In response to the demand for new implant materials characterized by high biocompatibility and bioresorption, two prototypes of fibrous nanocomposite implants for osseous tissue regeneration made of a newly developed blend of poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and syntheticpoly([R,S]-3-hydroxybutyrate), PLGA/PHB, have been developed and fabricated. Afibre-forming copolymer of glycolide and l-lactide (PLGA) was obtained by a unique method of synthesis carried out in blocksusing Zr(AcAc)4 as an initiator. The prototypes of the implants are composed of three layers of PLGA or PLGA/PHB, nonwoven fabrics with a pore structure designed to provide the best conditions for the cell proliferation. The bioactivity of the proposed implants has been imparted by introducing a hydroxyapatite material and IGF1, a growth factor. The developed prototypes of implants have been subjected to a set of in vitro and in vivobiocompatibility tests: in vitro cytotoxic effect, in vitro genotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Rabbitsshowed no signs of negative reactionafter implantation of the experimental implant prototypes.
1 December 2014 in Polymer Degradation and Stability
The aim of the research was to develop optimal conditions for manufacturing materials based on hyaluronic acid by the electrospun method. The studies were composed of three stages: the process of selection of the optimal solvent (mixture of solvents), the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, and the concentration of biopolymer in the spinning solution. The influence of variable parameters on the rheological properties of the spinning solutions and electrospinning trails was tested. Depending on the electrospinning regime applied, the fibers obtained were characterised by a diameter of the order of 20 to 400 nm. As a result of the development works presented, an optimal molecular weight of the polymer, its concentration and system of solvents were determined, together with process parameters, ensuring a stable electrospinning process and relatively homogeneous nanofibers. Additionally studies on the residues of solvents used during electrosun formation were done and parameters of drying of the final materials were examined. This approach (verification of the presence oforganic solvent residue in the nanofibrous formed) is important for the suitability of nanofibres as scaffolds for regenerative medicine. This study provides an opportunity for the understanding and identification of process parameters, allowing for predictable manufacturing nanofibers based on natural biopolymers, which makes it tremendously beneficial in terms of customisation.
Polylactide (PLA) non-woven surfaces were modified with Radio Frequency plasma (RF) under reduced pressure with the use of two media, air and C6F14 vapor. The effectiveness of the plasma modification of nonwovens was analyzed by examining the fiber surface layer with ATR-FTIR absorption spectroscopy, SEM/EDX microanalysis of atomic composition, SEM surface morphology, wettability tests, susceptibility to water, and physiological liquid absorption tests and air permeability tests. The type of plasma used determines the effect obtained. Air plasma improves sorption properties of nonwovens and does not significantly affect air permeability. C6F14 vapor plasma significantly reduces the absorption of liquids by the fabric and increases its hydrophobicity. The effects obtained from the plasma are stable for six months of fabrics storage after treatment. PLA fabrics modified with plasma can be used for various applications such as dressing and sanitary materials.
A bstracts: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and bioactivity of two new prototype implants for bone tissue regeneration made from biodegradable fibrous materials. The first is a newly developed poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide), (PLGA), and the second is a blend of PLGA with synthetic poly([R,S]-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PLGA/PHB). The implant prototypes comprise PLGA or PLGA/PHB nonwoven fabrics with designed pore structures to create the best conditions for cell proliferation. The bioactivity of the proposed implants was enhanced by introducing a hydroxyapatite material and a biologically active agent, namely, growth factor IGF1, encapsulated in calcium alginate microspheres. To assess the biocompatibility and bioactivity, allergenic tests and an assessment of the local reaction of bone tissue after implantation were performed. Comparative studies of local tissue response after implantation into trochanters for a period of 12 months were performed on New Zealand rabbits. Based on the results of the in vivo evaluation of the allergenic effects and the local tissue reaction 12 months after implantation, it was concluded that the two implant prototypes, PLGA + IGF1 and PLGA/PHB + IGF1, were characterized by high biocompatibility with the soft and bone tissues of the tested animals.
The objectives of the study were to develop functional natural fiber clothing with microcapsules containing active herbal extracts with properties enhancing the treatment of dermatoses and to confirm the efficiency of the clothing's activity by testing its effect on the biophysical parameters of human skin. As a result of the work, clothing enriched with green tea and Viola tricolor extracts enclosed in ethyl cellulose microcapsules was produced. The microcapsules were applied on the inner surface of linen knitted fabric, which ensured direct contact of the active substances with the patients' affected skin. The efficiency of the clothing was tested according to our own methodology, which included wearing tests, microbiological tests of the skin and tests of skin moisture, transepidermal water loss and itching intensity. Also, the effect of the active substances present on the fabrics on the in vitro culture of human keratinocytes was evaluated. The test results confirmed that linen clothing enriched with medicinal plant extracts enclosed in microcapsules had an effect on the reduction of itching intensity, an increase in skin moisture, reduction of transepidermal water loss and a reduction of pathogenic bacterial colonies residing on the patients' skin. They confirmed that the new method of administering herbal substances to the skin of dermatological patients via the wearing of functional clothing is effective and leads to symptom relief. The studies allowed for the filing of a patent submission, number P 411869, titled “The clothing acting as a dressing supplement in the therapy of dermatological diseases.”