Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanoparticles are loaded with curcumin and piperine by in situ emulsion polymerization using dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid both as a stabilizer and a doping agent. The loaded drugs affect the morphology, size, and colloidal stability of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, kinetics studies of nonstimulated drug release have evidenced that polymer···drug interactions are stronger for curcumin than for piperine. This observation suggests that drug delivery systems based on combination of the former drug with PEDOT are much appropriated to show an externally tailored release profile. This is demonstrated by comparing the release profiles obtained in presence and absence of electrical stimulus. Results indicate that controlled and time‐programmed release of curcumin is achieved in a physiological medium by applying a negative voltage of −1.25 V to loaded PEDOT nanoparticles.
Tissue engineering approaches that recapitulate cartilage biomechanical properties are emerging as promising methods to restore the function of injured or degenerated tissue. However, despite significant progress in this research area, the generation of engineered cartilage constructs akin to native counterparts still represents an unmet challenge. In particular, the inability to accurately reproduce cartilage zonal architecture with different collagen fibril orientations is a significant limitation. The arrangement of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a fundamental role in determining the mechanical and biological functions of the tissue. In this study, it is shown that a novel light‐based approach, Filamented Light (FLight) biofabrication, can be used to generate highly porous, 3D cell‐instructive anisotropic constructs that lead to directional collagen deposition. Using a photoclick‐based photoresin optimized for cartilage tissue engineering, a significantly improved maturation of the cartilaginous tissues with zonal architecture and remarkable native‐like mechanical properties is demonstrated.
21 February 2020 in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering