The synthesis of a family of new
poly(lactic acid-co-glycerol monostearate) (PLA–PGC18) copolymers
and their use as biodegradable polymer dopants is reported to enhance
the hydrophobicity of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic
acid) (PLGA) nonwoven meshes. Solutions of PLGA are doped with PLA–PGC18 and electrospun to form meshes with micrometer-sized fibers.
Fiber diameter, percent doping, and copolymer composition influence
the nonwetting nature of the meshes and alter their mechanical (tensile)
properties. Contact angles as high as 160° are obtained with
30% polymer dopant. Lastly, these meshes are nontoxic, as determined
by an NIH/3T3 cell biocompatibility assay, and displayed a minimal
foreign body response when implanted in mice. In summary, a general
method for constructing biodegradable fibrous meshes with tunable
hydrophobicity is described for use in tissue engineering and drug
delivery applications.
miR-200b and miR-200c are suppressed in AGE-induced endothelial cell injury, resulting in unregulated RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the therapeutic value of targeting miRNAs or their target genes for treatment of vascular diseases.
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