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Dr. Carlos A García-González
Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 - Santiago de Compostela, Spain

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0 Biomedical Applications
0 Porous Materials
0 Regenerative Medicine
0 Supercritical Fluids
0 Scaffolds

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aerogels
Scaffolds
Regenerative Medicine
Biomedical Applications
Supercritical Fluids
PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY
3D-bioprinting

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Journal article
Published: 23 June 2021 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Hyaluronic acid (HA) and gelatin (Gel) are major components of the extracellular matrix of different tissues, and thus are largely appealing for the construction of hybrid hydrogels to combine the favorable characteristics of each biopolymer, such as the gel adhesiveness of Gel and the better mechanical strength of HA, respectively. However, despite previous studies conducted so far, the relationship between composition and scaffold structure and physico-chemical properties has not been completely and systematically established. In this work, pure and hybrid hydrogels of methacroyl-modified HA (HAMA) and Gel (GelMA) were prepared by UV photopolymerization and an extensive characterization was done to elucidate such correlations. Methacrylation degrees of ca. 40% and 11% for GelMA and HAMA, respectively, were obtained, which allows to improve the hydrogels’ mechanical properties. Hybrid GelMA/HAMA hydrogels were stiffer, with elastic modulus up to ca. 30 kPa, and porous (up to 91%) compared with pure GelMA ones at similar GelMA concentrations thanks to the interaction between HAMA and GelMA chains in the polymeric matrix. The progressive presence of HAMA gave rise to scaffolds with more disorganized, stiffer, and less porous structures owing to the net increase of mass in the hydrogel compositions. HAMA also made hybrid hydrogels more swellable and resistant to collagenase biodegradation. Hence, the suitable choice of polymeric composition allows to regulate the hydrogels´ physical properties to look for the most optimal characteristics required for the intended tissue engineering application.

ACS Style

B. Velasco-Rodriguez; T. Diaz-Vidal; L. Rosales-Rivera; C. García-González; C. Alvarez-Lorenzo; A. Al-Modlej; V. Domínguez-Arca; G. Prieto; S. Barbosa; J. Soltero Martínez; P. Taboada. Hybrid Methacrylated Gelatin and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Scaffolds. Preparation and Systematic Characterization for Prospective Tissue Engineering Applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 6758 .

AMA Style

B. Velasco-Rodriguez, T. Diaz-Vidal, L. Rosales-Rivera, C. García-González, C. Alvarez-Lorenzo, A. Al-Modlej, V. Domínguez-Arca, G. Prieto, S. Barbosa, J. Soltero Martínez, P. Taboada. Hybrid Methacrylated Gelatin and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Scaffolds. Preparation and Systematic Characterization for Prospective Tissue Engineering Applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (13):6758.

Chicago/Turabian Style

B. Velasco-Rodriguez; T. Diaz-Vidal; L. Rosales-Rivera; C. García-González; C. Alvarez-Lorenzo; A. Al-Modlej; V. Domínguez-Arca; G. Prieto; S. Barbosa; J. Soltero Martínez; P. Taboada. 2021. "Hybrid Methacrylated Gelatin and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Scaffolds. Preparation and Systematic Characterization for Prospective Tissue Engineering Applications." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 13: 6758.

Review
Published: 23 June 2021 in Molecules
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Wounds affect one’s quality of life and should be managed on a patient-specific approach, based on the particular healing phase and wound condition. During wound healing, exudate is produced as a natural response towards healing. However, excessive production can be detrimental, representing a challenge for wound management. The design and development of new healing devices and therapeutics with improved performance is a constant demand from the healthcare services. Aerogels can combine high porosity and low density with the adequate fluid interaction and drug loading capacity, to establish hemostasis and promote the healing and regeneration of exudative and chronic wounds. Bio-based aerogels, i.e., those produced from natural polymers, are particularly attractive since they encompass their intrinsic chemical properties and the physical features of their nanostructure. In this work, the emerging research on aerogels for wound treatment is reviewed for the first time. The current scenario and the opportunities provided by aerogels in the form of films, membranes and particles are identified to face current unmet demands in fluid managing and wound healing and regeneration.

ACS Style

Beatriz Bernardes; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Paulo Alves; Raquel Costa; Carlos García-Gonzaléz; Ana Oliveira. Bioaerogels: Promising Nanostructured Materials in Fluid Management, Healing and Regeneration of Wounds. Molecules 2021, 26, 3834 .

AMA Style

Beatriz Bernardes, Pasquale Del Gaudio, Paulo Alves, Raquel Costa, Carlos García-Gonzaléz, Ana Oliveira. Bioaerogels: Promising Nanostructured Materials in Fluid Management, Healing and Regeneration of Wounds. Molecules. 2021; 26 (13):3834.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Beatriz Bernardes; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Paulo Alves; Raquel Costa; Carlos García-Gonzaléz; Ana Oliveira. 2021. "Bioaerogels: Promising Nanostructured Materials in Fluid Management, Healing and Regeneration of Wounds." Molecules 26, no. 13: 3834.

Journal article
Published: 15 June 2021 in International Journal of Pharmaceutics
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Sterilization is a quite challenging step in the development of novel polymeric scaffolds for regenerative medicine since conventional sterilization techniques may significantly alter their morphological and physicochemical properties. Supercritical (sc) sterilization, i.e. the use of scCO2 as a sterilizing agent, emerges as a promising sterilization method due to the mild operational conditions and excellent penetration capability. In this work, a scCO2 protocol was implemented for the one-pot preparation and sterilization of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds. The sterilization conditions were established after screening against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) vegetative bacteria and spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus atrophaeus. The transition from the sterilization conditions (140 bar, 39 °C) to the compressed foaming (60 bar, 26 °C) was performed through controlled depressurization (3.2 bar/min) and CO2 liquid flow. Controlled depressurization/pressurization cycles were subsequently applied. Using this scCO2 technology toolbox, sterile scaffolds of well-controlled pore architecture were obtained. This sterilization procedure successfully achieved not only SAL-6 against well-known resistant bacteria endospores but also improved the scaffold morphologies compared to standard gamma radiation sterilization procedures.

ACS Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Beatriz Magariños; Ricardo Starbird; Javier Suárez-González; José B. Fariña; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Carlos A. García-González. Supercritical CO2 technology for one-pot foaming and sterilization of polymeric scaffolds for bone regeneration. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2021, 605, 120801 .

AMA Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales, Beatriz Magariños, Ricardo Starbird, Javier Suárez-González, José B. Fariña, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Carlos A. García-González. Supercritical CO2 technology for one-pot foaming and sterilization of polymeric scaffolds for bone regeneration. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2021; 605 ():120801.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Beatriz Magariños; Ricardo Starbird; Javier Suárez-González; José B. Fariña; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Carlos A. García-González. 2021. "Supercritical CO2 technology for one-pot foaming and sterilization of polymeric scaffolds for bone regeneration." International Journal of Pharmaceutics 605, no. : 120801.

Review
Published: 04 May 2021
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Pulmonary drug delivery has recognized benefits for both local and systemic treatments. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are convenient, portable and environmentally friendly devices, becoming an optimal choice for patients. The tailoring of novel formulations for DPIs, namely in the form of porous particles, is stimulating in the pharmaceutical research area to improve delivery efficiency. Suitable powder technological approaches are being sought to design such formulations. Namely, aerogel powders are nanostructured porous particles with particularly attractive properties (large surface area, excellent aerodynamic properties and high fluid uptake capacity) for these purposes. In this review, the most recent development on powder technologies used for the processing of particulate porous carriers are described via updated examples and critically discussed. A special focus will be devoted to the most recent advances and uses of aerogel technology to obtain porous particles with advanced performance in pulmonary delivery.

ACS Style

Thoa Duong; Clara López-Iglesias; Piotr K. Szewczyk; Urszula Stachewicz; Joana Barros; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Mohammad Alnaief; Carlos A. García-González. A Pathway From Porous Particle Technology Toward Tailoring Aerogels for Pulmonary Drug Administration. 2021, 9, 1 .

AMA Style

Thoa Duong, Clara López-Iglesias, Piotr K. Szewczyk, Urszula Stachewicz, Joana Barros, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Mohammad Alnaief, Carlos A. García-González. A Pathway From Porous Particle Technology Toward Tailoring Aerogels for Pulmonary Drug Administration. . 2021; 9 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Thoa Duong; Clara López-Iglesias; Piotr K. Szewczyk; Urszula Stachewicz; Joana Barros; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Mohammad Alnaief; Carlos A. García-González. 2021. "A Pathway From Porous Particle Technology Toward Tailoring Aerogels for Pulmonary Drug Administration." 9, no. : 1.

Critical review
Published: 19 April 2021 in Environmental Science: Nano
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The toxicity and ecotoxicity effects, handling and disposal of synthetic amorphous silica nanoparticles and aerogels are reviewed and discussed.

ACS Style

João P. Vareda; Carlos A. García-González; Artur J. M. Valente; Rosana Simón-Vázquez; Marina Stipetic; Luisa Durães. Insights on toxicity, safe handling and disposal of silica aerogels and amorphous nanoparticles. Environmental Science: Nano 2021, 8, 1177 -1195.

AMA Style

João P. Vareda, Carlos A. García-González, Artur J. M. Valente, Rosana Simón-Vázquez, Marina Stipetic, Luisa Durães. Insights on toxicity, safe handling and disposal of silica aerogels and amorphous nanoparticles. Environmental Science: Nano. 2021; 8 (5):1177-1195.

Chicago/Turabian Style

João P. Vareda; Carlos A. García-González; Artur J. M. Valente; Rosana Simón-Vázquez; Marina Stipetic; Luisa Durães. 2021. "Insights on toxicity, safe handling and disposal of silica aerogels and amorphous nanoparticles." Environmental Science: Nano 8, no. 5: 1177-1195.

Editorial
Published: 22 January 2021 in Molecules
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Biopolymers and biocomposites have emerged as promising pathways to develop novel materials and substrates for biomedical applications.

ACS Style

Ricardo Starbird-Perez; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Carlos García-González. Special Issue: Biopolymers in Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine. Molecules 2021, 26, 568 .

AMA Style

Ricardo Starbird-Perez, Pasquale Del Gaudio, Carlos García-González. Special Issue: Biopolymers in Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine. Molecules. 2021; 26 (3):568.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ricardo Starbird-Perez; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Carlos García-González. 2021. "Special Issue: Biopolymers in Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine." Molecules 26, no. 3: 568.

Journal article
Published: 04 January 2021 in Polymers
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Demand of scaffolds for hard tissue repair increases due to a higher incidence of fractures related to accidents and bone-diseases that are linked to the ageing of the population. Namely, scaffolds loaded with bioactive agents can facilitate the bone repair by favoring the bone integration and avoiding post-grafting complications. Supercritical (sc-)foaming technology emerges as a unique solvent-free approach for the processing of drug-loadenu7d scaffolds at high incorporation yields. In this work, medicated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were prepared by sc-foaming coupled with a leaching process to overcome problems of pore size tuning of the sc-foaming technique. The removal of the solid porogen (BA, ammonium bicarbonate) was carried out by a thermal leaching taking place at 37 °C and in the absence of solvents for the first time. Macroporous scaffolds with dual porosity (50–100 µm and 200–400 µm ranges) were obtained and with a porous structure directly dependent on the porogen content used. The processing of ketoprofen-loaded scaffolds using BA porogen resulted in drug loading yields close to 100% and influenced its release profile from the PCL matrix to a relevant clinical scenario. A novel solvent-free strategy has been set to integrate the incorporation of solid porogens in the sc-foaming of medicated scaffolds.

ACS Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Inés Ardao; Leticia Goimil; Jose Luis Gomez-Amoza; Carlos A. García-González. Solvent-Free Processing of Drug-Loaded Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Scaffolds with Tunable Macroporosity by Combination of Supercritical Foaming and Thermal Porogen Leaching. Polymers 2021, 13, 159 .

AMA Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales, Inés Ardao, Leticia Goimil, Jose Luis Gomez-Amoza, Carlos A. García-González. Solvent-Free Processing of Drug-Loaded Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Scaffolds with Tunable Macroporosity by Combination of Supercritical Foaming and Thermal Porogen Leaching. Polymers. 2021; 13 (1):159.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Inés Ardao; Leticia Goimil; Jose Luis Gomez-Amoza; Carlos A. García-González. 2021. "Solvent-Free Processing of Drug-Loaded Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Scaffolds with Tunable Macroporosity by Combination of Supercritical Foaming and Thermal Porogen Leaching." Polymers 13, no. 1: 159.

Research article
Published: 01 December 2020 in Biomacromolecules
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Starch aerogels are attractive materials for biomedical applications because of their low density and high open porosity coupled with high surface areas. However, the lack of macropores in conventionally manufactured polysaccharide aerogels is a limitation to their use as scaffolds for regenerative medicine. Moreover, the stability under storage of polysaccharide aerogels is critical for biomedical purposes and scarcely studied so far. In this work, the induction of a new macropore population (1–2 μm) well integrated into the starch aerogel backbone was successfully achieved by the incorporation of zein as a porogen. The obtained dual-porous aerogels were evaluated in terms of composition as well as morphological, textural, and mechanical properties. Stability of aerogels upon storage mimicking the zone II (25 °C, 65% relative humidity) according to the International Council for Harmonization guideline of climatic conditions was checked after 1 and 3 months from morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical perspectives. Zein incorporation induced remarkable changes in the mechanical performance of the end aerogel products and showed a preventive effect on the morphological changes during the storage period.

ACS Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Gerardo Alvarez-Rivera; Markus Hillgärtner; Alejandro Cifuentes; Mikhail Itskov; Carlos A. García-González; Ameya Rege. Stability Studies of Starch Aerogel Formulations for Biomedical Applications. Biomacromolecules 2020, 21, 5336 -5344.

AMA Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales, Gerardo Alvarez-Rivera, Markus Hillgärtner, Alejandro Cifuentes, Mikhail Itskov, Carlos A. García-González, Ameya Rege. Stability Studies of Starch Aerogel Formulations for Biomedical Applications. Biomacromolecules. 2020; 21 (12):5336-5344.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Gerardo Alvarez-Rivera; Markus Hillgärtner; Alejandro Cifuentes; Mikhail Itskov; Carlos A. García-González; Ameya Rege. 2020. "Stability Studies of Starch Aerogel Formulations for Biomedical Applications." Biomacromolecules 21, no. 12: 5336-5344.

Journal article
Published: 24 October 2020 in Molecules
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Solid lipid microparticles (SLMPs) are attractive carriers as delivery systems as they are stable, easy to manufacture and can provide controlled release of bioactive agents and increase their efficacy and/or safety. Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions (PGSS®) technique is a solvent-free technology to produce SLMPs, which involves the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) at mild pressures and temperatures for the melting of lipids and atomization into particles. The determination of the key processing variables is crucial in PGSS® technique to obtain reliable and reproducible microparticles, therefore the modelling of SLMPs production process and variables control are of great interest to obtain quality therapeutic systems. In this work, the melting point depression of a commercial lipid (glyceryl monostearate, GMS) under compressed CO2 was studied using view cell experiments. Based on an unconstrained D-optimal design for three variables (nozzle diameter, temperature and pressure), SLMPs were produced using the PGSS® technique. The yield of production was registered and the particles characterized in terms of particle size distribution. Variable modeling was carried out using artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic integrated into neurofuzzy software. Modeling results highlight the main effect of temperature to tune the mean diameter SLMPs, whereas the pressure-nozzle diameter interaction is the main responsible in the SLMPs size distribution and in the PGSS® production yield.

ACS Style

Clara López-Iglesias; Enriqueta R. López; Josefa Fernández; Mariana Landin; Carlos A. García-González. Modeling of the Production of Lipid Microparticles Using PGSS® Technique. Molecules 2020, 25, 4927 .

AMA Style

Clara López-Iglesias, Enriqueta R. López, Josefa Fernández, Mariana Landin, Carlos A. García-González. Modeling of the Production of Lipid Microparticles Using PGSS® Technique. Molecules. 2020; 25 (21):4927.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Clara López-Iglesias; Enriqueta R. López; Josefa Fernández; Mariana Landin; Carlos A. García-González. 2020. "Modeling of the Production of Lipid Microparticles Using PGSS® Technique." Molecules 25, no. 21: 4927.

Journal article
Published: 12 September 2020 in Pharmaceutics
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The delivery of bioactive agents using active wound dressings for the management of pain and infections offers improved performances in the treatment of wound complications. In this work, solid lipid microparticles (SLMPs) loaded with lidocaine hydrochloride (LID) were processed and the formulation was evaluated regarding its ability to deliver the drug at the wound site and through the skin barrier. The SLMPs of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) were prepared with different LID contents (0, 1, 2, 4, and 10 wt.%) using the solvent-free and one-step PGSS (Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions) technique. PGSS exploits the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a plasticizer for lipids and as pressurizing agent for the atomization of particles. The SLMPs were characterized in terms of shape, size, and morphology (SEM), physicochemical properties (ATR-IR, XRD), and drug content and release behavior. An in vitro test for the evaluation of the influence of the wound environment on the LID release rate from SLMPs was studied using different bioengineered human skin substitutes obtained by 3D-bioprinting. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the SLMPs was evaluated against three relevant bacteria in wound infections (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). SLMPs processed with 10 wt.% of LID showed a remarkable performance to provide effective doses for pain relief and preventive infection effects.

ACS Style

Clara López-Iglesias; Cristina Quílez; Joana Barros; Diego Velasco; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; José L. Jorcano; Fernando J. Monteiro; Carlos A. García-González. Lidocaine-Loaded Solid Lipid Microparticles (SLMPs) Produced from Gas-Saturated Solutions for Wound Applications. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 870 .

AMA Style

Clara López-Iglesias, Cristina Quílez, Joana Barros, Diego Velasco, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, José L. Jorcano, Fernando J. Monteiro, Carlos A. García-González. Lidocaine-Loaded Solid Lipid Microparticles (SLMPs) Produced from Gas-Saturated Solutions for Wound Applications. Pharmaceutics. 2020; 12 (9):870.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Clara López-Iglesias; Cristina Quílez; Joana Barros; Diego Velasco; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; José L. Jorcano; Fernando J. Monteiro; Carlos A. García-González. 2020. "Lidocaine-Loaded Solid Lipid Microparticles (SLMPs) Produced from Gas-Saturated Solutions for Wound Applications." Pharmaceutics 12, no. 9: 870.

Journal article
Published: 07 August 2020 in The Journal of Supercritical Fluids
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Hierarchically porous synthetic bone grafts (scaffolds) are gaining attention in the clinical arena. Scaffolds should combine morphological (macro- and microporosity, pore interconnectivity), mechanical and biological (biocompatibility, degradation rate) properties to fit this specific use. Supercritical (sc-) foaming is a versatile scaffold processing technology. However, the selection of the optimum operating conditions to obtain a defined scaffold structure is hampered by the lack of a single characterization technique able to fully elucidate the porous features of the resulting scaffolds. In this work, the effect of soaking time (1, 3 and 5 h) on the preparation of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL, 50 kDa) scaffolds by sc-foaming was evaluated by a combined X-ray microtomography (μ-CT) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) 3D-morphological analysis. Mechanical tests and in silico modelling for cell penetration and water permeability of the scaffolds were also conducted. Results evidenced the relevance of μ-CT and MIP as a synergistic analytical duo to fully elucidate the morphology of the sc-foamed scaffolds and the soaking time effect.

ACS Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Marta Gallo; Philip Jaeger; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; José L. Gómez-Amoza; Carlos A. García-González. New insights in the morphological characterization and modelling of poly(ε-caprolactone) bone scaffolds obtained by supercritical CO2 foaming. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 2020, 166, 105012 .

AMA Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales, Marta Gallo, Philip Jaeger, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, José L. Gómez-Amoza, Carlos A. García-González. New insights in the morphological characterization and modelling of poly(ε-caprolactone) bone scaffolds obtained by supercritical CO2 foaming. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids. 2020; 166 ():105012.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Marta Gallo; Philip Jaeger; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; José L. Gómez-Amoza; Carlos A. García-González. 2020. "New insights in the morphological characterization and modelling of poly(ε-caprolactone) bone scaffolds obtained by supercritical CO2 foaming." The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 166, no. : 105012.

Review
Published: 10 July 2020 in Molecules
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Polysaccharide-based hydrogel particles (PbHPs) are very promising carriers aiming to control and target the release of drugs with different physico-chemical properties. Such delivery systems can offer benefits through the proper encapsulation of many drugs (non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, etc) ensuring their proper release and targeting. This review discusses the different phases involved in the production of PbHPs in pharmaceutical technology, such as droplet formation (SOL phase), sol-gel transition of the droplets (GEL phase) and drying, as well as the different methods available for droplet production with a special focus on prilling technique. In addition, an overview of the various droplet gelation methods with particular emphasis on ionic cross-linking of several polysaccharides enabling the formation of particles with inner highly porous network or nanofibrillar structure is given. Moreover, a detailed survey of the different inner texture, in xerogels, cryogels or aerogels, each with specific arrangement and properties, which can be obtained with different drying methods, is presented. Various case studies are reported to highlight the most appropriate application of such systems in pharmaceutical field. We also describe the challenges to be faced for the breakthrough towards clinic studies and, finally, the market, focusing on the useful approach of safety-by-design (SbD).

ACS Style

Giulia Auriemma; Paola Russo; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Carlos A. García-González; Mariana Landín; Rita Patrizia Aquino. Technologies and Formulation Design of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery. Molecules 2020, 25, 3156 .

AMA Style

Giulia Auriemma, Paola Russo, Pasquale Del Gaudio, Carlos A. García-González, Mariana Landín, Rita Patrizia Aquino. Technologies and Formulation Design of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery. Molecules. 2020; 25 (14):3156.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giulia Auriemma; Paola Russo; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Carlos A. García-González; Mariana Landín; Rita Patrizia Aquino. 2020. "Technologies and Formulation Design of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery." Molecules 25, no. 14: 3156.

Review
Published: 02 March 2020 in Polymers
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The regenerative medicine field is seeking novel strategies for the production of synthetic scaffolds that are able to promote the in vivo regeneration of a fully functional tissue. The choices of the scaffold formulation and the manufacturing method are crucial to determine the rate of success of the graft for the intended tissue regeneration process. On one hand, the incorporation of bioactive compounds such as growth factors and drugs in the scaffolds can efficiently guide and promote the spreading, differentiation, growth, and proliferation of cells as well as alleviate post-surgical complications such as foreign body responses and infections. On the other hand, the manufacturing method will determine the feasible morphological properties of the scaffolds and, in certain cases, it can compromise their biocompatibility. In the case of medicated scaffolds, the manufacturing method has also a key effect in the incorporation yield and retained activity of the loaded bioactive agents. In this work, solvent-free methods for scaffolds production, i.e., technological approaches leading to the processing of the porous material with no use of solvents, are presented as advantageous solutions for the processing of medicated scaffolds in terms of efficiency and versatility. The principles of these solvent-free technologies (melt molding, 3D printing by fused deposition modeling, sintering of solid microspheres, gas foaming, and compressed CO2 and supercritical CO2-assisted foaming), a critical discussion of advantages and limitations, as well as selected examples for regenerative medicine purposes are herein presented.

ACS Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Ana Iglesias-Mejuto; Carlos García-González. Solvent-Free Approaches for the Processing of Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine. Polymers 2020, 12, 533 .

AMA Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales, Ana Iglesias-Mejuto, Carlos García-González. Solvent-Free Approaches for the Processing of Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine. Polymers. 2020; 12 (3):533.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Ana Iglesias-Mejuto; Carlos García-González. 2020. "Solvent-Free Approaches for the Processing of Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine." Polymers 12, no. 3: 533.

Journal article
Published: 29 January 2020 in Polymers
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Biopolymer-based aerogels can be obtained by supercritical drying of wet gels and endowed with outstanding properties for biomedical applications. Namely, polysaccharide-based aerogels in the form of microparticles are of special interest for wound treatment and can also be loaded with bioactive agents to improve the healing process. However, the production of the precursor gel may be limited by the viscosity of the polysaccharide initial solution. The jet cutting technique is regarded as a suitable processing technique to overcome this problem. In this work, the technological combination of jet cutting and supercritical drying of gels was assessed to produce chitosan aerogel microparticles loaded with vancomycin HCl (antimicrobial agent) for wound healing purposes. The resulting aerogel formulation was evaluated in terms of morphology, textural properties, drug loading, and release profile. Aerogels were also tested for wound application in terms of exudate sorption capacity, antimicrobial activity, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility. Overall, the microparticles had excellent textural properties, absorbed high amounts of exudate, and controlled the release of vancomycin HCl, providing sustained antimicrobial activity.

ACS Style

Clara López-Iglesias; Joana Barros; Inés Ardao; Pavel Gurikov; Fernando J. Monteiro; Irina Smirnova; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Carlos A. García-González. Jet Cutting Technique for the Production of Chitosan Aerogel Microparticles Loaded with Vancomycin. Polymers 2020, 12, 273 .

AMA Style

Clara López-Iglesias, Joana Barros, Inés Ardao, Pavel Gurikov, Fernando J. Monteiro, Irina Smirnova, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Carlos A. García-González. Jet Cutting Technique for the Production of Chitosan Aerogel Microparticles Loaded with Vancomycin. Polymers. 2020; 12 (2):273.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Clara López-Iglesias; Joana Barros; Inés Ardao; Pavel Gurikov; Fernando J. Monteiro; Irina Smirnova; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Carlos A. García-González. 2020. "Jet Cutting Technique for the Production of Chitosan Aerogel Microparticles Loaded with Vancomycin." Polymers 12, no. 2: 273.

Journal article
Published: 10 January 2020 in Applied Sciences
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Biochar is a carbon-rich organic material, obtained by the thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment, used as a soil amendment to stimulate soil fertility and improve soil quality. There is a clear need in developing countries for access to low cost, low technology options for biochar production, for example, top-lit updraft (TLUD) stoves, which are popular and spread worldwide. However, TLUD biochars are inevitably very variable in their properties for a variety of reasons. We present laboratory triplicate tests carried out on TLUD biochars obtained from waste pinewood and a Guadua bamboo. Analyzed properties include specific surface area (A-BET), porosity, skeletal density, hydrophobicity, proximal and elemental composition, cation exchange capacity (CEC), relative liming capacity and pH. SEM images of the bamboo and wood biochars are compared. The biochars were mixed with composted human excreta at 5% and 10% biochar content, and available water content (AWC) was analyzed. Operating temperatures in the TLUD were recorded, showing different behaviors among the feedstocks during the process. Differences in operating temperatures during charring of the bamboo samples seem to have led to differences in A-BET, hydrophobicity and CEC, following unprecedented trends. For the mixtures of the biochars with compost, at 5% biochar no significant differences were observed for AWC. However, in the 10% biochar mixtures, bamboo biochar showed an unexpectedly high AWC. Overall, variations of chemical and physical properties between bamboo biochars were greater, while pinewood biochars showed similar properties, consistent with more homogeneous charring temperatures.

ACS Style

Federico Masís-Meléndez; Diana Segura-Chavarría; Carlos A García-González; Jaime Quesada-Kimsey; Karolina Villagra-Mendoza. Variability of Physical and Chemical Properties of TLUD Stove Derived Biochars. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 507 .

AMA Style

Federico Masís-Meléndez, Diana Segura-Chavarría, Carlos A García-González, Jaime Quesada-Kimsey, Karolina Villagra-Mendoza. Variability of Physical and Chemical Properties of TLUD Stove Derived Biochars. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (2):507.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federico Masís-Meléndez; Diana Segura-Chavarría; Carlos A García-González; Jaime Quesada-Kimsey; Karolina Villagra-Mendoza. 2020. "Variability of Physical and Chemical Properties of TLUD Stove Derived Biochars." Applied Sciences 10, no. 2: 507.

Opinion
Published: 10 May 2019 in Molecules
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Aerogels are a special class of nanostructured materials with very high porosity and tunable physicochemical properties. Although a few types of aerogels have already reached the market in construction materials, textiles and aerospace engineering, the full potential of aerogels is still to be assessed for other technology sectors. Based on current efforts to address the material supply chain by a circular economy approach and longevity as well as quality of life with biotechnological methods, environmental and life science applications are two emerging market opportunities where the use of aerogels needs to be further explored and evaluated in a multidisciplinary approach. In this opinion paper, the relevance of the topic is put into context and the corresponding current research efforts on aerogel technology are outlined. Furthermore, key challenges to be solved in order to create materials by design, reproducible process technology and society-centered solutions specifically for the two abovementioned technology sectors are analyzed. Overall, advances in aerogel technology can yield innovative and integrated solutions for environmental and life sciences which in turn can help improve both the welfare of population and to move towards cleaner and smarter supply chain solutions.

ACS Style

Carlos A. García-González; Tatiana Budtova; Luisa Durães; Can Erkey; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Pavel Gurikov; Matthias Koebel; Falk Liebner; Monica Neagu; Irina Smirnova. An Opinion Paper on Aerogels for Biomedical and Environmental Applications. Molecules 2019, 24, 1815 .

AMA Style

Carlos A. García-González, Tatiana Budtova, Luisa Durães, Can Erkey, Pasquale Del Gaudio, Pavel Gurikov, Matthias Koebel, Falk Liebner, Monica Neagu, Irina Smirnova. An Opinion Paper on Aerogels for Biomedical and Environmental Applications. Molecules. 2019; 24 (9):1815.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carlos A. García-González; Tatiana Budtova; Luisa Durães; Can Erkey; Pasquale Del Gaudio; Pavel Gurikov; Matthias Koebel; Falk Liebner; Monica Neagu; Irina Smirnova. 2019. "An Opinion Paper on Aerogels for Biomedical and Environmental Applications." Molecules 24, no. 9: 1815.

Review article
Published: 23 April 2019 in Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials
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The increasing complexity in morphology and composition of modern biomedical materials (e.g., soft and hard biological tissues, synthetic and natural‐based scaffolds, technical textiles) and the high sensitivity to the processing environment requires the development of innovative but benign technologies for processing and treatment. This scenario is particularly applicable where current conventional techniques (steam/dry heat, ethylene oxide, and gamma irradiation) may not be able to preserve the functionality and integrity of the treated material. Sterilization using supercritical carbon dioxide emerges as a green and sustainable technology able to reach the sterility levels required by regulation without altering the original properties of even highly sensitive materials. In this review article, an updated survey of experimental protocols based on supercritical sterilization and of the efficacy results sorted by microbial strains and treated materials was carried out. The application of the supercritical sterilization process in materials used for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food applications is assessed. The opportunity of supercritical sterilization of not only replace the above mentioned conventional techniques, but also of reach unmet needs for sterilization in highly sensitive materials (e.g., single‐use medical devices, the next‐generation biomaterials, and medical devices and graft tissues) is herein unveiled.

ACS Style

Nilza Ribeiro; Gonçalo C. Soares; Víctor Santos-Rosales; Angel Concheiro; Carmen Alvarez‐Lorenzo; Carlos A. García‐González; Ana Oliveira. A new era for sterilization based on supercritical CO 2 technology. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials 2019, 108, 399 -428.

AMA Style

Nilza Ribeiro, Gonçalo C. Soares, Víctor Santos-Rosales, Angel Concheiro, Carmen Alvarez‐Lorenzo, Carlos A. García‐González, Ana Oliveira. A new era for sterilization based on supercritical CO 2 technology. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials. 2019; 108 (2):399-428.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nilza Ribeiro; Gonçalo C. Soares; Víctor Santos-Rosales; Angel Concheiro; Carmen Alvarez‐Lorenzo; Carlos A. García‐González; Ana Oliveira. 2019. "A new era for sterilization based on supercritical CO 2 technology." Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials 108, no. 2: 399-428.

Journal article
Published: 17 March 2019 in Molecules
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Processing and shaping of dried gels are of interest in several fields like alginate aerogel beads used as highly porous and nanostructured particles in biomedical applications. The physicochemical properties of the alginate source, the solvent used in the gelation solution and the gel drying method are key parameters influencing the characteristics of the resulting dried gels. In this work, dried gel beads in the form of xerogels, cryogels or aerogels were prepared from alginates of different molecular weights (120 and 180 kDa) and concentrations (1.25, 1.50, 2.0 and 2.25% (w/v)) using different gelation conditions (aqueous and ethanolic CaCl2 solutions) and drying methods (supercritical drying, freeze-drying and oven drying) to obtain particles with a broad range of physicochemical and textural properties. The stability of physicochemical properties of alginate aerogels under storage conditions of 25 °C and 65% relative humidity (ICH-climatic zone II) during 1 and 3 months was studied. Results showed significant effects of the studied processing parameters on the resulting alginate dried gel properties. Stability studies showed small variations in aerogels weight and specific surface area after 3 months of storage, especially, in the case of aerogels produced with medium molecular weight alginate.

ACS Style

Rosalía Rodríguez-Dorado; Clara López-Iglesias; Carlos A. García-González; Giulia Auriemma; Rita P. Aquino; Pasquale Del Gaudio. Design of Aerogels, Cryogels and Xerogels of Alginate: Effect of Molecular Weight, Gelation Conditions and Drying Method on Particles’ Micromeritics. Molecules 2019, 24, 1049 .

AMA Style

Rosalía Rodríguez-Dorado, Clara López-Iglesias, Carlos A. García-González, Giulia Auriemma, Rita P. Aquino, Pasquale Del Gaudio. Design of Aerogels, Cryogels and Xerogels of Alginate: Effect of Molecular Weight, Gelation Conditions and Drying Method on Particles’ Micromeritics. Molecules. 2019; 24 (6):1049.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rosalía Rodríguez-Dorado; Clara López-Iglesias; Carlos A. García-González; Giulia Auriemma; Rita P. Aquino; Pasquale Del Gaudio. 2019. "Design of Aerogels, Cryogels and Xerogels of Alginate: Effect of Molecular Weight, Gelation Conditions and Drying Method on Particles’ Micromeritics." Molecules 24, no. 6: 1049.

Journal article
Published: 06 March 2019 in Journal of CO2 Utilization
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Bone scaffolds prepared with porogens and bioactive agents can accelerate bone tissue formation by providing a suitable 3D-porous structure that promotes cell colonization and differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage. In this work, scaffolds containing poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as biopolymeric matrix, silk fibroin as cell adhesion promoter, and dexamethasone as osteogenic differentiation agent, were prepared by supercritical foaming (37 °C, 140 bar, 1 h), a solvent-free method providing a straightforward and effective route for the processing of bioactive grafts. Silk fibroin aerogels in the form of submicron-sized particles were herein developed for the first time and evaluated as porosity inducers. These aerogels incorporated in the scaffolds refined the porous structure and facilitated cell infiltration and the biological fluid transport. Dexamethasone was used in two different forms (base, DX and phosphate salt, DS) to unveil their role in bone regeneration. The morphology of the scaffolds was evaluated using mercury intrusion porosimetry, helium pycnometry and in silico structure modelling. Different release profiles were recorded when using DX or DS. The biological performance was assessed in in vivo tests in calvarial defects using a rat model. Results unveiled the interesting morphological properties of the scaffolds in terms of porosity, pore size distribution and interconnectivity, which are compatible with their application in bone repair. In vivo tests showed the importance of the dexamethasone form and release profile in promoting the bone tissue regeneration with a significant increase in the number of ossification foci and in bone repair extent 14 weeks post-implantation for certain formulations.

ACS Style

Leticia Goimil; Víctor Santos-Rosales; Araceli Delgado; Carmen Evora; Ricardo Reyes; Antonio A. Lozano-Pérez; Salvador D. Aznar-Cervantes; Jose Luis Cenis; Jose Luis Gómez-Amoza; Angel Concheiro; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Carlos A. García-González. scCO2-foamed silk fibroin aerogel/poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds containing dexamethasone for bone regeneration. Journal of CO2 Utilization 2019, 31, 51 -64.

AMA Style

Leticia Goimil, Víctor Santos-Rosales, Araceli Delgado, Carmen Evora, Ricardo Reyes, Antonio A. Lozano-Pérez, Salvador D. Aznar-Cervantes, Jose Luis Cenis, Jose Luis Gómez-Amoza, Angel Concheiro, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Carlos A. García-González. scCO2-foamed silk fibroin aerogel/poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds containing dexamethasone for bone regeneration. Journal of CO2 Utilization. 2019; 31 ():51-64.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Leticia Goimil; Víctor Santos-Rosales; Araceli Delgado; Carmen Evora; Ricardo Reyes; Antonio A. Lozano-Pérez; Salvador D. Aznar-Cervantes; Jose Luis Cenis; Jose Luis Gómez-Amoza; Angel Concheiro; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Carlos A. García-González. 2019. "scCO2-foamed silk fibroin aerogel/poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds containing dexamethasone for bone regeneration." Journal of CO2 Utilization 31, no. : 51-64.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2019 in Molecules
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Aerogels from natural polymers are endowed with attractive textural and biological properties for biomedical applications due to their high open mesoporosity, low density, and reduced toxicity. Nevertheless, the lack of macroporosity in the aerogel structure and of a sterilization method suitable for these materials restrict their use for regenerative medicine purposes and prompt the research on getting ready-to-implant dual (macro + meso)porous aerogels. In this work, zein, a family of proteins present in materials for tissue engineering, was evaluated as a sacrificial porogen to obtain macroporous starch aerogels. This approach was particularly advantageous since it could be integrated in the conventional aerogel processing method without extra leaching steps. Physicochemical, morphological, and mechanical characterization were performed to study the effect of porogen zein at various proportions (0:1, 1:2, and 1:1 zein:starch weight ratio) on the properties of the obtained starch-based aerogels. From a forward-looking perspective for its clinical application, a supercritical CO₂ sterilization treatment was implemented for these aerogels. The sterilization efficacy and the influence of the treatment on the aerogel final properties were evaluated mainly in terms of absence of microbial growth, cytocompatibility, as well as physicochemical, structural, and mechanical modifications.

ACS Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Inés Ardao; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Nilza Ribeiro; Ana Oliveira; Carlos A. García-González. Sterile and Dual-Porous Aerogels Scaffolds Obtained through a Multistep Supercritical CO₂-Based Approach. Molecules 2019, 24, 871 .

AMA Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales, Inés Ardao, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Nilza Ribeiro, Ana Oliveira, Carlos A. García-González. Sterile and Dual-Porous Aerogels Scaffolds Obtained through a Multistep Supercritical CO₂-Based Approach. Molecules. 2019; 24 (5):871.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Víctor Santos-Rosales; Inés Ardao; Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo; Nilza Ribeiro; Ana Oliveira; Carlos A. García-González. 2019. "Sterile and Dual-Porous Aerogels Scaffolds Obtained through a Multistep Supercritical CO₂-Based Approach." Molecules 24, no. 5: 871.