Polymeric cryogels are efficient carriers for the immobilization of biomolecules because of their unique macroporous structure, permeability, mechanical stability and different surface chemical functionalities. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the potential use of macroporous monolithic cryogels for biotoxin removal using anthrax toxin protective antigen (PA), the central cell-binding component of the anthrax exotoxins, and covalent immobilization of monoclonal antibodies. The affinity ligand (protein A) was chemically coupled to the reactive hydroxyl and epoxy-derivatized monolithic cryogels and the binding efficiencies of protein A, monoclonal antibodies to the cryogel column were determined. Our results show differences in the binding capacity of protein A as well as monoclonal antibodies to the cryogel adsorbents caused by ligand concentrations, physical properties and morphology of surface matrices. The cytotoxicity potential of the cryogels was determined by an in vitro viability assay using V79 lung fibroblast as a model cell and the results reveal that the cryogels are non-cytotoxic. Finally, the adsorptive capacities of PA from phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were evaluated towards a non-glycosylated, plant-derived human monoclonal antibody (PANG) and a glycosylated human monoclonal antibody (Valortim(®)), both of which were covalently attached via protein A immobilization. Optimal binding capacities of 108 and 117 mg/g of antibody to the adsorbent were observed for PANG attached poly(acrylamide-allyl glycidyl ether) [poly(AAm-AGE)] and Valortim(®) attached poly(AAm-AGE) cryogels, respectively, This indicated that glycosylation status of Valortim(®) antibody could significantly increase (8%) its binding capacity relative to the PANG antibody on poly(AAm-AGE)-protien-A column (p < 0.05). The amounts of PA which remained in the solution after passing PA spiked PBS through PANG or Valortim bound poly(AAm-AGE) cryogel were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased relative to the amount of PA remained in the solution after passing through unmodified as well as protein A modified poly(AAm-AGE) cryogel columns, indicates efficient PA removal from spiked PBS over 60 min of circulation. The high adsorption capacity towards anthrax toxin PA of the cryogel adsorbents indicated potential application of these materials for treatment of Bacillus anthracis infection.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication arising from the corrective surgery used to treat cataract patients. PCO arises when lens epithelial cells (LEC) residing in the capsular bag post-surgery undergo hyper-proliferation and transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, migrating from the posterior capsule over the visual axis of the newly implanted intraocular lens (IOL). The developmental pathways underlying PCO are yet to be fully understood and the current literature is contradictory regarding the impact of the recognised risk factors of PCO. The aim of this review is firstly to collate the known biochemical pathways that lead to PCO development, providing an up-to-date chronological overview from surgery to established PCO formation. Secondly, the risk factors of PCO are evaluated, focussing on the impact of IOLs’ properties. Finally, the latest experimental model designs used in PCO research are discussed to demonstrate the ongoing development of clinical PCO models, the efficacy of newly developed IOL technology, and potential therapeutic interventions. This review will contribute to current PCO literature by presenting an updated overview of the known developmental pathways of PCO, an evaluation of the impact of the risk factors underlying its development, and the latest experimental models used to investigate PCO. Furthermore, the review should provide developmental routes for research into the investigation of potential therapeutic interventions and improvements in IOL design in the aid of preventing PCO for new and existing patients.

While intraocular lenses (IOL) are used to restore visual acuity in cataract patients, they are limited in their development as no clinically available lens can effectively mimic the accommodative function of the eye's natural lens. The optoelectronic properties of 2D transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes), including high electronic conductivity, optical transparency, flexibility, biocompatibility, and hydrophilicity, suggest potential use within an accommodating IOL. This study investigates the use of Ti₃C₂T_x (MXene) as a transparent, conductive electrode to allow changes in optical power. Ti₃C₂T_x is synthesized and spin‐coated on hydrophobic acrylate IOLs, achieving a sheet resistance ranging from 0.2–1.0 kΩ sq⁻¹ with 50–80% transmittance in the visible region. Human lens epithelial and monocytic cells show no cytotoxic nor inflammatory response to the coated lenses. An adjustable focus test cell is fabricated using a liquid crystal (LC) layer sandwiched between Ti₃C₂T_x coatings on a solid support. Molecular reorientation of the LC layer, through an applied electric field, results in changes in optical power as objects viewed through the test cell appeared in and out of focus. This study is the first step toward the use of Ti₃C₂T_x within an accommodative IOL design through demonstration of reversible, controlled, adjustable focus.

The purpose of this study was to prepare an electrically conducting poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) based nanofibrous scaffold and to investigate the synergetic effect of nanofibre structure and electrical stimulation on neuronal growth for possible use in nerve repair. Nanofibres were produced by electrospinning of blended MEH-PPV with polycaprolactone (PCL) at a ratio of 20 : 80, 40 : 60, 50 : 50 and 60 : 40 (v/v). A better electrical conductivity was achieved by using core-sheath structured nanofibres of PCL (core) and MEH-PPV (sheath) produced using the coaxial electrospinning technique. The highest electrical conductivity was observed in the core-sheath nanofibres, while it increased with increasing concentration of MEH-PPV for the blended electrospun nanofibres. The biocompatibility of the electrospun nanofibres was confirmed by MTS and live-dead staining assays using 3T3 fibroblasts and a neuronal rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. Beta (III) tubulin immunochemistry showed that PC12 cells differentiated into sympathetic neurons on these porous and stiffer electrospun nanofibres coated with collagen I. Improved cell morphology and attachment on the collagen I coated electrospun meshes has been confirmed by SEM analysis. Significant enhancement in neurite formation and neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells on the conductive scaffolds under electrical potential of 500 mV cm⁻¹ for 2 h day⁻¹ suggests the potential use of these scaffolds for nerve repair.

The effective control of microbial and metabolically derived biological toxins which negatively impact physical health remains a key challenge for the 21^st century. 2-Dimensional graphene and MXene nanomaterials are relatively new additions to the field of biomedical materials with superior external surface areas suited to adsorptive remediation of biological toxins. However, relatively little is known about their physiological interactions with biological systems and, to date, no comparative biological studies have been done. This study compares titanium carbide MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) in multilayered and delaminated forms with graphene variants to assess the impact of variable physical properties on cellular inflammatory response to endotoxin stimulus. No significant impact on cell metabolism or induction of inflammatory pathways leading to cell death was observed. No significant increase in markers of blood cell activation and haemolysis occurred. Whilst graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), graphene oxide (GO) and Ti₃C₂T_x showed insignificant antibacterial activity towards Escherichia coli, silver nanoparticle-modified GO (GO-Ag) induced bacterial cell death and at a lower dose than silver nanoparticles. All nanomaterials significantly reduced bacterial endotoxin induced THP-1 monocyte IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokine production by >99%, >99% and >80% respectively, compared to control groups. This study suggests the utility of these nanomaterials as adsorbents in blood contacting medical device applications for removal of inflammatory cytokines linked to poor outcome in patients with life-threatening infection.

Nanoporous adsorbents are promising materials to augment the efficacy of haemodialysis for the treatment of end stage renal disease where mortality rates remain unacceptably high despite improvements in membrane technology. Complications are linked in part to inefficient removal of protein bound and high molecular weight uraemic toxins including key marker molecules albumin bound indoxyl sulphate (IS) and p-cresyl sulphate (PCS) and large inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. The following study describes the assessment of a nanoporous activated carbon monolith produced using a novel binder synthesis route for scale up as an in line device to augment haemodialysis through adsorption of these toxins. Small and large monoliths were synthesised using an optimised ratio of lignin binder to porous resin of 1 in 4. Small monoliths showing combined significant IS, p-CS and IL-6 adsorption were used to measure haemocompatibility in an ex vivo healthy donor blood perfusion model, assessing coagulation, platelet, granulocyte, T cells and complement activation, haemolysis, adsorption of electrolytes and plasma proteins. The small monoliths were tested in a naive rat model and showed stable blood gas values, blood pressure, blood biochemistry and the absence of coagulopathies. These monoliths were scaled up to a clinically relevant size and were able to maintain adsorption of protein bound uraemic toxins IS, PCS and high molecular weight cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 over 240 min using a flow rate of 300 ml min-1 without platelet activation. The nanoporous monoliths where haemocompatible and retained adsorptive efficacy on scale up with negligible pressure drop across the system indicating potential for use as an in-line device to improve haemodialysis efficacy by adsorption of otherwise poorly removed uraemic toxins.