The decellularization protocols applied on the corneal
stromal
constructs in the literature usually fail to provide a corneal matrix
with sufficient mechanical and optical properties since they alter
the extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure. In this study, to overcome
these limitations, a hybrid cornea stromal construct was engineered
by combining gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and decellularized ECM.
Photo-cross-linking of impregnated cell laden GelMA in situ using different UV cross-linking energies (3200, 6210, and 6900
μJ/cm2) and impregnation times (up to 24 h) within
a decellularized bovine cornea enhanced light transmission and restored
lost mechanical features following the harsh decellularization protocol.
The light transmittance value for optimized hybrid constructs (53.6%)
was increased nearly 10 fold compared to that of decellularized cornea
(5.84%). The compressive modulus was also restored up to 6 fold with
calculated values of 5040 and 870 kPa for the hybrid and decellularized
samples, respectively. These values were found to be quite close to
that of native cornea (48.5%, 9790 kPa). ATR-FTIR analyses were carried
out to confirm the final chemical structure. The degradation profiles
showed similar decomposition behaviors to that of native cornea. In vitro culture studies showed a high level of cell viability
and cell proliferation rate was found remarkable up to the 14th day
of the culture period regardless of selected UV energy level. The
methodology used in the preparation of the hybrid cornea stromal constructs
in this study is a promising approach toward the development of successful
corneal transplants.
Monodisperse silica microspheres with bimodal pore-size distribution were proposed as a high performance sorbent for DNA isolation in batch fashion under equilibrium conditions. The proposed sorbent including both macroporous and mesoporous compartments was synthesized 5.1 μm in-size, by a "staged shape templated hydrolysis and condensation method". Hydrophilic polymer based sorbents were also obtained in the form of monodisperse-macroporous microspheres ca 5.5 μm in size, with different functionalities, by a developed "multi-stage microsuspension copolymerization" technique. The batch DNA isolation performance of proposed material was comparatively investigated using polymer based sorbents with similar morphologies. Among all sorbents tried, the best DNA isolation performance was achieved with the monodisperse silica microspheres with bimodal pore size distribution. The collocation of interconnected mesoporous and macroporous compartments within the monodisperse silica microspheres provided a high surface area and reduced the intraparticular mass transfer resistance and made easier both the adsorption and desorption of DNA. Among the polymer based sorbents, higher DNA isolation yields were achieved with the monodisperse-macroporous polymer microspheres carrying trimethoxysilyl and quaternary ammonium functionalities. However, batch DNA isolation performances of polymer based sorbents were significantly lower with respect to the silica microspheres.
Introducing functional synthetic biomaterials to the literature became quite essential in biomedical technologies. For the growth of novel biomedical engineering approaches, progressive functional properties as well as the robustness of the manufacturing processes are essential. By using acid-induced epoxide ring-opening polymerizations through catalysts, a wide variety of biodegradable and functionalized biomaterials can be synthesized. Sebacic acid (SA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) are amongst the FDA-approved biocompatible materials. In this study, we focused on the rapid synthesis of caffeine-catalyzed self-healable elastomer via a facile microwave-assisted synthesis route. The elastomer prepared can be used in various applications, including tactile sensors, wearable electronics, and soft robotics. SA and PEGDGE were catalyzed in the presence of caffeine under microwave irradiation followed by crosslinking in vacuo, yielding an elastomeric material. The chemical characterizations of the obtained elastomer were carried out. The resulting material is transparent, highly stretchable, and has capacitive and self-healing properties even at room temperature. The material developed can be easily applied for the aforementioned applications.
Thrombogenicity, which is commonly encountered in artificial
heart
valves after replacement surgeries, causes valvular failure. Even
life-long anticoagulant drug use may not be sufficient to prevent
thrombogenicity. In this study, it was aimed to develop a heart valve
construct with antithrombogenic properties and suitable mechanical
strength by combining multiwalled carbon nanotubes within a decellularized
bovine pericardium. In this context, the decellularization process
was performed by using the combination of freeze–thawing and
sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Evaluation of decellularization efficiency
was determined by histology (Hematoxylin and Eosin, DAPI and Masson’s
Trichrome) and biochemical (DNA, sGAG and collagen) analyses. After
the decellularization process of the bovine pericardium, composite
pericardial tissues were prepared by incorporating −COOH-modified
multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Characterization of MWCNT incorporation
was performed by ATR-FTIR, TGA, and mechanical analysis, while SEM
and AFM were used for morphological evaluations. Thrombogenicity assessments
were studied by platelet adhesion test, Calcein-AM staining, kinetic
blood clotting, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity analyses. As a result
of this study, the composite pericardial material revealed improved
mechanical and thermal stability and hemocompatibility in comparison
to decellularized pericardium, without toxicity. Approximately 100%
success is achieved in preventing platelet adhesion. In addition,
kinetic blood-coagulation analysis demonstrated a low rate and slow
coagulation kinetics, while the hemolysis index was below the permissible
limit for biomaterials.
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