Elastin-based polypeptides are a class of smart biopolymers representing an important model in the design of biomaterials. The combination of biomimetic materials with cells that have great plasticity provides a promising strategy for the realization of highly engineered cell-based constructs for regenerative medicine and tissue repair applications. Two recombinant biopolymers inspired by human elastin are assessed as coating agents to prepare biomimetic surfaces for cell culture. These substrates are assayed for hBM MSC culture. The coated surfaces are also characterized with AFM to evaluate the topographical features of the deposited biopolymers. The results suggest that the elastin-derived biomimetic surfaces play a stimulatory role on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Cross-linked chitosan was synthesized with glutaraldehyde (chitosan-GLA) and epichlorohydrin (chitosan-ECH). The structures of these matrices were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), the degree of de-acetylation and the surface topography as determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After promoting interaction with the metal ion, the adsorbent was also studied using FT-IR and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). Adsorption studies for Cu(II) and Hg(II) ions were carried out in a batch process. The adsorption kinetics were tested using three models, viz. pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion. The experimental kinetic data were best fitted by the pseudo-second-order model for Cu(II) ions (R 2 ≥ 0.98) and for Hg(II) ions (R 2 = 0.99). Higher rate constants (k 2 ) were obtained for the adsorption of Cu(II) ions onto chitosan-GLA [1.40 g/(mmol h)] and for Hg(II) ions onto raw chitosan [5.65 g/(mmol h)]. The adsorption rate depended on the concentration of Cu(II) and Hg(II) ions on the adsorbent surface and on the quantity of ions adsorbed at equilibrium. At 293 K, the Langmuir-Freundlich model provided a better fit to the adsorption isotherms on both raw and cross-linked chitosan membranes. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II) ions was obtained with the chitosan-GLA matrix (2.7 mmol/g). A maximum adsorption capacity of 3.1 mmol/g was attained for Hg(II) ions onto the chitosan-ECH matrix.
PECs of chitosan/κ-carrageenan are prepared in three different volumetric rations. The complex formation is characterized in order to evaluate the blending formation. Blood compatibility is evaluated by protein adsorption (BSA and fibrinogen) and PEC toxicities are determined with fibroblast cell viability and proliferation. The swelling degree of PECs decreases when the amount of chitosan increases. Due to the linked film formation, PECs decrease BSA adsorption and increase fibrinogen adsorption when compared to the pristine chitosan and κ-carrageenan films. Although pristine chitosan and κ-carrageenan films produced similar cell expansion and viability, the PEC 50:50 vol% chitosan/κ-carrageenan PEC may be acceptable as a new scaffold for cell therapies, due to their effect on cell survival.
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