The cellular microenvironment plays a crucial role in improving cell response and function of an engineered tissue. Scaffolds mimicking the native ECM and capable of releasing growth factors are great candidates for tissue engineering applications. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel, a photocrosslinkable biomaterial possessing tunable properties, has been widely used in tissue engineering. It has been suggested that incorporating micro/nano carriers in GelMA could provide a sustained release of growth factors. Specifically, chitosan nanoparticles can be used for growth factor delivery due to its biocompatibility, easy method of synthesis, and preventing the biomolecule from degradation. In this study, GelMA/chitosan nanoparticles composite hydrogel was developed to deliver an angiogenic growth factor (bFGF). The hydrogel was prepared by photopolymerization and its chemical and physical properties were characterized. Its degradation and swelling characteristics were also evaluated. The size of nanoparticles was evaluated and the profile of bFGF release from the hydrogel and its effect on the viability of fibroblast cells was studied. The results showed that GelMA/chitosan nanoparticles can significantly promote cell proliferation due to its biocompatible structure and providing a sustained profile of bFGF release. This hydrogel scaffold can be used for efficient delivery of bFGF in various applications and especially for angiogenesis.

Postoperative adhesions (POA) are one of the main problems of the patients and their common complaints. It is considered to be closely associated with the healing mechanism of the damaged...

This study reports the fabrication of bioactive polymer fibers onto which signaling molecules can control and direct cell responses. To encourage and control directional biological responses, GRGDS peptides were immobilized onto the surface of 100 microm diameter poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) fibers (monofilaments). PET fiber surfaces were first coated with a thin polymeric interfacial bonding layer bearing amine groups by plasma polymerization. Carboxy-methyl-dextran (CMD) was covalently grafted onto the surface amine groups using water-soluble carbodiimide chemistry. GRGDS were covalently immobilized onto CMD-coated fiber surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses enabled characterization of the multilayer fabrication steps. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were seeded and grown on fibers to investigate cell patterning behavior (i.e., adhesion, spreading, cytoskeleton organization, and cell orientation). Cell adhesion was reduced on CMD-coated fibers, whereas amine- and GRGDS-coated fibers promoted cell adhesion and spreading. Cell adhesion was enhanced as the GRGDS concentration increased. Epifluorescence microscopic visualization of cells on RGD-coated substrates showed well-defined stress fibers and sharp spots of vinculin, typical of focal adhesions. In comparison to plasticware commonly used in cell cultures, fiber curvature promoted cell orientation along the fiber axis.

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Near-field electrospinning (NFES) is a micro-or nanofiber production technology based on jetting molten polymer or polymer solution. Thanks to the programmable collector and nozzle movement, it can generate designed patterns in the presence of an electric field. Despite a few shortcomings of NFES, its high resolution, simplicity, precision, high throughput, reproducibility, and low costs have convinced researchers to employ it for various purposes. Furthermore, as the paradigm of fiber-based structures shifts from random textures toward delicate designs, NFES can bridge the gap between existing inefficient processes and aspired technologies for precise patterning. NFES facilitates the production of ultrafine nanofibers because it can be used to fabricate them in every laboratory. These robust fibers are convenient tools for small and additive manufacturing. As such, NFES is considered a potent additive fabrication technology that facilitates the production of complicated patterns as well. It is suggested that near-field electrospun fibers exhibit outstanding results in various applications, owing to their precise and controllable positioning. Meanwhile, the ongoing development of NFES has yet to reach its climax, making it attractive for further research. In this review, the basic principles of NFES, derivatives, limitations, and applications in nanomanufacturing, tissue engineering, microscale electronics, biosensors, and optics are presented.