Burn injuries are one of the most common types of trauma worldwide, and their unique physiology requires the development of specialized therapeutic materials for their treatment. Here, we report the use of synthetic, functional and biodegradable peptide nanofiber gels for the improved healing of burn wounds to alleviate the progressive loss of tissue function at the post-burn wound site. These bioactive nanofiber gels form scaffolds that recapitulate the structure and function of the native extracellular matrix through signaling peptide epitopes, which can trigger angiogenesis through their affinity to basic growth factors. In this study, the angiogenesis-promoting properties of the bioactive scaffolds were utilized for the treatment of a thermal burn model. Following the excision of necrotic tissue, bioactive gels and control solutions were applied topically onto the wound area. The wound healing process was evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days following injury through histological observations, immunostaining and marker RNA/protein analysis. Bioactive peptide nanofiber-treated burn wounds formed well-organized and collagen-rich granulation tissue layers, produced a greater density of newly formed blood vessels, and exhibited increased re-epithelialization and skin appendage development with minimal crust formation, while non-bioactive peptide nanofibers and the commercial wound dressing 3M™ Tegaderm™ did not exhibit significant efficiency over sucrose controls. Overall, the heparin-mimetic peptide nanofiber gels increased the rate of repair of burn injuries and can be used as an effective means of facilitating wound healing.
We found that the tight-junction protein angiomotin (AMOT130) interacts with the BMP receptor BMPR2 and thereby supports BMP/SMAD signaling exclusively at the apical side of polarized epithelial and endothelial cells. BMP-mediated internalization of AMOT discerns BMPs as novel regulators of AMOT function.
Coagulation, the process leading to clot formation with the interplay of blood constituents, is a self-regulating mechanism, requiring attentive and periodic monitoring for numerous clinical cases. Erythrocyte aggregation (EA) is a characteristic behaviour of erythrocytes forming reversible clumps especially in vitro at low shear rates. The effect of EA during coagulation is overlooked in whole blood (WB) clotting assays, and the relationship between the two mechanisms is not well understood. We present an optofluidic point-of-care device enabling quantitative investigation of EA from 50 l WB during the coagulation process. Not only did we explain the coagulation mechanism considering EA, but we also demonstrated coagulation time measurement from optical EA analysis. The device consists of a disposable cartridge and a handheld analyzer containing a pinch valve for fluid motion and optics for transmitted light measurement. Following the sample introduction and cessation of the valve operation, the optical signal is the lowest due to shear-induced cell disaggregation. Then, the signal increases due to EA until reaching a peak, indicating blood clotting. The working principle was proven through clinical tests for prothrombin time measurement. In addition to revealing the relation between coagulation and aggregation, this device is promising for rapid WB coagulation time measurement.
Cartilaginous tissue requires structural and metabolic support after traumatic or chronic injuries because of its limited capacity for regeneration. However, current techniques for cartilage regeneration are either invasive or ineffective for long-term repair. Developing alternative approaches to regenerate cartilage tissue is needed. Therefore, versatile scaffolds formed by biomaterials are promising tools for cartilage regeneration. Bioactive scaffolds further enhance the utility in a broad range of applications including the treatment of major cartilage defects. This chapter provides an overview of cartilage tissue, tissue defects, and the methods used for regeneration, with emphasis on peptide scaffold materials that can be used to supplement or replace current medical treatment options.
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