In this article, we present our study of the influence of a graphene oxide (GO) additive and the method of preparation on the properties of membranes. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/GO membranes were obtained by an inverse phase method, which was conducted by two different methods. The first one was based on solvent evaporation, and the second method was a coagulation bath in distilled water. Our studies clearly showed that the introduction of the GO nanoadditive into the polymer membrane matrix played a major role in the pore process formation, and it also contributed to the reduction of the contact angle, and this led to an improvement in the hydrophilic properties of the obtained membranes. Furthermore, the PVDF/GO membrane preparation process had a direct influence on the thickness and porosity. Both of these factors had a direct influence on the transport properties of the membrane.
Patients with extensive and deep burns who do not have enough donor sites for autologous skin grafts require alternative treatment methods. Tissue engineering is a useful tool to solve this problem. The aim of this study was to find the optimal method for the production of a biovital skin substitute based on acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and in vitro cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In this work, nine methods of ADM production were assessed. The proposed methods are based on the use of the following enzymes: Dispase II, collagenase I/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), collagenase II/EDTA, and mechanical perforation using DermaRoller and mesh dermatome. The obtained ADMs were examined (both on the side of the basement membrane and on the “cut‐off” side) by means of scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry tests and strength tests. ADM was revitalized with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The ability of in‐depth revitalization of cultured fibroblasts and their ability to secrete collagen IV was examined. The obtained results indicate that the optimal method of production of live skin substitutes is the colonization of autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes on the scaffold obtained using two‐step incubation method: Trypsin/EDTA and dispase II.
Structural changes within the placenta are observed in the course of pathological pregnancy. The aim of the study was to perform initial assessment of morphological features of placenta. The analysis was conducted by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Samples of placenta of women who delivered neonates appropriate for gestational age were characterized by a homogenous surface texture with natural corrugation. The surface of IUGR placenta from the group of mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension was definitely heterogeneous - noticeable swelling of tissue surface was observed. Samples from LGA group also demonstrated a number of surface bulges and heterogeneities which were, nonetheless, characterized by a certain repeatability.
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