Scaffolds

Multifunctional Chitosan Scaffold Platforms Loaded with Natural Polyphenolic Extracts for Wound Dressing Applications - Borges-Vilches, Jessica; Ünalan, Irem; Aguayo, Claudio R.; Fernández, Katherina; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Biomacromolecules, 2023)
Chitosan (CS)-based scaffolds loaded with Pinus radiata extract bark (PE) and grape seed extract (GSE) were successfully developed for wound dressing applications. The effects of incorporating GSE and PE in CS scaffolds were investigated in relation to their physicochemical and biological properties. All scaffolds exhibited porous structures with the ability to absorb more than 70 times their weight when contacted with blood and phosphate buffer solution. The incorporation of GSE and PE into the CS scaffolds increased their blood absorption ability and degradation rates over time. All scaffolds showed a clotting ability above 95%, with their surfaces being favorable for red blood cell attachment. Both GSE and PE were released from the CS scaffolds in a sustained manner. Scaffolds loaded with GSE and PE inhibited the bacterial activity of S. aureus and E. coli by 40% and 44% after 24 h testing. In vitro cell viability studies demonstrated that all scaffolds were nontoxic to HaCaT cells. Importantly, the addition of GSE and PE further increased cell viability compared to that of the CS scaffold. This study provides a new synthesis method to immobilize GSE and PE on CS scaffolds, enabling the formation of novel material platforms with a high potential for wound dressing applications.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-12-08

Multi-functional P(3HB) microsphere/45S5 Bioglass®-based composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering - Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Acta Biomaterialia, 2010)
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Drug delivery; Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate); Scaffolds; Tissue engineering

Multifunctional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and in situ drug delivery - Mouriño, V.; Cattalini, J. P.; Li, Wenjie; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Lucangioli, S. (Elsevier Inc., 2014)
This chapter provides an overview about the development of bone tissue engineering scaffolds with the ability to provide the controlled delivery of therapeutic drugs. Typical drugs considered include gentamicin and other antibiotics generally used to combat osteomyelitis as well as anti-inflammatory drugs and bisphosphonates. Special attention has been given to the technology used for controlling the release of the loaded drugs. A detailed summary of drugs included in bone tissue scaffolds is presented and the many approaches developed to combine organic and inorganic biomaterials in composites for drug-delivery systems are discussed. The remaining challenges in the field are summarized, suggesting also future research directions.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-08-05
Keywords: Bone tissue engineering; Drug delivery; Multifunctional scaffolds; Therapeutic drugs

Multi-functional silica-based mesoporous materials for simultaneous delivery of biologically active ions and therapeutic biomolecules - Zhu, Hui; Zheng, Kai; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Acta Biomaterialia, 2021)
Mesoporous silica-based materials, especially mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs), are being highly considered for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and tissue engineering, not only because of their bioactivity and biocompatibility but also due to their tunable composition and potential use as drug delivery carriers owing to their controllable nanoporous structure. Numerous researches have reported that MBGs can be doped with various therapeutic ions (strontium, copper, magnesium, zinc, lithium, silver, etc.) and loaded with specific biomolecules (e.g., therapeutic drugs, antibiotics, growth factors) achieving controllable loading and release kinetics. Therefore, co-delivery of ions and biomolecules using a single MBG carrier is highly interesting as this approach provides synergistic effects toward improved therapeutic outcomes in comparison to the strategy of sole drug or ion delivery. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art in the field of mesoporous silica-based materials used for co-delivery of ions and therapeutic drugs with osteogenesis/cementogenesis, angiogenesis, antibacterial and anticancer properties. The analysis of the literature reveals that specially designed mesoporous nanocarriers can release multiple ions and drugs at therapeutically safe and relevant levels, achieving the desired biological effects (in vivo, in vitro) for specific biomedical applications. It is expected that this review on the ion/drug co-delivery concept using MBG carriers will shed light on the advantages of such co-delivery systems for clinical use. Areas for future research directions are identified and discussed. Statement of significance: Many studies in literature focus on the potential of single drug or ion delivery by mesoporous silica-based materials, exploiting the bioactivity, biocompatibility, tunable composition and controllable nanoporosity of these materials. Recenlty, studies have adopted the “dual-delivery” concept, by designing multi-functional mesoporous silica-based systems which are capable to deliver both biologically active ions and biomolecules (growth factors, drugs) simultaneously in order to achieve synergy of their complementary therapeutic activities. This review summarizes the state of the art in the field, with focus on osteogenesis/cementogenesis, angiogenesis, antibacterial and anticancer properties, and discusses the challenges and prospects for further progress in this area, expecting to generate broader interest in the technology for applications in disease treatment and regenerative medicine.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-07-16
Keywords: Drug delivery; Growth factor/protein delivery; Mesoporous bioactive glass; Therapeutic ions; Tissue regeneration

Multifunctional stratified composite coatings by electrophoretic deposition and RF co-sputtering for orthopaedic implants - Nawaz, Qaisar; Fastner, Steffen; Rehman, Muhammad Atiq Ur; Ferraris, Sara; Perero, Sergio; di Confiengo, G. Gautier; Yavuz, Emre; Ferraris, Monica; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Science, 2021)
In this study, multifunctional stratified antibacterial and bioactive coatings were deposited and characterised. Initially, PEEK/bioactive glass (BG)/ mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle (MBGN) layers with a thickness of 110–120 μm were deposited on stainless steel substrates using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Thin silver nanocluster-silica composite layers with a thickness of 70–155 nm were then deposited by radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering on the previously deposited EPD coatings. The deposition was carried for two different sputtering times (20 min and 40 min), which led to different layer thicknesses. PEEK/BG/MBGNs coatings were also deposited via single-step EPD. A comparison between the physicomechanical and biological characteristics of single layer PEEK/BG/MBGNs composite coating and bilayer Ag-PEEK/BG/MBGNs is presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated that silver nanoclusters were homogeneously distributed in the multilayered EPD/RF coatings. An apatite-like structure was formed on the surface of the coatings upon immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) after 1 day. Silver nanoclusters embedded in the silica matrix as a top layer provided controlled release of silver ions which led to a potent antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. carnosus. Single layer coatings exhibited a burst release of Ag ions, which led to antibacterial effects but were toxic to osteoblast cells. Finally, the results of WST-8 assays confirmed that the multi-structured coatings allow osteoblast-like cells to proliferate and attach strongly on the surface of the coatings.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2021-02-12

Multifunctional zinc ion doped sol – gel derived mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles for biomedical applications - Neščáková, Zuzana; Zheng, Kai; Liverani, Liliana; Nawaz, Qaisar; Galusková, Dagmar; Kaňková, Hana; Michálek, Martin; Galusek, Dušan; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Bioactive Materials, 2019)
Mesoporous bioactive glasses have been widely investigated for applications in bone tissue regeneration and, more recently, in soft tissue repair and wound healing. In this study we produced mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) based on the SiO2–CaO system. With the intention of adding subsidiary biological function, MBGNs were doped with Zn2+ ions. Zn-MBGNs with 8 mol% ZnO content were synthesized via microemulsion assisted sol-gel method. The synthesized particles were homogeneous in shape and size. They exhibited spherical shape, good dispersity, and a size of 130 ± 10 nm. The addition of zinc precursors did not affect the morphology of particles, while their specific surface area increased in comparison to MBGNs. The presence of Zn2+ ions inhibited the formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCAp) on the particles after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). No formation of HCAp crystals on the surface of Zn-MBGNs could be observed after 14 days of immersion. Interestingly, powders containing relatively high amount of zinc released Zn2+ ions in low concentration (0.6–1.2 mg L−1) but in a sustained manner. This releasing feature enables Zn-MBGNs to avoid potentially toxic levels of Zn2+ ions, indeed Zn-MBGNs were seen to improve the differentiation of osteoblast-like cells (MG-63). Additionally, Zn-MBGNs showed higher ability to adsorb proteins in comparison to MBGNs, which could indicate a favourable later attachment of cells. Due to their advantageous morphological and physiochemical properties, Zn-MBGNs show great potential as bioactive fillers or drug delivery systems in a variety of applications including bone regeneration and wound healing.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2019-11-01
Keywords: Bioactive glass; Bioactive particles; Bioactivity; Ion release; Sol-gel synthesis; Zinc

Multilayer coatings based on cerium oxide and manganese cobaltite spinel for Crofer22APU SOC interconnects - Zanchi, E.; Ignaczak, J.; Cempura, G.; Molin, S.; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; Smeacetto, F. (Materials Letters, 2024)
The application of protective coatings on stainless-steel interconnects can improve the durability of the metallic component in Solid Oxide Cell devices. In this work, we explored the possibility of producing multilayered coatings based on cerium oxide deposited by electrolytic deposition and manganese cobaltite spinel deposited by electrophoretic deposition. Obtained coatings were oxidized at 850 °C in air for 1000 h and the oxidation rate was calculated in the range of 10-14 g2cm-4s−1. The morphological evolution of the oxide scale and the coating system after oxidation revealed that the ceria particles were located at the boundaries between the grains of the reaction layer and those of the MCO coating, as assessed by FESEM and TEM characterizations.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-10-27
Keywords: Coating; Electrophoretic deposition; Interconnect; Solid Oxide Cell

Multilayered drug delivery coatings composed of daidzein-loaded PHBV microspheres embedded in a biodegradable polymer matrix by electrophoretic deposition - Chen, Qiang; Li, Wei; Yao, Qingqing; Liang, Ruifang; Pérez-Garcia, Rosalina; Munoz, Josemari; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2016)

Multilayered scaffolds for interface tissue engineering applications - Liverani, Liliana; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Electrofluidodynamic Technologies (EFDTs) for Biomaterials and Medical Devices, 2018)
Interface tissue engineering (ITE) deals with the fabrication of complex graded scaffolds for the regeneration of injured areas at the interface of different tissues. During the scaffold design process the focus is oriented to the replication of the native healthy tissues' complexity. This complexity could be achieved by introducing in the scaffolds gradients of morphology, composition' and function. In the present book chapter an overview of the multilayered scaffolds fabricated for ITE applications is reported. The versatility of the electrospinning technique for the development of gradient scaffolds and its suitability to be integrated with other scaffold fabrication techniques allowed the development of complex constructs with promising results in terms of cells' response. Examples of applications in the orthopedic field and for skin regeneration are also reported.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2022-08-05
Keywords: Electrospinning; Gradients; Interface tissue engineering; Multilayered scaffolds; Nanofibers

Multiple drug delivery hydrogel system for spinal cord injury repair strategies - Perale, Giuseppe; Rossi, Filippo; Santoro, Marco; Peviani, Marco; Papa, Simonetta; Llupi, Dorina; Torriani, Paola; Micotti, Edoardo; Previdi, Sara; Cervo, Luigi; Sundstrom, Erik; Boccaccini, Aldo R.; et al. (Journal of Controlled Release, 2012)
The multifactorial pathological progress of spinal cord injury (SCI) is probably the main reason behind the absence of efficient therapeutic approaches. Hence, very recent highlights suggest the use of new multidrug delivery systems capable of local controlled release of therapeutic agents. In this work, a biocompatible hydrogel-based system was developed as multiple drug delivery tool, specifically designed for SCI repair strategies. Multiple release profiles were achieved by loading gel with a combination of low and high steric hindrance molecules. In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo release studies showed an independent combination of fast diffusion-controlled kinetics for smaller molecules together with slow diffusion-controlled kinetics for bigger ones. A preserved functionality of loaded substances was always achieved, confirming the absence of any chemical stable interactions between gel matrix and loaded molecules. Moreover, the relevant effect of the cerebrospinal fluid flux dynamics on the drug diffusion in the spinal cord tissue was here revealed for the first time: an oriented delivery of the released molecules in the spinal cord tract caudally to the gel site is demonstrated, thus suggesting a more efficient gel positioning rostrally to the lesion. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2012.tech.IW.LM.multip
Keywords: Drug release; Hydrogel; Polymer; Spinal cord injury

Multi-targeted B and Co co-doped 45S5 bioactive glasses with angiogenic potential for bone regeneration - Chen, Si; Michálek, Martin; Galusková, Dagmar; Michálková, Monika; Švančárek, Peter; Talimian, Ali; Kaňková, Hana; Kraxner, Jozef; Zheng, Kai; Liverani, Liliana; Galusek, Dušan; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Materials Science and Engineering C, 2020)
Many elements, such as copper, cobalt (Co), strontium, magnesium and boron (B) have been used for single or multiple doping of bioactive glasses to promote angiogenesis during bone regeneration. However, few works have focused on promoting angiogenesis through stimulating several different signalling pathways which can be called a multi-target approach. In this study, 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) co-doped with B and Co was prepared by conventional melt quenching method. The synergistic effect of the two co-doping elements on angiogenesis promotion was expected. ATR-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry were used to characterize the composition, element distribution and ion release of the samples, respectively. Results showed that the compositions of all samples were consistent with the design compositions and all elements were homogeneously distributed in the bulk glass. Different contents of B and Co led to different release rates of these elements. All samples showed bioactivity after immersion in simulated body fluid, regardless of the amount of doped B and Co. The 1% and 0.1% extracts of all samples did not show any cytotoxicity to MG-63 and ST-2 cells. Compared with single B or Co doping, the B and Co dual doped sample led to a stronger increase of the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor from ST-2 cells, which supports and confirms the synergistic effect on angiogenesis of B and Co as co-doping elements in 45S5 BG.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2020-04-17
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Bioactive glass; Bone regeneration; Boron; Cobalt

Multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced hydroxyapatite layers on Ti6Al4V medical implants by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) - Kaya, Cengiz; Singh, Inderjeet; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2008)
Metallic implants such as Ti6Al4V are coated with bio-active materials such as multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) layers by electrophoretic deposition (EPD), for encouraging the in-growth of natural bone into the prosthetic device. The deposition mass and thickness can be controlled by altering the particle concentration of the suspension, the applied field, and the deposition time. Monolithic HA and MWCNTs containing HA layers are not found to show surface microcracking after drying and sintering. The bond strength between HA coatings and the metallic substrate is significantly increased by the addition of MWCNTs. Microstructural observations indicate that MWCNTs within the sintered HA layer prevent peeling of the coating layers by acting as reinforcement network and therefore a crack deflection toughening mechanism could be operational in these composites.
UnivIS-Import:2015-03-09:Pub.2008.tech.IW.LM.multiw

Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine Composite Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles: An Exploration of Potential Metal-Ion Loading Platform and In Vitro Bioactivity - Sui, Baiyan; Xu, Zhiyan; Xue, Zhiyu; Xiang, Yong; Zhou, Tian; Beltrán, Ana M.; Zheng, Kai; Liu, Xin; Boccaccini, Aldo R. (ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2023)
Exploring new approaches to realize the possibility of incorporating biologically active elements into mesoporous silicate bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBG NPs) and guaranteeing their meso- structural integrity and dimensional stability has become an attractive and interesting challenge in biomaterials science. We present a postgrafting strategy for introducing different metal elements into MBG NPs. This strategy is mediated by polydopamine (PDA) coating, achieving uniform loading of copper or copper-cobalt on the particles efficiently and ensuring the stability of MBG NPs in terms of particle size, mesoporous structure, and chemical structure. However, the PDA coating reduced the ion-binding free energy of the MBG NPs for calcium and phosphate ions, resulting in the deposition of minimal CaP clusters on the PDA@MBG NP surface when immersed for 7 days in simulated body fluid, indicating the absence of hydroxyapatite mineralization.
CRIS-Team Scopus Importer:2023-07-07
Keywords: biomineralization; mesoporous bioactive glass; metal-ion loading; molecular dynamics simulation; polydopamine coating