The properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based composites recommend this material as a good candidate for the replacement of damaged cartilage, subchondral bone, meniscus, humeral joint and other orthopedic applications. The manufacturing process can be manipulated to generate the desired biomechanical properties. However, the main shortcomings of PVA hydrogels are related to poor strength and bioactivity. To overcome this situation, reinforcing elements are added to the PVA matrix. The aim of our work was to develop and characterize a novel composition based on PVA reinforced with Se-doped TiO2 nanoparticles and natural hydroxyapatite (HA), for possible orthopedic applications. The PVA/Se-doped TiO2 composites with and without HA were structurally investigated by FTIR and XRD, in order to confirm the incorporation of the inorganic phase in the polymeric structure, and by SEM and XRF, to evidence the ultrastructural details and dispersion of nanoparticles in the PVA matrix. Both the mechanical and structural properties of the composites demonstrated a synergic reinforcing effect of HA and Se-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Moreover, the tailorable properties of the composites were proved by the viability and differentiation potential of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) to osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages. The novel hybrid PVA composites show suitable structural, mechanical and biological features to be considered as a promising biomaterial for articular cartilage and subchondral bone repair.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the properties of different commercially available resorbable collagen membranes for guided bone regeneration, upon addition of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF). The structural and morphological details, mechanical properties, and enzymatic degradation were investigated in a new approach, providing clinicians with new data in order to help them in a successful comparison and better selection of membranes with respect to their placement and working condition. Particular characteristics such as porosity, fiber density, and surface topography may influence the mechanical behavior and performances of the membranes, as revealed by SEM/AFM and nanoindentation measurements. The mechanical properties and enzymatic degradation of the membranes were analyzed in a comparative manner, before and after PRGF-modification. The changes in Young modulus values are correlated with the ultrastructural properties of each membrane type. The enzymatic (trypsin) degradation test also emphasized that PRGF-modified membranes exhibit a slower degradation compared to the native ones.

The present paper describe the production and characterization of novel collagen films containing propolis encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles, for biomedical applications such as cutaneous wound healing. Structural and morphological details were investigated by ATR FTIR spectroscopy, SEM and nanoindentation measurements, revealing the collagen fibers aligned in a quasi-parallel distribution, which might be favorable for biomedical applications. Moreover, the vibrational marker bands of propolis were well preserved in the final polymeric mixture, indicating the stability of bioactive compounds upon the encapsulation procedure. The antibacterial effect depends on the nanoparticles concentration in collagen film, the effect being more evident with respect to E. coli than S. aureus. The antioxidant capacity monitored by CUPRAC assay, indicated a synergic effect of chitosan nanoparticles matrix and propolis extract, incorporated in collagen films.